Big strides from Tiny Moving Parts

It has been a long time coming but 'Tiny Moving Parts' are making bigger leaps than ever, transitioning from a support act to a headline act on their mammoth nationwide tour.

Speaking of support acts this tour has two great supports both in terms of music and personality, making this tour and show one big community. First up was math rockers, 'Standards' who captivated the audience with their wild and infectious rhythms. Demonstrating that anyone can get lost in the music even if it is without a vocal layer. Ironic to their name, 'Standards' were beyond  your standard two piece as they excelled at their craft.

Likewise, second on the bill, 'Fredo Disco' were perfect at getting the crowd moving and singing along. Surprising considering this is their second only tour and first time in Madison, Wi. As we chatted to Fredo pre show for my podcast he still gets a little nervous heading to the stage but is excited to be able to do what he loves with people he loves. No one can fail to see and hear the appeal of this new band both on record and live as they shine.



'Tiny Moving Parts' deliver a huge chunk of craziness here in mad town as they have everyone on the floor moving and getting involved in this intimate pop punk explosion of hits and dips. Their sound was tight and set list long as they rattled through more tracks than a Foo Fighters discography. Overall, it was an exciting collaboration of people that love playing music for people who love being surround with music and the energy it creates.

Famous Last Words from The Annex

The mid west is hotting up this summer season, there are lots of huge shows for 2019 coming through the Madison area, especially at The Annex/Red Zone which recently saw, 'Famous Last Words' grace the doors. 

Celebrating the 10th anniversary as a band, 'Famous Last Word' lead vocalist (JT) feels "like [it has been] a long road, that has tested" him but still would not give up the feeling of writing music, being on the road and playing to crowds of fans. JT's passion for music started with the discovery of musicals and continues to adore them to this day, "my favorite musical would be a hard one to pick but one that inspired one of our albums was Phantom of the Opera". Just like the dramatic production of musicals, JT likes to ramp up the adrenaline when putting on their own show.

The show at The Annex was no small show, housing six bands on one stage. The local openers were 'Waiting For Reason' & 'Of Brighter Skies' two strong acts that I will be checking out in the near future as they made their presence known. The start of the travelling acts was, 'At My Mercy' a very young band both physically and on the scene they sound like they are still finding their sound and stride but a valiant effort. 

The next support was looking to steal the show, 'Awake At Last' arrived with their huge hooks and chorus, similar to the likes of early 'Set It Off' and later 'Slaves'. We spoke to the front man (Vincent) about what makes the band tick. "The music [we play] comes from us as a band wanting change, we want people to do the same as us, to follow their dreams, to keep pushing themselves froward, to hopefully make the world a better place." Like the last few words dictated, they are not about changing little things they want to make a big difference to a lot of people, not just from the music but though their live shows as well, "the real connection with our music is through the live shows, where we can hopefully build a movement". They more than proved that with their set tonight, although it was short they delivered on every level connecting with a lot of fans.

The final support act to play was the veterans called, 'Dayshell' a well rehearsed show drawing in a large crowd, as per usual they delivered a great set. Then it was time for the headliners, 'Famous Last Words' to wrap the show up with a career spanning montage of scream along tracks. It will not be long again before they are ready to rock the stage as they will be back here in August for another hot show with Oh, Sleeper. 

There is only one thing i can say, with these famous last words... it would be, pre-order Awake At Last debut album, out June 25th!

Northwoods growing tall

Northwoods only just came on my radar this year and hearing their double A side singles, I liked them so much I sent the five piece from Boston, Massachusetts, some questions to answer, enjoy below.

 

 

1/ Please introduce yourself and what you bring to the band. 

Zach – vocals

Anthony – guitar

Nacho – guitar

Jon – bass

Derek – drums

2/ To help people to get know you more, what would be the main reason you play and write music?

 Zach – I write music because it's a passion for me. There's so much expression that goes into it, and release that emotion and connect with the audience is just truly special.

Anthony – emotional outlet, to connect with people, to express myself, to create beauty, to cope, for love of music

Nacho – I play and write music for the mere sake of it, to express something that's inexpressible through plain words, to bring out whats deep inside my subconcious

Jon – to create something I love and am proud of, to travel and meet people

Derek – I'm not much of a songwriter, but I'm always chasing the emotional release and human connection that performing music can bring

3/ Your debut EP came out two years ago, how have things changed individually and as a band since then? Would you change anything if you went back to making the first EP again?

We've all become much better musicians since the EP. We're so much better at writing music than we were back then, both individually and as a unit. If we were to do that EP now it would probably sound a lot different, but we're definitely proud of it and excited about the opportunities it has given us.

4/ What would be one stand out or positive moment from the start of the band till present?

Oh man, there's been so many great moments (and a lot of not so great moments that come along with it).Its always really special when this band enables us to visit new places and meet new people. You also can't top the feeling of seeing people sing along, no matter how many shows you play.

5/ The band has worked with a lot of other great touring bands over the few years, would you say you have a favourite or one you connected with the most? 

We've become pretty good friends with Young Culture and Belmont. Both of those bands are going to really blow up in the next couple of years. Make sure you check them out if you haven't yet.

6/ If you could pick any living band to share the stage with who would it be?

Zach – Bring Me the Horizon

Anthony – Counterparts

Nacho – Nickelback

Jon – Bring Me the Horizon

Derek – Touche Amore

7/ You just released a double edge single of delight, on love//on loss. Could you not pick between your preferred single? Why did you release it that way? 

These are stand alone singles, not tied to any larger release. We really wanted to create two songs that contrasted musically and lyrically, yet fit nicely together. We wanted to keep the contrast of “Ebb & Flow” going and these songs are meant to bridge the gap between that EP and our next release.

8/ What was the process when writing and producing these singles?

We wrote a demo version of On Loss nearly two years ago before we had even released the EP. When we went into the studio for production with our friend Charlie Abend in Lowell, MA we ended up writing On Love almost entirely in the studio. The tracks then got sent over to Jay Maas for mixing and mastering. These songs have a long process behind them and we're so excited to finally show them to the world.

9/ Speaking of the titles of the tracks, what and when did you last lose/ felt love for something? 

Zach – The last loss I experienced was a family friend that was a part of the local music scene, Ike May, who was the singer/guitarist for my cousins band A Common Goal. The first local shows I attended were theirs.

10/ Being from Boston, MA. Please represent your area where is good to go hang out, see, eat, etc. Also what is the local scene like? 

The local scene in Massachusetts is solid, lots of variety and great people. Hangout at the Quincy Quarries and Lynch Skatepark. Eat at Maggianos, Tacos Lapita, The Plough & Stars, and South St Diner. Also be sure to check out Northwoods' new favourite spot; Twisted Escape Room.

11/ Any famous last words/comments...

Yeeeeeeeehaw

 

Check out more from the band here: https://www.facebook.com/NorthwoodsNewEngland/