HEYHOLLY: INTERVIEW

January 31, 2022

by pankhuri bhutani

HeyHolly debuted towards the end of 2021 with their single “Rws” (Red Wine Season) and are quickly garnering a fanbase in the Adelaide scene. The duo, which consists of Cruise and Bryce, recently released their phenomenal new single “Vinyl.” The track is an ode to when two hearts become one. A young boy picks up a clear vinyl disc in a record store and sees the love of his life looking back at him in the reflection.

HeyHolly recently sat down with us in order to discuss the process behind their brand new project, as well as talk about what they have planned for their future projects!

Hi there, Cruise and Bryce. So lovely to have you over at Unclear! How has the start of this year been for you two?

HeyHolly: “It’s absolutely our pleasure to be able to chat with you. Thanks for having us on board. So far so good. We’ve managed to have a nice break from work, recording and just kick back and relax. It feels great, we are refreshed and ready to take on 2022.

Bryce had managed to catch the ole Covid-19, but we are back on track now with no worries at all. We eat good, we drink even better, and hopefully there’s more of that to come throughout the year.”

Let me start by talking about your latest creation, “Vinyl.” What was the general creative process like with the track?

HeyHolly: “It was quite natural to be honest with you. Cruise had found a type beat online that really caught our ear and brought together the foundation of the track. Starting with the hook really tends to be our way of getting things going. We are lucky enough to work with the super talented Jethro to get our production done, and having three of us in the studio really allows for some great collaborative writing.

We think it’s quite relatable for anyone in that honeymoon stage of their relationship while still touching on some downers through our own personal experiences. The listener could really interpret the track however they feel which is the beauty of music.”

What was the initial inspiration for this track and did you face any sort of challenge while creating “Vinyl?”

HeyHolly: “The original idea for the track started as a short film Cruise wanted to create, following a young lad into his local record store and meeting the love of his life.

We honestly don’t think we faced any challenges. Again, it was just all so natural and the juices were flowing through the entire creative process for ‘Vinyl.’ Obviously because there are two of us sometimes we can get carried away in the studio and creative differences do happen, but it just wasn’t the case with ‘Vinyl.’ Usually if that does happen Jethro tends to be that happy medium and bring us to a nice place we can agree on and it all ends up feeling like a natural high when we hit that spot.

The only real challenge was agreeing on a nice level of auto tune for Cruise’s voice on the hook. He’s got such a great voice and I really wanted that to shine, while Cruise wanted to channel his inner Kanye west [laughs]. It’s nice how it is right now and we couldn’t be any happier.”

I know it has only been a short time since HeyHolly made its debut into the music industry, but how has the overall experience been for you two so far?

HeyHolly: “It’s been amazing, it really has. We could not have come in at a better time. The world is crazy right now, so it helps being introduced to such beautiful people through the creative arts who share the same vision.

Jethro really has gone above and beyond to create a friendly social environment with so many artists. We are really starting to find our feet with the industry thanks to our new producer and artist friends in the scene, and Bianca over at Renegade is so lovely to work with. She has a drive for work and passion like we have never seen. It’s truly inspiring. A lot of this just wouldn’t be so possible if it wasn’t for them. We are having fun and that’s the most important part.”

Now that the track is officially out, how has the response been from your fans?

HeyHolly: “Great. Really great. Friends and family all over are getting around it and showing their support. New faces are tuning in and sending some love through social media, so it seems people really enjoy it. Being such a new artist, we haven’t quite managed to establish a hard core fan base but we know that’s only just around the corner. We have so much ready behind the curtains for current listeners and we just know it will also open us up to a wider audience.”

When it comes to creation of music, do you two require a specific environment to work in or does any setting work for you in terms of getting your creative juices flowing?

HeyHolly: “Bryce does his best writing in the bath, no shame in that either. It’s become quite the inside joke. Sometimes nailing the right environment isn’t as easy as it sounds. We have ideas come to us so randomly and it’s wonderful. If we are a little under the weather, or even on top of the world, those feelings really set a tone with what’s to come next and allow for different styles.

Cruise is normally singing in the van and recording his random intuitive hooks without lyrics only to come back to them later on and write, it’s great. Steven Tyler would do the same thing, just jump in the booth and sing whatever comes to him first. Also shoutout Steve Jobs because without iPhone notes it would be so much harder, it really helps to get those initial ideas down fast when you need. We would say a collaborative effort in the studio is always fun. As long as there is red wine, you’re in for a treat.”

Where do you garner your major music influences from? If given an opportunity, who would you absolutely love to collaborate and work with in the future?

