This month we bring you reviews on Adele, Sunday Lane, Afterlife Parade, and Bayside.
It's almost spring! I could not be happier, very ready to thaw out up here. I am guessing all of you that are college students are probably getting ready for Spring Break as well. Well I won't be on Spring Break obviously, but I hope everyone has a good time and remembers to spread the word about Lemonade Magazine while dancing, getting drunk or making videos that you will regret in a few years.
Sticking with the spring theme, I am pretty stoked to bring you a new artist by the name of Sunday Lane this month. Her new EP Bring Me Sunshine, is the perfect way to ring in the spring in my opinion and I hope you enjoy my interview with her in this issue.
I have a good feeling about 2011, I just got done watching the Oscars and I have to say it's the first year I have been happy to see any of the favorites win. I enjoyed Black Swan, 127 Hours, The King's Speech, The Fighter and The Social Network all almost equally, which is more than can be said for most years. I keep hearing some of the most amazing music showing up as well, both indie and mainstream, so it all totally gives me hope for entertainment in 2011. I am so excited to see and hear more.
Well anyway I hope everyone made it through the winter ok and hopefully everyone will be warming up soon. Remember that we love to hear from you guys, so send us your compliments, opnions, questions or just say "Hi" or "Fuck You"....Cee Lo Green style.
Enjoy this issue and tell your friends!
-Brandon
Jerking Around
Rose Pendleton, actress and owner of I'm A Jerk Industries answers some of our questions...all for you.
First tell us a little bit about yourself, you're still young, yet your work comes off very confident as if you've been planning this for years. At what age did you start planning all of this?
I started making movies with my friends and family when I was thirteen and was determined to make it as a film director. I wasn't really into acting at the time but I had done some theatrical plays and in the 8th grade I was offered a role in a national TV commercial. In 2001, I did my first professional photo shoot but didn't really do anything until 2005. So I guess during the years of school I spent planning everything. I wrote
scripts during class, I made movies with my friends until I was about sixteen. Finally after high school I turned eighteen and headed out to Hollywood. In January 2006 I was cast in three different productions all in the same month.
The clothing line came later, acting roles are sometimes hard to come by, so I did some modelling in between but somewhere in all that I wanted more. I studied computer graphics on my own for some time during 2004-present and began to design for a line. I have a motto of wanting to try everything before I die. I spent almost a year thinking of the perfect name and coming up with designs. It launched in June of 2009 but after almost two years I took everything down. I wanted to give my line a new look, a new prescene. I didn't like anything I was putting out anymore and what's the point of
that? So I put a stop to it to reinvent myself. I really love my line now, I can't wait to launch the Spring line.
A few of the pieces in your line at I'm a Jerk Industries feature the saying "I believe in ghosts". What is the story behind that?
Yeah there are three, the tank top, the tote bag and the pin. I'm not sure if it will stay that way. The Spring collection is a bit mixed, I started working on it last Summer and it was supposed to be a "Halloween" surprise collection consisting of designs like "I believe in ghosts", aliens, monsters etc. but the screen printer went to Reno spur of the moment for
almost two months leaving me to make a decision of having them printed by a printer rather than doing it myself. Without his help the collection is taking longer but the designs keep changing and not all of the Halloween designs made the collection. It really shaped out summery, I love it.
Sometimes it seems like the fashion world operates on a cycle. For a while 50's inspired looks are in, than 60's, than 70's and so on. What are your thoughts on trends lately and what do you foresee for 2011?
Honestly I've been seeing a lot of the same things everywhere and it sucks because I'm not really into some of the styles right now. I do love feathers and glitter especially wild looks but I rarely dress up. I see the style changing in 2011 into something else but I haven't quite figured out what it is yet, you are right though fashion is on a cycle so be
prepared for a change very soon. It's kind of cool to think about the future and 50 years from now people will maybe look back on our generation and try to dress like us.
You are an actress as well right? Tell us a little more about your acting career.
I started acting at the age of 4 in theatrical plays after graduating high school I was cast in my first feature film called Zombies Ate My Prom Date which has finally hit the film festival circuit. I've done a few feature films, a lot of short/student films, some music videos from my favourite bands including Fall Out Boy and even a Cold Case episode.
