Remembering a Forgotten Language: The Evolution of Mimicking Birds

emilytreadgold #1, Features

In the biological world, mimicking birds, like parrots and mockingbirds, imitate the songs of other birds – or any other noises in their environment that they happen to fancy, including human speech – for the express purpose of attracting mates. The band Mimicking Birds, however, prefers to flip the script when it comes to etymology. According to front-man and songwriter Nate Lacy, the intriguing name derives mainly from the early song “New Doomsdays,” in which he gives credit where it is due via the lyric “since when we learned to fly, mimicking birds, we share the sky” and to a lesser degree from a tooth whistle he possesses that takes on an avian quality in the vocal delay. It is also the colloquial moniker he took to writing on the tapes he would record in his home long before he expected anyone to ever hear them.

morgxn Is The Artist To Watch This Year

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When I first heard morgxn’s ‘home’ I was instantly hooked. From the driving intro filled with a resounding choir, to the instantly catchy chorus, it has this dynamic build. It just makes you want to get in your car and drive into the desert. I probably listened to it on loop for a good week. morgxn is playing SXSW this year and I could not be less surprised. There’s not doubt he’ll be the talk of Austin after his performance. I talked to morgxn about using songwriting to deal with overwhelming emotions.

Bridgit Mendler’s Departure From Pop

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I remember watching each episode of Good Luck Charlie and freaking out when the star, Bridgit Mendler, came out with her first single, “Ready or Not.” This was a bop from the start and if you’re also a 20-something who grew up watching Disney Channel, chances are you’ve seen and heard Mendler’s talent firsthand. However, the indie pop singer has made quite a departure from her Disney days. Recently, I got to catch up with her and discuss the new sound and upcoming tour.

We Talk With COIN To Make Cents Of Their Upcoming Year

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COIN is an indie pop band that formed in 2012 at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Band members Chase Lawrence, synth and vocals, Joe Memmel, guitar and vocals, Ryan Winnen, drums, and Zachary Dyke, bass, make up the quartet. COIN released their first self-titled album back in 2015, with the song “Run” as a breakaway hit. With their recent hit release “Talk Too Much” charting and even holding down the #1 spot on Alt-Nation for some time, COIN is poised for a huge 2017. I talked with lead singer Chase Lawrence about the things to come, upcoming shows, and the new album.

Noga Erez Is Hard To Pin Down

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Noga Erez is hard to explain. Take one look at her ‘Dance While You Shoot’ video and you can see why. She’s not for everyone but I don’t think she wants to be. It’s an acquired taste but one that would follow in the paths of M.I.A. and Bjork. She makes a statement and her music stays with you. It’s entrancing and dangerous.

Erik Hassle’s Innocence Lost

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My first experience with Swedish pop singer/songwriter Erik Hassle came (ironically) with my first heartbreak. His debut album, Hassle, came with the single “Hurtful” and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t blast to that for months. Let’s fast forward seven years later, and I was able to catch up with the Swedish pop singer-songwriter and discuss his new album, Innocence Lost.

Judah and The Lion Are The Band To See This Year

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A baseball player or fashion designer, pro skateboarder or surfer, helicopter pilot (you know, like the kind you see in ski movies), and a coffee roaster. Seems like an eclectic bunch of individuals, but this is exactly what the Nashville-based group Judah & the Lion would have been if they hadn’t met and pursued music. While things don’t always pan out the way you imagine, these guys seem to be handling that just fine. The band is composed of frontman Judah Akers, drummer Spencer Cross, mandolin player Brian Macdonald, and banjo player Nate Zuercher.