All Posts By Imani Givertz

Imani is a Photographer and Music Journalist for Cliche' Magazine. She is also a stylist, Social Media guru, and tea connoisseur.
Health

Civil Youth’s Mike Kepko Opens Up About Mental Health

by Saturday, October 21, 2017

Civil Youth is one of our favorite bands here at Cliché. With their powerful sound and even more powerful lyrics, we know that their music connects with many and their lyrics bring light to what it’s like to struggle with the weight of mental health. We asked lead singer of Civil Youth, Mike Kepko, about his Mental Health walk and what it’s been like for him. He vulnerably opened up with his “I Am Here.” Check it out below:

 

For whatever reason, I always see two drastic “groups” when it comes to mental health. Those who flaunt about it, thinking it’s a cool/trending thing to have, or those who don’t say a word about what they’re going through. I don’t know when it became cool not being able to breathe or feeling like you have nothing left to the point of ending your life, so this is for the introverted people who don’t wear their feelings on their arms.

For someone who has gone through depression, anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, and even sleep paralysis, I’ve tried everything to cope. For each person, it’s going to be different, and in my opinion, only time and self-growth will help you realize how to overcome these things. That’s not to discourage anyone who’s going through this or worse things, but rather a light at the end of the tunnel. Greatness and happiness are on the other side of fear.

I remember while I was writing Who Rescued Who, I found things out about myself that I never knew I had. It put me into a huge depression. I would have panic attacks every night around the same time, I couldn’t sleep, and it made me scared to leave my house just because I didn’t want to have a situation outside. I tried everything from music and sound therapy to aromatherapy to eventually going to see a shrink. All of this helped TONS. The self-inflicted therapies were easier to do since it was just me, but I had such a hard time admitting I had a problem and seeking professional help. I thought it made me weaker or “crazy.” Crazy is just a term to write off the issue and to put it aside. It’s a made-up word, just like snitlzelfritz. It doesn’t matter; just go seek help. It’s their job. Over the matter of time, I learned new ways to deal and to keep myself occupied. I found more than ever how important music was to me, which set me on the path of self-righteousness.

I think what I’m trying to say is: just find what you’re meant to do and do it. IT IS OKAY TO NEED HELP. IT’S OKAY TO SAY YOU HAVE A PROBLEM. Look at me; I did and I’m doing more than fine now. In my coming to, I found there are 3 stages in overcoming fear:

– Arrogance (corresponding to the definition of lacking knowledge)
– Being just (knowing the bare minimum and fabricating scenarios)
– Knowledge (understanding the nooks and crannies of all things which put you on the other side of fear)

Once you’re on the other side, it’s pure bliss. You have control and you understand who you are as a person. I believe you can get there. Try the things I did. Let me know. All mental health articles are ways to cope, which I even mentioned some ways that helped me, but what people don’t get is the support. The point of writing this blog to you is MY support in your life. I AM here.

–WRITTEN BY MICHAEL KEPKO

Read more Health and Music News on ClicheMag.com

Civil Youth’s Mike Kepko Opens Up About Mental Health: Photographed by Imani Givertz

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Interviews

Brian Swindle of Have Mercy Makes The Best Of It

by Sunday, August 6, 2017

If you’re anything like me, you love music that makes you feel something. Have Mercy is a band whose music will make you feel all the feels–from the melodies to the lyrics. We sat down with lead singer and mastermind behind some of the vulnerable and raw songs, Brian Swindle, to get a more personal take on his music and the band’s new album, Make The Best Of It.

 

Cliché: Can you give us a little backstory on Have Mercy and how you got to where you’re at now?
Brian Swindle: Have Mercy started back in 2011. We played a lot of local shows and eventually got our first record deal with Topshelf Records. After that, we got with Hopeless Records and well, here we are.

For those who haven’t heard Make The Best Of It yet, how would you describe the feel of this album? 
Powerful and emotional. It’s a pretty heavy record.

Lyrically, you produce some of the most real and personal lyrics I have heard. Where does your inspiration come from and is it difficult to be vulnerable when it comes to creating music that so many ears will hear?
All of my lyrics come from life experiences and my perception of the world. I don’t find it difficult to be vulnerable at all. Music is an outlet for me.