I just finished two music videos in the past two months one for artist Lakotah's Falling and the single for the artist Hunnit Proof. My upcoming feature film Weekend will be released this year and I begin filming Movin' On in Sacramento this March/April.
Movin' On tells the story of a guy who is dumped by his girlfriend and he meets a girl named Tobi (I play Tobi).
Who do you look up to or who inspires you the most as a young entrepreneur?
Pete Wentz. I like the way all of his companies reflect him.
Your magazine which is named after your company features some of our favorite artists here at Lemonade such as Automatic Loveletter who definitely have a fashion sense that stands out. How much does music inspire you and your work?
Music is my life. I eat, sleep and breathe music. A lot of the symbols I use in my work are references to my favourite bands including my companies logo. I'm A Jerk is based around music.
Who's style are you a fan of the most right now?
Style-Icon wise, I really love Ke$ha. I'm mostly into tights over high waisted skirts with tucked in tank tops & flats right now. Spring also means dresses for me. Lots of pastel colours, floral designs, jewelry/accessories... this is making me want to go shopping. I have my girly moments. I'll pretty much be wearing this every day this Spring.
Since it is coming up soon, what does something like fashion week in L.A. mean to someone like you?
Fashion week is a lot of fun for me, but it can get busy. Last Spring L.A. Fashion Week I actually had stuff planned and did some events with my line. I got to work with Kel Mitchell from Kenan and Kel which was really cool. This year I don't have any plans with my line as of right now because I technically won't have a full collection by LA Fashion Week but I am attending some events. We'll see if anything else happens.
Is there anything else we should know about you and I'm a Jerk Industries?
The readers of Lemonade Magazine get 15% off when the use the code "Lemonade" at www.imajerkindustries.com until March 28th 2011.
by Brandon Lemons
As her twitter profile states, Sunday was actually born on a Wednesday and for some reason that fits her just perfect. The same could be said for her music, sure you can pick out the subtle influences from other artists, but Sunday is really just Sunday and that is more than perfect.
The Malibu by way of Tulsa singer just released her debut EP, Bring Me Sunshine and recently joined me over the phone to bring Lemonade a little sunshine...
So I am guessing as I am watching the snow fall outside my window, you are in a much better climate right now.
Sunday: Its about 60 degrees and I am watching the waves crashing, so we definitely have a diverse thing going on.
Ok I officially hate you, no I am just kidding
Sunday: ::laughs:: Where are you again?
Near Seattle, this is kind of rare for us, we don't get a lot of snow. I would love to see some 60 degree temperatures and some beach time.
Sunday: You guys have really nice summers though.
Yeah, but the winters are so depressing.
Sunday: That's what I keep hearing, but every time I go to Seattle its like 72 and sunny, so I think you are all lying just to keep people out. You're like it rains all the time! I don't believe it!
No trust me, we don't want to keep someone as talented as yourself away. I just have a bad relationship with the state, it sucks me in during the summer and then I want to leave so badly during the winter. Speaking of home states you are originally from Oklahoma right?
Sunday: Yes, Tulsa
So Malibu is kind of a big change right?
Sunday: I mean a lot of people ask me that and really it wasn't. I left Tulsa after high school and I was really prepared for my next step in life, so I think that made it easier. When you want something different and it is something different, then it's what you wanted, so I think that made it less of a shock.
You are trained in classical piano, was that a rarity in Oklahoma?
Sunday: Yeah I guess it kind of was, I took piano from the age of five, but I trained at one of the better schools, piano just seemed like the logical thing to do. I guess for the music scene though it was a little rare, but it made sense to me. I definitely don't consider myself a classical pianist, I have a background in it and I love that I learned it, but I don't implement it into every song. It's kind of something that I don't really think about, but its cool to have that knowledge.
I was going to say, your music definitely isn't classical, but it does come across as polished in a good way.
Sunday: Yeah definitely.
Was there much of a music scene in Oklahoma that you were part of before moving to California?
Sunday: There's a cool music scene in Tulsa. The forerunners of it are around 10 years older than me, so I didn't really tap into that a lot, but I enjoyed playing in Tulsa and there are definitely some really, really talented musicians there.
