QUARANTINE PROFILE: Jake Isaac
We’ve launch a new profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
The lovely Jake Isaac had a chat with us to catch-up on what’s been going on during his quarantine lockdown. Last week he released a live EP from the legendary RAK Studios in London entitled Things I’ll Tell You Tomorrow. It’s definitely been a soother for the trying times right now. Word on the street is he’s been up to writing an album during this lockdown and we can’t wait to hear it. Scroll down and check out what else Jake has been up to.
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
I’ve been home! missing family and friends A LOT.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
Funnily enough, I’ve actually found myself writing an album lol. Feels like the write time to have space to channel some thoughts and feelings in to melody and music.
Anything new you’ve learned?
I’ve learned the stopping isn’t always a bad thing. I’ve learnt that physical touch and interaction is something everyone needs at some point. I’ve learnt that things might not ever be the same after this, but that doesn’t mean i should have to worry.
Go to quarantine snack:
Twiglets
Song you’ve had on repeat:
‘Rain’ - Sunday Service Choir
What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?
PJ Morton - ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
Things keeping Jake sane: im tryna get back into learning Spanish. im failing.
Desperate Housewives of Atlanta.
What keeps you happy?
Family
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
"Now is not the time for stinginess, now is the time for generosity" - My Dad.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
Going to the barbers. Sitting in boujee coffee shops pretending I’m a coffee snob and pretending to do work, but really just trolling my mates on instagram.
Eating out at Nando’s. Doing the salsa in the Nando’s toilet to the restaurant music.
INTERVIEW: VAR
VAR
The Photo Ladies Interview
Icelandic melodic indie-rock quartet VAR have recently released their new album The Never Ending Year via Spartan Records, full of dreamy soundscapes and soaring instrumentals. Although the band's first album, 2017's Vetur, was sung mostly in Icelandic, the new album is the quartets first all English album. It was not a conscious decision by the band to make an English album, but flow of the songs dictated the language for which the songs would be sung. Influenced by the creativity, inclusiveness and collaborative and vibrant nature of the Icelandic music scene, the band has developed their own unique sound that encapsulates beautiful compositions with powerful vocals. What began as a solo project for Júlíus Óttar Björgvinsson (vocals/guitar/piano) in 2013 soon developed into a collaboration with his wife Myrra Rós (synths, vocals) and his brother Egill Björgvinsson (bass) joining the band along with friends Arnór Jónasson (guitar) and Andri Freyr Þorgeirsson (drums). VAR wrote and recorded their Vetur EP with this line up and performed for several years, building a fiercely loyal fanbase. With time and competing responsibilities, Myrra Rós was pulled in a different direction and drummer Sigurður Ingi Einarsson replaced Andri Freyr to solidify the band's current and more concentrated lineup. The current lineup has become a catalyst for the reimagining of VAR’s sound into something more refined, louder and faster. You can follow VAR and stay up-to date on all upcoming music and news, as well as stream and purchase their music, via the following links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | YouTube | Deezer | Bandcamp
You released your new album The Never-Ending Year in April. It has been described as a challenging listen that requires patience and space as it builds and settles. Was it always your goal to make an album that was intricate in its sounds that people would have to really dig into? What inspired the louder and faster sound?
We did not set out with a specific goal for the album. We work on things until we are satisfied with them and then you might say our goal is achieved. If some people feel they need to ‘dig into’ the album and listen more than once I think that’s great because personally I think those are some of the best albums, the ones you have to sink your head into. The louder and faster sound of the album is something we link to moving our practice space back to the garage at my father's house, the good old garage band feel.
You worked for the first time with a dedicated producer, your friend Eiour, whom you have said had a specific sound you wanted to try out. What was the sound? You have also said that you recorded the song "Moments" before deciding to make the full record. What do you feel made the collaboration work, which led to you continue on with a full record?
We did not know Eiður very well personally before we started recording. We knew him mainly from the bands he had been playing in. He had been producing and mixing the music for his own bands and we were all big fans of them. He has a very specific sound with a kind of a 90’s vibe to it which we found very intriguing and felt would fit very well with ‘Moments’. Eiður made ‘Moments’ sound exactly like we wanted it to, and during the recordings we had a very good working relationship and a great friendship so we felt it was a logical next step to work together on an album.
You wrote and recorded the album over the course of a year. What were some of the high points of the process for you and what were some of the low points?
