Alt Punk-Rap Duo Joey Valence and Brae Release Their Sophomore Album "NO HANDS"
Fast-rising, viral alt punk-rap duo Joey Valence & Brae have released their highly anticipated sophomore album, “NO HANDS”. The boys have also announced a massive, US/EU fall tour in support of the album that kicks off September 9 in Dallas.
Fast-rising, viral alt punk-rap duo Joey Valence & Brae have released their highly anticipated sophomore album, “NO HANDS”. The self-written, self-produced, self-mixed and mastered collection takes the propulsive energy of their critically acclaimed debut, PUNK TACTICS, and goes harder, but also offers more range; housing their most impressive work to date and featuring guest appearances by Danny Brown, Terror Reid and Z-Trip, signifying a huge progression as they skillfully traverse a smash and grab collision of 90s hip-hop, drum ‘n’ bass and decades-spanning pop culture references while remaining undeniably themselves throughout.
The boys have also announced a massive, US/EU fall tour in support of the album that kicks off September 9 in Dallas. They’ll bring their insane live show to major cities around the world including Austin, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston, New York City, Toronto, Los Angeles, Stockholm, Milan, Paris, Berlin, London and more. Playing live is where Joey Valence & Brae truly excel, and their performances are a high-octane blur of pinwheeling arms and legs and adrenaline-fueled chaos with maximum crowd participation. Pre-sales begin with JVB’s artist pre-sale on Tuesday, June 11 ahead of the general on-sale beginning Friday, June 14 at 10 a.m. local time. Please visit www.jvbsucks.com for more info.
“NO HANDS” is classic JVB: raw, wily, full of braggadocio and peppered with their eclectic blend of interests — Star Wars, Super Mario, Putt Putt Golf, Olivia Rodrigo, Top Golf, Shirley Temples, Smucker’s Uncrustables, legendary UK chicken shop chain Nando’s and so much more. Opening track “BUSSIT,” with its distorted, bassy-synth, in-your-face, brain-rattling beats, and an unexpected jungle break, absolutely sets the tone. While lead single “THE BADDEST,” a body-quaking Miami bass banger, part Fatman Scoop, part LMFAO, is destined to be a riot-inducing live favorite. Elsewhere, early singles “JOHN CENA” and “WHERE U FROM” are full of swaggy braggadocio, simultaneously poking fun at those who think they’re all that. The latter is a mash-up of house synths and loose-limbed beats while tipping a cap to Brockhampton.
The record also includes stand out collaborations with Terror Reid on “DOUGHBOY,” and the just-released Danny Brown collab “PACKAPUNCH” (JVB slid into his DMs only to find out the Detroit rapper was already a fan). With its jazzy hook and scratching from pioneering DJ Z-Trip, the LP’s title track is also key.
“‘NO HANDS’ is driving home the point that we do this on our own, and that we're confident about it,” said Joey. “Like, ‘Look Ma, no hands.’ It also doubles for having no hands working on this project other than us in terms of the creative. This album is us doubling down: we bet on ourselves and it worked. [and] we're still having the best time of our lives.”
The album closes with “OMNITRIX,” a triumphant cut featuring sampled strings and soul vocals, the title a nod to the cartoon Ben 10. Joey calls it “a victory lap for the whole album,” and its more measured cadence showcases a new dimension to the brash, punk-rap stylings that have defined the duo since they popped off at the tail end of 2021. Music aside, what has really cemented their success is their humor, energy and attitude: they’re both down to clown, looking to entertain each other, and anyone around them. This spirit is the bedrock of their output as Joey Valence & Brae, and a cornerstone of their appeal.
Check out the “NO HANDS” album right now, and connect with Joey Valence and Brae on their website and social media.
Anderson .Paak aka DJ Pee .Wee to Headline Rosé Day Los Angeles on June 8th
Rosé Day Los Angeles is back for its 4th year, returning to its rightful date on National Rosé Day, on June 8, 2024, at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, CA.
Rosé Day Los Angeles is back for its 4th year, returning to its rightful date on National Rosé Day, on June 8, 2024, at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, CA.
LA’s most sophisticated summer soirée will welcome 4,000 guests and treat them to 7+ hours of perfect pours from over 15 ultra-premium brands, including Perrier-Jouët, Sainte Marguerite en Provence, G.H. Mumm, Tequila Don Julio and Suntory Global Spirits RTDs. Throughout the day, attendees will also enjoy live musical performances from DJ Pee .Wee (aka Anderson .Paak), DJ Ruckus, and DJ Pookie Chapstick, while Next Iron Chef champion Marc Forgione marks his Rosé Day return by curating a gourmet culinary garden featuring caviar, lobster and LA’s finest food trucks. Guests will also revel in extraordinary art installations, luxury brand activations, lavish giveaways, life-sized games, and more – all set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains.
The Rosé Day Los Angeles ownership team is comprised of production and hospitality veterans, including producer and entrepreneur Ben Biscotti (Co-Founder and President of 1iota Productions), award-winning event planner and designer Tony Schubert (Event Eleven), nightlife veterans Sylvain Bitton, JT Torregiani and David Jarrett (Warwick and The Hideaway) and famed chef, two Michelin Star recipient and Food Network’s Iron Chef America champion, Marc Forgione (Restaurant Marc Forgione, Peasant and One Fifth).
"Rosé Day Los Angeles will once again be the official kickoff event to usher in the summer in style,” says Rosé Day Los Angeles co-founder Ben Biscotti. “We look forward to creating an immersive atmosphere that will captivate all of your senses and showcase some of the best food, wine, spirits and brands. We are thrilled to bring this incredible event back to National Rosé Day again this year, where it belongs, and we cannot wait to welcome in summer alongside our partners and friends.”
New partner, Wynn Nightlife, will bring its acclaimed hospitality brand and renowned Las Vegas presence to the Rosé Day experience.
Aston Martin of Galpin will be the luxury car partner, activating onsite with a brand new DB12 in spectacular florals.
Top champagne houses Perrier-Jouët and G.H. Mumm will supply the rosé champagnes, and attendees will have their selection of featured rosé and wines such as Sainte Marguerite en Provence, RUMOR Rosé, Lady A, and more. Sainte Marguerite en Provence will be back this year with an immersive Provence-inspired lounge having guests feel as if they were transported to the south of France, while they sip two exquisite wines; Fantastique Rosé, certified organic and vegan rosé wine precisely crafted from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle grapes for balance, structure and precision and Symphonie Rosé, bringing its finesse and freshness with notes of delicate aromas of floral, white peach and grapefruit peel.
