The Inoculated Canaries – Trying Times



Now c’mon, how good is that band name? With a name like that I was never going to pass up this review and when I checked out their video for “Count Me Out” I was hooked.

The band are a foursome hailing from New York and as yet unsigned( I cannot see that being the case for long).This EP must reflect a pissed up feathered reptile…angry, loving, funny and like most of us throwing all manner of different music when we get home plastered.

If I had only one word to describe this band it would be eclectic. I always like to find something that is a bit different, a bit out of the box and something that cannot contain itself to one genre and they ticked every box.



The EP kicked of with aforementioned “Count Me In” and just listen to that organ….pass me my bellbottoms and patchouli oil. This is a groove fest from start to finish. Without even having seen them I know that this will be an incredible live track. I am currently in love with the band Greta Van Fleet and this track would fit in their set with ease, that amazing organ, the Zep vibe, the harmonies and guitar makes for an instant classic.

With “Take a Look Around” the eclectic take full grasp of you. Was this inebriated budgie writing songs at Christmas? This could have been Slade’s follow up crimbo song but it is so much more than that. It has a Pogues feel, a little harmonica and it builds into a real toe tapper. I was instantly unsure of the track but by the time it got to the two minute mark I was won over and with a look of total bemusement on my face…I still do not know why I like it.

“Jericho” is up next and the guitar intro is beautiful and then it bursts into a full on anthemic rocker. At this point I realise I need to throw out any preconceptions of this band. Once the bursting guitars simmer it is left to Michael Rubin’s vocals to carry the song and tell a story. It reminded me of 30 Seconds to Mars with its soaring chants and I totally loved it, a song that is very modern but then you get the organ sorting that out.

“ Ya Mad” has the organ again and reminds me of the series and movie “Shaft”. I love my blues but far too often the keys are an afterthought but here they are in the forefront of the song and it is brilliant. This is more an indie track and for me the weakest but it is still so hooky, funky and plain fun.

We have another indie feel in the beginning of “ Shipwrecked” but the guitar is far to good for indie(I bet I get strung up for that statement). The chorus and vocal jousting is brilliant. It ends up a pure rocking masterpiece.

Wow, I was left breathless with this EP. Something old but so new, a slice of who the fuck knows what(best I can come up with, sorry) but just perfect. I hope I get to see this band live one day as I suspect they are just as colourful on the stage and the big questions…do they have canaries on stage? Do they dress up as canaries? Are they drunk? I need answers.



Review Ritchie Birnie - Ritchie Birnie

Eclectic, boundary-defying, and never lacking in sarcastic remarks, The Inoculated Canaries (in.oc.u.lat.ed ca.nar.ies) are a rock and roll force to be reckoned with. Hailing from New York, the “four guys who can’t dance” are striving to leave their musical legacy; inspired by artists such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Nirvana, The Inoculated Canaries are constantly pushing themselves to explore new, innovative sounds while making their presence known.

The unforgettable quartet is composed of Michael Rubin (guitar, vocals), James Terranova (drums), Dylan Gross (bass), and Brian Sweeney (keyboard). Coming from diverse backgrounds and varied musical influences, the band values creativity above all else; striving to combine familiar elements with the unexpected, The Inoculated Canaries attempt to make sense of individualism and humanity in the most honest way possible:

“We want to take those raw human emotions we all feel in the darkness of our minds and write songs about them. We’re not here to be rich or famous, we’re here to be great. To us, Greatness means making music that is real, and we are absolutely relentless about every single note. Greatness means learning from the best, but always being original. Greatness is sometimes having to stick up your middle finger to authority, convention and even the person in the mirror… Side-Effects may include crying, laughing, a sudden sense of existential dread, and/or hearing loss.”

The rockers are immensely passionate about the music they share and the experience they create for fans. The band had the opportunity to open for The Mowglis in 2017 , COIN in 2019 and played ‘Cult of Personality’ live with Will Calhoun and Doug Wimbish of Living Colour.

The Inoculated Canaries also worked directly with Matt Squire (producer of Panic! at the Disco, Ariana Grande, The Used, Taking Back Sunday, Demi Lovato and more). They have also worked with producer David Caggiano (who worked with Art Garfunkel).

LINKS:
https://theinoculatedcanaries.com
https://www.facebook.com/theinoculatedcanaries
https://www.instagram.com/theinoculatedcanaries
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrltZFT46Qu4lZ4fbGgIUtQ
https://soundcloud.com/the-inoculated-canaries
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xbllUZKJ2S7vk555hWwlA - Jammerzine

The Inoculated Canaries are a four-piece rock outfit from New York City with influences they describe as including Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, The Black Keys and Pink Floyd. That Whitman’s Sampler of artists is certainly on prominent parade in the group’s straight up, grass-fed approach to the rock-n-roll realm’s thumping beats and six-string gymnastics. And I found the same to be true with the music we’re talking about next.

As I listened to TIC’s recently-released single “Who Are You?”, I found my mind drifting to that crossover cocktail mixture of famous bands and melodies I mentioned a moment ago. The Nirvana aspect jumped out particularly hard in the case of this track. Not because “Who Are You?” embraces its grunge roots so much as its gleeful joy as an energetic 90’s alt-rock sendup. Sublime’s “Jumper” also came to me in traversing the song’s opening strums, which adds to the single’s overall level of ear-worming foot-tap.

Lead vocalist Mike Rublin adds to that effect with a vocal tone somewhere between Sublime’s Bradley Nowell and the gentle hiss of the Smashing Pumpkins Billy Corgan. That’s a compliment both to the riff-ripping enthusiasm of the era and TIC’s adaptation of it. Because in the end no matter the bands you listen to or emulate its about making the work your own signature in the world, and that’s the case here. “Who Are You?” joyfully chews at the scenery in its lyrical search for identity, while simultaneously not taking itself too seriously in the pursuit of a group growing in its sound. - On the Back Edge of the Beat by

The Inoculated Canaries is a rock band based out of New York. The self-proclaimed “four guys who can’t dance” are Mike Rubin (vocals/guitar), James Terranova (drums), Dylan Gross (bass), and Brian Sweeney (keyboard). Given the diverse backgrounds and various influences of the members, their creativity allows them to combine the familiar with the unexpected when it comes to their sound. They are intensely passionate about the music they create and the experience they share on stage at shows.

The band’s previous releases are ‘The Blue Laws’ in 2013, “Don’t Be Late” in 2015, “Jericho” in 2017, and ‘Trying Times’ in 2018. They have played a lot of shows over the years, opened for The Mowglis and COIN, and played “Cult of Personality” live with Will Calhoun and Doug Wimbish of Living Colour.

