#THEN HEARING ROCK MUSIC AND INSTANTLY CLIMBING OUT AND JOINING THE BAND AND BECOMING A ROCKSTAR!!

[enbysiriusblack]

had loustat!wolfstar and danmand!jegulus thoughts.

[captain-tch]

Battle of the Bands (Modern AU)

You're a drummer in the Scouts, a band taking the town by storm. A certain bar owner is one of your biggest supporters.

Being a drummer in the Scouts was a dream. Music was your passion, and being able to create it for other people to enjoy was exhilarating. Their applause was your drug, and you were hooked. It was even better sitting in the back. Your shy personality suited being a drummer, hiding behind the band whilst you played to your hearts content.

Hanji on the other hand, was the complete opposite. They basked in the spotlight, their voice nothing angelic but charismatic enough to grasp the attention of the audience, and their wacky personality the winning ticket to fully absorb them in the music.

Erwin was the biggest surprise to most people. Looking at him, you wouldn't expect him to be the talented guitarist of the soft rock band Scouts, with his blonde hair and blue eyes. Yet every time he held a guitar in his hands, fingers caressing the strings in a melody that hypnotised anyone who would listen.

Somehow though, it all worked. As a trio you worked in harmony to create some of the best music the town had heard in years. You were quickly becoming known in the area for your live performances, and the original songs the band performed went down very well with the crowds. Of course it did help that the crowd had had a few beers by that point, but praise was praise.

"Y/N," Erwin pressed his hands against your drum kit, leaning close to you. His eyes were lit up with an excitement you rarely saw outside of the band room. "You're going to love the new music I came up with. The strumming nearly broke my fingers but its worth it."

"Your sacrifice is noted." You give him a small smile, tapping at his hands. "Now get your filthy hands off my drum kit. I want these looking brand spanking new for tonight."

The door slammed open, Hanji making a grand appearance. In their hand was a tray holding three coffee cups, the liquid nearly spilling over with Hanji's enthusiastic movements. "Who's ready to take over the world?"

You shared an exasperated look with Erwin. "Hanji, how much coffee have you had this morning?"

"I haven't stopped shaking for 4 hours but that's fine." Hanji waved it off, once again nearly forgetting about the cups in the tray. They swore, righting themselves quickly and passing the drinks out.

You nodded your thanks, gingerly taking a sip of the hot drink. "Do you think its a good idea to have more?"

"Y/N's right, you've got a problem."

Hanji shrugged off your concerns, slapping their hands on their thighs. "How you guys feeling about tonight?"

"We've practised every night for over a month. I'm certain we can win this." Erwin knocked back his coffee in one gulp, winking at both Hanji and yourself. "We haven't lost one yet."

"But there's always a chance we could."

Hanji wrapped an arm around your shoulders, shaking you. "Have a little faith Y/N."

"I'm just being realistic." You rolled your eyes, shrugging yourself out of Hanji's grip with a bright smile.

"If you play anything like you usually do, we'll win for sure." Erwin shone a charming smile at you, one that would cripple the knees of any onlooker. To the surprise of many you were immune to his charms. Having spent hours practising in the band, and nights out clubbing together you saw him more of an older brother than a romantic interest. And after you'd seen him vomit into your hat and pass it back to you, a nervous smile on his face, you definitely harboured no romantic feelings.

"Lets practice and find out," Hanji suggested, absentmindedly stealing your remaining coffee and draining the contents. You chuckled to yourself, used to her antics by now.

You all agreed, conversation quickly being swapped for the fast pace of the music.

*

Your hands wouldn't stop shaking. You'd tried everything - deep breathing, a drink - or three - you'd even tried running outside to burn off some energy. But the car park of the cramped pub didn't offer much in the ways of a running track.

"You okay?" Erwin sidled up next to you, taking the quaking glass out of your hands. You'd forgotten you even had it.

Giving him a small smile, you nodded, gulping nervously. "I always am."

"I know you, you're always jittery before a gig." Erwin looked at his guitar, the sound technician beckoning him over. "Look, I have to do my sound check, but once I'm done we'll complete our pre-show ritual." Clapping a firm hand on your shoulder, he gave one squeeze before leaving.

Sighing, you picked up your drink from where Erwin discarded it, taking a large gulp. It took everything you had not to spill the liquid all over yourself. Your heart was racing a million miles an hour and the churning in your stomach had you convinced once the show was done you were going to throw up.

Or throw up now.

"Don't vomit on my bar. I just cleaned that."

You scoffed, eyeing the dark haired man before you. "I'll try not to, Levi."