Tequila Don Julio will be the exclusive tequila for the first time this year, bringing an experiential bar activation where attendees can enjoy signature craft cocktails featuring Tequila Don Julio Rosado, a Reposado tequila finished in Ruby Port wine casks. Guests will also get to savor The House of Suntory Japanese spirits, including Haku Vodka and Roku Gin from the Cherry Blossom Lounge. Guests can enjoy their sip and savor experience from On The Rocks Premium Cocktails. Delola Cocktails, founded by Jennifer Lopez will bring their ready-to-drink craft cocktails to the event. -196 Vodka Seltzer will also be available along with Bruno Mars’ and Anderson .Paak’s SelvaRey Rum.
The gourmet food truck lineup was hand-selected by famed Iron Chef Marc Forgione, and several food trucks will also feature a collaboration for some of his signature dishes. The food partners at the event will include Caspian Queen Fine Caviar and Shucks Oyster Company for caviar and oysters as well as Cousins Maine Lobster, Vivace Pizza, Baby’s Badass Burger, Love Bird Fried Chicken, Wise Barbecue, Cerda Vega Tacos, Creamy Boys Real Fruit Ice Cream, Rice Balls of Fire and more.
This year will include a brand-new Non-Alcoholic Zone featuring wellness brands, pampering experiences and mocktails. Non-drinkers can still celebrate the occasion and get pampered with wellness treatments, products and non-alcoholic beverages, including pressed juice bar by Bare Essentials and Roots Lyfestyle, Organic French Bubbly, 0.0% Alcohol by French Bloom, NOOH By LA COSTE, the leading all-natural plant-based recovery supplement focused on optimizing your liver health as the last shot of the night by The Plug, and the world's first productivity drink, Magic Mind. Good Juju, SoCal’s premier organic and holistic mocktail bar, will be serving mocktails. Dr Refresh Med Spa will be doing IV drips and massages.
This year will also include the return of the popular Frosé Zone presented by POM Wonderful, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, made with POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice to add antioxidant goodness and a sweet yet tart flavor – a refreshing twist on a fan favorite.
Red Bull will preview an exclusive first taste of their new Sugarfree Red Edition (Watermelon), which launches market-wide following.
Guests will be treated to special hydration experiences with VOSS Water, and additional sponsors include Floral Crush Studio, who is doing all of the lush florals for the day across the event.
Main Attractions & Activities:
Live music and DJ lineup by DJ Pee .Wee aka Anderson .Paak, DJ Ruckus, DJ Pookie Chapstick and more
Non-Alcoholic Zone
Frosé Zone presented by POM Wonderful
Games: cornhole, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, giant chess, backgammon and more
Luxury brand activations
Art installations
Gourmet food trucks, specials and delicious food pairings
Instagram-worthy moments
VIP tables and cabanas
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024
Time: 1:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: King Gillette Ranch: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
Tickets: www.RoseDayUSA.com
Prices start at $175 for general admission ticket with open bar
Table options range from $5,000 for 6 people to $17,500 for VIP cabanas for 15 people
Sydney Sherrill Announces Upcoming "Luckiest Girl Alive" EP With Title Track and Clip
Singer-songwriter Sydney Sherrill has announced her new EP “Luckiest Girl Alive”, out July 12th. Setting the tone for what’s to come, Sydney has also released her new single and title track, “Luckiest Girl Alive”.
Singer-songwriter Sydney Sherrill has announced her new EP “Luckiest Girl Alive”, out July 12th. The project acts as a time capsule of her youth, encompassing the various emotions she experienced personally or witnessed from those around her. Setting the tone for what’s to come, Sydney has also released her new single and title track, “Luckiest Girl Alive,” which showcases her dynamic vocals as she speaks on having life fall into place after meeting that special someone. In the accompanying music video, directed by Sam Leviton, viewers get a first-hand look at her path to future-stardom.
“‘Luckiest Girl Alive’ is such a special track to me. I loved writing it, making it, and it’s one of my favorites to perform live,” shares Sydney. “It’s my version of a love song but really it’s a love song to myself. It’s about feeling on fire when things start to feel like they’re finally going your way.”
On the “Luckiest Girl Alive” EP, she adds, “I am so excited to be releasing this EP! I am so proud of the songs and the journey that it took making them. I’m really glad to be exploring this new sound as I continue developing who I am as a person and as an artist. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”
“Luckiest Girl Alive” marks a new era in Sydney’s musical journey by adding a bit more edge to her Southern-rooted sound, a direction she explores even further on the new EP. “Luckiest Girl Alive” follows the recent release of her debut album “17 Young and Stunning” which sees Sydney describing the highs and lows of young love while her forthcoming venture finds her settling into a sound and style that best represents the artist she aims to be.
“Luckiest Girl Alive” was recorded at John and Martina McBride’s Blackbird Studios in Nashville, produced by Kim Wood Sandusky (Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Thomas Rhett), mixed and mastered by Greg Collins (Gwen Stefani, Ingrid Michaelson, Michelle Branch), and is available for pre-save now here.
Sydney’s powerhouse vocals, memorable hooks, and ability to write relatable anthems for Gen-Z makes her an essential artist on the rise. At just 19 years old, the New York based singer-songwriter draws inspiration from the likes of Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks, and Adele, as her songs embody earnest narratives that mesh pop melodies with folk and rock undertones. To date, Sydney has amassed over 1 million streams and garnered media support from the likes of Voice of America, Cowgirl Magazine, Whiskey Riff, and Spindle Magazine among others. Captivating audiences with her distinctive voice and stage presence, she has opened for American music icon Sheryl Crow and performed at the largest single night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society at the 50th Annual Cattle Baron’s Ball in Dallas headlined by Shania Twain. She has also had the privilege of singing the National Anthem at various sporting events for the Texas Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Sidekicks, to name a few.
Interview: Bria Cheri Discusses Her Single "On 2 the Next" and Upcoming Album
NYC based R&B/Soul artist Bria Cheri just dropped the single “On 2 the Next”, so DCWS connected with her for an exclusive interview to discuss the release, as well as her upcoming debut album, and much more.
“As a young woman I’ve had my fair share of dating experiences. Through those times, I’ve come to the realization that you must keep optimistic and believe you will connect with the right person when the time is right.”
Congratulations on the release of your new single "On 2 the Next"; tell us about your creative process for writing the song and how you connected with producer William Lockwood.
Thank you! The concept of the song stemmed from how difficult dating in this generation has become. Everyone has their own expectations, intentions, and most times it never amounts to anything substantial. So, I wrote this song for people who don’t just want to accept settling for someone they don’t feel is for them just for the sake of being in a relationship. Go on to the next person until you find the best person for you.
I connected with William through my uncle, who has been in the industry for quite some time. He introduced me to him and from there, I gave him ideas of specific music I was looking to make, and he started sending me beats. When I heard the beat for “On 2 The Next” I was blown away with how unique it was. I knew I had to write on that track.
