Tag Archives: Sage Chavis

New Winnetka Bowling League video: Kangaroo

Video: Winnetka Bowling League – “Kangaroo”

Directed (from home) by Zack Sekuler. Single out now on RCA.

It shows what a dork I am that I know of Winnetka Bowling League as former Regrettes bassist Sage Chavis’ new band, not Hilary Duff’s husband’s band. I didn’t even recognize Duff in her cameo in this video until after I read that it was her. I was just happy to see Chavis working the bass again.

Sage was the Michael Anthony secret weapon in the Regrettes, her backing vocals and muscular bass giving the band an extra somethin-somethin that’s been missing since she’s been gone. Her charisma shines through in the “Kangaroo” video although she doesn’t play on the recording since she “just started playing bass with us and we’ve only had one rehearsal,” Matthew Koma told Percolator. “So this is sort of the first time we’re playing as a band.”

Koma has written songs for Carly Rae Jepsen, Kelly Clarkson, and Shania Twain so the guy is no slouch even if his lyrics are self-deprecating.

I’ve got a bathtub the shape of a swimming pool
A drum set and a Tele that stays in tune
A wife who’s got a better job
She backs me and my indie rock
I’m kidding ‘bout the indie part, I ain’t that cool
But I’m so happy.

That’s a good attitude. Be happy! Refreshing.

Koma says, “‘Kangaroo’ is a song about being okay with yourself. There’s a freedom that comes with no longer allowing the fear of how people see you influence how you see yourself. Also, there’s a descending bridge section that rips off ‘Born To Run’ and lands into some self-indulgent section I wrote after seeing an ELO concert.”

Good for him. It’s probably relatively easy to be okay with yourself when you’re married to a movie star and you own the publishing on a bunch of hits. Still, the sentiment is good. We’re all right where we’re supposed to be.

Winnetka Bowling League: web, twitter, amazon, apple, spotify, wiki.

New Regrettes video: California Friends

Video: The Regrettes – “California Friends”

Directed by Claire Marie Vogel. Single out now on Warner Bros.

So this is the first Regrettes video without bassist Sage Chavis since she left the band in September. It features their new drummer but was apparently filmed before they found a new bass player.

Chavis’ vocals are clearly audible on the recording though. She confirmed this on twitter and added, “We recorded some songs a long while back.” So who knows how many more songs are out there?

It’ll be interesting to see what’s next with the Regrettes. Lydia Night has proven to be a gifted songwriter and a captivating bandleader. She also seems super cool, having recently written an emotional op-ed for Billboard magazine about why she’s voting. (Spoiler: because she’s scared and angry.)

But it’s always a little nerve wracking when a band you love shakes up its lineup. You have to wonder what’s going on behind the scenes.

The Regrettes: web, twitter, amazon, apple, spotify, wiki.

New Regrettes video: Red Light

Video: The Regrettes – “Red Light”

Directed by Morgan Higby Night. From the Attention Seeker EP, out now on Warner Bros.

It’s great that this song has finally been given a (semi-) official video, but the circumstances for releasing it are kind of a bummer. Bass player Sage Chavis has left the band.

Chavis explained her departure on instagram: “I have grown and learned so much but I must continue to push myself to grow and, for me, that means making room for that growth.”

This comes just four months after drummer Maxx Morando left the band. Not sure what’s going on here, but I’m hoping the shakeup doesn’t affect their sound too much. That debut album, Feel Your Feelings Fool!, is front-to-back a great rock and roll listening experience. Who knows how much replacing the rhythm section will change the vibe? I fear change in general, but it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, so we’ll have to wait and find out.

The “behind the scenes” video was shot by Lydia’s dad/tour manager, Morgan Higby Night.

Here’s a BTS video I cut for Red Light last year but I didn’t get the proper clearances from the clubs so it was never released by WBR. Seemed like a good day to post as the Regrettes say farewell to the wonderful Sage Chavis who’s departing touring life as Maxx had a few months ago. Tour managing this group of amazing humans was one of the great honors of my life. Excited for the next phase of The Regrettes with their fantastic drummer (and human) Drew and their secret new bass player/bad ass human on the way ;D

love – Lydia’s dad

Looking forward for 2019 to hear the new album…

The Regrettes: web, twitter, amazon, apple, spotify, wiki.