Youngster Year

Orange County’s own DIY band The Hashi are continuously staying busy, and in the best way possible. With a constant drive for learning and honing, the trio are a perfect representation of the supportive and tight-knit musical community from which they hail—a scene built on mutual support and a simple love of making music.

Catch The Hashi at any of their upcoming September / October shows in the Orange County area, and stay tuned for their new music coming soon!

Is Teen Mortgage punk? Well, yes and no. Punk is in the eye of the beholder, and the spirit of the band is more about playing their music than fussing over labels anyway, which just feels right. Ed and James have been making music in the DC area for years, but Teen Mortgage is from everywhere, and their reach is just as wide.

The new single from Teen Mortgage, “Tuning In,” is out everywhere on August 26th, and be sure to go see them out on tour playing in a town near you!  

Hugest of thanks to Ed and James for the enlightening discussion.

Originally aired on Behind the Vinyl.

Each time Tijuana Panthers release a new record, they often hear that same familiar statement: “this is your best record yet.” Many bands might hear this and feel as though they have arrived, while others use it as motivation to continue to outperform themselves. But Chad, Phil, and Dan seem unbothered by the phrase, perhaps from hearing it directed toward nearly every release. Now in their forties, the band members have day jobs, families, and/or additional musical projects—all factors that might inhibit growth for some, but that have allowed this band to live on in its purest form, and presumably for many years to come. Aptly named, their latest release, Halfway to Eighty, takes on challenging themes of time and reflection, and although the album’s core found its way to the surface inadvertently, such is the nature of Tijuana Panthers: a band that is so established, its creative fire is best sparked without intention.

One of the many fantastic bands to come out of Australia’s famous Byron Bay, the boys in Flying Machine have set themselves apart with their driven yet easy-going style, and an eclectic flavor that by definition, cannot possibly be replicated. Their passionate and open approach toward the music they create is accompanied by an understanding of the necessity of community in their field. With a tried and true cycle for music production, Chris and Gory certainly don't plan on stopping anytime soon, because the journey is the very best part of it all.  

Check out Flying Machine's latest album, Angels, and keep an eye out for a single coming out soon, an entirely new album later in the year, and as many shows as the band can manage.  

Huge thanks to Chris and Gory for the great discussion!

“Driven” is the first word that comes to mind when describing Mario’s approach to his music—in a sense, he must continue to create in order to stay sane. A true veteran of the DIY scene, MC has taken his talents to LA, where he will continue to innovate alongside likeminded artists who similarly stop at nothing to keep making music. This Middle American might be moving out west, but he isn’t going anywhere—so sit down, buckle up, and enjoy the ride while you can.  

“Punch Drunk” is the first single from his second solo album, Middle American, and is available now to stream everywhere, along with its accompanying self-produced music video. Also, stay tuned for the new album, a cinematic video of the title track, one final release from his short-lived yet explosive band, DuPage, and many more live shows.  

A very big thanks to Mario for another great interview!

Originally aired on Behind the Vinyl.

Joel has been involved in music quite literally his entire life, whether it’s been booking local shows, managing his best friends’ bands, or writing his own music and performing it with his friends. His approach to the world of music is a special one—in his mind, music is far too important to be left playing in the background and forgotten about. It deserves our full attention, and an intentional approach. Similarly to how he uses his visual art, music is Joel’s way of journaling, and cataloging the most important moments in his life. “Kingo” is his latest series of reflections and experimentations, and should be embraced for the first time with an open mind. Although the album was written entirely by him, this project and his life in music could not have been made possible without his large group of close friends—he is sure to express the privilege of spending his days living, working, and creating with his favorite people in the world, and what could be better than that?

One listen to the artful chaos of No Lungs yields an immediate assumption that there surely must be a group of talented musicians behind all that studio energy, but in reality, it's just one guy. Austin Cooper's recording project represents the true definition of DIY, and the chance to see him and the boys out on the road is truly something special.

Their recent tour was cut short, but the spirit of No Lungs lives on, and although the band might be dead, we certainly have not seen the last of them. Rest assured there will be good news from Austin and No Lungs in no time at all!

Huge thanks to Austin for the great discussion!

Originally aired on the Behind the Vinyl Podcast

Tacoma's finest: Enumclaw, are "kings of self promotion." Their debut EP, Jimbo Demo, has barely been out for a year, but they're already known across the nation, garnering positive reviews from KEXP, Pitchfork, and the like. Their list of achievements goes on, but their charm both on and off the stage speaks for itself.  

After a nation-wide tour and several local gigs, they're heading back out again with Naked Giants in February and March, with more exciting news to follow--new music, merch, and MORE touring on the way!  

A very special thanks to Ladaniel, Nathan, and Eli for the great discussion, and managers Benji and Drew for helping set this one up!

Originally aired on the Behind the Vinyl Podcast.

A night drive can be anything you want it to be, from a moment of silent reflection to a loud night out with great music and better friends. And just like the title of the band's new album, the appeal of VHS Collection is universal: however you receive their music, you're doing it right. One discussion with guitarist Conor Cook reveals an immediate passion for music - the same drive shared by all three members, and the driving force behind the band's continuous success. We recommend listening to the new Night Drive in the car after dark for the full effect, but no matter where or when you listen, VHS Collection will always have your back!