Would you say that "On 2 the Next" is based on a personal experience?
Yes, it is. As a young woman I’ve had my fair share of dating experiences. Through those times, I’ve come to the realization that you must keep optimistic and believe you will connect with the right person when the time is right. So, I drew from my emotions I went through when making this song.
Will "On 2 the Next" be featured on an upcoming EP or album? If so, what can you tell us about the project?
It will be featured on my upcoming debut album. I’m currently in the process of recording the project as we speak. With this project, I want to bring an element of fun back to R&B and give people a view into my world.
You've mentioned that your musical influences include Aaliyah and Chaka Khan; what about them has inspired your artistically?
Aaliyah was and still is my favorite artist to this day. She was the one that inspired me to pursue music growing up. Aaliyah had a clear vision for herself artistically and wasn’t afraid to take chances. I remember seeing her on TV being in awe of her work. She had the full package and exuded confidence, was cool and did so with grace. It’s similar to how I approach my life in and outside of music.
Chaka Khan is another artist I fell in love with as a child while listening to her music with my Nana. I loved how Chaka utilized her voice to emote through the soulful tracks she was on. That alone inspires me to dig deep and pull those emotions out when singing.
You’re not just a music creator, but an actress and dancer as well. Tell us about these ventures and how you manage to juggle everything.
Well, the dancing is incorporated into music videos or live performances. The acting aspect is another part of what I aspire to do as I evolve in the industry. I’ve done a few features in smaller productions for independent films, but I would love to one day have more opportunities to grow as an actress.
Time management is important, and I pace myself to focus on one thing at a time.
Stream and Share “On 2 the Next” on Bandcamp
Connect with Bria Cheri: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | Spotify | YouTube
Interview: Jaehyun Kim of Orey Eyed Talks About His New EP "The Last Flight to You"
Check out our exclusive interview with Yongin-si, South Korea based artist/producer Jaehyun Kim who has released his new EP “The Last Flight to You” through his music project Orey Eyed.
“With these influences and also the need to share my feelings through sounds, Orey Eyed started out as my latest attempt at sharing my creations with the world.”
Congratulations on the completion and release of your debut EP "The Last Flight to You". Tell us about your creative process for the project's development and what inspired you as you were working on its three tracks.
First of all, thank you, I'm glad to see all the positive responses to the EP! Initially all three songs were part of a bigger project, but the plan was still vague at the moment.
Writing new tracks and exploring sounds for this new project, I wanted to make a full length LP right from the start. But as I proceeded, the sound palette expanded and shifted so much that it didn't make sense to group all of the tracks into a singular album. So I made a list of early tracks and demos of mine, mostly heavy on synth-pop and dance music influence, and then released this EP as a result.
Inspirations for this EP came from everywhere: films I've watched, trip to Osaka back in 2017, relationship, etc. I think they all accumulated to a certain sonic atmosphere the EP has.
Were there additional songs that you recorded for the EP but decided not to include? If so, why?
There were alot of half-finished demos and ideas that I've worked on for this EP, but only three proper unreleased songs. One was called "Icarus", not included because it was more of an indie rock track than synth pop. Also it had quite explicit and private lyrics, and I wanted to keep it a secret song. Other ones were titled "If You're Scared" and "Long Hair", also didn't fit in the EP, but might rework and include them in the upcoming LP!
When initially did you start creating music, who influenced your artistry, and at what point did you decide to take it to the next level with the project Orey Eyed?
I played guitar in an after-school class in elementary, and also jammed with my best friend back then, Aaron, in his apartment. While I did try to write my own melody line or chord progression at the time, I didn't know how to produce properly until 2019.
Hearing Avicii on the radio was like a breath of fresh air for me, and the desire to recreate synth leads I've heard was the major drive for me when I started producing. My earliest tracks were made on a free online DAW, and were mostly just poorly executed attempts at copying progressive house tracks.
Later on I got into different genres, with my favorites being acts like Perfume Genius, Lala Lala, The 1975, Chairlift, Dominic Fike, Flume, Lucid Fall, etc. Basically just too many influences and too many favorite artists, so I can't really define my taste now, it's just a vague feeling. On top of all, being a big fan of Linkin Park since my cousin played Meteora on a car ride when I was younger, blending together genres - just like LP did - to create something engaging was my goal, too.
With these influences and also the need to share my feelings through sounds, Orey Eyed started out as my latest attempt at sharing my creations with the world. Yearning for a fresh start for the new year was also why this project was made.
What can you tell us about the full length album that you are working on? Do you have a working title for it?
Sure, the album is starting to take shape. I'm not sure if I want to reveal the working title yet, but it does have title and artwork ready for the sake of artistic concept.
The album will be released around this summer if everything goes as planned, and will include collaborations with other artist(s), too.
How would you describe the music scene in Yongin-si, especially for emerging artists and producers? Is there a community for music creators to connect with each other, meet new fans, and perform live?
Yongin-si isn't necessarily a vibrant city when it comes to the music scene, at least not in the genres I'm invested in. Seoul is nearby and definitely has a better scene, but I found it easier to find musical communities elsewhere in countries where the type of music I enjoy and make is bigger. However my music got influenced by some of my friends for sure. Some of them made mixtapes for me when I was younger, and I've briefly been part of a pop cover band in my highschool, too.
What are some of your goals musically for the remainder of 2024?
I would love to release the LP as planned. Might release it on vinyl too. Also playing live shows is on my list.
In general I would just love to create more, reach out to people from around the world, and see how it turns out to be!
Stream and Share “The Last Flight to You”: Spotify | Bandcamp
AG Club's Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy Drop "BRODIE WORLD" Mixtape
The duo of Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy of hip-hop collective AG Club have released their latest mixtape "BRODIE WORLD". Alongside the ten-track project, they share the official music video for the song “ROWDYRUFFBOYZ” off of the tape.
The duo of Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy of hip-hop collective AG Club have released their latest mixtape “BRODIE WORLD”. Alongside the ten-track project, they share the official music video for the song “ROWDYRUFFBOYZ” off of the tape.
Fusing playful imagination with an innate sense of aesthetic, BRODIE WORLD is whimsical, masterful, and electric—a glimmering constellation of sharp technique and raw impulse. It plays out as an immersive, free-wheeling adventure, at once quintessential AG Club yet a confident evolution and statement from Jody Fontaine and Baby Boy. Full of high energy bars, mesmerizing melodies and shapeshifting sonics, the mixtape is powered by previously shared songs and music videos like “eva” and “Barry.” BRODIE WORLD includes guest contributions from Mike Dimes, Igwe Aka and Mercury, as well as production contributions from Hippie Sabotage on one song.
