Imaginary People

Call it charisma, call it "star quality": Some people just have That Thing that makes us watch their every move.

Future Islands' Samuel T. Herring has it; his magnetic stage presence helped the band's Letterman appearance go viral. I'd say Menelik Puryear has it as well; the actor's eye-catching role in Imaginary People's new music video is partly why I decided to premiere it today.

In the clip for the pulsing song Miles, Puryear can be seen happily grooving around New York. Frontman Dylan Von Wagner has a voice that wavers between uncertainty and rock 'n' roll confidence, and he's one of the few modern-day vocalists I have a hard time comparing to anyone else.

"The directors and myself set out early on a June day," Von Wagner says. "I recorded the song to tape cassette and found Menelik a giant boom box. We played the song maybe 100 times, and it was obscenely loud; you could hear the song down the whole block. Being that it was so loud, a lot of people stopped to watch, which helped with the performance."

He adds, "We started deep in downtown Brooklyn, then ended up in the Lower East Side, searching for prime locations. Menelik is dead serious about dancing; he literally danced for seven hours straight and has no problem shaking it in front of anyone."

I'd say all that time paid off. - USA Today pop candy

The Artist: Imaginary People, a dancey indie rock band from NYC
The Song: Their new single “Fever Nation,” out now on iTunes.
Fun Fact: Frontman Dylan Von Wagner has dubbed their style as “Dance Americana.”
Songwriter Says: “This video is a twisted journey through the mind of a man on a solitary journey. An agent, houndstooth and 007-clad, wrestles with the dark recesses of the fallen land. If you’ve ever wondered just what the CIA is up to on a sultry summer Sunday, Imaginary People might give you a glimpse into the disco divine.” - american songwriter

Imaginary People's lead vocalist, Dylan Von Wagner, has the kind of voice you don't hear much anymore: there's a vibrato to it, and an occasional yelp, and a good-natured snarl, all of which might put the listener in mind of Elvis or Jerry Lee Lewis. Even more so than on the band's debut self-titled EP—which found Imaginary People setting Von Wagner's persuasive, trembling vocals in a variety of contexts ranging from glammy synth progressions to Interpol-style dreadfests—the comparison is bolstered by the new 7-inch A-side, "Scarlett Duvall," which we're pleased to premiere here. On "Scarlett Duvall," Justin Repasky's propulsive keys, Mark Roth's outsized guitar work, and Joe Zdaa's percussion all likewise hearken back to the golden age of rock-'n'-roll. - Interview Magazine

We're excited to premiere a new video by New York blues rockers Imaginary People, who have paired their punk-y, "Dance Americana" track "Scarlett Duvall" with an epic car chase scene from a '70s-era made-for-TV movie called Get Christie Love! "There's kind of an aspect of dumb luck to it, " frontman Dylan Von Wagner says of finding this particular clip. "We had been going through a bunch of public domain footage, looking for something exciting, and then boom! We found this chase sequence." The track itself was inspired, he says, by the idea of a double-crossing spy. "I wrote the song a long time ago and it's meant to be an espionage song and also a punk song," Von Wagner recalls.

"Scarlett Duvall" will appear on the band's forthcoming full-length debut (as yet untitled), out late fall, and keep an eye out for more releases from the group this summer. In the meantime, check out the video above, and sang the single HERE. - Paper Magazine

On this Christmas Eve Eve we thought that we would give you, our loyal readers and followers, a gift in the form of a Tom Waits cover! Originally a hidden bonus track on their recently released self-titled EP, New York based musical collective Imaginary People brought their own sound to Waits' 1999 classic.

