by Meredith Schneider | Jun 8, 2018 | premieres, videos, wolf tracks
Self-proclaimed “electroexotica” duo Stronger Sex – comprised of Johnny Fantastic and Leah Gage – is bringing their vivid personalities to the world in an exciting new visual for single “Dead Women”, Directed and Edited by Mark Williams Hoelscher. At the center of the experience is a stuffed monkey, and other versions of what look to be childhood toys. But it’s what happens with those toys that will really put you into a tailspin. (Could they come alive, a la Toy Story? Is it OK to think they’re still cute and not creepy?) The main focus, however, is the protagonist, who is depicted experiencing the emotional turmoil that aligns with the lyrics in the song. Confirms Leah Gage of the track:
“Dead Women” is a song about feeling the weight of a legacy of important matriarchs, and the pressure to live up to their expectations. My mom and my grandmother were both extremely smart (and troubled) women who placed a lot of emphasis on prestige and renown, and expected me to achieve both, almost on their behalf. Since they’ve both died, I struggle a lot with knowing whether I’ll ever live up to their expectations. I used to keep their photos all over my room, as a kind of inspiration, but after a while I realized it was just making me anxious and sad, and I needed to figure things out for myself. So, this video is inspired by that idea. There’s a girl, who lives in a fantasy world with her “friends” who are clearly all toys, and she lives with an overbearing woman who wants her to get rid of her friends and join reality. Eventually, the woman goes behind the girl’s back, throws the friends in the trash, and goes back to her life. The girl is utterly distraught, but eventually uses her anger and frustration to channel herself out of the house, and she runs away, with her friends. Both the woman and the girl are flawed – these aren’t of course her friends, they’re toys. And the woman, well, she probably has her reasons for wanting the girl to join reality, even if she’s going about it in a mean way.
This video brings light to a struggle many women face, and we are pleased to host the exclusive premiere.
Keep up with Stronger Sex via Bandcamp and Facebook.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 8, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
With a slight pixelated – yet ethereal – feel to it all, Los Angeles-based alternative act XYLØ released her latest music video for “Heaven Only Knows” this month. With cat eyes and a mysterious glow, she sings seductively over simple, gorgeous instrumentals that will have you wanting to waft into a summertime haze for hours. We’re completely jazzed about the ambiance created by this track, and now it’s time for you to feel that way too.
Keep up with XYLØ here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 6, 2018 | albums, premieres
Portland-based art-folk musician Michael Charles Smith is hitting a high note with the soundscape provided by his often ambient melodies and soft – yet assertive – vocals in his new 12-track release, In The Shadow. Bathed in a raspiness that is both emphatic and ethereal, Smith’s lyrics are apt to tug at the heartstrings of many, as they paint him as a vulnerable, masterful lyricist.
Beginning with the upbeat track “Hello Hello”, the album establishes a true journey for the listener, pace changing with each no track, and mindsets shifting from one end of the spectrum to the other, as he repeats, “I’ll die alone” in third track “Angel, and then softly croons, “I must have fallen in love” immediately following, in fourth track “One Word”.
The variety in the soundscape of In The Shadow makes sense, when the album is put into context. Inspired by his past struggles with addiction, Smith has come to terms with his circumstances, transforming that energy into a beautifully well-rounded body of work that you might never turn off. We’ve got the exclusive streaming premiere below.
Keep up with Michael Charles Smith here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 6, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Day 3 of Sasquatch! Music Festival 2018 brought many surprises with it, including an unforgettable set from Big Thief of the Yeti stage. Check out our photos below
Keep up with Big Thief here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 6, 2018 | snapshot, visual
As though Perfume Genius hadn’t already been phenomenal at, um, every show they’ve ever played, at Sasquatch! they had to have a gorge as a backdrop. Hello, amazing.
Keep up with Perfume Genius here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 6, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Day 3 of Sasquatch! Music Festival 2018 gave us two of the best “Alex”-centric acts we could have ever dreamed of. Alex Lahey and Sandy Alex G played their hearts out, and we nabbed some quick photos of the fun.
Keep up with Alex Lahey here and Sandy Alex G here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Our world is so fast-paced and upbeat nowadays, that it can feel impossible to escape the craziness. Let yourself do that with San Diego-born Jean Dawson‘s new track “Bull Fighter”. Beginning at a leisurely pace, Dawson will first make you fall in love with his raspy vocals, before breaking out into a more abrasive set of lyrics. But it’s the raw truth that he brings to light that makes the song that much more appealing, causing blood to pump through your veins faster with every line despite its slower pace.
Perhaps his truth will set you free, perhaps not. But either way this 22-year-old is one to watch.
Keep your eyes peeled for his 9-track release Bad Sports, due out this summer. More info can be found here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | albums, review
Kara Grainger may have had more humble beginnings in Australia, but her world travels and body of work speaks to a dozen lifetimes of success. All of her musical influences and inspiration have culminated in her latest 9-track body of work, her full-length Living With Your Ghost that dropped on June 1st. Full of robust harmonies, rock-tinged guitar, and a whole lot of twang, this album has so much attitude that it could give Carrie Underwood a run for her money. (Though we in no way are referring to any of this beaut as “pop music.”)
Not only is her soulful attitude palpable with each track, but the lyrics are something to grasp onto, making Grainger accessible and relatable in the best ways. Personal favorites include “Man Without Soul” and “Broken Record”, but we’re sure most of this album will be the soundtrack to your late night, summertime pool games all season.
Living With Your Ghost is available now. Keep up with Grainger here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 5, 2018 | snapshot, visual
As the sun slowly began to set on Day 2 of Sasquatch! Music Festival 2018, Shakey Graves took the Bigfoot stage to entertain the masses. The color of the sky cast a warm glow on the band, who powered through their set as phenomenal as ever (despite the fact that they were essentially staring into the sun).
Keep up with Shakey Graves here.
