White Label Analog

The members of White Label Analog are anxious for something to happen. Their collective energy is akin to an office worker’s leg bouncing up and down at 4 p.m. on a Friday. They’ve put in the time in their individual careers and as a band for the past four years, so some recognition and appreciation would be nice.

“Playing a song you worked really hard on, and you see people in the audience singing along to it, anything past that is just icing on the cake,” adds guitarist James Millican.

The indie pop-rock band released its debut LP, In Case You Just Tuned In, in September after an “arduous” process, says bassist Aaron Herbster, with about a year spent writing, rewriting, demoing, and pre-production. Fortunately, their friendship keeps the songwriting process a fun, collaborative affair. For instance, on their first EP, A Little More Time, they laid down a rough draft of what would become the first single, “Echoes.” “I would bug everybody like, ‘I love this song, maybe we should do something,’” recalls Herbster. “Then James went back and listened to it and said, ‘Well, OK, what if I did this instead?’ And all of a sudden, it clicked.”

“The one thing that we’ve really focused on is due diligence in trying to make each and every song the best that we feel it can be,” says lead vocalist Chris Didear. With that approach, White Label Analog’s days under the radar might soon be over.

Sounds Like
Phoenix and Two Door Cinema Club

Up Next
After SXSW, a regional tour of Texas and shows in Boston and Canada. - AUSTIN MONTHLY - Kimya Kavehkar - 2/27/2017

Who are you and what are you doing here? (what is your name, what is the band and what is your role in the band?)

Heath Macintosh (HM): Heath Macintosh from White Label Analog, I’m drums, vocals for the band.

Aaron Herbster (AH): Aaron Herbster, bass player for White Label Analog

Chris Didear (CD): My name is Chris Didear (pronounced Deee-jer). I am WLA’s lead singer and I play a little percussion too.

James Millican (JM): James Millican, I’m the guitarist and backup vocalist.

Alison Pepper (AP): My name is Alison Pepper, and I’m the keyboardist, backup vocalist in the band.

How did the band start?

HM: Chris found James and they started working on a few ideas, Chris and I had previously talked about playing together in a band, but only if it was something fun and modern/different than our last projects.

So as Chris and James felt they had started to develop a modern vibe that may interest me, Chris reached out and things clicked, shortly after that Chris reached out to Aaron, who came in on bass and then we finally had the core to work up songs and head in the direction we wanted…later adding in keyboards and female vocals as that was an element that we wanted to achieve from the beginning. Went through a few and eventually had Alison come in to complete the lineup.

AH: I can answer how I got into the band. After a fairly long drought of playing, I met Chris one night with my wife and some friends and we got to talking. He said he was working on this project and was really excited about it, would I like to try it out. I said sure and asked for some tracks to woodshed to. I went to Chris’ house, in which he made a kind of soundproof room, met Heath and James, and we jammed. It really clicked for me, and them, too. Then, there was the long, drawn-out, excruciating search for a keyboard player to complete the sound. Boy, are there stories. Finally, we found Alison, who had seen practically all five of our shows and was ecstatic to play with us. We are now creating the music we love.

JM: Chris and I met back in early 2013 on Craigslist actually, he was looking for any musicians interested in getting a modern indie/alt band together. I had just moved from Pennsylvania to focus on music in Austin and saw it as a good opportunity to get something going. After a few song drafts we were able to woo Heath and Aaron, then after going through a few different keyboardists we picked up Alison.

CD: Heath and Aaron have been friends for years and had known one another in other bands. I had discussed putting a project together with Heath, but the timing wasn’t right at first. So, I ventured off and placed an ad in Craigslist. James answered and we started writing songs. He impressed me from the start and after we had a few solid ideas, I reached back out to Heath (one of my favorite drummers for years). We jammed with Heath and after a few jams he was digging it. Next, I called up Aaron who came in and killed it. It was like he was supposed to be there! I really had always wanted to play in a band with Heath and Aaron. James was a pleasant surprise and had recently moved to Austin. So were a four piece for a while. We worked with a few keyboardists until a random gig we did as a four piece, James introduced us to Alison. She has been in the band ever since. Her first show was our debut EP Release! No pressure right? We’ve been working very hard since day one to create something fun and unique that hopefully resonates in our music and live show.

AP: I joined the band in January 2015, after I saw them play a few gigs. I found out that they were looking for a keyboardist, backup vocalist, specifically a girl, and I didn’t leave them alone until they gave me a shot. So here we are!

How would you describe your band?

AH: Indie, alt-rock

CD: We are an Indie-Alt-Rock-Pop band with an emphasis on the rock. I know it sounds like too many genres, but that’s what I think we are!

HM: Indie Rock….I think that’s the best fit for what we do, we have a variety of elements in the music…everything from soft/subtle Pop vibes to a harder gritty Rock edged feel with modern keys and harmonies thrown in.

JM: I would describe us as a modern alternative band with a rock edge. A lot of our sound is influenced by bands like The Strokes, Phoenix, and The Killers so we try to retain that catchy pop feel while still being able to rock out.

If you had to choose one song you’ve written that best defines your band which one would it be?

HM: For me it would be “Rainmaker” I think it kinda encompasses everything that I just stated in the prior question…it’s got a little bit of everything.

AH: That’s difficult because I think a lot define us, without pigeon-holing us: “Turn to Dust,” “Echoes,” “Rainmaker,” “Awakened.” Each of them say something about us, musically.

JM: I would probably pick “Awakened By The Fire”, the 1st track off our new album ‘In Case You Just Tuned In’. It’s upbeat, has some rock attitude mixed with a pop vibe, and has a theme of going out and achieving your dreams – I feel like that’s what we’re all about right there.

CD: I know everyone will probably pick a different song here, but that the beauty of this whole thing. There is a lot of diversity in influences, tastes, backgrounds, and ideas. It makes for a pretty neat stew! I would probably pick “Echoes.” It is bold and rock and catchy. It represents the Carpe Diem approach of what we do. I wouldn’t say it is the common denominator musically, but more in spirit and adventure.

In this day and age where anyone is pretty much able to pick up an instrument, what would you say sets your band apart from the rest?

HM: I think just that…we are actually musicians that work on our own personal craft as well as the crafting of songs as a group. Granted there are plenty of us out there as well that we are competing against….I think more than anything it’s just a belief in what we do, it’s not a hobby, it’s not a fad, we’re not trying to just be a local band and we actually have the commitment and vision it takes to propel ourselves in this age of DIY.

AH: Right off the bat, the biggest difference is that we didn’t just pick up our instruments. Ha ha! We have all played music for a long time and our combined experiences help mold the band and the music to reflect each of us and all of us as one.

CD: I think it is the extent we go to in order to make our music what we collectively feel is the very best it can be. We are very detail oriented and passionate about what we create. We spend more time crafting each song than any band I’ve played in prior. I think we feel like that makes the difference and sets us apart. We never take the easy route.

JM: It seems like in modern music nowadays there is a distinct gap between catchy pop/indie and energetic rock – our goal is to try and fill that gap.

Where are people able to hear your songs?

HM: Of course on iTunes…most streaming sites Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, etc.. also places like Reverb Nation, Soundcloud, Sonicbids and of course our own website WhiteLabelAnalog.com and YouTube for videos.

AH: We are on iTunes, Soundcloud, CD Baby, and our first American single, “Echoes” is getting some love on radio stations around the country.

CD: Streaming services like Spotify and Pandora, YouTube, digital outlets like Amazon and iTunes, and of course whitelabelanalog.com!

JM: We are available on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Google Play, CD Baby, Amazon,

all over the web. But most importantly you can hear our songs at one of our shows!

What is your proudest moment/greatest achievement as a band?

HM: I don’t think I really have one yet that stands out head and shoulders above it all…plus we are still kind of a baby band, so maybe by our next interview with you or if we see you in Australia, that would be a pretty cool achievement because it would mean we were touring there, playing shows and succeeding in getting our music out there for people.

CD: Well, I think we are still a work in progress as we’re just getting out there. Hopefully, with more exposure like this, more opportunities will materialize. It is certainly an accomplishment to release an album you are proud of, to release a national single in the US, and support it with touring, but I think we have a lot more potential than what we’ve done thus far.

AP: This is the first band I’ve ever been in, so I’d say that playing for that first time live was really exciting for me. For the band as a whole, I think we are all feeling proud about our upcoming tour and album release.

AH: Right now, I would say releasing a fun EP and an amazing full-length album. I love playing with these guys and look forward to a bright future.

Tell us 3 bands that we should be listening to/be keeping an eye out for?

HM: I don’t know that this qualifies as new, but still really digging the last POP ETC album from earlier this year…also, really liking what I’m hearing from the new Two Door Cinema Club album, that “Bad Decision” track is a total throwback Yacht Rock Gold…and Sam Roberts Band, new album coming out in October, been around forever, still little known in the States, but I’ve dug his style for a while.

CD: I will have a better idea after ACL Fest for new bands, but lately I really dig 21 Pilots. Saw them last year and they killed. Glass Animals is cool, and Nothing But Thieves. One band releasing their second record and really cool is The Wind and The Wave. Dwight Baker mixed 3 of our songs on “In Case You Just Tuned In” and he plays in W+W.

AH: Us, a super-awesome artist I had the pleasure of touring with briefly: RW Grace, and us.

Anything Else you’d like to add?

HM: Thanks for the time and I will keep an eye out for those airline tickets! - Cool Try (bro) - Sean Holio - 11/14/16

In the Spotlight

White Label Analog
Austin indie rock band White Label Analog will make its "maiden voyage" to Amarillo for a show Saturday, but they've already made inroads, lead singer Chris Didear said.

Songs from the band's first EP, A Little More Time, and its new full-length, In Case You Just Tuned In, are in regular rotation on FM90, which give the band "a great reason to come play for an audience in Amarillo," Didear said.

The band will make its debut at 10 p.m. Saturday at Leftwoods, 2511 S.W. Sixth Ave. Cover is $5.

He founded the band when he found himself between gigs in Austin.

"I put an ad on Craigslist, believe it or not, and met James (Millican), the guitarist, who had just recently moved from Virginia down to Austin," Didear said. "I was looking to write music (previously, he worked as a drummer) and do something maybe different than I had worked on in the past, and we hit it off and we started writing some songs."

Didear and members Heath Macintosh (drums) and Aaron Herbster (bass) had come from a "more edgier, hard-rock background," Didear said.

"I had taken that everywhere I wanted to go with it, so I wanted to do something different ... something that was contemporary," he said. "I think Heath and Aaron felt the same way, and in that respect, James ... was really kind of that breath of fresh air and had his finger on the pulse of a contemporary direction."

Now, instead of that hard rock sound Didear had specialized in before, White Label Analog's music is "danceable," he said.

"It's just fun ... and I think that's reflected in the reaction we get from people who hear it," he said. "What's fun about this band is the marriage between the older-school, guitar-based rock with synthesizer stuff and the more fun, poppier side of indie music." - Panhandle PBS - Chip Chandler - 11/11/16

Album: In Case You Just Tuned In
Artist: White Label Analog
Genre: Indie/Alternative
For Fans of: The Killers, The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys
Reviewer: Deanna Soukiasian

White Label Analog is a killer alt band from Austin, Texas. The band’s roll call includes Chris Didear (Lead Vocals), James Millican (Guitar/Vocals), Alison Pepper (Keys/Vocals), Aaron Herbster (Bass), and Heath Macintosh (Drums/Vocals).

