Category: Emo Pop

Airports Review: U FEEL IT 2

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2020, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Australia, Backstory, Chill, electronic, Emo Pop, Energy SoundTagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Airports

LPR Agency

@jocronin65

Editorial

Depression is like a snake haunting its meal in the middle of the night. Thoughts of not being good enough is the snake, and when you realize that you’re depressed is like that snake eating its meal.

As a mental health worker I knew that my field is heavy, and that’s why I go to a therapist on a weekly basis… That and for my anxiety and seasonal depression.

My seasonal depression began about 5 years ago, and when winter comes around I have recently found it hard to talk to my therapist. The past couple of sessions have been me just sitting there and not wanting to be there. That’s not like me at all, because on a normal day it’d be hard to get me to shut up.

Airport’s song, U Feel It 2, is about being trapped with your feelings or a vice. And those therapy sessions have definitely made me feel trapped. But I also know as a mental health worker that sometimes silence can help too. I don’t know why, but it does, so I allow myself to sometimes just sit in silence.

So maybe that’s what people who feel trapped need sometimes…

Silence?

Table of Contents

  1. Editorial
  2. Who is Airports?
  3. Inspiration Behind U FEEL IT 2
  4. What’s Next for Airports?
  5. Thank You Notes
  6. Links
  7. Conclusion

Who is Airports?

Aaron Lee is the mastermind behind Airports, the Sydney based DIY hip hop, punk, electronic, and pop artist who has garnered attention from independent streaming productions (including Triple J) and global music productions (including Universal Music and Capitol Records). He is an advocate for personal development in mental health, following two life-threatening illnesses and the rollercoaster of being a musician.

Through the journey, Aaron has garnered what he calls an “inspired and understanding” fan base. He says they are “people who understand the journey and want to be part of it!”.

After taking on two life-threatening illnesses and the ups and downs of being a full time creative, AIRPORTS is an avid voice for personal development in mental health. With his eyes set on influencing listeners while traveling the world, the Sydney dwelling artist isn’t afraid to take a non-conventional approach.

LPR Agency (Airports Press Release)

Inspiration Behind U FEEL IT 2

Airports mix of multi-genres are so different, unique, and… Different. Like you can’t put a finger down on who he sounds like.

I love the top 5 songs on his Spotify library, but I am interested to know more about what Mum is about. It’s most likely about his mom or a person who was like a mother figure in his life. Either way the song sounds very sentimental, but I still would like to know who it’s about.

Just about all his songs that I rated 5/5 below will be added to our Indie Unedited Spotify playlist, but I am still trying to figure out if I like Cheddar… My current opinion is it’s a really weird song… Probably going to add it EDM Unedited at some point…

The visuals for “U FEEL IT 2” were filmed during a unique time stamp in history where most of the world is in the same situation, so AIRPORTS decided to invite anyone and everyone to submit videos of themselves answering questions he’d given them about their personal loves and struggles. Aaron explains, ‘The intention of the video was to show that everyone walks the tightrope of this duality in their own lives, no one is exempt from happiness nor suffering.’ The heartfelt video emits a sense of unity and togetherness.

LPR Agency

What’s Next for Airports?

Right now, there are no known releases that are coming up, but future releases will have a little funk and punk in them.

The plan for now is to keep releasing music, and when the pandemic allows for shows then that will come next.

Thank You Notes

I would like to thank Lydia Reed (LPR Agency) for introducing me to Airports, he is an unique talent that has a very bright future.

Airport’s links:

LPR Agency’s links:

Unedited Music Blog’s links:

Conclusion

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend, and remember to be respectful of everyone. If you have to go into public, then wear a mask because we are still in a pandemic. Thank you for reading!

Party All the Time by Airports (2020)

Holy Wars Review: IHATEMYSELF

Posted on Posted in alternative, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Backstory, California, Classic Rock, dark pop, Electronic Rock, Emo Pop, Facebook, Future Star, Guitar, Hard Rock, Hardcore, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Indie Rock, Instagram, Interview, Music, Pop, Pop Music, Pop Rock, Rock, Singer, Spotify, USA, YoutubeTagged , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Holy Wars

Independent

@jocronin65

Editorial

There’s a lot of bad things to say about today’s online influencers. “In this selfie world, we have layers of identities that we hide behind,” Kat mentions.

I am even falling into this whole of hiding behind a mask. When I get into a deep conversation with either my parents or friends, I almost seem to avoid talking about how I really am. I always circle back to my extreme couponing, my job, my blog.

But what I am not talking about is just how hard I am finding it to stay present at the moment. Yes I do meditate, but it’s only for like 5 minutes, although I know damn well I could do 15 minutes.

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely am living my best life. I just wish the anxieties of the unknown could just stfu sometimes, so I can just spend a good amount of time in the present moment.

Kat says, “the real truth of us is either buried or forgotten or perhaps we never even knew.  IHATEMYSELF is more like a dare to those who are obsessed with a societal opinion… to strip away the layers and own up to the essence of who we really are”.

Sometime either this week or weekend, I am going to set some time aside to really get to that layer beneath my mask. Rather it be a 15 minute meditation, watching a soccer game without looking at my phone, take my dog to the dog park, or walk the dog without listening to music… Whatever it may be, I am going to be present and let myself enjoy it without a mask (figuratively speaking!)

If you’re having a tough time hiding behind a mask, then I highly suggest you do the same.

Table of Contents

  1. Editorial
  2. Who is Holy Wars?
  3. Inspiration Behind IHATEMYSELF
  4. What’s Next for Holy Wars?
  5. Thank You Notes
  6. Links
  7. Conclusion

Who is Holy Wars?

Kat tells me that she first started her career in making poetry and studying classical piano. “It wasn’t until way later though that I put my poetry to song. The first span of music had an angst piano vibe like Fiona Apple and Tori Amos but then expanded to a full band after an ex told me I couldn’t,” remarks Kat.

