bwd magazine - july 2013

HAITIANgetting on

the radar

sounds of motown

mArcus eAsT FresH

mAx’s guITArs

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 1

brANsoN HollIs July 2013

Worldwide Underground Indie Music Entertainment Magazine

a decades worth of experience and knowledge

passion for the “My influence is any-one

who ever grind and earn

their success.”

customs for less

2 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

FEatUrEs

04 marcus eastA Passion for the Sounds of Motown

09 eP/oc entertainment Putting the Artist First

10 The Vegabonds A Large Shot of the Good Stuff

16 Kaicarra Awe-inspiring Voice and Charm.

18 The Whiskey syndicate Right Side Of Crazy

22 branson HollisPutting France on the Radar

COVEr stOrY

12 Haitian FreshThe Music He Creates Inspires

rEVIEWs

08 e-lites The Smoking Alternative

14 max’s guitar store Epiphone SG 400 Review

LIFEstYLE

06 Five Tips for covering an song A Cover Version of a Song is a Double-Edged Sword

ENtErtaINMENt

26 bWD records The Independent Music Label of the South


editor In chief Veralyn Keach, [email protected] Associate editorRobert Baker, [email protected]

lead contributing WriterRobert Baker, [email protected]

contributing WriterVeralyn Keach, [email protected]

Art DirectorVeralyn Keach, [email protected]

graphic ArtistVeralyn Keach, [email protected]

circulation officerVeralyn Keach, [email protected]

sales officer(s)Veralyn Keach/Robert Baker www.bwdmagazine.com

FrOM tHE EDItOrHaving continuously been recognized throughout the music world as a vast movement

with an undeniable force we at BWD Radio are now bringing you the best music and

individuals within their field in a more easily digestible format; with a dedicated online

magazine packed to the rafters with news, reviews, features and phenomenal artists from

across the globe.

Synonymous with breaking new ground and talent, our aim isn’t to deliver you an aggrega-

tor of articles; more like, the BWD Bible of breaking talent and breath taking bands turning

heads and volume dials up to eleven.

In each breaking issue we reveal the winners of the BWD Radio’s Indie Music Featured

Artist Competition, a monthly competition where we invite you to Get On The ‘Visual’

Playlist for your chance to become one of the featured BWD Competition Winners. The

winners are awarded the opportunity of talent exposure across the globe and throughout

the world as part of our aim to prove a good tune isn’t limited to whatever celebrity judge

endorsed single is currently riding high in the iTunes download chart.

In each issue, we also bring you the newest faces in the world of modeling to watch out

for in store windows, on the billboards, and in the high-street, as well as on the catwalks

of Paris and Milan.

Though that may be enough to fill the covers of most magazines, we’ll be taking things

even further with exclusive ‘first-looks’ at the best in indie talent, our unique position

within the world of media affording us the opportunity to bring you the next big hitters

before anyone else and by combining the two enormous forces--presences of BWD Radio

and BWD Magazine into one with the newly launched new BWD website there is twice

the promotion to deliver double the impact and even more worldwide exposure to its

featured artists.

All the freshest new faces and hottest new talent in one magazine, BWD Magazine in con-

junction with BWD Radio is committed to setting the standard of what you deserve from a

magazine with constant promotion through the BWD network of contacts and promoters.

Did someone say BWD Promotions? The BWD Triple Threat Trio!

BWD MAGAZINE’S SERVICES: Being in such a unique position affords us the ability to offer

our services at ‘considerably less’ than most others, our network allowing us to expose

your talent in all the right places without needless expense or additional ‘secret costs’ less

scrupulous companies fill their small print and help fill their bank balances with.

Covering all aspects of media promotion (from social media sites through to music video

promotion) we are able to offer the best when it comes to brand awareness and public

recognition of your name or product, without compromising either your impact or finances.

For price and space availability inquiries, please contact us via the contact details to the

right where we can discuss your specific requirements to ensure maximum exposure.

BWD MAGAZINE: Where YOU go to get as much VARIETY in music, news, sports, entertainment

and lifestyles!! MORE THAN JUST MUSIC.

bWDMagazINE.COMbWDraDIO.COM

FAcebooK.com/bWDmAgAzINe

TWITTer.com/bWDmAgAzINe

FAcebooK.com/bWDrADIo

TWITTer.com/bWDrADIo_

Last IssUE


f rom the ‘Windy City’ to the headlines on the front pages of the press comes

the latest face to grab the attention and infatuations of an awaiting public,

BWD Magazine would like to present for your consideration one Mr. Marcus

East.

Born in the City of Illinois and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Marcus’ timeless good looks

are backed up by an embarrassment of riches in talent; whilst growing up he became the

‘Joker in the Pack’, the holder of humour for raising the spirits and bringing a smile to the lips

and faces of family and friends. Clearly, social skills and the ability to interact with all ages

of people marked Marcus out as being something more than just an obviously pretty face,

something greater than the sum of his parts.

A passion for the sounds of Motown and such artists as Stevie Wonder and Minnie Ripperton

turned Marcus’s attentions to the music world, specifically the art of turning words into won-

der, sound into sensual aural syrup, and his voice into the soothing explosion of soulfulness

and song.

From his studies within the field of Radio and Television during High School Marcus focused

his attentions on perfecting the gift he’d found within, studying vocal performance at the

noted Columbia College, Chicago and being a regular haunt of the production studio since

sixteen years of age.

MarCUs East“New Chick” has been turning

the iTunes charts on its head.”


a passion

for the sounds

of motown artists

There is so much more to come from Marcus East this year, so definitely be on the lookout for this Hip-Hop infused R&B Singer from the Windy City.”

After attending the ASCAP Pop Awards in ’08 California’s charms seemed a perfect mirror for Marcus’ own, and a move to the Bay Area in 2012 saw

him reach a wider audience of appreciating fans and growing the fan-base that many would find incredible to have been able to achieve in such a

short time.

Demand for his talents saw him return to Chicago more recently, his position within the music scene of his hometown now secure and assured within

the minds of the public.

In between working on his latest album and bringing a new standard of suave sophistication to the world of artists and entertainers, Marcus’ latest

single “New Chick” has been turning the iTunes charts on its head with its uniquely Marcus East style and charm delivered with an engaging effortless-

ness unlike any of his so-called contemporaries, the video for his other prodigious release, “Addicted”, doing likewise on the video sharing sites of the

web with an increasingly ascending view count showing appreciative audiences everywhere there is an internet connection and ears.

‘I’m very grateful for BWD showing me so much love and support,’ Marcus said when talking about his ‘BWD Magazine’ win. ‘There is so much more to come

from Marcus East this year so definitely be on the lookout for this hip-hop infused R&B Singer from the Windy City.’

For some it would be enough to be known as ‘just a pretty face’; fortunately for us and the music world as a whole, Marcus East is as determined

as he is able to move the boundaries of expectations away from such obvious flattery, and into a wondrous future of artisan mastery and splendour.

Contact Information:

Website: MarcusEastMusic.com

Twitter: @MarcusEastMusic

Facebook: MarcusEastMusic

Photographer: Crishone Givens

Photo Editor: Jeff Franko

Barber: John Collins - Stylist: Kendrick A. Gibson


Whether death metal or urban hip-hop, experimental trip-

hop/rock artist or soul singer from the south, any genre can

cover a song from any other genre; there are no right or

wrong songs to pick and no hard and fast rules over which

song would be better than any other. It’s an open-book of

complete self-indulgence, an opportunity to step outside of your own field of musi-

cal style to incorporate a completely different genre within that of your own, should

you so choose.