They recently released their single “Who Are You?” in February. They will also be releasing more singles throughout the rest of the year. For these new tracks the band worked with Matt Squire (Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Panic! at the Disco, Taking Back Sunday, The Used) and David Caggiano (Art Garfunkel, Brand New, Fountains Of Wayne, Straylight Run, Sugarcult). Give a listen to the latest single from The Inoculated Canaries, and make sure to be on the lookout for new singles coming soon.

Listen to “Who Are You?” here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7kRimPmPXsOWHWYANHxUju

The questions in this interview were answered by Mike Rubin (vocals/guitar).

Q: The Inoculated Canaries seems like a really creative band name. How did you guys come up with it?

A: It was in my Science class when I was about 12 years old, we were discussing Canary Pox. I wasn’t really paying attention but I remember hearing the teacher say that it was important to inoculate the canaries….hence The Inoculated Canaries were hatched.

Q: You recently released your new single “Who Are You?”. What is the story behind the song?

A: The song means something different to everyone I guess. When I was writing it I was thinking about how long it takes to you know someone. Do you ever really know a person? People can spend a lifetime together and realize that the person they are with is still a stranger.

Q: How would you describe your writing process for the new single? Was it any different than writing you have done in the past?

A: This song really helped me to figure out my approach on the rest of the album. When you just strip everything away and focus only on chords and melody you get a different result in the end. I played a lot more acoustic guitar while I was writing these tunes than I usually do. The acoustic guitar helps me focus on songwriting.

Q: What lyrics from “Who Are You?” speak to you the most, and why?

A: Oh man this is kind of a tough question. Probably the entire first verse. I drew a lot of inspiration from Pink Floyd lyrics. They have a lot of bits that go like “I am you and you are me” and all that. Joking aside, I just think that the first verse comes from a pretty vulnerable place for me.

Q: I saw the artwork for the new single. What was the inspiration for it?

A: We definitely drew some inspiration from Pink Floyd albums. Particularly ‘Wish You Were Here’. We wanted something that had a very clear message.

Q: Is there anything you hope listeners gain from the single?

A: All of my favorite songs put me in a certain kind of mood. I hope that people find the mood that this song puts them in and use it as a tool for whenever they want to feel that particular way.

Q: Do you have any shows coming up? How would you describe your live set?

A: We have a show at Berlin in NYC on Tuesday night! We like to joke around a lot as guys, but we take our live show very seriously. The most important thing is the music. If every single note isn’t perfect, we lose an entire night’s sleep about it. We’re extremely loud, and sometimes Brian takes his shirt off halfway through the set. It’s a good time.

Q: Speaking of shows, will you tell me a story that has stuck with you from a show you have played or attended?

A: We were playing a show in Athens Park in Astoria, NY and immediately after our show a rally had been scheduled for Greek Solidarity. Hundreds of people stood watching our show applauding and dancing all while holding picket signs. The moment our last song ended a mob of people rushed the stage. We had security run on stage surrounding us and they escorted us off the stage. Police officers were packing and carrying our gear. Definitely unforgettable.

Q: What was it like working with Matt Squire and David Caggiano?

A: They’re both great, but they’re very different dudes.

Dave is relentlessly old school. The guy knows absolutely everything about rock and roll. He can tell you what brand of water John Lennon was drinking on January 7th of 1968 when the Beatles were in the studio recording “the white album”.

Matt is an absolute musical genius. He’s very laid back. Matt’s the type of guy to describe a person’s aura as light pink. Don’t be fooled though, Matt is also the type of guy to make James play his drum part 47 times in a row just to get it perfect once.

Q: Is there anything else going on with the band that you can share with me at this time?

A: We have a pretty busy year. Our plan is to release at least 7 songs in 2019. We are scheduled to release our song “The Lawyer’s Wife” on March 22nd and our song “Sneakers” on April 26th. - Frame the Stage by Tiffany Frybarger

New York based rock band The Inoculated Canaries released their second EP Trying Times on the 12th of January. These musicians are influenced by Bob Dylan to Pink Floyd to Nirvana and immerse the scenario of a band who love a guitar solo, some angst and downright strong poetic lyrics. What have the three enigmas have given to the world of music?Trying Times opens brightly with the psychedelic bouncy feel-good “Count Me Out”, their first release from this EP. Check out the glow in the dark video at the bottom of the page and embrace the keys. “Take A look around” arrives in a 70s rock ballad, appreciating and continuing a classic rock vibe that suits the four musicians. Brian Sweeney’s key solo is wonderful, Mike Rubin’s vocals cascade across the tightness of the band’s flow.Heading to “Jericho”, it opens in a euphoric explosion of 30 Seconds to Mars proportions, giving us keys with a blues guitar riff accompanying each other. Entering “Ya Mad”, a highlight of Trying Times. The melody, the lyrics and riffs work well together, though the tune isn’t a happy one if you hear the lyrics but the tune gives the feel it is, maybe a bit of Schadenfreude is kicking in. Finishing with “Shipwrecked” a heavier sound, the EP is a telling of stories of eclectic sounds and rawness. These guys are showcasing diversity in music.
Not hearing of The Inoculated Canaries before, listening to the EP is like attending a blind date and being grateful that you’re encountering something new and wonderful. It’s easy to listen to and you’ll be able dance like no one’s watching… or sit at the end of the bed bobbing your head. Great stuff. - MARK W

What do you get when eclectic creativity gets twisted with diverse musical influences and incubates in an atmosphere of unrestrained inspiration? The hatching of The Inoculated Canaries. With The Inoculated Canaries you get a full on aural and visual package of brightly intense ingenuity and polished musicianship.

The New York foursome is rounded out by Michael Rubin on guitar and vocals, James Terranova on drums, Dylan Gross on bass, and Brian Sweeney on keys. With their diverse musical interests spanning from Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix to Punk Rock sensibility a la Green Day, Blink 182, Streetlight Manifesto, and Reel Big Fish, mixed with their formal jazz training and performance to the dramatic flair of musical theater, these guys bring a lot more to the table than anything categorizable, and it shows.

“The Canaries has felt like 10 different bands throughout its lifespan,” says Michael “We keep adding to our style because their are so many great influences we can learn from. I spend 8-9 hours a day with these jerks and it absolutely contributes to how tight our live shows are. I know what James is going to do before James even knows he’s gonna do it.”

Their debut EP, THE BLUE LAWS, was soon followed by the singles “DON’T BE LATE” and the acoustic version of “JERICHO”.

