Portland-based artist Care Again (Brandon Kerrigan) has just released an inspired new album titled Sit Outside. The album consists of 12 songs, all characterized by their eclectic tunes and catchy choruses.
Sit Outside is a culmination of ten years’ worth of music. The long-time musician shares that many of the musical components used in the album were written at the City College of San Francisco, using an upright piano in the music wing’s practice room. The music was produced by Dylan Magierek in the Badman Records Studio in Portland. A fun fact is that Kerrigan is a big-time fan of Magierek’s previous work STRFKR, released in 2008; he and his friends would listen to it religiously in high school.
My personal favorite is “Allergies”. In the chorus:
The way you love me, the way you love me, it’s too disturbing, I need to rest in peace. The way you love me, the way you love me, it’s too discerning, I need some room to breathe.
Kerrigan compares his lover’s affection to that of seasonal allergies. This person is suffocating him with love, so much so that he would rather be left alone. If this song was a fable the moral of the story would be that too much of something, even if it is good, is a bad thing. I love the metaphorical meaning behind these lyrics. Everyone can relate to these lines, whether the affection is coming from a significant other, parent, or clingy pet!
And I cannot write a review on this album without mentioning the cover art. Most notable is the large tree in the middle of the cover, surrounded by yellowing leaves with a backdrop of a clear blue sky reflecting a pond below. The transparent font of the album title lets the background art do the talking. This psychedelic yet fresh and earthy cover is a perfect representation of all of Care Again’s songs.
You can listen to the album on July 12th via physical copy, Spotify, Bandcamp, and careagainmusic.com. Follow Kerrigan on Instagram and subscribe to his YouTube channel to show some extra support!
The headliner of night 1 at Boulevardia 2024 was Milky Chance, a band the event’s organizers had been trying to contract for years. They were giddy as they introduced them, as the night set in on the streets of downtown Kansas City. The band was as fun as ever and the music created an entirely standalone vibe in the main stage. Milky Chance kind of sprinkles magic where they go with their feel-good energy. Photos below to prove it.
For two decades, Scott Fisher has crafted musical fusions of his own design, with works featured in popular TV shows such as Shameless, Parks & Recreation, and Gossip Girl. His groovy rhythms are infectiously catchy and are right at home in these comedies and dramas. If his new single “Still the Same” were in a show, it would accompany a protagonist returning to their old hometown, expecting friends and family to have changed—only, they find that everything has stayed the same.
Funky jazz chords and a guitar riff hook the listener from the start, evoking 1970s production styles. Fisher’s voice echoes with reverb, infusing the song with a contemporary indie-pop spin. The lyrics are contemplative, as the speaker observes the inherent constancy of people despite ever-changing surroundings. Fisher observes that “the same old thoughts” are “in different brains” and “the gray in your beard is all that changed.” It’s a timeless feeling, as we move from one place in life to the next and realize that human emotions are, at their core, changeless.
“Still the Same” is the third single from Fisher’s upcoming album, Kingdom of Ego. Fisher is currently based in Los Angeles, where he has worked on acclaimed television shows (Shameless, Parks and Recreation, Better Call Saul, The Good Doctor, etc.). He has opened for Brandi Carlile, Augustana, and Pink Martini, in line with their genre-crossing musical styles.
St. Louis’ Story of The Year has been making the rounds in 2023. But their announcement as the opener at Yellowcard’s first show in New York in years helped to secure the lineup of the summer. Our emo nostalgia minds were absolutely blown from the very first chords, and we are thrilled to have been present for this magic.
Step into the enchanting realm of Luna Aura, where cosmic melodies and electrifying beats collide. With her ethereal voice and magnetic energy, Luna defies expectations and creates a sound uniquely her own. Brace yourself for a sonic journey like no other, as Luna Aura’s latest single, “Candy Colored Daydream,” paints vivid musical landscapes that transport you to a world of vibrant imagination.
In “Candy Colored Daydream,” Luna Aura delves into a realm of self-discovery and empowerment, navigating the highs and lows of life’s journey. The lyrics “The highs, the lows, the fast, the slow. It’s plucking at my feathers, I just wanna let it go” poetically express the emotional turbulence experienced, symbolized by the metaphorical plucking of feathers, as Luna longs to release and find inner peace.
