Trev Lukather and Laura Kane sat down to talk about new music, the highs and lows of the music industry and what’s to come in 2023.
WOMEN FKN ROCK | Celebrating International Women's Day and Women's History Month
Did you know the Banded Staff is comprised of 99% women? Founded by Rebecca Potzner, Banded has flourished throughout the years because of women who are passionate about music and sharing it with the world.
Celebrate #internationalwomensday all day and every day with our playlist featuring 25+ hours of music by women.
Daisy Jones & The Six Becomes The Real Deal With Debut Album + "Regret Me"
Daisy Jones & The Six may be a fictional band, but they managed to get to a million streams on Spotify. Just over a month shy of the release of the new Amazon Prime Video series of the same title - based on the novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid - it’s been announced that they’re also bringing Daisy Jones & The Six’s debut album, Aurora to life.
Featuring amazingly talented musicians from Phoebe Bridgers to Madison Cunningham to Jackson Browne and more; it’s no secret that this album will certainly have some brilliantly written songs in store for us.
Not only that, we’ll also be able to purchase Aurora on vinyl, so that way, we can all experience listening to the album and imagine ourselves living in a time where Daisy Jones & The Six are a real band and we’re figuring out a way to get tickets to see them on their world tour.
Oh yeah, did I mention that there’s already a song released on music streaming platforms? That’s right, folks! Daisy Jones & The Six has now also come to life by releasing their first single, ‘Regret Me.’ So, how is the song? Will this get you hyped for the series and the album? Well, let’s find out.
Right off the bat, the guitars in the beginning perfectly capture the vibe of a 70’s song. It contains riffs that will likely stay stuck in your head for days and are reminiscent of various 70’s bands, especially Fleetwood Mac.
Now, the lyrics and vocal performance? Between Riley Keough’s (who plays Daisy Jones) Sam Claflin (who plays Daisy’s love interest and bandmate, Billy Dunne), Riley’s vocals really stand out strong. She’s got a tone that is certainly fit for the 70’s; giving off a Stevie Nicks vibe while also very reminiscent of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley’s voice.
Sam Claflin’s vocals are just as strong and because Fleetwood Mac has been mentioned, Sam’s voice also gives off the vibe of Lindsey Buckingham. Are we sure that this band wasn’t a real 70’s band? His vocal performance - combined with Riley’s - brings out a fiery duet in the song.
The lyrics? Oh, my. The lyrics are powerful. The song captures the turmoil of the relationship between Daisy and Billy so perfectly, you can hear it through Riley and Sam’s vocal performances. If this song isn’t a perfect kind of kiss-off song, I don’t know what is.
One moment that will give you chills when listening to the song? Riley when she softly sings this lyric: “go ahead and regret me but I’m beating you to it, dude.” Instant goosebumps all around.
The song is fiery and powerful. It contains everything you love about the 70’s. Not only that, this song is bound to be what ‘Fever Dog’ by another fictional band, Stillwater is to hardcore Almost Famous fans: A classic. Daisy Jones & The Six will be this generation’s Stillwater. Mark my words. And the series will be this generation’s Almost Famous. Honestly? I’m living for it.
If you haven’t read the book, please do so before the series because it’s definitely worth the read. Catch “Daisy Jones & The Six” when it premieres on Amazon Prime Video on March 3rd.
You can stream ‘Regret Me’ on any music streaming platform. Aurora is now available for pre-order on Urban Outfitters’ website and Amazon.
Feed your angst this Valentine's day with POET The Band's “Miss Misery”
Are you tired of Valentine's day? Did your partner just walk out on you, steal all your life savings and your dog? If you answered yes then i'd like you to meet POET The Band. They call themselves an independent DIY hard rock band since they record and produce all their songs and music videos independently. Their latest single “Miss Misery” is for the folks feeling depressed and heartbroken this Valentine's season.
Bringing metal and pop elements together, POET creates a unique sound to alternative and hard rock. Including heavy lyrics such as “I've been searching for so long been stuck at the bottom”: at some point in life we will experience loneliness and heartbreak. As humans we have the ability to love but with that ability comes depression, anxiety and isolation. “Got me feeling fucked up like im ready to die”: everyone has demons their trying to overcome. Rejection cuts like a knife, we all want to be loved but unfortunately the more we crave love from others who don't love us back we become drained from the ability to love ourselves. The added vocal elements create the image of lead singer Aiden Shaw crying for help. Sometimes it feels like no matter how loud we scream no one can hear us. Sometimes screaming into the universe is the best therapy.
