After a decade together as a couple, drummer Dani Buncher and singer/keyboardist Scott Simons formed the musical duo TeamMate after Dani came out to Scott and changed their relationship. Although no longer romantic partners, they maintained their creative partnership through difficult times. TeamMate released their debut EP chronicling the restructuring of their bond. They have since toured nationally in support of major artists and recently relocated to LA, marking the occasion with new singles.

1. Text by Kacy Emmett
PLAN B
TeamMate
Sonny and Cher, Gwen and Tony, Steve and Lindsay, Jack and Meg—these are just a
handful of the unforgettable duos whose off-stage romantic drama led to potent creative
inspiration. Now, add Dani and Scott to the list. After a decade together, drummer Dani
Buncher and singer/keyboardist Scott Simons knew a thing or two about teamwork. But
when Dani came out to her boyfriend, their plans for a lifelong partnership came to a
screeching halt. Despite their changed relationship, a mutual affection for music helped
the pair maintain emotional responsibility to one another: and as Scott explains, “If we
couldn’t be partners, we were still going to be teammates.” From there, they each left
their previous projects (Simons had played with pop-rock group The Argument, while
Buncher had been a drummer for Big Hurry), and TeamMate was born. Throughout their
indie-pop debut EP, The Sequel, Simons and Buncher chronicle the restructuring of their
bond; and in addition to performing frequent shows across the country, the couple-turned-
creative duo has also toured in support of huge acts like One Republic and Skylar Grey.
Just recently, TeamMate relocated to LA, marking the occasion with the release of their
latest singles, “Don’t Count Me Out,” and “Until You Find Me” (which you can hear on
heavy rotation at KIIS-FM). Catch their upcoming show on March 26th at the Bootleg Theater.
Teammatetheband.com
HOME IS WHERE THE HOUSE IS
Ian MacPherson // The Bixel Boys
Ian MacPherson, DTLA resident and half of the DJ-duo Bixel Boys, co-founded the group
in 2013 with sound savant Rob May. Since then, the Bixel Boys have been remixing classics
with due diligence. For them, genre is a relative term. Their sets are idiosyncratic and
improvisational, including everything from punk trap to Three 6 Mafia. On the sound
spectrum, May and MacPherson have managed to master rhythm and range without getting
stuck on repeat; and if nostalgia is your drug of choice, you’ll find the Boys to be perfect
stand-ins for Walter Black (so the next time you find yourself in the throes of a TLC remix,
be sure to thank them for taking you back). Beyond the rave scene, MacPherson is set
on pursuing projects like #FREELIFE, the duo’s auxiliary apparel line. Clearly, the boys
are out to remix the imperatives of their realm--all while making sure you break a sweat
on the dance floor. If you haven’t already, pull the trigger and catch them at Coachella
with a fresh catalogue of songs. Enjoy their genre-less devotion and remember: to label
is futile; to worship, divine.
Soundcloud.com/bixelxboys
THE REAL TEAL
Phoebe Ryan
At 24, Phoebe Ryan can hang. The singer/songwriter is on the rise after her R.Kelly/Miguel
mash-up exploded on YouTube; and with a full head of turquoise hair and a sound like
Tove Lo, she has already earned considerable veneration. Ryan started out where all great
rock babies are born: in a Grateful Dead cover band somewhere in Jersey. Since then,
her collaborations with producer Kyle Shearer and songwriters like Nate Campany prove
that Ryan knows how to rally a posse of musical game changers around her work. In touch
with pop while also immersed in the indie scene, Ryan’s vocals span the rift between Top
40 tunes and alternative hits. We’re looking forward to her vocals on Mine, the new single
she’s creating with Skizzy Mars. But all that other good stuff—an EP, tour dates, the festival
circuit—will have to wait: right now, Ryan’s reign is in the studio.
Soundcloud.com/phoeberyan
OnesTo
Watch
22