DEATHBYROMY + PARTY FAVOR: INTERVIEW

July 25, 2022

by lauren kovolenko

photo courtesy of deathbyromy and party favor

Party Favor and DeathbyRomy are the dynamic duo you didn't know you needed until now. Read on to learn about their creative process behind a new song they have worked on together. Also, get to know them a bit more as individuals — we loved their introspection and conversation. You will want to check these two out!

For those that don't know you, what's your elevator pitch? What got you into the music genre you currently are in?

Party Favor: “Hi, I’m Dylan AKA Party Favor and I make music to lose your mind to and then on a second listen question the universe and your existence.

I don’t even know if I honestly have a genre. Most of my music would fall under the EDM sub-genre of ‘Trap,’ but I feel like I’m more of just a bass artist. Actually let’s make a new genre, Energy.”

Your music can be described as very high energy, how do you bring that energy to the physical stage?

Party Favor: “See!!! Energy is the keyword in this interview, haha. Music for me is how I let loose and free myself from any mental constraints I might have. I feel most comfortable on stage and always have since I was a little kid wanting to be an actor. I think there’s something freeing in putting on a performance and becoming PF on stage and then I can be Dylan when I am back at home.”

Describe yourself in three words. What kind of music would you consider yourself to make?

DeathbyRomy: “I’m raw, honest and unafraid. I make heavy pop.”

What is your favorite milestone in your music career so far?

DeathbyRomy: “Recently getting to go play at a festival in Malta with one of my favorite bands Bring Me The Horizon.”

"Hollow" brings both of your personal music vibes perfectly together. How did you make this happen? What was the creative process behind this track?

Party Favor: “‘Hollow’ started as this demo from my friend and producer Connor Waine and this amazing writer Kole who started this vocal as an idea for me. It wasn’t anything like it is now, but I was able to hear where I wanted to take it. It felt so perfect for the album. It was dark and moody while still feeling epic in scope. I wanted to almost make my version of a Nine Inch Nails song. I immediately thought of Romy, and when we got into the studio together I knew she was the perfect fit. One of my favorite records on the album and I feel like it came together really organically.”

DeathbyRomy: “‘Hollow’ was mostly complete by the time it got to me, but Party Favor and I made sure all vocals were flawless, and ironed those out the added vocal textures to perfection. As soon as I heard the track I was obsessed with the production, so I knew I had to get on it.”

What was the best part about working together? Did you work together in the studio or was it all via online?

Party Favor: “The original versions of the song were all remote, but when it came time to record her vocals, we got together in person here in LA and it was amazing. She has a great energy, look, and artistry. Her personality shines through all of her records. I liked the idea of doing a song with someone who doesn’t typically work on electronic leaning music.”

DeathbyRomy: “Together in the studio, which was great. I’ve never done a Zoom session and I never will — I can only work face to face to get the most creatively, so luckily we got to do that.”

The song is very fun, but also has a dark vibe tied into it. What are you trying to convey?

Party Favor: “Thank you! I was in a darker place myself when I started the production on it. I think we all struggle with getting inside our own head a lot, and that can build and build till you feel like you’re a hollow shell of yourself. To me, this song is about freeing yourself from that mental prison that we all put ourselves in. You want to fill that hollow void with meaning and happiness. It’s not about a specific person or thing.”

DeathbyRomy: “There is a theme throughout the lyrics that I feel the production carries perfectly. It is that ‘uneasy comfort’ many find in their sadness that can be both scary and manic.”

How long did it take to create the song from start to finish? Was it easier/more tasking than expected?

Party Favor: “Production was done in a couple weeks at most which is always a good sign. In my experience, If you can get the ideas out quickly it usually shows its working. The longest part was finding the right voice for the song and Romy was that voice. Maybe a four month process in all.”

Do you foresee yourselves performing "Hollow" together on a stage somewhere?

Party Favor: “Yes!!! I love performing it and I can’t wait till we get a chance to have the energy of playing it together in person. I know Romy has been playing it out at a few of her shows with a completely different live flip. I have some shows lined up in the fall I want to have her out for!”

DeathbyRomy: “Hell yeah!”

For those reading, what's your best piece of advice?

Party Favor: “Nothing comes overnight. Keep grinding/hustling/learning forever.”

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HAPPYTREE: INTERVIEW

July 23, 2022

by alex grainger

Happytree released his latest single “Don’t Fight It” on July 1st and we can’t get enough. “Don’t Fight It,” is a house music track of addicting beats that naturally make you want to let go and just dance. The single came together as “pure creation” and it’s all about having self-confidence and being authentically yourself. Read more about “Don’t Fight It” and Happytree below!

