Living the HighLife

The Rolling Stonehill recently got the chance to sit down with Nick Capezzuto of 2015, member of the multi-inspirational group HighLife in Suburbia.  This group is influenced by a wide variety of different styles, ranging from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to ska mixed with "intricate chords" and deep drum emphasis.  We knew we needed to track down Nick and find out more about their up and coming EP.

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RS: Highlife in Suburbia goes back about four years where I (Nick) had been playing in a band with Vernon West for a little over a year. We started out as a group called Summer Track, but after our first drummer left we were faced with the decision to find another. I went to high school with Liam Cregan, where we both ran track together, and one day I asked if he’d be interested in jamming on the drums with us. A few days later he tried out, and after a fateful night of fun hijinks we christened our new band.

NC: “High Life” was conceived by our old lead guitar player, and the “In Suburbia” added by both Liam and Vernon. Initially the name was to be written as “High Life In Suburbia,” but I thought Highlife should be one word. The band agreed, and thus Highlife in Suburbia was born.

RC: The three of us have varying influences on our music. Liam, the drummer, is heavily influenced by a unique combination of punk music, jazz music, and his time in the high school marching band. Vernon, on the other hand, draws his style of playing from the Beatles (namely George Harrison), Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, and most notably John Mayer. His roots lie in the blues and his music is filled the same emotion. I find that I tend to be guided by the musical talents of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, and Enter Shikari, in which I don’t identify as a “bass player” but as a “bass guitarist.”

NC: It’s always been a challenge to achieve this with only one guitar player, but we’ve surmounted that problem by developing a unique chemistry between the three of us. What makes the three of us so unique is that we are able to create a massive sound. When we play our songs we structure them in ways with intricate chords, over driving drums, supplemented by a melodic bass riff that brings the rhythm and melody together. The three instruments are then held together by Vernon’s insightful and profound lyrics, which ultimately result in the unique sound we generate.

RS: Unfortunately we haven’t played many lives shows in the past year or so. Back in 2009, however, we played shows around our local scene. Most of these were in VFW halls or places of similar nature, many of the bands we played with tended to be much heavier and aggressive. Still, we played on, and culminated in a series of basement shows with a few other bands our friends were in. There was always so much energy going on. It was incredible.

A photo from Capezzuto's Instagram account,
 which is captioned, "Living the dream"

NC: Our last live show was this summer with a few local punk and ska bands, but that was back in June. However, we do plan on performing more once we can record some of our material and begin letting people listen to it. We’ve spent countless hours perfecting our music and know we feel it’s time to start getting our name out there again.

RS: As of right now Vernon and I are in the process of attempting to put together a rough EP of a few of our favorite songs. We’re currently in the process of setting up a Soundcloud where people will be able to listen to them. They’re not of the superior quality that we hope to have recorded during Thanksgiving Break, but we feel as if they’ll give a much more accurate representation of the things to come. Once we get back together as a band we hope to put together an actual EP and release on our own. Ideally we want to put down anywhere from 6-8 tracks, all of which we’ve worked so arduously to perfect.

NC: Sadly we’re still in the process of setting everything up online, but in the meantime each of us have various other social networking accounts.

Instagram: @vernonwest @captainzzuto
Twitter: @captainzzuto

Check us out, follow us, and don’t forget to #highlife or #highlifeinsuburbia

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Rex Macipinlac '13
Image credit to Nick Capezzuto

The Tallest Man in Scotland

Anyone who knows Nick Howard is already familiar with his passion for music, poetry and the arts.  Although campus is not quite as merry without him this semester, we were eager to hear all about his cultural adventures while abroad in Scotland, and even heard he got to meet one of his musical heroes in the process- nearly by accident!

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RS: What influenced you to go to Scotland?

NH: I was influenced to go to Scotland because of the academic reputation of St. Andrews. I did not really process it as being part of Scotland or the UK. I figured that I knew enough about "British" (what I really meant was English) culture that it would not be an issue. It was one of those I will figure it out when I get there things.  