The just-premiered video for “ROWDYRUFFBOYZ” places the viewer in a familiar corner of AG Club’s world: an otherwise tranquil scene that AG Club discovers is actually the perfect site for some organized chaos. Still, the duo is committed to its range, and doesn’t shy away from experimenting with pace and tempo. As the album winds down, on tracks like “Iron Giant” and “Sabine,” they present more moderately as they explore themes of vulnerability.
The group has steadily built its audience with a multitude of releases since 2019, leading to appearances at global festivals such as Coachella by last year. AG Club has been crowned the “next big music collective,” by Nylon, “genuine, pure, and unlike anything you’ve experienced before” by Billboard and “The Bay Area music collective you wish you could join” by i-D. Baby Boy and Fontaine’s commitment to cohesion and culture has helped them develop a cult-like following that continues to grow with them, from 2020’s Halfway Off The Porch to 2022’s Imposter Syndrome.
It isn’t just a journey that AG Club has been on, it’s a world that they’ve been building. This is your official invite. BRODIE WORLD is now available.
Interview: Rainy Days Discuss Their New Music Video for "Sunspot Ghosts"
Check out our exclusive interview with the NYC based alternative rock band Rainy Days, as we discuss the newly released music video for their song “Sunspot Ghosts”, how the bandmates originally connected, and much more.
“The band name represents that sense of calm and sometimes peaceful melancholy that a rainy day brings.”
Congratulations on the release of the music video for "Sunspot Ghosts". Tell us about the band's creative process for the song's development.
Writing the song was super quick for us. Two of us sat down with a ukulele and were like “let’s make a Joji song” essentially. Added some bass synth, keys and guitar and it’s banging. I think we didn’t go too far off the mark!
Your Trystan Cruise directed music video is incredible. What inspired the clip's treatment?
We had this idea for a vampire getting hunted and the living with the guilt of what it takes for him to stay alive. It was a really fun, eerie and dark kind of piece to put together. A lot of it came along as we went.
How did the members of Rainy Days initially meet and then decide to form a band, and what does the band name represent?
Oh boy. Rainy Days originally formed online between me and Pedro, and Doogie. I was in PA and later NY, whereas Pedro lives in Portugal and Doogie was teaching English in Spain. We concocted some crazy good stuff and the foundation of Rainy Days. Now, we have a lot of vibrant jams coming from our NYC based crew.
The band name represents that sense of calm and sometimes peaceful melancholy that a rainy day brings. The steady beat of the drops, the spooky nights and gray skies.
Who are some of the band's musical influences and how would you say you differentiate yourself from other rock acts that have come from NYC?
Our influences include indie rock acts like Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes and Surf Curse, and also more alternative styles such as Deftones and Starset.
We stand out through the unique lyrics, bouncy drum beats and dreamy electronic elements.
Tell us about “ARCHVILLAIN”, the EP that the "Sunspot Ghosts" song is featured on.
It released on May 6th of 2023. From ethereal tracks “Youth, I’m Yours” and “Sunspot Ghosts” to more surfy tunes like the titular track “Archvillain”, our first EP is a blast of a time.
The release artwork is insane, too! It’s a Godzilla, Gundam, Yu-Gi-Oh! themed battle hand painted on canvas by artist Trystan Cruise.
Stream and Share “ARCHVILLAIN” EP on: Spotify
Connect with Rainy Days: Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | YouTube
South Korean Music Project Orey Eyed Shares the Brand New EP "The Last Flight to You"
Orey Eyed, a music project of 18-year-old South Korean producer and singer-songwriter Jaehyun Kim, has just dropped the three track EP “The Last Flight to You”, which combines sound palettes from alternative/indie scenes as well as electronic elements.
Brand new to DCWS is Orey Eyed, a music project of 18-year-old producer and singer-songwriter Jaehyun Kim, who is currently based in Yongin-si, South Korea. Influenced by artists such as Chairlift, The 1975, Perfume Genius, and more, fuzzy synths and mellow vocals characterize his sound.
With Orey Eyed, Jaehyun aims to capture the beauty of various eerie and ethereal soundscapes, conveying emotions through the medium of music. Also invested in exploring different perspectives of romantic relationships and emotional struggles, his lyrics often assume a fictional point of view, providing a fresh and entertaining encounter to listeners.
He has just unveiled his debut three track EP, “The Last Flight to You”, which combines sound palettes from alternative/indie scenes as well as electronic elements. The tracks on this EP are airy and emotional, yet danceable.
With a overarching theme dealing with departure and arrival in relationships, longing for intimacy and tortures of romantic devotion, this EP provides a peek into broader projects that Jaehyun is working on as an artist.
Check out the new “The Last Flight to You” EP right now, connect with Jaehyun on social media, and be on the lookout for our interview with him coming soon!
Interview: Lucy Mayhem Talks About Her New Single/Video "Into Hell"
DCWS connected with Winston-Salem, NC based alternative rock artist Lucy Mayhem for an in-depth interview to discuss her brand new single/video “Into Hell”, her upcoming EP of the same name, and much more.
“I know I’m provocative in how I look, and how I write. That’s on purpose. At the end of the day, I want people to have the same experience I had/have with music.”
Congratulations on the release of your new single/lyric video "Into Hell"; tell us about your and Jamie King's creative process for its development.
"Into Hell' came about fairly similar to any other song I've written. It was really me just personifying my depression, and my relationship with it after dealing with it for 8+ years now.
At this point in time, I've accepted that it's a thing I have. I'm probably always going to deal with it on some level. At the same time, I choose to no longer settle, and let it completely control my life and whether or not I truly live. That's why the song is kinda vengeful. It's also why I call the song my "villain origin story."
How Jamie and I's relationship works, I've always written, and recorded everything at home in my bedroom. Then, when I feel it's ready, I bring it all to him. At his studio I record vocals (he usually gives me harmony ideas because I can't think of good ones to save my life), I give him a few references sound wise for what I want the final mix to sound like, and then he does his magic. With Jamie, that part of the process is really pretty easy. I give him full credit for making my songs sound as high quality and good that they do.
Would you say that your environment in Winston-Salem has influenced your songwriting and the music that you create? Is there a vibrant rock music scene in that city?
I'm honestly still learning about the rock scene around Winston Salem/NC in general, but from my experience so far I've always been pleasantly surprised by it.
Specifically in Winston, it's definitely small from my knowledge; however, the bands and musicians I've discovered and/or interacted with in / around Winston have all been super friendly, kind, supportive people.
I don't know if the environment has impacted my songwriting, but that being said, I've definitely been inspired and motivated by the few interactions I've had with other musicians around the area. I think it being kinda small, relatively speaking, really just makes it so everyone is trying to pick each other up and help one another succeed, which is nice.