"You better do more than try." He scrubbed at an invisible speck of dirt on the counter. Even though his eyes weren't on you, you felt every ounce of his attention. "Any reason you look like you're going to re-create the scene from the Exorcist?"

"The usual." You fiddled with your fingers, dusting over the callouses lacing them. Music bore its scars.

"There's no reason. You're not terrible." The tips of your ears burned at his words. You were used to praise, your irrational thoughts twisting them to be insults. But coming from him? Something felt sincere about his words. It might be because you felt a sort of closeness with him. He was the first bar owner who signed you up, having full faith in your music ability. He never complained about Hanji's large personality, or Erwin's tendency to be overly public with his affection with someone he had met that night.

He'd witnessed all of the bands highs and lows. He always sat with you at this very bar, and he always was the first one to speak. In fact, you were fairly certain you were the only person he attempted to strike a conversation with without prompt. Those chats meant the world to you. Every time you sat at that bar your heart beat slightly faster and your palms sweatier.

So yeah, what he said caused a blush to spread over your face.

"Thanks Levi." You flashed him a smile, feeling the butterflies in your stomach easing slightly. He didn't respond, acknowledging your words by lifting his eyes from the task at hand and nodding at you.

"Y/N!" Hanji shouted, even though they were half way across the room. "We need you for your sound check."

Without a word you shuffled off the bar stool, made your way to the drum set and sat down. You noted the grubby fingerprints on your drums - you were going to kill Erwin. Picking up the sticks, you rolled them in your hands, spinning and twirling them.

At the command of Hanji counting down, you smacked the sticks together to the beat, all nerves melting away as you pounding the drums, let the cymbals shrill out. The world around you disappeared as you punched out the beat of the song.

Levi looked up from where he was cleaning, drawn to the sudden increase of noise. His eyes were instantly captivated by you. Your body moved with the music, a serenity on your face he had never seen before.

You were magnificent.

He couldn't comprehend why you were nervous at all. Those drum sticks were like an extension of your hands, the movement so natural it took him by surprise. You were so ingrained in the music you didn't notice how everyone in the room stopped to watch.

The song ended, and Levi couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. He enjoyed their music - in fact, he normally hated rock but something about the Scouts spoke to him. He wasn't a big music lover himself and apart from the money earned from holding a live band, he normally had no ulterior motive.

But now he realised he might.

Something flickered in his chest as he watched you twirling the drum sticks absentmindedly in your hands, talking with earnest with Erwin and Hanji. Even from half way across the room, Levi could hear Hanji's side of the conversation.

"You're fantastic!" Hanji's hands moved with such ferocity that they clashed with the cymbals, a chime echoing in the air. Hanji was unfazed, carrying on with their zest like they usually did.

You only nodded, a slight turn to your lips as you took in what Hanji said. Suddenly a laugh burst out of you. There was nothing sweet about the noise - in fact, it sounded more like a witches cackle than anything - but still it was like music to his ears.

"Hey, bossman!" Hanji gestured to Levi. He didn't try to hide his distaste for the nickname. "Want to join us in our pre-show ritual?"

"I'm not a part of the band."

Erwin chuckled, striding towards Levi. "You're an honorary member."

Nonchalant, Levi shrugged, joining the trio. A slight red tinge had blossomed across your cheeks.

"What is it we're doing?"

"Ssh," Hanji placed a finger to their lips. "Its a secret."

Rolling his eyes, Levi followed as the trio pushed through the back door of the bar, ignoring the distinct smell of rot and screeches of cat fights. They made their way to a pair of ladders propped against the side of the building.

Levi frowned. He'd never seen them before.

You noticed his confusion. "The ladders are ours. We bring them to every gig."

You acted as if that provided all the answers; it just gave Levi more questions.

The trio carried on as normal, climbing up the ladder and reaching the top. You all paused when you reached the roof, looking over the town from a entirely new perspective. You wondered if this was how birds felt.

"Its beautiful." You whispered.

Levi looked at the trio with a brow raised. "Is this it?"

"That's not what we're here for." Hanji smirked, a mischievous look in their eyes. Without warning, they opened their mouth.

And screamed.

The sudden shrill noise sent Levi's hands to covering his ears, staring at the insanity that was Hanji. He was about to question it, not having realised you and Erwin were unbothered, when more noise joined Hanji.

Both Erwin and you had your mouths open wide, screeching and hollering so loud Levi thought he'd go deaf.

After what felt like a million years the noise stopped. You gasped for breath, a brilliant smile on your face.