RS:  So we heard you're doing a radio show over there. Tell us a little bit about what you play and discuss on the air.

NH: Yes, I have brought my radio program "The Beach" across the pond with me. It is basically the same show I have at Stonehill, a mix of modern alternative and folk, classic rock, classic indie (The Smiths), a little punk, and everything in between. Basically the mantra for the show is, to quote Mick Jagger, "It's only Rock n Roll, but I like it"

RS:  What's been the biggest culture shock from being in a new country?

NH: In my opinion, culture shock can kind of be like an earthquake, sometimes there are large tremors and sometimes there are just small aftershocks. At the beginning there was a huge quake of "Oh my God, what is this country? Everything is different?" Now I simply enjoy taking notice in the different phrases, expressions, foods, customs, spelling, and culture overall. To summarize, I have continued to learn about the culture, the only difference is now it does not overwhelm me, I embrace it. 

We see you recently got to meet the Tallest Man on Earth. Can you tell us a little about that?

NH: Yes, I did meet The Tallest Man On Earth. Probably one of the greatest moments of my life. To make a long story short, my friend and I ended up in the same cafe as him, so when he stood up from where he was sitting, we went over, introduced ourselves, chatted a wee bit, and got a photo. He was just such a relaxed, yet still so focused guy. He had it in his eye and it all came out in the show.

The "Tallest Man on Earth", Kristian Matsson

RS:  Have you discovered any new music or art in Europe that you wouldn't have picked up in America?

NH: I wish I could say, but unfortunately no. You could maybe count my re-interest in The Who, but that is just because I love 60's rock, before it became big and bloated in the 70's. What has really happened is I go through periods where I listen to marathons of American music. I will devour the catalogs of Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Neil Young (technically he is Canadian), Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and Passion Pit. You get the picture. I like to hear my country in my music choice, both classic rock and modern alternative. My goal is to get into one Scottish band that captures what I feel that the sound of St. Andrews is.
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Nicole Colantonio '14
Image credit: Nick Howard and yetimusic.net

DONUTS, CROSSES, AND CATS, OH MY!

Tyler the Creator

Tyler The Creator and his buddies make up the LA music and skate collective, Odd Future (aka Wolf Gang; OFWGKTA)…and yes, they live up to their self proclaimed oddness. 

Late 2010 saw these cats blossom in all their grotesque glory over several hip hop blogs and forums. With lyrics that were packed with racist, homophobic, and violent content, a 19 year old Tyler led his gang of wolves into the mainstream arena with his grimy, slow burner, “Yonkers.” Over this track, he spews a stream of consciousness about popping Xanax, dancing around his house in pink panties to Marvin Gaye, and stabbing pop sensation Bruno Mars in the throat till the cops come in. Did I mention he was 19 at the time?

What followed suit was the rise of his bandmates such as stoner rapper Domo Genesis, 16 year old wordsmith Earl Sweatshirt, the hilariously dichotomous Mellowhype, and R&B crooners Syd and Frank Ocean. With Tyler as the crew’s ringleader, Odd Future has gained an international cult following of teens who love to mosh and crowd surf at their live shows. Yet, it’s not only the intense content that has garnered Tyler appeal and popularity. He has savvily integrated his own drawing and graphic design skills into the group’s marketing ploys. 

Since Odd Future’s rise to fame began, it was obvious that Tyler was a creative dude. It was obvious that, despite Odd Future’s rowdy all-over-the-place-ness, Tyler has kept a subtle calculatedness as to how he promotes himself and his posse. From photos, to album cover art, to commercial advertisements, to skate apparel, Tyler has retained a creative control that is evidenced in all things Odd Future.