So whichever track you pick to cover should first and foremost be one you actually

enjoy; the enthusiasm you have for the song will see you through the tricky stage

of figuring out the arrangements and learning the different chord/tempo changes,

and your own passion for the source material will spur you on should the goal of a

complete re-interpretation of the track in your own individual style seem too far a

finishing line to reach at times.

Some may even attempt to forestall your take on Hey Jude to the backdrop of gut-

tural screaming and thousand-mile-an-hour double-bass pedal and splash combo;

but their comments and nay-saying will only have grounds for concern if you don’t

choose to….

So once you’ve decided on which song to cover, the next

step is figuring out how you are going to cover it?

five tips for covering an song

A cover version of a song is a double edged sword

of uncertainty and unseen pit-falls and possibly

negative public perception. It raises the attention

towards the performer with an almost Pavlovian

response; we are drawn to things we know and feel

comfortable with, so are attracted to that which

purports to be both.

Conversely, however, we hold great reservations

when it’s presented in a new and different form,

and by a hand that smells funny.

However, don’t think that means you should shy

away from that jungle-grind re-mix of Genie In A

Bottle you just know the world has been crying out

for and you’ve started laying down the basic tracks

on you iMac all morning to; by the sounds of it,

you’ve already come to grips with the first tip of

our five…”

1.

2.

pick a song you actually like

play to your strengths


Everybody loves hearing their favourite song when it comes on the radio or floats

out a nightclub’s door; it’s one of the most effective ways of attracting new listen-

ers to your music, so a good cover version can be one of the most effective tools in

your promotional campaign.

People can and will get very precious when they hear ‘their song’ being performed

with anything less than 100% accuracy to the original, so you need to decide if

your version is going to be either: a) an exact re-tread of the source material or b)

a re-imagining of same. Whichever path you choose you will gain the attentions of

the detractors, those who will insist it’s the worse version of Favourite Song they’ve

ever heard and you should feel bad for making the world somehow worse for its

creation, even if the ‘original artist’ endorsed the release.

So whilst you could choose to stay firm and true to the original releases sound,

applying your (or your bands) own style to the track works better for two crucial

and useful reasons: 1) Being a familiar track will attract and encourage people to

listen to it, and thus you (or your band), and 2) It introduces them to you (or your

bands) own style and sound in a much more approachable way, the curiosity fac-

tor of hearing something familiar but different hooking the ears and attentions of

potential fans.

Haters will hate regardless, and trying to placate those who would complain about

the fifty they found being creased will only result in headaches and heartaches and

a sense of people wasting their time.

So take the song and make it your own, wholly; there are innumerable renditions

of Hit Me Baby One More Time up on YouTube to show you the malleability of a

piece of music no matter how sugar coated with saccharin sweetness it is, from

The Black Ingvars to Bowling For Soup. Whatever you do and however you do it,

though, remember…

The above example is perhaps the best you can find

when considering how to tackle a cover version of a

song; the many, many different artists and groups who

have provided their own take on the Brittany Spears

classic provides you with as many new ways to look at

the different ways of delivering the vocals as there are

uploaded versions online.

Maybe you can’t hit the high notes, so need to bring it down a little too somewhere

more mid-range? Maybe your version of Cover Song has a much slower, lower

tempo that excitable high-school-sounding squeals don’t quite mesh with? Maybe

the eighteen screaming pigs jumping on trampolines in the background gives

everything a more moribund feel to the track, quite the opposite of the originals

uplifting beat? Johnny Cash’s version of the NiN song Hurt removes all of the

originals electronic dissolution into insanity and self-loathing and replaces it with

a simple piano riff and some acoustic guitar to the strains of a much older mans

voice, and still retains the impact of the original with all its integrity intact whilst

changing just about everything about the track.

It can be too easy to fall into the karaoke-trap of cover songs, where the vocals

seem too worried about matching the originals to the detriment of the overall

composition; play with the song, trying as many different ways of delivering each

word and every line as you can. You aren’t the original singer, so don’t try to be;

instead, focus on being who you are and what you sound like. There’s only one man

who sounds like Frank Sinatra, after all. And speaking of which…

So the song you want to cover has a half-time double

stop midway through the hung chorus at the twelfth

with a back-beat accompaniment rising from the east.

Jolly good; your version can have a guitar solo that

mimics the originals half-time double-stop etc. with

arpeggios and classic baroque chords instead, the guitarist quite keen on showing

his axe-wielding chops or perhaps you feel that part of the original grinds the

whole song to a halt, can be removed or ignored with little detriment to the song

as you have focussed on the track being more dance-orientated, up-tempo and

pacey, as befitting your DJ status and style. Hell, you could have the Kool-Aid guy

‘Oh yeah’-ing his way through the entire thing from beginning to end, the lyrics of

the song the only thing left of the original track and even then only the bit in the

chorus that gets everyone up and chanting – does anyone actually know the full

lyrics to Hi Ho Silver Lining..? Your rules, your vision, your way overall; no-one can

tell you your rendition is worth less than anyone else’s, as it’s your own version of

the song, and therefore of equal merit as any other artist’s interpretation. You don’t

need anyone’s permission to cover Heartbreak Hotel as an elevator-friendly musak

n’ jazz number with harpsichord mid-section on the treble-eighth. Well, not unless

you intend to sell or distribute it, that is; then you may very well need to…

Playing someone else’s song live isn’t a problem legally

- as proven by the number of cover bands and Elvis

impersonators out there offering you the chance to

imagine your favourite songs are being performed to

you live but at half the ticket price and with all mem-

bers still in the land of the living. Putting the self-same

cover on sale, however, will require you to do some legalize checking to find out if

you are actually entitled to do so. Most cover songs have already required someone

to pay a tithe to the original owner of the song, a percent off every sale or an up-

front chunk of cash, for any permissions or licences needed.

In the age of the internet it’s easy to see how many people have taken to the

web-cam with guitar or mixing desk with patches to capture their magnum opus

rendition of Trending Song of the Month. Which, unless they intend to monetize

such a performance, they are fully entitled to do. However, once you put that song

up for others to buy you are using someone else’s original product to raise money

for your own coffers and that is a big legal no-no. Copy-write, licences, performance

royalties and distribution rights are only some of the things you will find listed as

the reason for your court summons; different countries and territories may also

have similar legal wrangles to overcome, so unless you are attempting to break the

world record for number of air-miles accrued during court appearance dates it’s

essential you learn what you can and cannot do with the song.

As a general rule, free is fine, but as an individual work or part of an album you are

charging money for is not. Do your own homework and find out where you stand

legally; because you can bet whoever owns the song you are trying to cover will

have lawyers who not only know where you, they and the owner of the song stand,

but exactly how much of the ground you’re standing on you now owe them in royal-

ties and fees and quite possibly perpetuity.

4.

5.

3.

you aren’t (name of singer)

get permission

do it your way


as the most recognized brand of e-cigarettes, E-Lites have

made a name for themselves as the de facto name in vap-

ing. Not intended as a replacement for other forms of NRT,

E-Lites are nevertheless an increasingly popular alterna-

tive to more traditional forms of smoking cessation that

offer a remarkably similar experience to that of a real cigarette, but with

the benefits of containing none of the toxic pollutants or choking smoke

of tobacco.

