NIGHTSHIFT MAG

queer founded music media
magazine

About Us

Photo by Gabriel Hernandez | @areallycoolsword

Nightshift was founded in June of 2023 as an artistic collaboration between
AJ Press + Mack Knox.The goal with this project is to create an all encompassing digital music media magazine.Through photo, video, interviews, and analog processes we are able to showcase artists, bands, and any and all music industry professionals.

GATECREEPER

with
Undeath, Jarhead Fertilizer,
and Final Gasp

Mississippi Studios - Portland, Oregon June 3rd, 2024

photos + words by AJ PRESS

Arizona based death metal band, Gatecreeper, is on the road in support of their new album “Dark Superstition”. They stopped by Portland, Oregon at Mississippi Studios on June 3rd, with a stacked lineup featuring Final Gasp, Jarhead Fertilizer, and Undeath. As an established death metal band Gatecreeper was going to play a sold out show. The PNW fans showed up in support to mosh, headband, and crowd surf. Once the doors had opened, fans filled the room and were prepping to get rowdy. The opening bands warmed up the crowd with very engaging and high energy sets. Each band spoke highly of playing in Portland - collectively they were all stoked to be back in the Pacific Northwest!Gatecreeper finally took the stage and opened with ‘Puncture Wounds’ before playing right into ‘Ruthless’. The pit opened up almost immediately as Gatecreeper took the stage. Fans were pushing and moshing as the music blared through the venues PA system. The band played a 15 song set and to every new song off the record that they played, the crowd was moshing and head-banging along. In-between songs, vocalist Chase H. Mason, took a moment to share a story about how when he had woken up that morning, he had this feeling that the Portland show would be legendary. He continued on to say that there was so many friends and family in the crowd which helped contribute to the legendary feeling that was in the air. There is something special to be said about the energy that a band can bring to a show which is given back 10 times more from the crowd. “Dark Superstition” has melodic tone that translates so well in a live setting. The instrumentalists of the band, Eric Wagner (Guitar), Matt Arrebollo (Drums), Israel Garza (Guitar), and Alex Brown (bass) were all playing with such force and in complete and perfect unison. Deep driving bass, loud and buzzing guitar, and forceful drums all paired perfectly together with Chase H. Mason’s vocals. The crowd responded the whole show with cheer, screams, and applause. The new album was release on May 17th and the crowd seemed to already know all the new songs - like ‘Oblivion’ and ‘The Black Curtain’. As the show was coming to an end, the band closed out their set with ‘Sick of Being Sober’, ‘Flamethrower’, and ‘Boiled Over’. During one of the last songs of the night, the band surprised the crowd by bringing out Alex Jones from Undeath. As Gatecreeper's set came to a close and the crowd began to disperse that legendary energy was still buzzing through the venue."Dark Superstition" is out everywhere on Nuclear Blast Records.

HADEE.

we love your latest single ‘HEAVEN//HELL’ can you break down the inspiration for this song?

For sure. That song is one that definitely means a lot to me. It came from feelings of existential dread and feeling stuck in one place. For better or worse, I’ve always been someone that needs movement and progress to feel content. Complacency is something that I try to never welcome, but of course certain things can be out of our control. Time is the only constant in life. With that being said, it moves through us with no regard. That’s a theme that I wanted to expand upon in this song.

whats your favorite show you played so far and why is it your favorite?

Our debut show at Gramps in Miami is the first that comes to mind. It was our single release show for “HEAVEN//HELL '' so we were really looking forward to playing it live for everyone. We had opened for the Canadian post-punk duo, TRAITRS, to kick-off their national Spring tour with VNV Nation. I shared the stage with Miami band, J.L.G, as well. They’re another fantastic band that y'all would love. The crowd’s energy that night was absolutely intoxicating, and I couldn’t have been more grateful for everyone staying out late on a Wednesday night. A lot of good memories were made that evening.

how do you describe your creative process?