She now has a multi-generational fan base that cares deeply for her and the band, and she is grateful to have known and conversed with a lot of them. “I have been very open about the loss of my parents and I think maybe in some small way it gives our fans a chance to get to know me better beyond the music and share their lives with us as well,” she says.

Inspiration Behind IHATEMYSELF

When I first wrote IHATEMYSELF, I wrote it therapeutically in a moment when I was feeling pretty crappy, and as I was starting to write this song that was like an open vein… I realized at that moment that I orchestrated everything that I was struggling in. I know this sounds a little like self-help verbiage but in lyrics like ‘I’m making enemies, all the bullies in my mind, they try to hurt me but it was me the whole time’…  that in a nutshell describes it all.

Kat Leon

There’s a glaring comparison with Holy Wars and Phantogram, but Holy is most definitely more of a heavy alternative. Rather it be the vocals or the alternative heavy rock, there’s something dark about both of these bands. It’s different. It’s raw. It grabs you, and it never lets go.

I love music that grabs your attention. If it makes me feels like the 1st minute lasted 3 minutes, then it’s a solid a$$ song. Some of Holy’s songs do that, such as Welcome to My Hell, IHATEMYSELF, LITTLE GODZ, BORN DARK, and Back To Life (aka their top 5 songs on Spotify). I would absolutely love to hear more songs like these!

The rest of the songs are nice, but I feel like they don’t grab as much attention as the songs I just mentioned above. However, Orphan, Cruel World (also the title of my favorite Phantogram song), and Legends are notable songs from their earlier collection.

Opening for Papa Roach is definitely up there (with the coolest thing we’ve done as musicians) as well as the NAMM show Schecter after party. But also right before I started my first band, I was on a show with Alice Cooper and after hearing me sing, he talked to me about the business and encouraged me to start writing and start a band and his words and encouragement gave me confidence to do it all. I really have him to thank for that initial push.

Kat

What’s Next for Holy Wars?

Kat tells me that, “I usually tend to be all over the place in what I like and want to say in music. The next few releases are going to have a little more piss and vinegar as I feel many of us feel like we want to bitch slap 2020 – so my head is there currently”. So the future will be that, but also carry on their honesty and cross genres.

We can expect more alt-rock music too!

“We plan to release a lot in the coming months and head into 2021 with our second album with plans of European tour if that is still going to be possible with our current global state. In the meantime, we will keep writing music and playing some online live shows because we really miss playing our music live,” says Kat.

Thank You Notes

I would like to thank Kat and the Holy Wars band for waiting for this review and connecting with me on Instagram. They have a bright future, and I’m really looking forward to working with them on their journey.

Holy Wars’ links:

Unedited Music Blog’s links:

Conclusion

Have a great rest of the week, and remember to respect each other no matter what. We are still in a pandemic, so if you’re sick then stay home and if you need to go into public wear a mask.

IHATEMYSELF (2020) by Holy Wars

Lani Renaldo: Trainwreck

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2020, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Chill, Chill Rock, Emo Pop, Facebook, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Instagram, Pop Music, Pop Rock, Singer, Spotify, USATagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Lani Renaldo

Mora May PR

@jocronin

Editorial

Feelings suck.

They f**k with your head, and they can really make your day go to sh*t.

They straight up f**king suck.

I’m not just saying this cause I really love the “**”, because feelings really can take a toll on you. Most writers that are like Lani Renaldo, use songwriting and music production as a way to express their feelings. It’s the same reason why people go to therapy…

If you keep swimming in an ocean of thoughts and let your feelings run your life, then life just wouldn’t be fun and enjoyable. You can’t just sit in your room after a bad day and expect yourself to get over it in time. You need an outlet.

Lani uses her music as a way to understand her feelings. That’s her outlet.

If you don’t have an outlet, then stop reading this article. Stop right now… And find one.

Feelings suck. But you don’t have to let them control you.

Table of Contents

  1. Editorial
  2. Who is Lani Renaldo?
  3. Inspiration Behind Trainwreck
  4. What’s Next for Lani Renaldo?
  5. Thank You Notes
  6. Links
  7. Conclusion

Who is Lani Renaldo?

Music has always been a huge part of Lani’s life, she started at the early age of 3. At that age, she started playing drums. She grew up in the “golden era of Disney Channel,” watching people like Demi Levato and Miley Cyrus making it big as teenagers. “I thought because they were 16 and making music, I could too,” she says.

The young stars she grew up watching were her influences for her early albums, “I actually attribute a lot of my confidence, songwriting and guitar moves to them,” she adds. 

Lani tells me that she has a wonderful and supportive fan base that she feels really lucky to have, she feels like they really care about her music. “I’m queer – so I have a lot of fans that are queer as well, which is awesome. It’s really a community,” she says. 

Inspiration Behind Trainwreck

I was working at a job I really didn’t love and after coming home one day, I started to panic and seriously thought I was having a heart attack. It was really a turning point for me in a way, because in writing (Trainwreck), I realized that making music was really the only thing I loved doing and in not being able to have that creative freedom in my day-to-day, I was not serving myself.

Lani Renaldo (8/31/2020)

Lani’s music has a dark aroma to it, a lot like Halsey and Alessia Cara. I really like the symbolism in the songs, I feel it adds an unique twist her music.

I enjoy a lot of these songs, and for the ones that I don’t enjoy are more of personal taste. I would love to see her collaborate with the likes of WTCHOUT, Svniivan, Nikademis, and other EDM musicians that are well-known in the Unedited Music community. I also think it’d be cool if she experimented with an Alessia Cara sound.

Trainwreck, Body Language, Nineteen, and many more songs by Lani will be added to our Indie Unedited Spotify playlist. Make sure you check all of our Spotify playlists on our Linktree!

What’s Next for Lani Renaldo?

