Photos and words by Kayla Fernandez
Life is so much more intriguing when it is documented through film. For me it’s a way to have fun and capture moments of friends and music. Here is a collection of some photos I took of Inner Wave and their pal Bane’s World back in June at The Observatory.
Photographs by Kayla Fernandez
Inner Wave, Bane’s World, and Michael Seyer kicked off their 6 week tour right in their hometown. A trio you should not miss!
Words by Corynne Fernandez and photos by Kayla Fernandez
Separating itself from other California festivals, Tropicalia was a true testament to unity through diversity. From their unequivocal lineup that was composed of acts like Los Tigres Del Norte and King Krule, to their seamless-execution of the So-Cal tropic theme, and the highly sought for free-tacos, the festival was a success on all parts with minimal hiccups along the way. We had the chance to cover some of the most anticipated new acts and document their performances below. Thank you to the media team at Tropicalia for being the sweetest group of people as well!
Current Joys:
Ringing in the day’s festivities, was Current Joys. While festival goers made their way in, the crowd for their set was in full force, igniting mosh pits and echoing the group’s lyrics throughout.
Surf Curse:
The band comprised of Nick Rattigan, lead singer from Current Joys, and Jacob Rubeck, carried the same energy through their set. With co-singer, Rattigan, never missing a beat and Rubeck equally interacting with the frenzied crowd, the duo played hits like Doom Generation, Freaks, and Goth Babe.
Jorja Smith:
Perhaps one of the most anticipated new artists was England native, Jorja Smith; most of the crowd at the Dia De Los Puercos stage had been waiting from the start of the festival for her set. Even with little movement, Smith and her accompanying band captured not only her audience but onlookers from other stages and the infamous taco lines, playing brand new songs from her latest EP, as well as fan favorite, Blue Lights.
Inner Wave:
We had the chance to catch Inner Wave—a favorite of Lucid Dreams (check out our interview here)—while they played at the Mota Stage to their largest crowd. For many, it was the first time hearing the band, while others had flown from out of state solely to see the group. Needless to say, Inner Wave did not disappoint, and elicited a retrogressive synergy with songs like Bower, Discipline, and American Spirits.
The Buttertones:
Amongst all the acts, the best dressed had to be the collective Buttertones, in which they set the tone for their signature surfer-soul discography, and paid homage to the tailored looked that characterized the 50’s and 60’s. Throughout the entirety of the set, not one sun-kissed head was still, and the 5-piece thrived off what the crowd gave so enthusiastically. What set the Buttertones apart was their use of sax in combo with their unique rock, doo-wop additions, creating an ambience unlike any other.
Interview by Corynne Fernandez
Photos by Kayla Fernandez
We had the chance to chat with up-and coming solo artist Banes World in his hometown of Long Beach, CA. Read below, as we sat in the grass in the middle of the coastal version of suburbia, and asked the hard hitting questions like, “Pancakes or waffles?”
How did you come up with the name Bane’s World?
Well, Bane was a nickname my friends gave me in high school; they just swapped the letters of my first and last name. My friend Max, was like “Banes Slanchard, sound like you were trying to say your name drunk. I don’t know where Banes World, came from—I don’t even like the movie, Wayne’s World. So, when it came down to finding a name to put my demos under, I didn’t want to try too hard to sound cool and ended up sticking with Banes World.
So you have been making music for two years, has music always been a big part of your life? What sparked your interest in making it?
My dad has always played music and my sisters both sing, and music is a big part of my family. I started playing guitar when I was 9, but it didn’t get serious for me until I was 18—about 2 years ago. I was in my friend Max’s band, the kid who gave me the nickname, and he came to me one night and said, “Hey man, I’m recording all this music by myself,”—he was doing the guitar, the vocals, the synth, and everything—and I felt really inspired, which led to me buying my own recording gear and making my own material.
Who or what do you turn to for inspiration?
I get it from a lot of random places. Most times, if I’m in a relationship and something goes wrong, that’s good inspiration for stuff—not that I want that to happen, but it has always inspired me in that way.
Describe a day in the life of Bane’s World.
Nothing super special! I like to eat a ton of really good food, because food is important to me, hanging out with my dog, playing guitar, or skateboarding. It doesn’t change that much, unless I go out for a gig, like to Santa Barbara, but I never really get out of Long Beach.
The writing process is different for everyone, what is yours like? Do you write from personal experiences?
For the album, Drowsy, I would record the music first and then wouldn’t have any idea of what the song was going to be like lyrically. Once I would record the music, I would just sit there a sing little things over it; I can never really write lyrics before I make a song. I don’t have a set process.
You released ‘Drowsy’ last year, is thereany plans to release an EP this year? Or possibly an album?
Yeah! Hopefully by the end of this year I would like to release a full-length album. Somethings brewing, but I don’t know when it’s going to come.
Your sound is unique compared to a lot of music that’s been put out by other artists today. What genre do you identify most with?
