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kyotakumrau · 4 years ago

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2020.09.19 ROCK AND READ 091 - interview with utA - translation PART 1/2

'I'll be damned, what was that?!'

Interview: Yukinobu Hasegawa

Photos: Yosuke Komatsu (ODD JOB LTD.)

Translation: kyotaku You can buy the magazine on amazon, tower records etc ฅ( ̳• ·̫ • ̳ฅ)♡

After Kyo, Takumi and YUCHI from sukekiyo, it’s time for the interview with utA.

He’s experienced white collar work in his hometown Niigata, but couldn’t give up his dream of being in a band, so he moved to Tokyo, his band 9GOATS BLACK OUT attracted attention because of their fantastical music yet then disbanded, but because Kyo had listened to their music utA has started a new episode of his music life.

We ask him about the very start of his interest in music and his life until now.

And then... With many interesting stories like the one about the eerie episode when he came to Tokyo, we can show you utA’s odd music history.

utA / sukekiyo: profile & information

birthday March 26th. joined Kyo’s project sukekiyo as a guitarist in 2013. other members are Kyo (vocal), Takumi (guitar, piano), YUCHI (bass) and Mika (drums). their last release is the video compilation ‘LIQUEFACIO’ with the live footage from their show in Nakano Sunplaza in June 2019.

-- First, I’d like to ask you about the time you got into rock and playing the guitar. Were there any significant bands or guitarists for you when you were young?

utA: I think it was around elementary grade 5 or 6, it was X (-Japan). I was born in Joetsu city in Niigata, there was a CD shop stocked with v-kei and rock stuff there. It was a rural town, but at that time, there was a shop that was selling nothing but rock stuff.

-- It seems to be a quite early to start frequenting CD shops as a elementary school student.

utA: Yeah, I think it was early. I had a friend who was playing the piano, I heard him playing songs like “Silent jealousy” from X, I think that was how I got to know X and their heartrending phrases I love. After that I wanted to hear more from them so I listened to their first indies album “Vanishing Vision”. And then their first major release “BLUE BLOOD”.

-- You weren’t playing the guitar yet when you got to know X as an elementary school student?

utA: It was accidental, but my brother was playing the guitar. I think he liked ZIGGY, JACKSONS’N’JOKER, COLOR, BUCK-TICK etc when I was five. So I have seen my brother playing the guitar at home, but he didn’t influence me at all (laughing). I remember he liked to sing by himself while playing, I have this impression that he was a good singer, but didn’t play the guitar that well (laughing). But we were far apart in age, we weren't that attached, I felt if I just grabbed the guitar I could play. So I borrowed it and fumbled trying to play the songs as I listened to them.

-- But playing the guitar was then just something fun to do?

utA: It was definitely something fun, but I remember entering a music studio around junior high. I briefly started a band with friends. I guess there was no proper shape to it, but I wanted to play some songs, gathered friends and we played “Silent Jealousy”. I played the guitar, I tried really hard with the main phrases and so on. But I really couldn’t play well (laughing). My brother taught me things like A chord or E chord, in basic power chords, things like guitar solos came out very shaky. I recorded that. With a very simple cassette recorder with two buttons, play and record. I have no idea what happened with those cassette tapes, but I’d really kill to listen to them now (laughing).

-- To start a band and use a music studio in the junior high, that's quite remarkable. You were driven this much?

utA: Yeah, by X. I was also attracted by their looks and make up. It's not like all my friends were into the exactly same stuff but there were people who liked music. And there was one music instrument shop, I also went there often. The recording on the cassette tape happened at the end of junior high or start of high school. After X came LUNA SEA. It's a bit hard to explain, but in a way LUNA SEA matched my preferences better. Isn't LUNA SEA a metal band? With INORAN's clean guitar and SUGIZO's distorted guitar, this kind of separation was also novel. I got a shock running through me like 'I'll be damned, what was that?' There is such an awesome clean guitar like that? I though cleanly played super impressive phrases were amazing.

-- Your guitarist opinion was born at that time.

utA: That's right. It was a great impact, from creating sound, through phrases all the way to arrangement. I needed to know how do they get such beautiful sound. Until then I kept thinking that guitar sound should be distorted. I also learnt from music magazines etc that with a delay and chorus you will get a nice effect. And I remember listening to late night radio show "Break Out" or it was in some magazine that SUGIZO advised 'you can get our sound if you use an effector like this'. That's why the first effector I bought was the delay and chorus. My brother had the ones to create distortion, so I only had to add the delay and chorus. I also used my brother's Fender Made in Japan Strato(caster), so it was perfect for clean sounds.

-- So when you became a high school student did you get even more friends interested in music?

utA: I did. I would start talking about music right after coming back home. My home was our hanging out place, people were often surprised by the amount of CDs in my house (laughing). Listening to songs, we watched live DVDs and we all talked about the cool phrases we heard. And then I decided to buy a guitar model used by the artist I liked. So then it was exciting to talk about saving up for one (laughing).

-- You were already using a Stratocaster, but had another guitar you wanted?

utA: Now I know well that Fender’s Strato is a really good guitar, but at that time the look of the guitar was very important, it felt like strato was too simple. And that’s why I bought a guitar used by the artist I haven’t mentioned yet, so it might feel like coming out of nowhere, but it was the model used by Shin from Kuroyume. It was a Les Paul Model that came from GrassRoots, with two single coils. One of my friends was a big fan of Kuroyume so I often listened to their music and really got into Shin’s playing style. Les Paul models have nice shape and they can produce both clean and distorted/dirty sounds, so I decided to get Shin’s model. I was torn if I should get INORAN’s model instead, but it gave an impression of clean sound and because I also wanted to produce distorted sound I went with Shin’s. As a stupid kid your whole evaluation criteria is based on the sound created by the musician, right? Ah, but I just remembered that time I chose single coil. Even though for rock you’re much better off with guitars equipped with Humbucker.

-- You’re using the Fender’s Strato with sukekiyo.

utA: I am. I’m also using a Dragonfly, I’m swapping between them with a tap switch. If I had to say which is better, I like the sound of the single coil. I definitely got influenced by the clean sound created by INORAN. Even now I care a lot when creating clean sounds.

-- When JHS students get into bands and guitars, isn’t it easy for them to get easily misguided? They start to neglect their studies, join some band as a bassist, choose their high school based on the chances of starting a band there and so on.

utA: By some band you mean sukekiyo (laughing)? I don’t have an interesting story here, I really did my best studying as much as I could. My parents were so amazingly kind/supportive so I wanted to make them happy. I still feel like this. I didn’t want to give them any shock (laughing). At that time I remember I often felt they would be happy if I got good test scores. And I simply hate losing. I’m not someone for whom studying comes naturally, so I remember studying extra hard before the tests. In the past we also got ranked (depending on the test scores) so it was another motivation not to lose. But well, I ended up losing (laughing).

-- So you properly continued to high school?

(kyotaku: in Japan compulsory education ends with junior high school at the age of 16; high school is mostly for the sake of going to university.)

utA: If possible I wanted to go to the a good high school, but my teacher told me ‘it might be a close call so it’s better to go there’ (laughing). I went to the school they recommended. It wasn’t a normal high school, it was a technical school.

-- You get specific qualifications. So the course of your future was decided then?

utA: I loved music and guitar, but I didn’t see it as my dream future then. That’s why I was planning on going to university. If not I would be starting work, so I wanted to go to university. At the technical school you learn things like civil engineering or construction. So I applied for the referral to the university that had classes like that, but I was rejected. And I came to hate studying for entrance exams so I gave up on university (laughing).

-- Didn’t Takumi go to the university to study designing?

utA: He did. In this we are a bit similar. Our personalities are totally different, but we definitely share some things like our roots and some points. Takumi managed to go to university though, as I failed to get referred I had to look for another way (laughing).

-- And finally we are talking about starting a band?

utA: No, I started to work full time. At a surveying office in Niigata. I worked there for about 2 years. I hated studying for the entrance exams, but I got the national qualification for surveying. I remember I was thinking that if I have to do it then I have to get it and I was studying like crazy (laughing).

-- When you start working full time I think you shift to a totally different mode from being a student.

utA: Yeah, it was like that. But even as I was doing my best at work, after coming back home from work I was just listening to music all the time. And I spent all the money I earned going to music stores and buying up all the CDs. I had meant to enter a different mode but in the end it wasn’t possible. Most of the bands and musicians who were releasing music at the time were the same age as me, or just a bit older.

-- Did you start to feel a bit envious, feeling more that you could do that as well?

utA: Yeah. I started to write my original songs a bit from the end of HS. I was thinking that if I could make music that was my own style I could make it in music. That feeling has not changed until now.

-- If you were to describe your first original song, what was it like?

utA: Simply saying, it was very influenced by LUNA SEA (laughing). It wasn't a metal song, but it had clean and distorted sounds layered. I created 2~3 songs before I turned 20.

-- Did you do anything wanting to release those songs?

utA: So. I'd made a firm decision to quit my job at surveying office. When quitting I said honestly 'I want to pursue music, so please let me go' (laughing). And then my boss and coworkers cheerfully told me 'then do it!' I even had a farewell party with 'let us know when you release something' (laughing).

-- But for parents, there's no way they reacted like that. Like, 'my son who tried so hard, started working and even got a licence, now wants to quit to do music', there's no way a parent would be happy about that (laughing).

utA: You're right. My parents had a lot to say. It was probably the biggest nagging of my life, seriously. It was worse than puberty (laughing).

-- But you didn't change your mind?

utA: No, the need to pursue music was stronger than that. I quit my company when I was around 20, started to look for band members when I was around 21, when I actually managed to start a band I was around 22~23.

-- Did you try contacting your band mates from elementary and jhs times to network?

utA: I stayed in touch with my classmates, but they totally quit music. There was no way for a deep talk there. That's why I had to do it by myself, in a way starting from zero. First I started to look for band members through the music instrument shops. I've made posters about looking, wrote my contact information, the type of posters where you tear off the bottom bit. The shop staff let me post them in their shops.

-- A simple method. If I remember right, people used to post some self-introduction and a description what kind of band they'd like to do.

utA: I will again add another band name, but I listed X, LUNA SEA and La'cryma Christi. I was also hit hard by La'cryma Christi's worldview. Even as I heard about them quite late, I think after I graduated high school. X, LUNA SEA and La'cryma Christi had the biggest impact on me. My 3 pillars. I absolutely adore La'cryma Christi's "Henseifu". The moment you hear the song doesn't it feel like various scenes just come up?

-- Those scenes are stateless.

utA: Exactly, they are stateless, and full of sadness. When I first heard the 7/8 time signature, I was surprised like 'I'll be damned, what was that?' I was totally owned by that worldview. At that time, La'cryma Christi was my number one. For a while now I've been friends with HIRO, was able to play together with them once and even had a photo shoot together.

-- But currently TAKA is working in a jewellery industry, no? By the way, when you posted your 'looking for band members' ad, how many replies did you get?

utA: There were few, but one came from someone with whom we formed a band at the time. In 2013 my own band had disbanded, but I was most surprised when contacted by the guy who then spent all this time with this band. He asked 'please let me join', but I also asked him formally to join. I'm talking about the bassist, hati.

-- This band we're talking about is the visual kei of Niigata that has changed several times?

utA: Yeah. First it was Laypua, after that Layarch, then Rayarch. It was changing keeping the 'Lay/Ray' connection. The live performance activities were focused on Niigata city.

-- From looking for the band members to the formation of the band it took about one year, during that time were you writing original music ?

utA: I don't think we had more than 10 songs, but we had enough for one album. The band that done those songs took about one year to finally start activities. At the time, there was a music club (live house) near Niigata station called Z-1. I think now it's called CLUB RIVERST., my first live performing experience was at that club.

-- So it was the first show as a band that is the first step in following your dream. What was the response like?

utA: I think it was really terrible (laughing). At the time it was when we just decided our form/style, so we just went with 'let's hope this is cool enough' (laughing). I was looking for guitar phrases that would be very me, but I couldn't play them at all. We were trying really hard only with things to show, we also had heavy make up. For the so called artist photos, our vocalist was very skilled with creating great photos, so there was a lot of 'let's do make up more like this' etc, so at the meetings of band members the topic of the vusuals came overwhelmingly more often than music (laughing).

-- Your songs were similar style to La'cryma Christi?

utA: Nope, I loved La'cryma Christi, but our music was more like 'The Visual Kei' style. For our worldview, it felt like there's still more to come. It was quite heavy rock, could be said it was Tsutatsuta-kei (laughing). I was playing in this band in Niigata until I went to Tokyo, for about 4, 5 years.

(*Tsutatsuta-kei was a v-kei subgenre that developed in the early 2000s, as you can imagine from utA's comment it's heavy and fast; and like Nu Metal that influenced the subgenre there's a lot of shouting, and unconventional structures and variety of different styles)

-- If you continued for that long it means you had to have some fans?

utA: In Niigata we did, yeah. I felt 'I can do it' as it wasn't a band with no fans, so from the band's later time I started thinking about going to Tokyo. In Niigata what we could do was limited. So I told the band 'let's go to Tokyo, but most of members wanted to stay in Niigata. Each of them had their own life there.

-- Did other band members have proper jobs?

utA: Nah, everyone was working part-time. All of us prioritized the band. That's why I suggested we should go to Tokyo, but only me and hati, the bassist, were interested. And we left our home Niigata with guitar and bass for Tokyo having only about 40~50k yen between the two of us.

(*400~500 US dollars, 300~400 euro)

PART 2 HERE

#sukekiyo #utA #interview #rock and read #rock and read 091 #translation #9GOATS BLACK OUT

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x--daughters-of-darkness--x · 4 years ago

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Evanescence: “Guitarists need to be honest. Use your voice. We don’t need fake – we need humanity and real people”

Jen Majura and Troy McLawhorn wax lyrical on the high-octane gear, influences and themes behind the band's upcoming fifth album, The Bitter Truth

The Bitter Truth, the fifth full-length from Evanescence set for release in March 2021, will be their first album of new material in a decade. The American arena group led by singer/keyboardist Amy Lee had already released three singles, though the record’s completion was stalled by the virus pandemic that dominated headlines for much of the year.

The first sessions took place at the beginning of 2020 with rock super producer Nick Raskulinecz [Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains] in his Nashville studio, spawning the tracks we’ve heard so far – Wasted On You, The Game Is Over and Use My Voice. Then, of course, came Covid, putting an end to safe travel and forcing virtually all plans to change.

For the members in America, it was incredibly problematic. For German guitarist Jen Majura, who joined in 2015, it was an absolute nightmare. Nevertheless, the group kept chiseling away and fleshing out their parts for album number five.

When Guitar World tracks down Majura and co-guitarist Troy McLawhorn towards the end of 2020, things are still very much in the process of being finalized...

Looking back now, that session in Nashville must feel like a very long time ago!

Majura: “Definitely! What hit me so hard was that we’d recorded that first chunk of songs and waved goodbye at the airport, thinking we’d be back in a couple of weeks. And then suddenly this pandemic hit, airports were all shut!

“I had never felt more apart from my friends in the States than since this all started. It’s so unnatural for me not to be there! I’m very old-school – I like my tube amp and 4x12 cabinet. I like to sit in the studio with the humans I’m working with and creating in the moment.

“Being away from Amy and the boys while working on material has felt so unnatural to me, but that’s the we have to do it and we have to make the best out of it. The time we spent with Nick in Nashville was the happiest ever.

“It felt amazing to see these songs coming to life – you have this idea but when you are all in a room creating, things change and become better, you end up trying out different ways. It’s such a vibrant and beautiful way of working. But I get it, there’s this thing called corona, so you know…”

This will be your first album working together on new material. How do you go about splitting guitar parts?

McLawhorn: “Whenever we’re jamming, if someone comes up with up something cool, they play it. There’s no set thing. So far I’ve probably played the majority of the lead guitar – if Jen comes up with something she is always welcome to play whatever it is. It’s a good working relationship. The first batch of songs, the first three that came out, were done in one session before the coronavirus hit. We were all together for those ones.

“But then Jen flew home back to Germany and we were supposed to tour in Europe, but it all got cancelled. Everything we’ve done since then has been without Jen with us, we’ve been kinda flying sessions back and forth. I probably played a lot of the guitar on the album, but she’s been coming up with cool ideas and putting her stamp on it too.”

The Game Is Over definitely feels like the heavier side of Evanescence…

McLawhorn: “There’s a lot of good stuff like that on this one, stuff that people will be surprised by maybe. There’s a fair amount of that aggressive type of music, but it’s a good mixture. So far everyone’s heard the lighter side of the album, like Use My Voice and Wasted On You… but then there’s The Game Is Over. It was a lot of fun to play and there’s more heavy stuff on there too!”

Majura: “That bridge is so heavy, I love it! It’s going back to the real rock roots and having lots of fun. When you have a low-tuned guitar you have to be a bit careful – you can’t just smash your strings but they will warp a bit.

“I remember forcing myself, especially during the bridge, to play gentle even though it had this badass attitude. It took me a couple of takes… the first ones were completely out of tune [laughs]!”

Jen, it must have been a rollercoaster five years for you. How did you end up getting the gig?

Majura: “What happened was that I was playing bass in another band, not really being happy as I’m a guitar player. We happened to play two festivals, one in Germany and one in the Czech Republic. And it turns out Testament were playing the same days as us.

“I’m a huge Alex Skolnick fan, so we ended up talking and keeping in touch. A couple of days later, I got this very mysterious email from him saying, ‘Jen! Some friends of mine are going to contact you and I can’t reveal too much but I think it’s something you should say yes to!’ I was wondering what the hell he was talking about…

“And then a day later, I got this email from Evanescence’s management asking if I would be interested in… and I didn’t even finish reading the email. I just immediately replied ‘Yes!’ and sent it. That was a total no-brainer.

“So this was around July 2015 and the next evening I was on the phone with Amy talking. She invited me to come visit her in New York and hang out. I thought, ‘Okay… cool!’ and three days later I was on a plane flying to fuckin’ New York wondering if this was really happening. It was insane.”

Did you bring your guitar?

Majura: “I didn’t! I asked her if I needed to bring one and she said, ‘Nah, I know you can play, I’ve seen plenty of videos – let’s just hang out!’ And that’s exactly what we did for the next three days. Hanging out, long walks and talks, going out for dinner or to a concert. Becoming friends and getting to know each other on a more human relationship kind of base.

“I realize now that’s the biggest deal when you have to replace a member. A band is a family. I’d like to quote Rob Zombie on that, because he said it in the movie Hired Gun!

“Finding a good player is the easy part – the world is full of virtuosos. You also need someone who can commit to touring, being on the road and that whole lifestyle. The third and last thing, also the toughest, is that you need people you can stand hanging out with 24/7.

“Concerts are only 90 minutes – what about all the other hours in the day? You need to all fit together. Within those first few days with Amy, I realized we both had a strong work ethic and know exactly what we want, which is beautiful.

“She’s a very strong character. I appreciate her musicality and personality too, she quickly became one of my best friends because we laughed about the same things and then figured out we both love Sex and the City [laugh]! I am so grateful and thankful to have experienced everything I have with her and the boys.”

Troy, you’ve been a member of Seether and filled in for Sevendust on some tours, but you’ve been an on/off member of Evanescence for over a decade now…

McLawhorn: “Yeah, to be honest, I never really left Evanescence. We have big breaks between albums. When I did my first tour with the band, Amy told me she was taking a long break, probably around four or five years. I just went out to find something to do in the meantime and ended up playing in Seether for a few years…

“When it was time for me to leave, it coincided with Amy being ready to do another album. And it was a huge coincidence. I ended up in New York and went to Amy’s house. I was having trouble in Seether and wasn’t happy there, and she said she’d love me to come work on the new album. That’s how it all went down.

“There seems to be some pretty long breaks in between albums with this band but I think that’s part of Amy’s creative process. She likes to take her time when she’s writing the lyrics. The final product always turns out really nice that way, so why mess with it?”

What can you tell us about the gear responsible for the guitar sounds on this album?

Majura: “I signed up with Synergy Amps in November last year. When I joined, I think Steve Vai was the only big name working with them, but I figured if it’s Steve Vai it’s gotta be fucking great. So I went over to check their amp out and I was very skeptical. It looks like a tube amp but with all these holes and parts missing!

“But I plugged in, hit one chord and realized it was actually phenomenal. They’ve sent all the different modules to me, like the Diezel, and the perfect solution for me was the Friedman HBE. It has the perfect rock and roll sound for my solos but it also has the mighty depth of high-gain stuff too – which are all frequencies you need for Evanescence.

“I was originally expecting I’d go with the Diezel one, but the Friedman felt more right for me. I’m very open-minded when it comes to technology. You have two modules, each with two channels, so you get a four-channel amp made out of your favorites.

“For example, I could combine a Vox AC30 Brian May sound with a Diezel VH4. It’s phenomenal what they’ve managed to open up for us musicians in terms of sound options. It’s been my tour rig and studio rig ever since.”

McLawhorn: “I used a combination of different things on this album. On The Game Is Over, it was basically my live setup which is an Orange Rockerverb 100, with an analog pedalboard.

“A big part of the tone I get from the amp comes down to a 10-band EQ I use to boost the mids on the lead channel. That’s about it – I don’t really use overdrive pedals or anything like that and probably use less gain than most modern guitarists. I almost use EQ to find a modern sound, instead of more gain.

“I also have a Fractal Axe-Fx III, which I’ve used here and there on the album, especially for clean parts – it’s really good for that. I’ve done some overdubs with the II as well, stuff that has a lot of effects or sounds really wet – Axe-Fx is great for that, too. I also have a 1969 Marshall Superbass 100 which we split with a Bogner Ecstasy or Uberschall, and used for the rhythm tracks on a couple of songs.”

And how about for guitars?

Majura: “I’ve been with Ibanez for many years now and I’m very happy. They deliver the most perfect instruments. You pick up an instrument and either like it or not. Some of them seem to instantly merge with your system – you become one – and that is true of most Ibanez guitars, at least for me.

“Of course I’ve played Les Pauls and other things, but they’re really not my style. I have so many Ibanez guitars now. I think the AZ series was such a smart move – the family is even bigger and better now… Look at players like Tim Henson, who is just amazing. He makes me feel so old. He’ll be nailing it and I’m at home just playing along to AC/DC or something!

