Northern American

Open PDF file on link http://www.heistorhitrecords.com/pressreleases/NA_Press_Pack.pdf - Heist Or Hit records

Northern American’s new video for their single “Modern Phenomena” tackles the idea of love in the age of technology, with visuals that parallel the song's understated, scintillating pop sounds.

The video is based on two strangers obsessing over a picture of one another on their phones. Walking to an unknown destination while still staring into the screen, the strangers run into each other, but neither of them look up, and they ultimately pass each other by.

The whispered vocals combined with bass, acoustic guitar, and the easy beat of the drums accentuate the meaning behind the song's lament. "Modern Phenomena" as times is reminiscent of Coldplay, with an extra dose of sentimentality. - Culture Collide

Los Angeles group Northern American have unveiled their latest cut, "Modern Phenomena", and you can listen now on Best Fit.

The new single is the title track from Northern American's upcoming debut, which is produced by Raymond Richards (Local Natives). It builds up from layers of chiming guitars and ruffled-feather percussion, evolving gradually into a Brit-pop splashed piece of shuffly dream-pop. It's built for berezy summer sunshine and experiencing life-defining epiphanies in the great outdoors. It's even got ruddy church bells.

Modern Phenomena is out 18 May on Heist or Hit; the title track/single is released 4 May.

Have a listen to the song below. The tracklist for the record can be found afterwards. - The Line Of Best Fit

It’s a Monday afternoon and Taylor Swift has just stood up for the little guys, penning a letter to Apple that resulted in the tech giant changing its tune and deciding to pay all artists during the initial three-month free run of its new streaming music service. But for the four members of Los Angeles’ Northern American, who just released their debut album, Modern Phenomena, on June 2, Swift’s stand holds little meaning.

“We don’t ever seem to make any money,” says singer/guitarist Nate Paul, sitting with the whole band outside a Los Feliz coffee shop. “Most everything we do is for free. We all have Spotify and pay for that, and I think it is great. It’s a place to be heard. Streaming is a conduit for being heard.”

“It’s hard to really empathize if you are a small artist and not really standing to make any money from it all,” adds keyboardist Shane Alch. “I understand if you are going to lose out on millions of dollars from streaming, but coming from a smaller artist that isn’t standing to make money, it is just all about the exposure. Just buy tickets to our show and we are happy.”

Northern American began back in a high school in the high desert, where Paul and Alch were friends. The introduction to bassist Augusto Vega and drummer Bruno Calenda came through friends of friends, and the relocation to Los Angeles seemed like a logical next step, once Paul's parents kicked him out of the house after discovering he had turned his bedroom into a music studio.

Fortune favored the band when Mick Scholefield of U.K. label Heist or Hit Records heard their 2013 debut EP. Scholefield flew from England to see Northern American perform and was impressed enough to pay for the recording of Modern Phenomena through his label, enlisting producer Raymond Richards (Local Natives’ Gorilla Manor) to record it.

“We wanted to make a record that was listenable for our first album,” Paul says. “We have a lot of weirder stuff, but for our first full-length, we wanted to make a pill that was easier to swallow. We already have more songs written, but we’re trying to see everything as a big picture.”

An easier pill to swallow it may be, but that doesn’t mean Modern Phenomena is without personality or a stamp that makes Northern American unique from its Los Angeles peers. “It’s been tough in Los Angeles because we don’t really fit into a scene,” Paul says. “All of our friends that are in other L.A. bands, we have relationships with them and will go to their parties and hang out, but we aren’t a part of their musical scene. We have our own thing going on, and that’s kind of how we want it.”

Rather than seeking support from a built-in network of other local bands, Northern American looks up to acts that came before them, noting artists that have shown a commitment to change and evolution. David Bowie and Radiohead, in particular, stand out for them as inspirations.

“We strive to change constantly,” Calenda says, “and show whoever we are at a particular moment through our music. It keeps it fun for us.”

“To play different characters throughout our career is our goal,” Paul adds. - LA Weekly

he album this track comes from is the title track off the recent LP from the L.A.-based quartet Northern American. Their album recently dropped and they're making their Indie Shuffle debut today!

The more of their stuff I hear, the more it reminds me of their current L.A. base. Their music has a sunswept, big city, "driving down Sunset Strip with the rooftop down'" kind of feel.

This song, and through the release of its official video today, speaks to the thoroughly modern way in which we all tend to communicate these days. Walking down the street, head bent down, and eyes fixed on a small screen rather than focusing on what's really in front of us.