What was something you had to remind yourself of when writing and recording this record?
I really wanted to write about life stories and experiences. I had to remind myself to not let things that were going on during recording to affect my writing.

What did you learn during the full process of creating Make The Best Of It?
I really learned more about song writing and structure. The science of a song is so interesting.

I don’t find it difficult to be vulnerable at all. Music is an outlet for me.

Are you playing any new songs from the record? If so, how have fans responded to them? 
We’ve been playing a lot. Fans have really attached to the new songs already so it’s pretty cool to see.

For you personally, what’s it like to look out at the crowd every night and see people connecting with your music?
It’s an amazing feeling. Even if I’m having a bad day or not enjoying certain elements of a venue, the fans make it all worth it.

Do you find with every tour, your stage presence and unity as a band grows? If so, what do you feel is different this go around? 
I definitely feel like my stage presence grows. With every show, we get tighter and tighter as a band. This tour an all new lineup and has been interesting to adapt to.


 

Read more Music news on ClicheMag.com

Brian Swindle of Have Mercy Makes The Best Of It: Photographed by Imani Givertz

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Entertainment

Currently Playing: Night Drive’s Summer Playlist

by Sunday, July 30, 2017

Need some tunes to get you through the remainder of the summer? Plug in your headphones and imagine yourself on a road trip through the desert at night with the eclectic band Night Drive, who put together an artist playlist of some of their favorite summer jams just for you. Night Drive’s personal sound that’s inspired by sci-fi cinematic landscapes has been influenced by some of the artists on this playlist, so put the top down and enjoy the ride under the stars.

 

Mac Demarco – “On The Level”
It’s morning, you’ve just started the drive, and this song sets the tone for your trip. Slow yourself down and enjoy; you’ll be in the car for a while.

Boulevards – “Got To Go”
At this point, it’s just starting to hit you how long this drive is going to be. Do you have it in you? Time to inject some upbeat disco to keep your spirits up.

Matthew Dear – “Earthforms” 
You’re beyond the point of no return now, in the zone and driving 90 in a hypnotic trance through the desert.

Miike Snow – “Cult Logic” 
You’ve just passed a huge array of wind-power turbines, a nice change of scenery in the trip.

Felt – “Penelope Tree”
It’s late afternoon and there’s been nothing for miles; time for an ’80s throwback.

Pixies – “Silver”
It is now dusk and Texas has amazing sunsets if nothing else. This song feels like the sun setting in the desert.

Anoraak – “Heart Out”
Time to start the night-time vibes.

Black Marble – “Woods”
This drive has been going on for so long, you get delirious and start to wonder if maybe you took a wrong turn. Are you lost?

Boxed in – “Forget” 
It’s now late night and there are no street lights. You’ve become reckless and you’re driving much faster than you should be at this point.

Broken Bells – “Perfect World”
You just saw a sign and you’re only 30 miles from your destination. Here’s your song to celebrate the home stretch.

Check out the Spotify Playlist here and check out the synth-tastic Night Drive’s music video for “Rise and Fall” below.

 

Read more Music news on ClicheMag.com
Currently Playing: Night Drive’s Summer Playlist: Photo by Daniel Cavazos

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Music

The Rebirth of Underoath

by Sunday, July 16, 2017

Rebirth means “the process of being reincarnated or born again,” as well as “the action of reappearing or starting to flourish or increase after a decline.” I got to witness this firsthand in Orlando, Florida when Underoath took the stage on the American Nightmare Tour with Bring Me The Horizon.

Prior to this occasion, in 2012, the Florida natives announced their disbanding through social media and fans were devastated. After releasing their compilation album, Anthology: 1999–2013, they embarked on their final tour in 2013 and everyone believed it to be the end.

And then came their rebirth.

In 2016, Underoath confirmed that they were reuniting and embarked on their Rebirth tour, which only left fans wanting more and crossing their fingers that this wasn’t just a one time thing. Thankfully, it wasn’t.

Underoath has been nonstop since their reunion and they are better than ever. The six-member band took the stage at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on a windy Wednesday night on the 8th of March and the energy they brought could be felt through the entire field. The minute they started, you could feel their souls lifting and you could tell that playing music together is what they are meant to do. From the chemistry they shared on stage to the unity that was displayed in the crowd, the revival of Underoath has been made known. This is just the beginning. This is the rebirth of Underoath.

