#best not broken

[radiomaxmusic]

Monday, December 11, 2023 4pm ET: Balcony Show featuring Best Not Broken

[independentartistbuzz]

Indie 5-0 with Best Not Broken

Best Not Broken is not to be slept on. This Boston band brings back all the nostalgic feelings we thrive on, both lyrically and sonically.

Their newest song, "I Don't Belong," is a pop rock tribute to those who didn't quite fit in in high school and dreamed of being a rock star. While the song oozes of the 80's and 90's replete with references to Walkmans, 90210, sideburns and mullets, and pegged jeans, the music video brings all that to life with bright colors, big hair, and teen angst.

The band, and their music, bring a fun and playful energy to the industry that everyone needs. We got a chance to speak with the band about their music and their career, so without further ado, let's dive in:

What was the inspiration behind your new song "I Don't Belong"?

This song started years ago with a little vocal melody that wound up being the verse. The only problem was we never had any lyrics for it that seemed to stick. Somewhere along the way, we committed to finishing it and some other pieces started coming together. The second piece was the “can I get a“ pre-chorus that struck me as memorable and tempting in that there are so many things that one might scream that refrain about. It started with jokes about fast food in the studio (“can I get a…cheeseburger!”, etc.) but when the chorus (“ I don’t belong“) started to shape up, the pre-chorus took a new meaning. We were then on the hunt for a concept that fit those pieces. Knowing the melody and pre-chorus had a lighthearted vibe, I set off in search of something with a little humor but an authentic backstory to it. Then one night, while lying awake in bed, for some reason I started thinking about some of my ridiculous high school experiences, and all of a sudden the ideas started to flow. It wasn’t long before the story of a high school wanna-be-rockstar had kind of written itself.  It’s really a celebration of all the things we look back on from high school and say “OMG, I can’t believe I did that!“ and how at some point, we all didn’t quite fit in somewhere.  And ultimately how we start out with grandiose plans that may or may not pan out, but those of us that are fortunate enough, end up with a life that’s pretty darn good even though we may not have hit our target!

Your video is fun and cleverly ties your lyrics and music together. What was the best part of putting the video together?

By far, the best part of putting the video together was reddiscovering some of the outfits and other time pieces (Rubik‘s cube, boombox, walkman, etc.) from the 90s and even the 80s to make this video feel like it was set back then. Not sure if we hit the mark, but it was certainly fun trying! The second thing was watching Carlo (our drummer) ride a miniature bike around the school. He definitely would’ve spent much time in the principals office!

You've performed with and opened for many iconic musicians over your career thus far. Is there a show that stands out the most? Why?

We’ve been very fortunate in that our music seems to have enough commonality with an array of popular artists that we’ve picked up some pretty cool gigs with musicians we all know in love. Those experiences are all special in their own way, but the one that probably stands out the most is the very first time we were asked to share the stage with a national headliner in front of thousands of people.. It was Pat Benatar.  At first we said “that doesn’t really seem like our audience.. we may not be a good fit.”  And then we said, “what the heck are we thinking, there will be thousands of people… we gotta give it a shot!”  At that point we were mostly used to playing in the garage and after a quick sound check, and looking at thousands of seats in the theater, and people starting to filter in, I just remember walking out to my car 10 minutes before we were supposed to go on thinking “oh my God, how am I going to do this!”  Major mental peptalk! But we got through it and they even had us back for another show!

If you could perform with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

The Beatles. For every reason you can imagine, and also because ultimately their songwriting and personality has many fingers in what Best Not Broken is today.

What has been the most rewarding aspect about performing and connecting with your audiences?

Ultimately it is just that. Connecting with people. It’s like having hundreds of great conversations all the same time. With a beat! When everybody is feeling the same energy, living the same lyrics, dancing and smiling together, it’s really a gift that we feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in.

[royalarchivist]

Bad: I don’t think people understand the effect QSMP had on some of the streamers in terms of like… The real raw mental impact, so I’m gonna set the stage for you. [...] Imagine that you were given a friend to play Minecraft with — like your best friend — BUT if this person dies, if they die in the game, you never get to talk to them again. Can you imagine what that’s like?

Bad: If you did not live through the QSMP, if you did not live through that, it almost sounds like, crazy. But I don’t think people realize how much of a joyous experience the Eggs were. They were SO awesome! They were literally so awesome to just hang out with and spend time with.