How would you describe your upcoming EP of the same name, which drops on August 9th? Is there an overarching theme or concept for the project?
Sonically, I'd say the EP very much sounds like a Lucy Mayhem EP, just taken to the next level. It's guitar driven of course, heavy while still having light elements, darker then anything I've done before, energetic yet has it's more stripped down moments, and overall sad and angry.
Lyrically, it kinda comes across as a breakup EP because a majority of it lyrically I'm talking about my relationship with my brain. It goes through all those emotions from heartbreak, to desperate, to lost, etc.
I think thematically, "Into Hell" EP is really the start of Lucy Mayhem's story. (My story.) I've always had this idea that, as much as I write about things I'm going through mentally, I want there to be some sort of overarching theme and storyline sonically, lyrically, and imagery wise with it. To me, this EP is the start of that storyline and theme. That's why it's so theatrical and symbolic. That's also why it's so dark, heavy, gothic, etc.
I'm not literally going "Into Hell", nor have I met the devil. But mentally, I've been put through hell, figured out more about my brain which can be dark and a bit conniving, similar to the devil.
Will "Save Me" also be a featured track on the EP? Also, how many songs were recorded for the project, and were there any that did not make the cut?
Yes, "Save Me" will be on the EP! The way my whole process is, I probably wrote around 40ish songs for the EP. Of that, I go back and choose which ones I think have something to them, and that I truly like.
My only concern is liking what I put out, so I'm pretty picky. I recorded 7-8 songs, and of those 1-2 were scratched either because they didn't end up working out once I started recording, or because I felt thematically they could go towards future projects. The final EP ended up being 6 songs.
When someone listens to "Into Hell" or watches the lyric video for the first time, what do you want them to take away from the experience?
Really, and this applies to anything I make, I hope they take away whatever they need from it. If nothing else, I hope it makes them feel something, good, bad, whatever. It's no secret my image and my music go hand in hand. I know I'm provocative in how I look, and how I write. That's on purpose. At the end of the day, I want people to have the same experience I had/have with music. If one person can listen to my music and feel understood, supported, helped, and/or inspired by it that's really all I can ask for.
Connect with Lucy Mayhem: Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok
Berlin Based Artist Nadine Finsterbusch Releases Her Debut Solo Album "My Space"
Berlin based artist Nadine Finsterbusch has just unveiled her first solo album entitled “My Space”, produced by Ramin Bijan.
Berlin based artist Nadine Finsterbusch does not look back, and she is not interested in expectations for women her age.
With her newly released album "My Space", she wants to make room and take space. For an impetuous feeling of youth, uninhibited fandom and big feelings.
The 44-year-old artist concludes with experiences that have shaped her adulthood. Early menopause, breaches of trust or failed friendships. It is time for something new. With a certain mood for optimism that we probably experienced in our youth for the last time, she makes it clear that it´s about the here and now.
There is this kind of youthful despite in her voice of these 10 electropop songs on her first solo album “My Space”. And opens a door to what most grown ups have buried somewhere between shopping lists and work-life-balance: her revived teenage self, brave, unironically emotional and without any bitterness.
In her first single "You Make me Forget", Nadine makes it clear who is in control of her life: herself. "Don't tell me what to do now" she proclaims in the album opener. Framed by steady beats of an electronic snare and accompanied by a prancing electric guitar, Finsterbusch's voice makes its way through the increasingly dense thicket of synths - "No, I don't look back" - until at the end she lets herself be taken in by a booming and glowing soundscape. Sound backdrop.
She repeats "I've been around" like a calming mantra, as if she is now focusing her strength before launching fully into the album. Nadine's vehement and innocent-sounding vocals are not accidentally reminiscent of Björk. The singer was Nadine's earliest and most formative inspiration: "I secretly watched MTV when I was 13. When I saw Björk for the first time, I knew: that's what I wanted to do that," she says.
Most recently, Nadine had lived out her love of electronic avant-garde pop in the band project Phinsterbush. "Magnets", the project's first and last album, was released in 2017. Now it's time for Nadine to do her own thing. And it's poppier, more playful, more honest. "As a solo artist, I can express myself differently than in a band context," says Nadine. This is how her songs for the album emerged from her gut.
"What comes out, is right," thought Nadine during the creative process. The songs are snapshots, created impulsively. "I only understood the meaning of some of the songs in retrospect." Disappointments and hurt feelings have flowed into the songs, but also the dealing with the early onset of the menopause, the accompanying mood swings and the finality of childlessness. She found the right musical framework for this together with producer Ramin Bijan, with whom she has already realized several projects and who, among other things, worked with the band "Die Türen" or Robert Forster.
Nadine greatly appreciates working with Ramin Bijan because he gives her the space to trust and express herself. But perhaps the most important influence on Nadine's current creative work is K-Pop. "Without the band BTS, the album probably wouldn't exist," says Nadine. Discovered during seemingly endless corona lockdowns, the guys from BTS dug themselves deeper and deeper into Nadine's heart. The fact that she would feel so much fan love again in her early 40s surprised herself.
So much so that she lists all the BTS band members in the song "Make Some Time". "That was actually a spontaneous improvisation that we then left in the song," she says. So there it is again, the unspent joy of experimentation that characterizes Nadine’s "My Space". And speaking of "My Space": the association with THE musical social network of the noughties is unintentional but fits in well with the youthful just-do-it vibe. The album is intended to make it much clearer: This is my space, my feel-good place. And that Nadine would also like to create for others.
Nadine doesn't need advice from supposedly serious music experts. On the contrary: "Why so serious?" she asks in the song of the same name. "My Space" is an invitation to indulge in all feelings without irony. Just like we did as teenagers.
Slum Village Announces Tracklist, Cover Art, and May 3rd Release Date for New Album "F.U.N"
As Slum Village pushes through the second half of their second month-long Europe tour in the past year, T3 and Young RJ have unveiled the tracklist, cover art, and official May 3rd release date for their forthcoming album “F.U.N”.
As Slum Village pushes through the second half of their second month-long Europe tour in the past year, T3 and Young RJ unveiled the tracklist, cover art, and official May 3rd release date for their forthcoming album “F.U.N” in a recent Instagram post.
With guest features from Robert Glasper, Cordae, Eric Roberson, Larry June, Sango, and many others, “F.U.N” will serve as the first new Slum Village album since 2015's critically acclaimed “Yes!”.