What might be called a low point is that the process took a lot longer than we planned at first and some things happened very slowly. But in the end we are very happy with the album and we gained a good friend and co-worker that we will definitely be working with again in the future.
You have talked about the influence for you of the power and sounds of the ocean. What can you tell me about your love for the ocean and how it influenced the sounds of the album? Were you also influenced by any other aspects of your country, such as landscape or other natural aspects? It is such a beautiful country!
We are now practicing at my father's pipe organ workshop which is located in an old fish freezing plant by the shoreline in the small town of Stokkseyri. I live there myself and take my dog for daily walks along the beach and the ocean can draw very strong emotions from you, the great power that you can hear from it and at the same time have a strong feeling of calmness. When the other boys come over for a practice they drive a very scenic and beautiful route and I am sure that has an influence on their creativity. It might sound like cliché but the closeness to this beautiful and powerful nature is bound to have some influence on you.
You have said that "Run" is a song that you weren't sure would fit on the record due to having a different vibe, but that your producer vetoed the decision. What did he love about the song and how did he convince you that it belonged on the album?
He immediately liked the power and rawness of he song and wanted to work on it further. He took it more as a challenge to make the song sound right and fit in with the whole.
What can you tell me about releasing your first fully English album? You have said that it really wasn't a conscious decision. Why do you feel that the songs flowed better in English?
We never decide whether a song shall be in English or Icelandic. We usually write the songs first and when it is time to find a melody to sing that’s when it comes clear whether it will be in Icelandic or English. The two languages have a different rhythm to them. All the songs on The Never-Ending Year happened to have a better feel to them in English. That does not mean we have stopped writing in Icelandic, but it is just a question of what we feel fits best for each song.
I know you have mentioned not being influenced necessarily by any particular band, but you have talked about what is described as the "Icelandic Sound" coming from musicians in Iceland working together and collaborating with each other often. Do you feel that the collaborative spirit of the musical community in Iceland has pushed your creativity?
It definitely has an impact and some influence to have the opportunity to work in different projects with people that you respect and have listened to through the years.
How have you guys been adjusting to life in isolation/quarantine due to COVID-19? You've said that whereas you normally come up with songs at practice by playing together, now it's more one-on-one. What has that been like? Do you see any positive changes in music coming out of the self-isolation when this is all over?
It has been strange not to have been able to play together. Arnór for example had to go to quarantine for two weeks and he used that time to record some new ideas that we have been listening to each on his own, and it is going to be exciting to work through those ideas very soon. The creativity is flowing and we have a lot of new ideas that we look forward to becoming full songs, and maybe even an album.
What can you tell me about the videos you plan to record soon? How have the shutdowns and self-isolation affected your process, if at all? Did you have ideas for the videos before the shutdowns that you now have to modify?
We originally intended to record the videos at the time that the album was released but had to postpone because of the situation. The process will be the same, only released a bit later than first intended.
You have talked about how musically diverse Iceland is, with hip hop, metal and hardcore becoming popular. Do you see yourselves forging into new sonic territory going forward and experimenting with different sounds?
We don’t intentionally try to follow any specific sound or genre, we just do what we feel like and we have not planned what the next album is going to sound like. I think all musicians keep experimenting with new territories and different sounds and that is something that we will keep on doing as we think it is important not to stagnate.
What's next for you?
To continue with this never-ending year. We hope to be able to follow up on our album by touring and playing shows when that will be possible again and continue to work our way through the Covid-demos.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Emergency Tiara
We’ve launch a new profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Kicking off the week with another eclectic artist for your ears and Quarantine entertainment. We caught up with Emergency Tiara to see how she’s been spending her lockdown while spinning her new single ‘Jetsetter’ and thinking of the days we could travel around safely.
Emergency Tiara Online: Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
![image003[2].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/551d47ade4b020e4eeb12417/1591649615190-GJY5UYTKXJ5BNA3SXQYT/image003%5B2%5D.jpg)
How have you been spending your quarantine?Been writing a lot of silly songs, watching a movie a day at least, cooking and baking (I hadn’t baked in over a decade!!!!), and mini gardening.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
It feels like the days go by so much faster than the “normal” times so I am not particularly doing anything special to stay busy. I just have been “meeting up” with my writing parter Carrier four times a week (which has been one of my favorite parts of the day), doing loads of house errands (not a fan, lol), and trying to squeeze in some exercise time (huge thank you to my dear friend/personal trainer/ ET choreographer Iman for helping me to keep moving my body!)!!!!!
