Plaid Brixx Return with “The Greener Side” Lyric Video

Planet Stereo sweethearts Plaid Brixx are back!

Their latest single, “The Greener Side,” the lead from their upcoming sophomore EP, just dropped, and it’s amazing. The EP is due out later this spring, but to pacify us until then, the band have a new lyric video for the single that is charming, and showcases the musical evolution of the band since their debut. Gone are the retro synths, and here we have melodic pop with electronic elements, all fashioned together to create a poised-for-success track.

Check out the lyric video below and let us know what you think in the comments!

 

Game Of Thrones/Taylor Swift Parody From Plaid Brixx

Happy Hump Day! Let Planet Stereo get rid of those midweek blues with a fun Game Of Thrones/Taylor Swift parody video from electro-pop/rock trio Plaid Brixx, entitled “Jon Snow.” Mixing Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” with a Game Of Thrones twist – “I knew you knew nothing when you walked in / So shame on me, Jon Snow”.

You can stream the video below:

Top 15 EPs of 2014

2014 had a lot of great albums, but what about all those EPs? People tend to let smaller releases slip by unnoticed, but at Planet Stereo, the phrase, “nice things come in small packages,” is muttered throughout the year. (…that may be partly because I’m only 5’2″, but hey! It’s a valid argument!) Here are the Top 15 EPs of 2014. Here’s hoping 2015 brings some good ones too!

 

1. Savannah by Nick Santino – released December 19th, 2014.

A quality EP that displays both artistry and originality throughout. There is pure character in each track, which gives Savannah  a cinematic quality/value. The stripped down sound provides a quiet, almost hushed tone that carries a lofty emotional weight.

2. Waiting For a Sequel by Beat The Heart – released on May 6th, 2014.

The epitome of indie/rock. There is an almost tangent energy to the EP, fusing together a cinematic, melodic style with the ballad worthy attitude of the 80s.

3. Strangers In Fairyland by Jocelyn Arndt – released October 27th, 2014.

Jocelyn Arndt perfectly delivers wit and attitude, wrapped up in raw power. It’s a debut EP that showcases the pure talent of Arndt and an effortless mystery behind it all.

4. Sweet Talk by Sinclair – released on November 4th, 2014.

From the opening notes of Sweet Talk, it is obvious there is something very special about Sinclair. I had said in my review that I believed there was a star in the making; that this wasn’t a debut, “this is an explosion,” and I stand by that.

5. It’s So Much Friendlier With Two by The Millenium – released on February 23rd, 2014.

“[A] memorable EP. The effort and talent put into just five tracks shines through in every line, but, in a surprising twist, it doesn’t sound forced. This EP flows organically and sounds like the product of a group of very creative people collaborating. One listen, and The Millenium are difficult to forget, not that you’d want to. If this EP is anything to go by, we should all be expecting big things from this group in 2015. ”

6. Nonvesations by Summon The Octopi – released on November 17th, 2014.

“Summon The Octopi have figured out how to do something many modern artists would deem impossible: they have managed to speak to listeners without having the need of a voice on every song. There is a true originality to every track, speaking for Nonversations, marking it as more than a debut EP, but more as a launch station for a talented group of musicians. ”

7. As You Were by Arc & Stones – released on June 10th, 2014.

“The more I listen to As You Were, the more I want to see a tour with Arc & Stones and Thirty Seconds To Mars headlining the bill. The EP is an instant classic, and, considering this is the first time I’ve ever listened to Arc & Stones, a perfect introduction. As far as first impressions go, the band has left a fine one on me, and I look forward to hearing what they come up with next.”

8. Commonweather by Commonweather – released on November 25th, 2014.

“Chicago is known for being home to some of the best artists, especially in the alternative rock arena, but even hailing from such a city, it is a rarity to hear a band that sounds so developed, and so confident in their sound on an EP. Just listening to Commonweather’s EP, it is obvious that we will see big things from them soon, because they already have enough quality in their work to compete with some of their more experienced counterparts. I, for one, cannot wait to see the results.”

9. Nikos by Nikos – released on October 21st, 2014.

As an introduction to the band, it is a wonderful preview at where they are headed, and how certain they are in their sound already. Their self-titled EP is delightfully melodic, energetic, and hauntingly brilliant.

10. All In My Head by Seaway – released on November 4th, 2014.

“As a debut, All In My Head is pretty much close to perfection, showcasing what Seaway is capable of musically, lyrically, and even style-wise. It is refreshing to hear a group who so obviously knows the direction they plan to take with their career, without imitating their icons.”

11. Thieves & Lovers by Thieves & Lovers – released on September 23rd, 2014

“Thieves & Lovers are fiercely talented, seemingly avoiding the over-produced quality that so many artists seem to be floating towards these days. With their self-titled EP, the band definitely stands out, and leaves listeners waiting for a full-length album.”

12. I Woke Up by Nominee – released on October 14th, 2014.

Nominee’s sophomore release is wonderfully original; a well-made addition to the band’s discography. The EP had an irresistible style, with a dynamic and infectious attitude that further emphasizes the overall quality.