I don’t necessarily have a specific approach to writing, but it’ll usually begin with a specific line or melody that I’ll take a liking to. I’ll then expand upon that concept and see where it leads. My more upbeat songs will usually be written with a bass guitar. I find that if the vocals and bass are cohesive, then the rest falls into place decently well. I’m a sucker for a great bass line, and ofcourse drums to match. After putting together a demo, I’ll usually touch up the production with my friend, the talented Shane Slack. We produced “HEAVEN//HELL” together, as well as some upcoming releases that will be on my debut EP. I’m definitely fortunate to be working with such a great team of close friends, from Shane, to my band members, to Alfredo “Alar on the Mix” Rivera, Jake Wilder, and everyone who’s been involved in this project so far.

what do your goals look like for the future?

Currently, I’m working on my debut EP. I’m really hyped for this to be released as it’ll be my first collection of work that also happens to be a concept project. I have more music that I am looking to release afterwards. The release of the EP would come with a string of shows both in-and-out of state. We got some new merch for the EP as well that I can’t wait to show everyone. Aside from music, other interests of mine include fashion and film, so those are two avenues I’m looking to further pursue down the line.

who are your biggest influences in music? and what are some songs that are really important to you and why?

The majority of influences that I grew up with are from the 50s-80s era. Everything from The Doors, to Nat King Cole, to Siouxsie and The Banshees. I always favored that 80s post-punk new wave era. The ethereal atmosphere and melancholic attitude of the genre scratches an itch in my head that other music never really did for me. I’d be a liar if I said I only listen to that one genre though. I absolutely love 60s/70s soul, recalling icons like Al Green and Otis Redding to name a couple. Classic Hollywood is a period I always found interesting as well, so all that big band music is a favorite of mine. One of my favorite songs ever is “The World We Knew (Over and Over)” by Frank Sinatra. That song captures a certain nostalgic sadness. A song that makes you miss someone you never knew is truly a powerful thing. When the song is over, it’s as if it leaves you void of something you didn’t know was gone until it is. It’s quite bittersweet.
I remember growing up, my dad would always be blasting music in the car so I have him to thank for my music taste. The first two albums I can recall listening to were Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, and U2’s 2000 album “All That You Can’t Leave Behind”. Fast forward to when I was in early middle school, I recall the first album I bought with my own money was The Offspring’s 1997 release, “Ixnay On The Hombre”. Around that time, I was also infatuated with the music of David Bowie, “Life On Mars” still being one of my favorite songs. I loved everything he stood for; creative freedom and how fearless he was when it came to trying new things and experimenting with himself. Those are traits I think every artist can learn from. Other influences of mine include glam rock icon Marc Bolan of T-Rex, Billy Idol, Scott Weiland, and Ozzy Osbourne (which was also my first concert). I never really saw myself as an artist that will stick with one thing and call it a day. I love music as a whole and am not looking to be squeezed into a definition.

what is your favorite song to perform?

I’d say it’s between “Poison Ivy” and “Heaven//Hell”. I love playing “poison” because it’s unapologetically an 8-ball of contagious energy. On the other hand, playing “heaven//hell” comes across as more like a journey, as if you're finding your way through the middle of a storm. It builds itself up towards that climax before the main chorus. It’s also just a very cathartic song, as if a weight has been lifted off of the listener once it's over.

any hints on what the future holds for HADEE.?

We have a few shows coming up this Spring and Summer that we’re really hyped for. One of which will be for Emo Nite at The Social in Orlando FL. It’s my first time playing there so I’m really excited for that one! Would love to see y'all there. Aside from shows, I’m working on my debut EP, “Purgatory”. This project is a concept piece, with themes revolving around existential crisis, self-reflection, and acceptance for who we are. As far as the overall vibe of the tracks, they’ll have varying styles to them, ranging from Art Gothic Rock to Industrial Rock to Ballad. Each song will serve its place in the overall concept, leading us from life to whatever may be waiting for us on the other side. I’ll be teasing some of the new tracks soon. Can’t wait for you to hear it!

