With her signature “musical combat” performance style (she explains in our interview), a vocal timbre reminiscent of an 80’s new wave band front woman meets Sia, and a strong grasp on the type of artist she is and wants to be, Conway is a quickly emerging indie/alt-pop singer-songwriter that definitely deserves your ears (plus, she is a D.I.Y. guru and loves her fans, what’s not to like?)!
“We’re the shit and if you haven’t seen us perform live, you should stop being silly and come see us live,” Mark Hoy, emcee and singer of Theoretics, said jokingly. “That’s our strongest suit right now.”
Often adorned with war paint and a splash of sass, the Vandies are a small time girl band that packs a big punch. Hailing from Portland, OR, this quintet has steadily nestled their way into the hearts (and ears) of many at a rapid pace. Deemed a modern-day Spice Girls among the band (for their pride in girl power), the group consists of five truly individual girls who come equipped with their own monikers—Karla Ecklund, vocals (the vintage one); Cassondra Phillipsen, lead guitar (the sexy one); Kat Olsen, rhythm guitar/backup vocals (the art one); Shannon FitzMaurice, bass (the healthy one); and Kim Coffel, drums (the wild one).
So prepare to learn a thing or two about girl domination and accompany me in giving the Vandies a massive Rain City Ambience welcome!
Every once in a while, a new band comes around and reinvents the wheel in a way that hooks you in instantly. It’s not a vain attempt to start the next “big thing”, but an indicator that within the band lies a wealth of musical knowledge and influences that contribute to something fresh and exciting. New Lungs’ “Lanterns” certainly fits this description, as this is one of the most dynamic EPs I have heard from the local experimental/indie genre in years.