“For pedals, I stick with the Line 6 Helix pedalboard because I remember at my first rehearsal in 2015, they would tell me certain parts would need a chorus or flanger or this or that. At the end of the rehearsal I had a battery of pedals in front of me and realized I couldn’t do it. I’ve never been a pedal dancer. I went to Line 6 asking for a solution and they were just about to come out with the Helix… it was perfect.”

McLawhorn: “I was using a baritone PRS SE. I changed the pickups out, but that’s it – I love the guitar and how it plays. I tried a few different sets, most by Seymour Duncan. One of my seven-strings has a Seymour that my tech put in on the road and I don’t know which one it is! He just found it in my guitar coffin and asked if we should throw it in. It stayed for the rest of the tour – it was probably a JB, who knows!

“But the one on the record is the Distortion (SH-6). I really like how they sound. At first, they were a little hot for what I like – I tend to prefer somewhere in between modern metal and classic rock. It felt like really high gain, way too much, especially when switching from my other guitars. But he really lowered the pickup down and that fixed everything, making everything super-tight and adding some nice mids.”

Use My Voice has a really powerful message behind it…

Majura: “Yes! Another thing that connects me and Amy very strongly is that we both went through moments in our careers where males would tell us, ‘You’re just a girl – what do you know?’ It’s time for strong women – in rock or wherever – to stand up and say being good at a craft has nothing to do with gender. It’s been happening for way too long.

“That feeling of our voices being suppressed needs to change, because every voice matters. We’re all the same. It does not matter if you are male or female or transgender… humans are humans. I think we should spend more time understanding why we’re the same. Use My Voice is an important message for women to stand up and be heard.”

Where do you think your influences differ as guitar players?

Majura: “The first guitar hero I had at around 10 or 11 was Steve Vai. He was so revolutionary in terms of what he’s done for the guitar world, both sound-wise and crafts-wise. Electric guitar wouldn’t be what it is today without Steve Vai.

“I respect him so much for how he feels and talks through his instrument. He’s influenced my thinking about a lot of things. He’s an amazing person, not just an amazing musician.

“Then I got into Nuno Bettencourt, who plays for the sake of the song instead of showing off. Which is what I tried to do on my first solo album, Inzenity, everyone expected a shred album and it wasn’t. I played for the song. If it didn’t require a guitar solo then fine, I’d just leave it. I didn’t need to prove to the world how good I was.

“Nuno also has the percussive style of playing, which brings this tone that I really like. And finally, Angus Young. I’ve been playing in an AC/DC tribute band for four years and I love his playing.”

McLawhorn: “A lot of them for me were the classic players while I was growing up. So Ace Frehley for sure… KISS were like Slipknot for us who grew up in the '70s [laughs]! Then there’s Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. Tony Iommi as well, he was a massive influence on me as a kid.

“Eddie Van Halen was a huge influence on me, too – it was very sad that we lost him so early and so young. When Van Halen came out, I started taking guitar very seriously. The bluesy side of his playing always appealed to me but he also had all that technical prowess, too. A very inspiring guitar player for so many people.”

What advice can you offer anyone out there hoping to become a good session player?

McLawhorn: “You need to know how to communicate with people. I’ve done sessions with some Nashville guys that have this shorthand way of writing music. Reading music and knowing theory is always important… I wish I knew more myself.

“It puts you at ease walking into a session knowing you read and play anything back. I can’t really do that – I just really really listen and learn things by memory. I can read some music but that’s going back to trumpet at high school [laughs]. So I rely on communication always!”

Majura: “I think guitar players need to be honest. Use your voice. Be real. Be pure. We don’t need fake, we need humanity and real people. What I love about people like Mattias IA Eklundh is he’s just himself. He’s pure and innovative in a really interesting way.

“I’ve gotten to know guys like him, Guthrie Govan, Richie Kotzen and Jeff Waters – they’re all awesome and very honest players. I think one should never think one has seen it all and learned it all.

“We need to keep in mind we’re all on a journey in search of becoming better. In terms of advice, I always have to say being open to different styles is so important. There’s something to learn every day. You should never stop trying to improve to make the world a better place. You should never stop learning… that’s what makes you human.”

#Jen Majura #troy mclawhorn #Evanescence #2021 interviews

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onestowatch · 4 years ago

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Lynn Gunn’s Honest Portrayal of PVRIS’ Past, Present and Future Plus Details on New LP ‘Use Me’ [Q&A]

Did you know that quicksand cannot really sink your entire body? Hollywood renditions of this frightening occurrence showcase “Indiana Jones” type heroes desperately reaching for a branch or a vine to evade being swallowed whole by the muddy foe. In real life, however, quicksand is much denser than the human body–namely your torso and lungs. So, although you may sink to some degree, you’ll only be engulfed to about your torso region. That being said, to escape the hold of this mucky captor, you’re called to utilize, not a vine or a stick, but a natural aspect of yourself–in this case, the buoyancy of your torso and lungs. Doing so allows you to adjust your positioning so that you are on your back and are therefore more easily able to free your legs and eventually, yourself.

During moments of crisis such as this, it is not often that we think to use what comes most natural to us in order to overcome difficulties. However, as PVRIS frontwomxn Lynn Gunn discovered, tuning into your natural inclinations can be exactly what sets you free.

After battling debilitating health issues, anxieties, and multiple album delays, the refreshingly new album Use Me is here, and it has the empowered LGBTQIA+ artist plastered all over it. From the distinctively raw lyrics, impassioned vocals, dexterous commixture of that classic PVRIS Alternative Rock and new-aged Glitch-pop, and even a 070 Shake feature, this new album is taking everything we thought we knew about PVRIS to much higher heights. Use Me serves as the first release since Gunn followed her heart and came forward as the sole architect behind PVRIS back in March. After listening to all 40 emotion-inducing minutes of this cinematic project, it becomes clear that Use Me is so much more than an album, it is an unapologetic reclamation of power.

We were able to speak with Lynn Gunn before the release of the album and gather her perspective on this new era of creativity, utilizing her natural abilities for this new project, and even on supporting social justice causes.

All quicksand jokes aside, sink into this interview with Lynn Gunn below:

Ones to Watch: Although you’ve been making music for quite some time, this new era seems to be of a new bloom, not only for PVRIS, but for you. As you have stated, PVRIS is still very much a collective, but you have decided to shed the skin of “band culture” and from it emerge as the sole vocalist, lyricists, and creative director of PVRIS. How has that transition been on you all? Are people taking to it the way that you imagined?

Lynn Gunn: I didn’t really imagine anyone taking it any way, to be honest, it’s happening regardless of what others want to say or feel about it. It’s felt great personally and as a unit. I’ve seen mostly support but obviously, with anything, there’s always going to be people with the opposite. At the end of the day, this is what this is moving forward and works best for us, I know my truth and what this journey has been and looked like so far. I’ve seen so many insane and comical theories and conspiracies about the transition/negative comments… but ultimately I think anyone who decides to wastes their energy like that might find their life to be much more enjoyable if they channeled that energy back into their own life as there’s clearly a lack/wound somewhere within themselves. If that seems sprinkled with “shade”, it is, but I mean that with the most sincerity as well.

The saying goes “you can never really outrun yourself”, and from White Noise to Use Me, it seems that you’ve left a bit of a breadcrumb-trail leading us to this point. Although PVRIS has primarily been recognized as an Alternative Rock “band”, we can hear tiny glimpses of the sound that best encompasses PVRIS now throughout your entire discography. Was this glitch-pop, disco-esque sound something you were intentionally experimenting within your previous projects?

To be honest, this is always where I imagined PVRIS’s sound living and the type of production I’d heard PVRIS songs being told through. I think in the past I didn’t fully know how to communicate the little production nuances that would have taken some tracks from point A to B, there was also a fear (that I now regret having) about straying from the “rock” production/experiencing rejection from the “scene” we initially started playing shows and touring in.

For the most part, and I truly mean this, there really isn’t that much of a difference in the instrumentation and sonic choices of this album from the first two, it’s still a very even play of organic instruments and electronic/synths, it’s just being produced through a different lens that’s a bit cleaner, crisper and crunchier in some areas. It’s a new interpretation of the woodwork that’s always been there.

What has kept you motivated to continue creating and sharing your truth with the world?

That’s a great question because I go back and forth with that feeling sometimes… Ultimately seeing comments from fans/listeners and hearing everyone’s stories and ways that they connect to PVRIS’s music is the most motivating thing in the world. I also feel that no matter what type of obstacle course the universe wants to throw me through, I’m always going to be grateful for the bruises/lessons and always going to feel compelled to create and share those truths through music.

I understand you’ve run into a deluge of unfortunate health issues the past few years that have affected you and the band greatly. If you feel comfortable sharing, could you talk a little bit about these illnesses and the ways you have had to overcome the obstacles they brought forth to get you to where you are now?

Totally comfortable sharing! I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) about two years ago and then about a year ago was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. AS is an inflammatory disease that mainly attacks the lower back, hips, and ribs, but it can also manifest in a lot of other ways as well such as joint pain, chronic fatigue, and even eye issues. Sometimes when my AS is really bad, I can barely get out of bed or even roll over in bed. Over time, if not treated properly or managed, it can cause your vertebrae to fuse... I’ve heard that’s super rare though. Crohn’s is chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and is a little more embarrassing but pretty self-explanatory haha…

They definitely taught me (and by taught I mean forced me) to take time in caring for myself and caring for my body. Resting properly, staying in shape, eating super healthy, setting boundaries with work, etc. It’s also just made me really appreciative of the moments when my symptoms aren’t as bad/just happy to be alive and not have it worse. I’m determined to manage both diseases holistically and through integrative medicine, so far I’ve seen great progress.

Do you believe these difficulties aided in your journey towards this self-actualization that listeners are able to distinguish in this new era of PVRIS? If so, how/in what way?

Definitely! There are definitely some references to those difficulties in a few of the songs. I think outside of the music, it’s given a lot more self-love, strength, and patience. It’s also just created even more urgency to live my truth and to live it unapologetically in the way that I want, which naturally extends into PVRIS and the art that I want to make.

youtube

If you had to use one word to describe each album thus far, what words would you use and why?

White Noise - Freshman - everything was so new and exciting and there was so much eagerness with it, like a freshman walking through a high school for the first time haha.

All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell - Bootcamp (haha) - creating it and touring it were both pretty hard experiences BUT incredibly strengthening.

USE ME - Upgrade - despite all the chaos around this release, this is the freest I’ve felt and the most confident I’ve felt about a PVRIS album.

All the visuals and music video treatments that you have conjured up have a strikingly symbolic and cinematic feel to them. However, the symbolism and tone of the music videos tied to Use Me seem to take on a different nature. Can you talk about this shift in creative expression?

Mostly just working with new collaborators (Yhellow, Katharine White and Griffin Stoddard). I feel a lot less precious about things (to a healthy degree) and much more open to letting others run with the concepts as they wish! So many fun new exciting perspectives have been able to shine through.

I know you are a film fanatic and dabble in cinematography. Do you have any staple films that influenced the creation of the last five music videos?

The Holy Mountain was a big influence for the “Hallucinations” video, as well as [for] “Old Wounds”. For “Dead Weight”, I was actually inspired by the opening credits to That 70’s Show and Saturday Night Fever haha.

In July, you announced that the album was being pushed back so as to allow the floor for the amplification of Black voices, and to generate events in support of Black Lives Matter. Do you believe artists have a responsibility to take steps such as these to create a better future, regardless of whether or not these issues directly affect them?

Absolutely. We all need to be educating ourselves and actively doing the work to demand and create change towards a future that’s equal and just for Black lives.

Fans have been clinging to the edges of their proverbial seats waiting for Use Me in spite of all of the justifiable album delays. If you could relay one message to all the fans who have been patiently waiting, what would it be?

Please enjoy/connect, be good to each other and please please please vote if you are able!

Who are your Ones to Watch?

DRAMA, Jax Anderson, HDBeenDope, Royal and The Serpent, Nikki Hayes, Kat Cunning and LEXXE!

#PVRIS #Alternative #Pop

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gra-sonas · 4 years ago

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It’s been just a little over a year since “Liberty Biberty” became a part of our cultural vernacular, but that’s when Tanner Novlan garnered national attention as the tongue-tied, clueless, narcissistic actor in Liberty Mutual’s line of popular commercials. “I had seen the series they were doing of Liberty Mutual commercials in front of the Statue of Liberty,” Novlan relays. “And yes, people do come up to me all the time and say, ‘Liberty Biberty.’ It’s so fun that everyone can relate to that obnoxious actor. He was so much fun to play. When you get BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL, you’re like, ‘Wow, this is a career-changer,’ but for a funny little commercial like that, you never think [like that].”

Novlan auditioned for B&B in March and landed the part but couldn’t start, or even talk about it, until the soap began production over four months later due to the coronavirus pandemic. “I don’t know their old way of filming, so this is my new normal,” the actor relays. “Being the first production in North America to be back, it was amazing. It’s like, ‘This really is the new normal.’ It’s been such a unique process but it’s been amazing how all the producers have come together to figure this out and put forth these groundbreaking guidelines, making things safe and efficient and being able to work around all of this and keep everything alive. They’ve come up with some really creative ways of making shots work, but also feeling natural. Yes, we have to socially distance. We always are wearing our masks so we’re very cautious in that manner, but when you get into the scene and you’re reading opposite Jacqui [MacInnes Wood, Steffy], even if she is off camera, the connection is there, and I think it comes through.”

Novlan is thankful that he had some inside knowledge of how things worked at B&B, since he’s the real-life husband of B&B alum Kayla Ewell (ex-Caitlin). “It’s so perfect to have someone who has already been a part of the family to walk me through this,” he says. “She’s great for advice, and not just on work stuff. She gives me advice all the time on life. Listen to your wife. It’s always a good idea [laughs]. But with this team, I feel like I can ask any questions, and everyone was welcoming and straightforward.” Novlan and Ewell’s real-life love story sounds like it could be part of a soap, too. “It was technically kind of a setup because we both starred in this music video for an Australian band [circa 2009],” he relays. “The band is called Sick Puppies. It was one of their first hit North American releases. The name of the song was called ‘Maybe’ [which can currently be viewed on YouTube]. So, that’s how we met, on this music video at 3:30 in the morn- ing in the high desert [of California], which is where I met the woman of my dreams. We were very professional on set, but there was definitely something special about her — and I held her sunglasses for ransom. We were shooting outdoors and locations were changing and the makeup lady accidentally took our sunglasses home with her. The next day she called and said, ‘I have your sunglasses.’ I went and picked them up. I saw hers sitting there and thought, ‘I’ll give these to Kayla,’ so I snagged them and I said to her, ‘Lunch and your sunglasses?’ Luckily she took the lunch, probably just to get her sunglasses back.”

The rest was history, and the duo has worked to navigate the demands of their chosen profession. “The job sometimes involves distance and being away from one another, and there is also the time away that certain projects can require,” he points out. “It can be difficult sometimes but the trick is, we try very hard to make sure our schedules coordinate so we can be with each other. We have a two- to three-week rule where if one of us is away working for that long, you have to fly out and see the other. It’s almost like a must. And with our new baby, Poppy, we’ll definitely make sure that’s the case. But that’s the beauty of a having a great job like B&B. Luckily, I’m here. I’m local in L.A.” Novlan’s mom, a B&B super-fan, couldn’t be more thrilled about her son’s new gig. “My hometown has 500 people in it,” he explains. “I come from a very small farming community so even just coming home was a shock to her, but she’s cool. Kayla is so down-to-earth that none of that mattered. But believe me, my mother is chomping at the bit to come and visit the set of B&B as soon as COVID [passes]. That may be the real challenge, like, ‘Mom, you can’t wander onto the set. You’ve got to stay over here.’ That’s going to be a great day when it happens.”

Novlan credits his mother’s influence for getting him from Saskatchewan to Hollywood. “My mother was originally from Sacramento so I always thought it would be great to come and work in the U.S.,” he explains. “I started doing some print work in Canada so that’s how I originally came down, but I fell in love with acting as my immigration papers were being processed. I went to acting class here but I never could I have imagined having a career in film. But when I came down here and got a taste of it I was, like, ‘Wow. I’m hooked. This is it.’ ” But he admits he had no idea what he was in for. “My first job was a commercial for T.J. Maxx, back to school,” he recalls. “It was the first audition that I had ever been on and I got it and I thought, ‘Well, this is easy!’ I quickly learned there’s a lot of training that goes into it. So, I came here quite green but over the years, I’ve been able to call it a career.”

Over the next decade-plus, Novlan landed high-profile roles in MODERN FAMILY, ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO, the TV rom-com MY BEST FRIEND’S CHRISTMAS and the upcoming PUCKHEADS.

He’s up for a ROSWELL comeback, schedule permitting. “There could be a chance that we might see Gregory again,” he notes of playing the caring brother of series regular Tyler Blackburn (Alex; ex-Ian, DAYS et al). “I know ROSWELL has been picked up for a season 3, and the character has been pretty well-received from the fans, as well, which is always amazing and such an honor. You never know. It was a great experience, but right now, everything is about B&B. Even with COVID, we’re finding a really nice groove with maintaining safety while keeping that classic B&B look. It’s been pretty smooth, I’ve got to say. How lucky am I?”

“Sinn” City

B&B fans have dubbed Steffy and Finn “Sinn”, which is just fine by Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy). “I told him this character is his own,” she says. “He’s not a recast, so I told him, ‘Make it your own and have fun with it. Even though we are eight feet away from each other in scenes, feel free to play with me. Let’s connect as much as we can in these scenes.’ He’s been great. He’s been absolutely wonderful on set and taking direction very well — and he’s a fellow Canadian so, of course, we hit it off immediately. He’s a really sweet guy and he can keep up with our pace. I think the fans will really like him.”

Just The Facts

Birthday: April 9 Hails

From: Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan, Canada

My Girls: Married to Kayla Ewell (ex-Caitlin, B&B) since September 12, 2015. They welcomed daughter Poppy Marie on July 16, 2019.

What The Puck? “I grew up playing hockey, and I like to play hockey once a week with a group of actors. We have these really intense games.”

All The Right Steff: “It’s time that Steffy meets a man with a new set of values, and a new version of what passion and love can bring. She just had her daughter and I think she’s ready. Finn seems to have her best interests in mind, and I think that’s a good thing for Steffy.”

Finn In A Nutshell: “Helping people is in his nature but he can get a little too involved, and that can also get him into trouble.”

Grandma’s Boy: “My grandmother is in Canada in a nursing home and the last FaceTime I got was from my mom asking me to help set up grandma’s DVR. They’re very excited about this, and it’s nice to know that my grandma gets to see me every day — and, she’s super-proud that I’m a doctor!”

#tanner novlan #gregory manes #fingers crossed he'll be back #roswell new mexico s3 #bold and the beautiful #rnm cast interviews #i hope his mom gets to visit the set #and how sweet is that his grandma gets to watch him on tv every day #my heaaaart

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launaej · 4 years ago

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I realize I never really introduced myself on this tumblr.

I like to go by Ren. She/her/they. I’m 23, turning 24 in Feb. & I’ve decided to start a fresh tumblr. My old one I’ve had since like 2011 & I feel like it had posts & phases of so many closed chapters in my life that I decided to start a new one. So I’ve been on tumblr for a long while. It’s honestly wild to think about my time on this social media platform. Started using it when I was a wee lil freshman in high school with goals of becoming a drum major for my high school marching band & becoming a music teacher. I’d come home afterschool, drink mi cafesito with my mom, take a nap, finish my homework, then spend the rest of my time on tumblr or watching youtube. I’d have long school days, waking up at 5am, to really get ready and sneak some tumblr before school, then be at the bus stop by 6:15 and get the day started. Like holy crap, what a different change of pace life is now. Now I’m 23 & still find this website to be a humble lil sanctuary to unwind & draw inspiration from. Crazy to think I’m now the same age that Lana del Rey was when she was posting Video Games on tumblr back in 2011. What is time???

Tumblr has seen me through my best times, like finally reaching to be drum major, and some of the worst, like finding out financial aid changed its rules and suddenly you can’t finish school. I have yet to still reach the finish line with my academic goals. Still have yet to get that piece of paper, but I know it’s in the horizon.

For now, I hope to soon make Youtube content on some of the things I've been learning this quarantine. My goal is by the end of this year to be a full on ~interwebs~ person & hopefully make a little money doing it. After 2 years of trying to save up money working a call center job & STILL not being able to save money to finish school (I wasn't trying to take out loans) and then losing my savings in this pandemic, I figure you know what, if people are out here making money doing what they love, maybe I can too. The goal for me is to still get my Bachelor's in Music Education but I'm not trying to break myself over it. Not that I need a degree for music, but my parents never finished college & I really want that degree for me & for us. I was supposed to walk across the stage spring of 2019, but financial aid decided to add some new rules at my community college where if you had over 24 elective credits, they wouldn't pay for anymore electives . At that point, I had 36 elective credits & basically that rule fucked over a lot of art students who were close to finishing. ANYWHO, at the time (Fall 2017) I said no problem, I'll work extra hours at work, save money & take 1 class at a time. & I did. Spring 2018, I was able to take 2 classes. Fall 2018 & Spring 2019 I didn’t take classes but I picked up a LOT of extra hours to save money. Then I got into a car accident on July 4, 2019, which ate up my school savings. But whatever, I kept going. Saved up again & then the pandemic happens & I had to leave my job in April after confirmed cases in the call center & lack of enforcing safety measures. Loved the job, but I didn’t feel safe. Fast forward now to January 2021, my savings are eaten up again. Not only that there was a whole thing where the college I wanted to transfer to was shutting down its college of education, and honestly at that point I laughed out loud when I read the article. Feels like my simple little goal of getting a degree to be a music teacher keeps running away from me. I graduated high school 2015, like this was supposed to be an easy journey. But yet here I am, in 2021, somehow without the degree & you know, I used to curse a lot at the events that lead me to not finish my goal; just so many factors out of my control. But after 2020 & seeing a lot of close friends start their teaching careers in this mess, I can’t look back at those setbacks with the same sourness I had before. I am now more of a believer in divine intervention. I'm still going to answer the same call in life, I just have to take a different path. A path I hadn’t planned for at all, but you know, we out here, winging it.

