The Revivalists

Photo: Josh Brasted/FilmMagic/Getty Images

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The Revivalists On 'Take Good Care' & How New Orleans Music "Seeps Into Your Bones"

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Backstage at Lollapalooza in Chicago, the New Orleans-based group dissect the city's influence on their sound and discuss the recording process behind their most recent album
GRAMMYs
Aug 6, 2019 - 3:39 pm

Eight-piece soul rockers The Revivalists went big for their fourth full-length album, last year's Take Good Care, enlisting the help of a trio of producers to let their New Orleans sound shine. The group recorded in Nashville and the Big Easy with Dave Cobb [Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton], Andrew Dawson [Kanye West, Fun., Sleigh Bells] and Dave Bassett [Elle King, Vance Joy], pulling from a collection of over 100 new songs. The resulting album, 2018's Take Good Care, brough together their myriad influences and took the band to new heights. 

Aug 6, 2019 – 3:27 pm

The Revivalists On New Orleans' Influence At Lolla

"You start working with different producers and it's nice having another mindset in there where they can completely flip the idea of what you had for a song and then reinvigorate it and put new life into it," bassist George Gekas told us backstage at Lollapalooza 2019. "Like 'Hate to Love You,' where when we recorded the first time to the second time, there's no way we could have imagined the song would have gone that way, but you have guidance with other people to help you through the whole process."

Corralling that much talent and input into one coherent album couldn not have been easy, but the band kept things organic, feeling out which songs were the best fit for which sessions.

"It was interesting because we whittled the demos down to about 30 and then we sent them to the producers and we wanted them to listen and hear what excited them," said pedal steel guitarist Ed Williams. "Because at this point we've, we've made a few records and we will make more records and the fact that we can take songs from the past and bring them back, we want the producer to do what excites them. And we can go into that space with them and they're all our songs and we we're proud of all of them." 

Something about the album—and the band—is distinclty New Orleans, which makes sense considering bll but one member (PJ Howard, who is from Chicago) from there. 

"There's just music everywhere in the town. It's completely immersed," explained Gekas. "Whether you go outside and you see a jazz funeral second line, or you see guys busking downtown in the corridor or you go to see actual shows, you can't get away from it. It just kind of seeps into your bones."

The Revivalists' sound covers a lot of ground and harkens back to many of their diverse influences, from Dr. John to Queen, the Beatles to Stevie Wonder, and more, but they are constantly moving forward. Recently, they recorded a live version of their song "Oh No" at the historic Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

"When you get into a place with that much history and you're literally walking in the footprints of giants," said keyboardist/trumpetist Michael Girardot, "It kind of makes you step back and approach things differently."

Find out more about the band's process in the interview video above and be sure to catch them on tour this month.

AJR On Their Dream Lil Nas X Collab, Their Favorite Thing About Festivals & More

 

 

 

The Band Camino

Photo: Daniel Mendoza/Recording Academy

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The Band Camino Celebrate Lolla Debut, Impart Their Ethos: "Be Honest With Yourself"

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Memphis pop-rockers talk early influences, the band's hopeful message to fans and their Lolla debut: "This will be the biggest festival we've ever played, by far."
GRAMMYs
Aug 7, 2019 - 3:23 pm

Playing Lollapalooza is a dream come true for many artists, especially the Band Camino.

Aug 7, 2019 – 3:21 pm

The Band Camino On Hopes & Influences At Lolla '19

"This will be the biggest festival we've ever played, by far," singer Jeffrey Jordan told us backstage before their Lolla debut at noon on Saturday.

The Memphis pop-rock quartet also cited some of their biggest musical influences growing up, including everything from the Eagles to the Killers to Coldplay and even Taylor Swift. Now, with a string of successful singles, the Band Camino signed to Electra back in May. Now, they hope to maintain their humble roots as their music draws more and more attention.

"I hope people don't think we're unapproachable. We're just normal people," said Jordan, "And we come together and make something bigger than ourselves."

"Don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself," added guiarist Spencer Stewart, referencing the band's anthem "Fool Of Myself." "That's our big thing, be honest with yourself." 

For a full list of tour dates, check out The Band Camino's website, and watch the interview above for more from backstage at Lolla.

Judah & The Lion On Choosing Hope In Tough Times: "Just Talk About It, And You'll Feel Less Alone"

 

 

Tayla Parx

Photo: Erika Goldring/FilmMagic/Getty Images

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11 Breakout Acts You May Have Missed At Lollapalooza 2019

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With so many larger-than-life headliners at this year's Lolla in Chicago, here's a deeper dive on stellar artists who may have slipped under your radar
Jacklyn Krol
GRAMMYs
Aug 5, 2019 - 3:59 pm

Everybody's talking about the many memorable performances from this weekend's latest Lollapalooza installment in Chicago, from Kacey Musgraves "golden hour" set to J Balvin's surprise guests to Ariana Grande premiering her new single. But the best of the fest might belong to the newcomers, artists who made the most of their chance to shine in front of fresh audiences.