Stay up to date and join them on their journey with tour recaps and more at Underoath777.com.

Read more Music news on ClicheMag.com

The Rebirth of Underoath: Photographed by Imani Givertz

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Music

A Look At So What Music Festival

by Sunday, July 16, 2017

This year, So What Music Festival turns 10, and it’s only the beginning. Three days, numerous stages, a variety of bands, and thousands of fans later, SWMF was an experience like no other.

Earlier this year, we spoke with the founder of the festival, Mike Ziemer, about his journey to one of the most anticipated music festivals in Dallas, Texas and he explained to us that the goal of this festival was to fit as many cool bands as possible into one show with four stages and he did it. When some think of “cool bands,” they think of the biggest names they can see from miles away. When we at Cliché think of cool bands, we think of the ones that are newer to the scene and are getting bigger by the minute.
Something I loved about this year’s So What Music Festival was the large range of artists; from bands that had never played before to bands that were 10 years running. Here, we chat with some of the bands about the iconic festival.

Invent, Animate

“So What Music Festival is a big deal to us,” explains Ben English of the Texas Native band, Invent, Animate. “Being our favorite Texas festival, it is an honor playing such a huge event for the third time. Every single year we get to see not only the festival’s growth, but our growth as a band overall. Seeing the crowd’s reactions and people going crazy drives us to continue pushing towards everything we want to be.”

The Happy Alright

“I think it’s really special that Dallas, Texas has this music festival. We get to watch some of our favorite bands play and then play ourselves,” said Mason Steeger from another Texas native band, The Happy Alright, that took the So What stage for the first time along with his bandmates.
“It’s cool and inspiring to be playing something as big as this and to experience it this way. It’s one thing just going to the festival, but it’s another thing to actually play it. I’m blown away that we’re even playing here,” Jonathan Ballew from The Happy Alright explained.

It’s cool and inspiring to be playing something as big as this and to experience it this way.

“What’s cool about this festival is that they book local acts and it’s a great opportunity for those bands to get to play to people that might not have seen them,” Sterling Gavinski said. “It’s awesome that the reason why these bands get picked is because the people that put on this fest notice that they work really hard.”
When asked what advice they’d give to those starting out and wanting to get involved in the festival, Gavinski said, “Work hard, be polite, and just do it. Those are the big three rules.”

Something More

“Honestly, it’s surreal to play here and play songs that we really feel passionate about, that represent who we are, and what we’re trying to do,” Tim Jagielski from the Baltimore, Maryland band Something More said after the band took the stage for the first time.
“Being here and being included in this festival to share our music with all these random people that have never heard of us before is just really mind-blowing. This has been the best weekend of our lives,” Nate Swartz expressed.
“This is one of those stepping-stone moments for us,” Phil Rasinski added.
It’s safe to say that this festival means a lot to not only the fans that attend, but to the artists that are a part of it. This is a look at So What Music Festival.

Read more Music news on ClicheMag.com
A Look At So What Music Festival: Photographed by Imani Givertz

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Interviews

The Maine talks ‘Lovely Little Lonely’ Album and Tour

by Friday, June 30, 2017

One of the best and well-crafted albums of 2017 so far dropped this April by one of our Cliché favorites, The Maine. Lovely Little Lonely, The Maine’s sixth full-length album, is infused with beautiful melodies and heart-stretching lyrics to follow. As if the album wasn’t good enough, the lovely five-piece band embarked on their headlining world tour this spring. We sat down with guitarist Jared Monaco to discuss the new record, the recording process, the Lovely Little Lonely Tour, and everything that makes it what it is.