Bad: I’m not saying I regret it. To this day, I loved the experience. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Even knowing how everything went, I would still do it all over again. [...] I would still do it all over again, because — even knowing like, all the trauma and suffering and stuff like that — because it was just… It was just that fun, it was just that fun.

Earlier today during his stream, Bad shared his experience and thoughts about the Eggs and the significant emotional (and traumatic) impact they had on him and his fellow QSMP members.

This clip a very edited-down version since his commentary was ~13 minutes long, so I highly recommend checking out Bad's VOD if you have the time. (Timestamp: 47:36 - 1:00:14)

[ Full Transcript ↓ ]

———

Bad: To be fair Chat, I really think the QSMP... I don't think anyone really can relate to it, Chat. It's something that's so... I've told people this before, like– but it's hard to understand. Right? Like...

Where was I? Sorry Chat, I'm losing my train of thought. Look, let me explain Chat– here's the dealio, ok? Here's the dealio, and this is what I mean when I say like, it's important to keep this in mind, Chat. Ok? It's important to keep this in mind:

I don’t think people understand the effect that the QSMP had on like, some of the streamers, in terms of like… The real raw mental impact, so I’m gonna set the stage for you. This is the analogy I’ve given to every person who I’ve like, shared this with. Imagine you meet somebody– [He hears a strange noise] What the fudge was that? Did you hear that?

Anyway– Chip! The story I was just relaying to Chat, Chip, was this: I was sharing this story with them, I said–  I was giving them an analogy. 

Imagine Chat, for example, imagine that you were… playing Minecraft, with like– you were given a friend to play Minecraft with, Chat, like your best friend, and [unintelligible] were like, “Hey, you get to play Minecraft with this person, right? BUT if this person dies – they’re currently your best friend, Chip – but if they die in the game, you never get to talk to them again. Ever again.” Can you imagine what that’s like, Chip?

I don’t think a lot of people understand like, what that does, right? I’m not gonna say that like, it creates this situation, Chip, that like, messes with your head, but it– Chip – but it totally, totally does, Chip. It messes with your head! It literally puts you in a position where you’re second-guessing and thinking about everything, Chip! You’re thinking about EVERYTHING Chip! Ok? And that’s the problem, Chip– is you turn into a paranoid monster because of it, Chip! Like, you don’t understand Chip– I was- I was so afraid of every dirt block, I used to carry a shovel with me Chip, and I would specifically right-click dirt blocks that looked suspicious because mines, Chip– mines could not be shoveled! Like, I was crazy, Chip! But here’s the problem, Chip: that craziness is still there. I’m genuinely like–

I remember thinking Chip, that I would one day– I was like, “I’m going to move past–” here, let’s go up here, Chip. I remember thinking one day Chip, I was like, “I’m gonna move past the underground base, one of these days. You know, one of these days, I feel like I’ll be able to grow and achieve the desire to build a base that doesn’t have to be underground.” But I don’t think it’s possible now Chip, because I think… I just don’t know. I feel like the paranoia– there’s still like, residual leftover trauma from that situation, Chip.

But here’s the problem Chip: I don’t think I don’t think– I don’t think people understand it. Like, I just really don’t. But I also don’t blame them Chip, ‘cuz I don’t think it’s possible to fully understand it if you haven’t lived through it. Like, if you did not live through the QSMP… I’m talking about the QSMP, I don’t- I don’t know if that was obvious– if you did not live through that, it almost sounds like, crazy. But I don’t think people realize how much of a joyous experience like, the Eggs were. Right? I don’t think people realize it. Like, they were SO awesome! They were literally so awesome to just hang out with and spend time with, Chip. So, it’s just one of those things that–

[He’s interrupted by a loud rumble of thunder above them]

Did lightning just strike here? Is it thunderstorming out…? But anyway, Chip. That’s the food for thought.

But that’s the problem– Like, every time it rains in Minecraft, I have to like, look at the sky, and I get this weird, like, second--hand vibe because of the trauma. The trauma, Chip! The trauma is real! But that’s the point– I’m not saying I regret it. I, to this day Chip, I loved the experience. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Even knowing how everything went, I would still do it all over again. 

[He falls down] Dangit, don’t come over here Chip, ‘cuz I’m coming back up! Ok.

I would still do it all over again, because — even knowing like, all the trauma and suffering  and stuff like that — because it was just… It was just that fun, Chip, it was just that fun. I really wi– I don’t think it’s ever gonna be possible, Chip, to give people that same energy, like that same experience. You know what I mean, Chip? I don’t think it’s ever gonna be possible again. Like, EVER.

