Interview: Barely Civil

Adam Grundy Jan 10, 2024

Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with one of my favorite up-and-coming emo bands in this scene, Barely Civil, who are gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated third LP. The record will be called I’d Say I’m Not Fine, and it was produced by Chris Tetti. In this interview, I asked the band members about the exciting new direction they took on this new LP, what they looked towards for inspiration, and much more. I’d Say I’m Not Fine will be available on March 22nd via Take This To Heart Records, and pre-orders are live.

Adam Grundy Jan 10, 2024

Today is a great day to share the latest single and video from Ashlynn Malia called “Dying To Miss Out.” On this electric-charged new track that’s based on recent heartache, Malia channels her love for artists like Halsey and Lana Del Rey into her own eclectic mix of pop. Malia shared, “This song’s for those situations where I’d rather be literally anywhere than around the person I miss most, not because I don’t want to see them, but because of how badly I do want to see them despite how painful the interactions are.” The song comes from her highly anticipated debut LP, MALIA, that will be released on February 2nd via Jullian Records. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Jan 10, 2024

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Susannah B, an ultra-talented songwriter who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming album, POV, with the lead single called “Talkin’ To Myself.” Susannah B shared:

I wrote it over 20 years ago during a time of profound change, when I was pregnant. What began as my own rallying cry against the creeping shadows of self-doubt has evolved, much like I have. The song has matured, with a bridge that’s been re-imagined and a chorus that’s deepened in its truthfulness, mirroring the way I now confront that persistent inner critic. This critical voice familiar to so many of us can bring me to a standstill even after all these years. Yet the song remains hopeful and honest about the reality that this struggle with self-doubt might be a lifelong companion for many.

Through its evolution, “Talkin’ to Myself” is for anyone who’s ever faced the paralyzing echoes of self-critique, reminding us that while the conversation with ourselves can be challenging, it’s a universal experience that binds us in our shared humanity.

Adam Grundy Jan 10, 2024

Today I’m thrilled to introduce everyone to Indie-Americana songwriter, Josephine, who is releasing her latest single called “Normal.” The song comes from her forthcoming EP, Leaning, that will be released this March. Josephine shared, “I wrote ‘Normal’ a little over a month after a breakup. This is when the initial sadness faded but it was still present and I was exhausted from it. I was over being a mess physically, mentally, and emotionally. I did multiple layers of vocals to create a haunting and pulling feeling, and I wanted you to be able to hear the upset and exhaustion in the harmonies.” If you’re ready to discover your next favorite artist who checks all of the boxes for what you’d want in a songwriter, Josephine is here for you.

Adam Grundy Jan 9, 2024

Today is a great day to share the latest single and video from Charles Moothart, called “One Wish.” On this great-sounding new track, Moothart channels his love for psych rock in a crowd-pleasing package. The single comes from his new LP, Black Holes Don’t Choke, that will be released on March 8th via In The Red Records. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Jan 8, 2024

2023 was absolutely S-T-A-C-K-E-D from top to bottom with some incredible music from so many talented artists. Below is a collection of my favorite albums (which include several EPs, for the first time on my year-end list, because I adored them so much), a separate call out for EPs, a playlist of my favorite songs, the best concerts I attended, my favorite books I read during the year, as well as my favorite interviews I conducted. Also, be sure to check out my favorite movies and TV shows that kept my attention in 2023. I wish all of you a very happy New Year, and I’m thrilled to spend another year with everyone on this site and in the forums.

Adam Grundy Jan 5, 2024

The latest greatest hits collection from veteran Alternative Rockers, Collective Soul, called 7even Year Itch: Greatest Hits, 1994-2001 is a fitting and nice introduction to the band’s best work during this time period. It has all the major hits that you’d want in a compilation, from “Shine” and “Heavy” to more reflective songs like “The World I Know,” there truly is a little bit of everything to be found here. The set was produced by lead vocalist Ed Roland, and he carefully sequences the songs found on this greatest hits album in a way that makes sense for the listener to best consume it. The album was originally released on September 18, 2001, but it never found its way to the vinyl format until last month, via Craft Recordings. The vinyl packaging is a bit on the simplistic side, with a standard weight LP that is encased in a full-color sleeve with lyrics on one side, and some band photography on the other. The reissued set includes “Next Homecoming” and “Energy” for the first time in this package, and neither song feels out of place when listening to it front to back. Collective Soul were one of radio rock’s biggest bands, and they deserve another moment to relish in their best work.