So for now, I’m unemployed. BUT I’ve been learning a shit ton on an assortment of various topics. I don’t think I could have made some serious headway on some of these topics if it were’t for 2020. At this point, this is how I see things. I could spend my time trying to look for a job, & work at a place I couldn’t care less for + isn’t helping me grow & where i risk my life over something I don’t love. OR, I can simply grow & follow what I love & figure out the rest as it may. If it’s one thing I’ve learned, is that just as things can fall apart, they can fall into place. I’ve had many MANY moments where I’ve found solutions just in time. After 2020, I am definitely more of a believer in ‘Rejection is God’s protection.’ & somehow, after this crazy year, I’m here. I have to make it count, & I owe myself my dreams.

Soo I’m going to posting random things I find on some learning I’m doing. Even though I don’t have the money to go to school, doesn’t mean I still can’t learn my lil heart out. Topics I’m currently researching / learning more on that you’ll probably see posts about:

Music Theory {I'm trying to learn more about atonal / microtonal music / tonnetz / harry partch / erv wilson / abstract music notation systems / ancient music theory}

Puerto Rico {trying to learn more history & more about my lineage / trying to learn about how my family's history in Aibonito y Corozal / trying to dig deeper into the history of Sephardic Jews on the island & the influence of Jewish music & Ladino music on Jibaro music / taino mythology & history / santeria / 21 divisiones / Brujeria}

Physics of Sound / Sound Architecture / {kepler / acoustics / resonance / harmonic oscillations}

History of Latin America & Spanish Conquistadors / Black History in South America & the Caribbean / Antilles History {SO much history I'm still learning that I never learned in A.P. U. S. History or A. P. Euro. in 2020 I learned about how many places in FL are named after some really bad conquistadors i.e. Hernando de Soto who was such a bad dude !! so much to still learn}

Astrology / Tarot {being raised with watching Walter Mercado in the background, astrology has been a part of life since I was really little. But I've been heavily studying astrology since 2016 & tarot since 2018.}

Self-sufficency {farming / solar punk / fermenting foods}

Feel free to ask me any questions about music education, music theory, college experience, etc. I also have played clarinet for the past 12+ years & have played alto sax, euphonium & piano for a bit. Know about that band geek/drum major life. Big DCI fan. Recently borrowed my dad's cuatro to start learning how to play some Puerto Rican classics. También hablo español. Aunque nací en Nueva Orleans, crecí en Aibonito y Corozal y más tarde en Florida. Ahora, estoy en FL, pero toda mi familia es de la isla. Si eres puertorriqueño o de FL, ¡no tengas miedo de decir qué pasa! Social medias @launaej

Hope to have some videos & content up soon! Feel free to send me suggestions! Not used to being a person on the internet. But here we go! :)

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woodstockbtswriter · 5 years ago

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Dreams

BTS Dream Journal

Note: Just a log of actual dreams I’ve had about BTS. I’ve written some of them out as drabbles and the links are next to the dates.

January 13th, 2020

I meet BTS backstage with several of my girlfriends and we all play musical chairs. I win and impress Namjoon. We flirt.

January 18th, 2020 - Indescribable

I’m a high school student and BTS is going to perform in my school auditorium. My friends and I manage front row seats, but have to endure several unimpressive opening acts from our classmates in band, glee club, etc.

February 3rd, 2020

I’m front-row at a BTS concert. I shout “Hi, Namjoon!” and he actually hears me. He finds me in the crowd and pulls me onstage. All the boys give me a hug and perform a song for me.

March 8th, 2020 - Thrilled

I’m riding in a car with several BTS members. Namjoon is driving, and Jungkook and I are kissing in the backseat. When the members in front of us notice, they’re all disgusted and yell at us to stop.

March 28th, 2020

I’m on a summer vacation with BTS at a seaside cottage. Namjoon and I are dating and I can tell he’s planning to propose during our trip, but I have unresolved feelings for Yoongi.

April 6th, 2020

My friend and I are just fans, but we notice that Hoseok has been down lately and want to cheer him up. We find out that BTS is coming to our city that night and we decide to make him a heart balloon bouquet and try to give it to him.

April 12th, 2020

It’s revealed at an awards show that Hoseok has a young daughter that he’s been keeping secret and it’s a huge scandal. An actor speaks out in support of Hoseok and BTS while giving an acceptance speech. After the event, the tour bus carrying Hoseok is hit by a car. I try to Google if he’s okay, but I keep fumbling trying to type “J-Hope”. When I’m finally able to pull up search results, the reports are not definite.

April 30th, 2020

I go to the movies with BTS, but in the middle of the movie we can’t find Yoongi. After looking everywhere, we finally find out that he snuck into a different theater to see a zombie horror movie. Later, Yoongi and I are superhero companions and our mentor is training us to fly, but we’re distracted by our attraction to one another. Eventually, we abandon the lesson to make out instead.

May 3rd, 2020

I’m Yoongi’s girlfriend and I accompany him to a formal dinner. All the members pose for pictures while the other boys’ girlfriends and I wait. Then the boys ask if the girlfriends can join. After taking a few pictures all together, Yoongi gets down on one knee in front of everyone and surprises me by proposing. Later, in a different dream, I meet Namjoon in a cafe and he invites me to a museum. At the museum entrance, security doesn’t want to let me in, but Namjoon uses his influence as a celebrity to convince them to make an exception. Once inside, we run into Hoseok and he and I walk along as we hug each other’s sides.

May 10th, 2020 - Alone

I’m hanging out with all the members in Yoongi’s hotel room after their concert. I’m Yoongi’s girlfriend and we’re snuggling in his bed while we all watch a movie.

May 14th, 2020 - Cute

May 16th, 2020

Yoongi, Hoseok, and I are all high school students, but we attend different schools. My friend and I pick up Yoongi and Hoseok after school in a minivan. My friend drives, Yoongi sits up front, I sit in the middle, and Hoseok sits in the back. As we drive, I lift my hands up over my head and rest them behind the headrest behind my head. I wait while Hoseok looks at his phone, hoping that he notices my hands and holds them. Eventually he does interlace our fingers and gives mine an affectionate squeeze.

June 19th, 2020

I’m at a play place for kids, adjusting some ropes above one of the play structures, when Yoongi (who I don’t know and I guess who works there) yells up at me telling me to stop messing with it, but I can’t understand him because he’s speaking Korean. I then climb down to the floor and Yoongi walks up to me like he knows me and grabs my face and nuzzles me and kisses my cheeks and lips, saying something obviously cute and affectionate, but again I can’t understand him.

June 28th, 2020

I’m hanging out with Yoongi and my friend is a third wheel. When my friend finally leaves, Yoongi and I immediately start making out. While we’re cuddling, I ask him if we’re officially boyfriend/girlfriend now. He hesitates before answering and I get mad, saying he’s just like all the other boys I’ve dated.

June 30th, 2020

I’m in a theater with all the Bangtan boys and we’re trying to choose our seats. I want to sit up front, but everyone else wants to sit in back. Namjoon volunteers to sit with me, and when the others head to the back, Yoongi gives me a quick and tiny goodbye kiss on the lips in passing. When Yoongi is gone, Namjoon gives me the same kind of kiss as we settle into our seats, then says, “You know Yoongi does that all the time because he’s in love with you, right?” And I’m like, “What do you call what you just did?! You do it all the time, too!” Then he smiles and starts really kissing me and we make out through the whole movie.

July 7th, 2020 - Surprise

I’m on a rooftop in the city at night, playing a “drinking” game with all the members of BTS, but instead of drinking alcohol, we’re eating bite-size foods.

October 14th, 2020

I was having dinner with all the members at a restaurant, it was our first time seeing each other after a long separation. While we were settling into our seats, I called across the table to Taehyung and cutely said, “Tae Tae, I love you!” He looked adorably unsure for a second while he translated in his head and thought of the correct response, then he replied, “I love you, too,” and smiled his big boxy smile, all proud of himself for speaking English. Then after dinner, we went out on the patio of the restaurant to enjoy a nighttime view of the ocean, and I gave Hoseok a big hug. I wrapped my arms around his neck and tried to kiss his cheek, but he was acting all shy and not hugging me back. I said, “What’s wrong, do you not want to hug me anymore now that I’m dating Yoongi? It’s okay, nothing’s changed between you and me. We’re still friends and we can still hug like we used to.” Then Hoseok relaxed and smiled and wrapped his arms around my waist and hugged me tight.

December 21st, 2020

A bunch of guys that all looked like either Jungkook or Yoongi were sitting around a lunch table in a cafeteria. I was going around hugging them all and giving them all cheek/forehead kisses and thanking them for being kind and caring people. None of them were the real JK or Yoongi, they just looked like clones. The dream/clone JKs were sweet and hugged back, but the dream/clone Yoongis acted like they didn’t care/were annoyed (but they actually appreciated the praise and affection).

December 22nd, 2020

I ran into Hoseok while buying tickets at an amusement park. We were friends but we hadn’t seen each other in a while. Hobi gave me a big hug and we tumbled to the ground together, but we kept hugging and laughing and he got all flirty. He tickled my tummy and gave me several pecks on the lips and was saying, “It’s so good to see you, I missed you so much!” Then he helped me stand up, we made plans to get together to catch up, and he said “see you later” with a wink before walking off.

December 25th, 2020

Another ARMY and I got to go to a rehearsal for an awards show. Yoongi wasn’t there because he was still recuperating from his shoulder surgery, so I was a little disappointed. Then Namjoon started flirting with me, and the other fan was jealous. After rehearsal, we joined the boys for dinner and Yoongi came, too. He sat next to me and I was really excited to meet him, but then he was rude to me. I didn’t understand why he was acting that way, but it turned out that it wasn’t actually him, it was the jealous fan in disguise (like she used polyjuice potion or something). She wanted to get back at me for Namjoon flirting with me. After she was exposed and kicked out, the real Yoongi showed up and he was nice (and even flirty).

In another dream, Taehyung and I had been talking but had never met in person. I made Christmas cookies using a recipe he sent me and I video-called him to show him.

December 29th, 2020

I was an extra in a new Agust D music video, and after filming wrapped, I went up to Yoongi and tried to say something in Korean that I had rehearsed. He was nice and smiled but he couldn’t understand me and I couldn’t understand him. Then everyone went to dinner together. I sat at the bar and Yoongi sat at a table behind me with his Korean-speaking friends, and he kept stealing glances at me. Then the bartender gave me a drink I didn’t order and said it’s from Yoongi.

January 30th, 2021

I was in England visiting some friends, and we were having dinner at a restaurant. My friends brought some of their friends along which included Yoongi and Taehyung. My best friend and I were sitting across the table from them and whispering about how cute they were. Yoongi looked like this:

And both he and Tae were speaking English with British accents. I told my friend I liked “that one” best, nodding toward Yoongi, then asked her which one she liked best, and she indicated Tae. I did my best to flirt with Yoongi during dinner, asking him questions, joking, smiling, leaning toward him, batting my eyelashes, and biting my lip. He seemed to get the message, and eventually slid a folded up card across the table to me with his phone number scrawled on it. Emboldened by Yoongi’s expression of interest in me, I switched seats with Tae so I could sit next to him. Then I really started flirting, touching his bicep and thigh, adjusting my slinky dress so he could get a good view of my legs, and whispering in his ear. We unfolded a menu and stood it up on the table in front of us to give ourselves a little privacy, and next thing you know we were making out. It was so realistic and I could actually feel Yoongi’s lips and tongue on mine, they were soft and smooth and felt sooo good, and while we were kissing I told him he had such pretty lips. Then Yoongi excused himself to go to the bathroom and while he was gone I moved to sit next to our mutual friend who had brought him along. I asked the friend to tell me more about Yoongi and asked him if he thought he was a good guy. I wanted to gauge his reaction to me dating Yoongi, but he was reluctant to answer my questions. Then when Yoongi returned from the bathroom, he and I left the restaurant together.

April 7th, 2021

I was traveling with BTS and when we got to the airport we found out our flight was delayed so we were just hanging out in the VIP lounge. An airport employee was being kind of rude, acting like the boys weren’t important enough for him to help, and I’m like, “Do you have any idea who these guys are?! They’re only the biggest group on the planet!” Then I was talking to a different, nicer employee and she was like, “So are you one of their girlfriends or something?” I said yes and she asked which member I was dating, so I told her to guess. I don’t remember who she guessed but she was wrong so she asked me to just tell her. I think it was supposed to be a secret, because I answered quietly, “Suga.” But she didn’t know their names so I had to subtly point him out, and when she saw him she was impressed. Then Yoongi got up to go somewhere and he discreetly grasped my hand for a second and gave me a secretive smirk as he walked by.

July 26th, 2021

I was outside on a lovely spring day flying kites with Yoongi and Hoseok. We were taking selfies together with our arms around each other, laughing and having fun.

August 22nd, 2021

I was riding a subway train with all the members, on our way to one of their concerts. Hoseok and I were sharing a seat and I had my arm through his. We were smiling and laughing, and we held hands and he kissed my cheek.

September 20th, 2021

I was filming a segment for a talk show with BTS. We were in a conference room around a table, all talking and laughing. Yoongi and I kept exchanging glances and smiles until the other members called us out and teased us for obviously liking each other.

#dreams #dream journal #story prompts #bts fanfiction

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anti-pasto · 4 years ago

Note

for the 200 ask thingy, i actually dare you to do all of them. :D

delgaskarthalexhere we go, anon:

200: My crush’s name is: I don’t have one right now, I don’t get them often (if I ever had a crush at all)

199: I was born in: 2003

198: I am really: A 2005 emo kid x a 2008 scene kid x a 2014 tumblr fangirl x Kyle himself

197: My cellphone company is: Apple

194: My ring size is: Honestly? No idea. Propose to me with a sword.

193: My height is: Somewhere between 5′7″ and 5′8″

192: I am allergic to: Nothing I’m aware of

191: My 1st car was: 94 Station Wagon, by request

190: My 1st job was: being this funny is a full-time gig

189: Last book you read: Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

188: My bed is: “made”

187: My pet: I have a cat, I love her very much and I will show her to you if you dm me a cursed image

186: My best friend: We don’t use “best friend” for personal reasons, but they’ve been with me since I was 5 so, my one and only Bro

185: My favorite shampoo is: anything with “silky smooth” or “strawberries” on the bottle. i’m not that picky anymore.

184: Xbox or ps3: xbox or ps4 xbox

183: Piggy banks are: really useful

182: In my pockets: wallet, keys, phone, earbuds, black pen/pencil, earplugs, mini flashlight

181: On my calendar: i’m meeting a friend for smoothies tomorrow

180: Marriage is: something we shouldn’t push so much onto people. it’s a declaration of love, not an end-all fix-all to your life. i can’t ever see myself getting married but who knows!

179: Spongebob can: continue to be a relevant meme

178: My mom: i mean. we function. i can’t really complain about my family at large but i am defiantly looking forward to living literally as far away from them as i can.

177: The last three songs I bought were? psh, you think i pay for music? (folie a deux, lake effect kid, believers never die volume two) (those are albums but its okay)

176: Last YouTube video watched: I watched Markiplier play Uno

175: How many cousins do you have? 11? 12? I lost count

174: Do you have any siblings? I have a brother

173: Are your parents divorced? Nope!

172: Are you taller than your mom? Yes, I have been for a while

171: Do you play an instrument? dude HECK yeah! i vibe on piano, guitar, ukulele, clarinet, and im a drum major

170: What did you do yesterday? I went on a drive by myself.

[ I Believe In ]

169: Love at first sight: Nope.

168: Luck: Yes, but luck is something that can be engineered

167: Fate: To an extent

166: Yourself: I’d say overall, yeah. I still have doubts tho

165: Aliens: Mmmmmm yeah

164: Heaven: Yes

163: Hell: Yes

162: God: Yeup

161: Horoscopes: without an ounce of truth, they would have died a long time ago

160: Soul mates: the greeks had seven words for love. i think we have multiple soul mates to fit each of those categories. there are definitely people we’re just meant to vibe with

159: Ghosts: i want to say yes but i really dont know

158: Gay Marriage: yes. its 2020. grow up.

157: War: in theory? no. war is kinda messed up. in reality? not everyone is going to be down to nice diplomatic conflict resolution, and not everyone is just gonna leave people *countries* they don’t like alone, so...

156: Orbs: ??? energies are real

155: Magic: vibes are real

[ This or That ]

154: Hugs or Kisses: hugs

153: Drunk or High: i am a child of jesus

152: Phone or Online: online

151: Red heads or Black haired: irdc but black hair bc i am Emo

150: Blondes or Brunettes: blonde?? ig?? easier to dye

149: Hot or cold: hot weather + cold rooms

148: Summer or winter: summer

147: Autumn or Spring: autum (screw spring)

146: Chocolate or vanilla: vanilla

145: Night or Day: night

144: Oranges or Apples: oranges (better to share with homies)

143: Curly or Straight hair: i dont care but curly

142: McDonalds or Burger King: mcdonald give iced coffee

141: White Chocolate or Milk Chocolate: dark chocolate

140: Mac or PC: pc for vidgya gaemes

139: Flip flops or high heals: ...converse. please. i cant walk properly in either of those

138: Ugly and rich OR sweet and poor: sweet and poor

137: Coke or Pepsi: pepsi

136: Hillary or Obama: this is kinda outdated but obama

135: Burried or cremated: cremated i aint watch spn for nothin

134: Singing or Dancing: singing. at least that gets better with practice

133: Coach or Chanel: chanel (thank u mr frank ocean and also the neighborhood)

132: Kat McPhee or Taylor Hicks: whomst

131: Small town or Big city: big city and if you say small town you’ve never lived in a small town

130: Wal-Mart or Target: target

129: Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler: who tf is this

128: Manicure or Pedicure: idk dude probably pedicure i don’t like people touching my hands and i use them for too much to get my nails done

127: East Coast or West Coast: hnngggggggg west coast has more to do but east coast has better beaches and

126: Your Birthday or Christmas: birthday

125: Chocolate or Flowers: chocolate bc then i can give u some

124: Disney or Six Flags: ive only been to disney so disney (though i AM a HARDCORE rollercoaster stan so it wouldnt take much for me to say six flags)

123: Yankees or Red Sox: what

[ Here’s What I Think About ]

122: War: unfortunately sometimes necessary but not as a first resort i went over this already

121: George Bush: is that the shoe guy?

120: Gay Marriage: be gay. do crime. kiss wife. or husband. or partner. basically, hell yeah

119: The presidential election: america need 2 b single and focus on herself

118: Abortion: pro-choice and that choice should be made by the one carrying the baby

117: MySpace: tumblr’s dad

116: Reality TV: don’t talk to about abt this

115: Parents: disgusting. go to therapy.

114: Back stabbers: if you’re gonna stab me in the back, pull my lungs through my ribcage bc that’s what my ancestor’s ghosts are gonna do to you (thanks great (x a few times) grandma viking ily thanks for the hair:) )

113: Ebay: good for merch and selling books

112: Facebook: zuck my dick, data-theif

111: Work: i like doing work? like- i enjoy completing tasks and seeing my hard work pay off? it’s not that bad?

110: My Neighbors: old. boring. want me to babysit for free.

109: Gas Prices: i cant really complain rn they’re kinda low and im a little broke so

108: Designer Clothes: i vibe to them, honestly

107: College: not for everyone but definitely for me

106: Sports: marching band is a sport marching band is a sport marching band is a sport marching band is a sport marching band is a sport but only technically speaking though you can make fair comparisons to sports such as cheer, and gymnastics where the idea is to put on a show and receive a score in the form of competition.

105: My family: disgusting

104: The future: the future doesn’t exist

[ Last time I ]

103: Hugged someone: god, don’t ask me this

102: Last time you ate: uhhh like 9 hours ago? it was dinner and i had pizza

101: Saw someone I haven’t seen in awhile: three or four weeks ago by best bro came to visit and we vibed

100: Cried in front of someone: i finished twist and shout at school at the end of a very bad week. it was only a few tears but that’s as close as i get to crying

99: Went to a movie theater: whenever the last star wars movie came out

98: Took a vacation: last year i went to dc over summer break to see the Smithsonian, it was a lot of fun. i was supposed to go to altanta and florida this year but that didn’t happen for reasons

97: Swam in a pool: last week

96: Changed a diaper: never

95: Got my nails done: never

94: Went to a wedding: its been at least 6 years dude

93: Broke a bone: never, somehow

92: Got a peircing: nope

91: Broke the law: technically, yesterday. 55 is too slow

90: Texted: just now

[ MISC ]

89: Who makes you laugh the most: the person in my snap named “junior”

88: Something I will really miss when I leave home is: my cat

87: The last movie I saw: probably into the spiderverse

86: The thing that I’m looking forward to the most: things going back to normal. or somewhat normal. i need school to have a schedule bc i absolutely cannot force myself to function without outside influence

85: The thing im not looking forward to: ironically, school in the fall. the way we’re going back is going to wreck me more than lockdown already has

84: People call me: i only ft one of my bros and they know who tf they are if you ask to ft you’re getting fuckin blocked mate i dont do that shit video calls are for WORK and SCHOOL thats IT. but ppl call me by my nickname irl, i go by screech on here.

83: The most difficult thing to do is: listen to my parent’s political opinions? live in a small town? force myself to be productive without a physical influence and reminder? put up with that one dude?

82: I have gotten a speeding ticket: nope

81: My zodiac sign is: scoprio/leo/gemini

80: The first person i talked to today was: the potential bassist for our potential band?