TRACKLIST:
"Welcome" feat Brittney Carter
"All Live" feat Abstract Orchestra
"All Live Pt 2" feat. Sango, Phat Kat, Daru Jones
"To The Disco" feat Abstract Orchestra
"Request" ft. Earlly Mac, Abstract Orchestra
"Yeah Yeah" ft Karriem Riggins
"Just Like You" ft. Larry June, The Dramatics
"F.U.N"
"So Superb" ft Cordae, Earlly Mac
"Keep Dreaming" ft Karriem Riggins, Fat Ray
"Factor" ft. Eric Roberson, Elijah Fox
"Since 92" ft Robert Glasper
“F.U.N” will be available on all major digital streaming platforms via Ne'Astra Music / Virgin Music Group on Friday, May 3rd. Pre-order/save the album here.
Following their 28 date FUN Since 92 Tour, Slum Village will join SZA and Jack Harlow in Louisville, Kentucky for the Gazebo Festival next month. The duo will also join Rakim and Talib Kweli for Panic In La on May 15.
MORE ABOUT SLUM VILLAGE:
Born from the vibrant energy of Detroit's Conant Gardens, Slum Village is more than just a group-- it's a brotherhood bound by friendship and music. Founded in the early '90s by T3, Baatin, and the legendary J Dilla (a.k.a. Jay Dee), the group debuted as "Ssenepod" on 1996's Fantastic Vol. 1, before blossoming into the iconic name we know today. Their early recordings, crafted in the intimacy of Dilla's basement, pulsated with the raw energy of the Detroit underground. By 1998, their talent landed them a deal with local label Barak Records, thrusting them onto a path of critical acclaim. Backed by the underground imprint, Slum Village released their seminal 2000 album Fantastic Vol. 2.
While Vol. 2 was a significant breakthrough for the group, it wasn't until Barak and Capital Records teamed to issue Slum Village's Trinity (Past, Present and Future) in 2002 that the group saw mainstream success. With the Dwele-assisted hit "Tainted", the album remains the group's highest-charting album to date. Though J Dilla left the group to embark on a solo journey in 2000, his influence remained deeply ingrained in Slum's DNA through his protégé, and now Grammy-nominated producer, Young RJ, who served as co-producer and engineer for much of Slum Village's transitional work.
Slum continued to push boundaries, scoring their second commercial smash "Selfish" (featuring Kanye West and John Legend), from their 2004 album Detroit Deli, which peaked on Billboard's Hot 100 in 2004. After 2010's Villa Manifesto, Young RJ officially joined Slum Village as a rapper. RJ and founding member T3 reinforced Slum Village’s legacy as a duo with two critically-acclaimed albums, Evolution (2013) and Yes! (2015)-- the latter of which features posthumous Dilla production. Together, T3 and Young RJ have continued to carry the torch for 12 years, honoring their group's original vision while continuing to evolve its legacy with fresh new energy and infectious enthusiasm.
Toronto's Trash Pop Trio Mad Ones Unveil Their New LP “What it Takes”
Toronto's leading purveyors of Trash Pop and Garage Rock, Mad Ones, have just dropped their highly anticipated new vinyl LP "What it Takes" on Fortune Stellar Records.
Toronto's leading purveyors of Trash Pop and Garage Rock, Mad Ones, have just dropped their highly anticipated new vinyl LP "What it Takes" on Fortune Stellar Records. This marks Mad Ones' fifth studio album, through a joint effort between Fortune Stellar Records, The Orchard, and F.A.B. Distribution.
The album boasts 10 infectious, high-energy tracks, brimming with catchy hooks and straight-to-the-chorus melodies. Recorded with the band performing and singing live in the studio, often with no separation, "What it Takes" captures the raw essence of Mad Ones' electrifying performances. Listeners can expect a unique yet familiar blend of influences, likened to a fusion of Ramones meets Hendrix, CCR meets Nirvana, or The Replacements colliding with The Kinks.
Often drawing comparisons to The Replacements and a grittier Big Star, Mad Ones hails from the heart of Toronto's Rock 'n' Roll scene, delivering tight song structures infused with the untamed energy of their dynamic live shows. Exclaim! Magazine called the trio "Crunchy, garage-tinged rock'n'roll done right," noting their refreshing departure from the overly earnest indie rock scene. Mad Ones has garnered significant support from Canada's esteemed media outlets, including The Verge, Indie88, CBC3, Stingray, and Earshot campus charts. With their latest album, Mad Ones are poised to further captivate their expanding fanbase and connect with an even broader audience.
In reflecting on the journey of the band thus far, Andrew DeVillers, the singer, guitarist, and bandleader of Mad Ones, remarked, "We have experienced all the usual dumb stuff an underrated powerhouse of our stature should…slippery steel staircases that go all the way to the top… being told we should have listed “no cats” on our rider…et cetera, but we’ve had the chance to tour with some of our favourite artists, had a lot of fun making records, and feel pretty lucky we still get to do this at all”.
The band has enjoyed some unique tour moments, electrifying performances at a rave in Serbia, a roller derby in Alberta, the odd roof top and so many more. Andrew, who also co-manages Fortune Stellar Records with his wife, Shiloh Harrison of HotKid, has overseen the release and/or distribution of albums by acclaimed artists including By Divine Right, Ace of Wands, HotKid, Rusty, The Mark Inside, The Mercy Now, and others. Notably, much of the material for the new Mad Ones album was crafted in Toronto, within the confines of an alley space off Queen St. West, once home to the legendary Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet (known for their iconic Kids in the Hall theme). However, it's worth noting that two tracks, "Drone" and "Mess," emerged from a transformative weekend at The Tragically Hip's renowned Bathouse Studio near Kingston.
Listen to the incredible new album by Mad Ones right now, stream it on your preferred music service and connect with the band on their social media.
Super American Announce Forthcoming Album "Gangster of Love", Dropping May 31st
Super American has announced their third full length album, Gangster of Love, to be released May 31 via Wax Bodega. They’ve also released the first single and music video for “Hopefully Pitchfork Doesn’t Hear This”.
Super American has announced their third full length album, “Gangster of Love”, to be released May 31 via Wax Bodega. They’ve also released the first single and music video for “Hopefully Pitchfork Doesn’t Hear This”, a tongue in cheek track that rides palm-muted guitar chunks into a soaring, anxiety-fueled chorus.
Produced by Sam Guaiana (Neck Deep, Bayside), “Gangster of Love” follows 2021’s SUP and 2018’s Tequila Sunrise and found the duo fleeing Buffalo for Los Angeles, where the push and pull between the two songwriters – the real magic at the heart of Super American – was allowed to flourish and grow in a brand-new environment.
Since forming in Western New York in 2016, Patrick Feeley and his musical partner Matt Cox have blurred the line between absurdism and existentialism, swirling ‘90s melodicism, new-millennium pop-punk energy, and heartfelt emo into a wry, smirking rock sound.