“Our songs come from personal experiences: beginnings and ends, loves and loss. Ultimately to experience as much as possible and to not take yourself too seriously” – The Inoculated Canaries.

Several live performances include Winterfest, opening for The Mowgli’s.

The band most recently announced the release of their long awaited follow up EP, TRYING TIMES with the unveiling of a colorful and irreverent music video for the track “COUNT ME OUT.”

The band’s mission is simple: to bring back ROCK! And while that’s a mission a lot of emerging artists are taking on, it’s one that this quartet is uniquely suited to addressing. - STEVE FRANKE

What do you get when eclectic creativity gets twisted with diverse musical influences and incubates in an atmosphere of unrestrained inspiration? The hatching of The Inoculated Canaries. With The Inoculated Canaries you get a full on aural and visual package of brightly intense ingenuity and polished musicianship.

The New York foursome is rounded out by Michael Rubin on guitar and vocals, James Terranova on drums, Dylan Gross on bass, and Brian Sweeney on keys. With their diverse musical interests spanning from Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix to Punk Rock sensibility a la Green Day, Blink 182, Streetlight Manifesto, and Reel Big Fish, mixed with their formal jazz training and performance to the dramatic flair of musical theater, these guys bring a lot more to the table than anything categorizable, and it shows.

“The Canaries has felt like 10 different bands throughout its lifespan,” says Michael “We keep adding to our style because their are so many great influences we can learn from. I spend 8-9 hours a day with these jerks and it absolutely contributes to how tight our live shows are. I know what James is going to do before James even knows he’s gonna do it.”

Their debut EP, THE BLUE LAWS, was soon followed by the singles “DON’T BE LATE” and the acoustic version of “JERICHO”.

“Our songs come from personal experiences: beginnings and ends, loves and loss. Ultimately to experience as much as possible and to not take yourself too seriously” – The Inoculated Canaries.

Several live performances include Winterfest, opening for The Mowgli’s.

The band most recently announced the release of their long awaited follow up EP, TRYING TIMES with the unveiling of a colorful and irreverent music video for the track “COUNT ME OUT.”

The band’s mission is simple: to bring back ROCK! And while that’s a mission a lot of emerging artists are taking on, it’s one that this quartet is uniquely suited to addressing. - SCOTT LANGEVIN

According to a recent press release: “New York based rock band The Inoculated Canaries has released the Official Music Video for their single, “Count Me Out,” off of their upcoming Trying Times. Trying Times, their second EP, is set to release January 12th.” We get Brian, Mike, & Dylan to answer our 10 Quick Ones about new music, his influences, and more…



1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Brian: I’m a writer, so I’m always looking for new and interesting things in a recording. In the keyboard parts alone, there are so many cool things happening. A lot of texture, the texture was very important to us. There were different patches being used, little riffs that got put in, things you don’t notice until you really sit down and listen. For even more texture, there’s resonator guitar, melodica, horns, and even sitar all mixed up in there.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Brian: It’s kind of embarrassing honestly, I really liked Guitar Hero when I was little. My parents jokingly said that if I spent half as much time actually learning guitar as I did playing Guitar Hero I might be pretty good at it. On my 10th birthday I got a guitar. This little Korean Telecaster was the coolest damn thing I’ve ever seen. I had to learn all the Zeppelin licks I had heard from my dad’s records. Then the garage band stage happened and now we’re really trying to do something here.

Dylan: I think that Green Day’s American Idiot record really got me interested in playing music. Something about the energy of the songs. It stuck and made this something I wanted to do. If we’re being totally honest, I picked the bass because literally, everyone I knew was playing guitar, and I didn’t want to do what they were doing.

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Mike: My influences would definitely be David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix and James are influenced by Green Day, Blink 182 and Streetlight Manifesto. Dylan is an upright bass player heavily influenced by Jazz and Blink 182. As for Brian, he’s our Music Theatre guy. Hates “Rent.”

Brian: I would say some of the people who definitely shaped the way I play piano are Billy Joel, Elton John, Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin. Definitely groups like Journey, Styx for the more synth-based stuff. And Jason Robert Brown for sure. I love his writing for theatre and I try to incorporate that into my playing.

Dylan: I come from more of a jazz background (all that means is I think I’m better than you) so some of the names may be obscure – I learned more melodic and solo playing from listening and learning the music of Dave Holland and Ron Carter. I definitely think that Mike Dirnt from Green Day had something to do with me starting to play bass. As a bass player, I’m obligated to include Flea for fills and Les Claypool for more “obscure playing” on the list.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

Band: Alive? Probably Kevin Parker. Dead? Frank Zappa 100%

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

Mike: I honestly don’t know how to describe our music because every song fits into a different genre. People have said we sound like U2, Foo Fighters, Pink Floyd and Pearl Jam. I guess they will have to decide for themselves.

Brian: I feel like there’s not one label you can put on it, and I think that’s a good thing, because it means you’re diverse. You don’t confine yourself to a set of expectations or standards. There are days we have a real classic rock sound. Sometimes, it’s more of a jam band feel. And then other times, it’s something closer to alternative. Labeling is for the listener – they’re the ones that decide what we are.

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Brian: I think the best thing is the chemistry and the rush that you get from getting up on stage with your friends and playing stuff that you created. The idea of taking something that was in someone’s head and making it totally real. And on top of that, watching people react to the music. Anytime I see someone in the crowd that likes what we do, I consider that a success. Like we connected with this person tonight. That’s a great feeling.

Dylan: The creative process, whether it be writing an original or re-arranging a cover. The whole process is very organic – gives everyone a chance to tell a story and bring it to life. It is great to see ideas from multiple people come together to create this unique experience for us as the writers and performers, and the audience as the listeners.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Mike: We are definitely a bunch of morons. When the four of us are together all we do is make fun of each other and then make even more fun of James. Not Brian though, Brian is such a sweetheart nobody could ever say a single mean thing about that kid. Dylan loves Jameson, James doesn’t drink, I don’t really know about Brian, and I can’t legally do anything fun for another year or so.

Brian: Collectively, our favorite pastimes are definitely roasting each other, sharing memes, and basically trying to see who can say the most outrageous thing at any point in time. And I think that makes for great band chemistry. Hopefully you can tell by watching us that we have this kind of rapport with each other, and I think it brings more energy to our performance.

Dylan: The four of us together are a special type of special. If you were in the room, you’d think we hated each other based on what you heard, but it’s all out of love…except for James. I think that the chemistry we have in our rehearsals and when we are hanging out makes us a tighter band on stage and musically – we’re a lot more comfortable with each other.