(Opening for Halsey) was a really great opportunity! I’d never performed in a venue as large as the Shrine, so it definitely forced me to level up performance wise. I spent a ton of time rehearsing and learning about what goes into a show of that caliber. Being on that stage is seriously one of my favorite memories. 

Lani

“I think I’m always looking to evolve my sound and push myself to outdo my last release. Right now, I’ve really been on a 80s inspired kick — I think it’s because I’m inspired by the 1975. I feel like they are fantastic about experimenting with new sounds and I’ve always wanted to replicate that in my own career. I just want to have fun and make music that people can not only relate to but that they can dance to, celebrate and enjoy!,” says Lani.

Lani actually just came out with a new album, so congrats to her. You can listen to NOHEARTBREAK2020 now on all platforms. She’s constantly creating new music and projects, so more is definitely planned to come out in the near future!

If you want to keep up with Lani make sure as always follow and/or like the links below!

Thank You Notes

I would like to thank Lydia May (Mora May PR Agency) for connecting me with Lani Renaldo, she is truly a rising star in the music industry. I am very happy and excited to see where her music will lead her in the future.

Lani Renaldo’s links:

Mora May PR Agency’s links:

Unedited Music Blog’s links:

Conclusion

Have a great rest of the week, and make sure you wear a mask in public and respect everyone they way you’d like to be treated. I am going to bust my a$$ to try and get the next article out before the end of Sunday, so keep an eye out for that!

No Heartbreak (2020) by Lani Renaldo

Ebony Buckle [unedited] Music Blog

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2020, alternative, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Backstory, dark pop, Emo Pop, Facebook, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Inspirational person, Instagram, Interview, Music, Pop, Pop Music, Singer, Soundcloud, Spotify, UK, UKViral50, YoutubeTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Ebony Buckle

LPR Agency

@jocronin65

According to an article by YouGov.com, 20% of Americans say that ghosts definitely exist, and 25% think they probably exist. I personally fall under the “definitely exist”, because I have my reasons…

One reason coming not too long after my Papa died… I was asleep in my bed with my bedroom door closed. In the middle of that night, I was awakened by my bed shaking. I woke up screaming, and noticed my door was wide open before my parents came to my room.

I don’t know why, but I immediately thought it was my Papa. I thought that he was just making sure I knew he was there still… Just to let me know that he was my gaurdian angel… And to NEVER forget that he was there (hence why he shook my bed).

I think that people like myself believe in such paranormal things because we want to know that our loved ones are still there, even if we can’t see them. In Ebony Buckles case, her loved one wasn’t dead… But he wasn’t there. However, she could smell his scent on her clothes… Feel his presence when she closed her eyes… She did whatever possible to not allow distance to steal his energy away from her.

So what is the difference between a ghost and a gaurdian angel? To me they are the same. A gaurdian angel is a ghost that watches over someone they care about… I know this may sound silly, but it may also chillingly true to others…

Who knows… Papa might be looking over my shoulder right now, reading every single thing I am typing…

Ebony wrote poetry and songs for as long as she can remember, but “it was only in the last 5 or 6 years that I actually thought I could let other people hear my music though,” she says.

Now she writes with her husband, sharing her music with a “really lovely and supportive community,” Ebony says. She mainly share her art on Patreon, which you can subscribe by clicking the link below! 

(My husband and I) were separated for nearly 2 years when my marriage visa was refused and it was really really tough. (Ghost) is about being stuck in limbo and trying to keep hope alive. 

Ebony Buckle (8/17/2020)

At first, I couldn’t help to think… Is Ebony an Irish folk singer… “I think I agree! I grew up listening to and singing a lot of Irish folk music. I really loved all of folklore as well. My favourite movie as a child was The Secret of Roan Inish. I have a song called The Selkie Song which was inspired by it. I think perhaps I am drawn to the magic in the stories. A lot of my music is very story-based,” replied Ebony.

In other words, not entirely. But her music is very different, and has a beautiful magical touch of playfulness or uniqueness. One song may attract one crowd, as opposed to another song that may attract another crowd. So it makes sense why I prefer listening to Dark Place and Ghost, versus quirky songs like Susan and The Mermaids Said No.

I really do hope Ebony explores her more dramatic and serious side of songwriting, and even tries to tie it in with her whimisical style. Either way, I’ll be supporting her music because I truly believe she’s talented in her own way.

I am so grateful that Nick and I are in the same country this time. We have our music and we are working really hard on creating our first album. It feels like the whole world is experiencing a kind of limbo. 

Ebony Buckle

For now, Ebony is excited to “keep expanding my music and create a world around it. A place for people to escape to and let their imaginations run free,” she says.

She is currently working on a lot of music releases, recording, and filming music videos. Again, follow her Patreon to see what she’s been up to!

If you don’t… Then follow all the links below to make sure you don’t lose sight of what’s to come!

I would like to thank Lydia Reed from LPR Agency for connecting me with Ebony Buckle, she’s a great talent and amazing addition to the Unedited Music community.

Ebony Buckle links:

LPR Agency:

Unedited Music Blog links:

Have a wonderful week, and remember to respect one another. If you’re in America, you can vote early depending on where you live so do so if that is more convenient for you. Remember when you go into public to wear a mask!

Susan (2019) by Ebony Buckle

Overall: 4.75/5

Ghost: 5/5

Susan: 4.7/5

The Mermaids Said No: 3.5/5

Dark Place: 4.8/5

Top Song: Ghost (2020)

Tay the Don [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2020, alternative, Artist Bio, dark pop, Edits, Emo Pop, Hip Hop, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Inspirational person, Instagram, Interview, Music, Pop, Pop Music, R&B, Rap, Singer, SoundOff, Spotify, USATagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

Tay the Don

Independent Artist

@jocronin65

At some point in a failing relationship, we’ve all been there. It gets to the point were when you look at the person you once loved enough to date, and instead of love… You feel nothing.

