Menu

San Diego Music

Home by Five Talks New Music, Mental Health, and Their Journey to Success

0

The this episode of the Icon Presents Podcast kicks off Season 2 with a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with the emo pop-punk band Home by Five. Hosted by Antwon Haynes, the episode dives into the band’s creative journey, their unique sound, and their upcoming project, “Are You Satisfied?” set to release in January 2025.

A Performance That Sets the Tone

The episode opens with two live performances from the band, giving listeners a taste of their emotional and raw artistry.

  • “Dreamer”: A song about breaking free from the monotony of traditional jobs to chase a full-time music career, capturing the band’s vision of not wanting to be “home by five.”
  • “Kys” (Keep Yourself Safe): A powerful track addressing mental health struggles, inspired by lead singer Eric’s personal experiences with bipolar disorder.

These performances set the stage for a deeper dive into the stories and messages behind their music.

Meet the Band

Home by Five is composed of five passionate musicians, each bringing a unique perspective to the group:

  • Eric (Lead Singer): The heart of the band, sharing personal struggles and dreams through his lyrics.
  • Carlos (Drummer): Providing the rhythm and energy to their sound.
  • Ron (Guitarist): Collaborating on instrumentals and contributing to the band’s emotive sound.
  • Kira (Bassist): Adding depth and dynamism to their performances.
  • Justin (Rhythm Guitarist): Rounding out the band’s cohesive and layered sound.

With two years in their current lineup, the band reflects on the challenges of lineup changes and the importance of staying committed to their vision.

Their Sound and Future Goals

Home by Five describes their style as a blend of emo and pop punk, channeling both the highs and lows of life into their music. They aim to play more shows, connect with bigger bands, and build a loyal fan base while maintaining their authenticity.

Some of their recent performances include local venues like Ocean Beach, Stage, and Six Age, as well as the DIY venue A Humble Heart. The band emphasizes the importance of putting on their best performance at every show to gain recognition in the industry.

Looking Ahead

With “Are You Satisfied?” set for release in January 2025, the band is excited for what the future holds. They remain committed to their vision, blending their unique sound with their heartfelt messages to inspire others.

Antwon Haynes wraps up the episode by thanking the band for their openness and talent, encouraging listeners to check out Home by Five’s music and support their journey.

Join the Journey

Don’t miss out on Home by Five’s music and upcoming project “Are You Satisfied?”. Follow them on social media, stream their singles, and attend their shows to be part of their story.

Catch the full episode of the Icon Presents Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Amplified San Diego Open Mic

Exploring Amplified Studios: A Night of Talent and Connection

0

On August 28th, I had the pleasure of attending an open mic event at Amplified Studios in Carlsbad, CA. Although I arrived a bit late, I was greeted by a full house, with standing room only. It was my first time at the studio, and as I explored the space, I struck up a conversation with Bob Berman, the owner of Amplified Studios.

Bob shared his inspiring journey from the corporate world to following his true passion for music. As a musician himself, Bob’s love for connecting with creative talents led him to establish a space where artists can truly thrive. Amplified Studios offers a wide range of services, from podcasting and music education to rehearsal space, vocal training, and more. Their state-of-the-art control room is a testament to their dedication to helping artists bring their visions to life.

As we talked, our conversation naturally turned to the challenges of the recording industry. Bob emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach and the need to diversify services to support musicians in every aspect of their careers. It’s clear that Amplified Studios is more than just a recording space—it’s a hub for creative growth and community.

After our chat, we joined the audience in the studio, where the atmosphere was both vibrant and intimate. The artists were eager to perform, and one standout for me was singer Aria Cecile. Her passion and powerful voice captivated everyone in the room. Moved by her performance, I introduced myself, and she graciously accepted my invitation to be a guest on “The Icon Presents” podcast. Another highlight of the night was Deidre Crowell, a singer who recently moved to San Diego and creates music inspired by her new journey and experiences.

If you ever have the chance to attend one of Amplified Studios’ open mic nights, I highly recommend it. The talent, the energy, and the sense of community make it an experience you won’t want to miss.www.amplifiedsd.com 

Harmony, Anxiety, Creativity, and Music with Shea Givens

0

Embracing Creativity and Battling Self-Doubt with Shea Givens on Icon Presents

In the latest episode of Icon Presents, host Antwon Haynes chats with singer-songwriter Shea Givens about her journey from Missouri to California, her creative process, and how she’s learned to navigate anxiety and self-doubt along the way. Shea opens up about the real struggles and triumphs that have shaped her as an artist, offering a relatable and inspiring perspective for anyone in the creative field.