Right off the bat, this music is not the norm for me, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this album. I like my tunes a bit less polished and also pretty dark, but this body of work actually has quite a lot of variety to it. Some songs were poppy, some sad, and some retro.

In Case You Just Tuned In is the debut album for White Label Analog. With no prior albums to compare this release to, I am tempted to compare it to our favorites from the early 2000’s such as now-classic releases from The Killers or the Arctic Monkeys – you know, a lot of simplified guitar instrumentals and parts that go “hoo hoo hoo.” This album takes me back to a time when I thought wearing head to toe pink fleece tracksuits was a pretty dope look and not at all unacceptable. But I do love a good blast from the past.

It’s hard to choose just one some from In Case You Just Tuned In; the whole album is definitely worth a listen. The album would be a pretty solid addition to any road trip playlist. There’s no doubt that, going forward, White Label Analog are going to continue putting out some smooth music. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m hoping they come to embrace the dark side of music as well. - Acentric Magazine - Deanna Soukiasian - October 31, 2016

Austin, Texas’ White Label Analog, which consists of vocalist Chris Didear, guitarist/vocalist James Millican, drummer/vocalist Heath Macintosh, keyboardist/vocalist Alison Pepper and bassist Aaron Herbster, recently debuted their full-length, 11-track album, “Just In Case you Tuned In.” The resulting album has been called “an eclectic group of songs that form a daring alliance between traditional pop rock and today’s indie rock scene.”

Heath Macintosh recently spoke to www.theartofla.com via an email interview to talk about the band’s unique name and how it related to their approach to making music in a more of an organic and traditional way and incorporating that with some digital technology, its first tour as a band and that positive experience, working with Mark Needham in the studio and the Austin scene and how its changed for the musicians themselves and the fans of live music and more.

How did the band come up with the name White Label Analog?

HEATH: Well we went through a bunch of options as bands do when they are trying to all agree on a name that is universally liked by all members. I had the idea to use the term White Label as it refers to promo albums from the vinyl days, when record labels would do a white label pressing that is basically just a cheap promo copy with no frills for radio stations and what not. And as we do embrace the modern technology of music, we are still very much an Analog band, so used that word to bring the whole name together as “White Label Analog”

I read in the band’s bio you all just completed a West Coast tour. How did that go? Did you all experience anything unusual or notable on the tour you wanted to talk about? How was the reaction to the new album?

HEATH: Yeah, we just finished up that Fall Tour a few weeks ago…everything went well, we had a lot of fun and it was if nothing else a great bonding experience for us as a band, having never toured together. Overall the response was great and we won over the audiences that we played to. Being our first tour on our first album, most of the people that we played to were really just hearing us for the first time.

How did the band come together as a unit? Has working on the project White Label Analog very different from anything you have done before in other bands?

HEATH: About a year prior Chris and I had talked about doing a project together, but we both wanted to do something that was removed and different from our past band experiences. Chris met up with James and they started hammering out some ideas and then when he thought it was at a point to be able to reach out to me, he did. The three of us jammed for a while just getting a feel for things and then Chris reached out to Aaron to come check out what we were working on and he dug it as well, so we had the core four of us with a universal style and vibe that we wanted to go for. We went through a few keyboard players as we wanted a female keyboardist that could sing so that we had that female voice in the mix to help round out the sound we were going for. Finally, through James, Alison a friend of his, came into the mix to complete the lineup.

What do you all think makes White Label Analog different or stand out from other bands in a similar genre?

HEATH: I think the main thing that I get from our sound and style when compared to the modern sound on the radio, kinda stems back to the name itself and the term Analog. With so many bands using so much digital technology in recording and live performance, we still rely mainly on the analog instrumentation and the technology kind of stuff is thrown on as icing on the cake rather than the whole cake being made up of it. So, it lends us to being a little more rock/indie sounding with modern flourishes and gives us a little more grit in our style.

What would you all say makes EP “A Little More Time” different from your full-length release, “In Case You Just Tuned in” lyrically and thematically?

HEATH: For me, it’s just a more mature album as it is with most artists doing a follow-up…I think we’ve raised our musical expectations, refined our style and shaped it better as we continue to grow as a band.

What was it like working with Mark Needham in the studio? How did you get to work with him and did he bring to the sessions and what did you learn from working with them in the studio?

HEATH: Mark was actually referred to us by Marc Kordellos over at UNCLE (btw, can’t say enough good things about him, great to work with). We used Needham to remix the song Turn To Dust on this album and in turn used him for a couple of other songs for the album (Echoes and Rainmaker). I run point for most of the studio stuff, mixing, mastering, etc.. so I was the direct pipeline on that. And I can’t say enough good things about the experience….Mark is a great guy and has great ears, extremely adaptable and patient in working out any kinks, makes himself very available and keeps on top of things with quick turnarounds. He’s been in the game for a long time, but as you look at his discography, he has always kept his fingers on the pulse of modern music and really just a pleasure to work with.

How did you choose a Black Sabbath song to record and why?

HEATH: I’ve never been a big fan of doing covers in a band, although I do like it when other bands do it for the most part. I like to say that I am a creator, not a replicator when it comes to music, have never really found much pleasure in playing a song exactly as written by someone else. So, I had pitched the Black Sabbath song “A Hard Road” as something that I thought we could turn on its head and have something musically far removed from the original. I definitely feel like we achieved that, stayed somewhat true to the song so that it can still be recognizable, but for the average listener….a B-side Sabbath tune that they don’t know, comes off more as our own creation, which it is.

Is the Austin scene still as exciting and vibrant as it’s always been?

HEATH: I think that Austin has a huge confluence of musicians and venues. The average local band has to work that much harder to find their niche and fans to develop. There doesn’t seem to be as much local live music love as there has been in the past, I think mainly due to festivals and we see a lot more touring bands now…so people save their hard earned money to go to those type of things or just go have a fun night out at a DJ club. Throw in all the downtown changes over the years and price of parking, definitely seems to scare off some of the local live music fans and has become more of a clubbing, touring band atmosphere downtown at least.

What is next for White Label Analog?

HEATH: Well, we are just staying regional through Q4 and getting our ducks in a row for 2017 as we plan to move on to another single and continue our touring plans in the spring. Hopefully, good things to come and will keep us busy as we try to gain more exposure for our new album. Thanks for taking the time to visit with us and look forward to doing this again sometime down the road. - tHeARTofla - HARRIET KAPLAN - OCTOBER 20, 2016

We here at Infectious have teamed up with Austin indie rockers White Label Analog to bring you quite the treat. The band released their first full-length, In Case You Just Tuned In, last month and we have the inside scoop to each and every track!

Check out the exclusive track-by-track after the jump! And be sure to listen along with the album as you read what inspired each of the 11 songs!

Awakened By The Fire
Go forth and live the life you desire.

Rainmaker
A woman who you are crazy attracted to, a head turner, and desired by others, but may not be the best thing for you. She causes a wake of destruction in her path and in the end you know just where you stand.

Echoes
This song originally started out as a completely different idea about a year ago and we ended up salvaging part of the chorus to use as a bridge in the current version. It was inspired by personal loss and is an acknowledgement of the frailty of life, but also celebrates the legacy of the human spirit. Reminding us in our busy lives, to live in the moment and enjoy the good times. It is the realization that those experiences become memories that we leave behind. Carpe Diem!

Lead Me Along
There are regrets and unintended consequences because maybe you just don’t know what you want.

Don’t Wait Up
It’s about being with someone who isn’t really there for you.

Turn To Dust
Ultimately all that we are, and everything we see, will turn to dust.

Where Have You Been
It’s about looking back at a significant, but failed relationship, and finally noticing all of the red flags you missed.

Al Capone
A street name for the drug heroine. It’s about addiction, and the lengths you go to satisfy that urge.

Sidewinder
Life can deal you some pretty big blows and some of it is our own doing. Learn from your mistakes, accept that you’re human, and be compassionate.

Off The Wall
Enduring the stages that ultimately get you past the hurt by crawling your way out of the dark and into the light. That conscious decision we make to finally move forward.

Hard Road
“Forget all your sorrows, don’t live in the past, and look to the future cause life goes too fast.” -Black Sabbath - INFECTIOUS MAGAZINE - 10/19/16 by SAMI MARSHAL- TRACK BY TRACK

We head back to a city we love to swing by – one of our favorite music capitals in the USA – Austin, Texas. White Label Analog (Aaron Herbster, Heath Macintosh, Chris Didear, James Millican, Alison Pepper) is doing the town proud, cultivating a brand of alternative rock that mixes in some pop sensibilities and an indie edge that’s pleasantly familiar from the dozens of bands we’ve sat down with from Austin. Just last year, White Label Analog released their first EP, A Little More Time, a White Label Analog introduction to fresh full-length album, a collection titled In Case You Just Tuned In.
We asked the band to tell us all about it – Didear said, “You can expect an interesting and versatile journey from beginning to end. Instead of having only one standout track, it is a great body of work. It speaks to the variety of styles we incorporated for this effort. It was difficult picking a single. No one song clearly defines our sound. Rather, the collection as a whole better represents the band at this point in time. The writing process begins with James, I also contribute lyrics, and vocal melodies. The ideas are pitched to the band and from there, they are worked out together in a collaborative and iterative process until collectively deemed ready to present.” Click tohttp://www.whitelabelanalog.com/ to check out In Case You Just Tuned In as well as their latest single, “Echoes”. Check the schedule while you’re at it – these guys are going to be on the road all day, just about every day. Now, keep reading. There’s still so much more to get into in all the answers to the XXQs below.

XXQs: White Label Analog

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out from others in your genre?

Aaron Herbster (AH): Indie alt-rock with an emphasis on rock. Our music is clever, the lyrics resonate, but most of all, its fun.

Heath Macintosh (HM): Indie Rock for the simplest term though we draw on other genres, be it pop, electronic, alternative, hard rock, blues. I think what makes us stand out in a world of Alterna/Pop that’s currently on the radio is we tend to give things a bit of a harder edge and lean more towards that, than the more pop leanings of today’s contemporary bands.

Chris Didear (CD): Indie Alt Rock with Poptimism. We combine modern musical styles with past influences to create a sound that has a unique contemporary texture while maintaining the spirit and energy of rock guitar. While we incorporate electronic and synth-based elements, we write songs that still have some bite. It’s like a fun night out with your friends… adventurous, spontaneous, and alive in the moment, but you might feel a little rough in the morning. Carpe Diem!

PEV: Calling Austin home, what kind of music were you all into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

AH: I grew up listening to classical and big band jazz, with some pop music thrown in. When I started playing the bass, it was Rush, Yes, The Who, fusion, and whatever else I could get my hands on to figure out bass parts. My first concert was Chuck Mangione at a Jazz festival in San Antonio. My first rock concert was Rush.

HM: I’ve always been into all styles from early on…everything from classical music to punk/thrash. Could just as easily listen to a Niccolo Paganini Caprice and then “I Love Livin’ in the City” by Fear. My first couple bands were punk rock, I think JFA (Jodie Foster’s Army) was my first show, Kiss was probably the first big concert, but most memorable early concert for Andres Segovia…watching this 90 something year old guy get on this huge stage in front of 2000 people, just him and his classical guitar and play so brilliantly was really amazing.