13. Balloons by Ruby My Dear – released on October 14th, 2014.

There is a soulful beauty to this EP, and every track had something to offer. The music and lyrics of Balloons work together, fitting like pieces of a puzzle; there is not the typical competition of which will win the heart of the listener.

14. At Night by Choir Vandals – released on October 27th, 2014.

Between the mixture of emotional intensities, explosions of raw power, and a brooding undertone, Choir Vandals are the musical Heathcliffs of the scene…if, you know, stages could stand in the moors. The intricacy of their sophomore EP makes them one to watch.

15. HEART by Alexz Johnson – released on February 18th, 2014.

“One thing I really enjoy about HEART is the raw, melodic tone each track has. Unwaveringly honest and powerful, this EP encourages listeners to not only sing along, but to feel what is being sang about. Alexz Johnson is an artist who has a very recognizable voice, and her songwriting rivals some of the greats. HEART is more than an EP; it is a statement. It might say different things to different people, but one thing is undeniable: whatever it’s saying is coming through loud and clear.”

 

 HONORABLE MENTIONS

The Acoustic EP by Jake Furia

Move Now by Marshall Crenshaw

Lucy Scholl by Lucy Scholl

Chemistry by Plaid Brixx 

Plaid Brixx Release “Chemistry” Video

 

The Ohio-based trio Plaid Brixx have finally released the official music video for their hit single, “Chemistry.” The video premiered on PureVolume, reintroducing listeners to the title track of their Chemistry EP, which was released this summer. The video can be seen below.

The band played the first year of the Fashion Meets Music Festival this fall, generating plenty of buzz.

Plaid Brixx’s video for “Hipster Queen” also premiered with Substream earlier this year.

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VIDEO: Plaid Brixx – ‘Chemistry’ Lyric Video

The fantastic Ohio-based trio, Plaid Brixx, announced the release of their debut EP, Chemistry. You can now stream the EP in full with Diffuser.fm! In addition to their EP release, Plaid Brixx is premiering the lyric video for the title track, “Chemistry,” exclusively on Artist Direct. Stream the EP in full here, http://bit.ly/1oh3ze1 and watch the lyric video for “Chemistry” below. 

Chemistry is now available for purchase on iTunes: http://bit.ly/1qRMygM

 

The EP was co-produced by lead singer Chris Duggan and producer Richard Barone, mixing pop, punk, and rock perfectly. Duggan, who also penned all five songs on the EP, crafted a contemporary sound for this collection of in-your-face songs. For more information, please visit: www.plaidbrixx.com. 

You can also check out Planet Stereo’s review of Plaid Brixx’s EP, Chemistry, HERE.

ALBUM TRACK LISTING:

1. Chemistry

2. Wanderlust

3. Heartbreaker

4. Hipster Queen

5. Here I Go Again

 

 

Q&A: Plaid Brixx

Halfway through the summer, and there’s already been some amazing releases. Amongst them, Plaid Brixx’s debut EP, Chemistry, which is out today. Back in June, Planet Stereo reviewed the EP, even raising some questions about the inspiration behind some songs. Thankfully, Chris Duggan (vox) was kind enough to sit down and answer some burning questions.

Planet Stereo: Thanks so much for doing the interview. How are you?

Chris Duggan: Thanks for having me! I’m great and I hope you are doing well, too!

PS: You’re getting ready to release your debut EP in July. What are you most excited/nervous about?

CD: I am both excited and nervous about all of these people hearing us for the first time. I thrive on feedback, but I am really hoping our EP resonates well with people.

PS: What do you hope listeners get out of Chemistry?

CD: I hope they can connect their own experiences to the ones I’ve written about on the EP. I also really want people to enjoy the musicality of the EP, because I worked really hard to make it extremely catchy and delicious to hear.

PS: Did you have a theme/concept in mind when writing the EP?

CD: It’s definitely a breakup record. Most of the songs were written around the time I broke up with a long-term girlfriend at the end of college. The relationship did not end well. I was trying to find myself again after the breakup and writing these songs helped me do that.

PS: [Speaking of concepts,] would you mind walking me through the creative process?

CD: Sure! First I will write a chord progression for a verse or a chorus, and then start playing it over and over whilst humming to come up with a melody line. Whichever I have yet to write, verse or chorus, usually comes to me while I am doing that and then I have the seed of a song planted. It will get recorded on my phone and then toyed around with for months afterwards until it is finally ready for me to record a demo. I record the demo on ProTools and record the vocal melody on a synthesizer. I then play the song over and over and over until I come up with a full set of lyrics, which can take anywhere from ten minutes to two weeks.

PS: I have to ask about the title. How/why did you come up with it?

CD: The chemistry in a relationship is the driving force behind everything. If both parties aren’t drawn to each other like magnets, neither party will stick around for long. Chemistry the most important thing, the glue, in a relationship. When the chemistry starts to dwindle, you start getting annoyed with each other all the time and find yourselves fighting often. After the breakup, there are remnants of that chemistry that sticks around, reminding you of the good and the bad. Listen to the lyrics and you’ll understand.