Love yourselves this valentines day and make sure to let the ones who love you know you love them back.
If you or someone you know needs support, please check out the Suicide Prevention Hotline HERE.
INTERVIEW: Scotty Mik of Hollywood Nightmare
At the end of 2022, I caught up with fellow shedder from SoCal, sir Scotty Mik! He is a guitarist for local metal core band Hollywood Nightmare. We go into their newest album just released last September, band changes, his own personal rig, the future of modern guitar playing and more. Be sure to follow them for their show dates and stream their latest album on all platforms now and listen to this interview on Spotify below.
Your New Favorite Self Love Anthem: “You Wish by Trev Lukather
Starting off the new year with his debut song, “You Wish,” Trev Lukather expands his solo music career into the sonic depths of the 80s. Using wider and fuller sounding drum reverbs started this song off perfectly. Adding a more vintage display from the large sound of the synthesizer and complex guitar riffs are what make “You Wish” a banger. The production that went into the creation of this tune has a mix of today's pop almost defining it as glam rock. Self liberation is the message that lies beneath the surface on this track, or is it the sad reality of wanting to be something we’re not: “Cause you can’t be me and I know you wish”.
After many years of working with the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Halestorm, Lukather started on his own projects. He formed the band LEVERA which unfortunately disbanded right after their first album release. “You wish” is his coming of age masterpiece or his way of becoming his own established artist which adds the message of being “Unapologetically Himself”: “Im set free when you're lying to yourself in the midst”. With the inspiration from his dad Steve Lukather of TOTO and his mom Marie Currie twin sister of Cherrie Currie from The Runaways. Trev had some tremendous help with creating “You Wish”, from big names such as Steve Maggiora of TOTO and Jake Hayden of Dorothy. Keep a look out for Trev’s first solo album Invisible Friends coming soon in 2023.
INTERVIEW: Jimmy Trigger of A Trigger Within
What better way to finish off 2022 than with his first performance in over 3 years!
It’s been along time since Jimmy Tigger from A Trigger Within has stepped on a stage and a lot has happened since then. We talk about his 3 year hiatus, what he’s been up to, his views on the music industry currently, the band’s new single released at the beginning of the year, and more.
Be sure to welcome them back and follow all social media platforms and you can listen to this whole episode on Spotify as well.
PLAYLIST: Celebrating Black History Month
365 songs to celebrate Black Music every day of the year - not just this month. Rock N Roll was invented by a black woman, after all!
BANDED Staff Deep Dive Into Their Spotify Wrapped
Tis’ the season for Spotify Wrapped! While there are people who will complain and say they don’t want to see your list, let it be known that the BANDED Staff would LOVE to see what you’ve been listening to all year. With that being said, we figured we’d share our Top Artists and Songs to get things started….
SARAH
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Four of my top five songs came from the same record, Waiting on a Song by Dan Auerbach, his second solo record.
This record became a real source of comfort for me this year. It’s a brilliantly light and summer-y record that is a remarkable mood booster. I’d put it on when I was feeling sad or grumpy and it would cheer me up, I’d put it on during those early mornings when I was up at 5am getting ready for school after not getting enough sleep and it would wake me up, I’d put it on when I was already happy and I’d feel even happier after listening; I have found it to be a perfect record to make any moment better. I listen to it in its entirety at least once a week, and most weeks usually more. It’s not new in 2022, but it’s certainly been my favorite thing this year.
Fun fact: One of the songs from this record (and one of my top five), King of a One Horse Town, is on Greta Van Fleet’s pre-show playlist. I heard it several times in the pit this year on the Dreams in Gold Tour and it made me smile every time!
With 566 artists listened to, I know there’s a plethora of artists that I listened to for the first time this year. I would have loved to see my new artists outlined in some way. In addition to knowing my top five overall artists, I’d love to see my top five new-to-me-in-2022 artists alongside them, especially to see if there’s any overlap in the years to come.
