Singer / Songwriter V.V. Brown talks touring with Maroon 5, her upcoming album, and why she misses London

Singer / Songwriter V.V. Brown talks touring with Maroon 5, her upcoming album, and why she misses London

By Liz Newman

So things have really been taking off for you lately, and there was a time you were considering just chucking it all and head back to London – what has made you stick with it and adjust to the hurtles?

I think the success of how things were going in Europe gave me the confidence to believe in myself again – so coming to America was a lot different the second time around.  I was a lot older too, so I knew who I was.  Also, this time around I had a different record company who I think was a better fit.  And generally, it just worked out.

This is your biggest tour to date, correct?

Yes, this is the biggest tour I have done in America; I’ve done tours like this in the UK.  But America is definitely different because America is massive.  And it is really hot because we are touring in the summer.  A lot of the places we go to it is 100 degrees – it is definitely, whoa.

How has it been touring with Maroon 5 – were you nervous at all?

No, I’m not nervous – I am quite relaxed, actually. They’ve treated us really well, and they’re lovely guys. I think it is more a small apprehension because we are still a new band here; I am still a new artist, so not everyone knows the songs so we always have our fingers crossed hoping that there will be some sort of connection with the crowd. But we are here to spread the word, get it out there – so I am grateful to just be on this tour.

I know your music has been featured on popular T.V. shows like “The City”  and “Cougar Town” – but is there anything else you have done up to this point that has been a big turning point for you career-wise?

For me, David Letterman was massively big thing; I have always wanted o go on that show.  And I think the Degrassi connection – where the songs played on the show – that has been a massive help to people finding out about the songs, so I am really grateful to Nickelodeon for that.

Now that you are getting more and more recognition, have you had any issues adjusting to limelight?

No, I don’t really go to all the clubs and bars where there this paparazzi…I am a quite private person. I don’t think we are big enough yet to have them swarm us.   Life has obviously changed because I am traveling a lot and sometimes it is a bit weird when people treat you like they know who you are – even though they haven’t even met me. But I take everything with a pinch of salt, it doesn’t feel too drastic because everything I’m doing is very gradual, everything is a stepping stone.

You have also become known as a fashion icon.  Does that show in your music or vice versa?

I think the two are married’ they are very much connected.  Both bounce off each other – the music and fashion both come from the individual so it is all coming from me and my identity.  I think am moving more into a simplistic sense of fashion, I have just bought loads and loads of black clothes and I think the next album I am going to where black all the time; I really like that simplicity. The next album is gong to be a bit more serious, this one is very fun, colorful and very pop – there is quite a youthful nature to it.  The second album is going to reflect where I am at now, I am a much more mature individual know and learned a lot more about life than I did before.

Any pop icons that influence you or you hope to collaborate with?

I love Daevid Allen, he is a fantastic producer and artist and think he’d be a really great collaboration.  I am huge fan of Imogen Heap and I do love Lady Gaga as well.  I think she is fantastic; she is a great songwriter. And Grace Jones – there’s lots of different people out there.

What about Lady Gaga’s outfit risks?

I am not a huge fan of her fashion sense, but I do respect her boldness and I love the fact she is herself completely and I think she is a true artist and she does what she wants.  And she is very hands on with her projects and I think that is a very inspiring things she gives off; you have to respect her for that.

You’ve called yourself a control freak in the past – do you think that helps you maintain calmness on stage?

I am definitely a control freak, it is something that I am dealing with.  I think I just really, really want to make sure everything we do is represented correctly.  But we have really great team of managers, record company, my band is really fun and great too – so you don’t have to worry so much because everyone is so great at what they do and I just have to make sure that I do my bit as well and then the train moves smoothly.  I think the more success we’ve had, the less I’ve felt the need to control everything because it makes me have trust in other people that they can do their job properly.

You’ve been a long way from home for a while now – what’s your favorite part about being on tour?

The traveling part is really fun because you get to see so much of America, but at the same time the traveling is the worst part because you’re not traveling and actually seeing the towns you are waiting around in your tour bus to do your sound checks.  So, on he flip side, it can get a bit boring.  But I love meeting new people and I love playing the songs.  But I am really looking forward to going home; I have been in the states for nearly a year now.  I miss London. I miss my cat, my boyfriend and my family – I need a week of normality like cups of tea. But anytime you get homesick, you always kind of remember to be grateful for where you are and what you are doing because at the end of the day, despite it being difficult, you are doing what you love.