Marketed as a smoking alternative, each cigarette is made up of two key

components; the white main body of the cigarette and a replaceable

faux filter tip that screw together and present a very real impression of

the image of a cigarette– albeit one with a glowing green tip that lights

up when you take a pull and flashes to let you know when the battery

needs a charge.

A small vent on the seal between the tip and the battery draws air

into the atomizer chamber housed inside the tip, wherein also sits the

sponge-like material that’s soaked in propylene glycol, nicotine, and

tobacco flavours. As you take a pull the atomizer heats up, the solution

becomes a vapour, you inhale and voila; simulated smoking.

Picking the Menthol Flavoured E-Lite Starter Kit, I was surprised to find

they didn’t just look like a real cigarette, but did in fact contain nicotine;

just in significantly reduced amount to that of a real cigarette (the lowest

strength at 1.6% per ml for Lights and Menthol, whilst Regular strength

is still only a paltry 2.4% per ml).

Inside the packet there were two replacement tips, one G9 battery core,

and USB charger. Taking a tip and the core I was able to ‘smoke’ straight

away – I was sure there would be need of the USB charger before I was

able to use it, so this was a surprise.

With each E-Lite the equivalent of 40 cigarettes - and with between

300 and 400 charges before each battery needs to be replaced - there’s

certainly enough mileage in each ‘Lite’ before needing to worry about

running out.

Smoking it is just like smoking a real cigarette; the hit you get when

inhaling is obviously unlike that you’re used to from a traditional ciga-

rette. It’s a lot less harsh for a start, the bite at the back of the throat

missing. What it did do was quell my fix for a nicotine hit, however, and

much quicker than I was expecting. With the E-Lite I found that without

that visual reminder of how much was left/would be wasted; I was tak-

ing fewer and fewer pulls and still felt like I’d had ‘a cigarette’.

It feels slightly larger than a real cigarette, too, its solid construction

requiring a much firmer hold in the fingers than I was used to which

resulted in one E-Lite being lost to the inner workings of a street sweep-

ing cart as it hit the floor and was whipped away by the whirring brushes

on the front.

After a week of first supplementing, then supplanting my tobacco intake

with E-Lite I found my overall dependency reduced; the act of ‘having a

smoke’ fulfilled my need for the habitual hand-to-mouth act of smoking,

and with the small amount of nicotine contained in the tip it certainly

stops that ‘smokers stress’.

Stats and Facts*Contains no tobacco, no tar, and no second-hand-smoke smell

*Does contain nicotine, and also contains water, propylene, glycol, glyc-

erol and flavourings

*Each tip contains the equivalent of forty cigarettes

*The G9 battery will last an average of between thirty and forty ‘ciga-

rettes’ before needing a recharge, and over 300 recharges before needing

to be replaced.

*Considerably cheaper than the traditional forms of smoking


http://www.e-lites.co.uk/

Photo Credits: E-Lites - All Rights Reserved

E-LItEs


Ep/OC ENtErtaINMENt

with the giants of the music industry desperately trying

not to hang themselves, on the reins of power they

control their artists and rosters with, it seems dark and

confusing times abound behind the scenes and chart

homogenization of today’s music world.

Seemingly unwilling to allow this status-quo to continue unchallenged,

there has emerged a new group of people looking to bring the artists out

from behind the politics of corporate business – wherein numbers mean

more than the music or musicians they pertain to represent – and into

the spotlight of an awaiting audience, where image is always secondary

to solid beats and uncompromising style.

Coming from Pennsylvania and bringing its own mission statement of

putting the artist first and choosing to rely on its own discerning taste

in flavoursome sounds, E.P./O.C. ENT represents not just a family of

musicians collectively taking the music world as its own; but also quite

possibly the future of the music industry as we know it.

From an unassuming start in 2001, the family collectively known as

E.P./O.C. ENT brought together a handful of beats from self-styled sound-

stalwarts and in house production team Wise Guy Productions, and a

selected team of laureates and lyricists from the founding members and

presented the awaiting crowds the E.P./O.C. ENT hip-hop family.

Ten years later and now larger than ever they have become more a force

than a family, E.P./O.C. ENT a reckoning in its own right, managing a

roster of artists that reads more like a who’s-who of fresh talent than a

mere litany of names on a page; B. Mills, Mark Seven, Trag, and Pakkastan

Pakk are only a few of the familiar names to be found within the folds

of the E.P./O.C. ENT family.

Branching out further still this unique collective has turned its hands

to being master of all and beholden to none, taking to task all aspects

of thorough music management; be it the promotion of their latest hit

release or the execution of their artists performance on stage, as a busi-

ness founded by musicians it is focused on delivering the best for its ever

growing audience time after time, each and every time.

With the gulf between what the current music industry thinks the buying

public want and what fans of the music world actually need seemingly

widening with every re-packaged and re-trod re-release, E.P./O.C. ENT are

the only people not only willing but capable of delivering the artists and

sounds big enough to fill the void.

“We are extremely honored to have been contenders, not to mention, runners

up! We are thankful to BWD for this opportunity, and appreciate all the hard

work and deditcation put in to making BWD as successful as they are today.”


Website: EPOCENT.com

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @EPOCENT

Facebook: EPOCENT

Photo Credits: EPOCENT - All Rights Reserved


rom the instant smash hit “Shaky Hands” off the band’s

first album “Dear Revolution” breaking the number

one spot on

the IAIRA

charts, to earn-

ing a place within the cov-

eted top 25 Unsigned Bands

on IndieCharts.com, “The

Vegabonds” have taken all six

flavours of the bands south-

ern charm and style, infused

it with the spice of good old

fashioned Rock, adding only

the finest riffs and unforget-

table lyrics into the mix, before

blending it together to deliver

one of the most compelling

of sounds to be imbibed and

enjoyed in equal (large) measure.

Hailing from the Southern State of Auburn, AL “The Vegabonds” have

already established themselves as more than six people playing in

a group on stage together; they are an indulgence, an extravagance,

a unique fusing of inspirations and minds that combine to deliver a

thoroughly satisfying and heady mix of singular musical immoderation.

Released in 2009 and gar-

nering the group much

praise and worthy attention

from the worldwide musi-

cal masses “Dear Revolution”

was a debut album that

delivered 100% proof Rock;

and the public lapped it up

hugely, the demand for more

came loud and clear. “It was

a great starting point, and

really just put us in a mind-

frame to write more songs,

and find our sound.” says lead

singer Daniel Allen.

Buoyed by public reception of their first album “The Vegabonds” follow-

up release “Southern Sons”, was launched onto an eagerly awaiting

audience, an accompanying tour in conjunction with ‘Teenage Head

Music’ taking the band across the pond and into Europe. Here they stole

a march across the continent, managing to play for crowds across eight

separate countries in a mere six weeks.

f

inspire, dream, believe,

this is what i live by.....


Naturally, the effusive reception

for their southern style sounds

and inimitable charms strength-

ened the bands reputation as

masters of the music-craft, and

with it a second tour of Europe

for 2013, ensuring another gen-

erous serving of perfectly blend-

ed and expertly delivered Rock

for the European audience.

Having already performed for

crowds across the world and

appeared with such names as

Gregg Allman, the mighty Blues

Traveller, and Charlie Daniels,

“The Vegabonds” have capital-

ized upon the music worlds

reception to their in-demand

sound as they uncorked audi-

ences appreciation wherever

they took the stage, managing

to notch up a not-insubstantial

and 150 shows and appearances

over the past twelve months.

Such is the ease with which the

band takes such a fulsome work-

load into their stride, however,

“The Vegabonds” have added

another dram of a discerning

serving with the recording of

their third album.

