Hanging On Sunset

Hey, what's up folks? Welcome to another episode of my podcast. I'm your host, Vincent Jacob, and today we're coming to you from the heart of LA, where I had the chance to sit down with the guys from Theory of a Deadman backstage at one of my favorite venues… The Wiltern. These rockers from the Great White North have been doing their thing since 2001, and let me tell you, they've still got it! With 7 albums under their belt and a brand new one called 'Dinosaur', they're out here killing the game on their tour with Skillet and Saint Asonia.

During our conversation, we talked about everything from their latest album to their end-of-the-world survival plans. We even touched on their rewrite of 'Just the Two of Us', which let's just say, involves a certain virus we've all been dealing with. 

These guys are as cool as they come and had me laughing throughout the interview, all while still managing to show their passion for their craft. I mean, seriously, these guys could be out playing golf, but instead, they're out here rocking it out like champs.

We also dug into their collaborations with legends like Alice Cooper and their experience playing the 'Dancing Queen' piano at ABBA's studio in Stockholm. And of course, we had to talk about the 'Rock Resurrection' tour and whether rock music is really dead or alive and kicking.

But don't just take my word for it, stick around and listen to the full interview. I promise, it's a good one! And after our chat, my boy Julien and I caught the last show of their tour, and it was properly insane! These guys really know how to put on a show and left everything on that stage.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive into my conversation with Tyler, Dave, Dean, and Joey from Theory of a Deadman, right here on the Hanging on Sunset Podcast.

As always, hit us up at [email protected] or slide into our DMs on Instagram @HangingOnSunset. Let's get this party started!

It's time to get deep and talk music with another incredible artist. Today we have Ben Grey, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the LA-based indie rock band Dear Boy, joining us for a special episode of Hanging On Sunset.

Dear Boy has been making waves in the indie music scene since their formation in 2011, with their dreamy, anthemic sound and influences from post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock. They've released several EPs and one full-length album, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following along the way.

In this episode, Ben takes us on a journey through the band's story, from their early days to their latest release, "Forever Sometimes." We'll dive into the creative process behind their music, the challenges they've faced as a band, and what's next for Dear Boy.

But this conversation went even deeper than just the music. Ben and I explored some philosophical subjects, discussing the meaning of life, the nature of creativity, and the importance of human connection. It was a conversation that went on for nearly 2 hours, and I was blown away by Ben's insights.

Also, quick heads up for all you music lovers out there. Tomorrow night at Genghis Cohen, Ben Grey, lead vocalist and guitarist of Dear Boy, will be performing as a solo act. And let me tell you, you won't want to miss it. Not only is Ben a fantastic musician in his own right, but he's also opening for the incredible Scout Gillett, who we had the pleasure of interviewing on our podcast in our last episode.

So if you're looking for a night of great music, be sure to head over to Genghis Cohen tomorrow night and catch Ben's solo performance and Scout's amazing set. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Now sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable episode of Hanging On Sunset with Ben Grey of Dear Boy.

If you're looking for a singer who isn't afraid to be raw, honest, and unapologetic in their music, then you need to know about Scout Gillett. I got to watch her perform solo at the Zebulon towards the end of last year, and I was moved to tears. That doesn't happen a lot those days for me.

Her latest album, "No Roof No Floor", is a testament to her journey as an artist and a singer. "When I'm recording a song, it's crucial for me to have a personal connection to it." Scout says. "I want to deliver an authentic performance, one that comes straight from the heart." This approach is evident in every track on the album, which showcases her powerful voice and emotional depth.

But Scout isn't just about the music – she's also dedicated to making a positive impact on her community. As someone who has been trained in NARCAN, a program that provides education and resources to help people respond to opioid overdoses, Scout sees this as an opportunity to give back and make a difference.

Tour life is where Scout truly shines, and she loves the energy and excitement of live audiences. "There's something magical about sharing your music with a live audience" she says. "It's a connection that can't be replicated." If you're in LA, you'll be able to witness that with your own soul because Scout is back on March 21st, on a very interesting bill put on by Sid The Cat, the best booker in town. Plus, she will be sharing the stage with Ben Grey, the leader of Dear Boy, who appears to be the next guest on our couch.

https://scoutgillettmusic.bandcamp.com/

https://capturedtracks.com/artist/scout-gillett/

- Vincent Walter Jacob

If you're an independent musician or just someone who's been wondering how to break into the music biz, buckle up because this episode is for you. It's like a roadmap to the industry!

We had the pleasure of speaking with Gulce Turek, a Marketing Manager at Fantasy Records, a well-established independent record label. And let me tell you, she's been around the block a few times. She shared her journey of discovering her passion for music through live music and ethno-musicology back in Turkey where she's from, and how she went on to become a label coordinator and marketing manager for Fantasy Records in Los Angeles.