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Motion City Soundtrack Live-A Review

by Alex Herrara The Rock Star Stories

Eight years ago Motion City Soundtrack was the opening band for an up and coming group the All American Rejects. At the time the Rejects were underage and prone to stealing beer from the other artist dressing rooms.
The guys from Motion City Soundtrack were nonplussed by their tourmates. They were happy to be touring in sunny Florida during a cold winter up North. We were excited to hear their innovative sound and watch their energetic stage show. This visit from Motion City Soundtrack was as energetic and exciting as the first one. Nothing much has changed, and that’s a good thing!

The Culture Room was rocking from the outside patio to the packed stage. The concertgoers ranged in age from middle schoolers through Moms and Dads who were enjoying rocking out as much as their kids.
The 16 song set music spanned all three albums but concentrated on the band’s later stuff. The crowd favorite was “Everything is Alright” although “When You’re Around” also brought down the house. The band performed three encores
as well.

Catch Motion City Soundtrack on this year’s Warped Tour playing selected dates.

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Neon Trees Create a Buzz in the Music Scene

By Alison Sikes NYU

Utah. A state known for its outdoor activities and scenic views, not for flash and bright colors. Alternative band Neon Trees hopes to electrify their home state’s reputation.  Self-described as post-pop punk, Neon Trees’ sound is infectious, entertaining, and dance-worthy.  Lead singer Tyler Glenn accredits bands like Passion Pit and The Big Pink as well as French DJs to their enthralling music. These influences are apparent in their first single “Animal.” The catchy song is a solid debut about comparing the start of a relationship to…well, to an animal. The upcoming video for “Animal” also takes from an interesting source of influence—Batman. As a teenager, Glenn loved superheroes like X-Men and of course, The Dark Knight. The band drew from their love of the Tim-Burton-directed Batman and paid homage to the Joker scene in which he and his cronies wreak havoc in an art gallery. Whether inspired by caped-crusaders or by electronic tastemakers, prepare for Neon Trees’ forthcoming album, Habits, to be filled with seductive vocals and hard-edged tracks about the habits of a relationship. Be sure to give Habits a listen when it is released on March 23!

ALBUM REVIEW for A ROCKET TO THE MOON’S NEWEST RELEASE, “ON YOUR SIDE”, by Becca Kang

On Your Side is the newest album out by the alternative group called A Rocket to the Moon. This band is quite talented and are able to write some  ”stuck in your head”  lyrics that complement their upbeat melodies.  From the first listen, I felt engaged in these catchy melodies that assured me that life would be good – no matter what.  Many of the songs might sound similar to their first released single, Mr. Right, however it’s no mystery to see why fans love Mr. Right. It’s catchy melody is compelling and I think most people will truly relate to these songs. Most of the songs center around the universal subject of love, an obvious crowd-pleaser, however, every song has a specific message that never feels overdone or trite – either musically or emotionally.

I especially enjoyed the song Annabelle, a moving song that  confirms the feeling  that this is a band of ‘real guys’ - not superficial guys searching solely for good looks or a good time.  The song portrays a rather sincere guy hoping to find a genuine girl.  A Rocket to the Moon’s personality seems on display and resonates throughout their CD.  The lyrics – lyrics which are jointly written by the band – reflect thought and emotion.  In each song, I was drawn into and believed lead singer and guitarist Nick Santino’s emotion while he pours out his heart. I was impressed by his passion revealed by each of his heart-felt lyrics.

A Rocket to the Moon produces their own, very unique sound, which is not something many bands these days can claim. They are definitely not a band that has to rely on sound effects or gimmicks.  Instead, ARTTM puts forth genuine talent, hard work, honest lyrics, enjoyable melodies – all backed up with deeply- felt passion. And, to add to the enjoyment of this new release, after having had the real pleasure of experiencing their live show in Chicago at the House of Blues, I can vouch for the fact that A Rocket to the Moon is a  band that backs up their record with a beautifully performed and rocked-out live show.  I would highly suggest you give their new release a listen and by all means, catch them live if you can.

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