HeyHolly: “Bryce’s influences come from so many genres. Growing up it was mainly hip hop and rock. Being a 90s baby and growing up with that nu metal sound was the greatest cross over and Linkin Park would be the heart of it all. These days bands like Bring Me the Horizon who manage to emulate that while still being original do inspire me. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, Sticky Fingers would be the greatest collaboration for myself. They’re classic to me. They do so much for other underground artists and Paddy is just so creative and active with the music and fans. F-POS is cool.

For Cruise — the last 10 years I’ve been torn between Mac Miller and Matt Corby, but I believe the number one biggest influence for me that is alive today would be Bobby Hall (Logic). Whether you love his music or hate it, the man is a creative genius. The main inspiration to draw from him would be his unlimited drive to not be submitted into a certain category. He pushes industry boundaries and does what is true to him. The fact that he has written two books, a movie script, and has been apart of a small acting projects is unmatched. He also dabbles heavy in pop culture which is a huge part of my life. The man is a GOAT and doesn’t get enough credit in my opinion. Love the Rattpack.”

What’s next for you two? Anything on your bucket list regarding the year 2022?

HeyHolly: We are doing it all. More singles after more singles. We just want to follow up ‘Rws’ and ‘Vinyl’ with those pop elements that we have already touched on. There is an EP in the works with a darker tone to it that we cannot wait to start showing more of. It’s quite theatrical and cinema like if we are completely honest with you.

We already have the title track for that finished, and without being bias it’s something you have not heard before and it genuinely sounds big and beautiful. We would love to have a big production music video on release for that. Expect collaborations and just expect our full focus on our music. Live shows will eventually come into action when the time is right. It’s all about the studio for us now.”

Lastly, is there any message that you would like to convey to your fans reading this interview right now?

HeyHolly: “Smile. It doesn’t cost a thing and it’s contagious. The world needs it. Be in the present because there is no other moment other than this moment right now. The past isn’t coming back and the future can’t hurt if you don’t let it.

Lastly… keep HeyHolly on your radar because it’s just the beginning and we are coming full force this year with no plans on looking back.

We are happy, we are healthy, we are humble.”

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'APOCALYPSE WHENEVER' / BAD SUNS: REVIEW

January 28, 2022

by alex grainger

Bad Suns released their fourth studio album, Apocalypse Whenever, January 28th! Apocalypse Whenever is a sonically cinematic experience as the 13-track album follows the flashbacks of the life of the main character who washed up on a futuristic LA beach. The 80s style album is stacked with electronic beats, alternative pop rock guitar, killer drums, and vocals. Their most conceptual album is accompanied by their six released music and lyric videos, which create the ultimate visuals bringing us right into the 80s futuristic world of Los Angeles they have perfectly created. The visuals stem from the iconic 80s colors of neon pink and blue, paired with their pastel counterparts. Bad Suns in the album’s bio explained their inspiration came from legendary movies such as Blade Runner and Terminator 2: Judgement Day. The album, flashbacks, and concepts are up to the interpretation of each unique listener. We can’t get enough of the intoxicating electric sound which encompasses the album.

The album’s first track is entitled after the album name, Apocalypse Whenever. The song orchestrates the definition and story of the album sonically, as it opens with a softer beat and gradually builds to a heavier, powerful, and confident sound. In the lyrical sense, it narrates the thoughts and emotions of the character just as they have washed up on shore — “Life’s not been pretty, but I’m still not ready to die / I’ve never felt so alive.” The character has a completely new perspective on life, living each day to the fullest regardless of what challenges they face, a central theme to the album.

Cue the flashbacks, tracks 2 through 5 reflect on memorable moments through upbeat experimental sounds which fill the album. In “Summer Lightning” the techno LA futuristic sound is in full effect in the songs intro, which turns into a softer and more fluent chorus. The opposing sounds encompass the duration of the song. Track 4, “Peachy,” is the epitome of a summer fling both musically and lyrically, “It’s hard to imagine / Hard to believe / Can this really happen? / Are we just a dream?” But with all summer flings, they must face the reality this might not last past summers end. This masterly flows into the album’s next track, “When The World Was Mine,” which hits on the nostalgia of the time the characters were together, as opposed to where they are now. The dreamy and staccato beats, I think, reflect the desperation apparent in the song of wanting to go back to this time, get back to who they were, “I don’t care what we do / Are you feeling it too? / Like it hasn’t been forever.”