"Isn't that going to affect your gig?"

Erwin brushed it off, winking in Hanji's direction. "They already sound like a dying cat anyways, might as well have a good reason."

"Oi," Hanji exclaimed, smacking Erwin upside the head. "I'd like to watch you hold a note as long as I can."

"And I'd like to not hear your voice crack."

Erwin and Hanji started play fighting, much to Levi's amusement. You stood back, snorting at their childish antics and walking straight past them.

"Can you guys do that after the show?"

"Sorry Y/N."

Without a word you all retreated from the roof, walking back into the bar. Levi followed them wordlessly, taken aback by what had just happened. You laughed at his awestruck face, clapping him lightly on the shoulder. "Welcome to the band."

*

An hour later the gig was in full swing. You could barely believe that an hour ago you were quaking with nerves, your body now alight with excitement. This is what you love. The roar of the audience surrounding you fed your addition, driving your high as your poured more energy into the beat.

Sweat had long since broke out on your neck. You were gasping, sucking in as much air as possible before you next had to provide backing vocals. With your slick skin acting as a glue for your clothes and your shining face, you were the picture of exhaustion.

Levi didn't see that though.

In the brief moments where he was able to stop and watch, he was captivated by you. He saw someone who was so striking it was hard to take his eyes off them. He saw their passion in the way you beat the sticks against the drums, or how your entire body danced to the music.

It was no surprise that the Scouts won the Battle of the Bands. Their competition had been meek, the audience quiet as a mouse in comparison to how they reacted with the Scouts. Yet you still had a look of wonder on your face as your band took to the stage to accept the win, Hanji giving a short speech and you bowing to the crowd.

He wasn't entirely sure how it all led to you sitting at the bar, a cup of tea cradled in your hands as Erwin loaded the car with your instruments. Hanji was busy talking animately to someone on the phone, every now and then looking over at you and giving you a thumbs up. Usually this was something you all did together. Tonight, you two were alone. Either way, however you two ended up in this situation, Levi wasn't complaining.

"Thanks for the tea." Your voice was raspy. Providing the backing vocals and your pre-gig ritual had not been merciful to your throat.

Levi nodded, tinkering behind the bar as he completed the lock up procedure for the night. The two of you sat in a comfortable silence, relishing each others company. You happily sipped at your tea, thankful that Levi had put a touch of lemon in to soothe your throat.

"You guys looking to book another performance?" Levi stopped for a moment, pulling his diary from under the counter. "I might be able to fit you in the next few weeks."

"We're actually putting the band on hold for a while." Levi stared at you, brows raised. Taking this as a sign to explain, you carried on. "Erwin wants to focus more time on training for the army, and Hanji is getting ready for a study year in Japan."

"And what about you?"

You shrugged. "Business as usual for me."

Levi saw the way your shoulders drooped, eyes darting to Erwin and Hanji for a moment. He could already tell you were going to miss them.

"No plans at all?"

"Boring, I know." You laughed. It was your way to cope - that was clear as day.

Before he could second guess it, his words slipped out. "Why don't you help out here?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You can help me book new talent coming in. With the Scouts on hold I need someone to fill in the Friday night spot."

The band would never be split up. You'd stay in contact. You three had always been together, and it didn't matter in what way. Whether you were miles apart or only spoke once every three months, you were going to be friends for life.

Hanji and Erwin were going on their own separate paths. Maybe this could be yours. It wasn't what you had pictured, and you had no idea where it would lead.

There was something exciting about the unknown.

"Okay, when do I start?"

[doomedandstoned]

Know Your Scene: Electric Valley Records

~By Peter Willmott~

Electric Valley Records is a name in the underground Stoner/Psych/Doom community that inspires enthusiastic support from every corner. Based in the small island of Sardinia Italy, founder Marco Nieddu started off releasing his own music for the band Raikinas. Now years after Raikinas has joined the great festival in the sky and the label lives on. Now Marco continues to play with 1782 and he has been making serious waves with Electric Valley Records with a stable of great bands and a growing reputation for boutique vinyl, deliciously dark art, and all round killer releases.

Started by Marco in 2014, the label grew over the first few years from a boutique Italian market to take on the world stage and by 2018 was generating serious media attention. Marco’s great art and attention to detail in his releases created a loyal stable of fans - if it was Electric Valley Records you knew it was going to be a great album.