Accompanied by a calming and aesthetically pleasing Super 8-esque video, Imaginary People takes the track from Mule Variations and reconfigures it into a simple, sweet and delicate tune. Check it out above!
- See more at: http://filtermagazine.com/index.php/media/entry/watch_imaginary_people_covers_tom_waits_picture_in_a_frame_filter_premiere#sthash.B6uybFwe.dpuf - Filter magazine

New York-based five-piece Imaginary People have a brand-new video out today for their single "Gold Coast" but, by the looks of it, it's easy to assume the clip has been around since the advent of motion pictures. Using old-timey stop-motion animation (and our favorite photo filter -- sepia), the video shows a fantasy world of doll people, horses, witches and a house made out of a shoe and is a clever accompaniment to the track, which has a certain throwback quality of its own that the band describes as "Dance Americana." The song appears on Imaginary People's self-titled debut EP, out now. Check out the video, above.
- Paper magazine

video watch - NME

It’s the feeling after a rigorous round of dizzy bat, the sensation when you take a hit of something strange, or, in New York Americana quintet Imaginary People‘s latest video, the maddening back-and-forth you hear when you’re trapped in your own mind.

The clip for “Fresh On,” off the group’s self-titled debut EP, sends viewers on something like a roundabout ride — a dark, brooding one that leaves you wondering which way is up, if you dreamt the whole thing, and, most importantly, what the hell is wrong with this guy?

Lead singer Dyan Von Wagner stars front and slightly off-center as what he described to Hive as a man “deep in the grip of agoraphobia, wandering his building in the same costume for months, unable to work up the muster to escape.” He’s shackled by anxiety and can’t leave his apartment — the farthest he gets is his rooftop. His eyes scream that he’s tormented as he sings, “So if she sees the note, biting in with rope, you and I have no lies/ I impede the trend, I go into the end… so if I’m through the noose, diving in on cue, in your eyes I find the life” — and the dizzying camera effects tell you he’s not quite sure how to get out.

Hold on tight, because this one is a doozy.

Imaginary People released their debut EP on September 2.
- MTV HIVE

2013 is starting to seem like a very difficult year for a band to release a debut record. With the sheer weight of releases that have been flowing through recently, it’s hard to remember any year with such a hectic musical climate, but more noticeable is how hard it seems to be for new bands to be heard through the clustered smokescreen. Quality will always shine through, however, and that’s what seems to be happening with New York-based indie Americana outfit Imaginary People. Last month saw the release of the band’s debut EP, a self-titled release five tracks in length. Infectiously danceable, the EP is as strong a statement as any for the band’s future.

The style of Imaginary People is one that frontman Dylan von Wagner has coined “Dance Americana”, and both sides of this come out emphatically on EP opener and debut single ‘Fresh On’. We’ve featured London-based Hares a number of times but if the trio do have American cousins, then it’s likely to be von Wagner and co. The dance-heavy, summery sound continues on into ‘Better Minds’; a slower paced but no less catchy effort. The quintet have a knack for putting together a rhythm that sticks with you, and ‘Chateau’ only serves to amplify this fact. ‘Gold Coast’ and ‘Stiletto Love’ are the remaining flourishes available from a vibrant and colourful band, and while the former is a seemingly floaty effort, the latter is both the album’s longest and its most unique in standalone terms. A piano focus is chosen for the EP closer, and musically it sounds like Imaginary People have it all worked out. The New Yorkers don’t miss a beat in what can best be described as a seamless display, and the song title seems fitting for the shoe-scuffing dancefloor action that the song itself seems so likely to induce.

Early signs would suggest that there is a lot to shout about when it comes to Imaginary People. The New York band have more than enough potential to branch out over the Atlantic, and they could find a very welcoming atmosphere here in the UK. For now, however, the States are warming to the five-piece. What the future holds, well that remains to be seen.



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Antony
Antony is a university student tucked away in Hertfordshire, near enough to London to enjoy the ever-active live music scene while plowing through just enough cans of Monster to get by. Battling courses of history, journalism and media, he still manages to pursue his true love: music. Since joining the team back in April he's covered countless festivals, gigs and albums, and plans to cover countless amounts more in future. And own a pair of Bootsy Collins' sunglasses. Eventually.

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- 7 bit arcade

On the heels of dropping their first single "Fresh On," New York-based Imaginary People are pleased to drop their second single, "Better Minds" from their forthcoming self-titled debut EP available September 3, 2013. The upcoming record explores veteran songwriter Dylan Von Wagner's fresh blend of upbeat dance tempos with a splash of Americana. Adding to the offering, the band will be performing select New York dates leading into CMJ this fall. Details are below.