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Brian: I always said that if I wasn’t into music, I’d be doing something with sports, and I still stand by that. People are always really surprised to hear that, but I’m a huge sports fan and would definitely be up for working at ESPN. None of that on-camera stuff though, behind the scenes. I don’t have the face for Monday Night Football.

Mike: I can’t stand sports. Much to my father’s dismay I never really got into it.I’d wanna be a race car driver for sure. Either Rally or British Touring Car series.

Dylan: I don’t know if it’s a dream job, but up until my senior year of high school I thought I was going to college to teach history. Was always something I found interesting.

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”?

Brian: The first song we wrote, recorded and released as “The Canaries” was “From You.” A lot of people really dig that song but I can’t listen to it. Honestly, with of all the music I’ve written, recorded, released, I would go back and just spend more time fine-tuning all of it. I’m a perfectionist, and listening to my old stuff, I always find myself making a list of things I would do differently. And I’m sure even if I went back and fine-tuned it, there would still be a list like that. But I’m always about putting out the best product I can, and there are times when, in my own mind, I didn’t accomplish that.

10. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Brian: Sgt Pepper’s. 100%. I was never a huge Beatles fan growing up, but I took this class in school where I learned about all the behind-the-scenes recording that happened on that album, and I can only imagine what it would be like to be a fly on the wall. That album laid so much of the groundwork for today’s music, and almost anybody can trace their influences back to it.

Mike: Dark Side of The Moon. Just to see Claire Torre do those unholy vocals on “Great Gig.” - TODD 'TODDSTAR' JOLICOEUR

(Rules of The Gauntlet: The artists (In this case New York Based Alt-Rock Band The Inoculated Canaries) is sent a butt ton of questions ranging from standard to stupid from which they must choose at least 12 to answer and return them to us with a minimum of tear stains).



Tell me about your new album. The writing, vibe, production/producers, etc.
I’m really hyped about the new album. We wanted to take some space to showcase our talents, namely our ability to jump around from genre to genre. The vibe is singular throughout the ep – we’re a rock band and we always will be – but the execution is pretty diverse. We experimented with some brass, with a sitar and with a resonator guitar. But there’s a lot of punchy distorted guitar and cymbal crashes as well. Our thought process pretty much is “if you don’t like one song, try the next one out.” We wrote all of the songs during the time span of a week when we locked ourselves in my basement and decided to write and record a whole song every. The stars aligned when we met Dave Caggiano, our producer, who finally understood what we were going for in terms of working environment and different textures on the record.
What do you geek out to besides your music? Please geek out on your geekiness.
I am really into cars. My dad bought a mustang a month after I was born and it’s been a pain in my ass ever since. Don’t get me wrong though, the memories I have in that car are so much more valuable than the crap I have to deal with while oning it. I used to sit on my pops’ lap and steer when I was little. On the weekend, we would go to the ice cream shoppe down the road in it and on the way back, he would floor it and shove the back end sideways. As a little kid, there’s nothing like the feeling of being in a car skidding sideways with the engine roaring as loudly as it can. For all I knew, my pops was Mario Andretti behind the wheel. I got my license and it’s my only car now. The rest of the guys in the band make fun of me because the damn thing always seems to be in the shop getting fixed. I’ve had the brakes go out on me, my mom blew a hole in the side of the engine block back in 08’, the check engine light is eternally on, and at about 105 mph there’s a really unsettling shaking from the passenger front wheel.
How many unarmed but very angry 4 year olds would it take to kick your ass?
In all honesty, probably not as many as you’d think. 4 year olds are damn terrifying. Especially if they’re drooly. If they’re drooly, definitely only 2 or 3 of them. I’m very squeamish.
If you won a chance to kiss Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber how would you escape
to the space station?
But if I could get a photo of Miley kissing Biebs I could definitely figure out a way to use it for my own benefit. Space Station? Isn’t Earth technically a space station? Can you ever really leave the island?
Name two people cooler than Evel Kneivel. Why?
My dad, and Winston Churchill. Winston Churchill was relentless in his quest to stop one of the most evil dictators in all of human history. My dad cooks a mean steak.
Without looking which presidents are on which bills?
Washer Georgington is on the $1
Frank Zappa is on the $2
James Terranova is a $3
Lincoln Town Car is on the $5
There’s just some building or something on the $10
Taft should be on the $20
As a local musician, I’ve never seen a $100 but I’m pretty sure the guy who invented electricity is on it.
What musicians should quit forever and never be seen or heard from again?
Any band who has a name that follows the formula “verb the noun” or is of that genre
Pierce the veil
Motionless in white
Black veil brides
Falling in reverse
How long could you live without money?
I had a really difficult time living without shampoo and conditioner for 3 days, if that gives you any insight as to my capabilities of self-preservation. I’m a fast learner though. I’d probably be okay for a good bit of time.
What is an extravaganza? And why is having an extra “vaganza” so special?
You may not know this but humans have a hidden organ known as the vanganzamometer. It was discovered by Edward Vaganza in the mid to late 30th century. Basically, when the levels of vanganzite in your blood drop below 4 attoparsecs, immediate medical attention is required. Vanganzite is very expensive on the black market, so having extra vanganzite (also known as vaganza) would make you a very wealthy individual indeed.
What legendary musicians would you like to play badminton with?
I think as a musician, it’s important to be completely inept at sports. This is why badminton exists, for people who are bad at sports to play a game that is sporting-adjacent. Keeping this in mind, I’d love to play a game with Jimi Hendrix, Donald Faegan, Roger Waters, and Keith Moon. The first three were my absolute idols while growing up, the last one is just because Keith Moon was a lunatic and was definitely a lot of fun to hang out with.
Would you accept 1 million dollars now to give up any and all music forever? If
not what is your price?
No way! The only purpose for money is to buy more guitars. Amps too I guess.
What really pisses you off?
Running out of toilet paper, Any and all other drivers on the road, authority, people who wear pink floyd t-shirts but have “never heard of him,” and most cat people. - FELICITY GRAEM

The Inoculated Canaries release video for “Count Me Out” reveiw
New York based rock band The Inoculated Canaries has released the Official Music Video for their single, “Count Me Out,” off of their upcoming Trying Times. Trying Times, their second EP, was released January 12th.

The video for “Count Me Out” is a fun glow in the dark, enigmatic vibe. Everything glows in the dark, even guitars glow green! A cool new twist on a music video- the band in a sort of psychedelic theme performing the song in what seems to be their way. Maybe not all the paint but the way they carry them selfs and have fun makes it fun for fans watching.