I guess when you think about it some really big names in the music world came out of Oklahoma like Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire...
Sunday: ....Leon Russell, yeah Oklahoma definitely has some history.
There are a lot of female artists who are similar to one another in your genre, yet you have a very unique sound that is very different from them. Do you credit anyone who influenced that or is that just you?
Sunday: That's a good question. I really don't listen to that much music, I have artists that I really love and I think they are great lyricists like Tegan and Sara and I really like Lissie, as well as David Gray. I really enjoy listening to music, but I think that one thing that separates me is that I feel really comfortable with silence and I feel really comfortable with being inspired by what comes from within rather than what is surrounding me.
That really makes a lot of sense, especially when you hear so many artists out there that come across so affected.
Sunday: Totally and I mean there are times when I will buy an album and listen to it over and over again, but then I just find myself being really critical of myself, like you know what I mean? I find when I listen to these really talented people, it almost hinders me in a way, because I get too caught up in comparing myself to them.
You are definitely right, I suppose it doesn't matter what your craft is, there is always going to be someone who does it different than you and people will have their opinion on whether its better or not.
Sunday: Yeah I mean it's great to be inspired, but I think you need to remember what it's all about, it's about getting what's in you, out in a creative form.
Well I have to say I really enjoyed listening to Bring Me Sunshine, it really is a great debut EP.
Sunday: I am really happy with how it turned out, the guy who produced it and engineered it, I went to high school with. It was his first solo project and I had never recorded an EP and I think we did a really good job in capturing who I am as an artist.
Have you done much touring or just some shows on the west coast?
Sunday: Actually I haven't done much touring at all, I did some shows in Tulsa and then some shows since I have been in California. I would love to tour, I mean that's my goal as a musician, it hasn't quite materialized, so I am just waiting for it.
What else makes you tick?
Sunday: I really love skiing, we have a place in Colorado and skiing with my dad is one of my favorite things to do. I like to read as well.
The skiing is kind of unique, you don't hear of a lot of musicians who are big into sports as well.
Sunday: Yeah I was actually very athletic in high school, sports were kind of my passion and then I tore my ACL my senior year, so I drifted back to music, but I still like to be active.
Ouch that is a terrible injury to have.
Sunday: Yeah it was, looking back I think I try to separate myself a bit from it and be like "aww it wasn't so bad", but really at times it was miserable.
Yeah my ankle injury doesn't even compare.
Sunday: Did you have physical therapy?
Yes and I enjoyed it.
Sunday: What!? You enjoyed it!?
Yeah I would just sit back and they would turn the TV on, they would hook that electric impulse machine thing up and I would relax.
Sunday: The electric was the worst part for me! You obviously had the massage chair physical therapy..I got tortured! ::laughs::
Alright, so getting back on track, what are your plans for 2011? Is there a full length album in the works?
Sunday: Yeah, I would really like to, I am kind of in the writing process right now. I have written a lot of songs since I recorded the EP and I am really proud of them, so I can't wait to develop them. Hopefully within the next six months we'll have that recorded.
For more on Sunday check out www.sundaylane.com
All of us here at Lemonade were very sad to hear earlier this month that hip-hop singer Rayz had suddenly passed away. After going in for surgery to have a cyst removed from his spine everything seemed to have gone well. Unfortunately Rayz had a heart attack and slipped into a coma shortly after, before passing away.
He was on our show (The Throwing Lemons Show) last year, so it is hard for me to believe all of this. He was a guy who was so full of life and energy and that always makes it harder to believe they are gone. His love for what he did can only be matched not beaten and I think it is safe to say that the artists whom Rayz touched during his time here will forever be inspired by knowing him
My good thoughts go out to his family, I can only imagine what they're going through and I know nothing will make it better, but all of us here are thinking of you and are thankful that we knew Rayz even if just barely.
He considered himself the voice of Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) and to me he will always be that. This issue is dedicated to you my friend.
Please go listen to his music in both our listening lounge and at RayzStreetSlang.