Can you tell us what “Don’t Fight It” is about?

Happytree: "‘Don't Fight It’ at its core is about self confidence. Having full belief in yourself and not allowing the day-to-day doubts to hinder you from growth. No matter the direction. We must have trust that we are able to achieve our goals.”

What was the creative process behind “Don’t Fight It?”

Happytree: “Like most of my better songs (in my opinion), this one came together really quickly. I remember being annoyed that I wasn't seeing ideas through to completion. Just thinking way too much without action. Full-on analysis paralysis.

I decided that I was just going to try and create without judgment. This process was just extremely organic. I built the beat as I was writing the lyrics so it all came together seamlessly. I had a lot of fun with this one.”

What is the message you are sending to listeners in this single?

Happytree: “The message is authenticity. Be yourself.

I feel like people feel they need to act or look a certain way to fit in with the world. There's space for all of us. We can't grow as a species without varying opinions and unique perspectives. We even get so caught up in the ‘image’ we created that we lose who we really are. Stop fighting yourself and just live.”

You mention how “Don’t Fight It” is about “staying true to yourself without fighting yourself.” How did you find the ability within yourself to do this?

Happytree: “Time and consistency. Recognizing patterns of negative self talk and course correcting. ‘I can't’ turned into ‘I can't yet.’ Every time I would have a thought doubting myself, I used it for fuel to prove myself wrong.

Also realizing that it's alright to not have control over everything. I can only control myself in this world, and knowing that brings a calmness to the chaos. We don't have to be perfect, we just have to have a need to be better.”

Was this song a reflection of the process or did you create it while in the middle of learning to stay true to yourself?

Happytree: “This is a 1:1 reflection of the process. The song was created out of an obsession to express myself. I've always tried to stand out as a rapper and be unique, but somewhere along those lines you get caught up in the trends. You start to hear today's music leaving its mark on you.

This song allowed me to just create. No thoughts, no fears, just pure creation. I wanted to try and share that freedom.”

Do you have a favorite lyric in “Don’t Fight It?”

Happytree: "‘...reaching new heights, this life get spicy, but I still do the right thing like Spike Lee...’

This lyric stands out to me because it's truly the never ending struggle. Trying to do right and continue to do right even while being tempted to do the opposite. As I get closer to my goals, challenging situations are constantly being thrown in front of me. Learning to navigate these properly and keep your truth is the key.”

This song marks a transition into a new genre for you as an artist. How would you describe this sound? How did this sound evolve into “Don’t Fight It?”

Happytree: “Honestly, it's just house music to me. I wanted to make people dance and forget about their problems. I used to think the sole purpose of music was to enlighten/educate the listener. As I continue, I recognize that's not always the case. Sometimes people just want to turn on their favorite song and not think about anything, just feel and enjoy the music. ‘Don’t Fight It’ is my attempt at blending a conscious topic with the option to completely tune it out and just vibe with the track.”

What are you most proud of upon the release of “Don’t Fight It?”

Happytree: “Honestly, I'm proud of the fact that I actually released this one [laughs]. I was sitting on this track for awhile for who knows what reason. I sent it to my manager, J Chung, just thinking we'd leave it as a throwaway. He really motivated me to believe in this track. Couple months later, I'm in LA performing the song and shooting a music video. It was a surreal experience.”

What has the reaction been since the song has dropped?

Happytree: “I think people like it, but then again, I'm trying not to read too deep into numbers and analytics. I really just want to focus on creating and polishing the art. I learned I can't fully control the result, so I just release and allow the chips to fall where they may.”

What was the creative process behind the music video? How was it translating the song into a visual piece?

Happytree: “Just want to start by giving a huge shout to Ethan Frank. He directed the video and really captured the idea of the song. The contrast between conforming to the status quo and expressing yourself freely. I don't have many music videos out yet but I loved the process and experiencing the final result was amazing.”

What’s next for you?

Happytree: “I'm constantly growing and trying to push my limits so the possibilities are endless. More music on the way, with some potential features that I think the people will admire.”