Gulce highlighted the importance of passion and dedication in the music industry, because let's face it, it's not for the faint of heart or the lazy. And she emphasized that having a clear understanding of the industry and a willingness to learn and adapt are also crucial for success. Think of it like trying to navigate a city without a map, but with way more traffic and construction.

One of the best things about Gulce is that she's not just passionate about her job, but also about the artists she works with. She truly believes in the talent of the artists she represents, just like Rachel Bobbitt (that we'll hear at the end of the episode), or like Bailen, to name a few.

We also delved into the ever-changing music scene and the role of digital marketing in today's world. Gulce shared her journey from intern to industry veteran and offered valuable insights and practical advice for those looking to break into the music industry and trust me, Gulce has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share!

If navigating the industry feels like trying to find a needle in a haystack for you, well join us as we explore the world of music and the business behind it!

https://fantasyrecordings.com/

More about Gulce:

https://www.instagram.com/gulceturek/?hl=en

https://www.lifoti.com/2022/12/the-success-story-of-gulce-turek-senior.html

https://medium.com/@MiliWIM/interview-with-gulce-turek-label-coordinator-at-fantasy-records-concord-music-63c15f043d43

- Vincent Walter Jacob

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Janie Hendrix, the sister of the legendary musician Jimi Hendrix. And let me tell you, if you thought Zoom interviews were tough, try conducting one with a connection that keeps dropping like a rollercoaster. This was one of the shortest interviews I've had, and it's not because Janie wasn't a great interviewee - trust me, she was fantastic - it's just that the connection kept breaking and it was a tedious task to try to go in depth.

Listening to the interview now, it seems all over the place, but hey, what are you gonna do? That's just the way it is. Despite the technical issues, it's still a fascinating glimpse into the short life of a genius guitar player. Janie shared with me her insights on Jimi's life and career, including her own experiences seeing him perform and the process of putting together a book on his life. 

We talked about the book, which is a coffee table affair featuring high quality reproductions of pictures and other memorabilia from Jimi's life and career. It includes rare and previously unseen material, like childhood drawings and handwritten lyrics, as well as stuff borrowed from collectors. The book chronicles Jimi's life and career in a comprehensive and chronological way, making it a must-have for any Hendrix fan or anyone interested in music history. It's a high quality product, with a heavy weight and beautiful reproductions of the pictures, and I have a feeling it's gonna be a hot item for collectors.

We also talked about Johnny Hallyday, the French rock star, and I was really interested to discover in the book that Johnny had something to do with Jimi's rise to fame. As a French person myself, I was fascinated to learn that it was actually Johnny who first hired Jimi on a tour in Europe. And it was because of this tour that they built the Jimi Hendrix Experience band around him!

Now, I'll be honest with you, I usually prefer in-person interviews because they allow for a deeper and more personal connection. But even though this interview was over Zoom and had all the technical finesse of a drunk giraffe, I have to say it was a real honor to speak with Janie on the occasion of her brother's 80th birthday. And let me tell you, this book she's releasing for the occasion is gonna be a must-have for any Hendrix fan. Don't sleep on it.

If you want to get in touch with us, you can find us on Instagram at @hangingonsunset or via email at [email protected]. Here's to a great new year, and all the possibilities it brings!

Let’s do the show!

During a flight from Paris the other day, my friend David, who is also the owner of our new label Team Nowhere, listened to the podcast. When he landed, he called me and said, "I have figured out what you are doing with the podcast". Curious, I inquired, “What is it that I am doing?".

With his usual wit, he replied, "This is not just an interview, it's a rock n' roll psychoanalysis!".

In retrospect, I think he's right. As an interviewer, I'm always interested in the musical journeys of the artists I speak with. However, I'm also curious about our histories as artists because I think there's a link between personal history and art. The way I see it, art is a chemical reaction that is formed by our upbringing, our environments (private and public) as well as the things that happen in the world. By asking my interviewees their personal stories, I try to unearth what led to their art. My experience has shown that it begins even before they are born more often than not.

Cosmo Gold traces its lineage back to Emily Gold's grandparents. Her grandmother was singer Marni Nixon, who famously dubbed Natalie Wood's singing parts in West Side Story and Audrey Hepburn's in My Fair Lady. Her grandfather, Ernest Gold, was an Austrian-born composer who won an Academy Award for his work on the movie Exodus. That's quite a musical heritage!

In Emily's case, her music is even more closely tied to her dad's, Andrew Gold's. He was not only a talented musician but also a passionate UFOlogist, which, as we'll see, had a significant impact on the music of Cosmo Gold. As well as making music for himself, such as the recently resurrected viral mega-hit "Spooky Scary Skeletons," Andrew Gold has contributed to the hits of others like Linda Ronstadt.