Recorded at the RCA Studio B in

Nashville, TN, and to be released

later this year, this third full

length studio release will also

come packed with a gener-

ous side serving of live band

action that manages to capture

and convey the atmosphere of

“The Vegabonds” on stage, the

band’s first Official and Live

DVD release accompanying the

album. Filmed at ‘Ampalooza’

in Alexander City, the DVD is

a chance for fans to recreate

the memories of witnessing the

band live in action, as well as

the rest of us a chance to wit-

ness this impressive six piece in

action for ourselves.

“We are very grateful and excited to be chosen as the winners,” the band said when

informed of their BWD win, adding it was “…a great way to spread our music to a new

fan base and we are looking forward to new fans and friends.”

With the road their second home and a stage presence that turns every live

performance into a story of legend for their audiences to speak of to others in

captivated tones of almost drunken enthusiasm, The Vegabonds” are a large shot

of the good stuff poured over ice cool Rock, served in generous quantities, and to

be appreciated and enjoyed by music connoisseurs everywhere.


Website: TheVegabonds.com

Twitter: @TheVegabonds

Facebook: TheVegabonds

Photo Credits: TheVegabonds- All Rights Reserved

cover story


rom the eye melting sun kissed beaches of a tropical paradise

to the eye pleasing sun kissed bodies of the crowds flocking

to a performance, Haitian Fresh has come a long way since

his birth in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, and not just geographically.

Political instability forced his mother to relocate the family of himself and five

brothers to Miami, Florida, but it was through this early life-changing event

Haitian Fresh was able to find himself attending one of the most prominent

colleges in America.

Knowing the opportunity was one not to be wasted he immersed himself in

his schooling, dedicated his time and efforts to investing in a future he may

not have been able to see, but was determined to inure he would be more

than well equipped to handle.

In due course his hard work and sacrifices were rewarded with a degree

in Business and Marketing, and with it he took to the business world with

aplomb. Success ensured he not only avoided the descent into drugs and

illegal dealings that had claimed many of the peers he’d grown up around,

but also that he was able to fulfil the promise he’d made to his mother when

only 6 years of age; of buying her a house she could call her home, as well

as her own.

Though apparently secure and certain in his career of dominating the busi-

ness world Haitian Fresh felt the call of his roots drawing him to music, pull-

ing him into the scene and filling him with the same drive that fuelled him to

success throughout college.

Immediately he made his presence known on the Florida music circuit as an

independent artist of note; and though audiences and accolades were quick in

their forthcoming, Haitian Fresh has never considered these accomplishments

to be the reason he creates music, simply that the music he creates inspires

other people to better things.

With a performance at BET’s Spring Bling and numerous red carpet appear-

ances Haitian Fresh has found the world not just ready for him, but eagerly

awaiting his arrival. Such could be seen by Haitian Fresh’s signing to the Sak

Pase Records label owned by fellow Haitian and musician, Wyclef Jean.

With his first single Gon Joc (ft. Lil Boosie) proving itself to be a hit with over twenty million views of the official video on YouTube it has rightly earned its

status as a classic now in Florida, beating out Common, Alicia Keys and Neyo

with over four hundred thousand plays on Music Choice.

Clearly the business world’s loss has been the music world’s gain.

BWD: Who are you and why should you be on our iPods?

Answer: Haitian Fresh; I have the biggest movement in hip-hop right now.

I’m carrying a country on my back and dropping hot music and my story is

nonfictional. We grind harder than anyone to get here!

f

exclusive interview


HaItIaN FrEsH

My influence is any-one

who ever grind and earn

their success.”

www.haitianfreshbsm.com

twitter.com/haitianfreshBSM

facebook.com/HaitianFreshBSM

Instagram: Bsmhaitianfresh

Cover StoryBWD: Who are your musical influences?

Answer: My influence is any-one who ever grind and

earn their success.

BWD: What would you describe your sound as?

Answer: Haitian Fresh, from the bottom slowly

climbing to the top, just a matter of time; music

speaks for its-self.

BWD: What inspires the music you create; any spe-cific moments or incidents?

Answer: The fact they told me I couldn’t do it, and

me choosing to put Haitian in front of my name. I

knew it would be difficult, but once the door opens

it will be the biggest topic in hip hop.

BWD: How do you promote your music; do you find social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter essential or simply an additional promotional tool?

Answer: We have good fan base; XXL Live Mix-tapes,

blogs, and all social networks and loyal fans.

BWD: Compared to your contemporaries, what sets you apart from being ‘just another artist’ in your genre?

Answer: I heard all the lies and all the ‘no’s and

I perfected my craft. I never once stopped believ-

ing in myself. Most of all, I’m the only rapper who

has accomplished more than most with-out ‘the

machine’ behind me.

BWD: What’s your outlook on the changing face of the record industry?

Answer: Go listen to soul on my Beast mode Mix-

tape; it’s an unfair business with too many politics.

BWD: What’s your biggest claim to notoriety as an artist so far?

Answer: My ‘voice name’ mascot and 106 and park

and my grind. My music - Beastmode - silenences all

critics and non-believers.

BWD: What advice would you give to fellow artists trying to find their own audience?

Answer: To believe in themselves and have fun; go

hard no matter what. If they’re not serious about it,

don’t get in it. And have a back-up education first!

BWD: Is there a particular theme or message you are trying to convey with your music?

Answer: Yes, you can really turn non-believers into

believers once you stop rapping and give them ya

real story and just be yaself.

BWD: What are the biggest obstacles for an artist such as yourself, in your experience?

Answer: Radio and getting the right people to

believe. I got the fans, but the politics is heavy. It’s

all about money, not talent.

BWD: What’s the best and worst thing about mak-ing music?

Answer: It takes years and years to be on, and just

days to fall off.

BWD: Have there ever been any disasters/incidents in the mixing room you would care to forget about?

Answer: Nah, my team respect me.

BWD: And finally; what does the future hold for you? Any future plans or announcements on the horizon?

Answer: More good music, more history, and when

we get that final push, the throne will be mine!

“Thanks in advance, love my fans and my street-team, and my label BSM. “

Bringing the guitar you want at the price you can afford, “Max’s Guitar Store” (http://

maxsguitarstore.com/) hosts some of the most well-known and recognized brands

currently available for the discerning guitarist wanting a high quality instrument

that offers a little something extra and at a fraction of the cost. In this review we

shall be looking at one of the innumerate select pieces on offer from Max’s Guitar

Store, the iconic guitar of many an axe-wielding musician and bedroom guitar-god,

the re-issued classic that is the Epiphone SG 400.

Spec:

Body Mahogany

Neck Mahogany – glued in

Scale 24.75 inches

Neck Profile D shape, slim

Fingerboard 22 fret Rosewood

Neck Pick-up Alnico Classic Humbucker

Bridge Pick-up Alnico Classic Humbucker

Bridge Tune-O-Matic

Tailpiece Stopbar

Controls 1 Volume, 1 Tone 500K pot control per pick-up, Push-Pull

Hardware Nickel

Out of the box and immediately you can tell there’s been an extra level of after-

market attention paid to the SG 400; the shine is flawless, the strings are bright,

and the set-up is absolutely spot-on. Whereas, normally you’d be expecting to pay

an additional sum for preparing an instrument to this level, “Max’s Guitar Store”

have gone that little bit further than off-the-shelf outlets in what they offer you

for your money and it certainly shows.