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'MUST BE NICE' / 49TH & MAIN: REVIEW

July 22, 2022

by alex grainger

49th & Main just dropped their latest project Must Be Nice on July 22nd. The rising indie-pop Irish duo is composed of producer Ben O’Sullivan and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Paddy King. Must Be Nice takes us through the trials and tribulations of youth in a coming-of-age movie soundtrack. The narrative submerges us deeper in what the band states is “wasted youth evoking both solace and joy in the pursuit of reconnecting with yourself and humankind.” A loaded and vulnerable project, one that takes us on a rather upbeat version of these relatable formative moments. Must Be Nice follows their debut project Neon Palm Trees, hit lo-fi release “Catching Eyes” and their COVID mixtape rodeo doors (COVID TAPES). Must Be Nice comes as the duo continues to explore genres and their sound as artists. Although, I would argue this 7-track project holds a steady electronic-pop sound, one which they experiment with during its duration. So, let’s dive into this sonic coming-of-age experience of artists who are just figuring it out both in life and in music.

Must Be Nice begins with “Up To Something,” which the duo dropped ahead of the EP’s release. “Up To Something” sets the project off with an intoxicating steady beat, one which mirrors the long night the band takes us through. The unwavering drum is countered with layered instrumentals creating a smooth melodic sound. A clever break in the song comes with the airy, lighthearted tone backing the lyrics of the bridge “Ahh ahh my head space / The way my thoughts be going these days / Can’t stop won’t stop I’m gonna be ok / But you keep coming around / Feel like breaking me down.” But one aspect of the song I would like to note is how the vocals seem to be overlayed by the beat. The beat is the song for me, specifically the drum, everything else is secondary. Circling back to the coming-of-age soundtrack we were promised “She thinks I must be up to something / Cause on weekdays, I’m out to 6am just doing cocaine / And you keep calling me home / Feel like breaking my phone / I’m on my own," a striking scene is pictured. The song seems to be reflective of hearing the drumming and pulse of your heartbeat pounding in your ears on one of those long, sleep deprived, intoxicated nights that the band unmistakably sonically takes us through.

“Human Condition” is the second track, one that was also released prior to the EP. “Human Condition” loses the harsh steady beat consistent in “Up To Something,” and is considerably more lyrical. With an intro that was made to be the hit radio pop song of the summer, this track launches us deeper into the narrative of this coming-of-age journey. The pop sound is accompanied with various sonic shifts aiding in the flow of the song, from the pre-chorus riff and ticks to the atmospheric solos leading into the final chorus. The band mentions how this track is all about “simply being human.” I find the different segments and sounds to represent all the different parts of being human and how they come and go.

Coming in as track three is “Never Gonna Stop,” and I have a lot to say about this one. The song leads with a bit of intrigue, where I legitimately turned my ear closer to my computer, as I imagine all inquiring minds would naturally turn an ear up to a whisper. The first few moments of the song are raw and a brilliant contrast to the electronic dance music which plays out the rest of the song. The piano riff and gentle light vocals lead into a track that is meant to be heard in a club. The loopy tune repeating “never gonna stop loving you,” is one that certainly fits the soundtrack to back the coming-of-age party scene that is overtaken by the euphoria of this dance tune. I must admit I was a little skeptical of how I thought the song would fit within the greater composition of the EP. The EDM, house music vibes, while they are present throughout each track, I wasn’t sure about an entire song dedicated to it. However, upon listening to the project a few times through I think it’s a song which showcases the talent of the duo as it’s a deeper dive and experimentation into one of the main tones of the EP.

Track four “Streetlights” opens with an ominous intro before sliding into the notable electronic drum beat heard throughout the duration of the EP. The fast-paced beat brings you right along through the lyrics of what I interpret as falling for this girl, “Cause it feels like paradise, When I’m with you.” The song pulls back into the first track “Up To Something” with the alcohol and drug references, “Yeah we can get lost tonight, Smoking straights under streetlights / We can find peace of mind, At the bottom of six pints / Show me where you get High, All alone in the moonlight.” The beat dissipates for a distorted guitar solo and a bold drum buildup to spill over into the final verse.

“Tom,” track five caught me by surprise. The sound of a ukulele standing out like a sore thumb among an EP with such electronic and hard defiant beats. The ukulele, whistle riff, and quick snippets of birds chirping gives off Vance Joy, vacation by the seaside vibes as opposed to the edgier vibe I picked up off the previous four tracks. Cleverly, the song switches from a glaring ukulele sound to one that is an ukulele infused electronic beat, one that I found worked perfectly to tie this track to the rest of the EP. “Tom” is sonically the lightest offsetting the more serious, self-deprecating lyrics of being in your head, thinking why did I do this, how did I get to this point in my life. Coming to the moment in our youth where we all must face our decisions and think about where we go from here, reflective in the lyrics “And his thoughts eat him inside / And it’s just that type of night / Yeah it’s just that type of night his thinking, / Why ohh me ohh why, did I waste my younger life, well I guess I never tried and I guess I’ll / never know keep drinking.” The song ends on an interesting note of what sounds like digging through your pocket of change, tying together how the character Tom is supposedly broke, “Knows he’s got to make some money / Broke won’t do this time.” Well done.

