It’s funny when you realize you’ve found an artist that you just know is going the change the landscape or rock, indie rock, and maybe music in general from the first time you hear that distinct sound. The Strokes released their debut record, Is This It, fairly under the radar, with the exception of RCA Records knowing they may have the next really big indie band on their label for the foreseeable future. The Strokes released an EP called The Modern Age in early 2001, which sparked an intense bidding war of major labels falling over themselves to earn the trust of the New York City-based rock band. Is This It was recorded then under the tutelage of producer Gordon Raphael (Regina Spektor) and was ultimately released 20 years ago today in Australia, first. The record would then gradually be released in several countries as their tours were being conducted across the world, and the physical version of the CD would hit the states in October (due to a delay after 9/11 and the label decision to exclude “New York City Cops” on the original sequencing. The vinyl version released on 9/11 still continues to have the track in the original tracklisting).
Read More “The Strokes – Is This It”‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ Trailer
The trailer for Venom: Let Their Be Carnage is here.
Read More “‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ Trailer”Conor Oberst and Waxahatchee Talk Songwriting Tips
Conor Oberst and Waxahatchee trade songwriting tips in a new interview over at Consequence:
Crutchfield: That’s pretty much exactly how I do it. It takes me so long to write lyrics, so I collect all of these vocal melodies and just sort of have them in my back pocket. When I finally sit down to write words, it’s like the most painful and torturous process, and it takes so long.
Oberst: Not to butter your bread, but your melodies are always so incredible. And then to have that with the amazing lyrics and your voice is insane. Total package over there. I feel like the lyric writing is the easiest thing for me. Do you ever write something that you’re stoked about, and then you realize that it’s already a song?
Cassadee Pope – “What The Stars See” (Acoustic)
Cassadee Pope has shared a new acoustic version of “What the Stars See” featuring Sean Mackin of Yellowcard on violin.
Read More “Cassadee Pope – “What The Stars See” (Acoustic)”The Weeknd Teases New Album
The Weeknd has begun teasing the new album The Dawn. He also sat down with GQ:
Read More “The Weeknd Teases New Album”“It’s the album I’ve always wanted to make,” Abel said. That statement would linger in my brain for days. As did the music. It became nearly impossible to find something else to listen to. Everything else sounded soft. Or didn’t groove enough. Or felt too happy. Or too sad. It was clear to me that this isn’t just the album The Weeknd has always wanted to make; it’s the album we’ve always wanted him to make.
Limp Bizkit Debut New Song
Limp Bizkit debuted their new song “Dad Vibes” at Lollapalooza.
Read More “Limp Bizkit Debut New Song”Liner Notes (July 31st, 2021)
This week’s newsletter is a little longer than most as I make up for lost time. There’s thoughts on the new Bleachers album, first impressions of the new CHVRCHES album, thoughts on tracking TV show watching, articles I enjoyed over the past few weeks, and even more commentary on music, movies, and tv shows I consumed over the past two weeks. There’s also a playlist of ten songs I enjoyed, 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 31st, 2021)”Rick Astley Goes to a Billion
Rick Astley has now hit a billion views on YouTube.
Read More “Rick Astley Goes to a Billion”New Found Glory – “Backseat”
New Found Glory have shared the new song “Backseat.”
Read More “New Found Glory – “Backseat””PVRIS – “Monster”
PVRIS have released their new song “Monster.”
Read More “PVRIS – “Monster””All Time Low – “PMA”
All Time Low have dropped their new song “PMA” featuring Pale Waves.
Read More “All Time Low – “PMA””Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! – “Complete You” Video
Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! have released a video for “Complete You.”
Read More “Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! – “Complete You” Video”Meet Me @ The Altar – “Brighter Days (Are Before Us)”
Meet Me @ The Altar have shared the new song “Brighter Days (Are Before Us).”
Read More “Meet Me @ The Altar – “Brighter Days (Are Before Us)””Albums in Stores – Jul. 30th, 2021
If you hit read more you can see all the releases we have in our calendar for the week. Hit the comments to access our forums and talk about what came out today, what albums you picked up, and to make mention of anything we may have missed.
Read More “Albums in Stores – Jul. 30th, 2021”Interview: Sarah and the Safe Word
This past week, I was able to chat with lead vocalist Sarah Rose of Sarah and the Safe Word before the band releases the brand new single, “Lost Ring On Riverside,” out everywhere today. In this interview, we discussed the band’s process for writing songs like this latest single, their love of cabaret and scene bands like My Chemical Romance and Panic! At The Disco, as well as the plans for the one-year anniversary of their last full-length record Good Gracious! Bad People.
Read More “Sarah and the Safe Word”