Turning Anxiety into Art

Shea starts the conversation by discussing how anxiety has been a significant influence on her songwriting. She shares her unique method of capturing ideas—often starting with vocal memos and improvising lyrics that gradually take shape. Growing up, Shea’s love for music was nurtured by singing with her mom and learning piano at school, a passion that followed her when she moved to California ten years ago to pursue her music dreams.

This move was a big step, bringing her closer to family and opening up new opportunities in her music career. It’s clear that California has played a crucial role in her growth as an artist.

Finding Inspiration and Embracing Imperfections

As they continue to talk, Shea reveals the inspirations behind her music, including legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Shania Twain, and Allen Stone. She’s working on an upcoming album that features live band performances, something she’s particularly excited about because it allows for the kind of creative freedom she values. Shea and Antwon both agree that there’s something special about the imperfections and raw emotions in live music—it’s those human elements that make it so powerful.

Shea also reflects on the energy of live performances, which she finds incredibly rewarding. For her, there’s nothing quite like the connection and authenticity that come from being on stage.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Growing as an Artist

Shea opens up about the challenges she faces with self-doubt and perfectionism, admitting that she can be her own harshest critic, especially when it comes to her performances and appearance. Antwon and Shea discuss the difficulties of putting yourself out there, particularly in creative fields where self-criticism can easily take over.

Despite these challenges, Shea finds strength in her deep connection to music—it’s an essential part of who she is. She talks about the joy she finds in performing live, even admitting that it can be a bit of a selfish pursuit because it’s where she feels most free and expressive.

Looking Ahead: New Music and Live Shows

As the episode wraps up, Shea shares her excitement about her upcoming music and live performances. She talks about growing up watching her mom perform and her dad’s involvement in a band, which helped her feel comfortable on stage from a young age. Now, with her own band and original music, she’s focused on continuing to grow and refine her sound.

Shea encourages other creators to keep pushing through their struggles and to find joy in their work, even when self-doubt creeps in. She’s looking forward to what’s next and invites listeners to follow her journey on social media.

Catch the Full Episode

This episode of Icon Presents gives you a candid look at Shea Givens’ journey, from managing anxiety to embracing the imperfections that make her music so relatable. Whether you’re a fan of Shea’s work or someone looking for creative inspiration, you’ll find plenty to connect with in this conversation.

Tune in to the full episode on Icon Presents to hear more about Shea’s new projects, her thoughts on overcoming self-doubt, and why staying true to yourself is so important in the creative process. Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram at @shakeevansmusic and check out her website for updates and new music.

At Icon Presents, we’re all about sharing the stories behind the music, art, and creativity that shape our culture. Keep an eye out for more interviews and insights from the incredible voices in the creative world.

Blythe Vermilion

Unlocking Creative Depths: Blythe Vermillion’s Musical Odyssey

0

Blythe Vermilion’s Musical Journey and Creative Growth

Episode Summary:
In this captivating episode of the Icon Presents Podcast, host Antwon Haynes engages in an enlightening conversation with Blythe Vermilion. Blythe shares her musical journey, creative process, and personal growth, offering listeners a glimpse into her world of ethereal pop and Americana music. The discussion delves into her inspirations, the challenges she has faced, and her exciting upcoming projects.

A Passion for Singing from a Young Age:
Blythe Vermilion’s love for singing began at the tender age of three, but it wasn’t until six years ago that she started taking it seriously after overcoming personal struggles. Her musical journey is marked by a deep connection to her experiences and hardships, using music as a healing tool.

Musical Inspiration and Healing:
Blythe reflects on the role of music in her personal growth, drawing inspiration from artists like Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks. Despite her ethereal pop and Americana style, she admits to finding inspiration in gangster rap. Her creative process is therapeutic, allowing her to channel her emotions and heal through her music.

Unique Visual Aesthetic:
Blythe’s visual style is often misinterpreted as dark or evil, but she clarifies that her music is far from that. Her aesthetic complements her diverse range of influences, creating a unique blend of visual storytelling in her music videos. Notable mentions include her favorite video, “Wings to Wax,” and her first video, “Fairy Tale,” both showcasing her ability to turn minimal resources into captivating visuals.

Live Performances and Songwriting:
Excited to return to live performances, Blythe shares her mixed feelings about intimate settings like open mic nights. Her songwriting journey includes tracks like “Poison Apples” and “Wings to Wax,” which highlight her vocal abilities and emotional depth. “Poison Apples,” for instance, was inspired by a conversation with her ex and explores themes of insecurity and feminine perspective.