79: First time you had a crush: uhh im still not sure if it was a crush but i wanted them to myself and they wanted (and got) someone better. we were just friends so it doesn’t really matter

78: The one person who i can’t hide things from: the person on snap named “the great oracle”

77: Last time someone said something you were thinking: yesterday, it was my brother

76: Right now I am talking to: in order of snap names, “vibin ~[^.^]~”, “russian umbrella”, and “mom” (not really)

75: What are you going to do when you grow up: hopefully, a job that makes me happy

74: I have/will get a job: as soon as i know what’s going on with school. but like as an adult? wherever will hire me and pay my fairly. being a barista would be fun, but at a local place (not in my current town)

73: Tomorrow: ???? time for bad poetry: tomorrow i will see my friend/ admist this lasting chaos/ we will be each other’s solitude/ while sharing fruity drinks/ and when we both come home/ a smile we will bring

72: Today: idk what this means so more poetry: today i will be sleep deprived as always/ i will think of them and weep/ but no tears will fall from my eyes/ for i know there is a reason/ we went our own way

71: Next Summer: i fr dont know whats goin on so: next summer i will be/ as happy as can be/ because i will be in pain no longer/ the earth is sure to heal/ and i will heal with her/ so i can enjoy/ the heatwave of next summer

70: Next Weekend: next weekend i will spend/ my days wasting away/ maybe ill finish hannibal/ again/ not that serial killers make the dopamine stay/ i will not see my friends/ or talk to my family/ i will seldom eat/ and live off coffee/ this has been my life/ all quarintine/ god someone please help me

69: I have these pets: i have four cats, three chickens, and a dog

68: The worst sound in the world: my dad and grandpa talking

67: The person that makes me cry the most is: Them

66: People that make you happy: snap name time: the great oracle, junior, vibin ~[^.^]~, russian umbrella, mom, hero, booby-king 48, go to bed, son, pooper trooper, mac&cheese, plain egg biscuit, apple pie

65: Last time I cried: i dont cry bitch (last week over officals that cant make up they gottdamned mindes)

64: My friends are: my family and i would die for each and all of them

63: My computer is: an old hp but it play gaemes real good so it okie

62: My School: is trash but the band pops off

61: My Car: old, fast, clean

60: I lose all respect for people who: are my dad

59: The movie I cried at was: i cried over big hero six

58: Your hair color is: blonde

57: TV shows you watch: supernatural, good omens, hannibal, parks and rec

56: Favorite web site: this hellsite or youtube

55: Your dream vacation: out of the country with beautiful beaches, amazing food, and my best friend

54: The worst pain I was ever in was: the time i split the back of my head open, the time i split my chin open, and the time my then best friend said they didn’t want to talk to me anymore. i’ll let you guess which one hurt the most and which one i think about every fucking day

53: How do you like your steak cooked: medium or medium well.

52: My room is: clean and a reflection of myself, or so i’ve been told

51: My favorite celebrity is: i do not engage in celebrity worship. ill follow them and reblog gifs/interviews but i dont really have a favorite. the less i know abt them the better.

50: Where would you like to be: my own apartment in nyc

49: Do you want children: FUCK THEM KIDS BRO

48: Ever been in love: i dont know if it was love. i dont know if it was a crush. what i do know id that i was attached and they didn’t feel the same, and why would they?

47: Who’s your best friend: we dont really use best friend bc but “the great oracle” “junior” and “vibin ~[^.^]~”

46: More guy friends or girl friends: its 50/50

45: One thing that makes you feel great is: goin fast, the beach, playin video games

44: One person that you wish you could see right now: them

43: Do you have a 5 year plan: go to college, earn degree

42: Have you made a list of things to do before you die: commit arson

41: Have you pre-named your children: FUCK. THEM. KIDS. BRO.

40: Last person I got mad at: they do not understand that they do not know everything about something they’re not even involved in yet

39: I would like to move to: new zealand

38: I wish I was a professional: artist? musican? youtuber? who knows

[ My Favorites ]

37: Candy: nerds

36: Vehicle: 1970 mustang gt

35: President: jfk only bc his assassination is the only good thing abt american history the rest of it is fucked up and shouldn’t have happened. also jfk’s song in assassians the musical goes hard

34: State visited: california

33: Cellphone provider: verizon? apple? idfk

32: Athlete: what is sport

31: Actor: i don't watch shows or movies

30: Actress: i do not consume media

29: Singer: alex gaskarth or alexander deleon

28: Band: fall out boy

27: Clothing store: hot topic (i will not apologize)

26: Grocery store: okay harris teeter fucks but lidil’s has aloe vera juice and target at 9 pm energy so idk man

25: TV show: supernatural...

24: Movie: big hero 6

23: Website: tumblr or youtube

22: Animal: snow leopard

21: Theme park: busch gardens bc roller coaster go fast

20: Holiday: christmas

19: Sport to watch: snowboarding bc its like skateboarding but on snow

18: Sport to play: anything with havy footwork (marching band is a sport)

17: Magazine: i do not condume media

16: Book: the ranger’s apprentice series as a whole makes up my all-time one favorite book

15: Day of the week: friday bc its game day baybey

14: Beach: cocoa beach in florida but also i have so much left to experience

13: Concert attended: i havent been to any notable gigs but i was supposed to go to hella mega

12: Thing to cook: pancakes

11: Food: pizza or shushi

10: Restaurant: chiplote

9: Radio station: i like my local rock station and my local edm/top 40 station

8: Yankee candle scent: anything smoky or vanilla idc

7: Perfume: chanel no. 5 if i even wear it

6: Flower: Hydrangea

5: Color: orange

4: Talk show host: cecil palmer

3: Comedian: john maulaney

2: Dog breed: yes

1: Did you answer all these truthfully? ;)

That was a trip. But it was fun, please do things like this more often. Also, I don’t consume media by choice. I’m not sheltered I just can’t be bothered, and I have enough going on. That being said I will now be sleeping. Thanks again, Anon, I hope you have fun reading this :D

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i-love-him-on-purpose · 5 years ago

Text

the half of it liveblog

LET’S GO I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SINCE MARCH hi. my name is abby, and this is me watching the half of it

SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT

i have big gay expectations for this movie

as an asian wlw, i do NOT want to be disappointed

starting NOW

fuck YES this animation is beautiful

plato. this movie is already calling out my dumb gay ass

they did really good casting with ellie! imagine having a movie with high schoolers that LOOK LIKE HIGH SCHOOLERS

chugga chugga chu chu? SQUARE UP BITCH

OMG paul and ellie’s first meeting is iconic

“i’m not looking to cheat” “no one is”

“gET a thESaURus uSE a speLLcHecKer gOOd luCk rOMeo”

this is an accurate representation of hold times istg

IS THIS A MEET CUTE?!

aster looks so tired but wowowowowow she is hecking beautiful

ellie is a disaster gay

exhibit 1: staring at aster in band

exhibit 2: “i’m ellie chu?!?!?!”

exhibit 3: more staring in the hallway

staring/longing is the peak gay experience

she is FINALLY charging acceptable prices for writing

i’d ask $15 for two page

maybe she just loves writing

can’t relate

“SHE’S LIKE ALL THREE” paul you eloquent mf

he’s a ROMANTIC... but so bad with words omg

“yah my grandma’s dead wanna go out with me”

“love makes you screwy. don’t you get screwy?”

istg you dumb jock ily

in love, one always starts by deceiving oneself... and ends by deceiving others

PAUL OMG

i LOokED uP PLaiGiAriZed

...

wow i had to stop for like 8 minutes there to properly watch their letters play out

the way alice wu spins this story is absolutely gorgeous

aster and ellie are so in sync and understanding of each other

the art, the words, the letters

everything just meshes together perfectly and i’m already in love with their story, whether or not there’s a happy ending

oh ho ho... paul....

no but he’s totally right

dating is burgers and fries and ice cream and whatnot

love is what ellie and aster have been doing– the talking and the listening and the understanding

smithcorona ahaha

“i love... nazis” paul you good there

oh honey you understand nothing

LMAO i love how ellie’s riding away on her bike and paul’s just bent over in the background PERFECTLY poised to pick up a rock

YES! jock + lesbian friendship

“hi ellie chu’s dad” has the same energy as “mr. jack’s dad” and “mr. sir” if u know what i’m talking about (check, please! mutuals hi)

yeSSIR yeSSIR

i love how paul just treats this like drills he has to run

jocks, man

PFPDFSLDKJF HE GOT FASTER AHAHAHA

why do neither of them know how to play ping pong istg

i love one (1) girl that laughs at horror movies

omg my anxious ass would be terrified if i thought someone was watching me

oh, i thought that line was about aster

but it still makes sense in a friendship way

and this IS a friendship movie so it does make sense

my coward ass would’ve never brought a boy home in high school

especially not to my enthusiastic italian father

besides i only ever dated one person and she was a girl and i hadn’t come out to my parents yet

kudos to ellie

oh i just realized that aster’s christian

does that influence her views on lgbtq?

probably

oh, ellie

watching that made me tear up

god, falling for someone who doesn’t know that you’re you

this english teacher is fckin hilarious

and also totally not a romantic lmao

OMG FATHER SHANLEY

AHAHAHAHA

“world’s asleep. more room for secrets”

now THAT’S what love feels like

falling in love with the little things

wait he doesn’t say “you like aster?”

THEY SCAMMED US

...does he support her or not

paul munsky say something

oh he realizes that he doesn’t know what love is not that ellie likes aster

“if love isn’t the effort you put in”

i love this friendship and paul’s quiet wisdom

oh boy there are weird chewing noises

TACO SAUSAGE!

aww paul’s a romantic and ellie’s hilarious

seeing “guy” makes my heart hurt

aw ellie have a little faith in our dumb jock <3

this is so cute and super awkward

i feel like i did this at some point in high school

OMG PAUL WHAT ARE YOU DOING

what just happened

awww he’s so enthusiastic

bitch what the fuck is “a look”

CONSENT

wtf is this a fucking rave

WTF ARE YOU BITCHES DOING

are high schools like this now??? is everyone fucking horrid?

yes girl play your song

wait a sec can they all hear her without a mic

she wrote that? that’s so sweet <3

awwwwwwww

but that’s so cliché

it’s literally high school musical

oh boy now she’s POPULAR?

i love their friendship so much

OOP

awwww I LOVE THEIR FRIENDSHIP

omg what? shoes in the house? shoes ON THE BED? DISGRACE PAUL MUNSKY

jk him caring for her is literally so cute

i’m glad we can have that platonically

she did that for him? aww

the way she spits out the advil is hilarious

OMG ASTER?!?

i bet she thinks ellie and paul are dating

oof

“it’s paul’s chinese friend” who the FUCK do you think you are? STEP THE FUCK UP KAREN

oh it’s the daisy!

it’s gorgeous

i feel like aster definitely suspects something

OH THEY’RE SPENDING THE DAY TOGETHER

i have no idea what she does at the station?!?

“SECRET PLACE” oh lawd

aster definitely knows it’s ellie

i wish i had a secret pond

but alas

i am just a poor city girl

ellie is a disaster gay and i am living for it

LONG UNDERWEAR ellie is prepared for all situations

paul is so sweet that’s adorable

“i don’t think i’ve ever hung out with a girl and not talked about boys before” the GAY is showing and i love it

but love isn’t about feeling safe

it’s about feeling adventurous but being safe

you’re in HIGH SCHOOL why tf r u thinking about marriage?

oml don’t get married to trig he’s a fucking idiot

i lowkey thought they were going to kiss

and then ellie “i am a RUSSIAN DOLL of clothing!!1!1!”

sdlkfjsdlkf

AHADHSFDSJFLDSKFJLESKF PAUL LOOKS SO NERVOUS

when my asian mom did this, my white dad would look just like him, even after literally decades of marriage

WOAH the visuals

just... two people looking at the same sky

so intimate

“gravity is matter’s response to loneliness”

that’s so deep but all i can think of is r/showerthoughts

just two girls discussing their deepest beliefs and secrets in a spring

i would like to do that pls

lmao ellie’s dad and paul are besties now

oh ellie

COLLEGE you deserve to go to college!

omg aster and paul’s height difference

paul’s siblings are hilarious lmao

SLDKFJSDL “A BUNCH OF GUYS SNIFFING EACH OTHERS’ BUTTS” is maybe the most accurate description of high school sports

guess all that running really paid off paul

“squahamish scores for the first time in 50 yrs” i-

ellie trying to finesse the yakult is the funniest thing

what the FUCK just happened

what

that was like watching a train wreck in slo-mo

paul WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?

WHAT THE FUCK

dkjlsfdksjlfkldsjf

i have zero words.

...trig

is he ok

who sprayed him? was it paul or ellie’s dad??

oh god literally all three of them are ruined

paul! he’s trying! and that matters!

he’s been taught to condemn it

but he supports his friend first and foremost

so he tries to understand and accept it

...oh no paul’s mother

ellie looks so sad :(

ugh i’m crying

she had to grow up too quickly because of her mother’s death

“have you ever loved someone so much you don’t want anything about them to change?”

i’m so emotional

SKSKSK “i had to grind something” homophobic mother looks up

the fuck is “little lady”

oh i get it he’s proposing

trig is literally the human manifestation of microaggression

ASTER DON’T DO IT

ELLIE?!

the painting metaphor is back and i am not ok

AND I OOP- she slapped him ok ok ok

“mommy wants you to know that in case you are gay, mommy still loves you” “no mom i’m not gay” “thank god” “i might want to change your sausage recipe though” “are you INSANE?” THIS IS AN EXACT PARALLEL to when bitty came out and mama bittle still loved him but then the JAM (hello again check please mutuals if ur still here ily)

lmao the english teacher “now that is some divine intervention” she is neutral evil and i am LIVING for it (bet she’s wlw too)

“you don’t mean dead, right” SLDFKJSDL

“love is messy and horrible and selfish... and bold.” -ellie chu

that’s fucking beautiful

aster looks... so tired

COLLEGE YES SHE’S GOING TO COLLEGE

i have no words i just want to watch this and cry

they kissed.

they KISSED.

“i’ll see you in a couple of years”

i love that they don’t end up together

that they know that they should wait, that it’s not their time yet

because love is “the trying, and the reaching, and the failing”

ellie looks so happy

she’s comfortable in her own skin

FINALLY

she deserves everything

omg the emojis slap

her dad’s conductor? station master? idk but he’s working again and i’m so proud of him

is paul seriously giving her sausage

lmao

“too smart to be crying on the platform like a wussy” “i’m not crying” “wussy” underrated exchange of the year

paul chasing after ellie on the train is so sweet

i’m sobbing

“moron”

ugh

she looks so content and i love that for her

that’s the end

if you made it this far, congrats!

overall 10/10

it’s such a sweet movie it’s well paced, well written, and well shot

time to go see if there’s any fic

bye!

#the half of it #liveblog #leah lewis #alexxis lemire #daniel diemer #alice wu #ellie chu #paul munsky #aster flores

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930club · 5 years ago

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ARTIST INTERVIEW: The Districts

In anticipation of their March 10 show at the 9:30 Club, The Districts graciously decided to drop by and answer a couple questions for us about their dynamic as a band and their upcoming record You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere. Find the conversation below to learn more about a band that you should definitely know about, if you do not already.

9:30 Club: So we know you guys are from Pennsylvania. Are there any PA musicians that helped inspire your sound?

The Districts: We all grew up outside of Philly, so we definitely went to a bunch of shows in the city when we were younger. Throughout high school we saw bands like Dr. Dog, Man Man, Kurt Vile, etc. And nowadays there are a bunch of amazing artists we admire like Pine Barons, Hop Along, Spirit of the Beehive, Tierra Whack, the list goes on!

9:30: You’ve been performing together for over ten years now. What’s it been like playing music together since high school?

D: There’s a certain level of comfort that comes from being so close over the years. It can be tough at times, living and working in such close quarters for weeks on end, but at the end of the day we are great pals and care deeply for one another. We’ve experienced so much as a band and are extremely thankful for all of it.

9:30: What songs were you listening to while you were writing You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere? Did some of your favorite artists inspire your sound?

D: “The Flower Called Nowhere” by Stereolab, “Michael A Grammar” by Broadcast, “Falling Rain” by Link Wray, and “The World’s Strongest Man” and “It’s Raining Today” by Scott Walker. We’re all into a pretty diverse range of music, and there are always a lot of influences seeping in through the cracks.

9:30: You mention that your single “Hey, Jo” is inspired by Harry Nilsson and Lee Hazelwood. How did they inspire you throughout the making of the album and who do you look up to most as musicians?

D: Both of them have records with amazing production. Lee Hazelwood in particular has this western psych wall of sound thing going on, which results in some pretty unusual sounding songs. There’s an allure to the unconventional pop song that is a common theme among many of our favorite artists.

9:30: You went from working with one legendary producer, John Congleton, to working with another legend, Dave Fridmann, for this latest record. How did you all get linked up, and what did he bring to the table for you all?

D: With Dave, I actually got his email and reached out personally. He was super gracious in getting back to me and really brought out a lot of the small production details we wanted to accentuate. He brought the dream to life!

9:30: Short but sweet question: between you all individually, what were your favorite riffs/takes on this last record? (Guitar, bass, drums, vox, etc.)

Rob from the Districts: I’m happy with how my vocals came out on “The Clouds,” which was also my first time drumming a Districts song.

Pat from the Districts: I really love the closing track of You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere, called “4th of July.” It’s a really beautiful acoustic song that Rob recorded solo. Without listening to the track in headphones Braden & I overdubbed guitar drones & auxiliary percussion / textures. It came out sounding really special I think.

9:30: Do you guys have any pre-show rituals that you do to gear up for each show?

D: Sometimes we all get in a circle and put our heads together and sing the same low drone note haha. But nothing too crazy, we usually just write a set, hang out, stretch a little bit, do vocal warmups, maybe roll some dice.

9:30: What is the best part about performing for your fans & is there a specific fan experience that stood out to you?

D: The best part about performing for our fans is being able to interact and have an experience together I think. We really appreciate everyone who comes out to the shows / supports us in any way so it’s a gift to be able to meet folks and get to know them a little bit. There’s been so many great experiences over the years but I think the ones that come to mind are always the friendships we’ve made through doing the band.

9:30: You’re bringing along stellar support in And The Kids on this tour! Have you crossed paths before this?

D: We are incredibly excited to play these shows with And the Kids. I don’t believe we have played with them before, but I know I saw them and our buds Vundabar play together, and we’ve certainly crossed paths other times. They are a fantastic group and we can’t wait to tour together!

Be sure to come out to the Club on March 10 to catch The Districts live promoting their new record, You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere. Come out early to catch And the Kids as well!

youtube

#9:30 Interview #930 Interview #Artist Interview #Upcoming Show #9:30 Club #The Districts #And the Kids #You Know I'm Not Going Anywhere

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doomedandstoned · 5 years ago

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Chrome Ghost Give Emphatic Close to the Decade with ‘The Diving Bell’

~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~

There's always been something endearing to me about the sound of Roseville, California's CHROME GHOST. Their last two EPs are decades-long favorites of mine, chiefly due to the bittersweet comingling of earnest vocal harmonies with punishing low-end. Each of their releases has brought unique and unforgettable moments and I've long contended that they would stand up well as openers for the likes of Alice in Chains or Tool, Yob or Bell Witch, in terms of how they compliment and contrast elements of both bands.

'The Diving Bell' (2019) opens in classic Chrome Ghost fashion, with a steadily unwinding ballad with a Lovecraftian twist. "Waltz in the Shadow of the Hillside" will hook you for the long haul. It definitely passed the "hum test" for me, in any event, as I've been thrumming the main vocal theme for days now. "Halo" follows this by unleashing a torrent of pent-up tremors, followed by a calming mantra accompanied shortly by an ascendant guitar lead.

"The Diving Bell" presents a solitude and stillness that is rare, even in genres like depressive and funeral doom. Sadly serene, the song is like the calm leading into a storm, for minutes in a march-like rhythm and growling vocals announce the approach of something awful. Then like intermittent patches of downfall, the storm clears and gives way to a warm, confident stride with dreamlike lyricism. I dare say you don’t need to know the words (at least not on first hearing) to get the full effect of this 14-minute wonder, for on a sonic plane it taps into that mysteriously intuitive musical language we all seem to relate to emotionally. On a compositional level, I’m quite impressed (and satisfied) by how the band has developed to this point in their career. Like I said, deserving of much more mainstream attention.

From ascendant to transcendent, the record closes with the cavernous "Visions." There's something about it that reminds me of Gregorian Chant. Certainly the layer-upon-layer effect of the complementing vocal harmonies aids in its sacred vibe. Unexpectedly, the tempo quickens towards the end of the song, as though a great window to the heavens had opened and Jacob's dream of angels ascending and descending like an escalator is before us.

Regardless of how you interpret it, revelations abound in The Diving Bell, which releases this Saturday, November 30th (pre-order here). And now, Doomed & Stoned is pleased to present the worldwide exclusive debut of Chrome Ghost's most accomplished effort to date. A triumph.

Give ear...

The Diving Bell by chrome ghost

A Listener's Guide to 'The Diving Bell'

We're grateful for the opportunity to visit with Jake Kilgore (guitar, vox), Jake Hurst (drums), and Joe Cooper (bass) of Chrome Ghost, who recently gave us the low-down on their most accomplished effort to date, taking us on a tour from the inside-out.

Art

The cover art was painted by Sacramento artist Molly Devlin (@devlinmolly on Instagram) She has an incredibly sensitivity to her work, and the way she works with elements of nature and organic stuff blew my mind. We are extremely lucky that she was into the idea, and honestly the album cover influenced the way I felt about the whole process. I like to have art done before the recordings are done for that exact reason.

Recording Process

The Diving Bell was recorded in May 2019 by Patrick Hills at Earthtone in Sacramento, California. Patrick has recorded all Chrome Ghost releases to date, as well as CHRCH, King Woman, Tera Melos, and more. We have developed an extremely strong working relationship with Pat, and we tend to understand each other with minimal discussion. Half the time we’re not recording, we are getting through the day by watching stupid youtube videos while files are rendering.

The album tracking was spread out over three days, drums, bass, and guitar, with vocals tracked at home. No click tracks were used throughout the process in an attempt to give the record a more organic feel, and to give us the ability to push and pull the tempo as needed. It goes without saying that this method is way harder, and we definitely punished ourselves with long work days trying to get things right.

We were originally slated to track the album in February 2019, but I (Jake Kilgore) ended up breaking my wrist right before we were meant to go into the studio. The injury not only delayed our plans, but sent me into a spiral. Unable to work, I spent most days on the couch, feebly trying to find positions to hold my guitar so I could keep practicing. In some ways, this benefitted the band by really narrowing our focus. We would rehearse with no guitar, only bass, drums, and vocals. I’d stand there and sing the guitar parts when necessary and it became something of a thought exercise for all of us to stay in sync while only imagining what we were supposed to hear.

General Themes

This record was meant to be personal and introspective, but I also wanted to incorporate more classic gothic themes. Instead of being as blatantly autobiographical as Chrome Ghost has been in the past, I got a little more abstract and started to incorporate images and moods that resonated with me in some way.

Jacob and I share a fear of deep water, and I couldn’t shake the image of a primitive Diving Bell from my mind for months. The idea of being totally submerged, surrounded by a small pocket of air, was so claustrophobic yet serene, and it helped direct the mood of the album quite a bit. Always contrasting the heavier and suffocating music we make with the lighter, more reflective stuff.