 
Cliché: Can you elaborate on the writing process of Lovely Little Lonely? What was the inspiration behind your favorite lyrics on this record?
Jared Monaco: Over the years, our band has certainly gone through many changes, but one thing that remains the same is our process for writing songs. The only difference this time was the quality of our demos. We spent more time mapping everything out, and by the time we got to the studio, we had full skeletons for every single song. Usually we aren’t quite that prepared. I don’t write lyrics, so for me it’s hard to pick a specific line on the album. I really like the way “The Sound of Reverie” turned out.
What are some challenges you faced while making Lovely Little Lonely and what did you learn from them?
For this record, we rented a house in northern California, so we had to pack our entire studio into a box truck to move all the gear. The house was about three hours from the nearest music store, so we were really hoping everything arrived in one piece and turned on. Luckily, it was mostly fine, but the hard part was definitely turning a vacation house into a professional studio space. In the end, it was well worth it, but it took some creativity to get everything sounding the way we wanted it to.
How did this record stretch you guys individually and collectively?
For me, the goal was to have every single guitar track be absolutely necessary. I didn’t want to overdub things just because I could. The hardest part was to not overthink things. I’m a perfectionist so it’s hard for me to just step back and say, “Okay, it’s good. Move on.” For John, he wrote most of the vocal melodies without lyrics so it was certainly a battle trying to fit the right words to the melodies. In the end, it all came together, but there were certainly some days spent banging our heads on the wall.

How is this record different from any of your other records and how is it similar?
LLL has a very specific mood to it. I think that is one of the benefits of setting up a studio in a new place. We were taking in all of our surroundings and using them to augment the music we were making. The record flows from front to back, with tracks connecting to tracks and certain undertones carrying over. It’s the first time we took a step back and thought about how everything fits together as a whole. It’s similar to previous albums in the sense that we wrote it ourselves the way we write anything else. I think long-time fans will be able to hear our entire discography in some way through these songs.
What was it like for you guys when you heard the final songs for the first time?
That was a pretty big moment because when we finished recording in California, the vocals still weren’t finished. John had to fly out to Nashville to finish them so we were all at home waiting to hear the first rough mixes with vocals on them. The first time we heard them, we were all together at our manager Tim’s house. I was blown away. I have always trusted John and I think that’s why we work so well together, but after seeing him frustrated before Nashville, I was uncertain about which direction he was going to take the songs. I felt relieved, proud, and immediately optimistic when I heard the final mixes.
If there was one thing you could do differently, what would it be and why?
To be honest, for doing everything ourselves and seeing the results we did, I don’t have any regrets on this album. There was one song that didn’t make the album, but we didn’t cut it until pretty late in the process. I guess I wish we would have thrown it out sooner. Still, things happened how they did, and I’m happy with where we are now.

Visually, we have created quite a stage scene and I feel that it represents the mood of the new album quite well.

After creating music for so long, how do you keep a fresh mindset and attitude going into recording a new record?
Like I said, we have been using the idea of scenery to influence our mindset, so having something like AirBnB to find an amazing house to record in certainly helps. We were on the side of a cliff looking out at the Pacific Ocean every day. If you can’t feel fresh waking up to that every day, you’re probably doing something wrong.
How are you feeling about the LLL Tour?
So far, things have been amazing. Visually, we have created quite a stage scene and I feel that it represents the mood of the new album quite well.
What’s next?
We will be touring as much as possible this year. We’re just getting started, and like every other album we have released, the mantra is that we can sleep when we’re dead. Even though we plan on working as hard as possible, it’s important to take time to look back and see how far we have come. That kind of reflection usually happens after a really great show.
What has come out of that time of reflection?
We’ve been a band for over 10 years now. In that time, we have met so many amazing friends and fans and seen so many incredible places. To be here in 2017 releasing our sixth full length record is sometimes unbelievable. We wouldn’t have any of this if it weren’t for those who care so deeply about the music we are releasing. For that, we are eternally grateful.
What do you hope this album conveys for listeners?
I want listeners to attach their own meaning to these songs, but for me, it’s a nod to how sometimes being alone can be terrifying, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be a beautiful thing, too.

 Read more Music news on ClicheMag.com
The Maine talks ‘Lovely Little Lonely’ Album and Tour, Written and Photographed by Imani Givertz

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Music

JW Sargent Talks Debut EP, “In Retrograde”

by Tuesday, March 21, 2017

JW Sargent is aligning the stars and preparing to take 2017 full force. This month, we’re getting to know the alternative-indie singer-songwriter from Philadelphia a little better as he talks about his start in music, how his music helps him deal with issues he’s faced, and what’s to come this year. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out Sargent’s debut EP, In Retrograde, out now.