Anything new you’ve learned?
Learning Logic and Ukulele since this quarantine started hoping to be a bit more self sufficient. So far so struggled. Lol
What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?
Pizza and it was sooooooo good!!!! I never have even dreamt to make my own pizza cause I live in NYC, the place you can get so many great pizzas but when in need, I guess you’ll always find the way to feed your soul: )
Go to quarantine snack:
-Homemade milk bread that I make using the home bakery machine my mom sent me + homemade grape jam + Jif peanut butter -Perry’s Ice Cream Vanilla Sandwiches! I have been eating it with the pace of one a day, it’s a problem. LOL
Album you’ve had on repeat:
Bad Bunny’s YHLQMDLG on heavy rotation! This whole album instantly puts me in the good mood and I start dancing every time: )
What’s your go to song to make you feel less alone? / What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?
I don’t wanna sound narcissistic but all of ET music reminds me of all the amazing friends I am beyond lucky to be able to work with and all of the beautiful and fun memories we’ve shared!!! and all the new friends who have reached out to me mostly via social media saying they heard ET music and enjoyed it!!!!! Those sweet and kind messages really help me to get through the day.
What’s keeping Emergency Tiara happy right now; My hubby, my little fur babies, friends and writing silly songs
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
It’s okay not to be okay
Are there any livestream concerts/events you’ve really been inspired by or enjoying right now?
I started to take a zoom Zumba class with my mom and I feel like a little child being so excited to have something I get to do regularly with my mom cause I moved to the states at the young age that I didn’t get to do such things! And the class gets you sweat like crazy and it inspired me to want to do a little dance cardio zoom events using ET choreo! If I do that, will you join us?:)
What do you hope we take away from this?
Appreciation and gratitude for things and people we have in our life
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
Our new single ‘Jetsetter’ and its live performance video from Belinda Carlisle tour is now available on every music platform + ET YouTube channel! And we are working on more new songs + videos to share so stay in touch!!!!!
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Lindsay Munroe
We’ve launch a new profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
We’re excited to chat with Manchester’s Lindsay Munroe this week along with the release of her debut EP Our Heaviness. We love Lindsay’s melodic sound and songwriting. If you’re into acts like Marika Hackman or Laura Marling you’ll definitely enjoy Lindsay’s thoughtful sound. Scroll down and see what she’s been up to during lockdown.
Lindsay Munroe Online: Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
In my shared house in the (surprisingly sunny) Manchester, UK.
Something new you’ve done:
I’ve been running with more commitment than ever in my life. It turns out that when being allowed to go outdoors is a luxury, running 10k very slowly feels like a treat rather than a massive trial. I’m still quite a lazy runner, but I feel justified in it now.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
I’ve been surprised that despite being socially distanced from most of my friends and family, I have really missed being alone. I live with three of the best people in the world, but when you’re in constant contact with each other silence becomes a precious commodity. I also deeply miss playing gigs. Never in my life did I think I would miss the feeling of a sticky gig venue floor, but I honestly think about it every day.
What’s keeping Lindsay happy right now: Part of the Peak District which is keeping me sane as a place to escape to get out of the city.
Are there any livestream concerts/events you’ve really been inspired by or enjoying right now?
There are two I watch pretty much every week; Rachel Sermanni on Instagram Live at 6pm each Tuesday and The Tallest Man on Earth on Youtube each Friday 8pm (UK Time). They both have such a calming and caring presence, acknowledging the deep strangeness of the situation we find ourselves in but offering a new form of connection. I like having them as a kind of structure in my week.
What do you hope we take away from this?
I hope we take forward the feeling that the way we worked and pushed ourselves and interacted before this wasn’t necessarily healthy. I know so many people (myself included) that were so used to filling every free space in a schedule and working themselves to the bone. It shouldn’t take a national lockdown to make you realise you need a break, so I’m hoping we don’t romanticise the “normal” that existed before.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
My debut EP Our Heaviness comes out on June 19th. I’ve been working on this EP for a long time so I’m really excited to share it, even if I can only share it from my house at the moment. We have some headline shows booked for September and if they are able to go ahead it will have to be one hell of a party.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Vistas
We’ve launch a new profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
It’s only been a few weeks since Vistas released their incredible debut album Everything Changes In The End. Hailing from Scotland, Vistas bring us an album we already know we’ll be blasting this Summer. Vistas give us The Wombat vibes with their feel good pop-rock sound, something we all need right now. We had a chat with Vistas to see what the guys are up to during the quarantine and album release.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
I've been kept pretty busy with all the stuff that goes along with releasing an album so that's been occupying a lot of my time. Also, during this period I've been able to devote a lot of time to writing new music. I'm grateful that I've had a time where I can pretty much solely focus on working on new material.