Breaking someone’s heart is probably the hardest thing to do, just like saying good bye to someone for the last time.

According to her, Linda Lee Couch never got the chance to break it off with her abusive husband. Instead she ended it in a way she never wanted to… She killed her husband… She picked up a gun before he did and pulled the trigger.

Somewhere in the back of her mind during the time she has been waiting on death row, she must of thought something like what Tay the Don says in his song… Don’t Save Me.

I have never killed someone, and I am not planning to… But the things that must go through someone’s head has to be guilt. You can’t just say to yourself that you did the right thing in killing that person, unless you’re a cold-blooded killer.

I know for a fact if I were to spend my life in prison, I’d tell people not to prison because what I did was inhumane… But that’s just me. I’d tell my friends and family… Don’t Save Me.

What inspired you to start making music?

I’ve been interested in music since I was little of course but I really had my real taste of music and being in a studio was when I was 13 and my Uncle let me record. He made music all the time so I wanted to impress him and record and show him I could do it. It was a terrible song at the time it was about slapping Santa with a Christmas tree but it was my first time ever recording and I felt so at home doing it, so I guess you could say my uncle honestly, he helped realize that I had a talent for music.

What is your fan base like?

My fan base, it’s very diverse for the most part that I’ve noticed. Majority of my fan base they’re around my age but then I get a lot of older fans like they’ll be around 30 and different races, the main thing I’ve seen when it comes to my fans is that it’s something new about every person who starts to like my music. They’re not like the last one, everyone is from different parts of the world and I love it. Internationally and In the states. They’re all amazing and I won’t allow myself to disappoint them.

Honestly, ‘Don’t Save Me’ is about me being able to admit the fact that I can be wrong at times but as much as I hurt you, I still want you around. Even with all my flaws will you still be able to see the good in me… Eventually the person you’re hurting is going to get tired of saving you all the time but they don’t want to save you because you’re the villain.

Tay the Don (8/15/2020)

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I’m not really in the industry yet officially so my answer is extremely opinionated but if I could change anything about it, it was most definitely be to drop the artist that get signed once a year just they have one viral song because majority of the time the way the game goes is there’s a fad and once that fad starts to dull away, so does the light that helped that artist shine so I guess what I would change would be just to sign artist with actual potential instead of one hit wonders, see what they’re worth before they get signed on

I’m hoping by the time I turn 21 my music will be popping and out everywhere but with a goal you gotta have a plan and work for it so my plans for the future are to just stay positive and keep hustling until I’m satisfied with where I am in life.

Tay the Don

What kind of direction do you want to take with your music?

My goal for my music is to hit everyone in a certain way. I want my music to touch everybody so I have to show I have versatility. I always tell people that my music is so different that a person is going to like at least one of my songs. I’ll find a way to please you, so the direction I aim to go with my music is everywhere.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m hoping by the time I turn 21 my music will be popping and out everywhere but with a goal you gotta have a plan and work for it so my plans for the future are to just stay positive and keep hustling until I’m satisfied with where I am in life

I would like to thank Tay the Don for waiting patiently for this review, I love talking to this old soul! I would also like to thank Morris Ravis, co-founder Soundoff for showing me him. If you haven’t checked out SoundOff yet definitely do!

Tay the Don’s links:

Soundoff App’s links:

Unedited Music Blog’s links:

Have a wonderful rest of the week, and remember to respect others and stay safe. If you need to go outside then wear a mask, and if you feel sick then get tested!

My Decisions (2020) by Tay the Don

Overall:

My Decisions: 5/5

Understand It: 4.8/5

It Get Ugly: 4.5/5

Wish Me Well: 5/5

Don’t Save Me: 5/5

Inevitable: 4.7/5

A Few Throwaways: 4.9/5

Keep Ya Head Up: 4.8/5

Between Us: 4.7/5

Miss Faithful: 5/5

The Difference: 5/5

Top song:

YVR [unedited] Music Review

Posted on Posted in 2020, alternative, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Backstory, California, dark pop, dream pop, electronic, Electronic Rock, Emo Pop, Facebook, Future Star, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Instagram, Music, Pop, Pop Music, Soundcloud, Spotify, USA, YoutubeTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

YVR

Gramophone PR

@jocronin65

Today marks 3 years, 1 month, and 1 day since my last relationship ended. I have worked very hard on myself during that time, but there’s no doubt that being single for this long is something I’m not used to.

It’s been lonely at times, but it’s also been a time of self-discovery. I also realized that I don’t always have to be with someone, but I realized that I don’t always have to be single too.

There are times I’ve wanted to reach out to my ex-girlfriend, but I know that wouldn’t be healthy. She wasn’t healthy for me, and I wasn’t healthy for her… That’s just how it is. It’s for that reason that I refrain from reaching out.

“’How Have You Been’ looks back at the impact that our past loves had on us, how even after years of moving on we still carry pieces of them with us. Not in a romantic way, but in a curious, caring kind of way,” (YVR’s press release from Gramophone Media PR).

Prior to releasing their first EP (Night Days) in 2019, Courtney and Stephen Stahl worked with international acts as Jenae (Courtney Stahl) and Buddro (Stephen Stahl). Courtney wrote numerous songs for major acts like Red Velvet, EXO, and Amber Liu. Stephen produced with the likes of Chris Daughtry, Blasterjaxx, and Morgan Page.

The married couple that call themselves YVR have been making music for others with a resume that includes 4 million records sold and a combined ten #1 singles, but are now starting their own journey together as a duo.

What is your fan base like?

“They are fierce, fun and fabulous.”

Songwriting for me has become very personal over the years. Stephen and I have the best songwriting chemistry of anyone I’ve worked with.

Courtney Stahl to American Songwriter (4/20/2020)

Three things that make a 5 star song in my book are: great songwriting, catchy melodies, and an authentic sound.