Fast forward to 2021, as Italy slowly climbs out of the COVID-19 mess, Electric Valley Records has a great family of bands who support each other - you can’t underestimate the power of community in helping bands stay strong and keep the fire alive to produce great music. The power of vinyl and fuzz worship has never been stronger! 2021 sees Electric Valley Records take a global position with one release a month in the first half of 2021, including bands from Australia (Amammoth), Chile (Dixie Goat), Cyprus (Stonus), Italy (1782, Cancervo) and more. We can’t wait to see what’s coming next!

We spoke with Marco Nieddu about some of the label’s history.

When did you decide to start Electric Valley Records, and where did the name come from?

The label was born in 2014, with my band at the time, Raikinas, we were looking for a label, we sent tons of emails but we got just two or three replies. I couldn't stand it, so I decided to create my own label just for that band, but as you know Electric Valley has much more than just one band, plus Raikinas no longer exists. (laughs)

As for the name instead, there is no particular reason, that name had been spinning in my head for a long time, so I didn't think twice and chose it as the name of the label.

What do you love about the Italian heavy music scene?

The Italian heavy music scene is really beautiful, there are so many good bands that take out fantastic albums; bands like Ufomammut, Black Rainbows, Elepharmers, Humulus, Cancervo, Atomic Mold, just to name a few, I could spend hours writing.

Also from the point of view of labels it is not bad at all, one of the strongest labels of this genre is Heavy Psych Sounds Records, and it is from Rome, then we have Argonauta Records, GoDown Records and many others.

One thing I love about the Italian scene is the small festivals, people are very interested. In my opinion we are not at the level of other countries such as Germany, for example --but I must say that in our small way we move well -- there is a lot of interest from both the organizer and the public.

What gives you the biggest buzz running the label?

Basically everything! (laughs) The excitement starts from when the band signs through to the release of the album and beyond. This with every single release!

The coolest thing is when you realize bands are going strong, I don't mean sales, I mean, when people start talking about bands, share them on social media, include them in playlists and take record photos. For me the most important thing is that the band is doing well and growing more and more. Before being my job, it is my passion.

What is the special sauce that makes an album an “Electric Valley Records” release?

There isn't exactly a special sauce, each band has its own special sauce. When I listen to new bands, generally, if I like them I immediately realize, as I said before, each band has its own particularity and this is what strikes me, it can be a certain type of sound, a certain style of riff, the groove, the voice and any other kind of peculiarity.

What I try to do is make the listener feel the same feelings I feel when I listen to that particular band. I can't pick bands at random or without listening to them just to make a release, Electric Valley isn't that kind of label.

Marco Nieddu may be the most popular man in the underground stoner-psychedelic and doom community. We reached out to bands on the Electric Valley Records label, and boy were they ready to talk about it, there’s a whole lotta love for Marco and his work over the years!

What attracted you to Electric Valley Records?

Amammoth: We first heard of them through the band 1782 which we are huge fans of. We love their sound and they have amazing artwork. When we were looking into getting some artwork done for our band we looked at Electric Valley and we discovered Marco was the one who did it all. We were super lucky to have Marco do some art for us and it all stemmed from there. We were already fans of the label and listened to a lot of the bands on the label, as they promote a lot of the influential up and upcoming bands of our genre.

Atomic Mold: It was 2015, our first album "Atomic Mold" had just been released. Marco contacted us to find out if we would like to collaborate, we wrote a lot and we decided to make a split. He put us in touch with Mount Hush and in a short time we made a split that had good success and was sold out in a few months. In October 2016 we met with Marco in Sardegna who organized the tour with Fatso Jetson.

Stonus: Well, back in 2019 we were looking for a record label to release our debut album “Aphasia” which was our main aim at the time. The reason for seeking a label contract was to get more reach, release our music on vinyl, more gig opportunities and to learn how things work from a more business/professional perspective. We had 4 or 5 options at the time and Electric Valley Records was the most appealing as we liked the bands that were signed and they do things in a really professional way. Marco is an excellent guy although we never met in person. (laughs) He is always available for questions and he is really flexible and understanding. In a year, we had two releases on vinyl, “Aphasia” and “Séance” and they also have some cool options like tapes. I must say we are very satisfied even though the pandemic caused some delays but what can you do, fans have been patient on their side and we have to thank them for that, too.

Loose Sutures: EVR is one of the best labels in doom, stoner, fuzz rock. Beautiful roster, high accuracy in every detail, respect and personality. For us is more about a brotherhood than a simple contract sealing: we belong to the same island and share the same studio with 1782. We're friends and we all feel friendship with all EVR bands.