Imaginary People formed as a collective of individuals coming from differing backgrounds and assembled in late 2012 by core members Dylan Von Wagner (vocals), Mark Roth (guitar), Justin Repasky (keys), Joe Zdaa (drums), and supplemented in the studio and live by Grant Zubritsky (bass). In this EP, Imaginary People seek to carve out a niche for themselves with a style designated as Dance Americana.

Recorded with Matt Boynton (MGMT, Kurt Vile) and Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate), Imaginary People found the best path to their EP was to bang it out live in a room and to keep things as raw as possible. Complimenting themselves with synth and strings, they round out their EP with a bit of the classic wall of sound and some kinetic big beats.

Tour Dates:
09/03 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
Track Listing:
01. Fresh On
02. Better Minds
03. Chateau
04. Gold Coast
05. Stiletto Love

Social Love:
2


Read more at http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/161514-imaginary-people-release-minds.html#ryxRIEFpr0sF3cqI.99 - alt sounds

On the heels of dropping their first single "Fresh On," New York-based Imaginary People are pleased to drop their second single, "Better Minds" from their forthcoming self-titled debut EP available September 3, 2013. The upcoming record explores veteran songwriter Dylan Von Wagner's fresh blend of upbeat dance tempos with a splash of Americana. Adding to the offering, the band will be performing select New York dates leading into CMJ this fall. Details are below.

Imaginary People formed as a collective of individuals coming from differing backgrounds and assembled in late 2012 by core members Dylan Von Wagner (vocals), Mark Roth (guitar), Justin Repasky (keys), Joe Zdaa (drums), and supplemented in the studio and live by Grant Zubritsky (bass). In this EP, Imaginary People seek to carve out a niche for themselves with a style designated as Dance Americana.

Recorded with Matt Boynton (MGMT, Kurt Vile) and Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate), Imaginary People found the best path to their EP was to bang it out live in a room and to keep things as raw as possible. Complimenting themselves with synth and strings, they round out their EP with a bit of the classic wall of sound and some kinetic big beats.

Tour Dates:
09/03 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
Track Listing:
01. Fresh On
02. Better Minds
03. Chateau
04. Gold Coast
05. Stiletto Love

Social Love:
2


Read more at http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/161514-imaginary-people-release-minds.html#ryxRIEFpr0sF3cqI.99 - alt sounds

maginary People release their self-titled debut EP on Sept. 3, and it’s brimming with what this New York five-piece calls “dance Americana.”

Download today’s free MP3, ‘Better Minds,’ and you’ll understand that descriptor. The song showcases the band’s knack for crafting super-melodic tunes sure to get folks dancing along, but it also rings with distinct bluesy qualities that link it to Americana.

“If you’re wondering what the public feels like about our do-nothing Congress and its gridlock, this might be the melodic tremor they’re seeking,” singer Dylan Von Wagner tells Diffuser.fm.

The dissatisfaction in that statement can certainly can be heard in Von Wagner’s quavering vocals. He sounds like he’s constantly on the brink of erupting into a howl, but he maintains his restraint for the song’s duration. - Diffuser.fm

To celebrate the release of their self-titled EP (out September 2nd), New York-based Imaginary People give away for free, the rather interesting and upbeat track ‘Fresh On’.

In the EP, recorded with Matt Boynton (MGMT, Kurt Vile) and Kevin McMahon (Titus Andronicus, Real Estate), the band is keeping their sound as raw as possible and is seeking to carve out a niche for themselves with their unique “Dance Americana” sound.

Imaginary People are: Dylan Von Wagner – vocals, Mark Roth – guitar, Justin Repasky – keys, Joe Zdaa – drums and (in the studio and live) Grant Zubritsky – bass.
- Fame magazine

New York quintet Imaginary People will be releasing their debut EP next week and are giving away the wonderful indie/Americana of 'Fresh On' as a free download. You can grab that below, but first we fired them a few questions over to discover a bit more about the band and Dylan was kind enough to chat to us about the black magic of the New York music scene and a surprising knowledge of English football!


TSOC: Hello Imaginary People! You guys are based in NYC. It seems like half the bands we write about are from NYC and the surrounding area. Is it a help or hindrance having to jostle for space like that?