A quick wind on the traditional Gibson-styled Wilkinson Deluxe tuners (slackened

for transport purposes) and a perfect pitch across all six strings is attained. The

distance between the strings and the fret-board is wonderfully low, a true player’s

guitar in the hand, the pinched harmonics biting without buzz and sounding bril-

liantly bright.

With its D shaped profile the neck is straight and true and like pure silk; the

rosewood fret board has a welcoming feel beneath the fingers and playing it is

almost effortless- again, one more in the plus column for Max’s who have come

up trumps with their prepping of each instrument before shipping. The frets sit

snug and flush within the neck and have been polished and smoothed to the

point of being almost imperceptible where they sit, the running of a hand up and

down the edge showing up no snags or corners of unhammered fret. Looking

down the neck and it’s as straight as an arrow, the Rosewood fret-board suitably

understated and showing off the peerless set-up of the instrument.

Customer Feedback

Dear Maxsguitarstore,

“I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU. This guitar completely wiped me out. WAY, WAY beyond expectations. The sound was spectacular and the guitar’s look and feel is to die for. Big, bold sound and with the warm sunburst you chose for me, it also has that “WOW” factor! This guitar absolutely made my day. I’m in guitar heaven.” Ricky


Max’s“guitar store”

EpIpHONE sg 400 rEVIEW


Turning the guitar over reveals a black plastic back panel hiding nicely tidy wir-

ing and pots, and another excuse to marvel at the sheen of the cherry veneer

and count the grain in the wood beneath- for a guitar that would normally

retail at a significantly higher price it’s getting harder to justify the extra cost an

off-the-peg outlet expects you to pay, especially when looking at the machine-

head and truss rod cover screws (which can become loosened and are an easily

forgotten area of after-market quality control) and finding every single one flush

and true within their holes.

The strap buttons are secure and firm and backed by felt to protect the veneer,

and the jack input is likewise perfectly flush and surrounded by a brace of four

classic speed knob dials. The volume control for each of the pick-up also houses

a Push-Pull mechanic that allows you to turn the instrument into a single-coil,

rather than hum-bucker, configuration and each has a satisfying click when

Pushed/Pulled accordingly.

A serial number on the back of the headstock and mother of pearl Epiphone

logo and decal on the front and there is nothing visually that points to it being

a refurbished piece, no ‘tells’ or ‘blemishes’ that could be seen as reason for its

lower price point.

Plugged in and flicked to the back pick-up and the sound of classic rock fills the

air; power chords have weight and single notes have bite, the sustain satisfy-

ingly long and clear. The D shaped profile neck feels comfortable to hold in any

position, the fret edges smooth against the liquid finish of the mahogany fret-

board and polished to an equally high-end instrument feel.

Flicked into the neck position and the tone dialled down and with the Push-Pull

pot out to create a single coil sound, and it’s like Clapton’s coming through the

amp, the double cut-away shape of the SG-400 allowing ease of access to those

22 frets on any string and like butter to play due to the expert set-up.

Dialling up and down on each of the four tone/volume controls takes nothing

more than a brush of the finger to achieve, the transition through the 1 to 10

positions a well-oiled execution of precision that reveal just how far the level of

attention has gone into this instrument, the speed knobs living up to and sur-

passing their name.

A thorough inspection around the edge of the scratch-plate, the hardware and

pick-up surrounds finds nothing but an unblemished veneer and incredible

grain beneath, and all are highly finished and compliment the rest of the guitar

superbly.

Conclusion: The difference between buying a guitar off-the-peg or from some-

where with a more personal approach to each sale is what makes this particular

model of Epiphone simply the most stunning example of its kind; the quality

of the finish, the attention to the smallest of details (such as the individual

setting on each of the six saddles to achieve a pitch perfect tone across all six

strings), makes it feel unique, exclusive, something head and shoulders above

the homogenized retail outlets selection of same yet noticeable inferior dop-

pelgangers. It brings the guitar on a par with those bearing the hallowed Gibson

moniker, a level of quality previously only available to those able to afford four

figured guitars, reminding you why the SG was once called the ‘fretless wonder’

and revealing why “Max’s Guitar Store” is becoming known as the online store

for true musicians.


f there is one thing the world knows about Dallas, Texas, is

that the state doesn’t do things small. With a sound that is

so uniquely encapsulating and enrapturing a performance of

largess comes KaiCarra; an artist who has already had favour-

able comparisons drawn to such names as Tori Amos, Sara

Brightman, and the incredible prodigious talent of Alanis Morissette.

Little wonder, too, when you realize that KaiCarra is more than a voice to

captivate the rest of the world with; she is a talented, gifted young woman,

with an elegance and grace, an austere allure that flows through her songs

and ensnares all who catch a line or two from her amazing single release

“Lady”, or the lullaby “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, or even the atmospheric holi-

day hit “Christmas Sunrise”.

Since beginning on her musical sojourn at age seven KaiCarren’s career

has seen fifteen years spent at a professional level as an artist performing to

audiences throughout the world, an appearance on the Queen Mary in Long

Beach California propelling her

across CA in the smash hit musi-

cal “Annie”.

By age ten she could already

count herself as one of the select

few to be interviewed by the

American Television Network,

interviews with Reporter Connie

Chung and Good Morning

America’s host Steve Fox taken all

in her stride as she bestrode the

stage and beguiled theatre goers

with her awe-inspiring voice and

charm.

With a return to the Phillip

Martin School of Music, to define

and truly hold captive the control within her coloratura voice and sublime

sonic styling, it has given her a voice that now finds comparisons with other

artists to be like the vaguest of outlines of understanding when held against

KaiCarra’s own exulting sound.

America seemingly too small to keep KaiCarra to itself has meant Europe

is a known land to her now, her name and reputation spoken of between

aficionados of honest compositions that speak to the very soul, and mark her

out from the other singers in her genre as individual, unique, and very much

in demand.

Aside from her singing engagements and away from the spotlight’s charms,

KaiCarra has dedicated her time and efforts to the various charities with which

she has aligned herself with; the protection of the young from child abuse

and the eradication of cruelty to animals primarily the focus of her charitable

attentions, she graciously donated all the proceeds from several benefit

concerts staged in Paris and the USA to undisclosed charitable organizations,

echoing the heart-felt emotion and strength of feeling her songs create in

others.

Calling her single Lady ‘…a gift to the USA,’ it was inspired by the patriotism

found from gazing upon the Statue of Liberty’s noble visage; the desire to

want to share the feelings of love and encouragement to progress through

darker times inspiring in its execution and emboldening in its airing.

Her third and latest album “Up Until Now” has already had Rick Sherman

(of Sherman Sound) announced as producer for the release, with Sherman

quoted as describing KaiCarra like ‘…Andrew Lloyd Webber…genius…dramatic,

emotional,’ and has taken this

further to ‘…emerge with her own

incredible sound.’

‘I hope my music touches a

chord with others,’ KaiCarra said

when discussing her win with

BWD Magazine, ‘and encourages

them to write, speak or sing their

truth, whatever that may be.’

Such strength in not just

voice but character too shows

KaiCarra as being truly deserving

of the number one position on

her Reverbnation site, not just

for her music but for altruistic

actions and the consideration of

all; and as such perhaps it’s best for the lady herself to have the final word

when she tells us to always… ’Carry a song in your heart.’


Website: KaiCarra.com

Twitter: @KaiCarra

Photo Credits: KaiCarra - All Rights Reserved.

i


freedom and the pursuit of maintaining same is natural

I hope my music touches a

chord with others, KaiCarra

said when discussing her win

with BWD Magazine, ‘and

encourages them to write,

speak or sing their truth,

whatever that may be.”