Hadewijch: EVR attracted us for many reasons but the first would have to be the great communication back and forth and the complete belief in our vision and Herbal Doom from day one. Marco is a professional and creates an environment where we as artists and our music feels safe and respected. It’s clear that he cares very much about the bands and the music itself and is not afraid to take risks on what he releases in line with a level of quality that has become known from the label.

High N' Heavy: What attracted us to EVR was we really dug their aesthetic, and we were already big fans of Atomic Mold and Weed Demon.

Dixie Goat: We don't know if you can put this (we can - Peter) but the last days of last year we were contacted by Paul from The Cosmic Peddler. He asked us if we had physical copies from our 2nd album (new one) so we said no. Then he asked us if we were interested in releasing the album and if we want to have a label. Our answer was Fuck Yeah! man. We don't care if they want to release our new album on tape, cd, lp, laserdisc, betamax, minidisc, whatever they want! We were just happy that someone was interested in the band and they wanted us to release our music outside our country also considering our difficult times. So that is how it starts. Kinda fairy tale. They have a great roster of bands. Also they released a split including our brothers from Chile, Arteaga. Awesome band, by the way.

Cancervo: We’ve known EVR through friends. We already listen to some bands from this label and we like their works, so we tried to send our first record, when they told us that the song was liked and that we could do something, we were so excited!

Weed Demon: When Marco approached us about signing with EVR we were completely unfamiliar with the label but it didn’t take long to realize that they were headed in the right direction. The roster of bands was killer and label branding was on point. It just felt like a perfect fit for us. They had a little bit of everything, just like our sound in Weed Demon. It also didn’t hurt that Marco is a super nice dude and has always been easy to work with.

Marmalade Knives: I found my way to Electric Valley through Heavy Psych Sounds, and I instantly really appreciated Marco and his openness to hearing new music and growing his label in different psychedelic directions. I think his attitude and demeanor find their way into all corners of the EVRverse. All of the other bands on the label I've interacted with have been super supportive and cool.

Desert Suns: We started working with Electric Valley right when we had finished our latest album Carry On. We were shopping it around to see who would want to release it. Marco was down to put it out.

Wormhog: Since we were determined to release our first LP Yellow Sea on vinyl we had made some contacts with various labels and pressing plants. Electric Valley and Marco showed us right from the start how much they wanted a collaboration between us. Of course, we knew of EVR’s existence long before our release and we were flattered to be part of such a great family with so many great bands! However, what actually attracted us, was that there was a feeling of mutual respect in our communication, right from the start, which was also depicted on our contract. Everything is straight and simple, which was the main reason we wanted to be part of the label, and we couldn’t be happier about it!

Elepharmers: We met the guys from Electric Valley before their label was even founded. Marco was the bass player of Raikinas, we met at a concert, then we shared the stage and beautiful evenings. We also did some gigs in Germany together thanks to him and his band. We appreciate their desire to grow and make space for themselves in the stoner, psych, doom music scene.

What was the most exciting part of your release with Electric Valley Records?

Amammoth: We were super stoked to be working with a label that we were already fans of, and to be on a label that gives a fuck and actually cares about the art and the artists. It was fun working with Marco to design the record cover too, as we really appreciate his art. It was exciting to work with a label that works so hard to expose their bands to people all around the world and we really appreciate them pumping our songs out for people all over to hear. Coming from Australia and being in a genre like ours it is a great honour and privilege to be on a label like Electric Valley, as our music is being heard and reaching places further than we could have ever imagined.

Atomic Mold: Surely to see our records arrive all over the world!

Stonus: Nothing can beat the excitement of releasing your debut album on vinyl and being featured by blogs and magazines all around the globe. We feel very thankful for the feedback and support we received and Electric Valley Records was a catalyst on this small success.

Loose Sutures: Being part of EVR means being part of something getting bigger every year . You realize immediately that this label cares a lot about their bands. You can see it in every step: music, promotion, merch, album covers etcetera. Now we are close to releasing the first single of our new album and we can't wait for it! So excited and proud.

Hadewijch: The most exciting was to have 100 percent freedom with the artwork and control over the release, but still feeling like this was a collective team effort with EVR behind us every step of the way.

High N' Heavy: Most exciting part about releasing through them was they did such a great job getting us out there and fully supporting our ideas. They’re great at working with you on making your release the best it can be. From the music to the art direction and everywhere in between.

Dixie Goat: As we said above, the label has great bands so being part of it's like a dream come true. Also releasing our music for the first time on a label and for the first time on vinyl woooow, we were jumping like monkeys. Pretty happy!

Cancervo: The most exciting part was planning the release and all the technical details of our first album.