Seattle's music scene seems to be ever changing, it has seen everything from the grunge movement of the 90's to the folksy/moody rock like Death Cab For Cutie. However even through all the changes, Seattle has always stayed true to being a rock city, even the hip-hop and country acts to come out of the area still have a that driving rock sound pouring into their microphones.
To Paint The Sky has a different sound to add to the scene. Just as many alternative acts of today, they have a girl rocking the mic, so at first glance you might see another Paramore wannabe band, but that is definitely not the case. To Paint The Sky finds their own sound, channeling punk, hardcore and progressive rock legends of the past.
Lemonade caught up with Allana, Ryan, Jimmy and Jamie at The Common Ground in Burlington, WA just before they tore the place up (that is what the fans had to say post show). Here is their interview with us...
So tell us how all of you met.
Ryan: Jamie and I were friends and then Jamie brought in Allana, then through some other friends we met Jimmy and thats how the band became a family.
Allana: Im the newest, they've been around longer than I have.
What made you guys decide to go down the alternative route? Was it the type of music you listened to growing up?
Jamie: I want to say it was that and also we are all artists, so we are always looking for a way to express ourselves, so its been an outlet to get our voices heard and also have a positive thing to come to every week.
There are so many bands out right now in the alternative genre that have a female lead singer. What helped you guys find a sound that set you apart from other bands?
Ryan: We were told a long time ago when we wanted to start a band that we needed to pick one genre to play under, I think playing with everyone for a while helped us find a happy medium.
Jamie: It definitely took us up until our last 4 or 5 songs to really find our sound, I mean all of us listen to alternative music of course, but we all have different favorite bands and getting that all to mix and come together is a really difficult thing, but once you find your solid sound then it just works.
That's what I like about you guys, you dont hear any emulation. You have a unique sound, which is refreshing for alternative, since you don't always hear that in alternative.
Ryan: Yeah we definitely wanted to set ourselves apart from the other girl fronted bands.
So you said you all have different favorite bands. What are your guys favorite bands?
Allana: Yeah, one of my favorite bands lives in Seattle, Aiden. Will from Aiden produced us.
Jamie: Yeah they're one of my biggest influences as well. I am also really big into AFI, actually oddly enough Tool, a mix between AFI and Tool doesn't really make sense, but those are my two sides you know?
Allana: Oh and Escape The Fate and The Used!
Allana: Yeah ::laughs::
Jimmy: Are you just naming off everybody?
Jimmy: I have to say my biggest influence is Chiodos, they were a post hardcore band that I really got into and that's where I really started to find out about writing, and different ways to play my guitar, so they were a huge guitar influence for me and I have to say Green Day too, I love those guys growing up I was always listening to them, Jimmy Eat World and Blink 182, I love those bands. Slowly overtime though I started to listen to more alternative stuff.
Ryan: My favorites are Blink 182 and Alkaline Trio, Motionless In White just put out an amazing CD though.
Allana : Oh yeah
Ryan: That CD blew my mind.
Allana: It's hard to listen to a CD without it getting old, but it hasn't gotten old yet.
What do you guys do besides music? Even though it seems like it pretty much consumes all your lives.
Ryan: Music is obviously our lives, we all have to have jobs until we can invest 110% of ourselves into music, but right now I actually work at a special ed preschool.
Jimmy: Yeah it definitely does consume our lives, but I like working retail, I work at Hop Topic, so every day I am working there I am finding out about new bands, new trends and new things that are going on in pop culture. That's the biggest thing that drives me, finding out what the kids are listening to and what they are into. So yeah, I work and I go to school, but mostly just writing, that's what I do with a lot of my free time.
Jamie: I'm a senior at Evergreen State College, studying fine arts and music. Also I work at American Eagle, which may seem quite strange, considering what I look like, but its a lot of fun.
Allana: I am still in high school.
So obviously that's the main focus for you Allana. I am guessing not a cheerleader?
Allana: Aww cmon! Yeah....uh no. I mean yeah school takes up a lot of time, but I mean there is time after school and then I have a lot of breaks actually, so it's not too difficult, but you know.
Do you guys come up to The Common Ground very often to play?
I was going to say its a very nice venue, especially for not being in a big city, it's really roomy.