Basically every YVR song achieves all of these things, which is no surprise seeing Courtney’s success with writing and Stephen’s success with producing. How Have You Been is a great song that adds on to the depth of their music collection.

To narrow down my five favorite songs, I’d have to say Heartless, Unique, Pay, Talking In Your Sleep, and How Have You Been are my top 5 songs.

When a relationship ends, you always hold a place in your heart for that person, regardless of who ended it. The lyrics in (How Have You Been?) reflect on how breaking someone’s heart can sometimes hurt worse than being heartbroken.

YVR (8/14/2020)

Right now, there are currently no releases that I know of that are planned to be released. Whatever direction they make, however, they say they want to be “completely authentic to ourselves in our music.”

If you want to stay up-to-date with future releases for YVR, make sure you follow and like the links below

I would like to thank Brittany Bowler (Gramophone Media PR) for connecting me with Courtney and Stephen Stahl. It took a while, but I am very happy to review YVR.

YVR Links:

Gramophone Media PR links:

Unedited Music Blog links:

Hope everyone has a great week, and remember to stay safe and wear a mask if you have to go out into public. Also, respect each other out there, it’s really not that hard.

How Have You Been? by YVR (2020)

Overall: 5/5

How Have You Been?: 5/5

Night Days: 5/5

Top Song: Heartless (2019)

Elliot Lee Review: Bubble Gum Pop

Posted on Posted in #ilivefor, 2020, alternative, Alternative pop, Artist Bio, Backstory, Blues, Change Campaign, dark pop, dream pop, dreampop, electronic, Emo Pop, Facebook, Future Star, Good Vibes Only, Guitar, Indie, indie music, indie music playlist, indie playlist, Indie pop, indie pop playlist, Inspirational person, Instagram, Interview, Music, New York City, Pop, Pop Music, Pop Rock, Soundcloud, Spotify, USATagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Elliot Lee

Shore Fire Media

@jocronin65

Photo taken by Shervin Lainz

Editorial

This month I have focused on musicians who are passionate about mental health. If I could give a megaphone to them, they’d all speak strongly in these subjects that they believe in.

The first week I wrote about Sarabean. Sarah is a 16-year-old musician from Florida, and has been open about her struggle with depression and loneliness in her music. She wants to make music that other people her age and/or are lonely too, and let them know they are not alone.

The second week I wrote about Trish Discord. After Trish graduated from college with a degree in psychology, she integrated her love in psychology and music by making songs that talk about mental disorders. She did this by writing about what people with a certain mental diagnosis go through both symptomatically and emotionally. She did this as a way to raise awareness for those disorders.

Last week I wrote about Seepeoples. After Will Bradford and the band decided to halt their music journey in 2011, Will went into rehab because he was struggling with addiction. When he came out of rehab and decided to return from Seepeople’s hiatus, the band continued to be a voice for their fans who have very different opinions and views than most of the society. The band stood for something that others are afraid to stand for, just like how so many who struggle with mental health are afraid to stand up for themselves.

This week I am writing about Elliot Lee. Elliot stands for a lot. She stands for mental health, stigmas, and much more. If you browse through her Instagram, she has been very vocal about standing with the Black Lives Matter movement too. Her music is for the masses as she says in her song Dirt, and if I could give the megaphone to anyone of these musicians I’ve mentioned above.

I wouldn’t hesitate to give it to her.

Table of Contents

  • Editorial
  • Who is Elliot Lee?
  • Inspiration Behind Elliot Lee’s Music
  • What’s Next for Elliot Lee?
  • Thank You Notes
  • Conclusion

Who is Elliot Lee?

Music has always been a huge part of Elliot‘s life for as far back as she can remember. “My earliest memory is of laying in a red flyer wagon & listening to music on my portable CD player while my mom pulled me around the parking lot on a warm, humid night in Hawaii,” she tells me.

As a child she had to move on from many homes and friends who were her people/things to lean on. At one point she found it hard to open up to people and kept everything bottled up inside her. According to American Songwriter, Elliot said that “I started listening to music that really spoke to me and I realized that I could use music as an outlet for myself”. As a result, she pulled out her ukulele and put her thoughts and feelings on paper as she played various chords.

Today Elliot doesn’t only have music to help her with her baggage, she also has fan base that is like a family. “It feels like life put us through so much & one of our rewards for surviving so long is this comfortable little community of fellow misfits, a place where we can finally feel understood & safe. That’s what it is for me, at least. I hope others feel the same,” Elliot says about her fan base.

(At one point) I went through a really dark time in my life, music felt like the only friend I could turn to. I started using songwriting as a means of venting & coping with my experiences. Since then, creating music has kind of become a survival tactic for me.

Elliot Lee (8/5/2020)

Inspiration Behind Elliot Lee’s Music

There are many people in society that struggle to keep a smile on their face without masking their emotions. There are also many people in society who don’t struggle to keep a smile on their face without masking their emotions. But what music does for everyone rather they like it or not is so powerful. Music finds that happy medium.

Elliot explains that Upside Down is “a deep dive into what it feels like to go through hardships & continually struggle to get out of bed while grappling with all the ‘what if’s’. What if l didn’t care so much about others’ opinions? What if l didn’t always feel inadequate? If I didn’t struggle with all of this, maybe 8 would be strong enough to lead my bubblegum soldiers to the top of the world, but for now I’m content with keeping them company down here. :)”

Music like hers is why so many people like myself consider music as an essential piece of their life, if there was no music then there is no coping strategies, no meaning to life, no purpose to share our thoughts or opinions, etc. This is why I admire her so much, and even the word “admires” doesn’t do the justice of how much her music means to me and so many others.

Four years ago I saw so few reasons to live. I felt like my voice wasn’t worth being heard, so I kept everything behind a closed door. But since finding this outlet, I’ve been able to help people, and that alone is my new reason to live…. I want people to hear my music & know that they deserve to be heard too.