Anything new you’ve learned? / Something new you’ve done:
Because I'm spending a lot of time writing and recording demos my production and mixing skills have come on a wee bit. I'm no where near a pro but it's satisfying to get our demos sounding half decent which overall makes the idea of the song come through more.
What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?
I've got really into iced coffee recipes, just ordered some cheese cloth and a big jar to start making my own cold brew.
Song/Album you’ve had on repeat:
'Go Farther in Lightness' by Gang of Youths and The New Abnormal by The Strokes have been my go to's during lockdown.
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
I think that would probably have to be The US Office. It's the most comforting and easy show to watch, always makes me feel chilled out.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
I was writing with one of my mates and he said "it would just be nice if we could look back at this time and think that we got something positive out of it". So that's pretty much what I've been thinking about. Just focusing on doing what I can to have a nice new body of work ready for when the world goes back to normal.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
Mainly I miss being out on the road and playing gigs, but I know we'll get back to doing that when the time is right.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
We'll our debut album Everything Changes in the End just came out last week, so if people fancy checking that out there's loads of new music on there!
INTERVIEW: Ocean Alley
Ocean Alley
The Photo Ladies Interview
Australian alternative psychedelic surf-rock band Ocean Alley makes music that has been described as "cruisey psych, rock and reggae fusion". They have independently released two EPs, Yellow Mellow (2013) and In Purple (2015), as well as two albums, Lost Tropics (2016) and Chiaroscuro (2018). The band's breakthrough came with the release of Chiaroscuro, which thrust the band into the national spotlight, selling 25,000 tickets and selling out 15 shows that year in Australia alone. 2019 saw them sell out 30 shows around the world and perform at major festivals such as Reading & Leeds (UK), Splendour In The Grass (AUS), Sziget (HU) and Bottlerock (US), with the band amassing 250 million streams to date. The band will be independently releasing their new album, Lonely Diamond, on June 19th, produced by longtime collaborator Callum Howell at Grove Studios with distribution via UNIFIED Music Group. Encapsulating nostalgia for the music of past eras, the album is a sonic mix of 70s guitar rock, country, western, old school funk and synth-heavy new wave that draws comparisons to Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac and Dire Straits. Guitarist Mitch Galbraith explains, “It’s pushing forward into the unknown… taking a journey to a different place or a different time that seems familiar or that you’ve been before and all the emotions and feels that come with that.” Although steeped in sounds familiar to the band, the album has more intricate arrangements, a production pushed to new limits and an introduction of new instruments. The band recently released their latest single from the album, "Hot Chicken", about grappling with spiraling out of control and encapsulating the seduction and suffering that comes from wrestling with the devil on one’s shoulder. With plans to write more and hopefully work on more videos, the band has plenty to keep them busy through the rest of the year. You can follow Ocean Alley and stay up to date with all upcoming music and news, as well as stream and purchase their music, via the following links.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud | iTunes/Apple Music | YouTube | Deezer | Google Play | Bandcamp
You will be releasing your third album Lonely Diamond on June 9th! You guys have a progression in sound with each album you have done, so what can you tell me about the process of making and recording this album and what were the sonic goals you were trying to achieve? How do you go about striking a balance between progressing your sound and maintaining the styles and techniques you are known for?
We started with ideas that each of us bought to the table and we spent a lot of time jamming them out, so pretty much the same as the last couple of records. We did have more time this time around to demo and rework a lot of the tracks though, and this helped us give the record some cohesion and direction. The intro and outro tracks were written in the studio during the final weeks of recording. With them, we hoped to give the album some context and explore some more western sounds, just for something new and different. As for the process, it was much the same when it came to recording but we have obviously learnt plenty from the last couple of albums, so it was more efficient but as always, lots of fun.
Aside from music and promoting the new album, what have you guys been doing to stay busy during quarantine?
Yeh obviously heaps of music stuff. It’s the perfect quarantine activity really. But apart from that lots of surfing, swimming and fishing. Lots of outdoor activities away from the crowds, just trying to stay healthy and happy. Luckily we are close to the beach so we don’t have to travel far, but we are stingin’ to get back on the road again.