Jamie: Yeah and the kids here are awesome
Allana: Yeah it's really cool, it's really original having an upstairs and all ages and coffee!
The coffee is awesome right?
Allana: Yes! Awesome! I want everybody to do that!
You guys just got done recording right?
Ryan: Yeah we just got done recording and now we are back into the writing process for our full length album. Hopefully we will get that done before our summer tour.
Will the summer tour just involve the west coast or...?
Ryan: We are probably going to follow Warped Tour for a bit, try and make ourselves known and then come back and tour through those cities, we have an awesome manager who sets it all up for us.
Where can people find your EP, The Ghost?
Jimmy: Its available on iTunes, Amazon, and on Pure Volume you can download our single The Ghost for free.
Check out To Paint The Sky at www.topaintthesky.com
You know many would think it is one of the best things in the world to do this
for a living. I mean I listen to tons of music and then review it, but damn it gets
hard having to be critical of such talented people.....aww who am I kidding, I love this part!
This month features a rising star out of the United Kingdom, a California blonde (well California now), a veteran alternative band and much much more!
I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of hype and it really seemed like most people already loved this album before they even heard it.
When I started playing it, Rolling In The Deep pulled me in a little, I thought to myself "damn I just may be wrong about this", then it got to Rumor Has It and I was nearly completely pulled in. I was starting to think that I was going to be another one of the many who had Adele fever. However once I got past those two songs I started to get bored and lose interest. I understand people are blown away by her voice and retro sound, but really let's be honest there are many throwback artists out there right now, as well as lots of girls with pipes.
The album took a turn for the worst in my opinion when it came to her cover of Lovesong (originally by The Cure, 311's cover in much better than Adele's), for someone who people seem to think has a lot of soul, I felt soul and emotion were completely lacking from Lovesong as well as from the majority of the album. Although her voice is indeed soulful, I felt as if the album is just going through the motions, I never get the feeling she really feels it. I feel my point is proven in the final song on the album, Someone Like You, why? Because in this song....she does feel it! It was by far the brightest spot of the album and to me already a candidate for song of the year.
Overall the album has these very bright spots, but is mostly mediocre and probably a tad overrated from what I have seen. You definitely aren't wasting money if you buy 21, but I am not sure it is worth the hype.
-Brandon Lemons
Death is the debut EP from Afterlife Parade fronted by singer/songwriter Quinn Erwin. The band is a product of a mission that Quinn set out on after going through a rough time in his life, losing people who were close to him. He found himself inspired by the thought that death is a homecoming rather than reason to grieve. In his words "I couldn't recall if I had ever heard any songs about death that were joyous and triumphant, so I made it my mission to write one", this mission would soon turn into new path for Quinn as an artist and led him to form the band Afterlife Parade.
Death (produced by bass player for The Fray, Jeremy McCoy) has a very interesting sound throughout the EP. Heavy spiritual undertones give it a vibe similar to the once popular band, Live and there is no mistaking that living in Nashville definitely has had its influence on Afterlife Parade as well.
It's one of those EP's that you have to listen to from start to finish, it constantly builds towards that joyous and triumphant finish that Quinn was looking for. It is a solid and very enjoyable effort. So overall I would definitely have to say....mission accomplished.
It seems like it's been a while since we have heard from Bayside, but at last they are back with a new label, new album, but the same Bayside sound we always have known and loved.
They always seemed like a bit of the black sheep or outcasts of the mix of bands that were making it big on the Victory Records label five or six years ago. I remember them surrounded by the likes of Silverstein and Spitalfield and they were just a little different. Everything from their look to their sound. Killing Time is their first album that they have recorded since leaving Victory Records and signing with Wind Up and I find it crazy to think that this is their 8th studio album!
It is safe to say that they haven't lost their stride one bit, whether it's the insane guitar solo in The Wrong Way, or their more laid back side that they show off in On Love, On Life. I think what impresses me the most though is that they make albums that are so listenable, their music just always sounds good. Whether you are a die hard Bayside fan or just a fan of alternative music, it's a must that you check out this album.