PS: It would appear that you took a direct approach lyrically. How is that conducive for you to get your point across, as opposed to a more poetic stance?

CD: I used to write a lot of progressive rock and metal with extremely metaphorical lyrics because I thought I was being intellectually deep. But the truth is that the harder it is for people to understand exactly what you’re trying to say, the harder it is for them to relate to your song. It takes less courage to hide behind metaphors and flowery language because you don’t have to give as much of yourself up to the listener.

PS: Seeing as you have now “give yourself up to the listener,” how do you feel other musicians could benefit from writing simpler, more direct lyrics?

CD: Again, more people can relate to your message when they don’t have to spend all of their listening time trying to figure out what your message is. I absolutely love the bands Tool and The Mars Volta, but a lot of the time I have to take my best guess at what they are actually trying to convey or do research into the subject matter. Perhaps that’s the point of progressive music though.

PS: Do you have a favorite track on the EP?

CD: I love all of the tracks, but if I had to pick one, it would “Heartbreaker.” That synth line is so nasty. Damn.

PS: How would you describe the sound you’ve accomplished with the EP?

CD: Synthy pop-rock with a splash of punk. Or, alternatively, pop with a razor’s edge of rock and an aftershave of punk.

PS: I personally loved the EP, and thought it was very refreshing. For my own curiosity, I have to ask: is “Hipster Queen” a quirky love song or is it really a jokingly snide dig at the hipster culture?

CD: Well, most people would take one look at my rolled up jeans and classify me as a hipster, I know that’s a pretty un-hipster thing to say since supposedly hipsters will deny being a hipster. I don’t think the song should be perceived as snide when I am basically singing about the girls who I found attractive at one time or another. Although some people do take the hipster thing a bit far – wearing glasses because they think it makes them look cooler and not because they actually need them to see. That’s a little extreme.

PS: You’ve been playing together since high school. How has knowing each other for so long positively affected the creative process?

CD: Well, we hadn’t played together in about five years until we got back together and formed Plaid Brixx, but it is definitely nice to play with people I have a history with as opposed to total strangers. We were able to click easily and quickly this time around.

PS: I found that your sound is very consistent. You sound as though you knew what you were shooting for musically and went for it. Did the EP come out the way you had imagined?

CD: Other than a few nit-picky things involving miniscule changes to tone and volume, I think we are perfectly happy with the record.

PS: Any funny stories from the recording studio?

CD: We tend to put our heads down and work hard, so nothing comes to mind at the moment. Plus, this record was a lot of me sitting alone for hundreds of hours working on the production.

PS: Where do you see yourself in five years?

CD: Continuing to grow as artists, hopefully that never stops. Making great records and hopefully trying to stay humble.

PS: What advice would you give your younger self and why?

CD: I would tell myself to put in 50 hours a week on my music and related business activities because if I had started doing that sooner I would be a lot further along.

PS: Any last words?

CD: This was a lot of fun and I enjoyed your thoughtful questions! Thanks for your time!

Plaid Brixx debut EP, Chemistry, is out today!

For more on Plaid Brixx or to purchase Chemistry EP, please click HERE.

REVIEW: Plaid Brixx – Chemistry EP

The Chemistry EP kicks off with its title track, haunting and amazing listeners from the get-go. There is a strong presence of the 80’s on this track, which shapes it into the addictive song it is. I found myself hitting the repeat button on this one, just because it gets in your head. It’s a great way to start the EP, and as a first impression, speaks volumes about Plaid Brixx.

Staying in time with the amped up energy of the first track, “Wanderlust” sounds like something Green Day could have written, but with a pop-rock edge to it. I love the trans of the 80’s. This honestly sounds like something an obscure character from a John Hughes film would be bopping their head to as they walk down crowded halls. The imagery expressed in each line is poetic in style, which further solidifies the band as a group of artists who stand out.

“Heartbreaker” may not be an original title, but Plaid Brixx definitely gave the title a new connotation. With what appears to be an allusion to “House of The Rising Sun” in the first verse, this song can draw in an array of listeners, as well as demonstrate the musical knowledge of the group. My frustration only mounts when I hear so much electronic around such fantastic vocals, but unlike many of today’s artists, this is tastefully done. I am intrigued at how this would come across live.

Like a surprising bout of comedy, “Hipster Queen” is the ultimate dig at everyone’s favorite stereotype: the Hipster. Granted, Plaid Brixx may be saying they love the girl in spite of her hipster status, but this comes off as a parody. Perhaps this will be one of the stereotype tracks to go down in history. “Back in my day, we had people who were called ‘hipsters.’ Just listen to this song, you’ll understand…”

Finishing off with “Here I Go Again,” Plaid Brixx show off an edge once again with rock undertones. There is pure attitude in this song, taking over, laced with sexual undertones. This is so ridiculously catchy, even against my better judgements. Feminists beware, you might be desiring pitchforks listening to this, but don’t freak. Just enjoy the music.

Overall, I loved the consistency of this EP. Plaid Brixx know what sound they’re aiming for, and they went for it. As my first introduction, I was surprised at how much I found myself enjoying each track. They have a new wave/rock sound that is irresistible.