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onestowatch · 5 years ago

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Alt Bloom Smoothly Creates “Potential” in Life and Love [Premiere + Q&A]

Photo Credit: Stephanie Sais

The silky throes of love and life have been delicately orchestrated as of late by multi-instrumentalist Ethan Thompson, better known under the moniker for his new project, Alt Bloom. The Los Angeles-based artist, who has a hefty musical resume, is stepping into a solo light which almost acts as a pardoning of unnecessary thoughts. As a result, the liberation of Thompson sees warm textures, fused Alt-R&B productions, and lyrical sincerity. “The concept of the music is all matters of the heart, anything between living and loving,” Thompson tells Ones to Watch.

Following up his hazy debut “Call It Home,” Thompson raises the tempo and the intent on “Potential.” Leading with a directive tone and modern splash of electro-soul, “Potential” is a fresh take on romance. “The song itself is a reflection on dating. I’m always finding myself on the edge of diving in with someone rather than jumping,” he shared.

Thompson’s lush vocals glide on the possibility of “being the one” and onwards for a summery single that begs for repeat. With an equally fitting visual introduction for the track, which reflects the freedom that Thompson has created, “Potential” continues the self-discovery core of Alt Bloom.

We had a chance to talk with Thompson on the meaning behind the video of “Potential,” his upcoming live debut at the Resident, and taking into consideration “matters of the heart” when composing tracks.

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OTW: Leading up to your first release, “Call It Home,” there seemed to be a substantial amount of philosophical messaging and quotes on your social media channels - which are still refreshing to read - such as “chasing” what brings you joy. Have you found a sense of rebirthing on this latest project?

Alt Bloom: I’m glad you enjoy them. The quote posting for me was a little daily ritual I developed to keep myself always looking for something new to learn from daily. I have felt a sense of renewal since starting this project, even the name Alt Bloom plays into the feeling of taking the step down a new path.

OTW: Only really ask because you’re not a stranger to the music realm. The need to start over can be nerve wrecking. Were there any fears that kept you from unleashing this sooner?

Alt Bloom: There’s always fears when starting something new that can be strings holding you back. There were some in this stepping off of my own. Since I was a kid, being solo was always what I wanted to do and I think my main hold back was not trusting my own gut. I always listened to pretty much any opinion over my own for a lot of my life and I’ve finally stepped out of putting so much weight in others words. We are all beings just trying to figure it out and no one’s thoughts should hold you back from doing what brings you happiness.

OTW: Similarly, within your first offerings there’s a sense of freedom. “Call It Home” depicted a familiar transition of coming to terms, in this case realizing your feelings for someone have evolved into love. Is this an overall concept that will shape future releases?

Alt Bloom: The concept of the music is all matters of the heart, anything between living and loving. When I’m writing, one song usually ends up with seeds from a couple different stories that had similar emotions and questions in them. “Call It Home” was more a reflection to me of where I want to go in a relationship but never can bring myself to. It’s why the chorus has such a divide from the verse. It’s a dream world to me I hope to reach someday by finally putting my own walls down that got put up from living life. “Potential” follows the same story line of being so close to going over the line but not quite able to bring yourself there. The concept of the music is all matters of the heart, anything between living and loving.

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OTW: On your debut, which you worked with producer Brian Phillips, you experimented with certain sounds and devices such as the Tremolator plug-in which you attempted to play with on other tracks. What made it fit on “Call It Home” versus the rest, and was this an overall sound that you always wanted to go into? Because I pick up a lovely Mac Miller influence.

Alt Bloom: When making music there’s often ideas you have that sound good in your head but don’t click when you try it. The moving Tremolator at different rates over the bar, which really just pulses the chord, was something that I had tried on a few songs thinking it would bring them home. It was a failure until it finally worked on “Call It Home” which was a song we were about to throw out before we changed chords in the chorus and added this effect.

OTW: Any new pedals or plug-ins that you’re looking forward to mess with on upcoming releases?