Cosmo Gold embraces Andrew's musical freedom and sci-fi appetite. A pop space odyssey, Krong, their debut album, is a concept album about a friendly alien who abducted the band and taught them the secret to a peaceful civilization. The band is grateful to Krong for teaching them the virtue of doubt. In a world of self-confidence, entitlement, and where feelings take the place of facts, it seems wise indeed.

Aside from the beautiful message and homage found in Krong, there is also a real sense of musicianship. Krong's arrangements show the band's skill and maestria. Compare the stripped down live version of Krong they taped in our studio with the album version, and you'll see what I mean.

Founded in 2019, Cosmo Gold is an LA-based alt-pop band featuring Emily Gold (vocals, guitar, synth, keys), Mike Deluccia (drums, synth, keys, guitar), and Stephen Burns (bass, guitar, vocals).

You can fly to Krong on any platform of your choice and escape our world.

https://www.instagram.com/cosmogold4real/?hl=en

https://linktr.ee/cosmogold

Call Krong: 📞 1-510-90-𝗞𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚📞

- Vincent Walter Jacob

Baba Jenkins label their music as "Gumbo". The culinary term Gumbo describes a type of soup or stew that originates in the southern United States. It's basically a blend of flavors, which is exactly what Baba Jenkins music is. Alternative, Classic Rock, Blues, old time RnB are all mixed together to create a soul infused dish.

We met Rone (vocals) and Guy (guitar), and we talked about their musical journey, how they formed during the pandemic with the help of Bandmix, a service that connects musicians, and how they evolved into that incredible group with live brass.

Baba Jenkins are not newcomers to the scene. Individually, they've been through a lot, they've even touched the sky, like when Rone was offered a 100k deal ten years ago. But he didn't sign the deal because the label wanted to keep all the rights... After that experience, he basically gave up music.

It wasn't until Guy found his Bandmix profile that Rone even considered starting music again. Rone was initially hesitant to meet with Guy about strategizing a new band, but he was eventually convinced by Guy's enthusiasm. And that's where the magic happened. At that first meeting, they had already written an entire song... The rest is history. Rone regained his passion and joined forces with Guy to form Baba Jenkins. Along the way, they found seasoned musicians to share their new dream: Ekko & Skooter.

www.babajenkins.com

- Vincent Walter Jacob

Hi Sunset people. Or should I call you Sunseters? Sunseties? I think it’s time I find you a name. You know, like the Swifties for Taylor Swift, or like the Avocados for Billie Eilish.

I think you deserve a name. Some of you have been listening to me for 2 years now and I think you deserved to be addressed properly. Maybe we should do a poll and see what you like. Right now, I’ll just call you “My little Sunsets”. Isn’t it cute? All right, my little Sunsets, today we have Julia Laws aka Ronboy on the show. I’m going to say it clearly. Ronboy is my favorite artist of the year. I got to thank Atta Boy for the discovery because it was through them that I first heard of Ronboy. Her debut album Pity To Love just got out, she packed Gold Diggers for her release party and now she’s here, on Hanging On Sunset. Ronboy music is like a blanket, it’s a perfect soundtrack when you need a little comfort in your life. And we all do right now it seems. Not just because the weather is chilling. But you know, for everything crazy that’s happening in our world. Midterms are coming and what I read in the news is not making me serene. It seems MAGA people are everywhere those days, entering every branch of the government. Hard to believe, hard to process. The war in Europe is also a good reason for not being so chill right now either. A Nuclear apocalypse on the horizon? Damn it, it's a really spooky season. I’m not going to list everything that makes me lose my mind at the moment, there’s too many. But if you’re like me and you need a safe place to release all that tension, I recommend you to listen to Ronboy. And not only, her music is beautiful and haunting, but Julia is smart, accessible and just a great person in general. I had a great time talking to her about her musical journey, her musical approach and life in general. Plus, she gratified us with an absolute tear jerking rendition of “Your Way” for Hanging On Sunset TV. If you haven’t watched it, please go to our Youtube channel, on our Instagram or on our website www.hangingonsunset.com.

Ronboy will be performing at Genghis Cohen on November 18th. Don’t miss it.

https://www.instagram.com/ronboymusic/?hl=en

https://ronboymusic.com/

I’m not gonna lie, I’m not a huge fan of pop music. That said, I must admit I'm not totally immune to the genre. I've been spotted dancing to Taylor Swift occasionally. Over the summer, I might (according to unreliable witnesses) have sang Britney's Baby One More Time at the karaoke. In my world, pop is okay with when booze is involved (with moderation, of course). Okay, I won't usually blast N'Sync or One Direction in my car or listen to that kind of stuff alone; that's the line I won't cross, trust me.  Yet, this week, we delve into Pop territory. I know, I'm always ranting about Rock n' roll but trust me on this one, because we're not far away from that world. And it's actually way more punk that you might think.

