Music should always have a pulse. It should feel like there’s a heartbeat beneath the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Above all, it should feel alive.
Now, Alive isn’t just the title for North of Nine’s debut EP, it’s also the perfect description of their sound: a vibrant mosaic of robust piano, expansive guitars, and irresistible vocals. The group—Jackson Guthy [vocals, piano], Rob Ketchum [drums], Michael O’Grady [guitar], Nolan Frank [keyboards], and Edison Lo [bass]—create honest and hypnotic pop ignited by a soulful rock spark.
“I want to show people what we are made of,” says Jackson. “We’re just living our lives and trying to be the best performers that we can be. We don’t want to just do this for a year. We want the whole thing or nothing at all.”
That attitude initially brought these musicians together to form North of Nine in late 2014. As a result, five distinct personalities shine through the music.
Jack...
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Music should always have a pulse. It should feel like there’s a heartbeat beneath the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Above all, it should feel alive.
Now, Alive isn’t just the title for North of Nine’s debut EP, it’s also the perfect description of their sound: a vibrant mosaic of robust piano, expansive guitars, and irresistible vocals. The group—Jackson Guthy [vocals, piano], Rob Ketchum [drums], Michael O’Grady [guitar], Nolan Frank [keyboards], and Edison Lo [bass]—create honest and hypnotic pop ignited by a soulful rock spark.
“I want to show people what we are made of,” says Jackson. “We’re just living our lives and trying to be the best performers that we can be. We don’t want to just do this for a year. We want the whole thing or nothing at all.”
That attitude initially brought these musicians together to form North of Nine in late 2014. As a result, five distinct personalities shine through the music.
Jackson smiles, “Our backgrounds shape how we play our instruments. That makes this band what it is. Rob’s from Michigan, and he’s got a punk background. Mike’s from Ohio and is all about rock. Nolan grew up in Kansas on the blues. Edison comes from Hong Kong, and now he’s this eighteen-year-old boy wonder on the bass! We didn’t overthink it at all. We just went in and brought this music to life.”
The group hit Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles with producer Gavin Brown [Lady Gaga, Three Days Grace, Barenaked Ladies] and executive producer Randy Jackson at the top of 2015. Attached to the instrument since the age of 4, Jackson would compose song ideas on his piano at home and flesh them out with Brown, quickly building the framework for the entire body of work.
“We have a ton of live instrumentation on our EP,” he affirms. “It makes the music sound purer and richer. It was very important to capture that spirit.”
The first single “Can It Be You?” officially introduces North of Nine with a swinging keyboard groove, stomping guitar, and unshakable falsetto on the hook.
“It’s about a personal realization,” the frontman goes on. “You had this girl in the past and, even though you’re not with her anymore, you realize it was so much better back then. So, you start looking for new people and opportunities to replace that feeling and bring your happiness to another level.”
Also on the EP, the starkly catchy and infectiously stirring “Alone” stands out as an important moment for Jackson.
“That’s my heart on display right there,” he sighs. “It’s so real, and I think everybody can relate to it. We all end up dwelling on the past and reflecting on what we could’ve done in certain situations.”
“Eaten Alive” showcases his piano skills on a vintage Grand as it grandiosely and bombastically dismisses naysayers, while “Open Road” serves as something of a mantra for the quintet.
“I perceive life as an open road,” he continues. “There are really no obstacles in your path. You choose which way you want to go, and you pick your own lane. You can aim for whatever you want.”
North of Nine’s very moniker suggests a recognition of purpose and confidently taking the first step down their personal lane.
“I am always trying to find my true north in life,” says Jackson. “That’s the one thing you’re constantly striving for and what gets you excited to wake up in the morning. You embrace what’s driving you and shoot for the stars. For me, it’s this band.”
Jackson has certainly put in the time to figure out his “true north” too. As a solo artist, he delivered two unforgettable performances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, released a major label single, and toured alongside Five Seconds of Summer and Cher Lloyd among others. With Randy Jackson as manager and partner on this journey now, North of Nine is about to really reach for the stars.
“I just hope that anyone listening to our music finds something to relate to. We talk about the ups and downs and the growing pains that we all go through. Music can connect us to each other in a way that nothing else can, and we want people to dive in with us and get lost with us,” Jackson leaves off. “I hope I can inspire somebody, but even if you smile when you hear it and sing along at the show, that’s enough.”
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