Vague Minds

Utopian Dictator - Celestial Blue

So we bumped into Estaban (Bass and Synth) and Michael (Guitar) of Jack Romanov at a basement show in Allston. Jack Romanov was founded 5 years ago at Suffolk University and remains active with upcoming projects. They recently released two EP’s titled “The Smoking Room Sessions: I and II”. You can listen to them here.They will also release a part III and IV of the Smoking Room Sessions. Videos also accompany each EP. Here’s what they had to say.

What do you think the music industry needs right now? How can we improve it?

Esteban (green shirt): I think that there is no industry. You can’t really sustain streaming and paying people well. I think that it’s dead and we are past that. It’s time to move from the idea that there is a music industry.

Michael (leather jacket): “One thing we’ve been doing recently is exploring how we release music as far as quality and content. We are experimenting with videographers and trying to come out with a new experience.”

How do you stay inspired musically?

Esteban: “I always feel like I write a song because I don’t like the last one I wrote. I try really hard and then I feel like I don’t get across. So then I’m like ‘alright- next time I’ll do it!’ and that’s how I stay inspired”

Michael: “For me it’s been working with different people. For our last project I worked closely with our drummer. That was kind of exciting – he was somebody I didn’t work with musically. We were just chatting about getting together and just jamming and seeing what happens. Esteban and I also haven’t written together. So that new horizon of working with somebody else really excites me.”

What’s the toughest part of being a musician?

Esteban: “I don’t know, I think it’s a fun thing to do. If you don’t enjoy doing it then don’t do it”

Michael: “I feel like it’s kind of hard to find the motivation sometimes. It’s tempting to not do anything. But then you remind yourself that you have something to express and a purpose. If you’re going to do it, then do it whole heartedly - although It’s also hard to stop hitting ‘next’ on Netflix.”

What’s next for you guys, what are you guys working on?

Esteban - We’ve been recording for the last year and a half. It’s going to be more than just music. We’re aiming for a multi-media project. The rest of “The Smoking Room Sessions” will be out this month and we have a live visual album coming out within a few months.

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Childish Gambino - “Awaken, My Love!” Album Review!

I dig the Funkadelic vibe and overall production. Gambino's vocals could have had more character.

Best tracks : Boogie Man, Baby Boy, Stand Tall.

Least Favorite: California, Riot.

7.5/10