We sat down with the charismatic indie duo, Alexander Jean (featuring Mark Ballas and BC Jean) at their first stop of the Head High Tour. Find out who would kidnap Ellen for a day, the first album they ever bought, and what their pitch would be to get you to listen to their new EP, Head High.
For tour date info and to buy tickets, visit AlexanderJean.net.
Alexander Jean
Featuring: Mark Ballas and BC Jean
June 17, 2016
Constellation Room
Santa Ana, CA
By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating: [The Breakdown]
Passion. If there is one word to describe Alexander Jean it would be that one. From BC Jean’s powerful vocals to Mark’s intense guitar playing, the love they have for their craft and for each other shines brightly in their music. There’s something really special about a duo who compliment each other so well and produce a sound that is so intense yet so carefree.
Their Head High EP has a combination of songs that range from anthems like, “Head High” to a dose of flamenco with “Run.” The EP delights upon first listen and it has also now been verified that their live performance does the same.
The duo took to the stage with smiles and a confidence that you only see with seasoned artists. They talked with the crowd, bantered with one another on stage and they even took a shot of whiskey before they performed their song, appropriately named, “Whiskey and Morphine.”
The couple couldn’t take their eyes off each other and it was that kind of magnetism that had you watching their every move.
The set was relatively short since it was comprised of their Head High EP plus an encore, but like most great shows, you never want it to end. They duo concluded their set with a song that means a lot to BC Jean and one that many people do not know that she wrote, “If I Were A Boy.” When she sang her version, it gave the song its original and rightful sound. It was also the perfect way to the end the show.
Alexander Jean played: “Thief”, “Whiskey and Morphine”, “So Bad”, “Roses and Violets”, “Head High”, “Run”, and ended with an encore of “If I Were A Boy.”
Alexander Jean is set to begin their Head High Tour on June 17th at the Constellation Room in Santa Ana, CA. The duo is touring to support their new 6-song EP, Head High. The EP is a variety of pop, country and folk influences. BC Jean and Mark Ballas bring an edginess to their music that gives it their own trademark. It’s new, it’s different and if you want to hear it you can download the EP here or buy tickets to their tour here.
Robin Packalen, known as Robin, is Finland’s version of Justin Bieber. That’s what they call him at least. I encountered him on my recent visit to Helsinki and even though I can’t understand Finnish his music has a catchy feel to it. He is definitely your typical teen pop singer and he has the fans to prove it. If you’re a fan of Justin Bieber or Austin Mahone, but are looking for an international twist, then check out Robin’s music video above.
OneRepublic just released the music video for their hit, “Wherever I Go” and the band sure know how to come up with a great concept. At first you may think Psy just came out with a new video, but then OneRepublic show up and it is amazing. Plus, the song is just gold to begin with. See for yourself above!
James McCartney Interview
May 11, 2016
By: Nevra Azerkan
PZO: As a musician, what do you think your best qualities are?
James: To tell you the truth I don’t really think of me in those terms. I don’t really think of it like that. I just think–I just enjoy it, you know what I mean? I don’t think, “Oh, I’m a great guitar player.” It’s not really about that. It’s about enjoying it.
PZO: Tell us about your current single, “Unicorn.”
James: I guess again it’s kind of self-explanatory. I guess it suggests mythology, but it’s also the lyrics are a bit different and I don’t know really. I don’t really like to explain lyrics. Like Kurt Cobain said, “It’s your crossword puzzle.” In terms of the music, it’s just like an ascending kind of music thing. So it’s like C to B sharp to F or something. I got a video for it.
PZO: What is the first album you bought as a kid and do you still have it?
James: I can’t remember. I guess I’d say something like Sonic Youth. What’s that album? Trash Experimental [Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star]? I don’t remember what it was called. It might have been one of those. I probably still have it, but I can’t remember which one. It could have been Smashing Pumpkins.
PZO: You must be proud of the entire album, but is there one song that you are most proud of?
James: Not really. I like the song, “Waterfall.” It just feels like—it’s fun to play and stuff. I’d say, “Waterfall,” but I don’t really have one in particular. They’re all just different really.
PZO: What’s your favorite part about your live show?
James: Playing my Stratocaster. It changes. Thinking about it right now maybe it would be that. I guess it would be connecting with the audience and looking at their faces and vibing on that.
PZO: If you had to pick a line from one of your songs that would be your message to world, which one would it be?
James: [long pause] Let me think. “Instant answer, right answer, electric cables?”
PZO: Your new album, The Blackberry Train, was just released on May 6th. What would be your pitch to get people to listen to your music?
James: I guess it would be to buy it. That’s a simple answer, isn’t it? Seems like the right answer. I don’t know though, it’s up to them.
Premiering on Sunday June 26th at 10PM ET/PT on SHOWTIME is an awesome show called Roadies. Ever wondered about what happens backstage at concerts and all the people who work behind the scenes? Creator, writer, producer and director Cameron Crowe and executive producers, J.J. Abrams and Winnie Holzman are about to show us. It stars Luke Wilson, Carla Gugino, Imogen Poots and Colson Baker a.k.a. Machine Gun Kelly. Take a look at the trailer above and mark your calendars!