We all do it. Smartphones can make relationships confusing these days; it's a thoroughly modern phenomena, as evidenced in the lyrics of this track.

Touch me through a touch screen
It's so anonymous
You and me
What are we about?

Northern American is touring around California in July. Their album Modern Phenomena is available now. Hit up their website or Facebook for more details and watch their new video below. - Indie Shuffle

Northern American was founded by high school friends Nate Paul (guitar/vocals) and Shane Alch (keys) who recruited Augusto Vega (bass) and Bruno Calenda (drums) after moving to Los Feliz. The quartet is a collaborative project with each band member contributing to the act’s chillaxed indie rock vibe that’s oft washed by groove bits and soothing sunsets. Their debut full-length, Modern Phenomena, was produced by Raymond Richards (Local Natives, Avid Dancer) and will be released on May 19th via Heist or Hit Records. But for now here’s its first leaked single, “Elysian,” which sails on a smooth, warm shimmer of acoustic strums, strolling keys, and a wallowing steel guitar:
And here’s its mood capturing music video which shows the band performing in B&W or soaking up the SoCal lifestyle: - Free Bike Valet

Los Angeles seems to inspire a certain mood, a certain atmosphere.

Languid, laid back, chilled... the Californian city retains a lingering place in the popular imagination.

For Northern American though, it's not imaginary: it's home. Fast rising, the group's enticing mixture of synth pop, indie songcraft and high, keening vocals has brought them to the attention of influential label Heist Or Hit.

Finding inspiration all around them, Northern American admit that Los Angeles remains a huge part of their lives: "From The Doors to Tupac, we are inspired by the same sunset, Los Angeles; the place that was and always will be."

Debut single 'Wander' is available from January 20th, and Clash can now unveil the flip. Sun kissed songcraft designed to soundtrack a late night drive down Sunset Strip, 'Record Forever' is effortlessly youthful - carefree in a way which can only be Californian. - Clash Magazine

If you (much like myself) are making your way down to Austin, Texas for its annual SXSW Music Conference and you're itching to find the best in brand new bands, make sure you check out one of the many gigs that Los Angeles-based quartet Northern American will be playing. Having only released one EP, they've just announced their debut album Modern Phenomena which drops on 18 March via Heist or Hit Records alongside a new video for album closer 'Elysian'.

Clocking in at just over 5 minutes, 'Elysian' is a slower song than what the rest of the album promises but offers a near-perfect tune for those late night drives no matter where you are in the world. The record was produced by Raymond Richards (Local Natives) and mastered by Mark Chalecki (Local Natives/Avi Buffalo), and seeing as they've already gotten support from Radio 6 and Amazing Radio, there's a pretty steady buzz already building for the band who sold their computers just so they could live out their dreams in music. Do yourself a favor and watch the video for 'Elysian' below. - The 405

Los Angeles quartet Northern American emerged last year with their “Happiness Hungover” EP, a short collection of sophisticated songs fusing pop, rock and jazz that seemed to be wonderfully out of place in the midst of surf- and garage-rockers usurping the SoCal scene. Since they played Buzz Bands LA’s Echo Park Rising stage and Chinatown Moon Festival last year, Nate Paul, Shane Alch, Augusto Vega and Bruno Calenda have been signed to the U.K.’s Heist or Hit Records — home to Letting Up Despite Great Faults, LoveLikeFire, Bad Veins and more — and have been spending all their minutes in the studio meticulously recording their full-length, “Modern Phenomena,” with producer Raymond Richards. Northern American’s early songs such as “Record Forever” possessed an affecting cinematic grace, and the quartet ups the ante with new material such as the shimmering closing track “Elysian,” perfect for fans of Jonathan Wilson, Real Estate and Mazzy Star. Rich bass lines, radiating keyboard chord progressions, reverb-laden guitar and Paul’s butter-smooth vocals make for a song worthy of its celestial title. Here, Northern American draws from L.A.’s Laurel Canyon history rather than the noise of Tinsel Town, and “Elysian” offers five blissful minutes worthy of that lineage. The single will be available digitally Oct. 6 worldwide, and “Modern Phenomena” is slated for a release in January. - See more at: http://www.buzzbands.la/2014/10/02/premiere-northern-american-elysian/#sthash.U6mg1ETa.dpuf

Stream: https://soundcloud.com/heistorhitrecords/northern-american-elysian/s-ZGhPc - BuzzbandsLA

Yesterday “Wander" by California’s Northern American dropped into our mailbox via their excellent label Heist or Hit Records, and we’re very happy that it did. The band’s mix of joyful and poppy melodies with bright instrumentation and very inventive bridges kind of remembers us of their label mates Simian Ghost, but above all it results in a very sweet and charming song. “Wander" is Northern American’s first single taken from their upcoming debut album, which is (only) out next summer. - Analogue Spheres

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, could slick looking new indie quartet Northern American be the West Coast's answer to The Strokes? We certainly think they're in with a shot as they blend elements of world music, indie and rock into an undeniably appealing cocktail.