Elliot Lee

What’s Next for Elliot Lee?

Elliot wants to continue making music that allows her listeners to have a safe space, but she also wants to try new things as well. “I sort of just plan to go in whatever direction feels fun & true to who I am as a person!” she says.

But for now, the pandemic is quite literally putting a pause to everything. She wants to meet her fans, but right now she’ll have to wait. However, that is not stopping her from writing and other creative things.

I implore everyone who enjoy her work as much as I do to click on the links below, and keep an eye on them for more content in the future!

Thank You Notes

Not to make Elliot feel bad, but this article literally took over a year to prepare. The reason why it took so long was because Elliot had a lot of moving pieces happening within that year. Long story short, I eventually tracked her down through her record label (Photo Finish Records). Who may I say are very nice and professional people! At the end of the day, everyone including myself is happy, and I wouldn’t of had it any other way.

Elliot Lee’s links:

Photo Finish Records:

Unedited Music Blog’s Links:

Conclusion

Have a wonderful week, and remember to respect other people and to stay safe. If you feel sick then stay home until a doctor or medical professional clears you. If you have to go into public also remember to wear a mask.

GoodBadUgly by Elliot Lee (2020)

Tia Gostelow [unedited] Music Review

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Tia Gostelow | Psycho
Tia Gostelow | Photo taken by Jeff Andersen Jnr. (2020)

“Mr. Hutchinson, 36, had not been seen since the early morning hours on Wednesday (May 9th, 2018), when he left a hotel in South Queensferry after sending two cryptic messages on Twitter. He wrote: ‘Be so good to everyone you love. It’s not a given. I’m so annoyed that it’s not. I didn’t live by that standard and it kills me. Please, hug your loved ones,’ and ‘I’m away now. Thanks.'”…

“‘Depression is a horrendous illness that does not give you any alert or indication as to when it will take hold of you’ the (Hutchinson) family said. ‘Scott battled bravely with his own issues for many years, and we are immensely proud of him for being so open with his struggles.'”…

“Scott Hutchinson, the lead singer and songwriter of the Scottish folk-rock band Frightened Rabbit, was found dead on Thursday (May 10th, 2018) near South Queensferry, Scotland, the Edinburgh police confirmed, after a days-long search for the musician, who was said to be in a ‘fragile state’… The police could not immediately identify the cause of death, but said it was not being treated as suspicious”. ~New York Times (May 11, 2018)

I remember reading this article not too long after it was published, and I am almost in tears just revisiting that day. I knew Scott Hutchinson battled a lot of demons, but I don’t think any Frightened Rabbit fan or anyone close to him were or would ever be ready for that day he was found dead.

Scott stood for so much, and he meant just as much to every one of his fans, band members, and family. He will and should never be forgotten.

“I have to say I didn’t really know who Frightened Rabbit were when the offer came through, but I definitely learnt very quickly that they were very important for the music scene worldwide. They were such lovely people and it was really nice to tour with them and be able to appreciate watching them live,” says Tia Gostelow. 

On March 9th, 2017, Tia opened for Scott and his band Frightened Rabbit at The Triffid in Brisbane, Australia. 1 year and 1 day before he was found dead due to suicide in Scotland.

At around 7 or 8 years old, Tia was inspired at a young age by Taylor Swift. She taught herself how to play the guitar, since T-Swift played that instrument. “I remember just being so in awe of everything about her, how she looked, the music she made and how confident she is. After that I remember forcing my parents to sit down and listen to me play Love Story over and over again,” she says.

Taylor Swift’s fans have always been loyal and supportive, and fast forward to 2020 and Tia Gostelow has an equally caring and faithful fan base. “I feel like they’ve been with me for such a long time and are watching me grow as an artist and also as a person. I love messaging back and forth with them, it feels really important to have those connections,” she says.

“(Psycho) forced me to really think about the situations and relationships I’ve been in where I have experienced gaslighting and how it made me go f—ing crazy. I constantly thought I was the issue, that everything was my fault and I kept apologizing for things that I later realized weren’t my fault at all.”

~Tia Gostelow (6/17/2020)

I need to clarify one thing before I go forward, as emotional as that intro was on my end… It wasn’t necessarily meant to focus on Scott’s death. Instead, the last paragraph is why I wrote that whole introduction. It was a way to start connecting the dots between these two musicians I personally think mean a lot to the music industry.

I’ve always loved listening to the top modern musicians from Australia, such as Malrat, G Flip, 5 Seconds of Summer, Amy Shark, etc. One thing I find quite similar with most of these artists are their sound and songwriting, almost a chill pop sound with catchy but also mature and creative lyrics. Tia definitely carries this unofficial tradition amongst Australian musicians, especially with songs like Hey Friends (2018), Phone Me (2018), and That’s What You Get (2018).

At the start of 2019, Tia started writing Psycho with her friend Aidan Hogg. “Going into the session I felt like I really wanted to write a song about something that was really prominent in the media at the time and was also something personal to me,” she says.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, gaslighting is “manipulating (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity”. There’s a high chance that you probably will be gaslighted in your life, especially if you’re in a toxic relationship. Please do your research if you’re in a position that could make you feel gaslighted, some great articles to read are from Vox, Pyschology Today, and ABC.

“I felt like I was turning into this psycho person and it seemed like nobody else saw where I was coming from. However, seeing all of these other people speaking up about it, made me deal with my emotions that I had just ignored and I finally felt like I could put all of my anger and frustration and hurt into something that means something,” explains Tia. She hopes Psycho helps people the same way hearing others stories of gaslighting did for herself.

Far before the release of her debut album Thick Skin she has attracted a massive audience from all around the world and even established her own record label (Lovely Records). 4 of her 5 top songs on Spotify hitting 2-10 million streams, and her newest release Psycho is certainly on its way to that milestone as well with close to 200 thousand streams to date. The Queensland Music Awards winner of Album of the Year for Thick Skin has certainly made her name heard, loud and clear.