Adam Grundy Jan 3, 2024

Recently, I was able to catch up with Pat (drums) and Garrett (bass), of The Maine, before they played a show at The Fillmore Silver Spring. In this interview, I asked the band about their range of emotions with putting together the Sweet 16th Anniversary Tour, how they’d rank their albums in their discography, the status of several key vinyl reissues, and some fun facts about each of the band members.

Adam Grundy Dec 18, 2023

Recently I was able to catch up with composer/Underoath keyboardist, Chris Dudley, to discuss his recent scores for films like the Screambox exclusive, Night of the Missing, that is currently available for streaming. In this interview, I asked Chris about some of his favorite scores of all time, his process for making his scores for films he’s assigned to, how music can feel different when listening to it in different environments, and he also offered up some news about Underoath’s new album progress.

Adam Grundy Dec 15, 2023

The fifth LP from roots rockers, Uncle Lucius, is a solid slab of blues-driven guitar rock that hits its mark more often than not. Like It’s The Last One Left is the band’s first album since 2018, and their song “Keep The Wolves Away” was featured on the hit TV show, Yellowstone, recently that helped reinvigorate an interest in the band. Flash forward to 2023, and Uncle Lucius have returned with a record worthy of the legacy that they have built before them. The album was recorded to analog tape, with everyone playing together in real time, and you can really feel the energy of the band coming back together here. Uncle Lucius is back for all the right reasons, and I think we’re all better off for it.

Adam Grundy Dec 13, 2023

Today is a great day to share the new single from Chicago-based garage punk band, Trash Fiasco, called “One Bird.” Displaying the group’s elastic vocals and rhythmic drive, “One Bird” is straightforward without being mundane, and embodies every bit of reckless, gritty energy that their name suggests, as the band blasts their way through the song’s 70-second run time. With a sound similar to energetic punk bands like The Cramps and Wine Lips, Trash Fiasco have truly arrived. I was also able to catch up with the band for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Dec 13, 2023

Today is a great day to share the news that indie rock band, Sonic Blume, have released their latest single and video for “Falling Behind.” Sonic Blume is Max Connery on vocals/guitar/synth, Danny Murray on drums, Noah Sullivan on guitar/synth, and James Waltsak on bass, and this NJ-based band is onto great things on this track. The single comes from their latest LP, All Your Favorite Songs that is out everywhere you stream your music now. I was also able to catch up with this talented band for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Dec 8, 2023

Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom call with Nick Woolford (bassist/backing vocals) of Have Mercy to discuss the band’s latest full length record called Numb, that releases today via Rude Records. In this interview, I asked Nick about the band’s process for crafting the songs on this LP, the chemistry with their new drummer, how Taylor Swift’s Midnights led the band to some creative discoveries, and their favorite bands/venues in the Maryland area. Numb is available today here.

Adam Grundy Dec 8, 2023

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single from Chris Garneau called “First Man.” On this vibrant single, it finds Garneau plumb the longing of a person’s first crush: the excitement, surprise, and, eventual heartbreak. The song comes from the forthcoming Out of Love release by Garneau. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below.

Adam Grundy Dec 7, 2023

Today is a great day to share the new single from alt-pop artist from NY, who goes by Middle Part, called “Nowhere.” On this new track, the gritty pop elements showcase an artist willing to take calculated risks to expand his sound. The artist shared, “‘Nowhere’ is a refrain from all the anger that populates a lot of the record. It’s a confession of wanting to choose self-acceptance over continuously worrying about what others may think. Appreciating the present moment rather than placing oneself at the center of the universe is the key theme.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider visiting Middle Part’s Bandcamp page here.

Interview: Barely Civil

Ashlynn Malia – “Dying To Miss Out” (Video Premiere)

Susannah B – “Talkin’ To Myself” (Song Premiere)

Josephine – “Normal” (Song Premiere)

Charles Moothart – “One Wish” (Video Premiere)

Adam Grundy’s Top Albums of 2023

Review: Collective Soul – 7even Year Itch: Greatest Hits, 1994-2001

Interview: Pat Kirch and Garrett Nickelsen of The Maine

Interview: Chris Dudley of Underoath

Review: Uncle Lucius – Like It’s The Last One Left

Trash Fiasco – “One Bird” (Song Premiere)

Sonic Blume – “Falling Behind” (Video)

Interview: Nick Woolford of Have Mercy

Chris Garneau – “First Man” (Song Premiere)

Middle Part – “Nowhere” (Song Premiere)