The band themselves describe their music as a picture of the city they live in; “From The Doors to Tupac, we are inspired by the same sunset, Los Angeles; the place that was and always will be.”

There are flashes of contemporaries Local Natives, but let's not get bogged down here - Northern American have an intriguingly unique sound as evidenced on new track 'Wander' which breaks down into a groove-ridden carnivale samba amongst a swaggering indie-anthem chorus.

They've just signed a worldwide deal with Heist or Hit Records, whom have previously found success for the likes of Simian Ghost, Dinowalrus, and The Crookes.

Ones to watch for 2014? You betcha. - Glasswerk Magazine

In a pioneering and demonstrative fashion this single displays two tantalizing tracks across both sides. A-Side Wander opens with a bass line as smooth as you like, cushioned by additionally satisfying, shimmering, sonic delight. Unshadowed by its predecessor, B-Side Record Forever makes itself instantly memorable with lush soundscapes and unpredictable percussion breaks.

The band describe their music as a picture of the city they live in: “From The Doors to Tupac, we are inspired by the same sunset, Los Angeles; the place that was and always will be.”

Currently in the studio preparing their debut full-length, slated for release next summer, the band have started working with Local Natives producer Raymond Richards – a combination which will surely culminate in a future as bright as LA itself.

Northern American consists of Nate Paul, Shane Alch, Bruno Calenda and Augusto Vega. - Indie Is Not A Genre

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, brand new indie quartet Northern American describe their music as a picture of the city they live in; “From The Doors to Tupac, we are inspired by the same sunset, Los Angeles; the place that was and always will be.”

As their guileless namesake suggests they don’t have to branch far afield for their wealth of influences. Borrowing elements from peers within the City of Angels – from classics such as The Doors and The Byrds to contemporaries such as Local Natives, Autolux and Letting Up Despite Great Faults - they allow for a glimmering, sun kissed wash of sound to characterise their melodies. An ability to cross state borders is clear too, with a rootless yet methodical exploration in song writing and lucid skill with instrumentation they can clearly join the modern ranks among stateside indie’s finest.

In a pioneering and demonstrative fashion this single displays two tantalizing tracks across both sides. A-Side ‘Wander’ opens with a bass line as smooth as you like, cushioned by additionally satisfying, shimmering, sonic delight. Unshadowed by its predecessor, B-Side ‘Record Forever’ makes itself instantly memorable with lush soundscapes and unpredictable percussion breaks.

These initial tracks were recorded last year as part of 4 track lay down, mixed by Norm Block, formerly of Plexi and now with Sweethead (a devolution of QOTSA and their current main tour support). The tracks were released in L.A. and gained a remarkable response from influential local blogs as well as radio stations, sold-out shows at Silverlake Lounge as well as local festivals. The band then signed a worldwide deal with Heist or Hit Records, whom have previously found success for the likes of Simian Ghost, Dinowalrus, and The Crookes.

Currently in the studio preparing their debut full-length, slated for release next summer, the band have started working with Local Natives producer Raymond Richards – a combination which will surely culminate in a future as bright as LA itself.

Northern American are: Nate Paul, Shane Alch, Bruno Calenda, and Augusto Vega. - Music Mafia

When Californian four-piece Northern American chose to name their debut EP Happiness Hungover earlier this year, it revealed a great deal about the lush, evocative indie that the quartet produce. With nods to the breezy pop-tinged brilliance of their LA peers Local Natives, the downplayed dramatics of US stalwarts The National and the dream-like textural soundplay of their Heist or Hit labelmates Simian Ghost, the band’s output to date trades in that distinctly post-midday optimism that comes with leaving one’s hangover behind and discovering the day anew.

‘Wander’, the group’s first official single ahead of a debut full-length due next summer, feels like the perfect synthesis of this. Its gently strummed guitars, rollicking rhythms and sunny sentiments ably encapsulating that early afternoon hopefulness when the sunlight becomes less of a burden for tired eyes and more an illuminative force for all that’s right in the world. If you want to feel good about the day ahead, we suggest getting this one on repeat. - Notion

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, brand new indie quartet Northern American describe their music as a picture of the city they live in; “From The Doors to Tupac, we are inspired by the same sunset, Los Angeles; the place that was and always will be.”