 
Cliché: Tell us about yourself. How does your personality reflect in your music?
JW Sargent: All of my songs come from a very personal place. I find myself trying to work through the issues that I’m facing in the songs that I write. Music helps me deal with a lot and as a result, each song is fairly representative of my life during the period in which it was written. For instance, “Run” was written during a really crazy time for me and is about me searching for simplicity in the face of chaos, while “Ghost” is about dealing with loss and the feeling that life is transient. Music has always been an incredible outlet for me and has really helped me make sense of a lot of things in my life.
How did you get your start in music? What sparked your love for it?
I fell in love with music when I was very young. My father was really into music and got me interested at a very early age, but he didn’t play any instruments, so he sort of lived vicariously through me. I got my first guitar and started taking lessons when I was 7 years old, started playing in my first band in 4th grade, and really never looked back. I owe all of that to my parents, specifically my father for getting me interested and involved so early on.
What is your songwriting process like?
Most of the time when I write music, I will start just kind of playing guitar with some ideas in mind. Sometimes I’m looking to write something upbeat, sometimes something more ambient, so I play around with different guitar parts and try to build out pieces of the song. Then I’ll start playing with different sounds and adding different layers. While I’m working on the music, I’ll hum some melodies and jot down any lyrics that come to mind, but typically that comes last in my workflow.
Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you deal with it?
Absolutely! Writer’s block is so real and one of the most frustrating things. Sometimes I’ll be super inspired and sketch out a song very quickly and other times I’ll try for hours and get nowhere. It’s easy to want to give up, delete what you’ve recorded, and just try again some other time, but for me, I always try to persevere. I forget who said it, but I heard somewhere that you have to write the bad songs to write the good songs, so I always try to keep that in mind. As a result, I have so many half-written songs that haven’t turned into anything yet, but I go back, I revise, and I keep moving. As long as you keep writing, writer’s block can’t hold you down forever.
How would you describe your sound?
It’s always tough to pin down, but I typically describe my music as guitar-driven indie music with some electronic elements. My influences are pretty diverse, but some have said my songs are somewhere in between Bon Iver and Brand New, which is definitely the coolest comparison that I’ve heard.
What has been the hardest thing so far in your music career?
Music is a really tough industry. In most cases, it is a labor of love; so much time and effort goes in, but often there is little yield. Every band has played shows where they have played to only the other bands and every musician has had to start over in some capacity, whether that be scrapping a song or leaving a band. For me, I don’t think there has been one specific catastrophic event in my career, but there has certainly been a series of peaks and valleys. When you put so much of yourself into your music, it’s really easy to get emotionally invested in what you’re doing, so I guess, for me, one of the hardest things about music is starting over.
What’s been the most rewarding thing so far?
I have had a ton of really incredible moments in my music career, but I think the top for me at this point would have to be releasing In Retrograde. It was my first solo release where I wrote and recorded everything on my own. I put so much time and energy into every detail of those songs, so to be able to listen to the finished product on Spotify and see the videos on YouTube is such an incredible feeling and absolutely worth all of the hard work that went into it.
Where would you like to see yourself this year and what are some things we can look forward to?
I definitely have a lot of plans and goals for this year. I am always writing and recording, so there will definitely be some new songs in the pipeline at some point. I also plan to start playing some shows, which I am really excited about. Outside of that, I’ve rearranged some cover songs and have been brainstorming some video ideas, so there’s lots to look forward to!
Read more Music news on ClicheMag.com
JW Sargent Talks Debut EP, “In Retrograde”. Photography by Jesse DeFlorio

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Interviews

So What?! It’s Mike Ziemer

by Monday, March 20, 2017

A successful entrepreneur of over a decade now, Mike Ziemer is one of the most popular concert promoters across the state of Texas and founder of one of the most anticipated music festivals in the U.S., So What?! Music Festival (formerly South by So What?!) in Dallas, Texas. He also runs an artist management company called Evolve Management and a record label called Third String Records.