Track 6, “Wishing Fountains” is the softest of all songs, a slew of raw emotions emoting from the semi-stripped-down track. The acoustic guitar, soft vocals, and background instrumentals represent a turning point of the plot of flashbacks. Especially towards the end with the unconventional sound of instruments which are usually not found in a rock band. The interpretation of the turning point, and who this turning point applies to is up to you. I think of it as a realization in relation to their romantic interest. Visually it paints the cinematic picture of someone sitting on a park bench, in their bright retro clothing of the 80s, asking themselves all the tough questions. I think it’s an exceptionally relatable track, resonating with the heartbreak so many are familiar with as we come to terms with an ending that wasn’t intended.

Much of the second half of the album relays the painstaking emotions of heartbreak and reflection. The beats are heavier, almost as though they hold more meaning and are weighed down and propelled by the heavier emotions. We hear this in “Electric Circus,” “Nightclub (Waiting For You),” and “Life Was Easier When I Only Cared About Me.” Each touch on both sonically and lyrically the stages of heartbreak. From the reflection of communication plaguing the relationship, “Trash my self-esteem / When you’re feeling worthless / Hunched over a screen / To feel some sense of purpose,” in “Electric Circus.” But much of the Bad Suns album can be seen as a reflection of the pandemic and the world we are living. I think this song can also be interpreted as speaking about the impact of social media in the world today. In this way, the lyrics can serve as explaining the negativity of social media and how hiding behind a screen provides fuel to tear others down. Bad Suns are talented musicians and story tellers, with deep societal messages which we can all reflect on.

A central theme of the album is reflection, the flashbacks give glimpses into the formidable moments in the characters life, both good and bad. Tracks 9 through 11 carry the most weight of reflection. “Heaven Is A Place In My Mind,” is the most iconic dreamy rock song which defines the album and their most true sound, but also works creatively to meld the dream like reflection of what the characters could have been, if their time wasn’t up. The fade into the song brings us as the listener into such a faraway, wishful headspace, only to come crashing down in “Silently Screaming.” The desperate and trapped tone of the song is relayed through the album’s harshest lyrics yet, “Silently screaming / Lies on the phone / Every reason to let go of every demon / Clutching my bones / But this unbearable feeling feels like home.” The song calls out to us all who have found ourselves in the confused position of dealing with our own demons and being addicted to someone, while disregarding all the reasons they should be let go. The addition of the trumpet solo and its supporting background instrumental throughout, skillfully reflects the “screaming” theme of the song. A subtle yet amazing addition to the masterpiece which is this song, and album.

The album closes with the final flashback in “Grace (I Think I’m In Love Again)” which is composed of sweet and smooth vocals. “Symphony of Lights” concludes Apocalypse Whenever with the resounding feelings of always being there for someone, never leaving their side no matter what they’re going through. The song again reflects the opening track, as it gradually builds from a soft sound to the electric guitar solo. The coolest part of the song is the outro. For the last 40 seconds of “Symphony of Lights” we get a closing of the dream, as the final beats are played out through a xylophone like electronic beat, with atmospheric notes held by a guitar softly in the background. But the cleverest part of the song is how the final beats sing the opening lyrics and play the opening beat of the albums first track, “Apocalypse Whenever.” The opening track I almost believe, should be both track 1 and an additional track 14. Either way, the album is masterfully crafted.

Bad Suns’ fourth studio album is one which represents their most true sound, one that is consistent throughout the album and what is the new legendary sound of the band. Apocalypse Whenever is unique in the thorough and full story it tells, a concept Bad Suns have just experimented with, but a concept they should continue to incorporate into their music. The cinematic experience adds another layer to their talent, and the expertly created 80s futuristic retro vibes catapult you into their created world. Six tracks were released prior of the album release, and while they are all amazing as singles, nothing can beat the story they tell all together as a full 13 track album. It’s a sonically cinematic experience you want to be a part of. Stream Apocalypse Whenever on all platforms.

MULHERIN: INTERVIEW

January 24, 2022

by mariah estran

Mulherin, the twin brothers Marshall and Parker Mulherin, closed out 2021 by releasing a polarizing visual for their single “Dance With You.” Directed by artist Nik Arthur and Marshall Mulherin, they executed a creative vision by printing each frame onto 800 pieces of paper. The result became a soft, intricate portrayal that matches the intimacy of the track as two dancers move throughout each frame.

The song was drafted after a memorable night out. Its charming, soulful R&B sound complimenting the previous tracks in their discography, and the story isn’t finished. Mulherin is set to release another EP this year, the four-track addition following in the footsteps of “Dance With You.”

They took time to speak to us about the latest single, making the video, working through production hurdles, and what we can expect from the upcoming EP.