CD: My mom was a singer prior to having me. She introduced me to the Beatles and classic 70’s rock and I actually grew up playing drums and singing backups before singing lead. I always liked big rock guitar, but enjoyed 80’s pop, and new wave too. The first show I saw was a more obscure 80’s band called Icehouse and I was just a kid, but my mom was cool and wanted to me to begin experiencing live music at an early age.

Alison Dore (AD): I grew up listening to classic country, the golden oldies and 90’s country like Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks. It was then that I fell in love with lyrics and melody. I started playing melodies from the songs on the toy piano my parents bought me.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene in your hometown, when you first started out as a band? What was your first show like together as a band?

HM: The Austin scene can be pretty tough…when you’re starting out you can just be playing to the other bands on the bill and your few friends that can be out late on a work night, so you can get a lot of the stand off in the back of the room crowd and have to really engage them to come and be part of the show instead of just a soundtrack to their own private conversations. That’s not to take anything away from the live music fans; people that get it and love live music really do show their appreciation.

First show…according to our website was Hanover’s…we were a 4-piece then as we had just lost our keyboard player, but wanted to get out and play regardless.

AH: Being from Austin, it is pretty difficult to break into the scene due to the vast number of bands and musicians in town. We spent time trying to perfect our sound and fully staff the band (we wanted keys from the beginning, but finding someone capable proved harder than we had anticipated). We decided to play without keys for our first few gigs to make sure we found the right someone. The first show was exhilarating; we had taken so long building up to that point, that it was a huge release actually playing live.

CD: Austin has always been competitive because there has always been a lot of talent here. It has grown exponentially harder with time because there are so many more bands now and our cities’ population has continued to explode. It is hard to stand out here. One thing I’ve always believed in though, is that it all begins with your songs. Following trends or using gimmicks only get you so far. If you spend time on crafting the best songs you can, then you have a foundation on which to build upon.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live White Label Analog show?

AH: If they have heard our album or our EP, they can expect the live show to be a notch higher in intensity and to have a really good time.

CD: An experience where they can let their guard down and feel alive. To witness a memorable performance that is both intimately connected and bursting with fun.

HM: A solid, high-energy show that is both fun and engaging

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

AH: I love being on stage and playing live. The first thing is joy at being able to do what I am doing.

HM: Be accurate, but have fun…

AD: Honestly, I still get nervous, I’ve always had some stage fright. Once we hit that first note though, everything melts away and it’s all about the music.

CD: I was built to destroy. I will live in this moment. We cannot be stopped. You will be assimilated.

PEV: How has playing in White Label Analog been different from working with other artists or projects in the past?

AD: This is my first time being in a band.

AH: It is very similar to other bands I have been in when it comes to songwriting and collaboration, but we are more intent on crafting each song to be the best it can possibly be. Working with these four extremely talented musicians pushes me to be better and also teaches me humility when it comes to compromise to make the song its best.

HM: It’s been similar to what I know works for me, which is more of a democratic, all for one and one for all. Nobody distinctly driving the ship, everybody participating.

CD: I think there is more diversity in terms of influence and experience, which adds to our overall songwriting and sound. We also spend more time working on the details of songs, more than any band I’ve played with. The work ethic is very serious and tests your endurance at times, but the personalities are silly fun, and keep us from wanting to strangle one another. However, it’s the fact that we are all passionate about it, and care so much, that we frequently go that extra mile to make something good even better.

PEV: What is the underlying inspiration for your music? Where do you get your best ideas for songs?

HM: Something that is fun and engaging to play, feels modern but draws on past inspirations as well.

CD: I think we are all inspired by different things. For me, life itself is inspiring. People who were my heroes, influential friends or family, or people that have had a profound impact on my life have inspired me. The heart of champion, the loss of life, and the sadness of failed relationships have inspired me. Places I visited, books, and films have all been subject matter for songs.

PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out, do you ever look back on your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?

AH: Absolutely! I have been very fortunate in my career: playing with some amazing musicians, playing on awesome stages, travelling, all of the good times and bad; I think about it all and smile. Those days helped form who I am as a musician, and a person, and I wouldn’t be here now, playing with these guys, had I not had those experiences.

HM: Music has always been a big part of my life, so it doesn’t surprise me with what I’m doing…and from band to band it has felt like a natural progression for me as far as where I’m at currently as far as genre and style

CD: Sure, I think everyone does at times. Hopefully those lessons learned are applied to your current decisions and help you avoid shooting yourself in the foot sometimes. The other thing is that society, its music, and the business of it are constantly changing. It keeps challenging you, and forces you to keep learning.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about the members of White Label Analog?

AH: We’re 20% Canadian.

HM: I really enjoy cooking a lot and creating food, I also love to gamble and play in the stock market.

CD: My last name is pronounced completely different than it looks. While it is spelled Didear, it is pronounced “Deee-jer” with an emphasis on the first syllable.

AD: Although it’s not quite our genre, I’ve loved everything about Taylor Swift since she released her first album. I’m a huge fan

PEV: What can fans expect from your first full-length album, In Case You Just Tuned In? Tell us about the writing process behind this work.

AH: Just some really good music that will get you moving and will put a smile on your face.

HM: I think it’s a culmination of where we have been, where we are at, and where we are heading…a synopsis of what the creative process has been like for us the past year since releasing the EP. Our songwriting process is pretty much James coming in with the skeleton to a song, and then we each throw in our ideas and change things around…continue to shape it as if working with raw clay and trying to build a cool sculpture. We all are open minded enough to take suggestions on everything from trying different beats or chords, swapping out words in lyrics, changing or ditching parts that don’t work, etc…

CD: You can expect an interesting and versatile journey from beginning to end. Instead of having only one standout track, it is a great body of work. It speaks to the variety of styles we incorporated for this effort. It was difficult picking a single. No one song clearly defines our sound. Rather, the collection as a whole better represents the band at this point in time.

The writing process begins with James, I also contribute lyrics, and vocal melodies. The ideas are pitched to the band and from there, they are worked out together in a collaborative and iterative process until collectively deemed ready to present.

PEV: What is the feeling you get after a song or album is complete and you can sit back and listen to it in full?

AH: There is nothing like it! The best part of it, for me, however, is preparing to play the music live. Once the recording and mixing is finalized, I listen to it with pride and excitement as we get ready to present it to our audiences, some who have never heard the new music, or us at all.

HM: When a song is complete and finds its resting spot in rehearsal, it’s very much a feeling of excitement and something new, can’t wait for people to hear it.

That doesn’t mean that song won’t be tweaked a bit more when it comes to recording as that is the final stage of polishing the last rough edges and maybe trying some things we hadn’t thought of in rehearsal. Completing an album is a different feeling…part excitement, but also part elation that the process is finally done.

CD: There is certainly a sense of accomplishment when it’s finally done. It is a long “Hard Road” to get there. These songs have been through multiple iterations and we remain fully engaged throughout every step of the process including the mixing. Sometimes compromise is very hard to achieve, but in the end, it is because of how much everyone cares and wants to make the songs the very best they can be. There is also the feeling of anticipation and excitement knowing that you have something new to share and is the fruit of your labor.

PEV: What would you say is the biggest challenge for musicians trying to make a name for themselves these days?

AH: Creating music that you can play with pride and will resonate with the audience is difficult enough, but the biggest challenge is the time and money spent on trying to get your foot in the door, especially in a town with hundreds of bands. This includes all of the self-promotion on the various social media outlets, networking, calling and e-mailing and calling again, and dealing with venues that don’t want to take a chance on a new band. It is extremely frustrating to say the least.

HM: Competition is fierce…anybody with a computer, some software and a mic can slap together a song…they don’t even have to be musically inclined. Then they can take their computer and autotune and go do a karaoke solo version of a band for live performance. Couple that with the millions of other actual bands and it can be tough to get a spotlight shone in your direction. Perseverance, dedication and love for what you do definitely helps.

CD: The oversaturation of music. People just have so many choices and have a short attention span. You can’t just be good; you have to be great, and you must continue to work hard to be better. Those overnight successes are most always years in the making.

PEV: With all your traveling, is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

AH: I have never played the Midwest, and look forward to it when we do, but also performing in the East and Northeast. I have played in Boston, D.C., and New York City before and can’t wait to do so with these guys.

HM: It would be great to do a European tour or really any kind of international travel to play outside the US.

CD: Would love to do a European tour and anywhere near the Caribbean OceanJ.

AD: I’d love to tour the Midwest, as I grew up just outside of Chicago and went to college in Wisconsin. I’d love to play those places and get to share our music with those friends.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career? What’s it like when you get to play in your hometown?

AH: Everyone is incredibly supportive; they know it is my passion to play and have always stood behind me. We always have a great time playing at home. The fans, our families and friends, all joining the band in making the evening, the show, an amazing experience.

HM: My friends and family are all very supportive as they know it’s something that makes me happy…life is short, gotta do what you love while you’re here.

CD: I think they’ve always had high hopes for me and have been very supportive. Sometimes at the peak of frustration and exhaustion, it’s those who champion you, help keep you fighting and pushing forward.

I have lived in Austin most of my life and still love it. It’s a special place, with special people, so it’s a blast to play for the home crowd.

AD: Everyone is super supportive, we call my mom our biggest fan, and she’s been to pretty much every single show.

PEV: What can we find each of you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

AH: Spending time with friends: bowling, bicycling, the occasional kayak trip on a lake, and enjoying movies.

HM: Travel, be outdoors at the pool/lake, etc…digging through the stock market, playing poker with friends.

CD: I love the beach; I like sports, and enjoy playing golf. I’m a big fan of Texas Longhorn football and basketball…Hook’em!

AD: I love Stand Up Paddle boarding. My husband bought us a pair of them for my birthday a few years back and we love being out on the water with our dog.

PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration. Why?

AH: I would say Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures. I have a deep respect for his songwriting and playing, and would be excited to hear how that would fit with our style of music.

HM: I have always been a sucker for Phil Collins voice and he’s a solid drummer…I think he would be pretty cool…has great feel and musical acumen.

CD: I think it would be amazing to collaborate with The Beatles. Do I really need to say why??? It’s the freaking Beatles (laughing)! They raised the bar very high, have influenced so many, and have had such a profound effect on music.

PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

AH: Us.

HM: I feel like I know a lot of upcoming bands, but as soon as I hear of them, within 3-6 months everybody knows them. Things can move fast for a great song; that will always be the case.

CD: Well, I hope that you will continue to keep an eye and an ear on us; our promise to you is to always bring our best.

PEV: If playing music wasn’t your life (or life’s goal), what do you think each of you would be doing for a career?

AH: I can’t really say; playing music has been such an integral part of my life for so long, that imagining life without it is practically impossible.

HM: I think I could be good at anything…very much a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Couldn’t do just one thing or have one career other than music…Couldn’t imagine being a stockbroker, real estate agent or whatever and that was my gig till I died. I could dabble in something for 5-10 years, then try something else, then something else, get the most out of life, learn what you like to do and move on if it’s not for you.

CD: That is a great question. Maybe I would have been a travel agent or a photographer. I also think it would have been pretty amazing to work in the field of astrophysics and/or cosmology. I love science fiction, astronomy, and the mysteries of the universe.

AD: I’d probably be working every music and film festival I could. I love festivals, the ATX Television festival is my favorite, I love working with them.

PEV: So, what is next for White Label Analog?

AH: Touring to promote our album and writing new music.

HM: We will be doing this fall tour and then just staying regional for the remainder of 2016, start back up with a spring tour in 2017. Then start work on the next album and see how the summer festival tour situation looks for us.