KaICarra


uestion: What do you get when you mix the attitude of

The Datsuns, the stage-manship of KISS, the killer stick-

in-your-head guitar hooks of AC/DC, and the honest

snarling attitude of Motley Crue?

Answer: You get The Whiskey Syndicate, a five-piece Rock band from the

Midlands, UK, bursting from

the heart of music’s soul and

attacking the playlists of rock-

ers across the globe.

Formed in the summer of 2007

by frontman and lead guitarist

Anthony Wright “The Whiskey

Syndicate” are a Rock band

equally in the league with that

of their peers, their unapolo-

getic delivery of ‘in your face’

rock a lone shining example of

understanding what separates

the real sound of Rock from

the homogenized and packaged examples clogging the arteries of the

download charts.

Having already supported such bands as King Lizard, The Answer and

Red Light Rippers the call of the road took them from their home base

of England and across the seas to rocks spiritual second home of sin

and sensual sounds that is LA, the bright lights and indulgent crowds of

Las Vegas, and culminated in a sold out show at the infamous and world

famous club “The Viper Rooms” on Sunset Strip.

With a healthy mix of seventies Rock, classic Punk, the energy of Metal

and just a soupcon of Tennessee magic to taste blended expertly togeth-

er, The Whiskey Syndicate’s

first album release “Right

Side Of Crazy” on the ‘In

At The Eye Records label

immediately turned heads

and dials up to eleven, the

ten tracks on offer receiving

critical praise and acclaim,

as well as quickly proved

them as being a band wor-

thy of the attentions and

loyalties of its devil-horned

audience.

As the first truly great band

in some considerable time to emerge from the shadows of the under-

ground scene to the headlines and spotlight of a worldwide stage,

and comprising of Mike Davies, Anthony Wright, Richard Corry and Stu

Adams, BWD sat down with these future Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Famers to

learn a little more of their legacy, find us some facts, and test if the band

truly can live up to their rather modest claim of ‘…we bring the party!!!’

Q

inspire, dream, believe,

this is what i live by.....



Answer: We are The Whiskey Syndicate. A loud, hard rocking 4 piece from the spiritual

home of Rock n’ Roll. Big riffs with a groove and a bluesy undertone.

BWD: Tell us a brief history of the band.

Answer: We formed in 2003. Went through a couple of line ups to find the right

formula and then started writing and recorded straight away. We hit the road and

have since played with a whole load of bands including Voodoo Six, The Answer,

King Lizard and Blaze Bailey to name a few. Working on our lives as we went along

we have now cemented our reputation as one of the best live Rock n’ Roll bands in

the UK today.

BWD: Coming from the Midlands do you feel the influence of previous greats from that

area such as Zeppelin and Sabbath? There is a similar feeling of integrity and honesty, a

‘realness’ if you will, to your sound that marks you apart from other bands pertaining to

be rock; why do you think this is?

Answer: Yeah I think it’s hard not to be influenced by the likes of Zeppelin, Sabbath,

Judas Priest, etc., where we come from. Those bands did so much for the hard rock

and metal scene. I mean, they practically invented the genre. I think the integrity and

honesty comes from having a similar background to those bands. We are all hard

working guys from working class Black Country families aiming to get to the top of

our game. Nothing is false about us or our music. It is all straight from the heart.

There’s no set formula and no contrived image. I think that’s what sets us apart.

BWD: How has the reception to your debut album Right Side of Crazy been?

Answer: The reception has been incredible. We’ve had some great reviews from both

fans and critics alike. Some stores sold out on the first day which was mind blowing.

BWD: What inspires the music you create; any specific moments or incidents?

Answer: I don’t think there are any specific examples but you can become inspired by

everyday life quite easily. People you know telling you stories or things that happen

to you personally. Both good and bad.

BWD: How do you promote your music; do you find social media sites such as Facebook

and Twitter essential or simply an additional promotional tool?

Answer: Yeah the social media side is a major part of the promotion. I think in today’s

society it is one of the best ways to not only reach a wider audience but keep your

fans in the loop and involved in the band. It’s also a great way to connect with both

other bands and promoters.

BWD: What can fans look forward to hearing on your latest single Darker Side of Your

Mind?

Answer: It’s a brooding beast of a track with a great groove to it and enough riffs to

shake your head clean off your shoulders. Can you tell I like it? Ha-ha!!

the whiskey syndicate - exclusive interview

(Continued - Page 20)


exclusive interview

tHE WHIsKEY sYNDICatE

BWD: And how should this new song be best enjoyed?

Answer: Loud and with your fist in the air!

BWD: With online resources such as Kickstarter funding albums, merchan-dise, and even tours for some bands, what’s your outlook on the changing face of the record industry?

Answer: It’s a strange time for the industry at the moment. There are so

many different resources like Kickstarter and Pledge Music out there to

help artists and yet it seems harder than ever for new artists to get the

big break. Having said that, these funding sites are a fantastic concept.

Not only does it give bands an opportunity to raise the capital they need

but they can connect with their fan base while they do it.

BWD: Having toured foreign shores through America, as well as your home-land of England, what would you say are the biggest differences between the two audiences?

Answer: I don’t think there was a mega difference. Rock n’ Roll fans are

animals all over the world. There is a different attitude to the under-

ground live scene across the pond though. The local live music scene

is still a major part of the typical night out and most places we went

whether we were playing or just drinking had a stage and some kind of

live events calendar.

BWD: What advice would you give to fellow bands trying to find their own audience abroad for the first time?

Answer: Definitely be yourself, and be confident with it. You see a lot of

bands out there trying to live up to the hype of previous exports from

certain areas, LA in particular, so when you bring something not only

new but natural to the table you stand out in a big way. Don’t get me

wrong, a lot of the bands are really great but there is a lot of similar-

ity. It may sound like an obvious cliché but being yourself in such a big

market of live music really is the key.

BWD: Aside from yourselves, which other bands would you say are moving the music scene forward, keeping it alive and interesting?

Answer: One that instantly springs to mind is “Rival Sons”. They’ve really

moved up over the past couple of years and have a great sound and

image. The great thing with them is that nothing about them seems

false or contrived in any way. They seem to have put a great new twist

on a classic formula to make it exciting and fresh.

There is also a huge amount of great talent on the underground and

unsigned scene at the moment. Particularly in the Midlands.

BWD: What are the biggest challenges (good or bad) you wish someone had told you about before embarking on the life of a musician?

Answer: The promotional side of things is definitely the biggest b*tch

you face. When you’re new to the business you’ll work with anyone who

offers a gig or a chance at something. There is a lot of so called “promot-

ers” out there who are totally clueless and are just someone calling up

bands to play in their pub. The real ones out there will have all the facts

you need, offer you a proper deal before hand and will get a great line

up. They will also promote properly so chances are you will have heard

their name from other people. The sh*tty ones out there are hard to spot

at first but you soon get wise to it all.


Official Website: TheWhiskeySyndicate.com

Label: In At the Eye Records- www.iaterecords.com

Photo Credits: All Rights Reserved

V i s i t w w w . b W D r e c o r d s . c o m o r w w w . F a c e b o o k . c o m / b W D r e c o r d s . l l c

Official Website: Chamane-energydrink.comFacebook: ChamaneEnergyDrinkOfficialPage



feature & exclusive interview

braNsON HOLLIs

Bursting into the music world and bringing France into the spotlight for

producing Earth-shattering bands with a conviction and appeal universal

in its language Branson Hollis’ debut release “The Unexpected Way Of

Things” on the ‘Back to the Well Records’ label has made the ears and

attentions of an audience quickly building in its number, and made Europe

the bands own personal stage.