Musically, the song is a masterful fusion of genres, blending elements of pop, electronic, and alternative sounds. Luna’s innovative approach to production and arrangement infuses the track with an infectious energy, making it impossible to resist moving to the rhythm.
The song reflects Luna Aura’s quest for liberation and confidence in a world that can be overwhelming and filled with challenges. It serves as a call to embrace one’s vulnerabilities, allowing for personal growth and the pursuit of authenticity. Through “Candy Colored Daydream,” Luna Aura invites listeners to join her in letting go of burdens and embracing the freedom to be true to oneself.
Upcoming Tour Dates: 9/15 – Wallingford, CT @ The Dome at Oakdale 9/16 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount 9/18 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues 9/19 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues 9/21 – Huntsville, AL @ Mars Music Hall 9/22 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Festival 9/24 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues 9/25 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues 9/27 – Albuquerque, NM @ Marquee Theatre 10/1 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues 10/3 – Riverside, CA @ Riverside Municipal Auditorium 10/5 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern 10/8 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Festival
Indie band We Don’t Ride Llamas made their second appearance at SXSW this year at the 2023 conference and music festival. They joined us on Instagram for a takeover that week, and sent our fans some incredible content! We caught up with them briefly post-SXSW to see how the experience was, and to explore their next chapter a bit.
an interview with we don’t ride llamas
imperfect Fifth (iF): What was the first song or album that you remember hearing, and does that work of art have any influence on how you approach your music today?
We Don’t Ride Llamas (WDRLL): We’ve had a lot of different musical influences that started out since infancy. Some of our favorites include: Robert Johnson, Esperanza Spaulding, Brandy, Aaliyah, Dilla, Missy Elliot, Nirvana, Deftones, Solange, Death, RHCP, Pharsyde, Billy Joel, George Benson, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Coldplay, Earth,Wind,& Fire, Carlos Santana, Marvin Gaye and Musiq Soulchild.
iF: Tell us a little bit about what got you started in music, and how this project came to be.
WDRLL: We all started out by playing a video game called Rock Band and eventually got bored so we decided to move on to the real thing! Since then we’ve been working hard everyday on our craft and our EP, The Oracle, is a project we’re super proud of! That being said, we have new music on the way so stay tuned.
iF: What did the road to SXSW look like for you, literally or figuratively?
WDRLL: We’re local so the hardest thing this year was finding parking for everyone!
iF: Good call, that’s amazing! (And convenient.) Was this your first time at SXSW, or have you been to good ol’ ATX for the madness before?
WDRLL: This was our second time at SXSW and like always the buzz is so delightful. The audiences are always ready to get pumped and rock out. The venues are super friendly and accommodating. It’s such a nice feeling to be able to show out for our city.
iF: Best showcase, besides your own?
WDRLL: BÖNDBREAKR WAS SO AMAZING LIKE?? The power and the prestige they brought to the stage was intoxicating! Pussy Gillette was also incredibly fun and massively entertaining.
iF: What was the most magical thing you found in Austin?
WDRLL: There are a lot of magical things in Austin but we love the club Empire! The vibe there is always so set and comfortable. Additionally, we love Mayfield Park and all the pretty animals they have over there. I think seeing a bunch of peacocks walk up to you is pretty magical.
What’s your absolute favorite word right now, and why?
WDRLL: The word “Incandescence” is very pretty. Just saying it out loud feels like a shimmery fabric. It’s also one of those words that sounds like what it actually means which is a plus!
iF: If you had the ability to tell the future, would you like it?
WDRLL: When we think about the future, we see our personal community flourishing and being nurtured by love despite the current state of the world. And we do like that vision.
iF: What’s coming up for you that you’d like us to tell everyone about?
WDRLL: We are going to a festival in Boise, Idaho for the Treefort Festival! We’re super excited because this is our first time being invited to play there. It’s definitely a new experience but we’re so ready. Additionally, we will be dropping a new single soon so keep a look out!
iF: Anything you’d like to add?
WDRLL: Thanks to everyone who turned out to our shows and blessed us with your presence. Thanks to our city and our friends, family, and friends. Without your support, this wouldn’t be as meaningful.