Weed Demon: Our last two releases with EVR gave us way more worldwide exposure. It’s difficult for an Ohio based band to gain a following across the pond in Europe. Having a label based out of Sardinia definitely helped increase our fan base.

Marmalade Knives: As this was my band's first release ever, I have to say that each milestone -- each a first -- was very exciting for me. The signing, the selection of vinyl colors, holding a copy in my hands for the first time: it was all exciting.

Desert Suns: Electric Valley had been on our radar for a couple years so it was cool to actually have our second album released by a label from Italy. Electric Valley has been putting out some solid releases from some really rad bands! We are stoked to be on their roster.

Wormhog: Since Yellow Sea is our first physical release, the most exciting moment cannot be any other than the moment we saw our new records in the flesh! The printing and pressing quality are absolutely amazing, and that’s what anybody should expect from a label like Electric Valley Records.

Elepharmers: One thing we appreciate about Electric Valley is that it's a label run by people with so much enthusiasm, people with whom we've created a bond of friendship that goes beyond the stage and making records. Marco from EV collaborated in setting the dates for the 2020 European tour, which unfortunately was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anything else you’d like to share about Electric Valley Records?

Amammoth: We can’t thank them enough for everything they have done for us as a band. They are one of the best independent record labels in the world and we are super lucky to be working with them.

Atomic Mold: Yes, we are currently composing the new album which we will release with Electric Valley Records. Over time he has built a great relationship with us. We have a lot of trust and respect for the work he has always done for us.

Stonus: For us the whole concept of a release is important, from music to artwork, vinyl colour, special inserts and posters. We like to experiment with ideas and possibilities so we often discuss with Marco things that he has never done before and he is keen to learn and do his research, always offering a solution. We are really happy to be part of this awesome family of heavy bands, they are all amazing artists and people. We can't wait to meet them in person and connect through music!

Loose Sutures: Get Ready for the new album: it's gonna be hot and nasty! We are proud to continue being part of this great family and we are more than sure that it will continue to grow and improve more and more.

Hadewijch: Yes! I think it’s worth saying, even at the risk of sounding a bit cliché, that there is a very positive feeling environment on the label. All the bands are kind and willing to help each other, like a group of friends you know? We’re all willing to help uplift each other and it’s an awesome feeling.

High N' Heavy: And I’d like to say again that the support is real with EVR. Not just from Marco and the crew, but from the bands, too. We constantly refer to it as the EVR family, and it really feels that way. Everyone reps everyone else. It’s a great label, and they continue to grow with new awesome bands.

Dixie Goat: They have treated us awesome since day 1. Always kind and respectfully. We like that and we have just gratitude for the label. We think it's not that easy to sign a band from the end of the world. We have so much love for Marco from Electric Valley Records and Paul from The Cosmic Peddler. Thank you so much, guys!

Cancervo: We found a great family and a good vibe who pushed us to plan our second album still with them. It will come out in the first part of 2022! Stay tuned!

Weed Demon: The thing I love most about being a part of this label is the feeling of family. All of the bands are super supportive of one another. Even being spread out all across the world, it still feels like you are all buds in a local scene. Everyone working towards a shared goal of growing the Electric Valley family and pushing each other’s music and art to the next level!

Marmalade Knives: Just that I'm psyched to continue the working relationship. I'm hopeful that the second Marmalade Knives LP will be released later this year.

Desert Suns: We’ve had a little line up change over the last year so we are writing some new material we’d like to record and get out within the next year and hopefully have the privilege to keep working with Electric Valley Records.

Wormhog: We just can’t wait for our next release together!

Elepharmers: At the moment I don't have other things to tell: there would be many anecdotes related to parties and concerts, drinking beer till dawn and listening to great music.

Highlights from the Electric Valley Records Catalog

Amammoth

Amammoth - The Fire Above by Electric Valley Records

Atomic Mold

Split Atomic Mold / Arteaga by ATOMIC MOLD

Cancervo

I by CANCERVO

Desert Suns

Carry On by Desert Suns

Dixie Goat

There's No Light Without Darkness by Dixie Goat

Elepharmers

Lords of Galaxia (2019, Electric Valley Records) by Elepharmers

Hadewijch

Herbal Noise by Hadewijch

High N' Heavy

V by High n' Heavy

Loose Sutures

Loose Sutures by Loose Sutures

Marmalade Knives

Amnesia by Marmalade Knives

Stonus

Séance by Stonus

Weed Demon

Crater Maker by Weed Demon

Wormhog

Yellow Sea by Wormhog

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[bruisedpeachx-blog]