CD: We’re hitting the road to support the record and national radio single “Echoes.” We are super excited about this album and getting out in front of audiences. Thanks so much PensEyeView.com! We are grateful! Cheers!

For more information, click to http://www.whitelabelanalog.com/. - PENS EYE VIEW - Posted on October 17, 2016 in Featured Artist by Richie Frieman

If you’re in need of a change from bumping the usual pop and hip-hop hits, take a chance on White Label Analog, an indie rock band of sorts from Austin, Texas. The new band is just budding on the scene, having released their debut album "In Case You Just Tuned In" in late August.

“'In Case You Just Tuned In' is a veritable snapshot of our lives since releasing (our 2015 EP) 'A Little More Time.' A reflection of our ideas, feelings, and the experiences we’ve all shared,” drummer and vocalist Heath Macintosh says on their official band website (whitelabelanalog.com). The group claims they are not interested in trying to restrain their music by forcing it to fit a particular genre.

Their music flavor tastes familiar, however, and it might have something to do with the work of mixing engineer Mark Needham on the album, who worked for The Killers, Neon Trees, and Imagine Dragons.

Take, for example, the tracks “Turn to Dust” and “Awakened By the Fire,” each with upbeat, punchy instrumental openings. These tracks certainly feel distinctly “indie,” reminding me of what Vampire Weekend did with the preppy opening of "Oxford Comma" and the rhythm of Two Door Cinema Club’s "Undercover Martyn."
This tendency, however, is not at all consistent. White Label Analog certainly has range, with songs like "Echoes," the lead single, heading more into rock vibes. One of my favorite tracks is probably “Off the Wall,” a fun twist compared to the other tunes on the album. The song is very Franz Ferdinand-esque, and the only single opening with vocals rather than solely instrumentals. The lyrics are packed with sass, with gold lines such as, “I don’t care if I see your friends, they’re all fake anyway,” and “I can’t feel anything at all/because I took your picture off the wall.” Talk about a moving-on anthem.

Their lack of a specific sound definitely doesn’t hurt. White Label Analog has a playfulness and openness with style that indicates a group serious about expanding and growing. Art is about exploration and having fun; even if sometimes the lyrics are hard to connect to, White Label Analog are on the right track for making a name for themselves.

The only song on the album that really disappoints is “Rainmaker”—a cheap and easy femme fatale piece. The entire song is made up of metaphors for a dangerously attractive woman: “a minefield waiting for the right time.” Yawn.

For a debut album, though, having one or two bad tracks is not at all a bad thing, and White Label Analog’s transparent passion and exploration overwhelmingly makes up for any disappointment. Listening to their album may regularly give listeners a sense of deja vu—I kept stopping and asking myself, “Where did I hear that rhythm before?” But there’s no doubt about it—this group is going places. - The Mass Media - Zubeda Khan - October 14, 2016

How do you label a band who has the ability to create contagious and motivating melodies, pull in popular genre trends, keep classic traditions alive and still make you dance? Here is your answer–you can’t. The Austin, Texas-based indie rock band White Label Analog brings a trademark sound that only members from the band can describe and that is why we decided to sit down and ask them some questions about their latest album: In Case You Just Tuned In.

Describe your thoughts and feelings around releasing your new album In Case You Just Tuned In.

Heath Macintosh, Drums/Vocals: It’s very exciting, we released an EP in May of last year and this is our first full-length album. We have been getting some great response from it overall and are working hard to keep the momentum going as we move forward to gain exposure and new fans.

Chris Didear, Lead Vocals: It was an intense process we sunk our hearts into. We were absolutely devoted to taking a bigger step forward, both musically, and as a band. It translated into a fun record that I hope will strike a chord with listeners. It’s also really fun to jam these songs in front of an audience.

Which song on the album is that one song that resonates with the entire group?

Heath: That’s a tough one, as we all have our own likes and songs that resonate individually. As a group we were all able to agree with our Radio PR company that “Echoes” was a good lead off track for the album, but at the same time each of us individually could have heard “Don’t Wait Up,” “Rainmaker,” “Lead Me Along,” and “Al Capone” as a favorite to push. And our publicist heard some of those along with “Hard Road” a Black Sabbath cover that is far removed from the original as a possibility. Lots of varied opinions on that question, which if nothing else, tells us that we have a very listenable album from front to back and some songs will resonate better with some listeners than others.

Chris: I think that there is a pretty wide variation as to which is “the” song that resonates most individually. It was very hard selecting a single track to pitch to radio. We solicited opinions from our PR team Big Picture Media and Radio Promoters at U.N.C.L.E. In the end, we went with the majority of what were getting in terms of feedback, as well as acknowledging our gut check. There were other directions we could have taken as a first shot out, and there were moments where we really considered them. However, in the end we still leaned toward “Echoes”.

We know you just completed your west coast tour, but help some non-west coasters imagine what it would feel like attending a LIVE White Label Analog show.

Heath: Well, whether it’s on the west coast or in a pub in Kathmandu, an attendee can expect the same enthusiasm and energy of playing to a packed house or an empty room. We pride ourselves on being professional and delivering the songs live like they should be regardless of where and how many people are there. We always want to come off as a polished and professional band that delivers on what they set out to bring to the stage.

Chris: They would hear a danceable rock band that is engaging and will leave it all on the table. We’ll distract you with ninja-like execution right before infecting you with a snake biting melody.


Speaking of non-west coasters, any plans on touring the across the country?

Heath: We are currently just staying regional and a few Midwest dates thru the 4th quarter of this year and then plan to do an east coast to Midwest run that will hopefully find us coming thru Chicago on our way back home.

Chris: Yes Please. We’re considering the next tasty wave to grab ahold of. The Midwest and East Coast would be rad.

Are their any future plans in collaborating with any other artist or inspiring musicians who you all just love?

Heath: We haven’t actually pursued that, although we have had some local friends in other bands that have thrown their hat in the ring to participate on some future recordings and be involved in what we are doing. But, hey if you hear of someone that’s interested, shoot us a line, nothing is out of the question for consideration.

Chris: No future plans unless you count Dave Grohl, Mathew Bellamy, and Corey Feldman… Go for it! - BINGE MAGAZINE - BY SAL BOLAÑOS • OCTOBER 9, 2016

White Label Analog is an indie alternative pop/rock group based in Austin, Texas. They have just released their first full album In Case You Just Tuned In, which Talk Nerdy With Us reviewed last week. You can click the link here to read the review. Comprised of vocalist Chris Didear, guitarist/vocalist James Millican, drummer/vocalist Heath Mcintosh, keyboardist/vocalist Alison Pepper and bassist Aaron Herbster, White Label Analog displays a mastery of music composition as well as performance.

Fortunately for us, band members Chris Didear and Heath Mcintosh were kind enough to make time to speak with us at Talk Nerdy and answer some of our questions.

Thank you very much for taking the time out to speak with us here at Talk Nerdy. I just spent the morning listening to In Case You Just Tuned In and I really like the music. At least for me, it fills a spot for when I need something interesting and yet not too angsty or over-wrought.

In Case You Just Tuned In although your first full-length album, is really a sophomore effort for you, did you feel any additional pressure due to the ‘sophomore curse’? How easily (or not) did this album come together in comparison to your 2015 EP, A Little More Time?

Chris: Any pressure we might have felt was more due to expectations we set for ourselves to write and produce a solid body of work. Picking a single was difficult because there is some variety stylistically and not just one song that wholly encompasses or represents our sound. Even though we released an EP last year, we are considered a new band from any sort of national perspective. We set out to make a debut full-length record that would get attention by hooking listeners in enough to feel compelled to tell others about our band and music.

Heath: This album compared to the EP, was a big challenge and jump in time management obviously with more songs and more time required to get everything recorded…members in and out of town/country for work and vacations, etc… Also working with four different mixers and around their schedules as well as our own. Throw in mastering, photo shoot, artwork, merchandise, setting up radio PR and press team, planning a tour and the list goes on….that 8-month window from starting recording to touring got chewed up pretty fast. Realize we have no label or financial backer, everybody has day jobs and some demanding ones at that, so we are pretty happy with the progression and it’s definitely a more focused album and effort with this first full length as compared to the EP.

You do have quite a bit on your plate and even so produced a first rate album!

What was your inspiration for the album, or perhaps there was less of an overall inspiration and the album evolved out of the music you were writing, so I guess I’m asking, how did this album come about? Is there a specific message or picture you are hoping that your listeners take away from the songs/album?



Chris: There wasn’t a specific message that was intended, I think we just naturally maintained a fun spirited tone overall throughout the process. If there was something that could be pulled from “In Case You Just Tuned In” it would be to go out and live life like it’s meant to be lived. Cape Diem.

What brought you all together? Do you still feel connected by that same initial attraction even as the band and your music has evolved?

Chris: I was friends with Heath and Aaron prior to this band, and I met James through a Craigslist ad. Finding musicians on the web is a little like online dating. You really don’t know what types of people you will meet, but James had me at hello. Ha! Seriously, we started writing “Men Like Gods” a song from our first EP “A Little More Time” and I knew there was some really great potential. After we had a few songs together I called up Heath and then Aaron. We stayed a four piece for a while trying a few different keyboardists and then James brought in Alison, and we’ve been a 5 piece since. We collectively had always envisioned the dynamic of a female keyboardist from the beginning; it just took some time to find the right fit.

Who does most of the writing? Are you willing to share your process? How much of a song is ‘finished’ once the band plays it together? Have you had to scrap songs that just didn’t work once the band started to rehearse them?

Chris: Most of our ideas begin with our guitarist James as pieces or more complete ideas. Sometimes he has lyric ideas, but if not, then I’ll write lyrics and vocal melodies. We then work on the draft ideas as a band in rehearsal. We spend a lot of time working on variations, arrangements, and trying any ideas that might potentially make the song better. Once we have exhausted that process, we will then rehearse until we feel it’s ready for a live audience and continue tweaking if necessary. I think that emphasis is very important in making our songwriting better, and gives us our best chance to compete with other national releases.

Heath: As far as scrapping songs…Yeah, the single “Echoes” on “In Case You Just Tuned In”…was actually worked out during the recording of the EP and the song just wasn’t coming together, so we scratched it, did a complete overhaul on it and it went from a pretty much unlistenable mess to one of our stronger songs on the album. And, yeah we have left a few songs by the wayside, that probably won’t ever resurface…that’s the nature of writing, you kind of have your pre-production group of songs, then scale that back to songs you will record, and then sometimes they don’t all make it thru that process, what you are left with is what you release…knowing that’s the cream of the crop at that moment in time.

That’s very much like any writer’s process as well. Who are your musical (or other) influences and what have these influences taught you?

Chris: Well, I began as a drummer and background singer which taught me a lot about rhythm, tempo, and the fundamentals of music. It also gave me a chance to play in some good bands that toured and the opportunity to learn about the music business. I am a pretty big Dave Grohl fan and thought it was the coolest thing that he successfully made the transition to frontman. He is certainly an influence and inspiration. I think everyone in the band has been influenced from great artists from the classic rock era, to the 80’s, 90’s and beyond. I think it shows in our music.

Heath: As a whole, the band has pretty varied styles and taste, but it all converges together in the great combination that creates our sound and vibe. I will just say that within the band some individual favorites go from Taylor Swift to Meshuggah. But we all love modern indie rock music, just had ACL week 1 this weekend and everybody in the band was stoked to see multiple artists throughout each day.