►Follow HADEE. Online

interview & photos by: mack knox

KNOCKED LOOSE
WITH LOATHE, SHOW ME THE BODY, AND SPEEDROSELAND THEATER
PORTLAND, OR
MAY 15, 2024

On Wednesday May 15th, Portland showed up for a sold out show at the Roseland Theater in celebration of Knocked Loose’s new album, ‘You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To’. Before doors even opened there was a special pop-up in collaboration with FreshCutFlowers - where there was live screen printing, exclusive merch, and multiple DJ sets. The band even came to hangout after their soundcheck at the venue.The show began with Speed - who are based out of Sydney, Australia. The lead singer, Jem, mentioned how grateful the band was to be in the states as this is their first US tour. The performance really showed their excited and energy. They gave it their all and did a great job warming the crowd up for the other bands to take the stage.Show Me The Body took the stage shortly after with the stage lights completely out. They played a high energy set with low production, with little stage lights the whole set - making the fans behind the barricade and in the balcony pay close attention to the three piece band.The evening was flying by and Loathe was about to take the stage. The incense burning on the stage left keyboard, a Loathe staple. They opened with ‘Gored’ before ripping into ’Dance On My Skin’ and ‘Screaming’. As a tradition in the Loathe universe - lead singer and screamer Kareem shared that the fan favorite ‘Is It Really You?” was dedicated to all the fans in the crowd that had seen Loathe perform before. As the main support act on this tour - Loathe felt like the calm before the storm as Knocked Loose was just about to play their headlining set.A quick 30 minute-or-so change over and the stage had transformed into a misty-fog-filled forest with an illuminated cross hanging behind the drum kit. The band walked out and the crowd erupted with cheer. The lights on frontman Bryan Garris were shining orange hues as they came out swinging with 'Blinding Faith', off their new record. Crowd surfers were already up in the first song and the mosh pit was open with moshers moving from one side of the pit to the next. Knocked Loose’s album had only come out two days prior to the show and yet, the fans were screaming along with every single word. The crowd surfers kept coming - and photographers were ushered out of the pit during the second song, “Mistakes Like Fractures”. There even were stage divers too who crowd surfed to the front, stage invaded then jumped back over the photo pit and into the crowd. During ‘Don’t Reach For Me’, Bryan invited more crowd surfers up - which looked like were crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the entire set, the bands energy grew and grew, leaving this electric energy buzzing inside the room. Towards the end of the set during ‘Billy No Mates’ - the crowd was surprised when the band brought out Counterparts frontman Brendan Murphy. Overall from the production, to the stage presence, and sheer energy from the band - this show is not to be missed. Hardcore is alive and well in Portland and this show proved exactly that.words + photos by: AJ PRESS

knocked loose

loathe

show me the body

speed

Small Pools
with Grayscale, Caroline Romano, and The RomancePolaris Hall
Portland, OR
April 27, 2024

photos by aj press

small pools

grayscale

caroline romano

the romance

PERSEPHONES CHOICE

Q: Were there any inspirations that helped create ‘Persephones Choice’?
A: What inspired us most to create Persephone’s Choice was seeing other women in rock absolutely crushing it. It’s totally badass. It pushes us to work even harder to provide that same level of motivation for other women in the scene.Q: If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?
A: We all have such different music tastes, so our list of artists we’d love to open for is pretty diverse. Thunderpussy, Rival Sons, Grace Potter, The Strokes... They all know how to own the stage, and their sound is unmatched. We take a lot of inspiration from them when it comes to writing and stage presence, and it translates well.

“We want to inspire other young artists to play music and know that they can do anything they set their minds to.”
- Lydia

Q: What is your creative process like?
A: A lot of the songs we’ve written come from a very personal space. They’re all emotionally driven, and each one tells a story if you listen close enough. Most of our songs’ lyrics have been written by Courtney. We all contribute in our own creative ways individually, then come together and build the song up from the lyrics and melody.

