Hayley Williams Comments on “Stan Wars”

Paramore

Hayley Williams of Paramore in a now-expired Instagram story (that Stereogum transcribed):

Something I’ve been thinking about a lot, and why I don’t really love it… Especially in the music world, whether it’s the pop girls or any scene, really, people only give a fuck about numbers now, and stats. And that is so lame. It’s very fun, don’t get me wrong. It’s sick. We’ve had a #1 album and top this and that albums, yes. That shit is great…

But I just remember a time when that was not so important, and that also wasn’t a gotcha for a stan-war type of situation. Anyway, I just think it’s really fucking annoying. My side of the internet, which is basically not really the internet, I just get to support all the pop girls. Maybe that’s privilege because I’m not a pop girl, but I just think everyone should cool it and let people make really great music and shit… I’m over it.

Yep. Co-signed.

Interview: Johnny Stevens of Highly Suspect

Highly Suspect

Recently I was able to catch up with lead vocalist/guitarist of Highly Suspect, Johnny Stevens, to discuss the band’s great new album that released today, called As Above, So Below. In this interview, I asked Johnny about where the album title originated from, the lyrical inspiration behind key tracks, and the songs he feels will translate best to the live setting. Today, Highly Suspect has released a music video for “Plastic Boxes,” and the band will be on tour starting this September with tickets on sale here.

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Review: Eliza & The Delusionals – Make It Feel Like The Garden

The second studio album from Eliza & The Delusionals is a stunning collection of songs that play off of each other brilliantly and put emphasis on the songwriting improvements from the band. Make It Feel Like The Garden was produced by Oscar Dawson (Holy Holy, Amy Shark) and lead singer Eliza Klatt shared, “It was interesting to see how working in a different part of the world, outside of the comfort of our home studio and Australia in general, has influenced our writing and the process of demoing the songs. Recording the album with Oscar Dawson was an incredibly collaborative experience. He continued to push us out of our comfort zones which led us to feeling really free creatively. I think this also made us write in our most honest and genuine form.” The album is built around several different flowery interludes, including “Iris,” “Marigold,” “Dahlia,” “Arabella,” and lastly “Violet” that help set the stage for the music that comes flowing after. By creating an authentic record that plays into a sound similar to bands like The Aces, Wolf Alice, and The 1975, Eliza & The Delusionals prove that they are here to stay.

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Marlin’s Dreaming – “Lucky Star” (Video Premiere)

Marlin's Dreaming

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest music video from indie pop band, Marlin’s Dreaming, called ”Lucky Star.” On this great-sounding and upbeat new single, the band channels their love for big hooks and power pop into a crowd-pleasing package. Lead vocalist Semis Maiai shared, “The album needed an upbeat, fast-paced track, and this one hit the mark. It might be the last song we wrote and tracked before wrapping up the album. But really, it’s just a love song about my partner and me, and the feeling that sometimes I can’t quite provide exactly what they want and need. Yet, somehow, we’ve been together for ages, and it’s worked. So, I guess I’m questioning it, accepting it, and reflecting on it all at once.” If you’re enjoying the new single, please consider pre-ordering their new EP, HIRL, that releases on August 16th here. I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.

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