Browsing Tag

Passion Pit

A&R Factory Present: Heffron Drive

Posted on 12 February 2017

Based out of Los Angeles, CA, Heffron Drive is an Alt Pop band started in 2008 by lead singer Kendall Schmidt and Guitarist Dustin Belt. The duo began making music together when they were teenagers. Both Kansas natives met while living on the same street in Burbank, CA called Heffron Drive, which ultimately inspired the name of their band.

Before Heffron Drive had a chance to take off, Kendall booked the lead of a television show/music group and gained worldwide popularity as the lead Singer of the Nickelodeon/Columbia Records project Big Time Rush. After 5 years of success, Kendall, alongside guitarist, Dustin Belt, got back in the studio together as Heffron Drive.

The two best friends and band mates have been busy touring all parts of the world since the revival of Heffron Drive. From Europe to South America, the Philippines and all over the US. Their first album Happy Mistakes was released in 2015, shortly followed up by Happy Mistakes: Unplugged; per the fans request for an acoustic album. Happy Mistakes is a soaring example of how pure songwriting can be. The music is thoughtful and meticulously crafted to go along with lyric and melody that pull on every individual heart string.

 

So far the band has only impressed and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon. With the release of their two new singles “Rain Don’t Come” and “Don’t Let Me Go” in 2016 they have brought a new sound to their music that has pleasantly surprised the fans and attracted new listeners. These two new singles push the limits of what HD is all about; unforgettable music. “Rain Don’t Come” is a heart racing track full of desert vibes and incredibly thoughtful production. “Don’t Let Me Go” is the new sound for the project, showing the love that Heffron Drive has for electronic music while keeping their unique sound alive.

The band has been hard at work in the studio writing and producing new music. Their first new song of 2017, “Living Room”, was released January 13th, followed by an EP entitled “The Slow Motion EP” released February 10th. They will be playing a few shows in Mexico in January, and then of to Europe for a full European tour in February.

A&R Factory Present: VHS Collection

Posted on 6 February 2017

“Wide Awake” is the first single off VHS Collection’s first full-length record, which will arrive in Spring of 2017. The band recorded “Wide Awake” in Brixton London in January during a two-week session with producer Chris Zane (Passion Pit, St. Lucia, Friendly Fires).

VHS describes the track as “Dark Disco Rock” and says that the track signals a refined direction for the band in its energy, lyrical themes, and sound choices. Many of the signature themes and sounds from previous releases show up here including: New York City, desperation, arpeggiated synths and funky basslines. But this track goes deeper with a massive guitar hook, pumped up energy, and even darker lyrical themes than before.

“Wide Awake” is a party anthem, laced with dark undertones. It is a tragic love story, about the madness, obsession, anxiety, and fear that can come with a relationship and the dichotomy between being trapped and being set free by being with someone else. “Wide Awake” tells the story of a man who moves to the city and feels lost. His life is saved by a girl he falls in love with, but then that love turns to a mad obsession which keeps him up all night and eventually destroys his sanity.”

– Conor Cook, VHS Collection

“Wide Awake does it all for us. It screams, whispers, yelps, shreds and breaks out the funk. Its both intimate and chaotic. The theme is one we have danced around a lot in our earlier music, madness and separation both dark and celebratory. This tune is a signature blend of all VHS elements. Big guitar. Big synths. Beeping arpeggiators and dramatic characterized vocals. It feels very much our own, but also has a few nods to some of our favorite artists.”

– James Bohannon, VHS Collection

2016 saw VHS Collection put two independently released singles on the Spotify Viral Charts (“Lean” #8; “Waiting on the Summer” #14). The band also performed at major festivals last year including slots at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, in addition to sold out shows on both coasts. VHS released its 2nd EP StereoHype last September which has been streamed over 4 million times to date.

For more information click here

ANNOUNCED TOUR DATES

2/1 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall

2/9 – Washington, DC – DC9

2/10 – Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy

2/11 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

3/3 – Okeechobee, FL – Okeechobee Music Festival

3/10 – Austin, TX – SXSW

6/3 – Bunbury Music Festival

A&R Factory Present: Allie & Ivy

Posted on 27 April 2016

Allie & Ivy is indie electropop singer-songwriter Aleisha (Allie) Conlay, from the sunny northern beaches of Sydney, Australia. Writing songs since the age of 11 and picking up the guitar at 14, Allie was schooled in music at a very young age by her father, a guitarist and record collector from London with a passion for 60s music.

Having developed a deep infatuation with The Beatles at age 11, Allie had dreams to one day front an all-girl rock band called The Ladybeetles but unfortunately never managed to find her Paul, George or Ringo. Not one to let that get in the way of her plans, Allie conjured up alter ego Ivy, giving her the comradeship, confidence and support a real band couldn’t.

“’Get Hi’ is about my housemate’s battle with cocaine addiction,” Allie explains. “He absolutely loved to party and lived only for the weekend but his substance abuse had seen him get into thousands of dollars in debt, which put a massive strain on his relationship. He was constantly beating himself up about it, saying he was going to give up the party lifestyle and pay back the money he owed, but as soon as the weekend rolled around he’d get so excited and be up to his old tricks again. He just couldn’t resist the temptation.” – Allie

Allie & Ivy’s fresh sound and penchant for catchy hooks and infectious melodies have gained accolades both in Australia and internationally. With new songs scheduled for release throughout 2016 and a debut EP underway the year is already shaping up to be a busy and exciting one for Allie & Ivy.