Having formed as 2009 was beginning, the band wrote and released the

first fully realized examples of what Branson Hollis was promising to be

only the tip of the ice-berg in its post/hardcore-rock out-pourings with the

demo release, “Dyad”.

Less than a year later and “Dive Suits Drying”, a five track EP embodying

more musical energy and inventive synergy in a mere five tracks than most

full albums could achieve, took Branson Hollis from obscurity and under

the scrutiny of an attentively listening music audience. With tracks such as

“The Jar” and “New Colours, New Shapes” confirming the band as worthy of

their attentions, the audiences of Europe embraced Branson Hollis whole-

heartedly as they appeared before them on stage, touring with Devil Sold

His Soul, Norma Jean, and Moving Mountains.

Off the road and straight into the studio and “The Unexpected Way of

Things” is Branson Hollis’ first full length album release. Recorded at

‘Glow In The Dark Studios’, Georgia, USA and mixed by Matt Goldman

before being mastered in NY by Drew Lavyne, TUWAT is an album worthy

of worldwide exposure, comprising of twelve tracks of the bands own

self-styled sonic authority - as witnessed on tracks Maunder’s Tale and

the incomparable This Is A Slow Ride - that shows who and what Branson

Hollis are about.

With an upcoming tour kicking off in September, BWD took the chance

to catch the band with sometime between engagements to sit down and

speak with the group voted ‘French Upcoming Band of the Year’.


Website: BransonHollis.com

Twitter: @BransonHollis

Facebook: BransonHollis

Photo Credits: Branson Hollis - All Rights Reserved.


Nicolas: We’re called Branson Hollis and we’re a French band from Paris.

Now this is a tricky question because we’d have to sort of brag a little

bit and we don’t know how to do that, ha-ha. Let’s just say that Kerrang

gave our debut album four Ks so if you don’t want to disappoint this well-

known and great magazine of yours over in The UK, give us a shot.

BWD: Tell us a brief history of the band.

Nicolas: We started the band in early 2009 and started to perform one

year after that.

Around that time we sort of toured Europe a few times and shared the

stage with bands such as Devil Sold His Soul, La Dispute, Norma Jean and

Moving Mountains. At the time, we only had a 2 track demo (2009) and a

5 track EP (2010).

Around 2011 we welcomed a fifth member to the band (to play keys and

additional drums). We immediately started working on our debut album

that we went on to record during the following year at “Glow in the Dark

Studios” in Atlanta. We were lucky enough to work with Matt Goldman

and Matt McClellan over there and Drew Lavyne in New York for all the

mastering part.

After that, we shot our first music video for “Maunder’s Tale” featuring

Norma Jean’s Cory Brandan who, by the way, did an awesome job on

everything.

We recently toured with our good pals of “Admiral’s Arms” and “The

Prestige”. We had a blast touring with them and we had a lot of fun playing

at ‘Black Heart’ in Camden! It’s a pretty sweet place.

Our debut album was released on May 20th and is available on www.

bransonhollis.com.

BWD: You describe yourself as post/hardcore Rock, your debut EP Diving Suits Drying showing you as a band in a class all of your own?

Nicolas: Well thank you, I guess! This question is kind of a pickle too

because we sort of don’t qualify to answer it. What’s for sure is we don’t

calculate anything. We’re just doing the music we like. But when we’re

asked: ‘what kind of music do you play?’ the first words coming out are

Post-hardcore.


It’s funny because I always have that friend of mine around telling me I

shouldn’t put it this way because ‘it’s harsh and it doesn’t quite honour

what we truly do’. He’s just afraid people might get scared if we label it

that, if we say the word ‘Hardcore’. So he’s all like ‘no, but, you know, it’s

not that violent he just said Post-hardcore but it’s really not that violent

there’s some sweet stuff too just stay please and have a drink with me’,

ha-ha. I still think it’s what best describes our music (as a quick answer),

because it’s full of possibilities. Post-hardcore is generally a pretty heavy

and energetic type of music though it allows you to put an electro song in

your album; Post-hardcore is okay with instrumental songs or just piano

and vocals. This also is what we love about it. There are just fewer rules

than in Hardcore or Punk.

BWD: Having not only been voted French upcoming Band Of The Year by OUIFM radio but also receiving the honour of having your debut EP voted Favourite Release by FNAC.com, you recently released your first full length album “The Unexpected Way Of Things”; did you feel any pressure to live up to the expectation caused by your earlier acclaim?

Nicolas: No pressure at all. We’re infinitely grateful for what has happened

to us so far, all the credit and stuff but we know how little we are. We

know we still have everything to prove. We’re just playing the music we

like. You know, to me, it’s impossible to feel bad about what you do if you

put your heart in it and work hard (unless you’re killing or abusing people

ha-ha). There’s an expectation we have to live up to and that would be

ours. We can’t let down those guys who started the project 2 to 4 years

ago. We have to live up to the promises we made to ourselves. Of course,

there always are some people who sincerely hate what you do and they’re

not even wrong in the way they see it, because it’s their way. There also

are going to be people who end up disliking how things turned out, and

people who are going to love it and tag along. I think if you’re true to

everyone that is supporting you, even to those who don’t, then everything

is fine, you can chin up and enjoy.

Florian: We just made the music we like, blending our influences into

something new - at least we tried - and didn’t really think about what people are going to say about it. We just wanted to make it sincere. We are

aware that we are nobody, even if we got pretty lucky to get all this credit.

So, definitely no pressure. We really think this album is the real beginning

of our story and hope TUWOT will get as much honour as our previous EP,

and more. This is the one that matters.

BWD: Though France is known for its rich history and beautiful culture, its music scene still doesn’t appear on most people’s radar, and the bands within it less so. Branson Hollis shows there are bands out there full of phenomenal music and engaging sounds, so why do you think we aren’t seeing more bands emerge?

Florian: Post-Hardcore and Rock n’ Roll generally speaking are really

inherent to English-speaking people, USA or UK. When you speak about

Rock music in France, most people are stuck with Johnny Hallyday or Eddy

Mitchell, people who only sang English hit songs with French lyrics.

Nicolas: Thank you so much. Believe me I wish things were better over

here. Most people pass on so many good bands, just because they’re not

mediatized enough or smashed in their faces with million dollar adver-

tising campaigns. Most people just take what they’re given. They don’t

search for anything. Plus we don’t have the same musical culture over

here. We don’t have an Elvis, a David Bowie or a Clash, Pogo, Led Zeppelin,

Beatles.


I think musical progress and culture are a huge part of the reasons things

are different in France and the English language has also a lot to do with

it. I think it’s really conclusive how French is not the kind of language you

want to use to do that type of music properly. Anyway, if French bands

were to emerge overseas, that would mean they’ve emerged over here,

but they don’t and that is so weird. I don’t mean we’re full of it, “au con-

traire!” but it feels like whenever there’s talent in France, we need foreign

countries to pluck it out of here and then, when it’s all known elsewhere

and ‘dealt with’, people claim ‘hey it’s French, I know them, now let’s be

proud and have a more attentive listen to what they do’ (Phoenix is pop-

ping in my head right now, perfect example). Anyway, France is different

like that. Let’s put it this way. Otherwise, we’re in for a looooong debate.