As their guileless namesake suggests they don’t have to branch far afield for their wealth of influences. Borrowing elements from peers within the City of Angels – from classics such as The Doors and The Byrds to contemporaries such as Local Natives, Autolux and Letting Up Despite Great Faults – they allow for a glimmering, sun kissed wash of sound to characterise their melodies. An ability to cross state borders is clear too, with a rootless yet methodical exploration in song writing and lucid skill with instrumentation they can clearly join the modern ranks among stateside indie’s finest.

In a pioneering and demonstrative fashion this single displays two tantalizing tracks across both sides. A-Side ‘Wander’ opens with a bass line as smooth as you like, cushioned by additionally satisfying, shimmering, sonic delight. Unshadowed by its predecessor, B-Side ‘Record Forever’ makes itself instantly memorable with lush soundscapes and unpredictable percussion breaks.

These initial tracks were recorded last year as part of 4 track lay down, mixed by Norm Block, formerly of Plexi and now with Sweethead (a devolution of QOTSA and their current main tour support). The tracks were released in L.A. and gained a remarkable response from influential local blogs as well as radio stations, sold-out shows at Silverlake Lounge as well as local festivals. The band then signed a worldwide deal with Heist or Hit Records, whom havepreviously found success for the likes of Simian Ghost, Dinowalrus, and The Crookes.

Currently in the studio preparing their debut full-length, slated for release next summer, the band have started working with Local Natives producer Raymond Richards – a combination which will surely culminate in a future as bright as LA itself.

Northern American are: Nate Paul, Shane Alch, Bruno Calenda, and Augusto Vega.

- See more at: http://ventsmagazine.com/northern-american-release-new-single-wander/#sthash.5plKxRA5.dpuf - Vents Magazine

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, brand new indie quartet Northern American describe their music as a picture of the city they live in; “From The Doors to Tupac, we are inspired by the same sunset, Los Angeles; the place that was and always will be.”
As their guileless namesake suggests they don’t have to branch far afield for their wealth of influences. Borrowing elements from peers within the City of Angels – from classics such as The Doors and The Byrds to contemporaries such as Local Natives, Autolux and Letting Up Despite Great Faults – they allow for a glimmering, sun kissed wash of sound to characterise their melodies. An ability to cross state borders is clear too, with a rootless yet methodical exploration in song writing and lucid skill with instrumentation they can clearly join the modern ranks among stateside indie’s finest.
In a pioneering and demonstrative fashion this single displays two tantalizing tracks across both sides. A-Side ‘Wander’ opens with a bass line as smooth as you like, cushioned by additionally satisfying, shimmering, sonic delight. Unshadowed by its predecessor, B-Side ‘Record Forever’ makes itself instantly memorable with lush soundscapes and unpredictable percussion breaks.
These initial tracks were recorded last year as part of 4 track lay down, mixed by Norm Block, formerly of Plexi and now with Sweethead (a devolution of QOTSA and their current main tour support). The tracks were released in L.A. and gained a remarkable response from influential local blogs as well as radio stations, sold-out shows at Silverlake Lounge as well as local festivals. The band then signed a worldwide deal with Heist or Hit Records, whom have previously found success for the likes of Simian Ghost, Dinowalrus, and The Crookes.
Currently in the studio preparing their debut full-length, slated for release next summer, the band have started working with Local Natives producer Raymond Richards – a combination which will surely culminate in a future as bright as LA itself.
Northern American are: Nate Paul, Shane Alch, Bruno Calenda, and Augusto Vega. - With Guitars

There’s a new rock quartet in town whose sophisticated pop may include your next breezy summer melody. You can go ahead and thank Northern American for songs like the shimmering “Record Forever” to go with your ice-cold beer beside the pool and the bluesy “Don’t Be a Star” to go down with that warm whiskey as you look over L.A.’s nightscape. They should know a good soundtrack to the City of Angels after all; Nate Paul, Shane Alch, Augusto Vega and Bruno Calenda all grew up in L.A. and after playing together for three years, they’ve finally released their debut EP, “Happiness Hungover,” with a lending hand from Norm Block (Plexi) on production. This isn’t noise-rock, but it’s deliciously smooth. A full-length by Northern American is in the works - See more at: http://www.buzzbands.la/2013/05/29/ears-wide-open-northern-american/#sthash.2tqcYud1.dpuf - L A Buzzbands