You two have recently released “Dance With You,” which is such a lovely single, by the way. So, what is the story behind the track?

Mulherin: “So, it was really based on someone that I knew. We kind of had connected a couple times. There was this one night, in particular, that the song is about. Nothing romantic came out of it, but it was still a nice night. It’s cool to have a thing that’s not fully a relationship love song, but it’s still intimate by itself.”

We have to talk about the music video. I know it took 6 months to create, printed frame by frame. The result is this truly unique and stunningly raw visual. What made you and director Nik Arthur decide on this visual portrayal for this track?

Mulherin: “It originally started with the idea of a split-screen aspect. We had a location we could do that physical split-screen — that will cross at the end, breaking that illusion. It started with that. Nik brought the idea of the dancers being superimposed over it.

We’ve done a little collaboration before this video with Nik, using transparency the way we did in this video. But this was the magnum opus version of that.

He usually does short-form experimental animation — it’s all physically done. He was like, ‘I don’t just want to be the visualizer guy.’ So, this was his first chance to do something long-form.”

Do you feel like this is a style you’ll continue to use?

Mulherin: “I feel like this is something we’ve been dipping our toes in over the past year, the ‘Your Turn’ cover and ‘Dance With You’ cover. Messing around with the physical manipulation of images and stuff. That’s something we’ve been experimenting with. Even before we met Nik — which is why Nik wanted to work with us. He was able to level it out even more with his skill sets.

The whole ethos is so nice. There’s going to be a continuation of the style and energy of it.”

Y'all have this charming sound that mixes R&B with soft-pop undertones. How have you two worked to develop your sound over the last couple of years?

Mulherin: “That’s a constant process, I feel like. On our first EP, Human Nature, there’s a song called ‘Open Up the Door.’ Our friend Zach, who’s a producer/artist as well, he was like, ‘It’s kind of like wooden elves in the forest vibe.’ We’ll try different stuff, but the feeling of organic, wooden-sounding stuff is cool.

So much of our stuff is just recording live instruments, recording live piano, recording guitar. Learning how to properly record throughout that process. Even our older stuff; it’s not the perfectly recorded piano. So, it has its DIY charm to it. It’s kind of because, for a long time, we didn’t really buy a lot (software). It was kind of figuring out ways to make do without that.

It’s like the constraint is what made that sound necessary. It’s all organic because we don’t really have other sounds.”

What artists did you find inspiring while working on your latest singles?

Mulherin: “It’s hard sometimes. Since the pandemic, there have been tough times of, ‘where do you find inspiration when you’re at your house.’ Then, it’s like, when it feels like you can’t do a show, releasing music feels weird for a while, especially in 2020. Fighting that next step was hard. Then, we got over a hump last year when we started finishing up songs that we have just put out and some for next year.

Getting to a point where you are continuing to learn, your ears open up also — is a good way to describe it. Your taste as a producer and being able to listen from more of an objective place.

In the past year, we started working more with friends that are pro-producers. Not even on our stuff, people who are producing for other people, other pop and R&B artists. Watching different people interact and collaborate with other people in a room, creatively and realizing you could do both.”

I know you are in the process of releasing an EP. What can you tell us about this project and what listeners can expect?

Mulherin: “All the songs are guitar-based. It’s a four-track; it’s a smaller one. We had a batch of songs that had two distinct sounds. So, we thought, we’ll do two four-song EP’s this year instead of crunching it all together into a seven or eight songs kind of thing.

This first one is the acoustic, more organic sound. It builds off the ‘Dance With You’ feeling, exploring that sound. It’s a little more lively. Then, the second EP, coming later, is more metallic, darker, and futuristic. It’s kind of a departure, kind of fun.”

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'BOYFRIEND' / SLATER: REVIEW

January 22, 2022

by emma schoors

Stadiums are awaiting SLATER, and “Boyfriend” is the alluring, anthemic single that may just serve as a stepping stone to their unquantifiable success in years to come.

Released on Jan. 21, “Boyfriend” is built solidly, yet it manages to bend to the emotional will of the individual listener. Intimate admissions like “I just wanted you to hear this come from my mouth” could apply to a number of confessions or truths. The lyrics serve as a pliable story, entirely dependent upon who’s listening and what chord or call to action it strikes within them. Classic, lusty rock n’ roll permeates the single in the form of a guitar solo, which floats above a valiant rhythm section. If drums are the restless heart of this song, guitar is the fluttering of that heart. Stretching through and rising above the harmonic shell like veins are the vocals, which take on a role just complicated enough to cause a seismic shift in the band’s sound.