Fighting The Villain hails from Hayward, CA. A place famous for the Hayward Fault, Dwayne "The Rock Johnson", and gold medal figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. At first glance you see a band fronted by the adorably tiny Caitlyn Lunin and you may wonder "ok what could this girl be capable of?"...then you get the shock of your life.
Don't let what you see fool you, when Caitlyn starts singing she attacks it like it's nobody's business and the rest of the band does the exact same thing. These guys just know how to kick ass, between Miguel Perez and Cisco Estrada shredding their guitar strings and Caitlyn belting out the lyrics, Fighting The Villain leave you feeling like you are on an all out music/caffeine rush. I am not sure if they were born with it or they own stock in Red Bull, but either way, its working.
The whole EP is definitely worth checking out and I am very excited to hear them release another new EP this summer, they promise that on their Facebook page, so I am holding them to it. The standout track for me is definitely A Memory Lost In Time, which in my opinion shows off Caitlyn's voice the best as well as how good they all sound together as a band. I guess you could say they might just be the best thing Hayward, CA has given to us....since Kristi Yamaguchi of course.
From what I hear, this EP was done in a very short amount of time. Being the music geek that I am, I always pay attention to the production and editing of each EP or album as well as the obvious things you look for in an album and all I can say is that you could have fooled me, because this EP was done extremely well.
Sunday really is something different to music world, which is really nice to see. In fact that seems to be the trend lately. It used to be you would hear a lot of girls playing a little piano and a little guitar and mostly sounding the same. Now some of the standout girls such as Christina Perri, Mindy White (States), Skylar Grey and Sunday Lane all are very different from one another, in fact the only thing that is similar is that they are all extremely talented.
Bring Me Sunshine is really a beautiful experience. Sunday just has a way of singing about life, not to mention very polished instrumentals and lyrics that are meant to be melodic. In just six songs she covers everything from broken hearts to broken homes and can easily transition from dark and powerful (Heavy Hands, Heavy Heart) to up beat and bouncy (Lack of Color).
There is no doubt in my mind that if Sunday sticks to the same formula that she put into this EP for her full length album, it will be a huge success. Until then, enjoy the EP.
A few weeks ago Mr. Lemonade sent me to El Corazon in Seattle to check out a new band. After watching the band I couldn't help but notice myself gravitating to a different area of the Venue. No, not because there was a bar there, but because there was a little hip hop show going on. I missed the show, but was able to snag some CD's from two of the artists that performed that night. I found myself very pleased with each of them and shockingly did not have to sit and suffer through any kind of auto tune. Here are my reviews.
-Nicole Figueroa
At first I did not know what to make of this album. There were so many different styles going on and it had such a southern sound to it. I liked it though. Most of the beats are very catchy. Experience, from Olympia WA., proves to be multi talented showing off his singing chops throughout the record and demonstrates clever word play with his unique rap style. 1000 Suns is one of the best songs on the album, it makes you want to clap and snap your fingers. Black Nails and Coco Jones are two other songs that will also make you want to get up and groove. XP also gets serious and appreciative with the sweet love song, Guardian Angel. This album is very eclectic and for the most part deals with real life subject matter. If you like Outcast's Speaker Box, then you will love this album.
This is the very first solo album from one half of Seattle hip hop artist's Greyskulls, JFK/Ninjaface. This album is mostly based on personal relationships and second chances with some fun nostalgic songs involved as well. From the very beginning this album draws you right in with strong and catchy beats. High School Sweetheart is one of them, it is the kind of song that will get stuck in your head for days, but in a good way. This album is very relevant to a lot of hard working party people. Especially the song Passed It in which Ninjaface does his own take on Pharcydes, Passin Me By. Most everyone I know including myself loves that beat and the subject matter is again, very relatable if you liked to kick it like a gangsta in junior high or high school. I am impressed with this album because it is not typical hip hop. For instance, Mama Drama is not your every day Baby Mama song because it tells both sides of the story and has a good rhythm. My favorite track on the album is Ignore The Hype, apparently Ninjaface is over copy cats and bling, as am I. Also it is another song that you can most definitely groove to. After listening to this CD I came to the same conclusion I always do. Independent artists are where it's at!