ACL is something on my bucket list, and to be honest – I’m envious. You just finished a brief tour and are playing in Austin at the end of the month, are there any future plans for additional shows? If so, when/where?

Chris: Definitely. We plan to do some long weekend runs in the interim until we have another longer tour pieced together. We are evaluating where we are getting the most radio support and want to make sure we visit those markets. We’ve been getting some love on the East Coast so we may end up there next, but that is still being planned at this point in time.

How do you know (if you can actually know) when you’ve got a song that will be a hit? Expanding on that, how did you pick the songs on In Case You Just Tuned In? Do you have a favorite?

Chris: It certainly isn’t an exact science, but there are songs that seem to just have the right feel as a single. We elicit the advice of the professionals who represent us like our radio promoter, our PR team, and try to make the best decision we can. In the end, it’s all a gamble, but you just put what you feel is your best foot forward and hope it resonates with people. I really dig “Echoes,” but I like “Rainmaker” a lot too. “Lead Me Along” came out really well too. It’s hard to name one favorite. I enjoy playing all of them.

Heath: That’s a tough question, I think I know when someone else has a hit. And there is a difference between a hit and a song that is a success. I think that pop artists know when they have a hit and something is gonna blow up to a degree. For a band, I think you have some ideas of what might be a successful song, but, it’s just completely speculative and subjective.

As I said in the introduction, I really like the entire album so hopefully that bodes well for how it will carry across various markets. Finally, we call ourselves Talk Nerdy With Us because, we’re all nerdy about something here at the site. What, if anything, do y’all nerd out about?

Chris: Scifi… complete STAR WARS nerds most of us. Not as much with Heath, but the other 4 of us. James and Aaron are total gear heads and are always taking about pedals and guitars etc. James is an electrical engineer and builds some of his own stuff. Heath and I geek out a little on drum stuff. It’s nice to have someone to talk drums with. Alison is a foodie because she has allergies has to know a lot about food, and both Heath and Alison are fashionistas.

Thank you again for taking time out to answer our questions. We here at TNWU wish you success with this album and all your future endeavors.

Chris: Thanks for the opportunity to speak with you. We really appreciate those who are supportive and instrumental in getting our name and music out there. We realize you have lots of choices, so thank YOU very much! Cheers!

Heath: Yeah, definitely…thanks for your time and interest! Much appreciated! - Talk Nerdy With US - Debbi Bachman - October 5, 2016

If you like Columbus-based power pop band WALK THE MOON, you’re going to absolutely adore White Label Analog. Despite some similarities in sound, White Label Analog is able to emulate WALK THE MOON while putting their own personal twist into it – creating something unique and shockingly refreshing. In their latest album, In Case You Just Tuned In, White Label Analog paints an upbeat, bouncy picture of delicious hooks and bright melodies.

Through smooth, groovy tracks with vocals surprisingly Brendon Urie-esque, White Label Analog put together a danceable album. Songs like Rainmaker, Al Capone, and Off The Wall (my personal favorites) are badass and filled with powerful bass lines, and provide a refreshing break from the occasionally repetitive album. Rarely, the band would slip into a sound that lacked a certain uniqueness to it – whether or not that’s a product of the genre, it led to my lack of focus. Regardless, the album has an overall warmth to it. The synth tracks are unique, the harmonies are intricate (you know what a sucker I am for good harmonies), and there’s even a cover of a Black Sabbath song (Hard Road) that incorporates a totally different, yet invigorating, sound. It’s also an excellent driving album, which is something I’m always on the lookout for.

At times, In Case You Just Tuned In sounds like Brendon Urie (of Panic! At The Disco) was featured on a Young The Giant album – which is a pretty fascinating concept, and of course my mind immediately jumps to the possibilities of that collaboration. Despite some rare disappointment in the form of repetition, I really do like this album. That too-similar sound is definitely overshadowed by all of the spectacular bits – the harmonies, the driving guitar, and the overall catchiness. It’s just too good! I’ve always been a WALK THE MOON fan, and you know from the recent show review that I’m getting into Young The Giant as well. White Label Analog is the perfect power pop band to complete the trifecta of upbeat indie goodness. - Posted on October 3, 2016 by indientry

You guys just finished your fall tour, how did it go?
The tour went well for our first tour, we made some new fans, had a great bonding experience as a band, gave our PR firm (BPM) some opportunities to help us get our branding out there…overall I would say it was a success in what our expectations were for our first tour.

Did you have endeavor any nightmarish complications during your tour?
Actually, everything went pretty smooth from the stand point of logistics, there were a few downers like the club that we were supposed to play at in Portland that went through an ownership change a few weeks or so prior to us leaving for tour and they had to cancel the show the day before due to new ownership not securing their liability insurance and not being able to open. And a few other bumps in the road, but overall nothing nightmarish, we rolled with the punches and kept things positive and professional with every venue despite things maybe not always being exactly how shows were advanced.

Did the tour run as expected being if you guys had any expectations going into the tour?
Yes, as previously stated, we went into this knowing that we are a baby band and this was our first time in all these markets, so our expectations were minimal. Just wanted an opportunity to get in front of some new people and we knew that if we could, we could win them over…even people that may not have been particular fans of our genre of music.

Are you ready to do it again?
I can’t speak for everybody…but, although it feels good to be home, I’m ready for the next adventure and to get back out there and do it again. Being a DIY band with no label support or anything of that nature, we have already started to plan for our next adventure and budget for that as we are getting some radio play in markets on the East coast and Midwest, so we need to consolidate plans for those excursions along with hitting the west coast again as well.

In terms of your indiegogo campaign are you happy and or satisfied with the results?
Yes, it turned out well and helped to offset some of our costs….we didn’t fully realize our goal, but we felt the love from those that did help us out and felt that regardless of anything it was a success to get some of our friends and families to help us along our path.

While out on this tour you guys were promoting your brand new album titled In Case You Just Tuned In just about a month ago now, how did you find your audiences were digging the album especially city to city? Was the response different in each city?
We are still a new band, but have some great people behind us with UNCLE doing radio promotion and Big Picture Media handling press. So there was some awareness that was created in all markets that we hit and multiple markets that weren’t even part of this first tour campaign. Overall the response was great that we had a solid live show, sounded very tight and polished, handled ourselves professionally and delivered on what a band out trying to make new fans should. I think that every city really embraced us from the owner/booker, to the fans of other bands and our fans that turned out for the shows….people were engaged and lots of positive feedback from new markets that don’t really know who we are yet.

Now that you are around a month in to the release did you guys have any expectations with the albums release?
I think our expectations on the album are about where we thought they would be, we are realistic, but we are getting some great response from PD’s and MD’s in radio and press people. When your competing with a million other bands for time and exposure, we know that it’s going to be a process and that things take time, so we will continue to support and push this album and look for those opportunities that can help to further us while we strive everyday to gain awareness for what we are doing and make sure that this album gets it’s fair chance in the modern landscape of the music industry.

Now that you have played the songs live for a little bit now have you found yourselves stretching away from the recorded version and making adjustments to any of the songs?
Not really, we spent a lot of time to make sure we got it right on the album, but we have made some adjustments in the realm of transitions and flow of our live show from one song to the next, be it extending some intro’s/outro’s or crafting some segues, etc…

Where can people pick up a copy of In Case You Just Tuned In?
It’s available in most of the normal places for music lovers…iTunes, Amazon, etc…for purchase and places like Spotify, Pandora, etc… for music streaming. As far as a physical copy of the album as well as other merchandise, you have to come see us live or visit our website at www.whitelabelanalog.com - Kingston Music Reviews.ca - September 30, 2016

It is Monday and can sometimes be one of the hardest days to get through, but with the right music playing, it can be the best day. Today I am cranking up the new album In Case You Just Tuned In from alternative rockers, White Label Analog. The album was released earlier this month and features production credits from 11-time Grammy nominated engineer Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons), as well as Dwight Baker, Mark Dufour, and Chris Frenchie Smith. Coming together from a myriad of musical backgrounds, the members of White Label Analog bring personal experiences and musical mastery to every single track. Bassist Aaron Herbster remarked that, “there’s something very special about finding the right chemistry of musicians.”

This is one of those albums that you will find yourself listening to fully and on repeat. It delivers 11 tracks that features a variety of styles of alternative, indie, pop and rock, with one thing in common, each song is quite addictive.

You can pick up the album and some cool merch by heading over to: http://www.whitelabelanalog.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html or head over to iTunes, Amazon, etc. and download it. You can’t help but have your spirits lifted when you listen to their energized songs and have your day brightened instantly.

White Label Analog is:

CHRIS DIDEAR – Lead Vocals
JAMES MILLICAN – Guitar/Vocals
ALISON PEPPER – Keys/Vocals
AARON HERBSTER – Bass
HEATH MACINTOSH – Drums/Vocals
So pick up In Case You Just Tuned In and tell us what your favorite songs are. Make sure to visit their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.

Information & Links:

Website: http://www.whitelabelanalog.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitelabelanalog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WLA_band
Instagram: http://instagram.com/white_label_analog
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9wA4adiWbWhXO6WEtO3sg - Music Junkie Press - Posted on September 26, 2016

Earlier this month a musician friend of mine sent me a message telling me a friends indie/alternative rock band from Austin, Texas was headed out on tour and that Seattle was one of their dates. He told me that I needed to check them while they were in town. So of course trusting his opinion I made time to check out the band White Label Analog when they arrived.

On September 15th they arrived in town to play the El Corazon along with Lando, Season of Strangers and Flawed Hero. As soon as WLA hit the stage and vocalist Chris Didear opened his mouth and started singing I was immediately thrust back to the 80’s band English Beat’s song “Sooner or Later”. I am pretty sure WLA’s vocalist is channeling English Beat’s vocalist Dave Wakeling! The vocals are so strikingly similar it’s freaky! Their show was really good. They were very entertaining and their music is very enjoyable to listen too. It’s got a really good beat that is great for dancing and the songs are catchy and singable. Although indie/alternative, there’s a core of 80’s that I heard in their underlying sound from many of the great dance bands of that time. It comes from the mix of the music styles with the keyboards, then the beats and guitar mixed with the vocals. This is definitely a fun band to watch and listen to.

I left the show with both of the bands CD’s and I am happy I made that decision. The first cd titled “A Little More Time” and their new one “In Case You Just Tuned In” are both solid releases. I’ve made a point since to listen to both cd’s in full and I really enjoy both of them. I do confess to having my favorite songs from each album. From their first album my favs are “Turn to Dust” and “Men Like Gods” and from the new album “Awakened By Fire” is my fav, but all of the songs are good and you all will certainly have your own favorites as well.

I highly recommend checking out White Label Analog. Some people would say this is a band for the indie or hipster crowd, but even myself who’s real rock and metal fan who’s also had time with the 80’s era dance music, I found that I too, enjoy their music. So it’s something I say can and will cross the lines into many fans collections. So take a listen and give this band a chance. If you get a chance to catch them live, do it. You may find something new that you’d never considered or a band that you’ve just not had the chance to hear before. (Video of the band at the bottom of the page)

This quintet consists of:
Chris Didear – Lead Vocals
James Millican – Guitar/Vocals
Heath Macintosh – Drums/Vocals
Aaron Herbster – Bass
Alison Pepper – Keyboards/Vocals - YesterdazeNews.com - Diane Webb - September 25, 2016

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Chris Didear – lead vocals

James Millican – guitar, vocals

Heath Macintosh – drums, vocals

Aaron Herbster – bass

Alison Pepper – keyboards, vocals

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to White Label Analog? How long has the band been around?