Next up, my personal favorite, “Dillinger” track six. I found this song to fit the duo best. It has the smoothest vocals, the grooviest rock-esque guitar (a riff I will be teaching myself how to play immediately). It very much reels the EP back in to the starting sound, one where we find that persistent drum carrying through in the background. An edgier song, to an already edgy project. The confident sound coincides with the confidence found within the main character, “Got my dirty jacket on, yeah I’m feeling myself,” and of taking control of your world, “Cause there’s a big bad world at your footstep and when the moment hits right yeah it’s best / felt.”

Must Be Nice closes with “No Sleep.” This final track is the slowest and softest with atmospheric instrumental sound backing the vocals. The electronic beats which compose breaks between verses coincide nicely with the overarching sound of the EP. The outro is very confident and defiant, a sure beat. The outro also reminds me a little of track 3 with a similar club like beat. The abrupt cut off is an amazing end to the EP. The song is really reflective of youth and its freedom, in both the sure sound and lyrics, “Yeah I be loving night, / And freedom.”

Roll the credits. Must Be Nice is truly an outstanding project showcasing the talented Ben O’Sullivan and Paddy King. The two have just signed a global record deal with Counter Records, an imprint of Ninja Tune. From two people who started music with no intention of ever going anywhere they have surely made a name for themselves and solidified their place in the industry. In the endless ways to capture the essence of youth, the two have done it in a transparently real and sonically addictive project. Must Be Nice is a sonic coming-of-age experience I would take part in any time or day.

DOLO TONIGHT: INTERVIEW

July 21, 2022

by mariah estran

Back in June, anti-pop artist Dolo Tonight released his latest EP, Life’s A Party Then You’re Dead. The colorful collection takes listeners on a trip through an organic retelling of stories.

“Once we made this EP, there was a moment where I was like, ‘Yeah, this is exactly what I was trying to make, and I could do this forever and be proud of it,’” the singer describes.

That freeing stream of consciousness allowed the artist to create a project that feels like him. It’s an array of moments, from “Car Ride” stemming from a discussion on relationships to “ppl under the stairs” being inspired by a light-hearted joke he told his friends. “It’s truly me, and it’s a step in the right direction,” the artist says.

We got the chance to speak to Dolo Tonight about the new project. He tells us more about the story, the concept of anti-pop, what we can expect from his visuals, and his favorite song on the EP.

You’ve released your EP, Life’s A Party Then You’re Dead. Listeners get to jump into this collection of songs that display the bigger picture. What’s the story behind this group of tracks?

Dolo Tonight: “Ah man! It feels so good to finally have it all out. It all really started when I went out to a studio with a collection of my friends who produce that go by Baggage Claim. We sat down for just over a week and made music all day every day nonstop and brought out the best in each other and just talked and told stories which ended up becoming songs.

It was super free flowing and something I hadn't done until that point. It's actually a concept project about a person who has 20 days left to live and tries to experience their life as fast as they possibly can.”

How do you feel this EP represents who you are as an artist?

Dolo Tonight: “I think for a long time I felt super misrepresented with some of my past work, it wasn't truly what I grew up listening to or just the best expression of my story and who I am.

Once we made this EP, there was a moment where I was like, ‘Yeah, this is exactly what I was trying to make, and I could do this forever and be proud of it.’ It’s literally all my personal stories, even ‘ppl under the stairs’ is a track I wrote about a hole under my current house where I joke that people live inside of.

It’s truly me and it’s a step in the right direction.”

You’ve described your track “Tucson” as kind of anti-pop, yet still a banger. What has influenced you while developing your sound?

Dolo Tonight: “I grew up listening to a lot of different styles of music. Mainly people like Two Door Cinema Club, MGMT, Passion Pit, Cage The Elephant, all that kinda stuff — I don’t know, something about that music feels so real to me and it tells actual stories.

The point of the sound of ‘Tucson’ was to give it this road trip feel but have a lot of emotion in the chorus. Something else that’s taking effect is that all my friends who I make music within the scene we’re building rubbed off on me — it was originally called, ‘living room socks voice note’ because that's how it started — we were just chillin’ making music and a couple of us were like, ‘Yo, we have to make this a real song.’”