What has it been like to prepare for an album release during quarantine when you can't do the things you might normally do for a release, such as tour?
It’s been hard to connect with those songs like we normally do following a release, but it’s something we know will happen once we can share them live with a crowd. It was important for us to make sure our fans can still connect with us during this time without any shows, so that’s why we chose to release the record and give people some new music to enjoy. It has given us more time to focus on making sure our live shows when they do start again can be top notch and we can give the crowd an epic night.
I saw you will be selling some limited edition runs of different colors of vinyl for the album release. What inspired that decision?
We love the idea of having something visual to compliment our music. We all collect records too, so it is awesome to have our own version of that for those that want to collect. A lot of people do love to collect vinyl records, so these special releases are just for them and something we hope they like looking at just as much as they like listening to.
What was the idea behind the album artwork? Did you create the design?
Our longtime friend and artist Kane Lehanneur has created the Album artwork. We worked together with him to design something that helped give the record some context. The symbolism of the artwork might help to explain this group of songs as a multi-faceted window shedding light onto one subject from many angles. We wanted to include themes of the circular and the repeatable, whilst also having a feeling of exploration into the unknown. It’s the push and pull of these visual ideas that compliments the journey within the music.
What can you tell me about the nonprofit organization One Eighty Inc, who fills a gap in Australia's current suicide prevention strategy, that you are trying to raise awareness for? Why do you feel that peer to peer models of community support for young people is so important? What effect are the shutdowns and quarantine having on the mental health of the youth in Australia and with May being Mental Health Awareness Month, do you feel that awareness is being made about suicide, suicide prevention and mental health in general?
One Eighty was started by some young people from our community on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to offer support in various ways to community members suffering mental health issues, but also in a response to the growing numbers of youth suicide in our area. They facilitate open up groups and raise awareness for their cause because it’s an issue that’s at the forefront for a lot of us, and many people are affected by this issue in many different ways. We have used our profile to help build support for this wonderful organization because they are on the ground actively offering tangible ways for people to be mentally healthy. It’s important for communities to address this on a local level first and provide outreach and support for those doing it tough. There is no blanket approach, with each individual person having differing needs, so at the very least if people can look out for each other more at a local community level, that is a great start.
What can you tell me about your new single ‘Hot Chicken’ and the idea behind the video? I love the fun, funky and psychedelic vibe of the video!
It’s a song about temptation and distraction. The upbeat feel works well with the snake imagery in the video and we had a lot of fun recording it. Mikey Askew created the video with Kane and the rest of the team at The Sauce. We pretty much loved the first idea they came up with. Its an obvious rendition of the lyrical metaphors and a continuation to the styles of the video clips for Infinity and Stained Glass. The video, like the song is unapologetic and raw.
I read that you guys have started to make your videos more vague for your fans to challenge them to find their own meaning. Why is it important for you to have your listeners find their own meaning with your songs?
It’s just about having something entertaining to watch. You don’t want to spell it out for anyone but it has to suit the music. We wanted our music videos to move away from more of documentary to something with some metaphor and a story.
You recently released 'The Archives', a 49 minute tour film that shows behind-the-scene moments during your 2019 tours through North America, Europe and the UK. I imagine you had lots of fun moments on tour! What can you tell me about the idea behind the film and what inspired you to want to make and release it? How has the response been?
The response has been really great which is nice to see. We have our wonderful videographer and TM Tyler Bell along with us on the road to document it all. It’s nice to show people life off the stage when we are on a long tour and all the other stuff we get to do and see. Hopefully it gives some insight into who we are and what we do when we aren’t performing.
What's next for the band? With your next tour postponed until 2021, what do you have planned for the rest of the year?
More writing with all this spare time will be nice and just gearing up for touring again. We will be doing some rehearsals and working with our production team to build our new live show which is exiting. Hopefully work on some new video content too possible for other tracks on the record.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: somegirlnamedanna
We’ve launch a new profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
somegirlnamedanna is another newcomer for 2020 we are excited to share with you. She only has two tracks out in the world that bring a good vision of what else she has to offer us in the future, honesty. Both tracks ‘hello I am’ and ‘kitchen table’ bring back a little sense of nostalgia of growing up and an introduction into who somegirlnamedanna is. We got a chance to see how she’s spending her lockdown in rural Minnesota. Scroll down to find out more….
somegirlnamedanna Online: Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
I have been spending quarantine in Minnesota with my mom, my brother, and the farm animals. This includes our pet peacock that struts around our backyard.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
I have been cooking and baking a lot lately and trying to find new ways to stay creative. I have always been a horrible cook (like set off the smoke alarm in my apartment several times a week status), so to impress my family with my homemade fajitas was a real improvement. Most importantly, my brother and I shot a DIY music video for ‘kitchen table’.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
I have received a lot of great advice from so many loving people around me during the last few months. My mom has recently been helping stay in the present and “focus on the here and now” - which has probably been the best advice for this time.