Aug 5, 2019 – 9:35 am

Take A Look Back At Lollapalooza 2019

In case you couldn't be everywhere at once this weekend, here are nearly a dozen stellar sets you might have missed at Lollapalooza 2019.

Alexander 23 

For fans of: Alec Benjamin, Cautious Clay, Jacob Whitesides

Alexander 23 had an impressive crowd turn up for his set on the BMI stage, kicking off the first day of the festival. The Chicago native showed off his instrumentality on stage, performing on several instruments while keeping the crowd engaged and belting out his songs. Alexander performed “Another Summer Night Without You,” his latest single which will be on the upcoming season of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why.

Picture This 

For fans of: Keywest, Vance Joy, The 1975

The four-piece rock band from Ireland performed their music off their latest album, MDRN LV. Picture This filled the giant stage space effortlessly and put on an energetic performance that fans won’t soon forget. The main stage’s jumbotron showed a group of fans that came from Ireland for the occasion, hoisting up their native country’s flag. Though their set was early, fans showed up and Picture This had them jumping up and down. 

Against The Current

For fans of: Misterwives, PVRIS, Paramore

The trio took the shaded BMI stage to perform their debut Lollapalooza set on Sunday. Against The Current had the audience dancing throughout their entire set and even went into the crowd at a point. The band seamlessly blend pop, rock and hints of other genres to create a unique sound. During the show, lead singer Chrissy Costanza did her signature back-breaking bend where she still managed to belt out her vocal part without missing a beat. 

The New Respects

For fans of: Alabama Shakes, Andra Day, Sufjan Stevens

The New Respects kicked off day two of the festival on Friday with a standout performance on BMI’s stage. Hailing from Nashville, the band have performed at a number of high profile festivals including Bonnaroo. Even casual passers by at Lollapalooza seemed to walk away converted to fandom after seeing their electrifying performance. 

Whipped Cream

For fans of: Zeds Dead, Rezz, Bauer

Whipped Cream (Caroline Cecil)  is a force to be reckoned with in electronic music, and her Lollapalooza set proved this. Performing on the legendary Perry’s Stage, she brought the production and high energy to make the crowd move. Playing at 2:10 PM, she drew the largest crowd at an earlier slot for the festival, extending well past the soundboards and pulsing with the music.

Scarypoolparty

For fans of: Lukas Graham, John Mayer

You may remember Alejandro Aranda from "American Idol" as the runner up on Season 2 this year. Arnada became known for performing his own original music on the television show which normally uses cover songs. Now he has created his own stage name, Scarypoolparty, and has one sold-out headlining tour under his belt and a fall tour coming up next. Even though he has yet to release a full-length debut album, fans knew every word to his songs at Lollapalooza. 

Ruston Kelly

For fans of: Brent Cobb, Jason Isbell, Brandy Clark 

Lollapalooza has a space for every genre of music, including country. Ruston Kelly is one of three country artists on the festival’s lineup which includes his wife, Kacey Musgraves, and up and coming artist, Jade Bird. It’s easy to be serenaded by Kelly’s vocals, and a number of festival-goers just walking by his stage ended up being pulled in by his performance to stay for his entire set. 

The Band Camino

For fans of: Chase Atlantic, Bad Suns, Nightly

Nashville-based rock outfit The Band Camino kicked off day three of the festival on Saturday afternoon, proving just why pop-rock is making a comeback into music's mainstream. The quartet was humble yet had a confidence in performing that seemed to consistently coax the crowd into every song. 

Tayla Parx

For fans of: Solange, Janelle Monae, Ariana Grande

You may not know Tayla Parx's new solo music, but you know her music and lyrics from songs recorded by artists such as Ariana Grande, Tori Kelly, Christina Aguilera, BTS, among other acts. Parx walked onto the stage, which was filled with giant inflatable cactuses, with infectious energy. Her live performance sounds every bit as on-point as her debut album recordings, which speaks to the performer and vocalist Parx is. 

Omar Apollo 

For fans of: Leon Bridges, Cuco, Boy Pablo 

Omar Apollo seemed like he was living the dream on stage at Lollapalooza. After watching Apollo perform, there’s no denying that he has a true passion for musicianship with a sharp focus on connecting with the crowd. Apollo doesn’t need a giant production or stage gimmicks to win an audience over, his inspired delivery of his own brand of psychedelic soul songs is unmistakable.. 

Sam Fender 

For fans of: Hozier, Blossoms, George Ezra 

The UK's Sam Fender may only have released four singles, but his festival performance proved why he is on his way to becoming a future headliner. His fusion of retro pop, indie and rock create his own lane, and his set consisted of his released material along with songs from his forthcoming debut album, Hypersonic Missles.

Meet Us Behind The Scenes At Lollapalooza 2019

Childish Gambino

Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Diamond Ball

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Lollapalooza 2019: Childish Gambino, The Strokes, Ariana Grande, More Added To Lineup

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The festival got a little help from furry friends to tease the announcement
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Mar 20, 2019 - 11:50 am

Lollapalooza has announced that Childish Gambino, the Strokes, Ariana Grande, Kacey Musgraves and more have been added to the final 2019 lineup. 