Baylee
My Spotify Wrapped results were pretty much far from shocking and the results sum up my taste perfectly. My top artists were The Beaches, The Living Street, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and The Aces.
All of those artists have been my comfort artists this year. After going through a rough time with my family this year, I’ve connected with all of these artists in one way or another. The Beaches with their badass punk sound that shows that women can rock, The Living Street with their acoustics and harmonies, Taylor Swift with her sad girl music on her “folklore” album, Harry Styles with his 70s disco-esque music and The Aces with their infectious indie pop sound.
All of them are my favorite artists and they all have been a massive comfort to me this year and for that, that’s why I felt connected to all of them.
Cassie Irene
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This year, I never realized how much time I spent listening to Halsey until Spotify Wrapped was released. As an avid Halsey fan I’m not surprised though! Halsey has been a constant in my life since her release of Badlands. Her latest album release, If I Cant Have Love, I Want Power, was an immaculate concept record. With my constant streaming of her songs “Whispers” and “Girl is a Gun,” no wonder she was my ride or die this year
It wouldn’t be my Top Artists without Billy Strings, he will forever be a constant in my listening history. He’s joined by Harry Styles and Taylor Swift.
I was shocked to see “Phyllis” by Lettuce make the 3rd slot in my top songs of the year. Their funky instrumental tracks filled my work week with good vibes. This is probably why one of their tracks eased their way into my soul and into my playlists.
Finally my TOP song with them slowly creeping up to be my favorite band. Holding the 5th artist slot is Pigeons Playing Ping Pong with “Elephante.” This funky tune was THE song to blast in my car this summer. Pigeons Playing Ping Pong were my favorite band to photograph this year. They’re clearly working their way into my top slot. Who knows… maybe next year!!
BECKS
If we’re being honest, there were no surprises in my Top Artists this year. With a new album from Harry Styles and tour dates to support it…the top spot was spoken for. No questions asked. Since the album was new, it grew on me in the best way. We went from getting to know each other, to falling in love, to it bringing me pure joy; and who doesn’t need that in their life?
Greta Van Fleet returned once more. I truly never tire of their music and catching them live a couple of times this year only fueled that flame! Even on repeat, ‘Weight of Dreams’ STILL gives me goosebumps every time.
I was over the moon to see Halestorm and Dorothy make my top list. Two female rockers who truly stole my heart this year. While I had been familiar with both of them previously, seeing them live and hearing their new albums really sold me.
While I new I enjoyed Nothing More, it wasn’t until they played a festival I worked that I realized how incredible they are. Their singles were heart pumping and contagious and I ACHED for the release of their new album. It did NOT disappoint and is still on heavy rotation.
Along with Sara, I would have loved to see newer artists in my rotation spotlighted in some way. While Harry Styles stole my Top Songs, I can’t help but think about the few days I had Avatar (another festival find) on repeat. THAT is the kind of range I would have loved to see represented in our wrapped reviews.
How Banded Stole Christmas: White Lighter In Concert
We're bringing rock n roll right to you! Enjoy this special performance from Cincinnati Rock band, White Lighter.
Greta FAN Fleet: 10 Inspiring GVF Fan Artists Making Their Mark
Over the past two years dating back to October of 2020, Greta Van Fleet’s era with The Battle at Gardens Gate brought a certain group of individuals together. “My Way Soon” being their first single set the brand as living a free and exciting life through love and light.
In June of 2021, I had been going through a lonely transition in my life. I had just graduated high school and was working a 9 to 5 office job. I had no plans of going to college any time soon and had almost no friends. I was lost, and felt like a loser. Until one day, I was in the car with my sister, and she played “Rolling in the deep”, except it was the Greta Van Fleet version. Out of every song I could've heard, the cover of “Rolling in the deep” was the first time I heard Josh Kiszka sing. Most people would say the first Greta Van Fleet song they heard was “Highway Tune” or “You’re The One”. But mine was the “Rolling in the Deep” cover. I suppose that makes my story more unique. I ignored it just thinking they were some dumb cover band.
Many days later I was scrolling on Tik Tok and saw this strange looking curly haired dude singing on my for you page. At first, I thought it was Pete Davidson in a wig, because it was a performance on Saturday Night Live. More and more everyday I kept seeing that same video until I realized it was Greta Van Fleet. I finally sat down and listened to their whole discography and many live performances. Since then I’ve been hooked.