Because… because like, one: I will say on one level Chip, I will say on one level, like– it’s sort of emotionally like… It’s emotionally devastating, and I think to actually go through that– and this is where like, if I ever do end up going to a– see a therapist, if I ever do end up going to see a therapist at any point, I’ll talk it over with them and be like, “Hey, what do you think about this?” Because I genuinely think on one level, like– it’s created this fear of forming attachments because of like, how things can go. You know what I mean? Like, the fear of getting attached to something and then potentially losing it. Like, it’s- it’s a genuine thing. I think people forget about that.

Like, at the end of the day, everything was RP, right? On the server. You know what I mean? Like, everything was RP, Chip. BUT at the same point, even though it was RP Chip, it was still like– there the reality of you were still playing like, with another person, and you were still getting that experience, and it felt like you were genuinely attached to someone and you didn’t want anything bad to happen to them. It was GENUINELY stressful, Chip.

But at the same point, I don’t regret it, and I don’t think it was a bad experience. I’m– 

Sometimes in life Chip, you go through stuff, and maybe you have a certain amount of like, things that like, can happen, that you’re like, “You know what, maybe this wasn’t a good thing that this happened,” but at the same point, you still aren’t necessarily upset about it, because… it’s like growing as a person, right? Here’s the thing Chip; even bad situations, Chip, can lead to an overall good outcome. Like–

Even if you’re going through something bad Chip, just because a bad thing happens doesn’t mean that only bad things have to come from that. That’s one of the things I tell people all the time, Chip, is that if you go through a bad situation, you can learn from it, and you can use your experience to help others. And you can be that– you can be, at the worst-case scenario, you can be someone for other people who are going through that same experience to lean on when they go through that.I think there’s a certain amount of comfort that comes from that; from knowing no matter how bad your situation is, you’re not the only person who’s experienced it. You know what I mean?

[radiomax]

Friday, April 21, 2023 11pm ET: Beyond The Balcony Episode #17

#17 The companion program to the Balcony Show featuring independent music and beyond. In this installment we present music from these artist: (Episode 17) A Little Overboard, Autumn Academy, Best Not Broken, Canaan Cox, Different Moon, Good Stuff, Guy Paul Thibault, Hitha, Kendra Erika, Kenzo, Mat D Hard Luck Americana, Neil & Adam, The New Realm, Whole Damn Mess, Sam Louis (Not the order of…

[lazylittledragon]

astarion smooshing tiny lil kit's lil face has broken my heart and my bones, thank you for your service

that's his BOY!!!!

[morganbritton132]

Eddie, sharing way too much with his Tiktok following: One time when the band was recording an album in Australia, I was having sex in the kitchen of my rental and-

Eddie: Balls d- no, don’t wanna say that. In the middle of it, my boyfriend-at-the-time says, ‘what do you think these countertops are made out of?’

Eddie:

Eddie: Anyways, that’ll humble ya.

[prancingart]

And it's just a case of tragic magic When you can't remember feeling fantastic

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Now I need a lab safety wizard! U

se your PPE, do not microwave food or eat food. Specially in the Ethidium bromide area. Stop touching things with gloves that touched contaminated areas pLEAse!

You can see I'm frustrated lol

I have sent a helpful Lab Safety Gnome your way. May he guide you, and any students in your proximity to respect the Lab Safety Rules.

[mercymaker]

LAENA VELARYON, Season 1, Episode 6, "The Princess and the Queen" RHAENYS TARGARYEN, Season 2, Episode 4, "The Red Dragon and the Gold"

[pheavampire]

The Radio is Broken

Anyone up for some Alastor and Vox pathology?

I guess I should warn it’s short, but kinda dark.

But honestly? I had no idea I’m able to draw a comic that looked like this ;u;

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

[sincericida]

ANDREW GARFIELD and AYO EDEBIRI

at W Magazine's Annual Best Performances Party

[chalkrub]

new guy, he's an artist. and a merderer

[astriddestelle]

I just think there’s something deeply poetic about Dick Grayson falling in love with someone who can literally fly and loves to fly and be in the air and thus will never fall to their deaths like his parents. Falling in love with this girl sent from the sky above that teaches him how to fly again without having to worry about falling because she’ll always be there to catch him.

[whumblr]

A bone to pick

"Just can't help yourself, huh?! Always getting in our way!"