We were Corey Feldman’s backup band called the Mangels prior to this. J/K

Heath – Soak, Alpha Rev, Crawling with Kings

Chris – Deejer, 50 Mission Crush, Blind Date

Aaron – Wan Santo Condo, O:A (Operation Awesome), Grace Woodroofe

James – The Blue Forty Twos, Brawny Cash

Alison – WLA is her first!

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

White Label pressings were the way that record labels used to send out promo copies of a single back in the days of vinyl. So it would be just a generic black and white label and was a cheaper way for them to do the promo copies and save a few bucks. So, in keeping with that vibe we added the word “Analog” to complete the name “White Label Analog.”

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Typically they will start out as either cool riffs, partially written songs, or more complete song ideas from our guitarist James. Then, if lyrics or vocal melodies need to be written, Chris will work on those. Once there is enough of an idea to jam it in practice, we then begin the process of forming more final drafts. We break them down and try any ideas offered by any member in an effort to improve the song’s overall presentation as well as each arrangement.

The themes have mostly been about either personal life experience, universal ideas or imagery that reflects a feeling or mood about something. Sometimes the songs write themselves, but other times it can be a much longer process. Once we feel we have exhausted ideas for a particular song, we’ll rehearse it until we collectively agree it is ready for an audience and perform it live.

There will always be past experiences to draw upon, and as new life experiences happen there will no doubt be more things to write about. We all constantly challenge ourselves in our songwriting. It is one of the most fundamental and important aspects of being in a band, so we place a huge emphasis on it.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Corey Feldman, Starfish Farm, and Hungarian Wedding Music… again kidding.

The Strokes, The Killers, Phoenix, Arctic Monkeys, Two Door Cinema Club

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Not so much a particular band or concert. All of us had bands and concerts that have inspired us to become musicians or to learn to play an instrument growing up. The motivation to form this band was simple. We just wanted to collectively write music that is fun and engaging, something with a modern indie rock sound that includes keyboard melodies and female vocals, and has an edge. A lot of current indie pop and rock bands lean heavily on electronic sounds and while we incorporate those textures we still like the fact that we are a guitar-based rock band.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

Chris: I certainly appreciate and enjoy a good IPA, but I have to severely limit my alcohol consumption while on tour. It really wears on my voice. So, I drink more water than normal before and during shows to stay hydrated. I think the rest just get their stuff on stage and then grab a beer or maybe a cider or tequila for Alison.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Probably our tour because it is a culmination of everything we have been working towards for the past year. Writing, recording, and mixing the songs, then releasing our first full-length album “In Case You Just Tuned In” and launching a national radio single for the song “Echoes” which all ultimately provided us an opportunity to get out on the road to perform our new music for people. The places we’re seeing and people we’re meeting have been really amazing. It’s definitely not as glamorous as people might think. You certainly miss your home and family, but it is a very special experience to be able to travel and play your music night after night in a new town and state. We only have four shows left as this is being written, but it has been an epic journey.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

This is a tough question, there are currently so many incredible bands past and present. Our past band would probably be the Beatles and present band would most likely be the Foo Fighters. Can’t imagine a more stellar touring experience than those two.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We’d just like to say thank you for the opportunity to talk about White Label Analog and our new music. Cheers! - Kill The Music - by Jordan Mohler - September 22, 2016

Catch up with Austin-based indie pop rockers White Label Analog and listen to lead single "Echoes" off the band's debut album, In Case You Just Tuned In, out now.

What brought you all together?

Chris Didear: Most of us have been in bands for a good part of our music careers. I've been in Austin for most of my life and had known both Aaron (bass) and Heath (drums) for a while. Initially, I had just gotten out of a band and was looking to do something kind of different and outside of my comfort zone - expand my horizons, so to speak - something new, something fresh. I talked to Heath early on and, for whatever reason, at the time we were just both busy and not able to make something materialize, so I just was like, well, I'm going to put an ad on Craigslist and see what happens, and I did and I tried to work with a couple of different guys that didn't pan out and then James answered the ad and he and I gelled right off the bat. We started writing some songs and once we got a few songs together then I reached back out to Heath and he came and jammed with us and, after 2/3 weeks of that, he was pretty interested. So, we just worked as a 3-piece for a while until we felt comfortable bringing another person in and I called my old buddy Aaron and he came in and did a great job right off the bat and blew everybody away. We were a 4-piece and we were looking around for a keyboardist - which seemed to be the ever elusive missing member - and we had always envisioned having a female keyboardist for the look of the band, for the dynamic, for the voice, lots of reasons. We started looking around and a couple people we tried out didn't pan out and, actually, Alison and James knew each other and she'd seen us play live and we had a conversation and she thought we were looking for a male keyboardist and we told her, 'no, we're actually looking for a female,' and she was like, 'uh, well, I'm that'. So we got together with her and we've been this line-up ever since. We did a few gigs as a 4-piece because we were getting antsy looking around for a keyboardist and then, like I said, Alison saw us and that's how we met.

Where does your name, White Label Analog, come from?

Chris: Actually, it was a name that Heath came up with and we probably spent a few weeks combing over about 50,000 names and nothing was really sticking - and this was when we were still a 4-piece - and Heath came up with the name, White Label Analog. Believe it or not, I was the only one that really wasn't into the name, the other guys were totally down with it, so we went with the majority, obviously, and I was like, 'cool, okay, let's go with that,' and it just eventually grew on me; I really like the name now.

Which musicians have you been influenced by?

Chris: That's a very, very difficult question with a long answer, but everybody brings different influences to the table ranging from classical jazz, metal, other indie alternative, modern rock, all kinds of stuff, so it's just a hodgepodge of influences, both band-wise and individually. I think, more than anything, it's the eclectic taste and influences of the individuals that brings together the total sound of the band.

Which words would you use to describe your sound?

Chris: We get asked that a lot. A lot of indie alt-rock and pop music today, it seems less focused on the rock and more heavily on maybe synth and pop sounds and electronic sounds. And, while we like that stuff and we certainly like to have that kind of flavor mixed in with our music, we still like to have a little rock sound, a little meat with the rock sound to add a little more taste. So, I would say indie rock pop.

What were your inspirations behind your single, "Echoes"?

Chris: To be honest, I had reflected back on a couple of personal losses and I just wanted to, in some way, celebrate life and make people realize that life is frail and we need to live in the moment and enjoy what we have, because there's no guarantee of a tomorrow. It's really about making memories and that those memories reverberate after you're gone with other people and with the world around you.

Could you tell us more about your new album, In Case You Just Tuned In, and how it compares to your previous EP?

Chris: The EP was our first recording and so it was songs that had been written early on in the process and we were proud of the EP and everything and still play songs off the EP, but the new record is more of a maturation of the band. Our writing style's evolving; we're navigating our way with our sound. I don't think we're trying to consciously sound like any one thing, but I think the listeners will find that it's an interesting mix, the journey from beginning to end. It's got some pretty fun hooks and it's not too serious. A very fun record to listen to. Somewhat danceable and melodic, but still has a little bit of an edge to it.

In one sentence, how would you sum up In Case You Just Tuned In?

Chris: Endearing wedding music [laughs].

The cool thing about this record is, we got to work with a lot of really good, talented mixers, so it added a lot of cool texture and feel. There was no more than, say, three songs mixed by any one mixing engineer, so that process, in and of itself, made the entire mix of the album unique, in a sense. Obviously, working with Mark Needham and the reputation and his experience and everything was really the cornerstone for the rest of the album; we used his mixes to kind of dictate the overall presentation, so that was consistent throughout the album. But, yeah, that was an interesting mix of people that we worked with to do the recording.

Heath Macintosh: To me, it's got great peaks and valleys. Sonically, each song competes with the next and it doesn't feel like you're just hearing the same song over and over again, which is something that I feel like I hear a lot on some bands' albums. There's a good dynamic; you can really hear where we pull from different influences from song to song and get a different vibe as it goes song to song.

What do you hope listeners are able to take away from your music?

Chris: I hope that they just enjoy listening to it and are inspired enough to share it with people because, really, you can do all the online promotion, but word of mouth really is still the best form of promotion. If someone tells somebody else and it just keeps paying forward, then you start amassing an audience. We're hoping to reach new audiences on the road; we've been pretty excited about taking this tour and finding new people to share this music with. We're hoping that they just take away a really good listening experience and that they're excited about it enough to share it with other people.

Is there anything you want to add?

James Millican: I think, for me, this album has been not too serious, not too playful, not too rock, not too pop; it's kind of somewhere in-between where we all intersect with our different musical backgrounds, so I think that sticks out pretty heavily when you're listening to the songs. - The Music Rag - September 14, 2016

Article and Photos By: Joshua Guerra

Local Austin band White Label Analog took over Stubb’s indoors for their album release show of In Case You Just Tuned In which came out September 2nd.

Opening the night at Stubb’s was another local band, The Please Please Me. Their sound was a mixture of indie and electro pop, and lead vocalist Jessie Torrisi’s strong vocals and wonderful performance got a lot of people dancing in the crowd.

White Label Analog was second on the bill (though they were not the headliners of the evening). The four-piece band had a really rock n roll blues sound to them which sounded great live. The band performed several songs from their first full-length album, which fans grooved along to happily.

White Label Analog certainly seemed like the headliner of the night, drawing a huge crowd in such a small room at Stubb’s. They brought many different genres of music together, their songs reflecting pop, rock, jazz, blues, and dance — a little something for everybody to enjoy.

They performed their newest album In Case You Just Tuned In in its entirety. On this album is also a cover song “Hard Road,” originally by Black Sabbath. On “Hard Road,” they added their own sound and musical techniques to it, making it their own. Many in attendance enjoyed “Echoes,” the radio single off the album. The night was filled with a lot of dancing, laughs, and cheers. Lead singer Chris Didear is an excellent performer who engages with the crowd and acknowledges his fans.

White Label Analog is currently hosting an Indiegogo campaign page to help fund for their upcoming Midwest/west coast tour. Dates have not yet been released, but keep a lookout for this band as they will be doing great things in the future. - MONKEYGOOSE MAGAZINE by Joshua Guerra - September 11, 2016

Written by: Bethany Polson

People often complain that all music sounds the same nowadays, well, White Label Analog is here to change your mind. This self-proclaimed indie rock group finds their inspiration anywhere from modern rock icons like the Killers to contemporary indie bands such as Two Door Cinema Club.

White Label Analog isn’t your ordinary lineup either. These Austin, Texas locals have been around the block a few times and learned some life lessons that they apply to their style of music. So far, the band has released one EP in 2015 entitled A Little More Time, which is a snapshot of their lives up until that point. You can listen to that right now on Spotify. Next, the group recently released their debut LP In Case You Just Tuned In on September 2, 2016.