Super American feels like the equivalent of their hometown Buffalo Bills’ tailgate scene: gleefully rowdy and best enjoyed with a beer in hand (with the non-zero chance someone might end up leaping through a flaming table when all is said and done).
“SUP was basically a record filled with anxiety as a survival mechanism,” Feeley explains. “This time around, it was less of a victim mindset. Thematically, I feel like it’s more about yearnings and desires and what you want for yourself.”
“We wanted this album to feel like you were stepping into this little world, and working with Sam helped us accomplish that,” says Cox.
“Gangster of Love” will be released on May 31.Pre-save it here: https://go.mhe.fm/sup_gangsteroflove
Tracklisting:
MOMMA, I’M GONNA BE A STAR
Manager Haircut
Mental Karate
Okay. Eat Me Alive.
Hopefully Pitchfork Doesn’t Hear This
Drowning
Limerence II
IDWLG
TOXXXIC BLOODSTREAM
Who’s Gonna Get Me High?
Ugly Cryin’ With My Dog
Admirer
Altima Song
Between the release of SUP and the upcoming album, the band have endeared listeners on tours with the likes of Hot Mulligan, Taking Back Sunday, and Neck Deep and just finished a run with Free Throw and Carpool. They’re poised to go even wider now, bringing Super American’s brand of slacker rock to brand-new audiences.
“We’ve always approached the band from a very innocent, youthful place despite not actually forming as kids,” Cox says. “I think that’s been a little bit of how we’ve lasted so long, by not really being beholden to hindsight. It keeps us moving forward and able to find new listeners.”
Adds Feeley: “Whatever audience gets it and enjoys it, god fucking bless their souls because they must be sick.”
Interview: REPTIEL Discuss Their Newly Released Fifth Album "Down Below World"
San Francisco based prog rock band REPTIEL has just unveiled their fifth album “Down Below World”, and DCWS connected with them for an in-depth interview to discuss the release, Ritual musick, and much more.
“Ritual musick recognizes music as a type of magick, something that is willed into existence from places deep inside our minds or souls (or maybe even beyond) that we would otherwise not have access to.”
Congratulations to the band on the completion and release of your fifth album "Down Below World"; describe for us your creative process for the development of its 14 tracks, and whether there were songs that were recorded that did not make the final tracklist.
Thanks. It was a long time coming and it’s very satisfying to have it finally finished and out in the world. There is never really a defined creative process for us other than going into our rehearsal space and allowing the songs, sounds and stories to come about via jamming, singing, chanting, imagining and vibrating. Somehow the songs, story ideas and lyrics emerge this way. Sometimes ideas or tunes get stuck in our heads and one of us will work out the lyrics at home or bring back to the rehearsal space a part of a song, a new riff or a plot twist. Or sometimes we will collaborate on lyrics or the story over email or text. But the bulk of the 14 tracks were composed together in the rehearsal space.
And no, there were no songs recorded that did no make the final tracklist.
"Down Below World" is the third in your series that began with "Hobbitozz … A Land That Never Was" and then "The Planet of Progkp"; was it difficult to pick up where you left off in 2018, when you started writing for this project?
No, because we already had written the first song, “A Really Deep Groove (Aleph to Bet),” which describes the main characters in the Temple of the Avian Aliens after the ceremony in which Sine becomes Aleph Adept, which takes place at the end of the previous album, The Planet of Progkp. “A Really Deep Groove” is about an earthquake that strikes the temple and splits it in half, and Sine and the Spirit Usher fall into the deep groove/crevasse that opens up. So we knew the story would be continuing inside the planet.
We also had written the first part of the second song, “It’s an Alternate World,” which is a reference to the song “It’s a World” on The Planet of Progkp album. So everything just flowed from there.
How did you come up with the overall story for Sine and his transgalactic guide the Spirit Usher back in 2015, and have there been any other SciFi/Fantasy, Psychedelic Prog Rock projects that have inspired your work?
Really, the whole thing was inspired by the made-up word Hobbitozz (which reminds me of the first line of Genesis, “In the beginning was the Word”), which came from a discussion in our rehearsal space about Black Sabbath, The Lord of the Rings and a hobbit version of Ozzy Osbourne.
The word Hobbitozz had a magical effect on us. It seemed we had discovered the name of a fantasy world or distant planet. Then the characters came to us: Forest Boy, the Woodland Witch, JackOh the Green, the Druid of the Wood, etc. The songs and story soon followed, continuing for three albums so far. It is unclear when the story and the songs will cease to reveal themselves to us.
Aside from the above mentioned inspirations, some others during that time were Patrick Rothfus’ books in The Kingkiller Chronicle, David Lindsay’s classic science fiction novel A Voyage to Arcturus, and Jon Anderson’s LP Olias of Sunhillow. Aside from Jon Anderson’s masterpiece, I would cite Warp Riders by The Sword, which is more metal than psych/prog, but its SciFi/Fantasy concept and Dan McPharlin’s amazing artwork have long inspired me.
Tell us about the incredible accompanying album artwork that is featured on the Libretto page, and how did you connect with the artists who provided their illustrations?
Thank you for noticing the artwork and asking about it and for referring to it as incredible. I also think it’s incredible. I’d also like to point out that in addition to the artwork on the CD digipak and the accompanying libretto booklet, there is web page that includes more artwork for all the songs on the Down Below World album (cubby.net/ccr/dbw). I’ve done this for each of the albums in the Hobbitozz/Progkp/Down Below series: ask artists to illustrate a song or songs from the album. This time around the artists are all people I’ve collaborated with in the past. A few of them (Doug, Rani, Tristy, Chris and Cyane) have been collaborating with us since before REPTIEL, when we were all part of the Cubby art collective here in San Francisco. Doug, Rani, Daniela, Anselm and Cye have contributed artwork to all three of the Hobbitozz/Progkp/Down Below albums. Dru, who did the cover, is the newest collaborator, but he also did the cover art for our Cubby Preachers 6 project (released two years ago on Cubby Control Records).
I love these artists, because not only are they very talented and create unique work, but they do it for the love of creating art. The way it works is I provide them with the lyrics and the storyline, provide them with unmastered versions of the songs, ask them to pick a song (or songs) that they’d like to illustrate, and leave it up to them to interpret in their own way. They never cease to amaze me.
With "Down Below World" now released, what's next musically for the band?
We actually have a sort of punk rock/post-punk side project we’re preparing to record. We’re not sure yet what we’re going to call it, but look out for it on Cubby Control Records in the next year.
As for REPTIEL, we have composed a prequel to the Hobbitozz/Progkp/Down Below series of albums called The Broadcaster, which is about a band that starts receiving strange radio signals through its amplifiers in their rehearsal space from an entity called The Broad caster, who is perhaps from another dimension, or from across space and time, and who provides instructions to the band to write songs about a distant world in order to save that world from destruction. But there are forces that don’t want the band to achieve its goal.