Alt Bloom: My roommate has a guitar banjo we’ve been jamming with on a regular basis. I’m not sure if it’ll be in any upcoming releases but it’ll be in some videos for sure!

OTW: Your second single “Potential” is a smooth complement to your first release. Can you tell us more about the track?

Alt Bloom: “Potential” was a blast to make. Initially when we were stacking the chorus vocals, it was over a full track. After we got them all layered and tight we muted some parts to hear if they were clean, and when we heard the result that’s how the chorus was left. The song itself is a reflection on dating. I’m always finding myself on the edge of diving in with someone rather than jumping.

OTW: Following the track, the visual [Potential] follows you on the trail. It’s been noted that you are an avid hiker, and how Mount Siyeh is the perfect metaphor behind the creativity on this new project. Was that one of the main outlets that led you to Alt Bloom? Seeing as you kept a piece of nature in your name.

Alt Bloom: I love the outdoors and it is what brings me balance in life. It’s my goal to always have it be a part of my music so I’m never too far away from it. Alt Bloom was a name that started off as me slamming words together that I liked and after reflecting on what the thought Alt Bloom meant to me was what sticked. To me it is the start of something new but something that was always meant to be. More of a “remember who I am” then a “forget what I’ve been.” It’s all part of the same path.

OTW: You will be making your live debut at Resident in Los Angeles on August 6. First congrats, and second, is there a sense of relief with this show? In terms of, “finally,” you get to share your new beginnings with the world.

Alt Bloom: I am very excited to live this music with the Resident gang coming up. It’s a sense of a first step. I know that daily there are always ups and downs in anything we do in life and shows are always an up. We get a chance to move and sway together for a moment in time, a chance to forget trouble together and go through troubles together. I always get up in that feeling.

OTW: Anything else you’d like to add?

Alt Bloom: Thank you so much for sharing my music with your people! I hope to do a show with you guys soon and see you at the Resident coming up! And as always thank you for listening.

#alt bloom #interview #pop #alternative

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naturecpw · 8 years ago

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The 43 Best Hidden Hikes in the U.S.

By Shana Lebowitz * August 18, 2015

Sure, hiking the Appalachian Trail is an experience no one ever forgets. But the United States is a pretty big place, with tons of opportunities for hiking and camping in spots that don’t attract millions of tourists every year. If you like the feel of going where (almost) no man has gone before, or if you're looking for a little peace and solitude, we’ve got the solution—actually, 43 of them.

These "hidden" trails either are physically hard to find or not many people know they exist. Newbie hikers can take a stab at some of the strolls up to a mile long, while more experienced folks will love the long-distance treks. We’re talking breathtaking views of the sunrise, chilling with local wildlife (please don’t feed the animals!), and the chance to learn more about the natural environment. So lace up those hiking boots, buy a map, and, most importantly, pack a sense of adventure.

West

1. Hidden Creek Trail

Location: Soldotna, AK Length: 1.5 miles Skill level: easy OK, so the first part of this trail isn’t so spectacular. But once you get to the loop, you’ll find Hidden Creek (literally hidden in a grassy marsh), glistening Skillak Lake, and a breathtaking view of the Kenai Mountains—no manmade stuff in sight. It’s a relatively easy, family-friendly hike, and there are a bunch of fishing spots around the creek. Looking for more adventure? Start on one of the longer trails off Skillak Lake Road.

2. White Cloud Mountains

Location: Custer County, ID Length: 32.5 miles Skill level: difficult The Sawtooth Mountains usually steal the spotlight, but this lesser-known range offers equal opportunities for scenic long-distance treks. Forty years ago, a proposal to create a national park where the mountains currently stand failed. Today, it’s a place for ambitious hikers to catch a glimpse of the animal kingdom, including elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, and gray wolves.