Mike has been a man behind the scenes making huge waves in the music industry that we just had to know more about. As the festival is coming up on it’s 10 year anniversary this March, 2017, Mike gave us the inside scoop as to who he is and what he’s excited about most with what’s to come at So What?! Music Fest.
Cliché: So Mike, tell us about yourself. Who are you?
Mike Ziemer: Hello! My name is Mike Ziemer, I am the founder of So What?! Music Festival, Third String Records, Third String Productions, Evolve Music Management, and the IMI Conference!
How did you get your start in the music industry?
When I was in high school, I would review albums and interview bands and some friends of mine asked me to help manage them. One of the first things they needed was a show, so I booked a show and became a promoter!
What were/are some of the toughest parts about building a name for yourself in this industry?
When I started, I was in high school, so really just learning how to run a business with no real guidance or help. I did it all on my own so it was a lot of learning as I went and making mistakes.
What inspired you to start Third String Records?
Third String Records was originally started in 2005 but the two bands on the label broke up so I put it on hold … for a long time haha. I just wanted to help out this band Dear You I was managing and then it grew from there.
What has been the highlight of that career path?
Being on the cover of Businessweek at the age of 20 was pretty insane.
Tell us about So What Music Festival. How did that come to be and how long has it been going on?
Every March was our anniversary show and coming into our four year anniversary, my graphic designer joked, “You should just call it South By So What?! since none of these kids go to SXSW.” So we did. And it’s about to celebrate its 10th year. We have since changed the name to help establish our own identity.

Photos by Imani Givertz
What has been your vision and mission behind the festival?
Honestly I was just trying to fit as many cool bands as possible onto one show with four stages haha. There was never really a vision or goal other than to have fun and pay the bills. Now it’s to bring the brand to other markets!
What’s it like to run a music festival?
It’s the most stressful, but fun thing I’ve ever done in my life. Sort of like willing to go completely broke to put an event together that people may or may not care about. It’s fun, it’s great, there’s just so many things that COULD go wrong. I don’t sleep much around festival time.
Did you encounter any similar challenges starting the music festival that you encountered starting the record label?
The biggest challenge has been bouncing back from losing money on ideas we believed in that didn’t go as planned. We have lost a lot of money and had to figure out how to keep going. But every successful person has gone through that.
What has been the most memorable moment so far about So What Music Festival for you?
When Taking Back Sunday and The Used played. They were on a tour together in 2002 and it was one of my first real concerts and to have it all come full circle and book them was amazing.
What are you looking forward to at this year’s So What Music Festival?
Hip-Hop! I am so stoked to mix genres and bring new styles to our festival that we haven’t had before.
How has your career impacted your life?
I don’t really have a life outside of my career. My career is my life. It has to be. When you love what you do as much as I do and want to be great, your life is your career.
Are there any other things you would like to do in addition to So What Music Festival and Third String?
I want to eventually be able to invest in other small businesses and help people grow their dreams while being able to venture into things besides just music.
If you were to meet yourself when you were just starting out, what advice would you give yourself?
I would just remind myself that it’s important to always have fun and to not take myself too seriously. Also, to just ignore “haters” because they aren’t supporting you anyway so they don’t deserve your attention.
Read more about Music at ClicheMag.com
So What?! It’s Mike Ziemer. Cover photo by Casey Lee

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Music

How Civil Youth Plan On Taking Over 2017

by Friday, January 6, 2017

I love surprises and the feeling of pure joy that dances in the pit of your stomach when you’re being pleasantly surprised, and let me tell you, I was amazed after discovering the Philly trio that is Civil Youth. From their offstage brotherhood to their onstage unity, together they are, without a doubt, going to be some of the biggest rising stars of 2017.