“I really wanted this next record to be inspired by 80’s electronic music but still keeping my style in there. It’s definitely a lot more danceable than my previous music and I’m really excited about that.“

~Tia Gostelow

Fans should expect Tia’s next album, that’s coming out later this year, to be heading into a more indie-pop-electronic direction. It sounds like we should expect songs that Oh Wonder, Sylvan Esso, and Marian Hill would make. But I am not too sure, and I could be very wrong.

If you enjoy listening to Tia Gostelow, I encourage you to keep your eyes peeled to our social media for updates. I will keep in touch with Tia and her PR agents, and as soon as I get word of new music I will update everyone as soon as possible.

I want to thank Kershona Mayo of Mora May PR for connecting me with Tia Gostelow (Lovely Records)! She is such an amazing musician who I look forward to setting something up with when she comes touring through Boston.

You can follow Tia Gostelow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as stream her music through YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

You can follow Mora May PR Agency on Facebook, and Twitter.

You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and stream our playlists on SoundCloud and Spotify.

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable extended weekend in the States, and a happy 4th of July! To everyone else, have a great weekend and stay safe.

Psycho (2020) by Tia Gostelow
Psycho (2020) by Tia Gostelow

Overall: 4.9/5

Psycho: 5/5

Rush: 5/5

Get to It: 5/5

Thick Skin: 4.8/5

Top Song: Phone Me (2018)

SKIES [unedited]

Posted on Posted in Emo Pop, SKIES, UKLeave a comment
SKIES
SKIES
Interview & Review

         SKIES band members Alie and Jericho have single-handily created what is now their sound. Through a small period of what sounds like an awkward experimental stage with songs like Hold On (2016), Feel Like It (2015), Leave Me (2015), and Lines (2015). That stage brought up what they seemed to sound like now; Drone (2015), Live Outside (2018), and Green (2017). What Drone has that Leave Me doesn’t have is a raw and original sound. A sound that is similar to sound like a two-piece like Twenty One Pilots but also a four-piece like Coldplay. All these songs seem to create their newest album “X”, which is an incredible masterpiece the two have released this year (2018). 
       “Since I was a kid I knew I always wanted to write songs and be in a band. I started my first band when I was in primary school and I carried on from there” says Alie. Jericho said the same for him, adding that “it’s always been part of our lives.” SKIES began on August 1st, 2015 with their first album, If You Feel Like It, remarkably came out the same year. The third song on that album, Drone, was remixed by Amethyst and The Walton Hoax and released as an individual single a year later. It wasn’t until 2 years into their journey until their most popular songs got them on the many Spotify playlists it is on today. 
       The album from 2017, We Fear Change, came with success. Today, two songs from that album are on their top 5; Green has reached over 110k listens and Dead has reached over 100k listens. Their most listened to song is Drone- The Walton Hoax Remix. But what is not surprising to me, is the fact that the rest of the 5 is made up of X songs. Dusk has been listened to just under 50k listens and Pills (a personal favorite of mine) has reached under 10k listens. 
        While their songs can come across as focusing on mental health issues, a lot is actually about “relationships or illness or mortality. We’ve had some people message us and say that our songs have really helped them (fight mental problems) and it really means a lot and makes the songs mean that bit more to us” Alie tells me. She states her songs are written based off of conversations she hears off-hand. 
       “I tend to just pick up lines from overhearing conversations. Sometimes I get inspired by films but I mainly write a whole song based on one line I heard or thought of.” 
–Alie
      “I try my best to pick out the emotions within Alie’s lyrics and try to translate that into the way I write the music.” 
–Jericho
          Jericho tells me that he is growing a good fanbase, with listeners on Spotify from  “all around the world which is really incredible. Obviously, Kent is where we are probably best known but we’ve toured a couple of times with The Slow Readers Club who are from Manchester so we’re steadily working our way around the UK and enjoying every second of it!” Alie mentions that their Twenty One Pilots influence was delayed because they didn’t hear about them after they started their band. “We were a 5 piece at the time and found a lot of courage from watching them play as a two-piece, it made us think it was possible to have a big sound and still be a two piece. We work hard to fill the stage and we like to think we have just as much energy as a four-piece would!”
         As for my personal favorite song, “Pills is a song about being caught in a difficult situation you can’t get out of, like a relationship or an addiction. (It’s like) trying to find the right way out, not just the easy way out.” Interesting…….
       “I think the latest songs we write always mean a bit more at the time” Jericho. Alie says X is her favorite song they’ve released, “it feels like it sums up how I feel about life right now.” As for the future, the duo is preparing to open for The Joiners (9/19/2018) and play at shows in Leeds (9/22/2018), Bristol (9/20/2018), and Nottingham (9/25/2018) all in the UK. So apparently, there is no USA tour yet 😒. 
           I would thank Alie and Jericho for the continued communication, and I really am sure that will be sustained further down the road! I will certainly keep you guys updated on this upcoming UK act!!