You see, Kit Major, the artist I got this week on Hanging On Sunset, piqued my curiosity when she said she mixes Sonic Youth and Britney Spears. To some ears, that's demonic, that's even a blasphemy against the rock culture. But in a way,  it's also very liberating to sabotage the sometimes snobbish mindset of the so-called 'true' music lovers. Kit Major literally explodes the norms of music by blending things that didn't blend before. Anyway, that's how music always evolve. There wouldn't be no Elvis if it wasn't for the blending of Gospel, Rhythm N' Blues and Country.

Purists will cringe. But as soon as the concept of purity is involved, I'm out! Who wants to be that guy? Not me! So, I invited Kit to the show and I have to say, her love for Britney is equal to that of Green Day, Lady Gaga, and David Bowie. As most people in the new generation, she doesn't care and doesn't apologize for mixing those things. That's pretty punk, in my opinion. That's right, Boomer!

Kit's just released God Complex, and she also gratified us with a live acoustic version of Rot Ur Mind, since, yes, we're launching HOS TV!

Kit honoured us by debuting this new video format. From now on, you'll get to discover the artists we put in the spotlight not only in interview, but also live! If you don't have time to watch the live version on YouTube, we also put it at the end of the podcast so you get a double dose of Kit Major today. Don't you think it's nice?

- Vincent Walter Jacob

Atta Boy are a bit of an anomaly. Everything they do goes against the rules of the data-driven, social media age we live in. They don't post constantly on social platforms, they don't tour, they don't release a new song every six weeks. In fact, they didn't even promote their first album when it came out in 2012. Basically, they put out Out Of Sorts on Spotify, disappeared, and didn't release new music for about 8 years.

Yet, they have a loyal fan base that has grown over the years. Major media outlets like The Fader and American Songwriter have praised them. They've cracked the system, haven't they? What’s the hack? There are a lot of indie bands who would love to know their secret.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the trick is quite simple. Make great music! This is what Atta Boy did, and it was sufficient to grow organically. Nevertheless, they also had some luck in the process. Jenny Slate, the actress (remember Marcel The Shell With Shoes On?) put some Atta Boy on her playlist and shared it with her community. One influencer exposed Atta Boy's music to her fans, and then the ball started rolling.

Another trick from Atta Boy is the fact that they’re honest and smart. They approach music in a way that serves the songs. Their songs aren't overproduced, they record mostly live without a click, and they carefully arrange them around Eden's voice and lyrics. Atta Boy's stripped-down approach leaves room for our emotions to collide with the stories they tell. The last single Deep Sea Ladder is an example of a beautiful build up.

I’m not going to lie, my first thought when I listened to Crab Park, their newest record, was that it was a very inoffensive yet cozy world of teen romance and friendship. It felt like watching Riverdale. But soon enough, the polish began to crackle. There is something darker lurking beneath the surface of the album. The song Alex, which addresses a very difficult subject, might be the climax of this musical and confessional journey. Because drugs were involved, the narrator does not know whether she was raped. Although it appears she might actually know deep inside of her, the song perfectly captures the confusion, guilt, fear, disgust, and self-doubt that someone in that position might feel, among other emotions. “Alex, I took the train 3/4 awake While gathering pieces of whether or not I took my own clothes off last night” “And I wish that I could remember if I had a say While my body was moving, my mind was hiding away” - Alex, Atta Boy

Freddy (Guitar) told me that “Every album is an exact snapshot of what we're thinking and feeling when it's coming out.” Crab Park is an album that not only captures that but also the spirit of the times. Although it's not exactly a straightforward political record, social issues are definitely present. And if you thought, like I did, that Atta Boy was just a cute little band, you’re wrong. Atta Boy is not disconnected from the world. “During 2020, when our singles were coming out, the world was shutting down. A lot of people were struggling to make money, a lot of people were struggling to feed their children. And after the murder of George Floyd, we felt kind of in a weird place, putting out music, like asking for attention and taking away from things that seem that they could change the world for a better place.” - Freddy (Guitar).

Atta Boy wanted to use their voice to help people in need and they decided to give their Bandcamp profits to different charities and activist movements like No Kid Hungry, The Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Know Your Rights Camp, ACLU, and Movement for Black Lives.

- Vincent Walter Jacob

ATTA BOY THIRD STUDIO ALBUM “CRAB PARK” DUE OUT OCTOBER 21