Photo by Kevin Carpio

"Waltz in the Shadow of the Hillside"

The opener was inspired by a Lovecraft story called Whisperer In The Darkness, which starts off with reports of massive floods sweeping away strange alien bodies. I was struck by the thought of bodies washing through floodwaters, and it sparked from there. That idea met with this mantra I'd had cycling in my head; Wild Rose, Dog’s Blood. Something beautiful and something terrible, side by side. That sense of duality might be cliché at this point, but it seemed to fit very well in the sense that the water in this song is an element of destruction, but obviously water is an element of life.

We built this song around that clean fingerpicking guitar part after the heavy intro, which I originally wrote while I was still in high school. Everything else was added to accent those voicings and melodies present in that sequence. Exploring that very primitive and repetitive 3/4 rhythm, and twisting it around in different contexts, was a lot of fun to figure out. The droning, experimental part in the middle is probably my favorite because we got to use a bunch of studio tricks on the drums, and I got to use some rad guitar pedals to get those washy reverse guitar parts.

LYRICS

night falls shadows bloom rise slow dance in the hillside

shifting earth hums below outstretched arms drag through the water

soft glow of eyes that shine dark cold shrouds all who wander

obscured shapes draw near long black hair drags through the water

hark! now comes the flood slow rain crushes the hillside

pray they will rest well see them all dragged by the water

wild rose dog’s blood pray all rest well

all that once was is gone from here whispered laments fall on deaf ears

washed clean of all but memory swollen in death and revery

wild rose dog’s blood pray all rest well

"Halo"

Halo was a strange one to write, because the lyrics kinda just came to me in a flurry and I wasn’t aware of what they meant until after the record was made. I sometimes suffer from debilitating panic attacks, and Halo ultimately became an ode to my wife, who in these moments has shown compassion and cared for me to the best of her ability. The song is about that paralyzing feeling of sickness that can render you temporarily dead to the world, but more importantly it’s about the debt that we owe to those who are there for us.

This is our attempt at a pop song. It’s the only song on the record with a chorus that repeats, and it loosely follows a verse-chorus-bridge-chorus formula. Other than that, we got to stretch our limits a little bit by making this the fastest song we’ve written.

LYRICS

healer weakened by the dark

wild rose cloven from the torn gently as the wind had blown resting high upon your crown

frail in your arms aching from the warmth bound to remain here suffer evermore

suspended in this moment of loss every nerve severed and raw the door’s nailed shut chained to the bed i’m so tired my eyes shut again

halo

"The Diving Bell"

The mantra Breathe Deep anchors this song, returning multiple times to reinforce that claustrophobia. This song explores the peak of a true panic episode, catatonia, helplessness, etc. The feeling of being out-of-body, and calling out into the void for help.

Obviously this track is a sort of centerpiece for the album, musically. There are repeating phrases and motifs that let you feel like you’re hearing something new, but in actuality you’re just hearing a different version of something from earlier in the song. This track was meant to showcase the most extreme distance between the heavy and light elements of the band.

Pat Hills also did the dual guitar lead part with us, and that is one of my favorite things we’ve ever recorded.

LYRICS

breathe deep the only way out espaces me

sinking lower in a slow dive

lay here motionless alone

breathe deep in waters of purity lungfuls of what is to be

sinking in waters of purity lungfuls of what is to be

lay here in waters of purity lungfuls of what is to be

quiet weightless catatonic eyes unblinking mute and empty bury me in silt

the pain comes in distant waves echoes of what once were hidden wounds voices cast out through still air listen for me calling home

breathe deep

"Visions"

The lyrics to Visions were meant to give it finality, as the end of the album. It’s about accepting death, and the darkness that follows some of us throughout life. It’s also about holding on, even in our final moments. Asking to be “buried slowly”, to let us all have time to think and work through some shit before we have to call it a day.

This track is a sort of mashup between a spindly clean riff that King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard might use, and a powerful seasick drone that a band like Yob might use. Visions has a very chant-like, almost Gregorian element to the vocals, and when that’s laid over almost tribal drums, we knew we had something interesting on our hands. That sorta didgeridoo-like sound during the choruses is an electric bass with two strings being played with a bow. That was 100% Jacob’s idea and he executed it perfectly.

LYRICS

sickness floating in the eye of all men

fallen tears in the well poison the crumbling earth rose in bloom thorned red and gold baby’s breath like cancer, grows

fading light casts a glow over my face alone when I go bury me slowly when I go bury me slowly

visions

Shallows by chrome ghost

Reflection Pool by chrome ghost

Choir of the Low Spirits by chrome ghost

Follow The Band

Get Their Music

#D&S Debuts #Chrome Ghost #Roseville #California #Doom #Sludge #Metal #Atmospheric #Doom Metal #D&S Interviews #HeavyBest19 #Doomed & Stoned

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chorusfm · 7 years ago

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Now, Now Announce New Album; Stream New Song

Now, Now will release their new album, Saved, on May 18th. Today they’ve debuted the new song, “AZ,” via Fader along with a new interview with the band: “We’ve never had a summer-feeling album before, and I wanted it out to come out in the summer,” Brad says, and Saved certainly does sound like prime festival-season music — the kind of album that’s all but guaranteed to propel Now, Now to greater heights of visibility than ever before. Ironic, perhaps, when considering that the pressures of impending success made the album nearly impossible to complete. You can stream the song below, along with the full press release. Pre-orders will be up soon. Oh, and don’t sleep on this band and album. Trust me on that one. Now, Now are thrilled to announce the release date for Saved, their highly anticipated new full-length album, due out May 18th on Trans Records. The Minneapolis duo comprised of KC Dalager and Brad Hale have been hinting at the follow up to their critically acclaimed 2012 LP Threads for the past several months. They’ve tempted their fans with the release of singles “SGL,” which landed at #1 and #7 on “Best Songs of 2017” lists for Idolator and NPR Music respectively, and “Yours,” on which Pitchfork say Now, Now accomplished “a hallmark of a great pop song,” on account of “its ability to inflate the most unassuming feelings into towering sound.” They also paid a visit to NPR Music’s “Tink Desk” where they recorded intimate stripped down versions of each single. Today, they share new single “AZ” along with an in-depth interview on the making of Saved with FADER. In the coming weeks Now, Now will perform at SXSW and set sail on the Paramore PARAHOY! cruise before embarking on a tour across the UK and Europe. All upcoming tour dates are listed below. The title of Now, Now’s first new album in half a decade begs the obvious question… Saved from what? They certainly didn’t seem like a band that needed saving after the release of their 2012 LP Threads. When the world last heard from Now, Now, they had made their late night TV debut with Jimmy Fallon, and landed tours and shows with bands including Fun. and Bob Mould, among others. For better or worse, the usual path for any band that seems like they’re on the cusp of a break through is to strike while the iron is hot. That is, to hurry back to the studio to work with a proven producer known for having a hand in a few big records. Bands and artists that find themselves in this situation are compelled to “go big, or go home,” and in Now, Now’s case they did just that, they went home. It might not have been planned that way, but that’s where they ended up– back in Minneapolis without a clear sense of how to move forward. Despite any success or acclamation earned up to that point, self-doubt set in, and a crippling writers block entrenched itself further. Weeks became months, and months dissolved into years, all while the band’s modest but fervent fanbase were left to speculate on social media as to what was behind the silence. At a particularly low point relates KC, “I felt like I was pursuing the wrong dream, that maybe something else would reveal itself to me.” She felt pressure from both herself and those around her so immense that it froze her. “It felt like everyone was mistaking how much I was obsessing over the album for not caring about the album, but in reality I was putting too much pressure on myself to be able to write. So it felt like everyone was angry with me on top of me feeling like I was ruining my career and disappointing myself.” As a result she reveals, “I had some very difficult conversations with myself and with people close to me who were worried about my happiness.” “I still carry a little bit of guilt for adding to that stress that KC is talking about,” reveals Brad. “After a year of people around us asking ‘why is the album not done, your career is about to just be over,’ I as well started to question my career choice, to question my talent, and I started buying into this idea that KC wasn’t working, even though I was right there watching her work. That’s something I’m embarrassed by and wish I could take back. But through that we got stronger as friends and collaborators, and I learned the hard way that the only reason we make music is for ourselves.” Following a few years of frustration and introspection however, the ice began to crack while tracking the single “SGL.” “The production on that song was completely different at first,” recalls Brad. “It didn’t have that main acoustic guitar part, and it never felt right. But one day I picked up an acoustic, turned off all the guitars we had already recorded and just played, and that came out. It felt so natural. It was also the first time I felt KC be excited about hearing the way her voice sounded. There was suddenly a new confidence in the way she sung her words.” As trying as it was for Now, Now, and as baffling as it may have seemed to those on the outside looking in, this intense period of self-examination ended up bringing us the record we have today. No doubt a better one than might have come to pass had they managed to turn one around more quickly. The pair that had met in marching band and begun writing and recording songs together over a decade ago as teens, hadn’t yet been forced to set aside time to discover themselves. It was something they needed to do before they could advance. Part of that discovery process involved their sound as well. “It took me a lot of time to explore different production techniques to really find what worked for us,” says Brad, who in between Threads and Saved further developed his skill set behind the boards through a solo record under the moniker Sombear and work with other artists. “Figuring out how to make my voice sound has been a pivotal piece of us finding our sound again too,” explains KC. “We also tried to keep everything as timeless as possible. We are very influenced by classic pop and classic songwriting, and were inspired by the power and sustainability those types of songs have.” The guiding principle on Saved they agree, was to trust themselves and to not turn away from anything just because it was too far removed from their past material. “I was definitely scared at the start of the process to go outside of that box,” says Brad, “but I wanted to so bad. Once we really followed our own vision is really when things started coming together quickly.” “I know it’s been a long road,” says KC, “ but I wouldn’t change any part of it. If we had put an album out right after Threads, we wouldn’t have gone through that period of self-discovery. I think we would’ve continued to stifle our emotions and hide the fact that we were struggling as much as we were. We needed to hit rock bottom. In order to rebuild and come back stronger than before. I think we might have made an album that was timid and vague and unchallenging. But I know that’s not what we were meant to do.” Saved is anything but “timid and vague,” boasting the most direct songwriting and transparent lyrics the band have ever written by a mile. “I’d never felt comfortable being myself. I always felt like I needed to hide behind something,” says KC. “‘Back to the heart of it all’ from the song ‘AZ’ is the most important conceptual lyric for this album. This is the most exposed I’ve ever been lyrically. I’ve never been this open.” It’s also no small coincidence that the lyric speaks to the pair’s return to their writing and recording roots as well. While they initially started out in the studio, after completing “SGL” they finished the rest of Saved while working on ideas and tracking the album in their basements together, just as they had on their first recordings back in high school. When everything was done, with a fair bit of relief they sent the record on to Andy Park in Seattle for mixing. The only people who know the full extent of the meaning behind Saved’s title are Brad and KC, but it’s clear to see that salvation for them, at least in part, involved escaping the constraints of their own hangups and insecurities. All so that they might be free to grow into the people and artists we see and hear today on their new album. After such an arduous process, “it’s been really validating to see people on the internet and hear people at shows say they feel like the new songs are exactly the way they hoped we’d go,” says KC. “We’re lucky to have fans that care not only about the music, but about us as people,” adds Brad. “It blows my mind to hear people tell us their different stories about how they found out about us. It’s those moments that really keep me going. We feel really lucky that people connect with our music in such a deep and personal way.” --- Please consider supporting us so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/now-now-announce-new-album-stream-new-song/

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luvneedsnosyt · 7 years ago

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My Favorite Albums of 2017

Here is my list of my personal top albums of 2017

You can find my separate list for top EPs of 2017 here.

My monthly lists of top albums of 2017 are listed below: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

My list last year for my top albums of 2016 can be found here.

* indicates someone I saw live in 2017

Honorable Mention:

Arcade Fire - Everything Now Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

With great success comes also the task of following it up. In 2017 Arcade Fire became swallowed up a bit by their own machine; which is unfortunate because despite its flaws Everything Now is still a joyous and entertaining record. Probably, most definitely, the worst record of their catalog, the common dialog is this album was a misstep by the Grammy winning band. Attempting to strip the baggage though, Everything Now is a interesting and expressive experimentation in Indie Rock that should still be appreciated. Perhaps some restraint and more of an eye on quality control could have helped. Past Arcade Fire albums find strength in their shear mass, however this album would have benefited from being more slimmed down, especially in the middle section that tends to wander a bit too aimlessly. This is the most flawed we have seen the band, yet they still have something worthwhile to bring to the table.

Proof: Creature Comfort, Electric Blue, Bonus: Everything Now (Todo Ya) [Remix por Bomba Estéreo]

Cold War Kids - L.A. DEVINE Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

With their sixth album, Cold War Kids continue to perfect their energetic and bold Indie Rock sound. L.A. DEVINE isn’t my favorite work from the band but it continually shows they have a knack to not disappoint. It does come off a bit formulaic after the first handful of songs, but they know what they are good at and they stick to it. As I stated though the first five songs really put this album on this list as it’s as strong and impacting of a 20 minutes as on almost any other album out in 2017.

Proof: Love Is Mystical, So Tied Up (Feat. Bishop Briggs)

Cut Copy - Haiku From Zero Genre: Synth-Pop

For their fifth studio album, the Australian Synth-Pop makers Cut Copy produced possibly their most straight forward product. The result is a light hearted, warm collection of songs that are enjoyable and easy to approach. The result also is critiques of a lack of experimentation and innovation the fans of the band attribute to Cut Copy. My personal feeling is at times CC’s experimentation can tip over into overindulgence in the past, so I welcome the stripped down jams.

Proof: Standing In the Middle of the Field, Airborne

Giraffage* - Too Real Genre: Electronic

American-Taiwanese DJ Giraffage drops off some sexy and spaced out R&B infused electronic music on his vibed out debut album. Too Real has moments that remind me of ODESZA, KAYTRANADA or Mura Masa; sometimes within the same song. Giraffage’s smooth production creates quite the seductive galaxy, so climb in that spaceship.

Proof: Maybes (Feat. Japanese Breakfast), Slowly (Feat. Matosic)

The Killers* - Wonderful Wonderful Genre: Alternative / Rock

Hot Fuss, the Killers’ debut album was a very important album for me in high school. The band then proceeded to it up with a stellar three album swing with Sam’s Town and Day & Age (Yes, that Day & Age, that album bangs and I don’t care who says otherwise). Even the B-Side and remix Compilation album that proceeded, Sawdust, was enjoyable. Unfortunately, from there was a lackluster period for me as a Killers fan. Brandon Flower’s first solo album Flamingo was disappointing and their fourth album 2012’s Battle Born just came off stale and lethargic to me. 2014 though, saw a welcomed return to form with Brandon Flower’s sneaky good second solo album The Desired Effect. Wonderful Wonderful continues that rejuvenation with some passionate and focused arena rock. Here the band still sounds very familiar but doesn’t come off as aged as on Battle Born. They also seem to have more of a purpose here, not just making a new album for the sake of making one, they have recaptured that sense of joy and wonder.

Proof: The Man, Run For Cover

Klyne - Klyne Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

Dutch duo Klyne make some super seductive bedroom ready electronic pop music. On this self titled debut they really show off their master of making synth-heavy production have some ginuwine sentiment and passion. Klyne is a subtle and sexy project any R&B fan should check out.

Proof: Paralyzed, Sure Thing

Logic - Everybody Genre: Hip Hop

One of the most technically skilled rappers making music today returns with his third studio album. It is very apparent the lyrical talent on Logic during a listen, however Everybody falls into the same traps of Logic’s past albums. Logic tends to get swallowed up by his own album concepts, with interlude and spoken word interruptions that tend to drag on too long. It’s unfortunate because to others it can take away from the great production and lyrical gymnastics going on. The process has also taken a toll on Logic himself as he has hinted the next album could be his last album despite being only 27. Hopefully, an extended break is all that will be needed because despite my album construction gripes, Logic is still one of the most gifted rappers today.

Proof: America (Feat. Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo & NO I.D.), 1-800-273-8255 (Feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid)

Oliver - Full Circle Genre: Electronic / Dance

LA DJ duo, finally offer a full length album with this cinematic debut. Full Circle is a modern day disco with space aged, synth-based tracks that call back to the 70’s and 80’s but still feel rooted in 2017. The whole album has a glossy aura that engulfs the listener, shooting them into hyper drive through a technological landscape.

Proof: Chemicals (Feat. MNDR), Wherever We Are (Feat. Elohim)

Phantoms - Phantoms Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop

I first heard of Phantoms when I saw them open for Beat Connection in 2015. I had no idea who these two suited dudes were, but I was pleasantly surprised by both their stage presence and charisma as well as the music. I retroactively found their EP and discovered it wasn’t a fluke, they made good music. Despite that I still was pleasantly surprised by this pulsating debut from the duo. Phantom’s aren’t doing anything to reinvent any wheels here; they are just making damn good house music to get the fuck down too. The growth from their already decent EP to this album is a bit staggering, I can’t wait to see what they make next.

Proof: Something To Talk About (Feat. Grace Mitchell), Just A Feeling (Feat. VÉRITÉ)

Portugal. The Man - Woodstock Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock

Releasing albums at quite the rapid pace, after their seventh album, 2013’s Evil Friends, Portugal. The Man took more of their time crafting something that would be a new experience for their fans. The result is this whirlwind of an album incorporating and outright acknowledging outside influences more openly then in past efforts. Woodstock has roots of the late 60’s era in its general makeup, but there also are intense elements of hip hop, soul music, and electronic music interweaving in the complex relationships here. It makes this album really a unique experience. “Feel It Still” became the band’s biggest hit of their career and for good reason. Even though you are probably a bit fatigued of it, it still is an excellent track to revisit in the context of the album or on it’s own.

Proof: Easy Tiger, Live In The Moment

Sampha* - Process Genre: alt-R&B

For years the raspy, and emotive voice of Sampha has been bouncing round and teasing us with thoughts of a whole album from him. Tracks featuring him on albums by SBTRKT, Drake, Kanye West, Solange and Jessie Ware have been some of the stand out tracks for each of those albums respectively. We were teased more with his great but short EP’s Duel and Too Much both in 2013. Luckily, the wait for the London singer’s debut was well worth it. Process is a gorgeous, soulful record of love found and lost. Sampha’s lyrics are very piercing and relateable but heightened by his expressive and powerful vocals.

Proof: Blood On Me, Timmy’s Prayer

Stalgia - NOMAD Genre: Electronic / alt-R&B

One of my favorite random music finds on the year was Stalgia’s sultry, electronic R&B. NOMAD has hints of BANKS, Lorde, London Grammar and FKA twigs, with a slight more of an electronic lean. That’s not to say the electronic production is dominate. It is for the most part delicate with pockets of assertiveness, but subdued enough to allow the tender vocals room to shine as well. I don’t know much about the duo, but they have my full attention whatever they produce next.

Proof: Electric, Talk to My Skin

Sylvan Essos - What Now Genre: Indie Pop / Electronic

With their sophomore album, the North Carolina duo continue their pursuit of pushing the boundaries of Indie Pop with their unique amalgamation of Folk, Pop and Electronic music. What Now is like LCD Soundsystem and Fiest had a musical baby, with soft, soothing vocals over jabbing and intersecting synths.

Proof: Die Young, Radio

Tyler, The Creator - Flower Boy Genre: Hip Hop

2015’s Cherry Bomb was an album I appreciated but in the end wanted to like it more than I actually did. It was a notable and admired progression by me from his early low-fi sound. There was more experimentation and branching out to try new things for the rapper. But in the end it was still a bit conflicted. Flower Boy is the young artists really putting it all together in a cohesive and powerful package. For his fourth album Tyler drifts into unexpected and often odd directions, but there is more of a purpose of these tangents. Everything has a planned outcome that is impacting and worthwhile.Tyler is also letting his walls down more, showing us his more human and genuine self. In his own words: “I rock, I roll, I bloom, I grow…”

Proof: Where The Flower Blooms (Feat. Frank Ocean), 911 / Mr. Lonely (Feat. Frank Ocean & Steve Lacey)

The List:

Last One Out: Mura Masa - Mura Masa Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop

Mura Masa has quite a unique ear. This collection of eccentric and genreless tracks is an indication of just how diverse and unorthodox the German producer’s ear for sounds is. The wide range of influences leads to a fascinating interweaving of styles Mura is able to mold into his own personal sculptural music. No artist is too obscure, or too well known for Mura’s vibrant sonic landscapes to dance around in. As music genres continue to push the boundaries it will be innovative artists like Mura Masa at the forefront.

Proof: Love$ick (Feat. A$AP Rocky), 1 Night (Feat. Charli XCX), What If I Go? (Feat. Bonzai), Firefly (Feat. NAO)

35. HAIM* - Something To Tell You Genre: Pop

The charming sister trio return with their sophomore album that is a more than adequate follow up to their enduring debut. Something To Tell You is a bit of a return to a more pure sound stripping some (but not all) of the electronic music influences positioned on the margins of Days Are Gone. Those weren’t a main driving force in their music though so it doesn’t affect the product much which is still as joyous and entertaining as its predecessor. Some people like to hold their nose up a bit at the HAIM sisters saying their music is so simple as a critique. Sometimes simplicity though is the hardest thing to achieve effectively. the complexity is in their flawless execution, the sisters can switch instruments on a whim and together make some of the most catchy pop songs out today.

Proof: Want You Back, Little Of Your Love, Ready For You, Walking Away, Bonus: Walking Away (Mura Masa Remix)

34. Charli XCX - Number 1 Angel [Mixtape] Genre: Synth-Pop

Charli XCX seems to have found her creative sweet spot as well as buy off from her label because she has had a fast paced last couple years despite no new official album. This has resulted in XCX dropping arguably the best music of her career (depending on your preference on her early mixtapes and debut album). Number 1 Angel I was ready to comment as the best music she has dropped since her debut album True Romance, that was until last week she dropped the bomb of a mixtape that is Pop 2. I always have to cut off albums for consideration in mid December so Pop 2 isn’t listed here but it is eligible for my 2018 lists and believe it will be on them. That being said Number 1 Angel from earlier in the year was an extremely intoxicating and exhilarating joy ride. Also in the year her official single “Boys” became a summer jam you couldn’t run away from. Charli has come a long way from her early experimental mixtapes and writing successful songs for other artists like Icona Pop’s “I Love It” to this moment. But with a bevy of features as well as her own work being pushed out at such rapid fire, Charli’s stock is still on the rise.

