Review by Adam Jones - MUSIC FARMER 5
TWOFEW's "We Were Loud" is a Musical Love Letter That Echoes Through Time
TWOFEW, the piano rock outfit hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, has struck gold with their latest single, "We Were Loud." The track is an anthem of love, chronicling the highs and lows of the relationship between lead singer Michael Lazar and his wife, bassist Danielle Lazar. The result is an emotionally charged, epic masterpiece that leaves listeners yearning to loop the song over and over.
From the opening notes, "We Were Loud" captivates the listener with its rich piano melody, reminiscent of the styles of Elton John, Billy Joel, and The Beatles. The song's lush instrumentation showcases the undeniable talent of each band member, from Michael's powerful vocals & piano skills - to brother David Lazar's vibrant guitar solos and the epic, syncopated drumming of John Harley Sebring. Danielle's solid & skillful bass foundation serves as the heartbeat of the track - the bass arrangement & performance works beautifully along the piano (not suprisingly!)
As the song progresses, it builds in intensity, with soaring vocals entering at the chorus, followed by an electrifying guitar solo that would make any 80s rock god proud. The instruments complement each other beautifully while still allowing each musician's skill to shine through. The track reaches its climax at the epic outro, Michael's voice belting out "We Were Loud!" as the guitars roar alongside. The song concludes with a powerful two-hit articulation, leaving the listener with an insatiable urge to hit the repeat button.
"We Were Loud" serves as a testament to TWOFEW's unique sound, blending elements of alternative, rock, blues, and pop into a cohesive, unforgettable soundscape. The band's wide-ranging influences, including modern acts like The Fray and AudioSlave, are evident in their music, but they also manage to carve out their own distinctive niche in the world of piano rock.
With "We Were Loud," TWOFEW has crafted an emotional, evocative musical journey that undoubtedly resonates with listeners from all walks of life. With its powerful vocals, intriguing lyrics, and masterful instrumentation, the song stands as a shining example of contemporary rock music at its finest. TWOFEW is a band you MUST keep on your radar!
Check out "We Were Loud" by TWOFEW below!👇
Check out the EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
with TWOFEW below! 👇
Michael and Danielle Lazar perform live on stage
1. Can you share with us the inspiration and creative process behind writing this track?
The inception of "We Were Loud" arose from our desire to create a song that resonated with audiences on multiple levels – both lyrically and melodically. The inspiration for the track can be traced back to the lead singer’s (Michael-Jon) own experiences of love, loss, and the whirlwind of emotions that come with navigating life's complexities.
We aimed to create an anthem that spoke to the hearts of our listeners and ignited a sense of nostalgia, transporting them to the moments when they, too, were loud, unapologetic, and free.
TWOFEW's creative process behind writing this track was a collaborative effort, with each band member bringing their unique perspective and influence to the table. The songwriting began with a simple melody, a spark of inspiration that ignited the creative flame. As the band members shared their thoughts and experiences, the lyrics began to take shape, weaving a tapestry of emotion that would ultimately become "We Were Loud."
The fusion of various musical styles and genres can be heard in this track, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and influences of our members. From the soulful vocals to the powerful guitar riffs and the driving rhythm section, each element of "We Were Loud" contributes to the song's distinct sound and emotional impact. We strongly feel that the blending of styles showcases our versatility and ability to create music that defies categorization.
TWOFEW performs at Rainbows Festival, April 2nd, 2023 in Phoenix, AZ
2. It is extremely rare and equally awesome to find family bands. As a family-centric band, how do the dynamics of having three family members in the group affect your creative process and the sound of TWOFEW?
As a family-centric band, the dynamics of having three family members in the group play a crucial role in shaping the creative process and the distinct sound of TWOFEW.
The unique bond shared by Michael, Danielle and David Lazar not only strengthens our foundation, but also fosters a nurturing environment for experimentation and collaboration, resulting in a harmonious blend of musical styles and ideas.
One of the most notable aspects of this unique, family-centered approach is the unparalleled level of trust and understanding that exists among our members. We’re able to freely and openly communicate our thoughts and emotions, ultimately leading to a much richer exchange of creative ideas. This close-knit relationship also promotes a sense of solidarity, allowing our group to be more supportive and honest with each other during the songwriting and recording process.
The diverse range of musical influences and personal experiences that each family member brings to the table further enhances our unique creative process. With a shared upbringing and cultural background, we have a unified vision of our musical identity, while still maintaining our individuality. This delicate balance translates into what we believe is a captivating sound that seamlessly fuses various genres and elements, creating a truly unique listening experience.
What’s more, we feel that the family-oriented nature of our band also contributes to our ability to connect with our audience on a deeper level. Through our music, we are able to weave rich stories that resonate with the universal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, all of which are deeply rooted in the experiences and emotions of the individual members of the band.