This was the first song I’ve listened of The Inoculated Canaries and it’s LOVE!! Finally a band that is innovating rock music and bringin what maked and makes rock what it is back. They have a sound and a rhythm that makes you think they’re a world renown veteran band and that’s a quality no one else in the music industry can compete with.

“Our songs come from personal experiences: beginnings and ends, loves and loss. Ultimately to experience as much as possible and to not take yourself too seriously” – Inoculated Canary

The band’s mission is simple: to bring back ROCK! And while that’s a mission a lot of emerging artists are taking on, it’s one that this quartet is uniquely suited to addressing.

Michael Rubin on guitar and vocals, James Terranova on drums, Dylan Gross on bass, and Brian Sweeney on keys. -

Shawn LoefflerBY SHAWN LOEFFLER

If the idea of combining the sounds of ZZ Top, KISS, and Supertramp trips your trigger, then have a look and listen to The Inoculated Canaries’ “Count Me Out.”

The Inoculated Canaries hail from New York and released their second EP, Trying Times, on January 12th. Order the album here. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/trying-times-ep/1315885258 - SHAWN LOEFFLER

By: Rob Dylan

There is something in the fire when it is set to blaze, a classic flame, with an ignition that you immediately recognize as something you are going to want to remember, hold, and own for your own- this is that lit flame created by the multi-talented rock band The Inoculated Canaries.

Hailing out of NYC and at a time where musical tastes are as diverse as the coffee flavor choices at your local Starbucks, The Inoculated Canaries have created a blend that has depth, stands deep and tastes damn good. 'Trying Times' is a five-song taste of what this band is capable of.

The diversity of influences are heard throughout their EP. From Dylan to Floyd- a plunk of funk, a roll of rock and a bang for your buck! This is rock n rollers dream batch of cooley hatched tuneage! The New York foursome is rounded out by Michael Rubin on guitar and vocals, James Terranova on drums, Dylan Gross on bass, and Brian Sweeney on keys. If this is what is to come, The Inoculated Canaries are the bee's knees of classic rock flying on into the 21st Century. - ROB DYLAN

New York is the home of some of the biggest names in music ranging from Blondie, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the New York Dolls to KISS, Anthrax, and the Beastie Boys. It has proven, time and time again, that it’s one state that definitely hosts a breeding ground for talent; and with no exception, The Inoculated Canaries are on their way to write their names beside those who laid the road on which they now travel with their latest release, ‘Trying Times’ which you can order HERE.

“Our songs come from personal experiences: beginnings and ends, loves and loss. Ultimately to experience as much as possible and to not take yourself too seriously.” –The Inoculated Canaries

The Inoculated Canaries keep rock alive with the reintroduction of the once presumed long-gone spirit of the well-loved 70’s rock feel and have continued to wow audiences show after show. The New York quartet consists of Mike Rubin (lead guitar & vocals), James Terranova (drums), Dylan Gross (bass), and Brian Sweeney (keys). Their genius blend of classic rock and modern progressive rock shows the wide spectrum of influences that saturate the band’s musical style, while the band still steer the ship with their own unique sound. When the two are mixed together, magic happens. When asked about the chemistry within the band, Mike states:

“The [Inoculated] Canaries has felt like 10 different bands throughout its lifespan…We keep adding to our style because there are so many great influences we can learn from. I spend 8-9 hours a day with these jerks and it absolutely contributes to how tight our live shows are. I know what James is going to do before James even knows he’s gonna do it.”

For those unfamiliar with our ‘Bucketlist’ segment, here’s the rundown: Everyone has their list of bands they’d like to see live before they die, and musicians are no different. This segment shines the light on our favorite artists’ lists and gives a little sneak peek at who influences our influences. Metal Nexus recently spoke with Mike and Brian to discuss their influences and what bands currently grace their Bucketlist. Here’s what they had to say:

Mike Rubin:

Tame Impala

“I just wanna understand how he does that live. I’m such a huge fan of Kevin Parker and I think he has a fantastic ear for melody.”

Mac Demarco

“Again, the guy just has a fantastic ear for texture and melody.”

U2

“Honestly, I don’t know why. I just feel like I should.”

Brian Sweeney:

Muse

“So much of what they do is virtuosic, and I’m so impressed by their records. I can only imagine what it’s like live.”

Rush

“I feel that as a weird band, Rush is the standard to which all weird is held. I think the theory behind all their music and all the intricacies are so cool.”

Panic! at the Disco

“I’ve seen them twice, and I need to see them again. I was big into this kind of music growing up (I still am), and to me, Brendon Urie just encapsulates what it is to be a front man. I have so much respect for him.”

That’s a pretty nice list if I do say so myself. You can definitely hear some of these bands while listening through ‘Trying Times’, which I’m currently doing and I can surely say I’m a fan. Check them out on Spotify, YouTube, iTunes, Amazon, and the band’s website and you’ll see what I mean! These guys have incredible potential to make it to the top, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they treat us to next! - TURBO LOVER

What do you get when eclectic creativity gets twisted with diverse musical influences and incubates in an atmosphere of unrestrained inspiration? The hatching of The Inoculated Canaries. With The Inoculated Canaries you get a full on aural and visual package of brightly intense ingenuity and polished musicianship.

The New York foursome is rounded out by Michael Rubin on guitar and vocals, James Terranova on drums, Dylan Gross on bass, and Brian Sweeney on keys. With their diverse musical interests spanning from Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix to Punk Rock sensibility a la Green Day, Blink 182, Streetlight Manifesto, and Reel Big Fish, mixed with their formal jazz training and performance to the dramatic flair of musical theater, these guys bring a lot more to the table than anything categorizable, and it shows.

“The Canaries has felt like 10 different bands throughout its lifespan,” says Michael “We keep adding to our style because their are so many great influences we can learn from. I spend 8-9 hours a day with these jerks and it absolutely contributes to how tight our live shows are. I know what James is going to do before James even knows he’s gonna do it.”

Their debut EP, THE BLUE LAWS, was soon followed by the singles “DON’T BE LATE” and the acoustic version of “JERICHO”.

“Our songs come from personal experiences: beginnings and ends, loves and loss. Ultimately to experience as much as possible and to not take yourself too seriously” – The Inoculated Canaries.

Several live performances include Winterfest, opening for The Mowgli’s.

The band most recently announced the release of their long awaited follow up EP, TRYING TIMES with the unveiling of a colorful and irreverent music video for the track “COUNT ME OUT.”

