by Tiffany Czech | Oct 12, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
When the world went into lockdown back in March, Pauline Andrès found herself isolating in a friend’s recording studio. This is where she began and finished work on her newest release, “Til the End of the World”, from her upcoming EP “Tornado Season”, which is due out this Winter.
While Andrès started writing the song on an acoustic guitar, the final product is dominated by the sounds of 80s synth-pop. A step towards electronic music that seems effortless, it is hard to believe that she hasn’t always made music like this. The track is appropriate for the current state of the world, too. Passionately, Andrès sings about wanting to love someone despite the fact that the world seems to be ending. There is a feeling of urgency in her voice as she sings about being unsure of whether loving someone is a necessity during such trying times. This is amplified by the sounds of sirens crying in the background. Some may see this as a pessimistic point of view, but in many ways, it creatively highlights the reality the world is living in. Andrès says:
I never thought the world was ending. I know a world is ending, which is the very definition of an apocalypse. That process started years ago. It’s gonna take a few more but we are obviously in the middle of it. I don’t know how exactly this will continue to manifest. But I’ve decided to be cool with it, to keep making art, and believing in the absolute, almost absurd power of love and music.
by Sadie Battle | Oct 9, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Singer-songwriter Francisco Martin releases his first single “Swollen” under 19 Recordings. A multi-instrumentalist and producer, Martin’s love for music sparked at a young age. He was born and raised in San Francisco, CA and grew up amongst his musically passionate family who supported his growth every step of the way. By age nine Martin was playing drums and singing, and by freshman year of highschool he picked up guitar and piano; leading him to discover his love for producing.
This raw, heart-tugging single was created in his bedroom studio in Nevada. Artists who can write and produce their own music allow listeners to hear more than just a song. Martin allows listeners to hear his story about embracing both sides of what being in love can lead to. The emphasis on pulled guitar strings opens the way for his beautiful vocal talent to take you on a journey of vulnerable heartbreak. “I love the way you say you’re scared to hold me / I hate the way you came and left me crawling” are just the starting point of where lyrically, Martin proves he’s not leaving out any details of his feelings. It’s exciting to know what’s ahead for Martin, as “Swollen” is an incredible way to start the narrative of what’s next.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 9, 2020 | videos, wolf tracks
Relationships in the modern era are anything but simple. Because of social media and other ways that society sets standards, it can be hard to know what love is today. In his new video for “Listenin’”, Reggie Becton gives his perspective on what it is like to be a male navigating love in today’s culture while also confronting toxic masculinity and toxic relationships in general. With influences from past and present R&B artists, it is easy to be taken back to previous eras while also appreciating where music has gone since then.
The stunning visual illustrates the difficulties of being in love with someone when it isn’t easy to be with them for one reason or another. The two love interests appear to be physically separated by a wall, perhaps as a metaphor for how it feels to be in such a situation. This is likely to be the result of something much more complicated than one would initially be led to believe. The lyrics demonstrate that Becton struggles with conflicting thoughts about his emotions. It is evident from this and moments in the video, like the scene where he appears to be trying to work out a science experiment, that he is unsure which path to take when it comes to romance. Becton remains vulnerable when expressing his feelings about love and he does it in a stunning way throughout the entirety of the video. Perhaps many people his age identify with this very struggle.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 8, 2020 | singles, wolf tracks
Michael Garmany grew up in the Bay Area where he was surrounded with a versatile range of artists including 2Pac, The Clash, and Social Distortion. Now, his own music is a reflection of the music he grew up with. This is evident upon listening to his new track, “Still Missing”.
Layered with elements of funk, R&B and psychedelic pop, the track starts off mild with a simple piano and bass as he sings about wanting something that he isn’t sure he is worthy of having. As the verse progresses, the melodies continue to get catchier. Once the chorus hits, the music speeds up and you’ll find yourself dancing along. The catchiness of the melodies is enhanced by various sonic choices throughout the song. These ear-catching additions, such as bells and hand claps, take the song to new heights. Drawing on personal experiences, Garmany is clear that he has been unable to find a love that works for him. During the more up-tempo portions, it might be easy to forget that he is singing about missing something from his life. With various influences present, it doesn’t sound like “Still Missing” is missing anything.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 8, 2020 | premieres, videos
In the new music video for his song “My Mind”, Trent Toney creates an intriguing visual where he and the subject of all of his woes are replaced by two stuffed animals. This silly interpretation of the track should not take away from the heartbreaking words that he sings, however. In the simplest sense, it is a breakup song. With a dominant guitar, Toney sings about how unbearable it is to go on without his former love. At first glance, it might seem like using stuffed animals takes away from the sadness of the lyrics.
When listening and watching further, the song is loud and clear about how heartbreaking it is to go through a breakup. The video paints this picture well. From going through an old pile of photos from the relationship to trying to keep oneself busy by doing household chores or taking a long drive, Toney does an incredible job of creating imagery that the viewer can identify with. Through a blend of lighthearted storytelling and heart wrenching lyrics, this video is the perfect balance of emotions. It is also a great reminder that animals make perfect music video stars.
by Tiffany Czech | Oct 6, 2020 | albums, review
Gray may be a good way to describe 2020, or the color of the sky on a rainy fall day, but it is also the title of the new album from Byland. Led by Alie Byland, Gray gives full permission to pace around your bedroom on your first listen, unable to believe that each song blows you away as you pace your way through the 10-track release. The first of these is “Passed Me By”, which comes equipped with a gentle drum beat and chilling piano as we hear the story of a girl struggling with her newfound loneliness. “Mine” comes along later as the singer bravely admits that she is unable to give people as much as they seem to want from her. Then comes the haunting “Grow Old With Me”, which reaches its most impressive moment during the last minute as she admits that her anxiety and loneliness have taken hold of her life. The album closes out with “Did I Win When I Won”, a raw guitar track that sounds like a voice memo recorded on a cellphone. As the shortest song, it serves as a simple outro that leaves the listener wanting more.
Lyrically and sonically, every inch of this album is chilling and beautiful. By the end, you will feel invited to start listening from the top because you want to fully immerse yourself into every word and understand the emotionally complex world Byland have created. At its core, Gray is a very human album.