Go to quarantine snack:
Sun chips, and most definitely the garden salsa ones. I love fruit, my favorite being blueberries, and will snack on them all day every day.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
I miss live shows so so much, and I miss all the excitement of starting rehearsal and touring. I am so blessed to be able to release music, but my favorite part about doing what I do is getting to meet others through music and connect in person. I’m so excited for live shows to kick back up again in the future - whenever it may be.
Song you’ve had on repeat:
I’ve been on a major Alanis Morissette vibe lately. (Hand in my Pocket is probably my favorite jam at the moment).
What do you hope we take away from this?
I hope we can remember that to heal we need to pull together as a community and take care of each other. We don’t wear masks just to protect ourselves, we do it also to protect others. We don’t stay home just so we can stay safe, we stay home so others and their families can also stay safe. I hope after this we can remember how we came together now and we can continue to do that.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
WELL…. On a lighter note, YES! I am finishing the EP and giving it a final touch up before I release it into the world soon. I am so excited for you to hear it, as it’s the first time that I have been able to really tell my story. A whole lot of tears (happy and sad) went into writing it, and I hope you will love it as much as I do.
PLAYLIST: Black Lives Matter
It’s been quite the year and getting even more interesting with a much needed revolution at hand. We couldn’t move forward this month without addressing all the amazing music that has influenced…well, all music. That is Black music! That’s why we’re dedicating this month’s playlist to Black Lives Matters and featuring all Black artists we know and love.
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
While we have you here, here are some other resources to educate and get involved:
-National Resource List (A daily updated list of Legal Support/Bail Support, Places to Donate, Tips for Protesting and Social Media, and more)
-Ways You Can Help (Daily updated links to everything you need to know to help right now)
“‘Life is just a game, we’re all just the same’ This song is filled with controversial topics that resonated with Prince at the time. This line hits hard even now. Some people believe that everybody is equal and that we shouldn’t stress out over the little things. Life is not the same for everybody! We aren’t the same, but we should be. But we aren’t! Philosophically we are all the same, yes. But my struggles are different than the struggles of my neighbor, and it’s up to us to highlight this and hold those accountable to see the difference in struggles and use it to their advantage. ”
This song has brought me to tears every time I see Zeek perform it. It’s a powerful piece about how we’re all the same and have the power to change the world if we come together. - Carolyn Lederach | @Cled1024
I first saw Radkey (@radkeyrock) play in a small club in Des Moines a few years back and was instantly a fan. Their high-energy punk rock sound is amazing and their live performances better yet. They are SO FUN to watch and photograph. Cannot wait to see them again. - Alyssa Leicht | @alyssaleicht
“Maneka, is the new project of Devin McKnight, known for his work in Grass is Green and Speedy Ortiz. He describes his newest album as ‘guitar album about black pride and addressing [his] confusion as a minority in white indie rock scenes.’”
“NYC blue-punk outfit The 1865 recently released their LP ‘Don’t Tread on Me,’ in which...”each song...features different explorations of life in 1865 America, a land living in the shadows of the fallen Confederacy.” ‘Hidden Track’ is one of those songs. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the band had a monthly residency at Lower Manhattan bar Max Fish with scene mates Rebelmatic and MAAFA. ”
Saba is an amazing Chicago rapper, and Noname is a powerful black female artist from the city too. This song reminds me of warm Chicago summer days. - Kate Scott | @kate_scott_photography
A powerful song calling for racial harmony through love, and calling for an end to division and hate. - Annette Holloway | @AnnetteHollowayPhotos
“Whenever I need a boost of confidence and reassurance that I can handle whatever life throws my way, I bump this track right here! Bbymutha is talented, so creative, and unstoppable. She’s everything!”
“Devon infuses his music with a range of influences, from Hendrix to Afrobeat to old school soul. He pays homage to his past while looking directly at the future .... taking lessons from what he’s learned and infecting us with his positivity and vulnerability. All while flashing the most dazzling infectious genuine smile you’ve ever seen. ”