My life became brighter as I met people from all over the world due to our love for 4 guys from Michigan. I traveled to places all over the United States as my love for music, nature, art and humanity grew stronger. I became inspired to become a music journalist and realized that it's what I want to do for the rest of my life. Over the past year I've come to accept and love that I am a fangirl especially when it comes to fan art.
These 10 artists started with passion and love in their hearts and nothing but the basic materials for a simple painting, drawing, or a makeup look. Going into it as just a fun hobby, they are now making money and have built small businesses for themselves. After sitting down and chatting with the powerful, loving, and talented women featured in this article, I realize that the Greta Van Fleet community was brought together to inspire, love, and unite through the good and the dark times.
Sarah Sharpe
of
SSharpeArt
19 year old Sarah Sharpe from Toronto, Ontario captures the boys of Greta Van Fleet with her captivating portraits. In 2020 Sarah was going through a rough patch and had lost a lot of creative inspiration. Being a full time student at Guelph university and pursuing her dreams of being a veterinarian, art was not one of her priorities. After finding Greta Van Fleet she got her groove back. Happy to have found some inspiration, her first piece was the “Heat Above” Sam Kiszka portrait.
Originally just creating for fun there was a huge demand for her art. She created “Heat Above” inspired portraits for Josh, Jake, and Danny as that became her first collection. She’s thankful for the inspiration from GVF and the abundance of love from fans as she feels seen and understood through her art. She creates art because of the connections and friendships she has made as the money is secondary. You can support Sarah’s art by following her on Instagram and shopping her Etsy here.
The “Heat Above” Collection by Sarah Sharpe
Katie Trahan
of
Sad Girl Does Crafts
Katie Trahan from upstate New York has always been a creative artsy person but in the aspect of being a professional dancer. After finding Greta Van Fleet and retiring from her dance career she created her etsy shop SadGirlDoesCrafts. Mostly creating fan art for Greta Van Fleet fans, her brilliant art is inspired by nature, other peoples art, and her own emotions.
Being a former dancer has also made a huge impact on her art as well. The people in her pieces are based off of her as she is the model for the majority of her creations. You can see she does many dance poses especially in her “Heat Above” and “Broken Bells” pieces.
Katie has also designed many tattoos and does commission pieces of all kinds. This quote from Katies Etsy struck me in the heart: “If I don’t do something creative everyday my soul dies a little. You’re really just helping me out here”. Go support Katie! She appreciates all of the love and support she can get. Follow her on Instagram and shop here.
Joella Malfitano
of
Iykyk Merch
By now, you have most likely spotted a famous Iykyk Merch graphic shirt somewhere. Joella Malfitano is conquering the art community with her trendy vintage collage style shirts. There is an extremely high demand for her items which makes her one of the more notable artists listed here. More and more everyday her numbers rise. What started out as a fun project has turned into a serious high fashion business. One of her first purchases was made by her now close friend Ally and she has made so many more lifelong connections through it all.
What really inspires her art are fandoms but specifically the Greta Van Fleet community. When she first found Greta there was not a lot of Fan art out there, so she made it herself. Her biggest dream as of right now is to move to Nashville and start making more connections in the music industry. She hopes to work with bands and artists to capture photos of her own for her iconic shirts to make her art even more original. Through her designs she has been able to showcase the work of many photographers such as Paige Sara, which has been a dream come true.
She was fortunate enough to give Josh a decorative tambourine which she worked so hard on and she really appreciates the guys of Greta Van Fleet and all the opportunities and inspiration that have come her way from their music. Follow Iykyk on Instagram and shop here.
Alyxandria Wiseman
of Shop Pearl Designs
Alyxandria Wiseman is inspired by Jake Kiszka, from his suit designs down to his guitar technique.
She embodies everything about Jake into her artwork. Individually painting and crafting every jean jacket, putting so much work into her business to make sure her buyers feel the love put into her art. Alyx does everything from jean jackets to jewelry, and even takes commission orders. Alyx also had the opportunity to be a vendor at the Greta Van Fleet fan event. She was fortunate enough to work with the Kiszka and the Wagner Families along with some of the small business owners in Frankenmuth.
