[Music Review – In the City]
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Prior to delving into Rory Stewart’s ‘In The City,’ I had spent my evening in territory that’s hardly foreign to me as a professional independent critic – digging myself out of a pile of mundane and poorly-realized efforts. Stewart’s creation was a beautiful realization of talent and infectiously good production and songwriting amidst some typical drudge. ‘In The City’ is a dynamic effort with superb production and intelligently designed compositional elements. Let’s dig right into it.
Out the gate, it’s difficult to immediately classify ‘In The City.’ It’s pop rock with fantastic sensibility, but it also has some electronic elements. The percussion beats are so fascinating to me, distorting in beautiful chaos as they accent wonderful harmonies, keys riffs, and synthesizers. Stewart spends the verses crooning softly over that eclectic composition. The bridges and choruses, however, showcase him as a far more versatile singer. It’s borderline anthemic at certain points, and the layered vocal harmonies are even percussion pieces at times.
Even though ‘In The City’ is a complex piece with plenty of layers to peel away over the course of many listens, it manages to achieve a sense of simplicity. It’s effortlessly poppy and delightful. I’d align it to something like the more complex Beach Boy efforts. ‘Good Vibrations’ has a similar carefree atmosphere, but goodness, that song was a cow to record. Stewart is even a bit Beach Boy-esque, especially with his vocals that harken to a soft-spoken Brian Wilson style.
Rory Stewart is a breath of fresh air, and you will find yourself listening to ‘In The City’ on loop for an hour. That may just be me, since it was such a salvation from an evening of monotony, but in seriousness, it is a tune that’ll quickly rise to the top of your ‘Most Played’ playlist. It’s short and snappy and instantly loveable. Underneath that, there is a beautiful level of production and composition creativity.
By Brett Stewart
I’m a professional writer and editor, a journalism major, and I have extensive experience in musical review. I worked for two years as the Editor & Chief of an arts magazine, Strike Magazine, where I worked closely with writers and musicians. Through this, I was able to interact with dozens of acts including Heart, Holly Williams, Robert Cray, John Hiatt, and more. The magazine printed thousands of issues and was even recognized by Rolling Stone’s founder, Jann Wenner.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
ROAR: I heard about Exposed Vocals through the grape vine. Now a days, artists and musicians are coming together like never before to spread the word. We are lucky to have this type of support in this crazy industry. Every little bit helps. So thank you.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
ROAR: I grew up on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver B.C. in a house full of musicians. My parents play various instruments and I was always banging on a piano or plucking strings. It wasn’t till I gained a sense of self that I started taking music seriously. Becoming a musician was never a choice for me, it was how I was raised. As far back as I can remember, there was always a jam going on, a rehearsal, a gig to go to, or some type of music work taking place. My parents would organize weekend music retreats, have it catered, and people would come from all over to dance, sing, teach, and have a great time.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
ROAR: My name chose me really. All my friends call me ROAR. It just stuck.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
ROAR: Online music sharing is great and I do it. Anyone can go to ROARBYROAR.COM right now and pick up a free copy of my latest album. You can choose from MP3, WAV, or even just the instrumentals. Sharing music is how and why we are even talking right now. I’m truly blessed.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
ROAR: Any tips??? Write, play, and record. Set a goal and reach it. It’s not about being the best, it’s about creating, and it’s about having fun. Press play, press REC, and don’t be afraid to share.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
ROAR: Of course, the show must go wrong. But as long as you know it, and the audience knows it, it’s no secret. Then we can all joke about it and have a bit of fun with it. I think it’s important to be able to laugh at your own self. Once you mess up once, it really takes the edge off, and it can only get worse 🙂 haha
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
ROAR: Well, I don’t really tour, but I travel a lot. And when I do, I play here and there. My last live show was in Kyoto. I played for a handful of people in a small little live house and bar. The sound was good, the people were rad, and the beer was nice and cold.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
ROAR: I write a lot, but not always in the form of song. So when I do, it’s very improvisational, and some what theoretical. It basically write on a feeling, and what that feeling is, is a reflection of the current mood. What ever that might be. I freestyle a lot. But I find inspiration everywhere. You just have to be open to it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
ROAR: There are many online websites that I use, but I took inspiration from Tom York, and made my own site. You can visit any time, and download music for free. ROARBYROAR.COM. Check it.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
ROAR: Thats a good question. OOOW, there are some good ones for sure. Sometimes I’m listening, and then like, out of the blue, I get hit with some, who the $&#K is this?? Playing at volume 11 in my ears, it usually ruins my day 🙂 hahaha. I still don’t know how it gets on there. It’s a mystery to me.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
ROAR: Well, I would definitely pick up a few new/vintage instruments. Some new recording gear for the studio for sure. Some would go to the people that I enjoy working with. Some would go to fresh food and living. Some would go to finishing this new EP I’m working on. Some would go to travel. Some would go to waste haha… JK. But, I definitely have a years worth of ideas to manifest, and one can never have enough time 🙂
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
ROAR: I’m actually trying to downgrade, clear house before I upgrade. But I recently picked up this really cool vintage 5inch reel to reel tape recorder. I have some Yamaha monitors a Nord Electro that I really like. Some nice guitars and a few nice pre amps and mics. Would like to upgrade my sound card. That would be nice.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
ROAR: Promotion has never been easy for me. But I find the more I play, the more people listen, the more people talk. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, but so is Fox News, so I don’t really know. Next question 🙂 ahaha.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
ROAR: Ow man… not an easy question… Lets say, David Burn because, I feel he truly loves what he does, and he’s not afraid to try something new. And a million other reasons of course. “Same as it ever was” David Burn
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
ROAR: I’m currently working on a new EP. No dates have been set just yet, but it’s coming along nicely. Trying to keep it really thick and simple. Focus on a few solid records and dial them in just right. I can’t wait to share it with you. I plan on going straight to wax with this one.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
ROAR: Well, when I’m not making or playing music, I try to go for nice long walks and explore. I have been traveling a lot for the past 7 years or so, and I just like to get lost and take photos. Besides my music gear, I usually travel with 3-4 film cameras. I love being in a new place, waking up early, catching the first rays of sun, and watching the people. It’s magic for taking photos.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
ROAR: I remember it like yesterday. My first album was Nirvana, Nevermind, on tape cassette. All I was thinking about those days was skateboarding, long hair with an undercut, plaid shirts, and getting my left ear pierced. Those were the days.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
ROAR: I try not to think about it too much. I do what needs to be done, and let the rest work itself out. If I start thinking about the future, I stress out, if I think about the past, I question it, so I just try to be here now.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
ROAR: Keep your eyes and ears open for my new EP, I plan to releasing it early next year. Please stay tuned. Thank you so much.