Other additions include Flume, Death Cab For Cutie and H.E.R. Previously announced artists include J Balvin, Rosalía, Lil Wayne, Janelle Monáe and Lil Baby. The four-day music fest will take place at Grant Park in Chicago on August 1–4.

"Chicago, we're coming to see you this summer at @lollapalooza! Grab your tickets and get ready to party," Balvin tweeted. 

The festival teamed up with PAWS Chicago, a pet adoption organization, to reveal artist clues a day before the big reveal with a video featuring dogs waiting to be adopted. The day of the announcement, PAWS Chicago said all the dogs in the video have been adopted. Watch the furry friends below. For ticket information, visit the Lollapalooza website. 

2019 Music Festival Preview: Noise Pop, Coachella, Ultra & More

Bonny Light Horseman

(L-R) Josh Kaufman, Eric D. Johnson and Anaïs Mitchell
Photo: Daniel Mendoza/Recording Academy

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Bonny Light Horseman's Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson & Josh Kaufman Are Moving Folk Forward Together

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The all-star trio discuss their traditional-rooted, modern-grown supergroup and the joy of making, "Real folk music for everyone, which is rad"
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Aug 19, 2019 - 12:08 pm

Super groups are never a gimme. But walking through the audience at this year's Newport Folk during Bonny Light Horseman's set, which was only their fourth or fifth gig together, you'd think it was always this easy. Experienced and accomplished in their own arenas, Tony winning singer/songwriter and playwright Anaïs Mitchell, Fruit Bats' Eric D. Johnson and The National and Bob Weir collaborator Josh Kaufman play something that sounds like folk but feels like soul, complimenting each other's strenghts on stage to brave new ground for each of them, together.

Aug 19, 2019 – 12:06 pm

Bonny Light Horseman On Making A Folk Supergroup

This chemestry is also evident on the group's eponymous first single, "Bonny Light Horseman," a thoughful, lilting, timeless waltz worked up as a thesis statement for the trio's honest look back and bold step forward. We caught up with Mitchell, Johnson and Kaufman just after their Newport Folk set to hear what ignited their all-star collaboration, how their modern take on folk took shape, and what their future plans are as they gear up to head out on the road with this fresh new project.

Can you tell me how the group came together?

Mitchell: Right, so we all know each other from the different angles and obviously are involved in different projects. We realized that we all were hungry to play around with traditional music. And we found that when we do it together, it feels very natural and…

Kaufman: Personal. [We] connected to it.

Mitchell: Yeah. So we started making some music together and then our very first gig was at the Eaux Claire Festival in Wisconsin. And they gave us a gig when we didn't even have a band name or any songs. So it was really sweet of them, and we had an occasion to rise to, and we worked up a set. And then we took part in this residency in Berlin, called the People Residency, which is also curated in part by Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner. And that was where we started to make recordings and work with a bunch of people that also were at that residency. And then, we finished that record in Woodstock, last year. So we're starting to play some shows. We haven't played that many, and we're excited to put this record out.

The material on the new record, did you write together or is this more about re-imagining traditional music?

Johnson: Well these guys started it, but I would say it's very re-imagined. It's not Renaissance fair music or something. When you say "traditional music" that could be… we're not civil war reenactors or something. I wouldn't say it's a hyper-modern lens or something like that, but fully modern, totally graspable with modern years, but pretty respectful, too.

Mitchell: I would say whatever it takes for us to feel it. I think some of the songs are more of a straight reinterpretation and some of them it feels like we co-wrote... We've often talked about it. It doesn't feel like a research project. It's for whatever makes us feel it, and it's the feelings that are big and the chords are open and it's whatever feels good.

Kaufman: You can also let go of this music because it's taken from, we don't know who, and it seems like it's for everyone. Real folk music for everyone, which is rad.

What do you think playing live with this group brings each of you that you haven't experienced in your other projects?

Mitchell: Singing with Eric has been kind of a revelation. We didn't even know each other before this project, and definitely I sing different when we're together.

Johnson: Same

Mitchell: That is awesome. It feels like I can let go more.

Johnson: Yeah. This applies to the live show, but also I think our relationship with the record too, is where it's ours and it's not and at the same time, and when you're playing a live show you're almost watching it happen from above yourself. At least that's how I feel about it. I'm sort of enjoying it as a fan too, in a strange way. Then all three of us have been singer/songwriters for forever, but it's different than being locked into your own movie, I guess. You're watching somebody else's movie, but you get to act in it.

What do you have planned between now and the record release? What's the rest of 2019 look like?

Johnson: We have a few dates in September. We're having our first "tour." It's a very small tour, but it's going to be fun.

Mitchell: We get to open up for Mandolin Orange at the Ryman, which is exciting.

Photo Gallery: Backstage At Newport Folk Festival's 60th Anniversary