3. Eagle Cap Wilderness

Location: Enterprise, OR Length: 41 miles Skill level: difficult Beat the heat and hike by a serene lake surrounded by Indian paintbrush, sego lilies, and bluebell flowers (they bloom in July). Most hikers visit the Wonderland Trail, so leave the masses behind and check out the 5,000-foot tall granite peaks that dot this hike hidden in Oregon’s largest wilderness.

4. Squak Mountain Connector Trail

Location: Seattle, WA Length: 0.7 miles Skill level: moderate The name “Squak Mountain” comes from the sound of the herons that visit here during the spring and fall. Any time of year, it’s a great place to bring the fam and even the dog for an afternoon of peace, solitude, and the chance to take in the beauty of the natural landscape.

5. Mount Olomana

Location: Kailua, HI Length: 3 miles Skill level: difficult This spectacular hike was relatively unknown until it made The New York Times a few years ago—for good reason. The trip involves climbing three separate peaks, but most hikers just do the highest peak, totaling 1,643 feet. The chance to peer down through the clouds at the very top makes the whole trip up worth it.

6. Dripping Cave Trail

Location: Orange County, CA Length: 0.75 miles Skill level: easy Take a hike through history on this multi-use route open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The trail passes right by Dripping Cave, an area that was likely used as a refuge for Native American hunter-gathers and as a hideout for the Juan Flores gang of robbers. It’s one small part of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, a designated wildlife sanctuary that sprawls across 30 miles of trails and features a whole range of endangered animal and plant species.

7. Girdner Trail

Location: Sedona, AZ Length: 4.5 miles Skill level: moderate Ditch the daily grind and take a tour through Arizona’s amazing natural landscape. Hikers start out passing through lush forests and juniper groves with views of sandstone cliffs, then walk underneath sycamores until they reach a pink-tinged rockscape.

Southwest

8. Southern Tetons

Location: Jackson, WY Length: 30.5 miles Skill level: difficult This trail starts at Death Canyon Trailhead in Grand Teton National Park. Sure, the name sounds scary, but starting from Death Canyon is actually a great way to beat the crowds and still snag spectacular views of the Teton spires below. Elk and moose will make up most of your companions on this journey, which features canyons, mountains, and hosts of wildflowers.

9. Mount Galbraith

Location: Golden, CO Length: 4.9 miles Skill level: moderate There’s never a dull moment on this five-mile stretch that features trails, forests, and meadows. There will likely be some heavy breathing on the hike up to the loop, but once you get there it’s an easy stroll with breathtaking views on both sides. Those craving more adventure after the hike ends can continue on to (possibly more well-known) trails in Golden Gate Canyon and Eldorado Canyon State Parks.

10. Gila Wilderness

Location: Catron County, NM Length: 35 miles Skill level: difficult Set aside a few days to make this challenging trek. Some of the main attractions include hoodoos (tall columns of rocks), a 700-year-old cliff dwelling, and a hot spring.

11. Lee Pass Trailhead to East Rim Trailhead

Location: Springdale, UT Length: 47 miles Skill level: difficult A perfect paradise for painters and photographers, this trail in Zion National Park features the orange and red Kolob Canyons and some labyrinth side canyons made of white and red sandstone. The views from the top of canyon walls make the whole experience thrilling, and the best part is waking up early to watch light spread over the land.

12. Siyeh Bend to Logan Pass

Location: Kalispell, MT Length: 92 miles Skill level: difficult Hike this less-trodden trail (part of Glacier National Park) in one long trip, or break it up into smaller treks. Either way, it’s a great chance to camp at a site surrounded by waterfalls and spot some wildlife. But beware: Bears have been known to make an appearance on the trail. Bonus: The park offers a free shuttle service, allowing you to resupply after 65 miles (and even grab a burger if you're so inclined).

13. Caprock Coulee Trail

Location: Medora, ND Length: 1.5 miles Skill level: moderate Everyone’s heard of Teddy Roosevelt, but his namesake park is less commonly known. Hikers on the Caprock Coulee Trail wend their way through badlands terrain, through water gulches, and up hills, until they arrive to a grassy butte where they can marvel at the spectacular views before making their way back down.

14. McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area Trail System

Location: Atoka, OK Length: 23 miles (total) Skill level: moderate These trails are designated a “quiet-water zone,” and visitors need a (free) permit to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride there. The trail system is also home to a bunch of wildlife, so expect some four-legged company on your journey even if humans are few and far between.

15. Sage Creek Unit

Location: Rapid City, SD Length: 20 miles Skill level: difficult There aren’t actually any trails in the Badlands’ Sage Creek Unit, so hikers need to develop a good sense of direction before trekking along this three-day loop. The key is to make like the animals, following a bison path to another area where deer, antelope, and raptors like to play. Summer’s the perfect time to visit to experience the almost other-worldly terrain. And for a more romantic experience, visit in June when flowers bloom or in August to see the Perseid meteor shower.

16. McKittrick Canyon to Pine Springs

Location: Culberson County, TX Length: 24.1 miles Skill level: difficult This trail, part of Guadalupe Mountains National Park in west Texas, keeps hikers on their toes, winding through terrain as varied as desert lands, canyons, and mountains. Camp overnight and snag a sunset view of the highest peaks in the McKittrick Ridge. Only problem: There’s no water available, so backpackers have to lug their own.

Midwest

17. Indian Creek Bike and Hike Trail

Location: Overland Park, KS Length: 17 miles Skill level: moderate Hikers, bikers, joggers, and dog walkers are all welcome on this flat, paved trail. Veteran hikers say the path feels more woodsy than urban, and it’s generally pretty empty, especially on weekdays. The trail also connects to parks with ball fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds.

18. Big Woods Trail

Location: Vermilion County, IL Length: 1.5 miles (combined with Fox River Trail) Skill level: difficult The Big Woods Trail slinks through American Indian trails and the ravine system, and ends with a photo op at the observation tower. It’s one of the many paths in Forest Glen Preserve, which includes other routes for backpackers, day-hikers, and those with handicaps.

19. Heron Rookery

Location: Chesterton, IN Length: 2.4 miles Skill level: moderate Apparently even Indiana natives aren’t so familiar with this trail nestled among farm fields. Fishing aficionados can check out the Little Calumet River; everyone else can take in the beautiful wildflowers and watch the great blue herons feeding in their natural habitat.

20. Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve

Location: Cerro Gordo County, IA Length: 7.5 miles Skill level: moderate This isn't only for hikers: Bike, drive, canoe, or horseback ride your way through limestone bluffs, dense woods, meadows, and ponds while viewing all sorts of wildlife. And don’t forget the turkey sandwiches: There’s a picnic area along the way.

21. Blind Ash Bay Trail

Location: International Falls, MN Length: 2.5 miles Skill level: moderate Wind your way through this rocky trail, part of Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota. But don’t look down at your feet the whole time—the majestic forest surrounding you is beautiful. Return in the winter for snowshoeing!

22. Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Location: Baraboo, WI Length: 1,000 miles Skill level: difficult Every step forward is a trip back in time on this trail, where visitors can learn about how the Ice Age shaped the natural landscape. Of course, it’s possible (and probably advisable) to hike only a portion of the super-long route along Wisconsin's glacial landscapes.

23. Meremac Wilderness Trail

Location: Sullivan, MO Length: 8.5 miles Skill level: moderate Deer, turkey, and squirrels, oh my! Furry and feathered friends will likely be the only company we’ll have on the longest hike in Meramec State Park. It’s a sightseer’s paradise, complete with dramatic caves, springs, buffs, glades, and rock ledges. Choose to hike the whole thing in one day or stay overnight at one of the backpacking camps along the well-maintained trail.

24. Minong Ridge

Location: Isle Royale, MI Length: 37.3 miles Skill level: difficult Leave the masses behind and take a basically private tour through this isolated island. (To put it into perspective, less people visit here per year than visit Yosemite in one summer day!). History buffs will jump at the chance to see a copper mine from the 1890s, while animal lovers can check out the variety of bird species in the woods. And better remember to pack some bravery: Wolves are known to make a rare appearance on this trail.

25. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

Location: Garrettsville, OH Length: 0.5 to 1 mile Skill level: varies; easy to difficult Daredevils are welcome (and those with a fear of heights, beware): These trails are marked by a series of rugged cliffs. Four different trails are designed for four different skill levels, so anyone can try their hand (er, foot) at hiking. Tables and grills are provided—reward yourself at the end of a long trek with a picnic.

Southeast

26. Crabtree Falls

Location: Nelson County, VA Length: 3.8 miles Skill level: varies; easy to difficult Look up! The beautiful waterfall at the end of this uphill hike is the highest vertical-drop cascade east of the Mississippi River. Those afraid of heights (or who really have to pee) can take the trail past a series of lower falls.

27. The Walls of Jericho

Location: Huntsville, AL Length: 3.5 miles Skill level: difficult This trail isn’t too far from Huntsville, but it feels like it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. So slap on those waterproof boots and prepare to feel the burn as you trek downhill and then all the way back uphill through a muddy trail marked by caves and waterfalls. Legend has it a traveling minister named the hike more than two centuries ago when the nearly 200-foot walls reminded him of a cathedral.

28. Creek Trail

Location: Santa Rosa Beach, FL Length: 4 miles Skill level: easy We love Disney World, but not all of Florida’s that crowded. Forgo the fifteenth ride on Space Mountain and check out this combination of forest footpaths, paved trails, and bridges over wetlands. Don’t worry about bringing a portable fan, either: A canopy of trees (including the “titi” tree) keeps things cool throughout the trek. (Note: Parts of the trails are also suitable for biking.)

29. Benton MacKaye Trail

Location: Fannin County, GA Length: 300 miles Skill level: difficult Carve out at least a few weeks if you plan to hike the whole route. This 300-mile trail passes through the backcountry of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, and includes parts of the Appalachian Mountains. There are also lots of options for shorter hikes along the way, passing through several federally designated Wilderness Study Areas. Try hiking from Three Forks to Springer Mountain, the southernmost point of the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail. It's definitely worth it to marvel at the views of the southern Georgia Mountains at the end.

30. Linville Gorge Wilderness

Location: Pisgah National Forest, NC Length: 22 miles Skill level: difficult It takes at least three days to make the full circuit, so prepare for some hardcore camping. But it’s hard to prepare for what it feels like to stand on the edge of a cliff and look down at the gorge below. Plus you're almost guaranteed to be alone—the steep, hard-to-find trails keep away most day hikers. A thicket of hemlock stands, rhododendrons, and mountain laurel plus a waterfall make this trail feel simply magical.

31. Guignard Clay Quarry Loop Trail

Location: Cayce, SC Length: 2.7 miles Skill level: easy Though this trail is pretty close to Columbia, it’s the literal path less traveled, with minimal traffic throughout the year. The overgrown wetlands area actually used to be a quarry for a brick plant; today it’s a spot where hikers and their pooches can come for some solitude. Just don't forget insect repellant and plenty of H2O on warm summer days.

32. Blair Spring Hollow Trail

Location: Mammoth Cave, KY Length: 1.2 miles Skill level: easy It’s a real spook-fest on this trail, part of Mammoth Cave National Park which features more than 300 miles of underground passages (and possibly more, still unexplored). While guided tours of the caves below ground attract lots of tourists, this above-ground trail doesn’t see much action throughout the year, so hikers can feel free to mosey in peace and gaze at the magnolia trees lining the path.

33. Spruce Flats Falls and Chestnut Top Wildflowers

Location: Townsend, TN Length: 2 miles Skill level: difficult While the gorgeous waterfalls are known to attract a bit of a crowd, the trail that leads there is more of a solo experience. The hike is only two miles long, but the uphill climb makes it a pretty intense workout. But don't worry—the scenic falls provides an oasis that's well worth the trek.