Alyx has only had her shop open since June of 2022 but has networked herself into a bright future for her business. Currently she has taken a break from selling everyday items on her etsy shop due to having a surplus of commission orders. Working day and night on her art, she is so thankful for all the support. Follow her on Instagram and shop here.
Ashley Frame
of Stay Crafty AF
In my opinion, Ashley Frame is the sticker queen. Her cute and creative stickers have taken over the Greta Van Fleet community. After coming out of a dark period in her life, Ashley found GVF which led to her opening her Etsy shop. Her husband and friends have been her biggest supporters through it all.
She doesn't just sell stickers though. What gives her etsy shop a unique edge is her coloring books. Each coloring book has themes of many Greta Van fleet songs depicting what they look like. In September she was a vendor at the Greta Van Fleet fan event where she gave Dan Wagner a very special coloring book. Dan’s face lit up and said “You know who would really love this my son Daniel”. That interaction was so heartwarming and she's very thankful she got the opportunity to share her art with Danny Wagner's dad. Greta Van Fleet has brought Ashley so many lifelong friends and it brings her so much joy to create art and run a business.
Follow her on Instagram and shop here.
Alexis Wills
of Slay Gracefully
I introduce to you the most unique artist in this bundle. She may not have a business but she does have fantastic eyebrows and a very popular makeup account on instagram.
Alexis Wills from Alabama brings the Greta Van Fleet community together with her amazing Greta themed makeup looks and inviting personality. Creating makeup looks inspired by Greta Van Fleet’s songs, lyrics and Danny Wagner's stage makeup are some of the things she favors. Through art and Greta Van Fleet she has been able to meet so many other artists who also inspire her. Her Fangirl personality goes into her marketing and creativeness when it comes to networking. Looking to hopefully someday be a full time makeup artist for bands, she has made connections leading her to do that.
Alexis’ most popular art series is called Greta Van Fleet Looks where she depicts Greta Van Fleet songs through makeup looks. Her most popular look is the “Heat Above” inspired makeup look. Alexis is so thankful For Greta Van Fleet and their message of peace, love and unity. If you'd like to show support, follow her on Instagram.
Marie Carmichael
of
Greta Van Beads
Marie Carmichael from Florida is a teacher by day and artist by night, creating jewelry inspired by Greta Van Fleets lyrics and outfits. Marie’s jewelry making process is what makes her art so quintessential to her business. She takes lyrics from songs and matches each lyric with an item until she builds on it more and more to create a full jewelry piece. She captures the fashion of Greta Van Fleet in her jewelry as well, taking inspiration from Josh’s suits and Danny’s makeup.
Making Jewelry is one of her biggest passions and sharing that with people is a dream come true. Her most popular piece is the “sparrow of the Dawn necklace” inspired by the song “Flower Power”. She was also fortunate enough to meet Danny Wagner after the Gretallica Atlanta show in 2021. Meeting Danny was very special. Marie is so thankful Danny took the time to take a photo with her and it means a lot knowing he loves everyone in the peaceful army.
Follow Greta Van Beads on Instagram and shop here.
Sydney Brear
of
Strange Horizons Club
Sydney Brear started her art business in the summer of 2021, naming it StrangeHorizonsClub after going to the Nashville Strange horizons show. Greta Van Fleet changed her life. Their music brought her and her family back together after a dark period and inspired her to create art.
Sydney has a surplus of masterpieces ranging from portrait vinyls to graphic T shirts. She’s been noticed on instagram by Jake Kiszka being that her Jake portraits are her most popular items. Her Talent and craftsmanship are what give her the well deserved support throughout the Greta Van Fleet community. Sydney is so thankful for the everlasting support from everyone.
She is inspired by the other artists in the Greta Van fleet community which drives her to put everything into her own art. Sydneys etsy shop grows bigger and bigger thanks to all the support from the peaceful army. Follow her on Instagram and shop here.
Libby Latham
of
Libby Kaye
Libby Kaye from Nashville Tennessee grew up surrounded by art and music. Her deep connection with music inspires her art work. Through selling her GVF inspired hats via instagram, she has made many connections and lasting friendships throughout the years.
Her hats showcase beautiful symmetry and abstract designs capturing the themes of Greta Van Fleet in a very personal way. Starting with making a hat for herself, it’s now turned into a growing hat business. Focusing on commission orders has helped to continuously challenge herself.