We haven’t yet begun recording the songs, but plan to resume rehearsing them soon and preparing them to record soon.
Back in 2009, as members of various Bay Area based bands, what led you to come together and form REPTIEL, and how would you describe the concept of "ritual musick" when creating new music?
Three of the members of REPTIEL (myself, Alec and Jason Y.) had been playing in The Druggles, so when our lead singer fled San Francisco in 2009 to live in an aluminum foil-lined cave in Saguaro National Park outside of Tucson (read more about that here: http://cubby.net/ccr/spacegodpills.html), The Druggles’ drummer also left the band. I had played in The Cubby Creatures with Jason G., and I knew he was no longer playing drums with Thee More Shallows, so I asked if he’d be interested in playing with myself, Alec and Jason Y. Alec suggested the name REPTIEL, which he saw in a dream, and here we are 5 albums later.
I alluded to our creative process, or the lack of a defined creative process, in the answer to the first question. But we do have means by which we stimulate creativeness, a process which we call “ritual musick.” The addition of the “k” in Crowleyian terms differentiates the practice from other types of music that are meant purely for entertainment.
Ritual musick recognizes music as a type of magick, something that is willed into existence from places deep inside our minds or souls (or maybe even beyond) that we would otherwise not have access to. I am not at liberty to convey the entirety of the rituals but I can say that they involve manipulating sound waves and vibrations; altering our minds in order to discover the stories imbedded in the substances we have ingested; finding ourselves in states of ecstasy or torment; chanting nonsense and singing in tongues; interpreting the visions received and converting them to music, sounds and lyrics that are able to be comprehended by other human minds.
Read our review of the “Down Below World” album HERE
Stream and Share “Down Below World” on Bandcamp
Connect with REPTIEL: Facebook
Oakland’s Fog Lamp Drop Haunting Synthpunk LP with Single/Video “You Prove Yourself Wrong”
Oakland, California’s premiere synth-punks Fog Lamp have released their sophomore LP “Anxious Stargazing” on The Bucket Records with their latest video-single “You Prove Yourself Wrong.”
Oakland, California’s premiere synth-punks Fog Lamp have released their sophomore LP “Anxious Stargazing” on The Bucket Records with their latest video-single “You Prove Yourself Wrong.” With their refusal to conform to traditional norms, exemplified by their choice to incorporate a drum machine instead of a drummer, Fog Lamp continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations.
Their music has garnered praise from both seasoned goth enthusiasts and newcomers alike. In 2022, Willow House Records introduced Fog Lamp to the world with their debut album, Conversation?, showcasing the band's penchant for discordant arrangements and introspective lyrics. Following this successful debut, The Bucket Records have unleashed their sophomore effort, Anxious Stargazing, further solidifying Fog Lamp's presence in the Bay Area punk scene. "We played some great shows in 2023," says vocalist Aaron. "I like to pick up things in DIY spaces and dance with them. We played at a vintage clothing store and danced with a woman’s boot covering my hand. We used it to twirl around the Valentine’s Day flowers that were hanging from the ceiling. We also opened for some great bands including Combo, Warp, and Sick Thoughts."
Fog Lamp's latest music video, "You Prove Yourself Wrong," is a haunting synthpunk creation that defies genre boundaries. Drawing inspiration from cyberpunk, darkwave, and goth influences, this visually-stunning production promises to captivate viewers with its surreal imagery and 80's VHS quality aesthetic. Directed by cinematographers Paul Abueg-Igaz and Niki Selken, the video transports audiences into a realm where reality and fantasy intertwine. Live footage of Fog Lamp's electrifying performance sets the stage, capturing the raw energy and intensity of their music. Against a backdrop of pulsating beats and ethereal melodies, scenes unfold featuring technicolor skeletons, their fluorescent hues casting an eerie glow in the darkness, blurring the lines between the organic and the synthetic.
"You Prove Yourself Wrong" invites viewers on a journey through the depths of imagination, challenging perceptions and defying expectations at every turn. Whether you're a die-hard fan of synthpunk or simply intrigued by the allure of the unknown, Fog Lamp's music video promises an unforgettable experience that transcends the ordinary.
Review: "Down Below World" by REPTIEL
Check out our exclusive, in depth review of “Down Below World” by San Francisco Psychedelic Prog Rock band REPTIEL right now!
San Francisco’s REPTIEL use a mind-melting blend of styles, textures, and timbres in their otherworldly “Down Below World” album. Sunburnt psychedelic rock with a neat twist of progressive rock dilates time, slowing it down and speeding it up at a moment’s notice. By keeping things so strange, they keep the listener guessing, refusing to clarify anything. This mysterious tenor defines the entire journey through the album. There’s a gleefulness they take in being so willfully obscure.
Acid alliteration is akin to that of Van Dyke Parks' levels of abstraction and poetic, given the sheer opaque number of references. The broken nursery rhyme cadence draws from early Pink Floyd, specifically Syd Barrett's era “Piper at the Gates of Dawn.”
Utterly disregarding the usual, REPTIEL morph their tones into something akin to Faust’s early 70s relentless experimentation. For all these touchstones, there’s a strong sense of community that helps to give the “Down Below World” album a well-deserved mysticism, as if things are just continuously residing on the edge of perception. Messing with listener expectations feels refreshing, as they refuse to play it safe.
Vocals bloom on the tone-setting “A Really Deep Groove (Aleph to Bet).” The sprawling “It’s an Alternate World” explores a whole universe, which feels like a series of suites connected through the narrative. “Deep(er) Below” has warped wonder from the strength of the guitar riffs to the celebratory keyboards that adorn the experience.
Wordless is the interlude of “Searching for Thos” and “Ja’roque” completely baffles with retro synthesizers and a chorus borrowed from the criminally underrated Cromagnon, whose general vibe continues with the following “Ja’vere’s Theme.” Glam rock with a sci-fi aesthetic runs through the swagger of “Obsidian City.” “Preserved in Amber” feels like a long-lost classic transmitted from another universe. A pure drone on “Turbulent Blobs” makes it one of the more straightforward pieces of the album.
Keyboards intersect on the slow-moving gait of “Introit”, while twisting and turning “Thos Unearthed” has a grandeur. Patterns intersect, giving “Post-synergistic, Atmospheric Explosion” a celebratory sensation that underpins the message. Like a hazy late-summer afternoon is the dazed “Chamber of Reflections.” A more minimal “VITRIOL” ends the album on an eerie note.
Done with a sense of whimsy and charm, REPTIEL delivers something genuinely divine in “Down Below World”.