This week’s newsletter has first impressions of The Maine’s new release as well as some thoughts on other music, movies, and entertainment I consumed over the past week. There’s also a playlist of ten songs worth checking out, and this week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (July 10th, 2021)”
A lot has changed in the world of Zebrahead since I last connected with Ali Tabatabaee. The band recently announced that longtime guitarist and front-man, Matty Lewis, had left the band, the pandemic rocked these road veterans touring plans, and the punk rockers were looking for a way to pick up the pieces in searching for their next lead singer of Zebrahead. Enter Adrian Estrella (front-man of Assuming We Survive) to take the coveted reins of the band as they begin their third chapter. In this interview, Ali and Adrian discuss the circumstances that led to Matty Lewis leaving Zebrahead, why the band chose Adrian to move forward with the recording of their new album and upcoming touring plans, as well as what they both think the future holds in store for this latest exciting version of the band.
Read More “Ali Tabatabaee and Adrian Estrella of Zebrahead”
We’re a little over half way into 2021 … so it’s that time again to recap the year in music. Below, you will find both our combined staff top 30, as well as individual lists from our contributors and moderators. Here’s hoping you find something new to love.
Note: You can share your own list in our music forum.
Read More “The Best Albums of 2021 (So Far)”
When Modest Mouse’s The Moon & Antarctica turned 20 last year, I was so excited to learn that many contributors here loved the band as much as I do. Now that we all assemble like The Avengers from time to time to take on new releases like Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR, it only made sense for us to put our heads together for Modest Mouse’s new album The Golden Casket. I was lucky to be joined by Aaron Mook and Mary Varvaris as we dove headfirst into the band’s first new full length since 2015. Here we broke down all that we enjoyed, any potential hiccups and took a big picture look at the band as whole.
Read More “The Golden Casket is Good News For People Who Love Modest Mouse”
This week’s newsletter has some thoughts and concerns about Apple Music’s “Spatial Audio.” There’s also thoughts on music I listened to this week, some movies I watched, and a playlist of ten songs I enjoyed. This week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (July 3rd, 2021)”
Hello Saturday.
This week’s newsletter has a love letter to Mark Hoppus and some thoughts on the music and entertainment I enjoyed over the past week. There’s also a playlist of ten songs I enjoyed this week and this week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (June 26th, 2021)”
A couple of weeks ago, I was able to catch up with a new artist named Ariel Bellvalaire. In this interview, I asked Ariel about her amazing guitar playing abilities, what keeps her motivated as a musician and a songwriter, as well as the Mad Max-inspired music video for her single, “Elastic.” Ariel’s new single will be released this Friday, June 25th, with the EP to follow shortly thereafter.
Read More “Ariel Bellvalaire”
Since I didn’t write last week, this week has two weeks’ worth of content for you. I share some articles I enjoyed over the past few weeks, share some thoughts on music I’ve been enjoying (it’s been oddly pop-punk heavy lately), and reminisce on Blink-182’s TOYPAJ as it turns twenty. As always, there are also some random thoughts on other entertainment I consumed over the past few weeks and some commentary on how I’ve been viewing life as I continue to grow older. There’s also a playlist of ten songs I enjoyed last week, and this week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (June 19th, 2021)”
The Portland, Maine R&B/pop artist known as Savas (also the vocalist of Roseview), is premiering his brand new music video today for the song “Pastels.” This song connects Savas to the unique communication we have with art, and is similar to other standout artists like YUNGBLUD with the songwriting poise of Phoebe Bridgers. Savas describes “Pastels” as being, “about the problems and struggles of lusting over someone that communicates through their art and actions. Its lyrics share the more emotional side of dating while the song as a whole portrays a poppy and happier side.” With so much more to come from this exciting artist, there’s no better time to invite you into Savas’ world.
Read More “Savas – “Pastels” (Video Premiere)”
When we last premiered a feature on Taylor Swift comparing both versions of Fearless, I was intrigued by the idea of working with my fellow contributors on a similar collaborative piece. Our next group topic takes a look at Olivia Rodrigo’s ultra-popular SOUR album. I asked Mary Varvaris and Zac Djamoos to join me in discussing key comparisons in Rodrigo’s sound to other modern artists, what worked well on the album, as well any missteps or areas for improvement in the young artist’s sound.
Read More “Do You Get Déjà Vu Listening To Olivia Rodrigo?”
This week’s newsletter has thoughts on music released this week, some of the entertainment I consumed, and random thoughts on time tracking, flipping through Dan Ozzi’s new book Sellout, and a playlist of ten songs I loved. This week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (June 5th, 2021)”
Parting is essentially a revivalist-emo super group consisting of Keith Latinen (Empire! Empire!), Ben Hendricks (Annabel), Gooey Fame (ex-Dowsing), and John Guynn (Hawk & Son). Latinen and Hendricks signature vocals pace the upbeat and melodic sound – their debut album Unmake Me is a must-listen for any fan of the genre. The collection drops this Friday but we got an exclusive first taste. Check it out below and pre-order it here.
Read More “Parting – ‘Unmake Me’ (Album Premiere)”
MxPx will be doing another Between This World and the Next show on June 4th. Today they’ve shared a performance of “Secret Weapon” to set the stage and whet the appetite. You can find more information and tickets at their website.
Also, if you’re looking for more MxPx content, after I appeared on the Long Live the Music podcast to talk about the band, Mike Herrera himself went on for a follow-up episode. It’s definitely worth your time.
Oh, and I hear more new music from the band may be just around the corner.
Read More “MxPx Share Live “Secret Weapon””
Like many artists this past year, 2020 was a challenging one for Mannequin Pussy. Just a few months removed from releasing Patience – their first record for Epitaph Records – the world was shut down by COVID-19. After discovering that creating new music in a socially distant type of way wasn’t working, the Philadelphia-based trio booked time at Will Yip’s Studio 4 to spark some creativity. What emerged was the Perfect EP – a five-track collection that showcases the best of Mannequin Pussy’s sound while also displaying a tenderness within. From the booming passion of “Control” and “To Lose You” to the abrasive thrash of the title track and “Pigs is Pigs,” Mannequin Pussy continues to evolve their style in incredibly special and diverse ways. Below, guitarist/vocalist Missy Dabice and I discuss being creative during a global pandemic, working with Yip, and “Drunk II” (of course).
Read More “Missy Dabice of Mannequin Pussy”
Hello, hello, hello. Happy Jason is Fully Vaccinated Day to all who celebrate.
This week’s newsletter shares thoughts on the new Apple TV remote, the Friends reunion special, the new Sigrid single, and much more. You’ll also find a playlist of ten songs I enjoyed this week, and this week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here.
If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here.
Read More “Liner Notes (May 30th, 2021)”