Libby loves Nashville and is never afraid to express herself. Her family is her biggest support system and they've always encouraged her to be authentic. Get inspired and follow her on Instagram here.
Mallory Hartman
of Greta Van Pottery
The incredible Mallory Hartman handcrafts bowls, mugs, and so many other incredible special gifts. Being mostly inspired by Greta Van Fleet's message of peace and love, Mallory crafts her pieces with passion. Pulling inspiration into the size and design of the dish or mug is what makes each of her items so special.
Malory’s talent goes beyond pottery as well. Currently she is working and studying to become a dentist. Mallorys drive and stamina is what keeps her going. Finding a creative outlet in dentistry really helps her when it comes to crafting her pottery. If you’d like to support Mallory, you can follow her on Instagram or check out all of her pottery in her Etsy shop.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Get to Know Glam Rock Band, Royal Sugar
If you’re looking for a “Rock band that upsets pop fans, and a Pop band that upsets Rock fans,” we’ve got you covered…
Tyler Cohenour and Garrett Carr are Royal Sugar. The Nashville based band is claiming their space in the music community with pure passion and ambition; and they’re bringing Glam Rock fans along for the ride.
I caught up with Tyler and Garrett to learn more about the band’s formation and chemistry, their latest single 'Fleeting Love', the Tik Tok Community, Harry Styles’ 'Medicine', and SO much more.
INTERVIEW: University Drive
From traveling on the road with COLD to releasing their sophomore album, Heal, it's safe to say that University Drive has had quite the year! I had the chance to sit down with Ed Cuozzo from University Drive to chat about the long and winding road that led to UD's latest album.
Heal, an album that was crafted within two years possesses 13 thought-provoking and unbelievably raw tracks. It embodies the feeling of grief, sorrow, losing yourself, and in the end, moving forward.
Stream Heal on all streaming platforms.
Greta FAN Fleet Gallery To Celebrate Inspirational Artists in the Fandom Community
Laura Kane sat down with the 10 most inspirational artists in the Greta Van Fleet community. Read all about their stories of success on December 21st for Greta FAN Fleet the virtual art gallery.
Review: The Arcs Blast Off to Psychedelic Space with “Heaven is a Place”
It’s not even Christmas yet and The Arcs have gifted fans another taste of their forthcoming album, Electrophonic Chronic, with dreamy space adventure “Heaven is a Place.” Having only just announced their comeback of sorts just around a month ago with the drop of “Keep on Dreamin’,” their first new release since 2016, it’s a good season to be an Arcs fan, that’s for sure.
“Heaven is a Place” is a full-body sensory experience. It’s one of those tracks that absolutely demands to be listened to with headphones and your full attention, maybe at a volume that’s a smidge too high, but if you give it the care and attention it deserves, it’ll reward you in kind. I find it to be heavy, but not too busy – a controlled drowning in sound of sorts. The track completely surrounds you and pulls you deep into The Arcs’ sonic universe.
Though “Heaven is a Place” and “Keep on Dreamin’” are alike in that they both evoke a sort of cosmic astral projection, “Heaven is a Place” is something I never would have expected to hear from The Arcs. It feels very different from what I’ve heard from them up to this point, yet it feels like a seamless transition. I suppose that’s what makes it so exciting; The Arcs have rarely if ever confined themselves to one sound, and this just further proves it.
“Heaven is a Place” also seems to function as a truly remarkable tribute to the late Richard Swift. Perhaps one of the best examples of tracks whose meaning shifts following the passing of one of its creators, it feels like a promise of better things once we leave this realm, for Swift, and for anyone. This idea feels especially prevalent when you hear the track in tangent with its animated music video. Despite the melancholy, there’s something comforting about it, a reassurance that whoever is gone has gone on to better, newer, more beautiful things. I hope the remaining Arcs can find some of that same comfort they’ve shared with fans with this track.
Two tracks in and Electrophonic Chronic is already shaping up to be one of my favorite new records of 2023, and the year hasn’t even started yet. With two more tracks set to drop before the record’s official release, I know I’m not alone in my excitement for what’s next. If these first two drops are any indication, what’s coming next is something special, so I’d suggest you stay tuned.