Proof: 3am (Pull Up) Feat. MØ, ily2, Babygirl (Feat. Uffie), Lipgloss (Feat. cupcakKe), Bonus: Boys

33. Tinie Tempah - YOUTH Genre: Hip Hop

With his third album Tinie Tempah returns with one of the most straightforward and enjoyable collections of hip hop in 2017. With a 90’s nostalgic feel, Youth is an entertaining and joyous ride. Many of the tracks can successfully get a club floor shaking while not being completely devoid of substance. Personally, it’s my favorite project of the English rapper’s career.

Proof: Lightwork, Texts From your Ex (Feat. Tinashe), Girls Like (Feat. Zara Larsson), Shadows (Feat. Bipolar Sunshine)

32. PVRIS - All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell Genre: Alternative / Rock

Stadium rock has become a bit of a cliche in this day and age, don’t tell that to this trio though. PVRIS’ sophomore effort is a great indication of what strong and forward thinking stadium rock can be in 2017. There’s a bit of electronic synths and other elements present in PVRIS’ music, but they never take away from the true stars which is emotionally gripping guitars and Lyndsey’s empowering vocals. All We Know... is a triumphant roller coaster of raw and unprocessed emotive motifs that despite their power confident exteriors are also more than willing to display their tenderness underneath.

Proof: Heaven, Half, What’s Wrong, Walk Alone

31. Tove Lo - BLUE LIPS (lady wood phase II) Genre: Synth-Pop

Continually perfecting her art, Tove Lo returns after only a year with her best album to date. 2016’s Lady Wood was an entertaining album that was also a noticeable improvement in her craft from her debut. That improvement continues with this sequel album. Willing to be a bit more vulnerable in her lyrics, the swedish singer brings out more genuine emotion then in the past that really allows the songs to have an ethereal draw despite their assertive and piercing exterior.

Proof: disco tits, shedontknowbutsheknows, cycles, struggle, Bonus: disco tits (Oliver Remix)

30. Sleigh Bells - Kid Kruschev Genre: Alternative / Rock

Only a year after dropping their fourth album in 2016’s Jessica Rabbit, The noise pop duo returns with this “mini-album” that to me is their best work since Reign of Terror. There seems to be a more cohesive and theatrical element to how these 7 songs relate which gives the effort a more focused feel. As always, the true shining star is how well Alex Krauss is able to maintain such a tender human element to each of the thunderous tracks by producer Derek Miller. One of the best yings and yangs in the music industry today.

Proof: Blue Trash Mattress Fire, Rainmaker, Panic Drills, And Saints

29. Khalid - American Teen Genre: R&B / Pop / Soul

Bursting on the scene, 2017 was a huge year for the teenage singer. The solvent in this reaction is this airy and spirited debut album. The crossover sound that channels everything from Frank Ocean and Citizen Cope to Hall and Oates and Fleetwood Mac, the young talent has shown his reach is well beyond his years. American Teen is a somber yet captivating listen front to back. With the features on other artist’s albums piling up and multiple Grammy nominations it’s apparent that the masses have noticed.

Proof: American Teen, Another Sad Love Song, Saved, Keep Me

28. Spoon* - Hot Thoughts Genre: Indie Pop / Alternative

Spoon walks the tightrope of constantly experimenting within their sound while also being one of the most consistently strong and enjoyable music makers. Despite their albums always having a new wrinkle they never overreach or come out leaving you wishing for “the old Spoon”. Hot Thoughts is a perfect example of this impeccable dependability. After returning from a break with a fairly straight forward album in 2014’s They Want My Soul, in 2017 Spoon experiment a bit more with synth and dancey sounds invading the airwaves. However, this is still recognizably a Spoon record; a very strong one at that.

Proof: Hot Thoughts, Do I Have To Talk You Into It, Can I Sit Next To You, I Ain’t The One

27. Lana Del Rey - Lust For Life Genre: Pop

Longtime readers of this blog are well aware of my well established love for the sad girl, Lana Del Rey. Since that first time I saw her original “Video Games” video (one of only a handful from her on YouTube at that time) I was instantly hooked. Lust for Life, Lana’s fifth album, may be her most well rounded and crafted of her career to date. My personal favorite by the singer is still the alluring slow burn that was Ultraviolence, but I can see the progression very clearly on this album. There’s is a more seamless stitching of her many inspirations from 70’s pop, classic rock, alt-R&B to hip hop here then in the past. It’s result is an eloquent and free flowing album of songs dipped in nostalgia yet still remain firmly planted in 2017. And please would her and The Weeknd just make a whole damn album together?!

Proof: Love, Lust For Life (Feat. The Weeknd), In My Feelings, When the World Was at War We Kept Dancing

26. Calvin Harris - Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 Genre: Synth-Pop / Dance

Showing he may have one of the most diverse and deep Rolodex's in music, Calvin Harris returns with a slew of posse cuts bursting with sunshine and danceable vibes. The feature list in many unforeseen collabs across the short 10 track album that never come off as forced or misplaced. The album’s best characteristic is how effortless it comes across; all the guests just seemed to be having fun. Harris was able to mold the perfect summer BBQ playlist; grab something to grill and a cold beverage.

Proof: Slide (Feat. Frank Ocean & Migos), Cash Out (Feat. ScHoolboy Q, PARTYNEXTDOOR & D.R.A.M.), Rollin (Feat. Future & Khalid), Prayers Up (Feat. Travis Scott & A-Trak)

25. A R I Z O N A - Gallery Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic

A R I Z O N A make an understated but impressive first introduction with this enduring debut. Gallery is a smooth and effortless listen with the ability to both get a party up and moving or have a relaxing vibe session. The tracks are danceable with their ensemble of melodic electric guitars, sharp keys and synths over electronic drums. But, with the subtle R&B influence gives the tracks a flowing groove that gives them a flexibility in the mood they give off. So you decide, dancing shoes or PJs, either way Gallery is a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Proof: Annie, Feed The Beast, Cross My Mind, Electric Touch

24. Jessie Ware - Glasshouse Genre: R&B / Pop

A bit of a rushed return to follow up 2014’s stellar album Tough Love, Jessie Ware felt against the clock to finish her third album Glasshouse once she found out she was expecting her first child. Despite the condensed timeline, Jessie Ware returns with another gorgeous album of raw emotion and tenderness. Jessie’s tranquil and reposeful voice is encapsulating and alluring as always. Though, I don’t find the same highs that I found in the predecessor, Glasshouse is still a elegant expression and exploration of intimacy and affection. Something Jessie Ware has made a name for herself achieving.

Proof: Midnight, Thinking About You, Your Domino, Alone

23. Bleachers - Gone Now Genre: Pop

Jack Antonoff has carved himself quite a unique spot in the music industry. From his work in bands (most notably fun.) to his tireless efforts songwriting and producing songs for BANKS, Lorde, St. Vincent, Taylor Swift & P!nk (and that’s just 2017 alone), it’s a wonder he has the time for a solo act. Yet, here we are with the delightful sophomore album from him. Gone Now not only carries on where 2014’s Strange Desire left off, but it perfects the 80’s inspired sound to make an addictive and exciting collection of songs. The record’s willingness to come off as cheesy leads to an admirable confidence. Jack Antonoff is not scared to wear his influences for Bleachers’ sound on his sleeve. That conviction allows him to make unabashed stadium-pop gems that will follow you throughout the day like a shadow.

Proof: Hate That You Know Me, Don’t Take The Money, Everybody Lost Somebody, I Miss Those Days

22. R3HAB - Trouble Genre: Electronic / Dance

Dutch producer dazzles in his debut album filled with aggressively catching dance inducing tunes. R3HAB has been around the electronic music scene almost 10 years with various remixes and a whole slew of one-off singles. Trouble is quite a triumphant showing of how he’s be able to hone a mastery in pop music construction. The many featured artists are given an effective platform to perform while the production subtly backs out of the way only to explode in your eardrums during the engaging choruses. It’s quite an engrossing cat and mouse game R3HAB effectively utilizes crafting these contagious pop songs.

Proof: Trouble (Feat. VÉRITÉ), I Just Can’t (w/ Quintino), Talking To You (Feat. Rynn), Killing Time (w/ Felix Cartal)

21. Toro Y Moi - Boo Boo Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

Chaz Bundick (aka Toro Y Moi) seems to have finally found his cavity inducing sweet spot. Boo Boo is a culmination and conglomerate of his career to date; all the elements from his past music are present. There’s still the chillwave somber tone, but effectively incorporated in groovy enclosures that can entice a dance party, some chill time with your significant other or a peaceful and reflective party for one. My enjoyment of Toro’s past albums was a lot of times too dependent on my mental state at the time I would listen, but on Boo Boo there’s seems to be a more flexible vibe accomplished. The airy production and smooth vocal delivery make a dream like aura encompassing the records that is malleable to whatever mood the listener may be in.

Proof: Mirage, No Show, Girl Like You, Inside My Head

20. Tei Shi* - Crawl Space Genre: R&B / Pop

Tei Shi’s debut album has been on my personal highly anticipated list for a couple years now. When I first heard her 2015 Verde EP I knew she was someone to not forget about. That being said Crawl Space still was able to over-perform my expectations and impress me. Nothing on here quite reaches the bone chilling high the brilliant “Bassically” hits from Verde. However, Tei Shi show’s quite a progression in writing and constructing songs over these two years. Crawl Space is a bit hard to artistically track down on first listen, keeping those participating guessing, with the many influences being represented. Tei Shi effortlessly flips between dark and moody alt-R&B, sexy low lit night time jams, to a crowd pleasing pop song throughout the duration of this record. The most impacting moments being her strategic times to just break the song down and start belting. Her imperfections become her strength; giving the songs a powerful amount of emotion. Fans of BANKS, Janet Jackson, Jhene Aiko, Mariah Carey, Jessie Ware all can find familiar moments, yet there is a defined identity Tei Shi is carving out here.

Proof: Keep Running, Creep, How Far, Say You Do

19. Fenech-Soler* - ZILLA Genre: Synth-Pop

ZILLA is a luminous and bouncy joy ride from start finish. The third album from the English (now turned) duo, ZILLA is a constant plea with the listener to not just bop their head, but get off their ass and dance around. From the beginning of the record a crowd of slick key strokes, funky bass lines and energetic synths pick up and carry the listener through the record like they are crowd surfing at an EDM show. Calling the tunes catchy doesn’t serve them justice, they are down right addictive. It’s still amazing to me the band isn’t well more known.

Proof: Kaleidoscope, On Top, Night Time TV, Touch

18. San Fermin* - Belong Genre: Indie Pop / Synth-Pop

San Fermin’s delightful avant-garde sound was one I unfortunately have been sleeping on. I’ve heard songs by them (like the spirituous anthem “Sonsick” from their debut) before and enjoyed them but never put forth the effort to find more of their music. Luckily, this year I course corrected after listening to this album and spent a whole week with it and their previous two. San Fermin can create such lush and evolving musical landscapes that are engaging and exciting for the leading vocalist to dance around in. Their use of horns have hints of Beirut, their unpredictable ensembles can remind of Arcade Fire, and the male/female vocals’ harmonious interactions can resemble Of Monsters And Men. Make no mistake though, despite many influences San Fermin create one of the most unique and organic sounds out today.

Proof: Bride, Better Company, No Promises, Dead

17. Phoenix - Ti Amo Genre: Synth-Pop

The funky French band Phoenix return with their sixth album, a vibrant and cheery celebration of love and life. The band explained Ti Amo was first conceived out of their own personal dark places with many of the negative political events happening in the world today. However, this led to a more hopeful and positive sounding album equipped with the bands normal sharp keyboard riffs and groovy danceable bass lines. Passing 20 years as a band, Phoenix remain a model of consistency and rejuvenation in the music industry.

Proof: J-Boy, Fior di Latte, Goodbye Soleil, Role Model

16. Anna of the North - Lovers Genre: Synth-Pop

Oslo, Norway born singer Anna of the North has been slowly dropping tracks here and there of her euphoric and infectious synth-pop since 2014. These handful of blissful tunes over two years were able to get her a following early on despite not having a full project released. Anna’s producer, a friend she met in college in Australia is able to craft such atmospheric and ethereal environments for Anna’s self deprecating vocals to float along too. The result is an organic and free flowing immersive album that is tender and comforting, but never passive. Anna may never reach out and grab for your attention, but it would be wise if you to take her subtly extended hand.

Proof: Moving On, Someone, Money, Fire

15. Joey Bada$$ - ALL_AMERIKKKAN BADA$$ Genre: Hip Hop

Reaching back to a sonically vernacular 90’s hip hop sound, with lyrics rooting in 2017, Joey Bada$$ returns with this great sophomore effort. Joey’s progression from his stellar 2015 debut B4.Da.$$ is a subtle but noticeable willingness to show more emotion. The voice cracks and fluctuations that were mostly absent before give the introspective lyrics another boost of power and levity. Where the production still take influences from Nas, Wu-Tang Clan and The Fugees as before, we see a bit more of Puff Daddy, Outkast and Busta Rhymes (just to name a few) infiltrating in the music as well. ALL_AMERIKKAN BADA$$ is a nostalgic collection of songs, that feel right at home in today.

Proof: For My People, Land Of The Free, Temptation, Devastated

14. Erik Hassle - Innocence Lost Genre: R&B / Pop

I first discovered the soulful Swedish singer Erik Hassle with his funky 2014 EP Somebody’s Party. Erik’s voice was able to claw and scratch its way to such high emotional vantage points amidst a groovy musical landscape indicative of the alt-R&B sound sweeping music at the time. It would take three more years to get to hear a new full album from Erik with Innocence Lost. With a few of the familiar songs from that EP present as well as a slew of other great slow and mid-tempo jams make Innocence Lost a moving journey with no real speed bumps to speak up. Being a successful song writer for many artists behind the scenes it’s no shock his music would have a knack for getting in your head and making itself at home. You can’t listen to one of his songs and not start singing a long to it, they are incredibly catchy and just well constructed. This seems to be a turning point in the almost 10 year career for the singer as his reach is expanding exponentially. With some touches of Prince, Frank Ocean, Justin Timberlake and Ne-Yo among others present in his music, I’m sure the masses will find plenty to like; get familiar.

Proof: No Words, Talk About It (Feat. Vic Mensa), All of You All Over Me, Missing You

13. StéLouse - StéLouse Genre: Electronic / Dance / Synth-Pop

Denver DJ/Producer StéLouse may be an unknown to you. I didn’t know anything about him when I happened to stumble on his great one off single “Bones”. I then found out he had a whole album released earlier in the year and decided to check it out. I sure was glad I did because this self titled album is bursting with dynamic and engrossing electronic dance music. The producer shows he is able to construct electronic music across many sub genres, yet all remain entertaining vessels to dance to. There’s nothing real gimmicky about StéLouse. It’s soul purpose is just to be a collection of songs for you to get loose too.

Proof: Been So Long (feat. Nick Leng), Plastic (Feat. Madi & Pink Slip), Dragons (Feat. Mascolo), Lovers (Feat. Brave), Bonus: Bones (feat. Tilian)

12. Majid Jordan - The Space Between Genre: R&B / Pop

The Toronto duo returns to follow up last year’s debut album with this sultry and smooth sophomore effort. The group’s formula seems simplistic and effortless on the surface, but it’s quite a skill to maintain such melodious and infectious sounds with this minimalist of a palette. Majid Jordan are confident enough to know what is excess that they don’t need to bother with. The Space Between is a bit more mellow than their self titled debut, but that doesn’t mean these tracks don’t get you moving. The subtle grooves may not be the most needy of your attention, but sublimely have quite the effect. You won't be at any risk for neck injury, but you will constantly find your head bobbing along to the sleek, synthy beats and alluring vocals. Majid Jordan’s music is like the glow from a flickering fire in a dark room, never fully intensified and dominating, yet still illuminating and balmious.

Proof: Body Talk, One I Love (Feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR), Phases, The Space Between

11. SZA - CTRL Genre: alt-R&B

Everyone knows the saying of what comes to those who wait. The three year wait for SZA’s debut album since her great 2014 EP Z was well worth it. The pressure of the business almost got to SZA (in 2016 she threatened to retire) but luckily SZA was able to hone that angst and release this empowering debut. CTRL is a strong continuation and progression from Z and her mixtapes prior. The airy and subtle hip hop inspired production is a perfect backdrop that allows SZA’s beautiful voice and relatable lyrics to take the foreground. Five Grammy nominations later for CTRL, it shows SZA’s new found control is paying massive dividends.

Proof: Drew Barrymore, Prom, Garden (Say It Like Dat), Anything

10. Illenium* - Awake Genre: Electronic / Dance

Only a year after his debut album, American DJ/producer Illenium returns with his melodic and monumental form of electronic music. Comparing last year’s Ashes to Awake shows a growth and progression in expanding his sound and craft. Illenium’s most effective and specialized talent is his ability to use negative space of a composition as an instrument. The moment’s of dead air are leaned into and emphasized to build drama before you get smacked in the face with his powerful and efficacious drops. The impact is an emotionally compelling electronic album that is not afraid to show you it’s tender side, before melting off your face.

Proof: Crawl Outta Love (Feat. Anika Wells), Free Fall (Feat. RUNN), Where’d U Go (w/ Said The Sky), Fractures (Feat. Nevve), Sound of Walking Away (w/ Kerli)

9. Gorillaz - Humanz Genre: Pop / Hip Hop

Resurrecting from a break up the animated band brain child of Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett have returned with this whirlwind of an album. Humanz is my favorite Gorillaz work since Demon Dayz. The setting is in a not so far off dystopian future where capitalism, greed and injustice continue to grow and dominate the world. The result is a large cast of misfitz attempting to comprehend this bleak world. This loose concept gives the production a noticeable edge and muscle. The large ensemble of featurez come in across the journey with great vigor and credence. My only critique with the album is something done intentional, but it’s a bit too long and could have used some final consolidation. Although as I noted I believe this was deliberate. Despite that the Humanz is quite the thrilling ride with gripping momentz around any corner.

Proof: Ascension (Feat. Vince Staples), Andromeda (Feat. DRAM), Let Me Out (Feat. Mavis Staples & Pusha T), We Got The Power (Feat. Jenny Beth), The Apprentice (Feat. Rag’n’Bone Man, Zebra Katz & RAY BLK)

8. Miguel - War & Leisure Genre: R&B

Grab a towel! Miguel returns with his steamy and sultry R&B to impregnate your ear drums. Miguel has been a main stay on my year end lists every year he drops a new record and 2017 is no different. War & Leisure is a burst of endorphins and lust that is a delight front to back. War & Leisure isn’t quite as daring of an artistic statement as its predecessor wildheart, but it makes up for it with some of the most emotionally driven lyrics of Miguel’s career. Miguel still has one of the most expressive and emotive voices currently that always carries a level of sexiness even when the song subject matter makes it subliminal. “So good, it must be criminal.”

Proof: Criminal (Feat Rick Ross), Pineapple Skies, Banana Clip, Told You So, Now

7. Rationale - Rationale Genre: R&B / Pop

The Zimbabwe-born, London-grown, singer Rationale impresses with this gorgeous debut album. Armed with his distinctive and captivating voice as well as an eclectic production palette as his lush backdrops, this self titled album is impacting and emotionally gripping as any music from 2017. I first heard of Rationale in late 2015 with the tremendous Fuel To The Fire EP. I didn’t know much about him, but was instantly hooked to his music. The production is mostly airy and light with surgical moments of density and potency. The true heroine is the unique voice though. Rationale sings with both vulnerability and power. His voice can sound like he’s on the verge of an emotional breakdown while also brooding with confidence and vigor. Rationale has been around for awhile actually under a different name making more synth-pop/electronic music. With the name change was also an adjustment in his approach and sound. It seems this course correction should become a lucrative one for the British singer.

Proof: Loving Life, Fast Lane, Prodigal Son, Into The Blue, Tumbling Down

6. Kelela* - Take Me Apart Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic

One of the celebrity deaths that hit me pretty hard in my youth was the tragic death of Aaliyah. She was one of my favorite artists at the time, a relentless talent that was unfortunately taken from us at such a young age. Kelela definitely has strong 90’s R&B influences in her music with hints of Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ginuwine, Maxwell and others.The strongest comparison is Aaliyah’s music; but in Space. Since her 2013 debut Mixtape Cut 4 Me, Kelela has been one of my favorite artists. Her music is both nostalgic and futuristic in a perfect blend of avant-garde electronic sounds with sensual and emotional R&B. Kelela and her group of producers Jam City, Bok Bok and Arca have created such a refined yet unprocessed sound. There’s minimalism in it’s spacey aura yet advanced technicality in the corners of the universe they have created. Kelela’s beautiful voice in subtle and unassuming yet confident and flexible. Take Me Apart is a masterful debut that hopefully receives the attention it deserves.

Proof: Waitin, LMK, Truth or Dare, Blue Light, Onanon

5. Lorde - Melodrama Genre: Synth-Pop

Over 3 years in the making Lorde finally returns with this dazzling sophomore effort showing at age 19 (at the time) she is one of the most skilled Architects today in the world of pop music. Melodrama is a masterly crafted example of both form and function. A collection of songs that both are daring artistic expressions and well as accessible and infectious pop songs. There still is the sturdy frame work present that drove the more minimal sound of Pure Heroin, but there is a confidence to experiment with some more ornamental elements here. Some of the tracks shape shift and travel into unforeseen directions, yet never lose their appeal. The lyrics both represent her age but also show her immense wisdom beyond it. Lorde seems to like to take her time crafting her music so it may be awhile until we get her third album. But at age 20 and with two of the best albums made in the last five years, she has shown she will be a force in this industry for a long time. With a little patience exerted on our parts, to all of our benefit.