The band’s mission is simple: to bring back ROCK! And while that’s a mission a lot of emerging artists are taking on, it’s one that this quartet is uniquely suited to addressing. -

Singled Out: The Inoculated Canaries' Take a Look Around was a top story on Wednesday: New York rockers The Inoculated Canaries have just released their sophomore EP "Trying Times. Trying Times" and to celebrate we asked the band to tell us about the song "Take a Look Around". Here is the story:

The passage of time is such a powerful force. This is due to humanity's inability to exert any amount of control over time, and time's inevitable effects on an individual. While about a variety of different instances, the main message of "Trying Times" is to slow down and smell the roses. It's so incredibly easy to succumb to the inevitability of time, the best way to fight it is to live in every single moment. We don't write about stuff that we don't genuinely believe in, or about stuff that we haven't lived.

"Take a Look Around" is about losing all of your money, only to find out that neither the church nor the bank wants anything to do with you. There are times like these where it's important not to neglect your friends, as they are the only ones that can help you when you are most alone.

You have the power to accomplish anything you set your mind to. #SuccessIsWithin

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the EP - right here! -

The Inoculated Canaries has dropped the music video for their new single “Count Me Out” which you can check out below. Their new EP Trying Times, Trying Times will be out on January 12th. -

The Inoculated Canaries brilliantly navigate dynamics and performance energy on “Don’t Be Late”
Posted By: Rick JammPosted date: October 09, 2015in: New ReleasesNo Comments
The beauty in the new The Inoculated Canaries single, set for official release on the 23rd of October, lies in the way in which it navigates dynamics, songwriting, and performance energy. Even in its mellower moments, “Don’t Be Late” brims with a subdued tension that is only relieved by explosive energy. The way in which bandleader, songwriter, guitarist and singer, Michael Rubin and his cohort, on drums, bass and saxophone, James Terranova, navigates the dichotomy between soothing lullaby and devastating intensity within song form, expresses a compositional maturity that belies the classic rock format within which they would be more easily categorized.

This kind of compositional expertise could only be expected by technically efficient, matured and navigated musicians, which is certainly the case here…with the exception of the fact that the band’s front man and guitar virtuoso, Michael Rubin, is just 16 years old! Michael, who is a an AllStar at The School of Rock Rockville Centre, started playing the guitar at the age of nine and has since began an artistic journey filled with important milestones, which includes graduating from The School of Rock, touring extensively, attending guitar sessions at Berklee, and teaching 4th and 5th graders in their after school music program.

The Inoculated Canaries whose debut EP is entitled, “The Blue Laws” are gearing up to release their follow-up 5-song EP, to be produced by Dante Lattanzi, the CEO and Founder of Caelum Music Production, in November this year, while the upcoming single “Don’t Be Late”, will be its teaser single release in October. It is a recording that shows tremendous proficiency in songwriting and musicianship. - RICK JAMM

Time for some groovy rock music! New York based rock band The Inoculated Canaries have released the official music video for their single Count Me Out, the latest track to be lifted from their upcoming Trying Times EP set to arrive on January 12th! Check out the visuals below! Speaking about their music the band said,
Our songs come from personal experiences: beginnings and ends, loves and loss. Ultimately to experience as much as possible and to not take yourself too seriously. -

So when you are sent a promo kit to review a song video by a band that calls themselves The Inoculated Canaries you surely don't know what to expect. Before opening the stream I'm thinking “It's certainly not going to be thrash or death metal.” All expectations aside I am open to just about anything rock, metal and punk. And what a great surprise these guys were.



The band members originate from NYC and star Michael Rubin, James Terranova, Dylan Gross and Brain Sweeney. They have a delightful fun mix of numerous styles mostly centered on a classic rock vibe and added jazz elements with some psychedelic groove . There's just a certain something about them.



On the video for the song “Count Me Out” the band members and their instruments are painted in black light glow paint and just jamming their hearts out and having a grand time of things. The keyboard and guitar riffs of the song are reminiscent of ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses." So I get curious as Allykats do and I watched several videos of their original and cover songs done live via YouTube and honestly love their charisma and confidence. And hence I listened to their latest release Trying Times and I'll just say this...I love when a band puts the Rock in rock n’ roll. Have some fun with this group!



https://www.facebook.com/theinoculatedcanaries/

https://youtu.be/vFNA1JXwJKI

https://www.theinoculatedcanaries.com/ -

After an uphill battle constructing a functional lineup, founder Mike Rubin and long-runner James Terranova (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively) have found stability in their inclusion of bassist Dylan Gross and keyboardist Bryan Sweeney. However, this EP – a follow-up to 2013’s The Blue Laws – featured the previous trio permutation of the band: Rubin, Terranova, and bassist/keyboardist Jeremy Kaplan, who had since parted ways on good terms.

For the challenge they’d conquer, which involved confining themselves in Rubin’s basement and completing the EP entirely in one week, the material is nothing short of impressive. Its sound borders on classic, straight ahead heaviness and textured alternative – a party rock exterior with somber undertones, complete with the journey of a man coming to terms with his own mortality.

Highlight track: “Shipwrecked” - Music Existence by Jake Kussmaul

Known as "Fordham's rock band", The Inoculated Canaries are returning to the Winterfest stage after opening for The Mowgli's in 2017. Mike Rubin, FCLC '20, the vocalist and guitarist, gained an interest in music by playing Guitar Hero before trading in the video game for the real instrument. Rubin and his band are seasoned musicians, releasing their first EP, "The Blue Laws" (2013) when Rubin was only 13 years old. Their full length album, "Trying Times" was released last year.
The band performs all over New York City, but Winterfest is one of Rubin's favorite shows, "It's awesome because it's the big stage at Pope and you look out and it's all Fordham people and everyone's really stoked about it. The crowd is huge, and you have all your friends out there." The Inoculated Canaries will perform their new, unreleased song, "Sneakers" in their 45 minute set. Having shot the music video recently, Rubin said the song is about the "bumps in the road" in a relationship. More worried about gear and equipment malfunctions than actually performing, Rubin is excited to take the Pope Auditorium stage again. "Last time we played it was great. Plus we have a couple of new songs this year. I'm really excited about that. It's a really good show, and it's a huge crowd, what else do you need?" - Fordham Observer Marielle Sarmiento Arts & Culture

The Inoculated Canaries introduce their sound with a nostalgically comforting and brilliantly uplifting new song Who Are You? What begins a simply enjoyable pop-rock offering, the sort with short descending verse lines and familiar vocal and musical flickers of colour, soon grows to become a genuinely great and rather addictive piece of finely crafted rock music and brilliant songwriting.