BWD: How do you promote yourselves and your music to your fans; do you find social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter essential or simply an additional promotional tool?

Nicolas: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr - I’m even thinking about

opening a Vine account for the band -, etc. Those are definitely essential

tools that allow us to promote the band and spread the word along with

doing interviews like this one, or touring the world. When you have a

band, you want people to know about it, even those who don’t care at all

and never will listen to you. You just want them to know that you exist.

Give them a chance to give you a shot. So, yeah, those social networks

are a great way to reach people across the world. Also, it allows you to

talk to your fans on a regular basis. Just like when on the road and that’s

awesome.

Florian: Like I said, we are still no one, and (most) social medias are free

so, definitely the best way to reach people for us.

I think Facebook is the most important communication tool for bands

like us right now, because of the fan base you can build on it and the way

people can share stuff. Be sure we’ll repost this interview on our page. So

will you, right?

BWD: Having conquered your homeland you recently went on tour, taking your music to audiences throughout Europe; how did it go?

Florian: We had the chance to share the stage with our great friends

from “Admiral’s Arms” and “The Prestige”. It was absolutely lovely. We also

played our first show in London, which was really awesome and meant a

lot to us, little frenchies.

I guess playing for the last Admiral’s Arms show in Paris was a huge

moment of this tour too; a night full of mixed feelings between the

beauty of a last performance and the sadness of their split.

We’d like to take the opportunity to thank “The Black Heart” for letting us

play and all the people that went to the show.

Nicolas: It all went smoothly and amazingly, except for the tiredness and

the lack of sleep but it’s part of the game, and we love suffering that way

and like Florian said, there was a lot of emotion on that tour too. It was

beautiful and sad at the same time, so overwhelming.

BWD: And what lesson-of-the-road were learned on this tour?

Florian: Be sure you have your passport and ID up to date when you cross

the Channel!

Nicolas: He’s not talking about me, ha-ha!

Florian: I’m not sure you can call that a ‘lesson’ but we all agree to say that

we know now that we want to do this as much as possible. Playing music,

travelling and above all: meeting great people every night and day, talk-

ing about different ways to see and feel music with people you just met,

just because we are gathered around the same passion. I know it sounds

a little bit hippie-ish, but still ha-ha.

BWD: With online resources such as Kickstarter funding albums, merchan-dise, and even tours for some bands, what’s your perception on ways bands can now achieve success?

Nicolas: First off, you have to make music, and then it has to be good

enough to get people’s attention. Once you have people’s attention and

approval and they’re not your families and friends, you can say you’re

pretty lucky so far. At least you’re lucky to have found some other guys,

just as crazy as you are, ready to give up on anything quite resembling

a “normal life” to fall head first in a road to perdition hahaha. Also, you

must move with the times, keeping up with everything that allows you to

promote your music.

Everything is moving forward and so is the music industry. You have to

move forward with it. You can’t be stuck on Myspace or doing tapes. You

have to be everywhere. As I said before, people won’t look for you. You

have to make them aware. So, basically, tour, tour, tour, be on several social

networks and yeah, make some good merchandise.

BWD: An artist is nothing without their inspiration, so what inspires Branson Hollis?

Nicolas: I would say we all find things to think of when it comes to com-

posing or that it’s all in us when we’re delivering something. Everyone has

their share of regrets, and beautiful things in them.

About my texts, I would say I draw a lot from my background and stuff

that has happened to me in the past. At least I’m learning to do so. Just

like we all are. It’s our baggage, we all have some but I love to travel,

meet people and be inspired by things that I wouldn’t be inspired by if I’d

stayed home working at my desk. That’s why I travelled a month through

different places so I could have some thoughts on what I was going to

write. So I could draw things out of me, as well as out of people and new

things I was witnessing; stories I was being told. I need all that to write. I

need new feelings to overwhelm the past ones. Not erasing them, but get

them to merge with new ones instead and just embrace life.

Interactions are what makes creation possible, are what feeds your inter-

est in things.

That’s how travels, more than routines, make you more sensitive and

receptive to things around you.

We also love sunshine, cats and pizza.


BWD: Would you say your French background affords the band a different insight or view in its musical composition?

Nicolas: Maybe I jumped the gun on the previous question, ha-ha. Our

French background is kind of who we are so, I would say yeah, it sort of

gives the band a different insight though we kept an eye on the world so

far and I’d say we’re very eclectic like that. We’ve been listening to a lot

of different kinds of music, from everywhere in the world. I guess maybe,

more than being French, this is what makes us the band we are today, that

and our personal backgrounds.

BWD: Aside from yourselves, what other bands do you feel represent the French music scene best today?

Nicolas: If you mean among all existing famous bands, we’d say Gojira,

Phoenix and Daft Punk (for example). If you’re talking about bands like

us, not quite famous and struggling their way through the music industry,

we’d definitely say Admiral’s Arms (RIP) and The Prestige.

BWD: And which do you feel are being under-represented or ignored by the industry?

Nicolas: These exact same last ones. Admiral’s Arms (RIP) and The

Prestige. We also have quite an admiration for the work of Rise of the

North Star. You can tell how hard these guys work and how passionate

and true they are.

BWD: Which one track on your new album The Unexpected Way of Things would you recommend fans listen to first?

Florian: We first released two songs, Maunder’s Tale and This Is a Slow

Ride.

Maunder’s Tale seems to be a good sample of what we can do: You have

the three voices, synth and additional drums, and on top of that Cory of

Norma Jean as a guest.

This Is a Slow Ride is a bit different, with more orchestration, not just

crushing drums and guitars. It has something more dramatic in it and

different layers hidden behind some classic strings and positive chords. I

guess if you like these two songs, you like Branson Hollis.

If you are a hardcore fan or want to be, I’d recommend you to listen par-ticularly to Zemlya Sannikova, as I feel it’s the most melancholic song, due

to both lyrics and music. Another way to get into what we are, even who

we are. Maybe the song I’m the most proud of.

BWD: So, penultimate question time; the band have just come back off a seventeen month tour of the world supporting their multi-platinum album release. As you land at the airport you suddenly remember you left a pot of half-eaten yogurt out. Upon returning home you find the yogurt has mutated and evolved during the previous year’s unusually radioactive summer, and is now refusing to let you back into the house or return your all-in-one foot-spa and massager you so desperately need after having spent so long on the road. You’re tired and jet-lagged and in three day old underwear and in no mood to deal with the consequences of possible homicide charges against milk-products, so decide to go to a friend’s house to ask for a bed for the night. Knowing they will want to know why you are asking them for help, who do you think you could trust enough to believe you when you turn upon their door-step, aching feet and all?

Florian: In this case, who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

BWD: And finally; what does the future hold? Any future plans or announce-ments on the horizon?

Nicolas: We hope we’ll get to tour and travel the world doing what we

love the most. We hope we’ll get to meet new people and eat awesome

food. One thing is certain, we’ll be touring first thing around September or

so. Once everyone is back in school, we’ll be back on the road.

bWD rECOrDs, LLCi n d e p e n d e n t m u s i c l a b e l o f t h e s o u t h

V i s i t w w w . 5 m i c z . c o m o r w w w . F a c e b o o k . c o m / 5 m i c z

BWD Records Releases Artist “5 M.I.C-Z” Self~Titled Debut Album!!

Available In All Major Digital Outlets Worldwide 7/16/13 Why Wait?

Get Your Own Copy Now!! www.bwdrecords.com


bwd magazine - july 2013

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