Proof: Green Light, Sober, Homemade Dynamite, Writer In the Dark, Perfect Places, Bonus: Homemade Dynamite (Remix) Feat. Khalid, Post Malone & SZA

4. The xx* - I See You Genre: Indie Pop

The first sounds you hear of The xx’s long awaited third album on “Dangerous” are a burst of cheery bouncing horns; you immediately can tell the band are returning with some new tricks. After a 4+ year break from releasing new music together, the wait seems to be worth it with this much expanded musical palate. It still is recognizable that you are listening to The xx but the minimalist blank space that dominates their first two albums are colored in a bit more here with samples and and more diverse range of instrumentation. The lyrics by Romy and Oliver are as potent as ever across the increased kinetic backgrounds. The big revelation of I See You is Jamie xx’s presence being as pronounced as ever. This album is the strongest blend of his solo work incorporated into the bands vernacular. The result is the band's most confident and sonically complex album to date.

Proof: Dangerous, Say Something Loving, Lips, On Hold, Seasons Run

3. ODESZA* - A Moment Apart Genre: Electronic / Chillwave

The Seattle electronic duo return after three years on the road with their same lush and euphoric melodic atmospheres. A Moment Apart picks up right where 2014’s In Return left off in a journey through vibrant landscapes of impacting drums, smooth harmonious synths and subtle vocal samples to get lost in. ODESZA’s brand of electronic music seems to have seasons within its progressions. As you listen you find colorful blooming sections to bright, sunny bursts of energy. Suddenly, the color tones grow more earthy, the sky dims with a layer of introspective overcast. Eventually you find yourself in a brisk snowy night with the stars reflecting off a layer of frozen precipitation. A Moment Apart comes off so effortlessly in it’s world building infrastructure. Yet, when examined, shows an ecology of technicality, dexterity, and human emotion.

Proof: Higher Ground (Feat. Naomi Wild), Boy, Divide (Feat. Kelsey Bulkin), La Ciudad, Falls (Feat. Shasha Sloan)

2. Kendrick Lamar - DAMN. Genre: Hip Hop

Whether it’s loyalty, royalty or just plain greatness Kendrick definitely has something in his DNA. Since first bursting on the national scene with his 2010 Overly Dedicated Mixtape (after perfecting his craft on various mixtapes and EPs), Kendrick has quickly climbed the ranks in the genre from promising talent, to one of the best currently to knocking on the door on the greatest all time list. His albums are often robust and incredibly dense in substance but are always impacting artistic expressions rich with important messages and self exploration. The culmination of this is the behemoth that is 2015’s To Pimp A Butterfly. Following up such an influential and dense piece of adroitness and pronouncement would seem like an impossibly daunting task to most anyone else. But again, Kendrick has something extra flowing through his DNA.

Instead, DAMN. is a more straight forward affair; on the surface. Here Kendrick is replacing the sprawling maze of sharp jazz, confrontational G-Funk and somber R&B that built the environment in TPAB, with more abrupt and stark 808’s and trap elements more closely associated with the golden age of Hip Hop. The beats are raw and a bit low-fi which create a gritty vibe that isn’t off putting or intimidating despite its darkness. Kendrick refocuses the microscope to more simple and narrow viewed storyline than his previous world commentating predecessors. Always able to use himself effectively as the muse, Kendrick tells an engaging semi-autobiographical story of a young man coming from a hood much like his thrusted into success and the struggles with dealing with that while staying connected to his rough past. Ending with a true story about Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith years before he created his label, saving a clerk’s life in an attempted robbery. That clerk ended up being Kendrick’s father.

The subtle genius to the album is there’s a second story it tells when the tracklist is played backwards. Suddenly the last track sets the scene of an alternate reality of a kid much like Kendrick who loses his father in a robbery at the store he was a clerk in. The young boy’s innocence is eroded away growing up in a harsh environment without a father figure and in the end, while trying to change his street ways and do the right thing, he loses his life.

To Pimp A Butterfly was a generational Sgt. Pepper’s for many that looms over anything to came out in the past 10 or so years. Stripping down the decadence of the previous to a minimalist and simple palette makes for a more than adequate follow-up. But what DAMN. is light on experimenting with music genres and themes, it still is packed full of content and emotion.

“America’s reflection of me, that’s what a mirror does”.

Proof: DNA., FEEL., LOYALTY. (Feat. Rihanna), HUMBLE., LOVE. (Feat. Zacari)

1. Vince Staples* - Big Fish Theory Genre: Hip Hop / Electronic

If the robots from the movie AI were to make hip hop music, it probably would come out something like this. On his sophomore album, Long Beach rapper Vince Staples has created an innovative and technically challenging piece that is true Artificial Intelligence. Vince has long had a unique approach and sound to his form of hip hop seen on his various mixtapes, EPs and his 2015 debut album Summertime ‘06. He has hopped on multiple tracks of today’s most cutting edge electronic artists showing he can be an effective crossover artist. Taking those lessons and connections made allowed Staples to construct this powerful thesis statement of what timeless and immersive hip hop can be.

With a slew EDM Producers (Flume, GTA, Christian Rich, SOPHIE and others) developing the mechanics, Big Fish Theory is an immense space ship floating through a dark and frankly grim dystopian galaxy. Vince’s lyrics are as sharp as ever and the 24 year old is not scared to take the listeners on woeful and traumatic journeys with lyrics touching on racism, politics, identity crises and suicidal thoughts. The many guests (Kilo Kish, A$AP Rocky, Ray J, Juicy J, Ty Dolla $ign, Damon Albarn and others) drift in and out of the tracks like ghosts haunting the dark corners of space. The most pronounced guest being the flame throwing robot that is Kendrick Lamar with the only guest verse on the album in the kinetic “Yeah Right”.

Many people probably have skepticism hearing of such a embedded fusion of EDM and Hip Hop, but Vince did not produce some recycled Flo Rida. Big Fish Theory is a defined and an expressive piece of musical mastery. An art installation in a neon lit nightclub. A melding of mechanical and emotional. You can not only see the gears powering this album moving, you can feel them grinding and churning. While everyone is focused on 2017, Vince is focused on the future.

Proof: Big Fish (Feat. Juicy J), Love Can Be… (Feat. Kilo Kish, Damon Albarn & Ray J), Yeah Right (Feat. Kučka & Kendrick Lamar), Party People, BagBak (Feat. Ken Rogers)

Others:

Super Dope to Dope:

A.CHAL - ON GAZ, Action Bronson - 7000, Alexandra Savior - Belladonna of Sadness, Allan Rayman - Roadhouse 01, Allen Kingdom - Lines, Allie X - Collxtion II, alt-J - Relaxer, Alvvays - Antisocialites, Amber Coffman - City of No Reply, Aminé - Good For You, Angus & Julia Stone - Snow, Autumn in June - Magenta, Aquilo - Silhouette, The Beaches - Late Show, Beck - Colors, Bell Biv DeVoe - Three Stripes, Berdmajik - Spells, Betty Who - The Valley, Bicep - Bicep, Big Boi - BOOMIVERSE, Big Gigantic - Brighter Future (Remixed), Big K.R.I.T. - 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time, Björk - Utopia, blackbear - cybersex, blackbear - digital drugloard, Blu & Exile - In The Beginning: Before the Heavens, Bone Thugs-n-Harmoney - New Waves, B.o.B. - Ether, Bootsy Collins - World Wide Funk, Brand New - Science Fiction, Brian McKnight - Genesis, BROCKHAMPTON - SATURATION, BROCKHAMPTON - SATURATION II, Broken Social Scene - Hug Of Thunder, Brother Ali - All the Beauty in This Whole Life, Bush - Black and White Rainbows, Cam’Ron - The Program [Mixtape], Cashmere Cat - 9, Cigarettes After Sex - Cigarettes After Sex, Chloe x Halle - The Two Of Us [Mixtape], Cloud Nothings - Life Without Sound, Coast Modern - Coast Modern, Collie Budz - Good Life, The Cool Kids - Special Edition Grandmaster Deluxe, Corbin - Mourn, Charlotte Gainsbourg - Rest, Choker - PEAK, Chronixx - Chronology, Cults - Offering, CunninLynguists - Rose Azura Njano, cupcakKe - Queen Elizabitch, Cyhi The Prynce - No Dope On Sundays, D. Begun - Nosimoto (Nas x Madlib Mash Up), Dan Auerbach - Waiting on a Song, Daniel Caesar - Freudian, Danny Watts - Black Boy Meets World, Darius - Utopia, Daughter - Music From Before the Storm, David Banner - The God Box, Daye Jack - No Data, Demi Lovato - Tell Me You Love Me, Deorro - Good Evening, Depeche Mode - Spirit, DJ Khaled - Grateful, DJ Quik & Problem - Rosecrans, DJ Skarface - Shadow The Jewels (DJ Shadow x Run The Jewels Mash Up), The Districts - Popular Manipulations, Dorrough - Ride Wit Me, Drake - More Life, Dua Lipa - Dua Lipa, dvsn - Morning After, ELHAE - AURA II, Elijah Blake - Audiology, Elsa & Emilie - Kill Your Darlings, Fashawn - Manna, Father John Misty - Pure Comedy, Fazerdaze - Morningside, Feist - Pleasure, Fifth Harmony - Fifth Harmony, Fifty Shades Darker (Motion Picture Soundtrack), The Flaming Lips - Oczy Mlody, Flume - Skin: The Remixes, Fleet Foxes - Crack-Up, Fergie - Double Dutchess, Foo Fighters - Concrete and Gold, Foster The People - Sacred Hearts Club, Four Tet - New Energy, Freddie Gibbs - You Only Live 2wice, FKJ - French Kiwi Juice, Future - HNDRXX, Future Islands - The Far Field, Gabriel Garzón-Montano - Jardín, Galantis - The Aviary, girlpool - Powerplant, Giraffage - Too Real (Remixes), Goapele - Dreamseeker, Goldfrapp - Silver Eye, GoldLink - At What Cost, Halsey - hopeless fountain kingdom, Harry Styles - Harry Styles, Heat - Overnight, H.E.R. - H.E.R., Hercules & Love Affair - Omnion, Hundred Waters - Communicating, Huntar - Your Favorite Worst Mistake, Ibeyi - Ash, Ill Camille - Heirloom, Iman Omari - Ihy, Incubus - 8, INNA - Nirvana, Jacques Greene - Feel Infinite, Jadakiss & Fabolous - Friday On Elm Street [Mixtape], Jagged Edge - Layover, Jamar Roger - Lazarus, Jamila Woods - HEAVN, Jamiroquai - Automation, Japandroids - Near To The Wild Heart Of Life, Japanese Breakfast - Soft Sounds from Another Planet, Jay Prince - Late Summers, Jaymes Young - Feel Something, Jesse Boykins III - Bartholomew, The Jet Age of Tomorrow - God’s Poop or Clouds? [Mixtape], Jhené Aiko - Trip, Jimi Tents - I Can’t Go Home. JMSN* - Whatever Makes U Happy, Joseph - Stay Awake. Julie Byrne - Not Even Happiness, Julien Baker - Turn Out The Lights, K.Flay - Everywhere Is Somewhere, K. Michelle - KIMBERLY: The People I Used To Know, Kacy Hill - Like A Woman, Kamiyah - Before I Wake [Mixtape], Keak da Sneak - Withdrawl, Kehlani - SweetSexySavage, Keysha Cole - 11:11 Reset, Kaskade - Kaskade Christmas, Kesha - Rainbow, Kidz In The Hall - Free Nights & Weekends [Mixtape], Kingdom - Tears In The Club, Khalil - Prove It All, Kllo - Backwater, Kygo - Kids in Love, LCD Soundsystem - american dream, Lecrae - All Things Work Together, Leikeli47 - Wash & Set, Lights - Skin&Earth, LINKIN PARK - One More Light,Lil Debbie - OG In My System, Little Dragon - Season High, London Grammar - Truth Is A Beautiful Thing, Loreen - Ride, Luke Christopher - TMRWFRVR, Lupe Fiasco - DROGAS Light, Lunice - CCCLX, Mabel - Ivy To Roses [Mixtape], Madchild - The Darkest Hour, Mali Music - The Transition of Mali, Manchester Orchestra - A Black Mile To The Surface, mansionz - mansionz, Marc E. Bassy - Gossip Columns, Mary J. Blige - Strength of a Woman, Maroon 5 - Red Pill Blues, Masta Killa - Loyalty Is Royalty, Matisyahu - The Undercurrent, Matt Martins - The Drum Chord Theory, MAYDAY! - Search Party, MC Eiht - Which Way Iz West, Migos - C U L T U R E, Mick Jenkins - or more; the anxious [Mixtape], Mila J - Dopamine, Miley Cyrus - Younger Now, Minus The Bear - Voids, MisterWives - Connect The Dots, MonoNeon - A Place Called Fantasy, Mount Kimbie - Love What Survives, MUNA* - About U, Murs - Captain California, Nappy Roots - Another 40 Akerz, The National - Sleep Well Beast, Nelly Furtado - The Ride, The New Pornographers - Whiteout Conditions, Niia - I, NJOMZA - sad for you, Noah Slee - Otherland, nobigdyl - Canopy, Nothing But Thieves - Broken Machine, Nosaj Thing - Parallels, NxWorries - Yes Lawd! Remixes, Oddisee - The Iceburg, Oh Wonder - Ultralife, Overcoats - Young, OverDoz - 2008, Passion Pit - Tremendous Sea Of Love, Petit Biscut - Presence, P!nk - Beautiful Trauma, Phoebe Bridgers - Stranger in the Alps, Problem - Chaciville, Perfume Genius - No Shape, Rachel Platten - Waves, Raekwon - The Wild, Rapsody - Laila’s Wisdom, Real Estate - ,In Mind, Reo Cragun - Growing Pains [Mixtape], Rezz - Mass Manipulation, Rejjie Snow - The Moon & You, Ride - Weather Diaries, R I T U A L - No Escape Out of Time, Robin Schultz - Uncovered, Rose Elinor Dougall - Stellular, Ronald Bruner Jr. - Triumph, Rostam - Half-Light, Roy Woods - Nocturnal, Roy Woods - Say Less, Run The Jewels - Run The Jewels 3, Sadat X - The Sum Of A Man, Saga & Thelonious Martin - Molotov [Mixtape], Sage The Gemini - Morse Code, St. Vincent - MASSEDUCATION, Sam Feldt - Sunrise to Sunset, Sam Smith - The Thrill Of It All, Sammie - Coming of Age, Sampa the Great - Birds and the BEE9, Sango - De Mim. Pra Você, Sevdaliza - ISON, Shabazz Palaces - Quazarz: Born On A Gangster Sta, Shakira - El Derado, Shamir - Hope, Shy Girls - Salt, Sir The Baptist - Saint Or Sinner, Slowdive - Slowdive, Slushii - Out of Light, Smino - blkswn, Snoh Aalegra - Feels, Snoop Dogg - Neva Left, The Social Misfits - The Misadventures of Fern & Marty, SOHN - Rennen, SoMo - The Answers, SoMo - My Life III, Statik Selektah - 8, Stormzy - Gang Signs & Prayer, Sufjan Stevens, Bryce Dessner, Nico Muhly & James McAlister - Planetarium, Superfruit - Future Friends, Surfer Blood - Snowdonia, Syd - Fin, T-Pain - Oblivion, T-Pain & Lil Wayne - T-Wayne [Mixtape], Talib Kweli - Radio Silence, Tamar Braxton - Bluebird of Happiness, Tank - Savage, Tangina Stone - Elevate, Taylor Bennett - Restoration of An American Idol [Mixtape], TENDER - Modern Addiction, Terrace Martin Presents The Pollyseeds - Sounds of Crenshaw, Vol. 1, Tiësto - Clublife, Vol. 5 - China, Thelonious Martin - A Dozen For Dilla [Mixtape], THEY. - Nü Religion: Hyena, Thievery Corporation - The Temple of I & I, Thundercat - Drunk, Tom Adams - Silence, TOKiMONSTA - Lune Rouge, TORRES - Three Futures, Trae tha Truth - Tha Truth, Pt. 3, Trey Songz - Tremaine: The Album, Trombone Shorty - Parking Lot Symphony, Tuxedo - Tuxedo II, Ty Dolla $ign - Beach House 3, Vancouver Sleep Clinic - Revival, Various Artists - Major Lazer Presents: Give Me Future, Various Artists - Music From Silicon Valley, VÉRITÉ - Somewhere In Between, Vic Mensa - The Autobiography, WALK THE MOON - What If Nothing, The War On Drugs - A Deeper Understanding, Washed Out - Mister Mellow, Wavves - You’re Welcome, Waxahatchee - Out in the Storm, Weezer - Pacific Daydream, Wiley - Godfather, Wisin - Victory, Wiz Khalifa - Laugh Now, Fly Later, WHY? - Moh Lhean, Wolf Alice - Visions of a Life, Wolf Parade - Cry Cry Cry, Yellow Claw - Los Amsterdam, Zara Larsson - So Good, Zola Jesus - Okovi, 112 - Q Mike Slim Daron

Dope Enough to Meh:

Ace Hood - Trust The Process, Amorphous - Bey-Z [Beyonce & JAY Z Mash Up], Angel Olsen - Phases, A$AP Ferg - Still Striving [Mixtape], A$AP Mob - Cozy Tapes, Vol. 2: Too Cozy, A$AP Twelvyy - 12, Aye Nako - Silver Haze, Berner & Styles P - Vibes, Big Thief - Capacity, Big Sean - I Decided, Big Sean & Metro Boomin’ - Double or Nothing, Bonobo - Migration, Bryson Tiller - True to Self, Bully - Losing, The Chainsomkers - Memories...Do Not Open, Charlie Wilson - In It To Win It, Chase & Status - Tribe, Damar Jackson - Unfaithful, Dame D.O.L.L.A. - Comfirmed, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley - Stony Hill, Dave East - Paranoia: A True Story, deadmau5 - stuff i used to do, Devin The Dude - Acoustic Levitation, Dirty Projectors - Dirty Projectors, DJ Kay Slay - The Big Brother, The Drums - Abysmal Thoughts, Ed Sheeran - ÷, EMI - Planet, Faith Evans & The Notorious B.I.G. - The King & I, Fat Joe & Remy Ma - Plata O Plomo, Frances - Things I Never Said, French Montana - Jungle Rules, GRiZ - Good Will Continue (Remixes), Grizzly Bear - Painted Ruins, IAMSU! - Boss Up [Mixtape], IAMSU! - Boss Up 2 [Mixtape], Imagine Dragons - Evolve, India.Arie - SongVersation: Medicine, J Hus - Common Sense, JAY Z - 4:44, Jayden Smith - SYRE, jesse rutherford - &, J.I.D. - The Never Story, Jidenna - The Chief, John Mayer - The Search For Everything, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith - The Kid, Katy Perry - Witness, Knox Fortune - Paradise, Kool G Rap - Return of the Don, KRANE - Fallout, LaToya Luckett - Back 2 Life, LANY - LANY, Mac DeMarco - This Old Dog, Machine Gun Kelly - bloom, Macklemore - GEMINI, Mavis Staples - If All I Was Was Black, Meek Mill - Wins & Loses, Mike WiLL Made-It - Ransom 2, MIKExANGEL - NOTHiN 2 SOMETHiN, Movements - Feel Something, Musiq Soulchild - Feel the Real, Nav - Nav, Nef The Pharaoh - The Chang Project, Norah Jones - Day Break, Outasight - Richie, Paramore - After Laughter, Passenger - The Boy Who Cried, P.O.S. - Chill, dummy, Rag’n’Bone Man - Human, Roger Waters - Is This the Life We Really Want?, Rick Ross - Rather You Then Me, Ryan Adams - Prisoner, The Script - Freedom Child, Sean Price - Imperius Rex, Shabazz Palaces - Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machine, Slow Dancer - In A Mood, SonReal - One Long Dream, Stalley - New Wave, Steve Aoki - Steve Aoki Presents Kolony, The Shins - Heatworms, Talib Kweli & Styles P - The Seven, Taylor Bennett - Throw Aways: Unmixed [Mixtape], Taylor Swift - reputation, T.I. - Us Or Else: Letter To The System, TLC - TLC, TOPS - Sugar at the Gate, Torri Wolf - Flow Riiot, Tricky - Ununiform, TroyBoi - Left Is Right, Twista - Crook County, Various Artists - Def Jam Presents: Direct Deposit, Vol. 2, Various Artists - HOWSLA, Wale - SHINE, WATERS - Something More, WebsterX - Daymares, Wifisfuneral - Boy Who Cried Wolf [Mixtape], WizKid - Sounds From the Other Side, Wrekonize - Into the Further, Wu-Tang Clan - The Saga Continues, Wyclef Jean - Carnival III: The Fall and Rise of a Refugee, Young Buck - 10 Toes Down, Z-Ro - No Love Boulevard, ZZ Ward - The Storm

Not Feeling:

COIN - How Will You Know If You Never Try, Future - FUTURE, G Herbo - Humble Beast, Kool A.D. - Sky Ladder, NAV & Metro Boomin - Perfect Timing, Quality Control - Control The Streets - Vol. 1, Two-9 - FRVR, Young Nudy - Nudy Land, Zaytoven - Where Would The Game Be Without Me 2 [Mixtape]

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obsidiancorner · 7 years ago

Text

Tag Meme

I was tagged by the stellar @astroshorts. Thanks for the tag, my lovely. xoxo

The last…

Drink: Pomegranate Seltzer Water

Phone call: I missed a phone call from my boyfriend earlier when he was at the store. The last person I actually talked to, though, was my beloved little sister (I don’t care if I’m only a minute older. She’s the only little sister I get dammit.)

Text message: Also my sister

Song you listened to: Semi Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind

Time you cried: two words: Story Core. That shit had me in tears.

Have you ever…

Dated someone twice: I have, in fact, dated Rob twice.

Kissed someone and regretted it: yep.

Been cheated on: Yep

Lost someone special: Yes. Both grandparents on my mom’s side were incredibly special people and I miss them both dearly.

Been depressed: short answer- yes

Gotten drunk and thrown up: Yep. In my early-mid twenties, I was friends with a functioning alcoholic and she would always con me into trying to keep up with her... because I was stupid, I tried. It never ended well. DO NOT DO IT. Your liver will thank you.

Three favorite colors: Blue, purple, and green

In the last year have you…

Made new friends: I joined Tumblr this year, so all my mutuals count (I think?) but I’m especially close to a few of them.

Laughed until you cried: In this house and/or with the sister I have? Absolutely. There is a lot of laughter in this house, despite the chronic depression that my entire family is plagued with.

Met someone who changed you: Yes. They didn’t make me. They just inspired me to be better and I changed for the better as a result.