A quirky donut image from Odd Future

Now, how could one possibly create visual designs to complement songs as chaotically random as Odd Future’s? In a hilarious yet brilliant fashion, Tyler has managed to integrate his own childhood sketches into the group’s image. Items like upside down crosses, tie dye print, half bitten donuts, cats, and bright and bold text are the group’s signature visual motifs. With no deep reasoning behind their significance to him, Tyler succeeds in advertising absurdism, which somehow captures the randomness of Odd Future. Oftentimes, their songs do not revolve around a storyline, plot, or motif…they’re literally just a bunch of cool sounding rhymes, with each line simultaneously punching listeners in the eardrums and provoking thoughts.

Examples of these designs have resonated throughout Odd Future’s run so far. Tyler’s half bitten donut and cat designs have been printed on hoodies, which have sold in Odd Future pop up shops for over $200. Tyler’s love for upside down crosses have appeared on album covers such as his own 2011 release, Goblin, and Mellowhype’s past two releases, Blackenedwhite and Numbers.  

Despite all of Odd Future members’ different personalities and musical styles, it’s evident that Tyler knows how to run an organized operation. He’s not only an artist behind a microphone; he’s an artist with an eye for what visually pops. Forget the explicit content—the elaborate creative vision makes him all the more threatening.

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Rex Macipinlac '13
Image credit: Tyler the Creator

Function Meets Style in London

Meg Lewis '14 has always been a fashion presence at Stonehill...and this semester, she has continued to experiment with looks and styles while studying abroad in London.  While still keeping up with the College Fashionista website by submitting regular posts, Meg's style is still making an impact back in the states.  We got the chance to chat with her recently about her experiences with style and fashion on the other side of the pond.
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RS: Describe your style in three words. Has it changed since coming to London?

ML: AH this is tough, probably "function meets style." I think it definitely has changed a little since being here. Living literally in the middle of London gives you a wide range of other people's styles on a daily basis, and I quickly began to realize people really don't care what other people think of what they wear, they wear what they want and that is that! It was eye-opening. I have pretty much worn whatever I pleased to a degree before coming here, but I have definitely stepped it up in the personal style department.

RS: What is the biggest difference you've noticed between European and American fashion?

ML: Everyone has their own way of wearing what they want to wear, while at the same time remaining very functional and comfortable. Living right in the city has taught me a lot about layering and wearing functional pieces, especially in London where it literally could rain, hail, and be 70 degrees within the span of 8 hours. I have definitely learned my lesson to always make sure my bag is big enough for my umbrella.

RL: Have you noticed big style similarities or differences in the different countries of Europe?

ML: The men are so impeccably groomed and styled pretty much everywhere in Europe. I know returning home will be a rude awakening in this respect. When thinking of the different countries in Europe, the only thing I think I can really put my finger on is that when I went to Prague, when people went out at night, they were significantly less dressed up as they are in London or Paris. However, girls seemed to be dressed to the nines when going out in Galway, Ireland which really took me by surprise!

RS: So I hear you got to go to Fashion Week, what was that experience like?

ML: I did! It was amazing. I got the chance to attend a trend show at the Somerset House in Central London which was so amazingly cool. It was right at the tail-end of Fashion week, so they were summarizing the different trends seen in the past week with pieces from some of the shows. I write a personal fashion blog as well as doing a remote internship for CollegeFashionista, so I took a bunch of pictures for those, which were both really well recieved.

RS: Give us a hint as to what might be big this Spring season.

ML: Something that was really present were prints, especially stripes and polkadots. It's hard to believe these designers don't collaborate on their collections considering it seemed that stripes were the staple of Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Tommy Hilfiger, three pretty big names. Also, for a change of pace, there was quite a bit of leather on the runways for the spring, which is usually a fabric considered for fall, so I am pretty excited to see how that translates.

RS: Fashion aside, what has been the biggest culture shock since coming to Europe? And what things do you like the most that we don't have in the States?

