Music from the Heart

Autogramm, the synth-driven, power-pop trio from Chicago and Vancouver have released their sophomore LP “No Rules” and premiered a video for their latest single, “Mantra” created by award-winning director Shayne Ehman (METZ/Asphalt Watches). The track which features the refrain “Relax…Breath Deep…No Thinking…Repeat”, are testament to the times in which we live. Marx, bassist CC Voltage, and Chicago-based drummer The Silo, draw on influences from The Cars, The Go Go's, Gary Numan, 20/20 and Devo. Along with calling Canada, the U.S., UK and Germany home at various points, the band also has a long-standing connection to the art, punk, and skateboarding communities world-wide.

Discussing “Mantra,” guitarist/vocalist Jiffy Marx noted, “On our first tour to Mexico we flew in on a red eye flight then partied all night every night for a week. It was super fun but my internal clock never really adjusted - I’d be up until 3 or 4am every night and then waking at 7am, which is when I usually get up at home. The lyrics for ‘Mantra' are literally a mantra I made up to help clear my mind on those mornings when every part of me except my stupid brain knew that I needed more than 3- or 4-hours sleep!"

The song has the melodic pop elements but also has that timeless vibe that even the fans of other genres would enjoy this. Steady drumbeat leads the way along with some tasty guitar riffs. Simple yet powerful lyrics make the whole package and create an easy-to-listen-to track that has more layers than a usual pop song. And that's exactly what makes it interesting and open to wider audience.

Photo: Chuck Schmidt Staub