1518

Went to Cinespace a couple nights back. I rarely venture into Hollywood these days as I’m quite busy with so much stuff in La Mirada and Orange County in general. It was nice to visit Hollywood again. The reason I went up there was to check out this band that a friend of mine is a member of called 1518 (add them on Facebook). They had a stellar performance with their dancey-rock appeal at this event called RAW artists..... - The Ed Column by Ed Carrasco

1518 is:

Mandie Becker- Vocals & Keyboard
James Diaz- Guitar & Synth
Billy Miranda- Guitar
Ian Wooldridge- Bass
David Hall- Drums

I'll do my best to answer these questions universally. The band is made of a group of very different individuals. We all listen to different bands and genres of music.


- How did you first get started (a few words on your background)?
We were created in a lab in the 1940's and have grown into the mutant musical beings we are today. It was a long process, but well worth it.
Okay, but really- our story is not all that interesting. The original founding members are Dave and James Diaz. Mandie was referred by another band that had auditioned her to sing. Ian was found at a party breaking a pool stick over some dude's head and Billy was a gift from the internet while we were searching for 2nd guitarist to fill in for our former guitarist, James Greenwood.


- How would you describe your sound?
sweet-n-dreamy-sometimes-dancey-we-play-really-loud-indie-rock

Our sound is current, but still very different from any other band out there.


- Are there any musicians--past or present--that strongly inform and influence your work? We are 5 of the most different people you will ever meet- it's amazing we are in a band together. Hey, it's working! Collectively, we are all very inspired and influenced by: Minus the Bear, Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, Rilo Kiley, Silversun Pickups, and RxBandits.

- From where do you draw inspiration for your music?

We are inspired by the above bands, but we never try to emulate any one else.
No matter what, music itself is provoked by some sort of emotion. Someone's mood during the writing process can have a lot of effect on the overall feel of a song.
Mandie's lyrics and melodies adds to the feel. She usually writes her lyrics based on the mood of the song.

- Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art (examples)?

Just music.


- What do you love most about what you do?

Dave says: "writing music"
Ian says: "hanging out with you guys!"
James says: "playing shows!"
Billy says: " I can tell you what I hate about it..."
Mandie says: "all of the above"


- From start to finish, explain your songwriting process; what does a typical music-making day look like for you?

Our song writing process is pretty organic because we write all together in the same space. Usually one of us will start playing a melody or a riff, then someone else will add to it, and so on.
Mandie often records what we are writing in practice for reference and so that she can take it home and work out lyrics between practice days.

- What sort of musical techniques (styles) do you most like working with?

We don't always follow regular forms and we also like to switch up time signatures occasionally.


- Favorite album of all time?
Thriller.

- Are there any specific reoccurring themes that you explore most in your music? The music itself sits in this edgy dance rock feel for the most part. Mandie's lyrics are influenced by her own experiences. A lot of her lyrics reflect how she feels about growing up, self evaluation, liberation, and the aftermath of meaningful and meaningless relationships.

- Why showcase at RAW? RAWartist.org has really created a great opportunity for emerging artists. It's a great forum for people to network and share with one another in the local community. (and they're so organized!)

- When not making music, anything you enjoy doing?
Going to live music shows aaaaaand drinking.


- Any previous albums/shows/collaborations that you are most proud of?

Not yet. We have demo work to show for over the years.
We are near to completing our first EP, which we are very proud of and can't wait to release.

- Any current rising stars within music that you would recommend we look out for?

Andrea Calderwood, Pollyn, Canvas, Set to Sea, and Ambient Light - RAWartist.org (Vy Pham)