With their energy on stage and soul-driven and captivating lyrics, Civil Youth is about to shake up this next year, and once you hear them, you won’t want to miss out on anything that they are doing. We caught up with the Civil Youth guys at their show in Orlando, FL on their Behind The Echoes Tour and got to know them a little better.
Cliché: Tell us about yourselves. Who are the artists behind Civil Youth?
Michael Kepko: Civil Youth is Michael Kepko (vocals), Daniel Chapman (guitar), and Evan Seeberger (drums).
How did you form your band?
Civil Youth formed in Boston, Massachusetts by myself and then I brought the music and idea back down to Philly when it didn’t pan out up there. I had known Dan since high school, and Evan had produced the second album. We all knew what this band was about. We all understood what we were trying to do and didn’t want another option in life other than music.
How would you describe your sound to people that have yet to hear your music?
We can be described as Alternative. We grab so much from so many genres, I think that sums it up in a vague manner.
How has your sound developed since you started?
In the beginning, the music was undeveloped. Now, we are a lot heavier, and also more defined with the genres we strive towards.
Your live set is pretty epic. What is the thought process behind how you create such an experience for fans?
People have told us we have an energetic set, which is great to hear because when we play live, it’s our way of releasing stress. It lets us be the people we are comfortable being, so when we get up, we just give it all we have. I think people can relate to the honesty behind what we do, which is what we want.
You guys have been worked on your new album this past year. What was the writing process like for you guys?
The writing process for this newest album was different than what it always has been. This time, Evan wrote a lot of the music with me, and we had a lot of defined writing moments as opposed to sporadic thought.
Do you all play a part in writing the lyrics, or does each member have his own specific role?
I write all the lyrics and music except with the newest album, where Evan wrote half the music.
What should we be most excited about when it comes to your new album?
I think the best part of this album is that it truly is the sound of Civil Youth. It’s unique yet so catchy.
In 2017, what are some goals you have set individually and collectively as a band?
Our personal lives are really this band, so the goals for the band are getting onto a booking agent’s roster and touring with some big bands.
Where would you like to tour this upcoming year?
The UK, hands down.

Read more Music News on ClicheMag.com
How Civil Youth Plan On Taking Over 2017: Photographed by Imani Givertz

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Music

Photo Gallery: Brand New Live in Miami, FL

by Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Braving the way for harmonious melodies and chilling lyrics since 2000, Brand New is one band that we will always thank for giving us songs for every emotion. There is nothing that can properly articulate the feeling and rawness of a Brand New show; from the creative elements to the perfect lighting, it is an experience you need to have at least once in your life.

 
With that being said, we recommend that you see them on their next tour this year. We don’t know for certain, but the last thing we saw before the end of their show was 2000 – 2018, and we have a feeling that it could be your last chance to see them (though we all hope they stay together forever). Here is a photo gallery and a small glimpse of Brand New’s massive show in Miami, FL this past summer.
Keep up to date with news from Brand New at fightoffyourdemons.com

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Photo Gallery: Brand New Live in Miami, FL: Photographed by Imani Givertz

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Music

Why The 1975 Was the Most Creative Band of 2016

by Tuesday, December 27, 2016

It’s not a joke when we say that The 1975 took over 2016. It all started back in June 2015 when they almost broke the Internet and fan’s hearts by deleting their social media accounts, causing everyone to break out into speculations that the musical geniuses were calling it quits. Luckily, our hearts only hit snooze for 24 hours when the band reactivated their social media, replacing their iconic Black and White photos to White and Pink. It was only up from there.

The band released their singles “Love Me” and “UGH” before the end of the year. 2016 looked promising when they released three more singles before the release of the anticipated new album. “The Sound,” “Somebody Else,” and “A Change Of Heart” were on playlists around the world before their second full-length album I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it dropped in February.
From there, the touring continued, and the frenzy for The 1975 went rapid. The band sold out almost every show around the world, and it wasn’t just because of their soul-gripping lyrics or their one-of-kind sound, but their impeccable creative set. From their LED screens to the lights, The 1975 created an environment for everyone to not only be wooed through their ears, but through their eyes.
We don’t doubt that they’ll only continue to top their creativity in 2017, and we know we don’t want to miss it. Shows are already selling out fast, so get your tickets pronto. Here is a photo gallery from one of The 1975’s legendary concerts in Miami, FL.


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Why The 1975 Was the Most Creative Band of 2016: Photographed by Imani Givertz

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Music

Hands Like Houses photographed at The Kelsey Theater in Lake Park, FL

by Friday, December 2, 2016

There’s no doubt that after anyone experiences a set as energetic, interactive, and as expressive as Hands Like Houses’, they will be listening to their entire discography on repeat trying to relive those moments over and over again.

Hailing from Canberra, Australia, HLH co-headlined their way to South Florida with Our Last Night, The Color Morale, and Out Came The Wolves this November on the Face To Face Tour.
They gave everything they had and poured out their souls to a standing room full of fans that received them so well and poured out their hearts right back by singing along to every song at the top of their lungs.  
These are moments that I am honored to capture. This is a photo gallery from Hands Like Houses on the Face To Face Tour at The Kelsey Theater in Lake Park, FL.

Hands Like Houses photographed at The Kelsey Theater in Lake Park, FL 11.12.16
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