Found out who your friends are: the ones who constantly support me and push me on, despite my insecurities.

Kissed someone on your facebook list: Aside from Rob (because duh), no.

Do you have any pets: A beautiful dilute torbie (cat) named Kokomo and a Shi-chon named Sadie.

Do you want to change your name: My last name eventually... maybe? I don’t know if Rob and I will ever marry... but aside from that? No.

What did you do for your last birthday: Sat at home, probably perusing Tumblr.

What time did you wake up: I’m a parent of a child on the Spectrum who keeps absurd sleeping hours... I couldn’t even begin to tell you. It was still dark and I hadn’t had my coffee yet so brain functions were at a bare-minimum, so there’s that.

What were you doing last night at midnight: Watching That 70′s Show with Rob before bed.

Name something you can’t wait for: the day I can get my drawing tablet

When was the last time you saw your mom: I live with her because Rob and I need help with Jenna. She requires constant supervision and is usually a two adults to one kid ratio requirement.

What are you listening to rn: Rob is watching Season 2 of The Walking Dead right now so lots of screaming and zombie gurgles?... it’s just kind of on in the background. So is the home screen tinkling of the PS4, the occasional popping of the carbonation in my seltzer water, and the clickity-clack of my typing.

Have you ever talked to someone named Tom: There were several “Thomas” boys in my school growing up... So occasionally from elementary school up until high school graduation.

Something that gets on your nerves: people that bully others online. -> this was astroshorts’ answer and I’m leaving it there because I’m the one who argues for or helps support the one being bullied. Anon posters get argued for because they probably won’t come out to defend themselves... hence anon to begin with... but if it’s someone who will fight back on their own? I just give support.

Most visited website: Tumblr, my Google Drive, and my Redbubble store after I’ve posted anything about it. AO3, as well, when I post stuff. What can I say? I’m addicted to the sinking feeling when a piddly amount of views come in... That’s a lie. I’m usually painfully optimistic only to have that optimism squashed. lol *shrug* oh well.

Hair Color: a medium brown.... It’s my natural color.

Long or short hair: I usually keep my hair long. an inch or two below the shoulders at a minimum. Usually it’s around the small of my back.

Do you have a crush on someone: Rob, I guess? Does it count if you’re in a committed relationship with the person?

What do you like about yourself: I’m opinionated... And whichever person hit my inbox with that comment about loving reading my opinions on stuff, I freakin’ love you. Your Anon comment made me cry.

Blood type: A Negative.

Nickname: Beccaboo. Got it in band in high school and it’s just sorta stuck.

Relationship status: Long-term committed relationship

Zodiac: Cancer sun, with Mercury and Gemini heavily influencing my whol chart.

Prounouns: she/her

Favorite tv shows: iZombie, The Walking Dead (and Talking Dead), That 70′s Show,

Tattoos: 4- A gemini sign (gemini/cancer cusp but mercury is heavy enough an influence that my cancer sun doesn’t show much) on my right shoulder, a star pattern on the small of my back, an autism one on my left side, and a locked heart on my left wrist.

Right or left-handed: depends on what I’m doing. For writing, right. For almost everything else, left.-> oddly enough, astroshorts, same.

Surgery: Tonsils when I was 6.

Sport: Horseback riding and Marching Band. Anyone who says people who march don’t have any athleticism, I call bullshit. Marching Band members put in long hours of constant marching and playing through a week. They work not only arms and legs, but lung capacity as well. It takes an incredible amount of effort to be a good marching band. That means keeping up top lung performance at the 7:59 time mark as you did before the first minute of an 8-minute show is through. I can promise you that after having marched, sometimes with ungodly spiteful step size, for that long, even a football player would be saying that what band members do takes athleticism. Fact. We had several football players in our band who had to skip their halftime talk with their coach to march with the band. And that’s not even mentioning constant playing through parade routes that can range anywhere from one to three miles in length on average. Marching Band is a goddamn sport.

Vacation: I’ve been to Australia, the Continental Divide in Colorado, all over Ohio, Washington D.C., North Carolina, New York City, Illinois, Lake Huron in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. I want to go to Greece though.

Pair of shoes: My Converse sneakers. They have a nifty design on them. I also have a super-comfy pair of stilettos that I love dearly.

Eating: what about it? I used to not and was in the “target weight range” but looked sickly because of malnourishment. Now I do eat and am somewhat overweight but look and feel much healthier. For clarity, it wasn’t really an eating disorder. I ate when I was hungry but was always stressed so I almost never ate. I would go days without eating before realizing I hadn’t eaten in forever and would eat a bowl of cereal or a couple slices of pizza.

Drinking: only on select nights when I “wine and write”... alcoholism runs in my family so I definitely don’t make a habit of drinking too much. In my youth it was something to do with the crew... now it’s just me and my characters every so often. Never to handle a problem. that’s a slippery slope I have no business being on.

I’m about to: go to bed, probably. it’s 10:58 pm at this moment.

Waiting for: the day I can get a better computer for art and my drawing tablet.

Want: the drawing tablet, in the most immediate sense. In the long term, though, it is to know that Jenna will eventually be able to make on her own. Rob and I won’t be around forever and I worry about what will happen to her when we are gone. If we can’t get her current path altered to one better suited for her needs, I’m terrified of what will happen to her if something were to happen to me and Rob prematurely... even more so when we are all older.

Get married: Maybe someday but Rob and I are in no rush to even get engaged. We love each other deeply and are in a committed relationship and that is good enough for us.

Career: Right now I’m a stay-at-home mom. But I would love to get an art career to take off... though the odds of that are slim to none.

Which is better:

Hugs or kisses: hugs. I’m picky about who touches me at all... so I’m especially picky about who is kissing me.

Lips or eyes: eyes

Shorter or taller: I’m 4 feet 10 inches tall (1.47 meters for my metric friends) so take a guess... I need someone taller to help me reach shit.

Older or younger: older

Nice arms or stomach: arms. Dear god, arms.

Hook up or relationship: relationship

Troublemaker or hesitant: Hesitant... I guess? I tend to keep my nose pretty clean.

Have you…

Kissed a stranger: No

Drunken hard liquor: I’m 29...

Lost glasses/contact lenses: I don’t have either... though I probably should... It’s getting harder to see some things clearly. White lettering on a tv’s guide screen? difficult from too far away. Digital clocks? tough to decipher from too far away. I used to be able to read that stuff from another room.

Turned someone down: Yes

Sex on the first date: Yes.... but we had been friends for years so it wasn’t exactly the same as, say, a blind date that ended in a one-night stand. (No judgement. You all do you... just make sure you’re protected.)

Broke someone’s heart: Yes. Bonus points for me for two people breaking each other’s hearts simultaneously. I’m an over achiever and he was too. But I miss him, even though it could never have been... both of them, actually. timing is a bitch sometimes.

Had a broken heart: Yes... see above

Been arrested: Nope but I did grow up in a small town and worked as a third shift server at a local restaurant so they let me sit in the back of their cop car while they chatted with me while I was on break once. They were fun cops... went to high school with one.

Cried when someone died: yes... isn’t that fairly commonplace when someone who is close to you or you love dies?

Fallen for a friend: Rob was a friend for years before we started dating. I’ve known him for almost 15 years and we’ve been together for 10. Other than Rob, though, a couple times. See mutual heartbreak comment a few bulletpoints above.

Do you believe in:

Yourself: No

Miracles: I believe stuff happens that has no viable explanation at present. That doesn’t necessarily equate to a miracle though. It just means it can’t be explained right now.

Love at first sight: No

Santa claus: Who made this meme?

Kiss on the first date: Of course.

I’m going to be a fun-sucker and not tag anyone else because my primary circle is in the Dragon Age fandom and I know most of them have already done it. If anyone WANTS to do this, of course, feel free and say I tagged you so I can see your answers! <3

#tag meme #about me

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pleasantmag · 5 years ago

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flipturn is “something you needed”

Interview by Tess Culbreath and Ally Tori // Photos by Ally Tori

Fernandina Beach’s flipturn is made of four friends who came together their senior year of high school to play music. The flipturn roll call is Dillon Basse (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Tristan Duncan (lead guitar), Madeline Jarman (bass), and Adrian Walker (drums). The four musicians began to play music in Madeline’s garage at her parent’s house – and still do.

Flipturn’s first single, “Cartoon Head”, was released in September of 2016, followed by their debut EP, Heavy Colors, in March of 2017. On April 20, 2018 the band released their critically acclaimed sophomore EP, Citrona and its accompanying single, “Churches.” In 2019, the band released two singles, “Eleanor,” and “Darling.” On February 7, 2020, flipturn released their third EP, Something You Needed, which they are touring on throughout the rest of this year. The record consists of five tracks, “Savannah”, “Something You Needed”, “Poppies”, “Glistening”, and “Did I Love You (Like I Promised To).”

After the release of Something You Needed, we caught up with flipturn in Tallahassee, Fl outside of The Wilbury on February 21, 2020 to talk about their new record, their upcoming tour, and the future of flipturn.

flipturn from left to right: Mitch (Touring member, Synth), Dillon (Vocalist, Guitar), Madeline (Bass, Vocalist), Tristan (Guitar, Keys), and Adrian (Drums)

Who do we have the pleasure of speaking with today? Please introduce yourselves and state what your role is in the band.

Dillon: My name is Dillon. I sing, and I play guitar.

Madeline: I’m Madeline and I play the bass.

Adrian: Hi, I’m Adrian and I play the drums.

Tristian: Hi, I’m Tristian and I play guitar.

Mitch: I’m Mitch and I play the keys.

Who is flipturn as a whole? How did y’all get started? Why did you choose the name flipturn?

Madeline: We started in high school our senior year, Dylan, me, Adrian, and Tristian. We started out just jamming in my garage at home. We still do that now. We were all musicians and lived in a really small town, so we didn’t know anyone else who played instruments, well, played instruments, but also played in a rock band.

Dillon: Yeah, nobody was really playing, and nobody had really started a band in our town, before we did, so we didn’t really have anybody to follow. So, it started out kind of corny, kind of like “what the hell are we doing?”.

Do you have any trouble being from a small town? Do you think that hurts or helps you?

Dillon: I think it helps a lot.

Madeline: I think it helps. We have a really strong community that really supports us. It’s really awesome. We’ll walk around; we went to a restaurant for lunch and order man was like “Hey, Flipturn!” and we were like “Yeeepp.” But yeah, the community is super nice and has helped us a lot.

Dillon: Yeah, for sure, they’ve helped us a lot.

Madeline: Especially when we were first starting out. We played at a lot of really smaller shows, but with three-hour sets.

Dillon: It kind of has that Key West type feel to it, so it’s that bar scene

Madeline: It’s the same three bars

Dillon: Yeah and they’ll have music sectioned off for like four hours; we did a few of those

Madeline: Any of our friends that saw us play those three hours shows, they’d still come. They’re in college and we’ll see them in Athens or Gainesville and stuff so, really supportive and continue to be supportive.

Do you guys jam together? Do y’all have any other hobbies you guys do as friends? What is the group dynamic outside of the band?

Dillon: Star Wars, I think I definitely bring that up every day.

Adrian: There’s nothing wrong with that

Madeline: We like playing Mario Kart

Dillon: We have three Switches. I don’t have a Switch, but they do. What else?

Madeline: We like getting food. Shout out to Taco Bell—feed us.

What is your writing process like?

Madeline: We jam and be like “this is cool” and then we go with that. That’s been our typical go-to. I don’t think we’ve really written in any other way.

Dillon: No, we really haven’t. Usually it’ll start with one tiny idea that somebody will bring to the band and in the garage that we practice in and we just build off of that. And then we keep honing and polishing it. I think with the last check especially, we tried to be a little more experimental with the writing process. So, we tried to add a bunch of different new instruments, rather than taking our core instruments that we were used to playing. We were like “what if we wrote a riff on a piano?”; Tristian started this cord thing on the piano and we had never really gone off of something based off of a piano before. We then created the song “Poppies” off of that. I think we were being a little more experimental recently and I think that’s how we want the writing process to go. It’s not just trying to stay in that guitar heavy base, which there can be some great stuff, like there’s some heavy guitar stuff, but I think we’re just trying to push it in that direction more.

Lyrically, is it based on real events in your lives or is narratives y’all would like to tell?

Dillon: I think a little both actually. A lot of it is inspired by real life events that we witness and things that have affected us. But, I also don’t like when lyrics are so straightforward that there is no room for interpretation. I think lyrically there is, I mean, I like when people can interpret it for themselves. If it’s completely different than what the lyrics are actually about, then that’s totally fine. It’s up to the audience.

Since you’re touring on your new record, your third EP, how would you say it’s different than your first two [Heavy Colors and Citrona] and the growth of your band from the beginning?

Madeline: It’s really different.

Dillon: Tristian, do you want to talk?

Tristian: We took this one a lot slower in the sense that when we approached the writing process it was still a lot of jamming, but what we’d do is that we would jam for a five second interval and throughout we’d be like “Hey, we don’t like this part, we wanna do this kind of thing”. It was a lot more detail oriented in how we tried to approach building the songs from ground up. I think that paid off because it feels much more mature in that sense.

We saw that y’all have some singles that you’ve released and you’re on your third EP, do you guys have any plans for a full length in your future?

Dillon: Yes, actually. That would be after we’re done with the tour. I think that is the next big thing. We’re just going to really hone in and just try to write as much music as possible because I like putting out these little projects, this little EP projects, but I think that the next thing in our career, the next step is to put out a full length album. I think we’re ready to do that now. Maybe when we first got started we weren’t, but now I feel like we can create something really fucking cool.

Would you be hoping to self-release or sign with somebody?

Adrian: It would be nice to sign with somebody.

Dillon: I mean it would be nice to sign with somebody cause of how much exposure it can give you, but I think the reason that we haven’t put one out [self-release] is because we’ve always been like “oh, we need a label” and then I think the more we’ve been in the music business and the more we’ve seen, we’ve realized that you don’t want to rely on that. You don’t want that to just stop you from pursuing music and so we’re just like…

Madeline: If we’re writing and it gets picked up, then it gets picked up.

Dillon: Yeah, exactly. If it gets picked up, it gets picked up and that’s great. If it doesn’t, I’m hoping we’re just going to be super fucking proud of it, no matter what it is, and I know we will be. So, I don’t want to write something just to get picked up by a label cause that’s when music gets altered. And that’s when some of your favorite artists, you just go “what did they do? What the hell, you know?”. This past EP is definitely different than some of our other stuff but I’m really, really happy that it is.

Madeline: It wasn’t intentionally different either.

Dillon: No, it wasn’t. It was just the direction we were going.

Do you guys have any influences, either musically or creatively, that influenced this latest EP?

Dillon: I will shout out some guys, some friends of ours, that we went on tour with in the fall and I think we saw how they didn’t care what they did with their songs. They weren’t trying to fit a certain structure or anything. Their names are Brazen Youth—truly amazing songwriters and I think we just saw some of that and were like, “Damn, that’s really cool that they just do whatever they want to their songs and create whatever they want.” I think we tried to write in that headspace a little more.

Madeline: Yeah, I think they definitely inspired us.

Dillon: That’s very recent though. I didn’t grow up listening to those guys—we just met them last fall, so that [inspiration] is more recent. But long term…

Madeline: We did a writing trip up in the mountains in September and we rented an Air BnB for a week in the middle of nowhere in North Carolina—we went there to just write and to get into a creative headspace cause our last three EP’s have just been written in my garage. Which, there’s nothing wrong with that, but we just wanted to try something different.

Do you have any plans like for your full length—to do another type of writing retreat?

Adrian: That would be ideal.

Dillon: I think so.

Madeline: That would be cool. We really liked that, and it was nice to get away as much as we could.

Dillon: It was an escape from reality

Adrian: And that’s the soul focus there.

Madeline: I mean, you wake up, eat, and then you write.

Dillon: You get a little bit of legitimate cabin fever, like literal cabin fever, but it’s a lot of fun. One of the best things we’ve ever done [for Flipturn] was that for sure.

Is flipturn your full-time gig or do you guys still have to work to support yourselves?

Adrian: Oh, yeah. We work.

Madeline: I’m finishing up school right now—I’m graduating in May. But yeah, it’s pretty much all flipturn for all of us though. It’s also hard to find part-time jobs that are like “oh, you’re okay with me leaving for two months.” And especially since Dillon and I are still in school, so after that, we really do have a lot of time. But it’s our life.

Dillon: There was definitely a time, about a year ago, we made this decision to put this in the forefront of our lives. I don’t think we would all be doing this, if we hadn’t have done that. We were just like “We’re all pretty confident in what we’re doing and how it’s going and this what we want to do for the rest of our lives, so why not take the risk?”. A lot of us dropped out of school, went to online school, we all moved back home, living with our families—I was living with my mom. I’m still living at home until I graduate and definitely making some sacrifices and stuff like that, but so far, it’s been absolutely worth it because we get to come and do this—meet new people and play music that we love in front of people, so I think that’s pretty cool.

Y’all have a US tour coming up, do y’all have any cities you’re excited to go play in?

Dillon: Yeah, huge. That’s another thing, anywhere in California, Colorado...

Tristian: Texas too.

Dillon: Yeah, Texas is going to be cool.

Note: Before the interview, Pleasant Mag posted on our Twitter account asking if any fans of flipturn had any questions for the band. We picked out a couple of these questions to ask during the interview.

What is the inspiration for your song “Darling”?

Dillon: Oh, so that was kind of what we just talked about, the whole hook of the line “Will you still love me?”—it was written about the time we were all thinking of making this huge risk, commitment, and the line is “I’m bound to fall, I’m bound to fail, but will you still be there for me?”. And that’s talking about whether that be family or can be anybody. It can be a girlfriend, boyfriend, family member, friends, will you, even if I’m taking this risk, if I fail, will you be there? That’s what that whole song is about—chasing a dream.

What is your favorite song you’ve made and why?

Dillon: I think it varies, but at the same time, I don’t know, what is y’all’s favorite?

Adrian: Right now, mine is probably “Did I Love You” just because that song is…

Dillon: Serengeti, man.

Adrian: We called it [Did I Love You] Serengeti because that’s what we first named it when we wrote it in the cabin.

Madeline: We were like “What do name this in the voice memo?”.

Dillon: So, it stuck, but we can’t call it this because it sounds stupid, but we’ll still call it that on the side.

Madeline: For me, I guess “Glistening” was really cool. I just really liked how that came together in the studio, especially with the horns, because when we first wrote it, that wasn’t initially a part of that, and in the studio, it really came together.

Dillon: Ironically, when we wrote “Glistening”, not that we didn’t love it, but we were like “This needs more”, and then we went back and tried to mess with it, and now it’s our most played off of the EP—it’s pretty cool.

Dillon: My favorite, as of now, it’s either between “Did I Love You” or “Poppies”. “Poppies”, we wrote it of how we would kind of just jam. How a band first starts writing sometimes, like just jamming, that’s how we left it. We didn’t really polish the structure of it and I liked that we did that—we just left it as it is and there’s some really cool parts to “Poppies” from that.

Madeline: We wrote that right before we went into the studio.

Dillon: Yeah, that was days before we went into the studio, that we wrote that. It also just has this angsty, moody, noir feel to it and that’s another song that we added strings, piano, acoustic guitars—it’s definitely one of the weirder ones and definitely one of my favorites.

What does flipturn plan for the future?

Madeline: Working on a full length—we’ll be spending a lot of time writing, touring more…

Dillon: Pretty much, after the six weeks of crazy touring, we’re just going to hone in on writing and maybe once in a while playing some one-off shows, you know weekend shows depending where it is and stuff like that, but most of the time, we’re just going to be writing. Hopefully by next year, we’ll have this project.

Madeline: In May, we’re playing a couple shows with Mount Joy, it’s not part of the tour but we’re really excited.

Are there any other bands you’re hoping to tour with?

Dillon: Depends who’s going on tour. We have a booking agent we work with now [Caleb at Atlas Touring] and he just looks for and talks to people, kind of shop us around and see who we fit with—and I mean, hey, I’m down to tour with anybody, as long as I like their music.

Any shout out’s you’d like to mention?

Madeline: Shout to the new Animal Crossings coming out.

Dillon: Oh my god, Mad.

Madeline: That’s all I could think about.

Dillon: You can’t just end this interview on Animal Crossings. Mitch has never known what Animal Crossings was and trying to explain it was the most lame thing ever, so what do you do?

Adrian: Hey, you just live your life, you exist with some friendly little critters, use racoon money…

Madeline: It is the most wholesome.

Dillon: Shout out to Animal Crossings.

Check out some live photos of flipturn at their sold out show at The Wilbury, taken on February 21, 2020 by Ally Tori below.

filpturn’s 2020 tour dates:

3/11 - New Orleans, LA - Gasa Gasa 3/13 - Dallas, TX - Sundown at Granada 3/15 - San Antonio, TX - Sam's Burger Joint Music Hall 3/24 - Phoenix, AZ - Last Exit Live $ 3/25 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar $ 3/26 - Costa Mesa, CA - The Wayfarer $ 3/28 - San Francisco, CA - Milk Bar $ 3/29 - Sacramento, CA - Goldfield $ 4/02 - Denver, CO - Lost Lake 4/03 - Cheyenne, WY - Fridays in the Asher 4/04 - Fort Collins, CO - Avogadro's Number 4/08 - Madison, WI - The Venue on Winnebago St. 4/09 - Milwaukee, WI - The Cooperage > 4/10 - Chicago, IL - Cubby Bear Wrigleyville > 4/11 - Columbus, OH - Rumba Cafe 4/15 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's ^ 4/16 - Boston, MA - Thunder Road Music Club 4/17 - Brooklyn, NY - Rough Trade NYC ^ 4/18 - Washington DC - Pie Shop DC ^ 4/19 - Richmond, VA - The Camel # 4/22 - Raleigh, NC - The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop 4/23 - Charlotte, NC - The Evening Muse / 4/24 - Knoxville, TN - Open Chord / All Things Music + 4/25 - Nashville, TN - The High Watt +

$ - Dan And Drum ^ - The Brazen Youth # - Kid Brother / - Deaf Andrews + - Blonde Bones

flipturn will be opening for Mt. Joy on their run of Florida dates in May 💫 tickets are available now! go snag em! more info: flipturn.band/tour

05.19 - Tampa, FL The RITZ Ybor 05.21 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution Live 05.22 - Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando

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