Noble Eightfold Path

Cyrstal Castles was the most beautiful place that I’ve seen. I’ve been exposed to a person who was skeptical and negative of crystals, positive energies, and spirituality for far too long, and this place was the perfect thing that I needed to shift my mentality. When we went it was raining, everything was green, and the entire place was so ambient. I’ll never forget the lovely quotes that were placed on stones throughout the walkways, I’ll never forget how I felt when I stood beside and looked into an amethyst cave, and I’ll never forget how I felt when I saw a giant Buddha sculpture submerged in water, on top of a lotus mural. Byron Bay itself was such an incredible place to experience, and I’ve never felt the way that I did when I was sitting on the rocks watching the waves crash into them. I felt completely level headed, and my mind was so clear. It’s a really special thing to be completely present without the distractions of technology, music, or conversation. For a little while it was hard to write about Byron because the positive feelings I had were so overshadowed by hydroplaning, but I’m so glad that I’m able to look back on that day with so much positivity, and to have those memories of Australia. 

Since Byron I’ve had two full rosters of full time hours, lunch and dinner dates with friends, nights out, and nights in and it’s made writing a full text post so difficult. I want to write down all of the positive moments and times that I’ve had so I can look back on this blog, read about these moments, and remember exactly how I felt at the time. 

Cam and I make a habit of taking our lunch breaks at the same time, which has been great. We take our full hour breaks and we do our best to try somewhere new. He’s been an incredible help with showing me around, spending time with me, and keeping me company when I feel low. Although he’s tried to show me new places to eat, I haven’t been able to stray from Nom Nom, and the Dumpling restaurant in the Valley. These are probably two of my favourite places that I’ve ever eaten, and they have the best vegetarian options. There’s a bar in the Valley that is walking distance from work and Cam’s friends work the bar. I’ve now become friends with them as well, and we sit at the bar, talk, and waste hours of our night here. I’ve also on too many occasions drank one too many Caesars and made a complete ass of myself thanks to Jimmy’s incredible music playlist. I never thought that I would be a regular at a bar, but I love this place, I love the people, and I love the backyard area where I can sit and read. Without this space I’m confident my experience in Brisbane would have been much different. 

The Balance and Composure show was cancelled due to the flooding after Cyclone Debbie and this was something that I took extremely hard. When everything happened initially, I told myself that I had to stay because I already had tickets to this show. It sounds extremely dramatic but this show was the light at the end of the tunnel on so many extremely hard nights. When I felt alone I just reminded myself that I would get to see this band, and that their music that meant so much to me would be played back to me and it would make everything okay. Music is something that makes up so much of who I am, and it has helped me make the best of what could have been a really bad situation. The one thing that I can say I’m thankful about is knowing the Manager of the Brightside, and being able to hear that the show was cancelled face to face, rather than from a Facebook post. When I found out that the show was cancelled I felt so defeated, I felt so sad, and I just felt overwhelmed. I didn’t know what I was supposed to look forward to if I didn’t have the show, and I was scared that now that I didn’t have this show, I wouldn’t feel okay anymore. Although I didn’t get to see Balance and Composure, I can honestly say that I think this show served it’s purpose for me. For a month this show was the light at the end of the tunnel, my motivation to get out of bed on bad days, and just something to look forward to that was mine. I’m really thankful that I was able to have that, and I’m even more thankful that although it was cancelled - I still felt okay, and I was able to see the silver lining in the situation. 

I met a great person in the process of this show being cancelled, and I’m really grateful for that. Alex and I instantly bonded over our disappointment of Balance and Composure being cancelled, and then over our similar taste in music. It was great to talk to someone that has similar musical interests, same dietary morals, and same ideals when it comes to a lot of things. Alex and I went to Goma and it was a beautiful experience for me. I hadn’t been to Goma yet, and I honestly have no idea why it wasn’t one of the first places that I went to when I first came to Brisbane. That being said, Goma is currently celebrating 50 years and had on their “Best Of”, and they didn’t disappoint. When I walked into the room that was completely white, with two taxidermy deers covered in oversized water droplets, I was so overwhelmed in such an amazing way. When I saw the giant sculpture of a woman lying in a bed I was so in awe by every single little detail, and I felt so small in a very humanizing way. I loved that exhibit because it’s whole focus is on perspective, and that’s been my focus as of lately. Alex knew so much about so many of the exhibitions, and it was great to experience Goma so thoroughly. Afterwards Alex and I went to an amazing vegetarian restaurant where we ate way too much food, and talked about so many interesting things. It was so great to hang out with someone who so closely aligns to who I am and what I’m interested in, and I feel so thankful to have met such a great friend. 