Supporting this new release, you can catch them on tour in the Southwest and Midwest this fall. Starting in their hometown of Austin and making their way all the way along the west coast. Follow White Label Analog on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up and see if they’re coming near you.
White Label Analog Chris Didear James Millican Heath Macintosh Aaron Herbster Alison Pepper Artist Spotlight A Little More Time In Case You Just Tuned In

5 September, 2016 - Rumored Nights Press - Bethany Polson - September 5, 2016

September 2, 2016
White Label Analog
In Case You Just Tuned In
Label: Disco Pancake Music
Release Date: September 2, 2016

Review By: Dasha Semyonova

Indie-Rock band White Label Analog comes from Austin, Texas, where their southern flair no doubt peeks through an impeccable blend of energized pop, dramatic rock, and unique indie sounds, all within one 11-track album called “In Case You Just Tuned In.” Each song is just plain fun, making you want to dance around with the person closest to you. The upbeat rock tunes are spiced up with flavorful lyrics expressing stories of love and good times. This album is consistent and true to its sound, making it versatile for any spirited listener. “In Case You Just Tuned In” is a great pick-me-up for lovers of any genre. - SHAMELESS PROMOTIONS - Dasha Semyonova - September 2, 2016

White Label Analog, “In Case You Just Tuned In.” The full-length debut from this indie-rock fivesome, following a 2015 EP, is full of smart, sharp and danceable pop-rock, cleanly captured by renowned engineer Mark Needham. Release show Sept. 2 at Stubb’s. Here’s the track “Echoes”: - Austin360 by Peter Blackstock - September 2, 2016

On Mondays, it seems like #NewMusicFriday is a millennium away. Because it would suck to wait that long, we’re bringing you one of this week’s best releases four days early. Scroll down to check out In Case You Just Tuned In by White Label Analog!

“In Case You Just Tuned In is a veritable snap shot of our lives since releasing A Little More Time; A reflection of our ideas, feelings, and the experiences we’ve all shared.” – Heath Macintosh (drummer/vocalist)
The Austin, Texas band brought a handful of musical backgrounds to production masters like engineer Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees), and the result is a group of tracks that will have you rocking along all week (and then some). Check it out below! - BY EMILLIE MARVEL (idobi.com) - August 29, 2016

White Label Analog (Austin,TX) recently released “ECHOES” the lead single from their first full-lenght album In Case You Just Tuned In to be released September 2nd, same date when their Fall Tour launches with a show at Stubb’s here in Austin,TX. - Music Way Austin / August 29, 2016

Indie rock band White Label Analog have premiered their forthcoming album "In Case You Just Tuned In" on Aug. 29.

Fans can stream the album in full exclusively on idobi Radio HERE.

Slated for release on September 2, "In Case You Just Tuned In" marks the band's debut full-length release.

White Label Analog will be hitting the road in September in support of the project - See below for dates.
Drummer/vocalist Heath Macintosh told idobi Radio, "In Case You Just Tuned In is a veritable snapshot of our lives; A reflection of our ideas, feelings, and the experiences we've all shared."
The 11-track project features production credits from White Label Analog as well as Dwight Baker, Mark Dufour, Chris "Frenchie" Smith and 11-time Grammy nominated mixing engineer Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons). The result is an eclectic group of songs that form a daring alliance between traditional pop rock and today's indie scene. KLBJ's Loris Lowe praised their unique sound saying, "White Label Analog bring power pop rock...sunny melodies and delicious hooks."
Formed and based in Austin, Texas, White Label Analog consists of vocalist Chris Didear, guitarist/vocalist James Millican, drummer/vocalist Heath Macintosh, keyboardist/vocalist Alison Pepper and bassist Aaron Herbster.

Coming together from a myriad of musical backgrounds, the members of White Label Analog bring personal experiences and musical mastery to every single track. Bassist Aaron Herbster remarked that, "there's something very special about finding the right chemistry of musicians."

In Case You Just Tuned Is in the debut full-length release from White Label Analog, following their 2015 EP A Little More Time.

For more information, please visit: whitelabelanalog.com.

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Sept 9 - Fort Worth, TX - Shipping and Receiving
Sept 10 - Norman, OK - Red Brick
Sept 11 - Lawrence, KS - Jackpot
Sept 12 - Denver, CO - Quixotes True Blue
Sept 14 - Spokane, WA - Red Room
Sept 15 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Sept 17 - Portland, OR - The Foggy Notion
Sept 18 - San Francisco, CA - Neck of the Woods
Sept 20 - Los Angeles, CA - Grandpa Johnsons
Sept 21 - San Diego, CA - 710 Beach Club
Sept 23 - Tucson, AZ - Loud House
Sept 24 - El Paso, TX - Rock House

For more information on White Label Analog, please visit:
facebook.com/whitelabelanalog
@wla_band
instagram.com/white_label_analog/ - THISFUNKTIONAL by Jesus Figueroa - August 29, 2016

On Mondays, it seems like #NewMusicFriday is a millennium away. Because it would suck to wait that long, we’re bringing you one of this week’s best releases four days early. Scroll down to check out In Case You Just Tuned In by White Label Analog!

“In Case You Just Tuned In is a veritable snap shot of our lives since releasing A Little More Time; A reflection of our ideas, feelings, and the experiences we’ve all shared.” – Heath Macintosh (drummer/vocalist)
The Austin, Texas band brought a handful of musical backgrounds to production masters like engineer Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees), and the result is a group of tracks that will have you rocking along all week (and then some). Check it out below! - iodobi.com BY EMILLIE MARVEL | AUGUST 29, 2016 AT 1:47 PM

Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Aaron Herbster (AH) – Doing well and very excited to be here.

Chris Didear (CD) – Hey thanks! Things are great; just crazy busy prepping for our new release and tour.

Heath Macintosh (HM) – Great, just gearing up for the local CD Release at Stubb’s on Sept 2nd and the west coast tour to follow from Sept 9th-25th. Thanks for having us!

James Millican (JM) – Fan-tastic.

Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Echoes”?

CD – Well, it is the lead off track from our new record In Case You Just Tuned In and just hit radio. So far we’re getting some great response and getting spins in markets on the West Coast, Midwest, Texas, and NY. It was self-produced and was mixed by 11-time Grammy nominee Mark Needham. He’s worked with so many great bands like The Killers, Imagine Dragons etc. We got to work with him on our first EP and were fortunate to have another opportunity with this record.

HM – It’s actually a song that we demo’d for our EP last year. But, it was just all wrong at the time and didn’t even bother past the scratch track stage…so, we revamped it this year, just keeping some of the chord progressions and completely reworking the song from top to bottom, rewriting melodies, lyrics, working up counter melodies, harmonies, etc… So, a very different song than what it started out as and it feels right now as if it has found its correct vibe and arrangement.

JM – This is a song that has floated around for a while. We wrote a few different versions of it that were shelved because they didn’t quite capture what we were hearing, but we stayed excited about it and kept bringing it back out to work on. While recording material for the new album we dusted it off again as an afterthought but it quickly became a primary focus of the writing and recording process.

Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?

HM – Lyrically, Chris can direct you on this

CD – This song originally started out as a completely different idea about a year ago and we ended up salvaging part of the chorus to use as a bridge in the current version. Lyrically, it was inspired by personal loss both in my family and with a dear friend. So, I wanted to acknowledge the frailty of life, but also celebrate the legacy of the human spirit. Reminding us in our busy lives, to live in the moment and enjoy the good times. It is the realization that those experiences become memories that we leave behind. So… Carpe Diem!

Any plans to release a video for the single?

AH – Yes, though we may have to do a lyric video first, and then before releasing a live action video.

CD – Yes, we have begun discussing ideas and it is just a matter of finding the time to fully execute the right idea. We were hoping to have one completed before our tour, but we have just been so busy. However, it’s definitely in the plan, so we hope you will keep an eye out for it.

HM – Yes, we have one in the works, but time is not our friend right now with our busy schedule, but hopefully very soon.

JM – We keep reaching out to Spike Jonze but he won’t return our calls…

The single comes off your forthcoming album In Case You Just Tuned In – what’s the story behind the title?

AH – We have been around for a few years now, recently released our debut EP, and trying to play as much as we can around town. The title is about that: if you don’t know about us, yet, you’ve been missing out, but it’s not too late.

CD – Also, using a song lyric as the title is something we did on our first EP. So, we thought it would be fun to do it again with this record. “In Case You Just Tuned In” is a line from the bridge section in “Echoes”.

HM – We used a song lyric for the title of our EP “A Little More Time” and thought that was an appropriate place to look for the title for our full length. Actually kinda the same process as the EP, we all threw out a bunch of stuff and the title list got ridiculously long, then we started looking at lyrics again for some inspiration. Found a couple that were close and one even from this same song, but eventually decided “In Case You Just Tuned In” a line from Echoes was the appropriate anecdote for the album title.

How was the recording and writing process?

AH – The writing process is fun and challenging. We all have ideas for our parts and for the song as a whole. Typically, James (guitar and back—up vocals) brings in a general idea, or more specific parts, depending on the song. We jam and try to create the best possible version of each song. This is where compromise is very important and that we don’t fall victim to pride. When the song is done, it is extremely satisfying. Recording is better, for me, in that the song is still fluid until recorded. And, once recorded, the next step for the song is playing it live, and that is what all of this is for.

CD – This band goes the extra mile to try as many ideas as possible, tear them down, and rework each song until we collectively feel they are in a form where they can be recorded. It is the culmination of a lot of time and effort to get to this point, so it’s exciting to be able to share it.

HM – We self-produce so we always try to do as much pre-production as possible, so we can execute the overall vibe and theme of each song. But, we leave room for adding in studio nuances be it additional harmonies, counter melodies vocal or musical, etc.. to help complete the song to its final form.

As far as writing….James pretty much comes up with the skeletal work of a song and then we dissect, arrange, tear it down/build it back up if need be…each of us putting our own flavor and spin on parts. And sometimes little has to be done, other times it’s completely reworked, just depends how it comes together. Lyrically mainly James and Chris take that role with suggestions from the peanut gallery. : )

JM – Four guys, one gal, lots of opinions, and a very patient recording engineer (Andy Sharp).

What was it like to work with Mark Needham and how did that relationship develop?

AH – I thought it was very cool working with someone with such a distinguished career and discography.

CD – He is the consummate pro and very gracious. He comes from such a wealth of knowledge and experience that helped us put our best foot forward.

HM – Mark was actually referred to us by Marc Kordellos over at UNCLE (btw, can’t say enough good things about him, great to work with). We used Needham to remix the song “Turn To Dust”on this album and in turn used him for a couple of other songs for the album (Echoes and Rainmaker). I run point for most of the studio stuff, mixing, mastering, etc.. so I was the direct pipeline on that. Mark is a great guy and has great ears, extremely adaptable and patient in working out any kinks, makes himself very available and keeps on top of things with quick turnarounds. Really can’t ask for more and that’s why he is the “Pro” that he is.

How much did he get to influence the album?

AH – We originally hired him to re-mix one song (Turn to Dust from our debut EP), which ended up as a track on our full-length album. However, his re-mix sounded so good, that we decided to have him mix what we considered would be our first two singles (Echoes and Rainmaker). He set the bar for mixing, and the other guys mixing the other 8 songs all did an amazing job.

CD – Yes, we utilized the Needham mixes as a reference to set the tone for the rest of the record. This helped us to establish some sonic consistency throughout; since we used multiple mixers. The other 3 mixers who lent their talents for this album have impressive album credits of their own. It was a different approach for us than what we had done in the past, but in the end, it helped us create what I feel is a more unique experience for listeners.

HM – Since we self-produce, the songs were there, and mostly we just let him do his thing as far as mixing, we would alter volumes and amounts of effects here and there. But, mostly just let him give his interpretation of where he thought the song needed to be and then we could fine tune to our taste. He really opened up the songs he worked on and pushed them to the sonic level you hear on the album.