ML: Probably the biggest thing that shocked me was how easily we are spotted out as Americans, and how that is typically a bad thing. I also was shocked, and excited, by how well dressed everyone was for class every single day! There were Americans in my classes, but also a bunch of English and other international students, and instead of a sea of sweatpants, it was a stampede of heeled boots and wedges!
What I'll probably miss the most is how much people care about their sense of style on a daily basis, and living in a city and having the ability to see so many different things within walking distance.  Also these things called Jaffa Cakes, they are orange and chocolate flavored cookies that are TOO DIE FOR. I will be bringing many back to the Stonehill community to open their worlds to the wonder. I miss them already.

Lewis on historic Abbey Road

You can check out Meg's style and fashion blog at http://clothezonelayers.blogspot.com and check out her posts for College Fashionista here.
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Nicole Colantonio '14
Image credit to Meg Lewis

The Artist Stands Alone

The Rolling Stonehill is all about individuality.  We were lucky to recently catch up with one of the most original Skyhawks on campus, the class of 2013's only Art major, Kat Waterman.

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RS: Is it true you're Stonehill class of 2013's only Art major? If so, how does that feel, and what kind of studio arts do you dabble in?

Kat Waterman, class of 2013

KW: It is true, I am the only Studio Art major. I feel kind of happy and sad about this: I feel happy because I get to have more freedom to experiment in my own major, but I feel sad because I don't get to converse about my experiences with someone who understands what I am going through during my senior year. Unfortunately I haven't really been dabbling in much "studio" art stuff, I have mostly been honing my photography and graphic design skills to become more marketable in the business art world after college life.

RS: You've been on your photography grind lately. Talk a little bit about what projects you've been up to with your camera lately.

KW: The projects that have been testing my photography skills are really fun actually. I've been busy with my directed study photography project that supports the LGBTQ community (which you participated in, thank you again!). And for my graphic design projects, I have been using my studio arts creativity to form interesting compositions to photograph and then I include them in my projects. I just recently designed and finished a fake magazine and had to use my photography skills to create fake ads and a fake band photo shoot. It's really fun and great to say that all the photos in my projects are mine.

Waterman's interpretation of food photography

RS: What got you into drawing, painting, graphic design, and photography? And what geared you toward being an Art major? 

KW: I have been a creative being for pretty much my entire life..haha. I've always been a visual learner and my parents encouraged my skills throughout my schooling and it just became a part of who I was. I think high school REALLY helped me discover my true passion for art though, because my high school had an academic program for the visual art students and my art teachers nurtured my growing love for art.

RS: How do you plan to translate your art skills into your post grad life? What opportunities are you looking forward to after graduation?

KW: Now that is the trick isn't it.....marketing your skills to sustain yourself in the real world......haha I am pushing myself to become the best I can be in both the photography field as well as the graphic design field because I want to as marketable as possible. And to learn more about the demands of the professional outside world, I have been interning and finding more intern opportunities. Grad school is last on my post grad list of things to do....I believe that my field is more dependent on professional experience and less on exceedingly higher education. Not to say that I don't love school...I just would love to be out in the world doing what I love and getting paid for it instead of juggling grad school work and bills.

RS: What inspires you?

KW: I don't know if there is particular person or thing that inspires me.... I think what always catches my eye visually is when I see creative designs and concepts that transcends the literal/realistic image that the average human being would see. I love when people exaggerate color, light, and emotion to the point where my mind is stimulated. And this could be in drawings, graphic art designs, paintings, photography, anything!

RS: In a perfect, happy world, what would you be doing with art for the rest of your life?

KW: I don't have anything specific in mind for careers at the moment because I just want a job somewhere in the arts so I can move out of the house and be on my own. But I guess ideally I'd love to be a photographer for maybe the movie and film industry? Or a graphic designer/photographer for a high end magazine? I'd love any job that had me traveling around the world photographing anything.......now THAT would be a great job! But as you can see, I'm really keeping my options open and would like any field experience.
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Interview by Rex Macipinlac '13
Image credit: Kat Waterman