We feel that this authenticity and vulnerability in our lyrics and performances helps make our music relatable and emotionally engaging.
TWOFEW guitarist David Lazar
3. The band's piano-driven rock sound is a defining characteristic of your music. How did you come to settle on this direction, and how has it evolved since you first started making music together?
It's no secret that the distinct piano-driven rock sound of TWOFEW has become a defining characteristic of our music.
We feel it’s an innate part of our unique sonic identity. And honestly, it’s also a breath of fresh air in today's music landscape, with the piano's rich tonality effortlessly blending with powerful guitar riffs, deep bass jams and dynamic drum beats.
The journey to reaching this signature sound was a natural progression for TWOFEW. Each member of the band brought their own musical influences and tastes, which organically led to the fusion of piano and rock elements.
The piano has always been a versatile instrument, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions and styles, from classical to jazz to pop. Our decision to incorporate this timeless instrument into the core of TWOFEW’s sound was both a nod to our diverse influences and a testament to our desire to create music that stands out.
TWOFEW drummer John Harley Sebring
4. Can you tell us more about the experience of writing and recording "We Were Loud"? How did the song come together, and what was the atmosphere like during the songwriting process? (also, was it in a studio / room / garage / night out on the town etc.?)
The experience of writing and recording the single "We Were Loud" was nothing short of exhilarating and memorable.
We feel that our creative process truly came alive during a single, inspired session at our practice studio. The energy in the room was palpable, as each member brought their unique talents and perspectives to the table.
Ideas bounced back and forth, like an unstoppable torrent of creativity, as the song took shape before our very eyes. It was a testament to the synergistic power of collaboration and passion in the world of music.
Upon completing the writing stage, TWOFEW embarked on a journey to Nashville, the heart of the American music industry. There, we were granted access to a top-secret studio renowned for housing some of the most cutting-edge gear in the world.
As we stepped into this hallowed space, we were instantly awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the equipment and resources at their fingertips. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring our musical vision to life, and we fully intended to make every moment count!
Danielle Lazar cuts bass tracks in a secret studio in Nashville, TN.
The recording process began with an air of anticipation and excitement. We knew that we were about to create something truly special, and we were eager to lay down these racks with precision and finesse.
As each instrument was meticulously recorded, the song began to take on a life of its own. The state-of-the-art gear allowed us to capture every nuance of our performance, from the subtlest stroke of a guitar string to the soul-stirring power of Michael's vocals. This was a sonic playground unlike anything we had ever experienced!
Michael Lazar sits behind a Neve Console in Nashville, TN, cutting tracks for “We Were Loud”
As the sessions progressed, the team of pros behind the console worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the recording was executed flawlessly. Their expertise and dedication to their craft were evident in the final mix, which we feel strongly showcases TWOFEW’s raw talent and emotion in a way that we think is both captivating and unforgettable.
The experience of working in such a world-class facility with industry experts was truly humbling and inspiring!
Michael Lazar records vocals in Nashville, TN.
5. What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your single, "We Were Loud"?
We think that every song we create is a piece of art that has a different meaning and appeal for each listener. This song’s intention is to be vibrant, emotional and expressive -- to take the listener on a unique journey that hopefully relates to something they’ve experienced or hope to.
While this tune certainly resonates for its own reasons and nuances with us, we strongly feel that art has different perceptions. The primary goal, from our perspective, is that this song evokes an emotional response in the listener.
Michael Lazar (left) and TWOFEW’s producer, Chris Lawrie (right), at the studio in Nashville, TN.
6. Phoenix, Arizona is your home base. How has the city and its music scene influenced your sound and overall approach to making music?
Phoenix has been great to us. The city has changed so much, yet it still houses a fairly active and growing music scene. While the scene has evolved, there’s still much to love. Including plenty of fun venues to play out at, a diverse crowd and a unique flavor.
We know that our piano-driven music is a bit different, which perhaps eliminates some venue options for us in the local scene. But we’ve been lucky enough to hop aboard the many great and upcoming festivals that Arizona hosts, and we can assure you, that we’ve never had so much fun playing for these receptive crowds!
7. What can fans look forward to in the future from TWOFEW? Are there any upcoming projects or live shows that you're particularly excited about?
Absolutely. We’re scheduled to play San Manuel on May 6th for a fun Chili Fest, and we’re one of the main acts that’s performing at Henderson Pride on June 17th on the Main Stage.
There are plenty of other forthcoming shows in the works as we fill out dates in our 2023’ Festival Tour. And we’re always interested in working with Promoters and Talent Buyers to get more shows on the Schedule!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/ji1z5vejRs0
Website: https://www.twofewmusic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twofewmusic/