X (2018)
Facebook- SKIES (Photos) 
Overview: ★★★★3/4
X: ★★★★★
Live Outside: ★★★★1/4
We Fear Change: ★★★★1/2
If You Feel Like It- EP: ★★★★1/4
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Brookelyn Rose [unedited]

Posted on Posted in Broken Doll, Brookelyn Rose, Does She Know, Emo Pop, Promises, USATagged Leave a comment
Brookelyn Rose

Brookelyn Rose
2018

Interview & Review
        “To me, vocals are very important and sometimes artists… Especially like Pop artists that I hear now… It kind of goes to the wayside with words, and melodies… Lyrics are important, and they should stay important.” Brookelyn Rose, a graduate from Temple University, studied Theater with a minor in music. Found me through Rebecca Singer’s blog, and emailed me with her new single (“Promises”). Promises is certainly an emotionally written song.
      “I hope (people) can relate to what I’m saying, cause that’s what music does to me…. Having people say ‘that has happened to me, thank you for being that vessel for me to get my feelings out’. That’s one of the best things, at least for like the fans and listeners, just say to me… It’s amazing. And with other musicians, I hope they’re inspired to write freely, and try new things… Because that’s what I want to do!” I think anybody has gone through true heartbreak or just any sort of sadness in their life. The way Brookelyn writes captures every emotion and meaning, it truly grabs me as a listener. 
      Rose gravitated towards a music career, because “it made me feel good when I was young. (When) you’re making something and you see other people the reaction on other people’s faces when you’re able to sing and make music. And that’s really what inspired me to go further with it.” Her songs are inspired by, “life experiences…… But now I’m really sitting down with myself and devoting time, like real time.” She is really taking the time to write personal things that have meaning to her life and future. But on the timeline, and edited to “what works”. There is a lot of Adele influence, “(When) I think (of ) her as an artist, she is phenomenal. Her vocal range and the amount of emotion she puts into her songs is inspiring. And her writing style is similar to mine.”
     I was really taken away at how casually Brookelyn talked to me, it was like a friend-to-friend-hour-and-20-minute-long talk… We talked about all our favorite things like psychology, our fans, our friends and family, and I even admitted that I was nervous to talk to a girl that was in my age range for dating (if that range is still acceptable within +/-3 years) and totally out of my league…… I probably should not have said that to her, but the truth is I was nervous!       She tells me that she has a lot of people in Mexico City that follow her, and “that’s awesome”. Also younger listeners, everyone from 15-20 years old. Especially after her “Does She Know” release, which was well received. She wants to grow with her music, play more live shows, and have more fans. In 5 year she sees herself touring mainly USA and Mexico, and continuing to make music. 
         Promises came out not too long after the interview (came out on 9/15th), and it was done as a song and video on Youtube. “It morphs together my two passions of music and acting. And that’s what I want to keep doing too. I got an amazing team of people around me, like my closest friends…… I worked with Kira(?) music group in (Los Angeles) and my producer was West Kause who’s from Chicago, and he’s just… AMAZING… And he took my song and we were able to create this funky more like upbeat sound, to the lyrics that hit a little harder. So you get that pain of not being in a (romantic) relationship, and with this kind of fun vibe to it also.” There are more to come with Brookelyn, but she didn’t tell what is to come after Promises comes out. 
——————————————————-
(6/14/2018)

          There’s something about Brookelyn’s voice that bothers me sometimes, it’s so strong and powerful that it almost makes her sound angry. I understand that Answer My Call isn’t a breakup or anger driven song, but she just sounds a little frustrated to me. I really don’t know why I think this, and I apologize if this opinion pisses people off. But I honestly think that she sounds angry or agitated in all her songs, especially Answer My Call. Nonetheless, I enjoy listening to her music. However, Promises is still my favorite song of hers.
         Answer My call is the first song that Rose released in 2018 and has been only on Spotify since April 26th. The song seems to be about a broken relationship that Brookelyn wishes to improve on, “Tough times were made to mend, Tough times were made to mend.” The video backs up the broken part of the relationship and even shows a fight between her and the boy, as well as a falling out with her storming off on him. But apparently, in the end, their feelings for one another haven’t changed and they end up seeing each other again. When she approaches him, they hug, smile, and everything goes back to the way it was.
       The only problem with the song I have is that compared to the song, the video is rather predictable. Despite that, it’s an okay song compared to Promises. I find I like her songs the more I listen to them, and you could definitely say they “grow” on me. I wouldn’t be surprised if that is the same for much of her fans. Finally, I would like to thank Brookelyn for sending me the press releases (I love getting them!!!) and being so friendly as always!
——————————————————-
(11/21/2018)
       Brookelyn Rose has recently released a “power ballad” called Broken Doll on Spotify back in late October. The song is about a doll that Brookelyn has a deep connection with, and when the doll breaks she has a tough time moving on from letting it go. It’s something that everyone who ever had/has a deep connection with either a toy, pet, robot, or whatever it is, we all have to move on from it at one point in our life. It made me reflect what is the one thing that I had a tough time moving on from in my life. To be honest… For me, it was a stuffed animal… When I was way younger than I am now, I was out with my parents at a town carnival. My Dad saw a game booth and we walked up to it, and there it was… It was a blue and white stuffed shark, and I REALLY wanted it. So my Dad played the game and tried to win the shark for me… However, as many times he tried, he just couldn’t seem to win… But the staff member working the booth saw how much I wanted the shark and ended up giving it to me. I treasured that shark, in which I called “Sharky”, throughout my childhood… But I grew up and was too old to have it… Well, that’s what my parents thought but I never thought that was true…
         What Brookelyn is really good at depicting in her songs like Answer My Call is the power of loyalty, and in Broken Doll, she’s talking about a person’s loyalty to something that has been with them for a long time. There’s not a lot of songs with this in mind, but there should be… Because the power of love between two people is one thing, but the power of love between a person and their past is another.
        Broken Doll was released on October 26th, 2018; on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Music. Although her reception on all streams is pretty low at the moment, her presence on Instagram and Facebook is better. Her post announcing Broken Doll’s release on Facebook has over 100 reactions, and her post before that almost has reached 200 reactions (until now!). 
          I would like to thank Brookelyn for her continued communication, and encourage her to continue to put out unique and great quality music! I will keep everyone updated who is interested in Brookelyn’s music, and please give her a listen on all her streams! 

Broken Doll (2018)
by Brookelyn Rose

Overview: ★★★★1/2
Broken Doll: ★★★★3/4
Answer My Call: ★★★★1/4
Promises: ★★★★★
Does She Know: ★★★★1/2
Top Song: Promises (2017)

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