After Goma I walked to Death Before Decaf and I spent some much needed time alone with my music. Death Before Decaf has become my place to go to when I don’t know where I should be, or what I should be doing. It gives me a place to walk to when I feel low at all hours of the night, and it gives me a place to walk to in the morning when I’m feeling motivated to walk or run. It’s open twenty four seven, so it’s always there for me. 

I walked back to the Valley with my iced coffee and got a text from Cam letting me know that him and his friends would be going to the Valley to grab a beer and talk comics if I wanted to join. At the bar I drank one too many beers, danced to one too many Savage Garden songs, and met amazing new people. As I was leaving to catch an Uber I ran into my friend’s boyfriend in the Valley, who let me know his girlfriend was close by and that I absolutely had to come with them to dance. I’m not sure that I’ve ever had a night as fun as this one and I hope that when I look back on Brisbane in the future, this is the night that I think about. We went to so many great places in the Valley and danced and drank and had such a lovely time. The music that was playing at the places they took me was so unlike the typical club music you hear, and I was so happy to be surrounded by people just like me who just wanted to dance to The Smiths! Halfway through our night one of their friends ended up coming and he ended up being a great person to meet. It was so refreshing to talk to someone who was passionate about Vans, skating, art, and life in general. Even after my friend and her boyfriend called it a night, we stayed out in the Valley. We tried to call an Uber but there was a surge so we climbed onto a tin roof overlooking the entire Valley, and at that exact moment I realized how far I had come in the month and a half that I had been completely by myself. I have never laughed so much, danced so hard, or felt as okay as I did this night. I am so thankful to have met all of these amazing people.

After booking my plane tickets to China, LA, Seattle, and throughout Canada, I felt sad. I was so happy while I was doing it, but when I woke up in the morning everything felt so final. I had this incredible night after I had booked my plane tickets to travel, and it made the thought of leaving so difficult. It has been so hard to think about leaving Brisbane, and I know that it will be so hard for me to part ways with all of the beautiful people that I have met. That being said I also know that I’ve become addicted to self growth, and that the best way I grow is when I’m pushing my comfort zone and allowing myself to become uncomfortable. Which means being in a country where I don’t speak or read the language, completely alone. Which means walking on the Santa Monica pier completely alone. Which also means traveling around my favourite American city with my best friend, while seeing bands that we both love wholeheartedly. I know that most people feel as if going back to Canada is doing the easy thing and taking the easy way out, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Brisbane has become my home, and Brisbane will always have a piece of my heart. 

Today I met a customer at work from Vancouver, and he told me that if I loved Australia I would love Vancouver. He told me that Vancouver and it’s surrounding areas had so many of the same aspects, except with the company of the Rocky Mountains. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to talk to this individual, who was able to remind me why I am so excited to explore this city and make this city a home. 

Tonight my ex’s best friend screenshotted one of my Snapchat stories, and when I asked him why he did he proceeded to explain and then apologize about Australia not working out for me. Although his intentions may have been good, I have never been more frustrated by a sentence. A relationship in Australia didn’t work out, that is one hundred percent correct, but Australia did work out. The person responsible for breaking my heart, has zero influence on my decision to continue my travels and to see more of the world. The person that showed me a lack of care does not dictate this country or my ability to do something or make something work. Immediately I was upset that this person had reopened a wound, but as quickly as those feelings came, they left. I realized that I don’t need anyone to understand my motives or my actions, and that everything goes back to perspective. In their eyes I failed and I gave up, in my eyes I overcame, I grew, and I let myself move on. In the end I thanked this individual, and I meant it completely. I am so thankful that this one person who owed me absolutely nothing, showed me respect, made himself available if I needed it, and offered me help if it ever came to that. This person who didn’t need to care if I was okay, showed me the compassion that any human being deserves and made the hardest part of my journey just a little bit easier. Although I never called on him, I knew that if I was ever in a scenario that compromised my safety or my mental health, I had one person that I could call on. Although I feel like what he said tonight is untrue, I’ve learned that it’s okay to disagree with someone while understanding their opinion, and reflecting on their perspective. 

These experiences that I’ve had in Australia are mine. The growth that I have experienced in Australia is my own. What I have done with these circumstances came from my personal strength to overcome something awful and make it beautiful. 

I loved, I broke, I grew, I fell in love with myself, and now I’m healing and moving on. 

“We do not heal the past by dwelling there;

We heal the past by living fully in the present.”

- Marianne Williamson