D: I think it helps, you have more musicians willing and able, so there's a creative force that you can dip into. It can become a wash of bands, but like anything in life, luck and some black magic and things happen for certain people. Work ethic goes a long way, if you're prepared to do what the other guy won't, you might increase your luck.


TSOC: As we've covered a lot of NYC bands, could you give us a couple of future tips we might not know yet? Bands to keep an eye out for?

D: Check out US Royalty, also our friends Caveman are coming over there, they have a record coming out in the UK.


TSOC: Is there a sense of community about the music scene from that area, or is it more competitive than that?

D: There's a competition to excel, but it's never spoken about, I think certain bands are a lot more business minded and might get further down the road because they understand the industry landscape and how to approach it. It's still the music business, which is a form of Hollywood and bands want to get their break.


TSOC: What about British bands? Do you have any plans to make it over for gigs? And what bands would you want to check out while you're here?

D: We'd love to come tour, depends on when we get a record out there with a label, you really need that help to make that jump and we're getting closer. As for bands, Kasabian, Blur, Slow Club, Foals, The Chevin.

TSOC: The song people can stream below ('Fresh On') takes in indie, rock, alt-pop, Americana and more besides. Are all your songs as blended as this or do you usually stick to a sound that can be easily pinpointed?

D: We tend to genre hop a bit, it just happens organically. We just try to put together the best material, if they happen to sound quite different, so be it.


TSOC: It must mean you have a wide variety of influences. Who would your ideal collaborator or producer be if you could pick anyone dead or alive?

D: I lived in a London for a few years and met Robert Plant, that would be pretty wild to get in a room with him.


TSOC: As the band moves forward, are we likely to see you treading similar ground? Or do you have plans to branch out into other genres?

D: We'll go in any direction, we have an album recorded to follow the EP. Maybe we'll do a little more recording, depends on the timing. Ideally I'd want to start touring to get our name floating in the live arena.


TSOC: If you could change one thing about Imaginary People as they are now, what would it be and why?

D: I'd say just more time to work on songcraft, it's a percentages game, the more time your write the better chance you'll bump into some magic.


TSOC: I'd guess that if people are imaginary, they can have imaginary powers. Assume you could all have one super power. What would it be?

D: I'd moonlight as an Arsenal FC striker, they need a new striker!


TSOC: Finally – it's fantasy festival time. Imaginary People are headlining and you get to pick 5 acts, past or present to join you on the bill. Who do you pick?

Zeppelin
Chemical Brothers
Beastie Boys
Albert King
Beach House
- the sound of confusion uk

New York-based Imaginary People are preparing to release their self-titled debut EP on September 2nd. The EP’s lead single is “Fresh On.” The track lends itself to comparison with the Arcade Fire because of lead singer Dylan Von Wagner’s wobbly vocals and the obvious Americana influence. What separates “Fresh On” from most Arcade Fire offerings is that the track seems much more danceable. - surviving the golden age

NYC's Imaginary People are a new project from veteran songwriter Dylan Von Wagner that blends his trembling, soul infused vocals (reminiscent of Roy Orbison) with the immediacy of rock'n'roll - or at least this is how the preview single "Fresh On" from the upcoming self titled EP sounds.

Unless they are REALLY imaginary, you'll hav more than one opportunity to see these guys live since they'll be celebrating their EP release with two shows in a week at venues two blocks from each other: Pianos on 08.26 and The Mercury Lounge on 09.03. - Deli Magazine

Upbeat-Americana sounds like an oxymoron, but that’s the best way to describe Imaginary People.

The New York four-piece plays music that’s as much of a throwback as it is a dance party-starter. And it’s no wonder, considering the people they’ve worked with; Imaginary People’s self-titled debut EP, out September 3, was recorded with Matt Bonyton (who has had a hand with MGMT and Kurt Vile) and Kevin McMahon (who has worked with Titus Andronicus and Real Estate), a combination that’s equal parts roots, rock, and pop.

Hear it in person when the band plays New York later this month–or right now, with our exclusive download of their lead single “Fresh On”! –REBECCA WILLA DAVIS - Nylon Magazine