features - PAGE 62

Interview: Brendan Kelly of The Lawrence Arms

Brendan Kelly
Adam Grundy

This past week, I was able to get a hold of Brendan Kelly of The Lawrence Arms before he embarks on a full US tour, including an expertly planned “troll job” of a gig on August 21st at the Four Seasons Total Landscaping venue with Laura Jane Grace. In this interview, we talked about the circumstances that led to this show, the things he admires most about Laura, his songwriting process, and how the pandemic delayed a lot of his creativity and motivation. Brendan’s “Here Goes Nothin'” tour begins on July 30th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and will wrap up in Cleveland, Ohio on August 22nd. Merchandise for the Four Seasons Total Landscaping show is now on sale.

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Dim – ‘From Dark To Light We’ll See’ (Album Premiere)

Dim
Adam Grundy

Today I’m thrilled to share that the band Dim (featuring previous band members of The Dangerous Summer and Woe Is Me) chose our site to premiere their new album called From Dark To Light We’ll See. The band’s direction on this latest album is the perfect soundtrack to this past year of darkness and the tumultuous experience of living through a pandemic. Dim is in the same landscape of other artists like The Spill Canvas, Saosin, and Bring Me The Horizon. Dim welcomes you into their world, a day earlier than anyone, else exclusively here!

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Interview: Joe Principe of Rise Against

Rise Against
Adam Grundy

This past week, I was able to chat with Joe Principe (bassist) of Rise Against before the band embarks on one of their most ambitious tours to date. In this interview we discussed where the title of their excellent new album Nowhere Generation came from, the songwriting process that the band went through during these sessions, what Rise Against plan to do with their bonus material, as well as how Joe stayed active in the causes he is passionate about during the pandemic. Rise Against will be starting their headlining tour with support from the Descendents and The Menzingers.

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Interview: M.A.G.S.

Adam Grundy

This past week, I was able to connect with Elliot Douglas, better known as the artist M.A.G.S. for a Zoom interview. In this enlightening interview, he discussed where the title of his new album Say Things That Matter (out everywhere on August 13th) originated from, his unique upbringing with a variety of musical styles, his connection to the emo and pop-punk scene, as well as how his upcoming tour preparations are going. I also asked M.A.G.S. about this new “wave” of artists who are creating their own trend, and how he sees himself fitting with the music landscape today.

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Liner Notes (July 10th, 2021)

Sunshine
Jason Tate

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.

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Interview: Ali Tabatabaee and Adrian Estrella of Zebrahead

Zebrahead
Adam Grundy

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.

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The Golden Casket is Good News For People Who Love Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse
Brett Bodner

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.

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Liner Notes (June 19th, 2021)

Beach
Jason Tate

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.

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Savas – “Pastels” (Video Premiere)

Savas
Adam Grundy

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.

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Do You Get Déjà Vu Listening To Olivia Rodrigo?

Olivia
Adam Grundy

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.

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