Speaking of seismic shifts, this single marks a turning point from earlier releases like 2018’s “She’s So Fine” and 2019’s “Dressed In Red At Night.” In some ways SLATER’s sound has been stripped down to its essential core, and in others they’re more complex than ever. The band’s Spotify description paints them vividly as “the lovechild of Led Zeppelin & Catfish and the Bottlemen.” That’s not an unfounded comparison in the slightest. “Rest on me, honey, that’s alright,” the latter group’s Van McCann sings in “Cocoon,” while “Boyfriend” flaunts, “Baby, I don’t mind / You can come and waste my time if you want to.” This clumsy, youthful, head-over-heels kind of love collides with the steel force of Zeppelin’s rhythm section, like in “Rock And Roll,” and it’s easy to see how SLATER has found itself sandwiched between the two artists sonically. Still, there exists in “Boyfriend” a separate element that cannot be assigned to any other artist, because it presents itself differently in every band. That element is passion. Required in the production of every song is an ounce of genuine devotion to the project, and SLATER has cracked whatever canister passion lives in and poured it all over everything they’ve released so far.

There’s no need to pull back a curtain of flawlessness when it comes to “Boyfriend.” SLATER stands undaunted within the bounds of reality, everyday situations, and imperfect people, and that is perhaps where the bulk of their grit and guts lie. Creating new worlds through lyric is effective, but SLATER has proved that making sense of this world through lyric can be miles more poignant.

D.E.L.T.A.: INTERVIEW

January 21, 2022

by pankhuri bhutani

Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia, D.E.L.T.A. is a music producer and rapper who recently released his phenomenal new single “SYNERGY.” Known locally for his diverse rhyming flow and hard hitting beats, D.E.L.T.A.’s goal through creating and sharing his music is to connect with the human race on an emotional and spiritual level.

We recently had a chat with the talented artist in order to discuss the creative process behind his tracks (including his recent single “SYNERGY”), where he draws his overall musical influences from, and what his fans can expect from his future!

Hi there. Thanks for joining us on Unclear! How has the start of this year been for you?

D.E.L.T.A.: “Huge action stage for me at the moment. I’ve got a music video on the way, heaps of new tracks in the works, and a few side projects on the go. So really I'm just at a point where I'm trying to get the ball rolling as soon as possible and keep creating.”

You recently released your brand new single “SYNERGY.” Huge congratulations! How has the response been on the track so far?

D.E.L.T.A.: “Awesome feedback all around on the track. It’s been incredible seeing the streams roll in and the reviews have been stellar.”

Kindly walk us through the creative process of the track. Did you face any kind of challenges during the production stage?

D.E.L.T.A.: “I started working on ‘SYNERGY’ around June last year. The beat was something I smashed the bulk out in a day. I used a lot of hardware synth sounds which was great to incorporate live instruments into my creative process. Recording/writing the vocals was definitely the hardest part for me, I trialed about five different versions of the track, working out different vibes/moods and style of flow. Once vocals were done all it took was some last minute edits to the beat and the final mixdown. All in all I’m happy with the version I released, but there is always that little voice asking, ‘What if?’”

Talk to us more about how your experience was like creating this track. What sort of mindset were you in when you initially started working on this song?

D.E.L.T.A.: “This is a huge thing for me. My state of consciousness during the creative process was like riding a roller coaster. ‘SYNERGY’ is a song about love and I wrote it from a deep emotional state. This turbulent period was why I struggled so much with the writing and recording of the lyrics. Trying to capture EXACTLY what I was feeling was a nightmare so I ended up drawing a sort of mood/storyboard and stuck it up in my studio to help me stay on track. My biggest focus really was being able to capture and share my feelings during the recording process, and honestly, some days it felt like trying to bottle up a tornado [laughs].”

What sort of message do you want your listeners to take away when it comes to your music in general?

D.E.L.T.A.: “Connection with yourself, emotionally and spiritually first and foremost. Just be true to yourself, recognize thoughts and feelings for what they are and live that truth day and night, 365 days per year.”

Where do you garner your musical influences from? If given an opportunity, who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

D.E.L.T.A.: “A$AP Rocky, Skepta, and Drake are my three biggest Idols. I love house, old school soul and jazz music, and that tends to shine through with a lot of my creative pursuits. In terms of future collaborations, I’d love to work with Travis Scott or Kendrick Lamar, their creative visions are amazing.”

Lastly, what’s next for you? Anything in the pipeline for the year 2022?

D.E.L.T.A.: “Release the ‘SYNERGY’ music video! After that, who knows? Goal is to have an album/EP in the works by March.”

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