Empowerment Through Music:
Antwon and Blythe discuss the empowering impact of music and visuals on listeners. Blythe aims to inspire authenticity and self-belief through her art. Revisiting old songs and reinterpreting them with a new twist is part of her creative process, demonstrating her growth and evolution as an artist.

Production and Collaboration Challenges:
The conversation touches on the importance of producers in shaping an artist’s sound. Blythe credits her producer, Steve Vicious, with helping her find her signature sound and unlocking her full vocal potential. Despite the financial hurdles in music production, she values creative freedom and encourages collaboration with her band members.

Upcoming Projects and Crowdfunding:
Blythe is working on several music videos, including “Ragdoll,” “Safe to Say,” and “Here to Stay,” with plans to release them throughout the year. She emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness in the music industry, mentioning crowdfunding as a valuable tool for funding projects. Her new album will be accompanied by live performances, merchandise, and a unique tarot deck designed by her friend and tattoo artist, Sybil Sousa.

Conclusion:
This episode of the Icon Presents Podcast offers an intimate look into Blythe Vermilion’s musical journey and creative growth. Her story is a testament to the healing power of music, the importance of creative freedom, and the value of perseverance in the face of challenges. Stay tuned to Icon Presents for more engaging conversations and follow Blythe Vermilion for updates on her upcoming projects.

Support Blythe Vermilion by visiting blythevermilion.com for her latest music, merchandise, and more.

Cassie B Thumbnail

Exploring the Music and Magic of Cassie B

0

Cassie B’s Musical Journey and Upcoming Projects

Episode Summary:
In this exciting episode of the Icon Presents Podcast, host Antwon Haynes sits down with Cassie B and her bandmates to discuss their musical journey, influences, and future projects. The conversation offers a glimpse into their creative process, the challenges they face, and their passion for live performances.

A Musical Partnership:
Cassie B and her husband, Ryan Kirkpatrick, have a rich history in music, having met at SeaWorld and formed a cover band that evolved into creating original music. Their sound blends pop and country, with Cassie B citing Michael Jackson as her biggest influence. Her music aims to make people dance while telling stories that resonate with her listeners.

Musical Influences and Preferences:
Cassie B’s musical journey is deeply influenced by iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Taylor Swift. Michael Jackson’s music, in particular, inspired her to dance and remains impactful today. The band members also discuss their admiration for artists like Conor Mayer and Sam Smith, appreciating their unique sounds and vocal abilities.

Evolving Sound and Instrument Preferences:
The band members share their evolution from classical guitar to electric guitar, drawing influences from Blink 182 and Van Halen. One member, who plays a Fender P bass, reflects on their diverse journey through punk, classic rock, and pop/funk genres. This eclectic mix of influences contributes to the band’s unique sound.

Songwriting and Personal Experiences:
Cassie B opens up about her songwriting process, drawing inspiration from personal experiences. She wrote “Honey” with a pop-country flair and created an official line dance for it. Another song, “Checkmate,” delves deeper into her journey in the music industry. Both songs emphasize perseverance and staying true to oneself.

Live Performances and Upcoming Shows:
Cassie B’s live performances are known for their energy and seamless mash-ups, creating an experience akin to a live DJ set. The band has several upcoming shows, including a performance at California Adventure and an opening act for Nashville country singer Kylie Morgan at Moonshine Beach on April 25. Additionally, they are working on a Taylor Swift tribute show called “Dream like Taylor,” which will feature a mix of original songs and covers.

Challenges and Triumphs in the Music Industry:
The band discusses the challenges they face, such as time management and finding new songs to perform. They emphasize the importance of putting in work and being organized to succeed. Ron, one of the band members, advises new bands to have good promotional materials and network effectively to find the right gigs.

Engaging with Fans and Merchandise:
Cassie B and her band recognize the importance of engaging with fans through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These platforms help expose their music to new audiences. Fans can support local artists by following them on social media, commenting on their content, and sharing their music. The band also offers unique merchandise, including handmade guitar pick earrings and T-shirts with a Queen Bee vibe, available through Shirts on Tap, a local San Diego T-shirt company.

Conclusion:
This episode of the Icon Presents Podcast provides a deep dive into Cassie B’s musical journey, offering insights into their creative process and future projects. Cassie B and her band are passionate about their music and live performances, and they are excited to share their work with fans. Stay tuned to Icon Presents for more engaging conversations and updates on Cassie B’s upcoming shows and projects.

Support Cassie B and her band by following them on social media and checking out their merchandise on http://www.cassiebsd.com