What ideas and experiences inspired the lyrics on this album?

HM – Again, will let Chris and James chime in on this

CD – Mostly they are a reflection of some of our personal experiences, risks, tragedies, triumphs, and moments of clarity or self-awareness, and relationship lessons.

JM – I feel like there’s this gap between when you are first an adult on paper and when you finally (if ever) start to consider yourself one, and a lot of the lyrics I wrote on this album explore that period of time. Within about five years I transitioned from graduating college and buying the house with the white picket fence to quitting my job and moving across the country from Pennsylvania to Austin in pursuit of music. Lots of hard lessons along the way and many of those made their way into the songs on this album.

Any plans to hit the road?

AH – Yes, we will be doing a two-week, West Coast tour in mid-September, which is very exciting for all of us. We may do some regional gigs after that, but look forward to Mid-West and East Coast tours in the near future.

CD – Yes! Can’t wait!

HM – As mentioned previously we are heading out on a West Coast tour from September 9th-25th, then we will probably just stay regional with some midwest dates as well thru the end of the year, before moving on to a second single and spring tour.

What else is happening next in White Label Analog’s world?

AH – Focusing on creating a great live show that faithfully represents us and our music, and looking forward to the tour.

CD – Yes, we have a release and tour kick-off party at one of our favorite venues Stubb’s, and then we hit the road. We’ll be working on a music video for “Echoes” and looking forward to playing new places and meeting new people. Thanks for having us and we’ll see you on the road! Cheers!

HM – Well, we will be doing anything and everything to get this album some legs and that will be the priority over the next 6 months and hopefully into summer festival season next year if it keeps building.

And early next year start hashing out some demo ideas for the next album. Thanks again for taking the time and hopefully be talking to you soon again with more updates on all things WLA. - VENTS Magazine by RJ Frometa - August 25, 2016

Austin-based indie alt-rock band White Label Analog will be playing Shipping and Receiving in support of their debut full-length album 'In Case You Just Tuned In' - Dallas Observer

White Label Analog is preparing for the release of their first full-length album In Case You Just Tuned In due out on September 2nd. The band just gave us a sample of what to expect with the first single “Echoes.”

Music Times remarked that, “This is a song that will echo in the listener’s memory long after the track has concluded.” “Echoes” serves as the band’s first look at their debut full-length album. The 11-track project features production credits from White Label Analog as well as Dwight Baker, Mark Dufour, Chris “Frenchie” Smith and 11-time Grammy nominated mixing engineer Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons). The result is an eclectic group of songs that form a daring alliance between traditional pop rock and today’s indie scene. KLBJ’s Loris Lowe praised their unique sound saying, “White Label Analog bring power pop rock…sunny melodies and delicious hooks.”




White Label Analog will be kicking off their fall tour in September, in support of In Case You Just Tuned In!

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Sept 9 – Fort Worth, TX – Shipping and Receiving
Sept 10 – Norman, OK – Red Brick
Sept 11 – Lawrence, KS – Jackpot
Sept 12 – Denver, CO – Quixotes True Blue
Sept 14 – Spokane, WA – Red Room
Sept 15 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Sept 17 – Portland, OR – The Foggy Notion
Sept 18 – San Francisco, CA – Neck of the Woods
Sept 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Grandpa Johnsons
Sept 21 – San Diego, CA – 710 Beach Club
Sept 23 – Tucson, AZ – Loud House
Sept 24 – El Paso, TX – Rock House - www.immusicmag.com by jpdeuce73 - August 23, 2016

Come on down and get to know Austin, Texas-based indie/alt-rockers White Label Analog! The band are preparing for the release of their first full-length album In Case You Just Tuned In (due out on September 2, 2016) and now you can hear the first single "Echoes" right here!

White Label Analog will kick off their fall 2016 tour in September, in support of In Case You Just Tuned In .

Tour Dates:

09/09 - Fort Worth, TX - Shipping and Receiving
09/10 - Norman, OK - Red Brick
09/11 - Lawrence, KS - Jackpot
09/12 - Denver, CO - Quixotes True Blue
09/14 - Spokane, WA - Red Room
09/15 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
09/17 - Portland, OR - The Foggy Notion
09/18 - San Francisco, CA - Neck of the Woods
09/20 - Los Angeles, CA - Grandpa Johnsons
09/21 - San Diego, CA - 710 Beach Club
09/23 - Tucson, AZ - Loud House
09/24 - El Paso, TX - Rock House - by: Christopher Gonda (PURE GRAIN AUDIO) - August 23, 2016

Indie rockers White Label Analog have released their newest single, “Echoes” via Music Times. The song lives on their forthcoming debut full-length album, In Case You Just Tuned In, which is slated for release on Sept. 2.

About the message behind “Echoes,” vocalist Chris Didear told Music Times, “The ‘echoes’ of the title are the reverberations of our experiences on earth that continue after we are no longer here.” Music Times remarked that, “This is a song that will echo in the listener’s memory long after the track has concluded.””Echoes” serves as the band’s first look at their debut full-length album. The 11-track project features production credits from White Label Analog as well as Dwight Baker, Mark Dufour, Chris “Frenchie” Smith and 11-time Grammy nominated mixing engineer Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons). The result is an eclectic group of songs that form a daring alliance between traditional pop rock and today’s indie scene. KLBJ’s Loris Lowe praised their unique sound saying, “White Label Analog bring power pop rock…sunny melodies and delicious hooks.” - Soundfiction by Identity - August 23, 2016

Austin, Texas has become one of the most important places for music in the United States. Spured by SXSW, Austin City Limits and a vibrant music scene, great bands are emerging from the city seemingly every week. A band to keep on your radar is five-piece group White Label Analog. The group is gearing up to release their debut full-length album In Case You Just Tuned In and we are happy to premiere the project's lead single "Echoes."

Lifted as the third song from the record, "Echoes" is more than just another straight away rock record. The guitars lead the charge with some hints of The Strokes in the main break as all of the elements come together in one energetic and well-composed finish.

This is a song that will echo in the listener's memory long after the track has concluded.


"The 'echoes' of the title are the reverberations of our experiences on earth that continue after we are no longer here," comments vocalist Chris Didear about the new single to Music Times.

EXCLUSIVES - PREMIERES

Premiere: Austin's White Label Analog Unveils Album Lead Single 'Echoes'
by Ryan Middleton Aug 22, 2016 15:32 PM EDTShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
White Label Analog (Photo : Nicki Gell)
Austin, Texas has become one of the most important places for music in the United States. Spured by SXSW, Austin City Limits and a vibrant music scene, great bands are emerging from the city seemingly every week. A band to keep on your radar is five-piece group White Label Analog. The group is gearing up to release their debut full-length album In Case You Just Tuned In and we are happy to premiere the project's lead single "Echoes."

Lifted as the third song from the record, "Echoes" is more than just another straight away rock record. The guitars lead the charge with some hints of The Strokes in the main break as all of the elements come together in one energetic and well-composed finish.

This is a song that will echo in the listener's memory long after the track has concluded.


"The 'echoes' of the title are the reverberations of our experiences on earth that continue after we are no longer here," comments vocalist Chris Didear about the new single to Music Times.


The album is available to pre-order now on their website. The 11-track LP will be released on Sept. 2. Find the full tracklist below and listen to "Echoes" exclusively on Music Times.

In Case You Just Tuned In Tracklist:

1. Awakened By Fire
2. Rainmaker
3. Echoes
4. Lead Me Along
5. Don't Wait Up
6. Turn To Dust
7. Where Have You Been
8. Al Capone
9. Sidewinder
10. Off The Wall
11. Hard Road - by Ryan Middleton (MUSIC TIMES) - August 22, 2016

Vocalist Chris Didear, guitarist/vocalist James Millican, drummer/vocalist Heath Macintosh, keyboardist/vocalist Alison Pepper and bassist Aaron Herbster make up the Texas-based alternative/indie band, White Label Analog. Together, they combined everyone’s diverse musical backgrounds and created such a unique and tasteful sound. The band carefully and beautifully crafts melodic pop-rock that’s totally in the moment, with inspiration coming from every era — something all generations can enjoy and appreciate. They create music that feels timeless with lyrics that play on repeat in your head. White Label Analog is a band that utilizes true vocal and instrumental talent, giving them that extra boost to stand out and be the colorful and diverse band they are widely known as.

Out on Sept. 2, In Case You Just Tuned In — the follow to their 2015 A Little More Time EP — is the reflection of the the band members’ ideas, feelings, and the experiences they’ve all shared together. “In Case You Just Tuned In is a veritable snap shot of our lives since releasing (their 2015 EP) A Little More Time,” Macintosh said. To create without outside influence, the band opted to self-produce the album. However, they did turn to a number of mixing engineers — 11-time Grammy nominated mixing engineer Mark Needham (The Killers, Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons), Dwight Baker, Mark Dufour and Chris “Frenchie” Smith — to deliver the fully realized sound they were seeking. Doing this allowed the band to achieve the most fully realized iteration of each of the 11 tracks on the album. The band will be playing a show at the El Corazon venue in Seattle, WA on Sept. 15 (For ticket information, go here) If you can’t make it to this show, check out the other tour dates below:

White Label Analog Tour Dates:

Sept 9 – Fort Worth, TX – Shipping and Receiving

Sept 10 – Norman, OK – Red Brick

Sept 11 – Lawrence, KS – Jackpot

Sept 12 – Denver, CO – TBD

Sept 13 – Salt Lake City, UT – TBD

Sept 14 – Boise, ID – Shredder

Sept 15 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon

Sept 16 – Portland, OR – TBD

Sept 17 – Sacramento, CA – TBD

Sept 18 – San Francisco, CA – Neck of the Woods

Sept 19 – Fresno, CA – TBD

Sept 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Grandpa Johnsons

Sept 21 – San Diego, CA – 710 Beach Club

Sept 22 – Phoenix, AZ – TBD

Sept 23 – Phoenix, AZ – Rogue

Sept 24 – El Paso, TX – Rock House - Elmore Magazine - August 20th, 2016

White Label Analog’s debut EP, A Little More Time, pops with splashes of vibrant color. These tracks are dance-floor ready. Their unique combination of power, grunge, and sweetness will hook you from your first listen and get your feet jumping in the air. Loyal fans will undoubtedly storm through Stubb’s BBQ in droves come Saturday night, but even new listeners will feel part of the family when they play the instantly catchy tracks “Sinking Ship” and “Oceana.” With bubbling electro-pop duo MAAJR pumping up the fun, this night will run rampant with unbridled joy. - Elisa Regulski

Celebrating the release of their EP, this local band is set to tear down Stubbs before setting their sights on the world at large. Playing an infectious brand of pop, White Label Analog feels cut from the same cloth as the likes of Phoenix, creating a large sound centered around powerful hooks that won’t hesitate to sink their teeth into your brain. - The Horn

Feb. 6, 2015 - Next up was White Label Analog (https://www.facebook.com/whitelabelanalog/timeline). The whole birthday party theme this evening was for the lead singer and guitar player. A little more rock for this performance than the previous band. White Label Analog came out of the gate with all cylinders firing. This was definitely the power performance that brought everyone to their feet, and dragged those from outside, in.
White Label Analog had that polished rock sound that easily makes you a fan. It was apparent from the crowd....there were a lot of fans in the house. I am not sure how long they were on stage, but the energy in this performance pretty much made the clocks stop! - Live Music in Texas