That hook section is unforgettable, beautifully sung and performed in a manner that reinforces the passion behind the central question. Furthermore, the instrumentation that follows and that continues to build throughout is stunning – the band are impressive, musically united and expressive as a group caught in the moment; rather than as several individuals each seeking out their moment to shine.

The whole thing is quickly immersive, when you turn the volume up loud the song rains down with the weight and power of an absolute classic. The infectious strength of that hook works because the building blocks that lead to it have been thoughtfully and skillfully arranged. Contrast is key, as is character and consideration – all of which you get in creative yet professional doses throughout the recording.

It seems, by all accounts, that classic, organic rock music is alive and well. This song reminds me personally of the likes of Ocean Colour Scene. The softness initially, that vocal distance, breaks through and satisfies flawlessly as the song settles into its own groove. A live show is likely to be unmissable, and this single is easily worth a download – those addictive qualities, those choir-like moments that invite you to be a part of the progression; everything just works, it entrances its audience, and I can’t wait to hear more.

Stream the music on Soundcloud or Spotify as of February 14th, or pre-save it here. Find & follow The Inoculated Canaries on Facebook & Instagram or visit their Website. - Stereo Stickman

“Who Are You?” kicks in with a soft strum of chords before the rest of the band punches to the beat. It’s a song that keeps to its beat and lets every instrument shine with its own variant of harmony. The song is debuting online today, and The Inoculated Canaries are its orchestrators. Take a listen to the release below, and expect more from the group as the year goes on!

“The song is meant to be a prequel to another song on this album. It’s about meeting someone for the first time, really being into them, but also realizing that you don’t know who they are beneath the surface. The idea for the chorus came first. “How long does it take to really know someone?” It’s really about the sense of discovery that comes from getting close and wanting to know them on a deeper level.” -Michael Rubin

Eclectic, boundary defying, and never lacking in sarcastic remarks, The Inoculated Canaries are a rock and roll force to be reckoned with. Hailing from New York, the “four guys who can’t dance” are striving to leave their musical legacy; inspired by artists such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Nirvana, The Inoculated Canaries are constantly pushing themselves to explore new, innovative sounds while making their presence known.

The unforgettable quartet is composed of Michael Rubin (guitar, vocals), James Terranova (drums), Dylan Gross (bass), and Brian Sweeney (keyboard). Coming from diverse backgrounds and varied musical influences, the band values creativity above all else; striving to combine familiar elements with the unexpected. - New Noise Magazine

"Who Are You?" joyfully chews at the scenery in its lyrical search for identity, while simultaneously not taking itself too seriously in the pursuit of a group growing in its sound." -

"The song has a dynamic feel with layered momentum and sounds that range from mesmerizing midtempo to an upbeat momentum, filling the room with the sound of Spring." - PURE GRAIN AUDIO

THE 4-PIECE NEW YORK-BASED CONTINUE TO LEAVE THEIR LEGACY WITH ANOTHER INFECTIOUS RELEASE: “WHO ARE YOU?” Coming from all different walks of life, the four bring all different influences and sounds to create The Inoculated Canaries. “Who are you?” is the first release from the band since last year, but they definitely have more music under their belt.

In their music, they undertake “familiar elements with the unexpected.” The finished product proves to be something completely original and fresh, just how they want it! - KELSEYN

The Inoculated Canaries are a four-piece rock outfit from New York City with influences they describe as including Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, The Black Keys and Pink Floyd. That Whitman’s Sampler of artists is certainly on prominent parade in the group’s straight up, grass-fed approach to the rock-n-roll realm’s thumping beats and six-string gymnastics. - ON THE BACK EDGE OF THE BEAT

Atop a tidal wave-sized riff and a stately horn section’s powerful melody, vocalist Michael Rubin sings “Cause I’m a fool for you / And there’s nothing I can do / I just keep on waiting / For these new kicks to get old,” in the climactic chorus of his band The Inoculated Canaries’ new single “Sneakers,” which was released this year to a warm reception from both fans and critics. Rubin isn’t holding anything back from us on the lyrical front in this swinging song, and while I admit that I was expecting a lot out of this latest track from The Inoculated Canaries, I can confidently say that they’ve hit another homerun in this juggernaut of a jam.

URL: https://theinoculatedcanaries.com/

The addition of the horns in the chorus adds a lot of spice to a familiar rhythm and, in my opinion, gives it that signature I.C. feel that the group has become known for in the last half-decade. Their tonality is splendidly crisp and sounds as organic as it would on stage, and though the guitars are the undisputed driving force in “Sneakers,” Rubin shares the spotlight with the other players without ever sounding vexed or buried by the multifaceted instrumentation surrounding him.

As far as the percussion goes, “Sneakers” boasts a drum pattern that is easily the most texturally expressive component of any in the song. The pulsating beats give context to the emotional verses like nothing else could have, and I think that without their prominent presence in the mix, this wouldn’t be nearly as engaging a single as it is in this form. You can definitely see why The Inoculated Canaries have been compared to the Foo Fighters in the past here, but there’s no debating the originality of the sound that they’re discharging in this fiery new track.



The music video for “Sneakers” is surreally provocative and demands a reaction out of anyone who views it. The tale that it tells us in a stoic, but highly emotive, string of shots is riddled with so much unfiltered vulnerability that I wouldn’t recommend it to the newly single (or those who are a little sore over a messy breakup in general), but regardless of its stinging design, I don’t think there’s another alternative video out this summer that is as accessible as this one is, no matter how many times you’ve absorbed its viciously relatable content.

WATCH THE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2XAx3bK6M0

It didn’t take very long after picking up my own copy of “Sneakers” to decide that it’s my favorite song by The Inoculated Canaries so far, and from the looks of the press that they’ve been getting this season, I’m not the only music journalist saying as much. They’ve got so much charisma in this track, so much undying emotion that putting it down isn’t as easy a task as it might sound. This isn’t the only strong single contained in their growing discography, but I think that it’s got the potential to expose The Inoculated Canaries’ sound to a larger audience of listeners who have been hungry for some full-throttle, raucous alternative rock in 2019.

Loren Sperry - Music Existence by Loren Sperry

Some rock bands get over on aggression, or attitude, or pure sonic effrontery; others hang their hats on a slick, produced sound. We're not knocking any of that stuff; we're rock fans too, and we love all of the conventions of the style. But the hardest thing to do is to write a robust and memorable song – one economic in design and without a note wasted, with well-wrought melodies, propulsive rhythms, and smart storytelling. That's why The Inoculated Canaries are an indispensable band. Strong, succinct, and powerful songwriting is all they do.