“I’ll just lock myself in my room whenever I’m feeling really intense emotions, and I treat the songwriting as free therapy.” -Courtney

Q: What is everyone's favourite song to perform?
A: Our two favorite songs to play live are originals called “Hold Me Down” and “Karma.” They show completely different colors both lyrically and emotionally. “Hold Me Down” was our first ever single, so it’s always going to hold such sentimental value to us (plus it’s fun to dance and groove around the stage with). “Karma” on the other hand carries more intensity just from the meaning behind it. It’s definitely one of our more empowering songs.

Q: What first got everyone into music?
A: Our inspirations are all so similar and so different at the same time. We all grew up around music in one form or another. Lydia was a huge guitar hero fan when it first came out, especially The Beatles Rockband, and that’s what inspired her to learn how to play guitar for real. Jakob and Caleb grew up with their parents taking them to as many live concerts as possible. Jakob played guitar for about a decade before he fell in love with drums towards the end of high school. He was actually the one who inspired Caleb to start playing music as well. Courtney’s biggest inspiration was Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nicks is the reason she started singing.

“Going to concerts and music festivals with my parents while growing up sparked my love and interest for music, but my brother who started playing guitar before me was the inspiration to start playing.” -Caleb

Q: What’s next for Persephones Choice?
A: We have a lot of new music coming this year that we’re very excited to share with everyone! We’ve been working really hard since day one to pursue our dreams, and we’re so thankful for how loving and supportive everyone has been on this journey of ours.

photos + interview by: mack knox (@mknoxmedia)

LAVERTY

What made you want to become a musician?

I grew up listening to a lot of incredible musicians (Bob Dylan, Carol King, Fleetwood Mac, etc). My uncle was also a musician and had a lot of instruments around his house so that sparked my interest. I was very inspired to create and write music from a young age. I started piano and voice lessons around 5 years old & I never stopped playing after that. It quickly became my world.

What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

Write and create whatever you want & your music will find the right audience. Don’t put yourself in a box and limit your ideas. Create everything and anything you want. That piece of advice has helped me cultivate my own sound. I don’t like to limit myself to one genre or one writing style. I love changing it up & exploring new sounds/ideas.

Favorite song you’ve written and why?

That’s a tough one! I really connect to each one of my songs & every song has a deep meaning to me. I would say one of my favorite songs I’ve written is called “Weeds” I wrote this song during a very transformative time in my life. It represents a lot of the lessons I learned & growth I experienced throughout my teenage/early adulthood years. It was written as a timeline to show how much I’ve changed and grown as an individual. I also love the production on this song. It’s deep lyrically but you can definitely dance to it!

What techniques do you use to prepare for a performance, both mentally and physically?

Outside of performing & writing, I am a music teacher so I practice a lot of my own warm ups. I always warm up my voice, I stretch, do breathing exercises, play piano scales, I say affirmations, I drink a lot of water & I pick out a really good outfit!

How do you stay inspired and continue to evolve as a musician, and are there specific artists or genres that influence you?

I think with being a creative person, there is a lot ebb & flow. Sometimes I’m very inspired & writing songs every day. Other times, I’m just taking in art to find inspiration. I like to read poetry, listen to my favorite artists, & read short stories. It’s important to take time to evolve & not constantly create. As a creative, I think it helps to sit back & watch the world around you for a little bit. I always write my best songs after taking time to explore & learn more about the life around me. I am very inspired by Bob Dylan. I just saw him in concert recently and he is definitely my biggest musical idol. Currently, I’m reading a book about his life & learning more about his songwriting. I grew up listening to his songs but now as an adult, it’s really fascinating to dive into his writing style. His songwriting inspires me a lot. He’s a poet and a storyteller & you can really see that within his lyrics.

What are your future plans as a musician?

I’m currently writing my 3rd EP. I usually like to take one year off in between releases to create and write. So I’ve written quite a bit over the last year & I’m really excited to get into the studio & bring these songs to life. I also love creating visuals for every song I create so I’m starting to whip up some cool ideas for this new album. I’d also like to perform more & maybe open up for some touring bands!

interview & photos by: mack knox