34. Turkey Run Park

Location: McLean, VA Length: 2.25 miles Skill level: varies; easy to moderate This easy-to-miss collection of trails makes up part of the Potomac Gorge ecosystem and connects to larger public trails. It’s a journey through a natural paradise, complete with more than 200 species of rare plants, waterfalls, and woods. Wildlife roams throughout the trails—during the summer, hear woodpeckers calling from the branches of tall trees.

Northeast

35. Northern Section of the Appalachian Trail

Wind Power - Maine

Location: Oxford County, ME Length: 33 miles Skill level: difficult It takes about four days to hike this last stretch of the Appalachian Trail, left pretty much empty by tourists who flock instead to sites such as Baxter State Park. The hike is a postcard-worthy journey up and down mountains, around lakes, and through thick spruce forests.

36. Beaver Brook Trail

Location: Milford, CT Length: 1.3 miles Skill level: easy For those New Englanders looking for a way to pass a pleasant afternoon, consider crossing the trails and the footbridge across the wetlands in Beaver Brook. And don’t forget to bring the binoculars, since this is the perfect spot for bird watching. The summer’s also a good opportunity for fishing in the brook. Need some additional exercise? Continue on to the Mondo Pond paths.

37. Chesapeake Wine Trail

Location: Eastern Shore, MD Length: varies depending on tour Skill level: easy OK, so drinking out of a flask while hiking is generally not advisable. But sipping from a wine glass? So much classier. And we’re not talking about touring those famous wineries in California—there are lots of less well-known wine trails on the Eastern Shore. Visit St. Michael’s Winery, the biggest one on this trail, for some tastings, then work off all that vino by picking from apple, peach, pear, and plum trees.

38. Midstate Trail

Location: Worcester County, MA Length: 95 miles Skill level: moderate Revamped in 1972, this trail is the product of teamwork between government officials and outdoorsy volunteers. Today hikers can make the trek from Rhode Island to New Hampshire, winding their way through fields, forests, hills, and towns along the way. Of course, choosing just a portion of the trail to hike is also more than acceptable.

39. Walking Dunes Nature Trail

Location: Napeague, NY Length: 0.75 miles Difficulty: easy Think the beach is just for catching rays and waves? Think again. Here you'll find a nice walk through a peaceful, protected area of Long Island. Trek over a 40-foot-tall dune from the shoreline, then through neighboring forest and marshland for stunning views of the East End.

40. Falls in the River Trail

Location: Pittsburg, NH Length: 2 miles Skill level: moderate This family-friendly trail runs beside the Connecticut River, and the sounds of rushing water greet hikers as they make their way along the path. Wildlife and waterfowl call this place home; otherwise you’ll find few distractions from peace and solitude.

41. Pochuck Mountain

Location: Sussex County, NJ Length: Variable Skill level: difficult Talk about living history—the rocks that form this mountain are more than a billion years old. And summiting them is no small challenge, either: The mountain peak stretches 1,149 feet into the sky. The name “Pochuck” literally means “out-of-the-way place” in the Lenape language, but don’t be fooled: The Appalachian trail runs over the top of the mountain, so this trail does see a bit more foot traffic than some of the other hikes on this list.

42. Dingmans Falls Trail

Location: Pike County, PA Length: 0.4 miles Skill level: easy Don’t go chasin’ waterfalls—unless you’ve just made it across the footbridge at Dingman’s Falls, some of the highest falls in Pennsylvania. Hemlocks and rhododendrons make this hike more of a walk through a natural wonderland.

43. Eshqua Bog Natural Area

Location: Hartland, VT Length: 1 mile Skill level: easy When the local botanic gardens just don’t cut it, travel instead to see rare wildflowers (marigolds, bunchberry, lady’s slipper orchids) on this trek through Vermont’s wetlands. A boardwalk over a bog makes up part of the trail, so it’s a bit easier on the feet than some of the other hikes on this list.

Originally posted June 2013. Updated August 2015.