What makes the New York based band so good at such a rare and challenging thing? Begin with their broad artistic scope. These young musicians have a deep understanding and appreciation of pop-rock history, and they've applied what they've learned from the giants – from Weezer to Pink Floyd to Steely Dan – to their own writing. They've also got the musicianship to back up their heady ambitions. Bassist Dylan Gross and drummer James Terranova form a supple, flexible, and dynamic rhythm section; synth player Brian Sweeney is a master of texture with roots deep in prog; front-man and guitarist Michael Rubin is a born tale-spinner with a raffish wit and an instantly winning approach. It's a classic four-person lineup playing songs inspired by greats with the energy, urgency, and hunger of youth.

"Donna" is a perfect example of everything The Inoculated Canaries do so well. It's a bright, upbeat, wholly undeniable pop-rock song with a sharply constructed verse that builds to an instantly memorable singalong chorus. It's a love song, but it's anything but a straightforward narrative. As good as this recording is, "Donna" is built for live performance – and the clip for the song shows precisely how much excitement these four artists can generate. The Inoculated Canaries set up and sing in front of the giant industrial fan of a factory: an ideal backdrop for their no-nonsense, straightforward rock delivery. But the real action in the clip is provided by a sexy co-worker who teases each member of the band in succession, before turning her attention (and her heavy machinery) to the unlikeliest target.

www.TheInoculatedCanaries.com - Music News Underground

New York alt-rock outfit The Inoculated Canaries introduce the music video for “Donna” on Medium.
Explaining the song, guitarist/vocalist Mike Rubin says, “It only took me about 15 minutes to write Donna in its entirety. I got into an argument with my ex-girlfriend that started at 1 o’clock in the morning. She finished yelling at me at 4, and by 4:30 the song was completely finished and I was in my bed fast asleep.”
Comprised of Michael Rubin (guitar, vocals), James Terranova (drums), Dylan Gross (bass), and Brian Sweeney (keys), The Canaries were birthed in 2010. Driven by a hyper-awareness of creativity, the band’s dominant trait is a passion to produce excellent music both memorable and innovative.
The Canaries describe their musical approach, “We’re not here to be rich or famous, we’re here to be great. To us, Greatness means making music that is real, and we are absolutely relentless about every single note. Greatness means learning from the best, but always being original.”

The Inoculated Canaries — ‘Donna’
In 2013, The Canaries released their debut EP, The Blue Laws, followed by their second EP, Trying Times. They’ve performed with COIN and The Mowglis, as well as playing live with Will Calhoun and Doug Wimbish of Living Colour on the unstoppable “Cult of Personality.”
“Donna” rides an upbeat alt-rock melody flavored with infectious alt-pop dynamics. Powered by a compelling rhythmic pulse topped by spilling sprays of bright horns, oozing keyboards, and tasty glistening guitars, the harmonic flow surges with buoyant colors and radiant flavors.
Rubin’s voice delivers affluent tones full alluring melodicism; it’s a luminous voice, rife with scrumptious timbres and smooth textures.
The video depicts the band performing in a factory, as a giant fan spins behind them. Meanwhile, the appealing, attention-seeking Donna corners each of the band members, as they work in the factory. As she moves from target to target, flirting irresistibly, three of the targets realize what’s taking place. In the end, all three are rejected, as Donna sets her sights on the keyboard player, who she isolates with a forklift.
“Donna” is pop-rock at its best, rife with sheens of magnetic harmonics, a contagious rhythm, and plush vocals.
Follow The Inoculated Canaries Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify - Medium.com by Randall Radic

I had been watching copious amounts of reality television when out of nowhere I came up with the melody for the chorus section. I thought of the word “Hypocrite” firstly because it’s a powerful word and secondly because I couldn’t think of any other songs that used it. Instead of writing a paper that was due the next morning, I spent all night making a crummy demo in garageband.

We were just kind of sitting around one night, thinking about the storyboard for the music video and we tossed around the idea of creating different scenes of hypocrisy. Obviously, the first person we thought of to represent hypocrisy was a politician. Coincidentally, we happen to have a very good friend named Reid who looks exactly how you would expect a typical politician to look. We decided to cast him for the role immediately.

With this video, we really wanted to reinforce the idea that our generation has immense potential to change the world. The girl with the megaphone is supposed to be a voice of rebellion against a politician who has built his campaign on lies.

Fun fact: Brian, the keyboard player, doesn’t appear at all in the video except for the band scenes. We wanted to save him for the end when he pops up in the politician’s office ready to ask an important question. Also, he showed up 2 hours late to the shoot. - BREATHING THE CORE

The Inoculated Canaries, “Hypocrite” — Although The Inoculated Canaries began the writing process on this political rock anthem more than a year ago, they felt that now is the best time to release it. As the United States experiences renewed calls for social justice, this song expresses the feelings of many voters leading up to the presidential election. Lead vocalist and guitarist Michael Rubin takes charge with his electrifying ’70s hard rock vibe. He takes the perspective of an American politician who claims to help the people, but only has his own self-interest in mind. Rubin’s character justifies wrongful actions with the line, “Everyone is a hypocrite just like me.” James Terranova’s beats mix naturally with Dylan Gross’ bass grooves and Brian Sweeney’s complementary keys, giving “Hypocrite” incredible energy levels. - Amelia Parreira

The Inoculated Canaries may not be a household name just yet, but they are well on their way. These extraordinary gentleman are not only easy on the eyes, but have an incredible talent that not only keeps your toes tapping, but also makes you think.

Their new single Hypocrite was just released and it is already one of the most played songs on my playlist. The song is not only a fabulous earworm, but also deals with current events. While it doesn’t side with anyone politically, it is a good way to get people talking about important topics. IT discussing the lies told by politicians and how it impacts the world. They agree that this is the perfect time to release the song, especially with the 2020 election looming ahead.

However, one of the best things about this song is the work and time that went into it. Not only did the band work together to make it a hit, but they also collaborated with producer Matt Squire, who has worked with big names such as Demi Lovato and Taking Back Sunday. This was a passion project for the band and something they are very proud to share with their fans. Their dedication and drive is inspirational and something not only to be proud of, but something others should apply to their own lives.

I not only consider myself a fan of the band, but I also consider them to be incredible role models, not only for myself, but for anyone who dares to dream.

Check back for our interview with frontman Michael Rubin! - Sammi Turano - Sammi's Favorite Things