Another punch blew them to the floor of the grimy cell. With their hands cuffed behind their back, Whumpee couldn’t do much more than literally roll with the punches, soften the blows, trying to dodge best they could as Henchman went off, releasing his anger on them.

A kick to the stomach made them curl up. Followed up by a stomp on their ribs.

"Not so tough now, hm?" Henchman hissed, grinding his boot against their ribcage as if he were stomping out a cigarette. "What, nothing to say this time?!"

"What is going on here?"

Pressure on their ribs immediate fell away when the Henchman literally jumped a little and stepped back.

Whumper stood in the cell door opening, casually leaning against the metal frame, arms crossed, taking in the scene.

"Teaching them a lesson, sir." Henchman puffed his chest out, boasting his confidence that he was doing nothing wrong. But his voice sounded awfully fragile, the plea for approval ringing clear.

Whumpee glared up at the man in the doorway. They weren't sure why they were looking for mercy there but at this point he was the only one who could stop this. Even just for some stupid reason like, 'Only I am allowed to touch them'. But of course, there was no reprieve.

"I see," Whumper merely said, cold indifference in his eyes as he looked at the figure writhing on the floor. "Nothing wrong with that."

Henchman deflated. As did Whumpee's small hope.

"Did you break anything?" Whumper asked.

"No, sir!" Henchman quickly defended himself. No, no, wouldn't want your boss to think you'd just broken his new toy...

A disappointed hum. "Do it now."

Whumpee stopped breathing and went completely still, as if they were superglued to the floor. Fear started prickling in their stomach. Their heart pounded against the concrete and spread the uncomfortable, heavy sensation all over their body.

"Sir?" Henchman didn't seem as sure about what was about to happen.

"Pick a bone," Whumper said, slowly, eerily calm and he looked straight in Whumpee's eyes as he continued, "And break it."

Whumpee forced themself to maintain eyecontact, to keep breathing calmly through their nose. But they lost to the panic rising in them as Henchman disappeared behind them. They turned to their side to keep an eye on him, eyes wildly flitting about to Whumper and back.

Henchman stalked around Whumpee and they could practically feel his eyes roaming over their limbs, their body, as he was trying to make his choice. A barely noticeable sly smile crept over his lips and his eyes settled on their upper arm.

No... They kept the word firmly behind clenched teeth. Nothing they'd say would make them stop and they'd be damned if they allowed them to hear them beg! Their jaw set, panicked eyes blazed as they shot Whumper a challenging glare.

"I know what you're thinking," Whumper rumbled, unimpressed by the scene in front of him. "You're not going to scream for me." He gave a light shrug. "You re wrong there."

As Henchman shoved them onto their front and pulled their arms into an uncomfortable angle, they did put up a light struggle, pulling fruitlessly at the cuffs, scooting inches away, but a boot landedly heavily in-between their shoulder blades and kept them pinned.

"Don't move," Whumper growled, "Or I'll pick something to break as well."

A broken whimper did slip free this time and only increased in volume despite their wishes when they saw Henchman raise a leg.

An enormous force came down on their arm. A disgusting snap vibrated through their entire body like a tiny explosion, but the explosion of pain was much bigger.

And Whumper had been right; they couldn't hold their scream back. A broken, stuttering shriek that fizzled to sharp, short outbursts as the pain faded, but kept throbbing.

The handcuffs held their arms back mercilessly, and pulled at the broken bone with every twitch and twist. They squeezed their eyes shut. Felt, to the their horror, a cold prick of wetness in the corner of their eyes and they turned face-down to the floor, hiding it, resting their forehead against the cold floor.

"Good," Whumper gave a nod. "Now leave us," he growled at Henchman, and poked a foot under Whumpee, nudging them over, drawing out another scream. "We still have much more to discuss."

-

General whump taglist O7: @firewheeesky @myfriendcallsmeasickwoman19 @whumpawink

@painsandconfusion @auroragehenna @chaotic-orphan @lolrpop

[radiomax]

Friday, April 21, 2023 11pm ET: Beyond The Balcony Episode #17

#17 The companion program to the Balcony Show featuring independent music and beyond. In this installment we present music from these artist: (Episode 17) A Little Overboard, Autumn Academy, Best Not Broken, Canaan Cox, Different Moon, Good Stuff, Guy Paul Thibault, Hitha, Kendra Erika, Kenzo, Mat D Hard Luck Americana, Neil & Adam, The New Realm, Whole Damn Mess, Sam Louis (Not the order of…

[dykealloy]

ripple effect legacy // my tears are becoming a sea, M83