I guess it’s just dreamy stuff, but I pull a lot of influence from what I like. My dad is big on the blues, so that sound was kind of instilled in me. I like all types of music—jazz, bossa nova, pretty much anything. Recently, I’ve been listening to neo-soul and in general, if I like it, I’ll try my best to incorporate it into my sound.
Is there an album or an artist that has changed your perspective on music?
An artist that heavily inspires me and makes me want to do better is, Stevie Ray Vaughan. He changed my perspective on what it means to be a guitar player, because he is so soulful. Nowadays, a lot of bands rely on single chords and it gets repetitive.
What was the first album you ever purchased?
The one I was adamant about getting—it’s really funny—but it was My Chemical Romance, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge; I was really surprised my mom let me get it at the time because I was really young. It was either between, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge or Dookie by Green Day.
You have a handful of California shows under your belt, do you have plans on venturing out to more states or abroad?
I would love to, it’s just a matter of planning it out and getting the monetization for that stuff. I don’t know how artists do that or if their label helps them out with tours. Right now, I don’t have a contracted label. In general, I would love to go out on tour; I think it would be an eye-opening and life- changing experience.
‘People Like Me, People Like You’ is a personal favorite of ours, what’s the meaning behind that song?
I am not sure what my headspace was like when I wrote that—probably after something bad happened. I remember listening to a lot of Tears For Fears and loving their electro-pop, synth heavy sound and wanting to record something like that. The lyric, “born to lose…” which is a Ray Charles song, I liked that because it sounded a little melancholy. That song is a bit of a blur.
Dream festival lineup?
Beatles (full band), Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and the full cast of the Phantom of the Opera.
Dream collaboration?
I would love to do a song with Mac Demarco or Peter from HOMESHAKE; I’d think that would be really cool. As far as someone who’s dead, Stevie Ray Vaughan—he’s my #1.
Pancakes or waffles?
I’ll never go out of my way to get either of those, but I do like a good Belgian waffle. My ideal breakfast would include, eggs, bacon, hash browns, —okay, waffles with whipped cream and strawberries—maybe some sausage, and an acai bowl. I can eat a ton of food!
Follow Bane’s World:
Is it us, or has the year gone by incredibly fast? This year has boasted an abundance of incredible new musicians and material, prompting us to pick out some of our favorites. While there have been several talented artists in recent months, Declan McKenna and Banes World have made such an impression here at Lucid Dreams. Hopefully you give these musicians some love and enjoy them as much as we do.
Read below for more info on the artists.
1. Declan McKenna
Singer/songwriter, Declan McKenna, is a Hertfordshire native, with musical abilities well above his ripe age of 17. You may recognize McKenna’s upbeat indie banger, Brazil, which has amassed to somewhat of a summer anthem due to an incredible amount of radio play. More recently, Declan released a new single titled, Isombard, which touches on US law and order during the age of the #blacklivesmovement. It is refreshing seeing young artists, such as Declan McKenna, who aren’t afraid to speak about today’s issues. Not only do his songs reveal poignant messages, but they are blissfully accompanied by lively composition. Isombard, for us particularly, has subtle Wes Anderson film vibes brought to you by a welcomed ping pong match between keys ands guitar. Being a musician is hard enough, but McKenna, who mind you is ONLY 17, has the extraordinary capability to relay a story along with seamless sounds. If we haven’t convinced you enough already to listen to this guy, give him the old follow on Twitter; his humor alone, will make you a fan!
Make sure to catch him on tour !
2. Banes World
Shane Blanchard, rather known as, Banes World, hails from Long Beach, California. Anyone who is a sucker for soft hazy tunes to accompany woeful nights, is bound to be smitten by Shane’s music; he epitomizes the essence of dreamy synth. A personal fave of ours is Valentine’s Curse, but we would highly recommend you start off with Still Lovely and float through the rest of his discography.With his uniquely composed synth pop tunes, there isn’t anyone in the game quite like Banes World. What makes the wistful songs even better are the endearing lyrics, and their notion to pull you in with a faint whisper. If you’re anything like us, and have a soft spot for the hopeless romantics, you most likely will find solace in his song, Gorgeous, in which he collaborated with artist,Temporex. In terms of similar sound, it is like if Mac Demarco and Blood Orange had procreated, and he was their infamous love child. We COULD NOT go this whole post without being a little punny and also summing up how we feel about Blanchard, so here it is folks, “BANE’S WORLD. PARTY ON. EXCELLENT!”
Follow Banes World:
Last month and this month I’ve been finding myself listening to music that is very mellow and dream like. The type of music where you lay in your bedroom in the dark for hours. I enjoy listening to this playlist when I want to wind down after a long day. There are some newer artists in the mix like Porches, Banes World and Twin Cabins. Also some older bands such as Tame Impala, Phoenix and Neon Indian. I hope you enjoy this playlist as much as I did making this! Hopefully you will discover a new artist in this playlist and check them out.
-Kayla
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