The visual for “Tucson” has this candid, road-trip footage that still brings in those romantic vibes. What initiated the idea for the music video? How does it accompany the story on the track?

Dolo Tonight: “That was the first sneak peak of a short film that I’m working on about a girl who realizes something about her life is changing drastically and goes on a world bending mission to change everything on this insane road trip. A lot of these songs are going to be synced up in the film — I wanted to put a small bit of footage from it into the ‘Tucson’ music video.”

What song is your favorite on the EP and why?

Dolo Tonight: “Haha, don't make me do this one! Well — ahh, shoot dude — they're all my favorite, but I think ‘Car Ride’ was sick.

One of my homies out here, Roe Kapara, is this incredible singer-songwriter and storyteller. When I first met him, he had sung part of what is now ‘Car Ride’ to me at my house. I literally bugged out at how dope it was and was pacing around in my room singing it. Then months later, I couldn't get it out of my head, so we sat down together and reworked it in my kitchen. I just poured out a story of a relationship I was in, going through all of the small details that happen right after someone leaves and that became ‘Car Ride!’”

Lastly, now that your EP is released, what can we expect from you next? More visuals, maybe live shows?

Dolo Tonight: “I just did my first headline show at Catch One! I’m trying to get on tour so bad — that would be wicked. Definitely tons of visuals. I'm always working on more songs too and have an insane concept for a project I wanna do, but it’s a little early to talk about it just yet.

I’m just finalizing some music right now, and then everything usually falls into place how it’s supposed to.”

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BROADSIDE: INTERVIEW

July 20, 2022

by alex grainger

Broadside dropped their latest single “One Last Time” on July 12th. We had the chance to talk to lead singer Oliver Baxxter about the electric pop-rock song. “One Last Time” comes as a shift in the mentality of the band, as Oliver notes, “I’m not living for anyone else anymore.” “One Last Time” sends the message to seize every opportunity and to show fans Broadside is still “their band.” The single drops alongside the “One Last Time” music video and the band’s first full US headline tour. Read more of our conversation with Oliver about all things “One Last Time” and Broadside below!

Can you tell us what “One Last Time” is about?

Oliver: “It’s about wanting to go back to a moment, any moment where it felt stable. I think everyone is starting to feel the pressure of losing two years off of their life with the madness of the world, socially, economically and emotionally. We’re all tired.”

What was the creative process behind “One Last Time?”

Oliver: “Working with Andrew Baylis was a dream come true. He’s a fantastic producer, so just working out the song with him felt very mature for us. We had the song written and he came through and provided the glue.”

“One Last Time” comes as a shift in your mentality as a band. One where you note, “I just want to be me.” How will this manifest in your future releases? What can we expect?

Oliver: “I’m not living for anyone else anymore. I want to be a vessel for creativity. Fuck the ego and everything else.”

This growth and shift in mentality, what was the process like? Was it separate from creating music or was the process blurred and blended together?

Oliver: “We all experienced hardships throughout our history in this band, it tears you down. Personally, I had a few huge life altering moments that tried to keep my head under water but I want to use my voice… the music to persevere.”

How have you grown as a band through the creation of “One Last Time?”

Oliver: “I think we realize that as we approach our fourth album, we have to make it a point of ‘why the fuck are we still doing this?’ since we haven’t ‘blown up’ per-say.”

What is the message you are sending to listeners of “One Last Time?”

Oliver: “The importance of making the absolute most out of any opportunity because it doesn’t always last. It won’t always come back.”

How would you describe your sound? How has it evolved throughout your music career to now with this latest release?

Oliver: “We’re trying to be sonically impactful! If people see us for the first time or the 100th, I want to be consistent. As far as genre, I feel like we’re evolving into a more modern pop rock band for sure. Moving slightly away from fully ‘pop punk.’”

Why did you decide to release “One Last Time” as your first original material post your hit 2020 album Into The Raging Sea?

Oliver: “Thank you for calling it a hit album! We wrote The Raging Sea when I was very much drowning in life, so now I want to show that growth. Showing life and growth is incredibly important to me in the music moving forward.”

You guys also dropped the music video for “One Last Time.” What was the creative process behind translating the song into a visual piece?

Oliver: “We just wanted a straight up high energy video. Something digestible to show the actual band playing their instruments.”

What was your reaction to seeing the finished music video?

Oliver: “Given we were under a tight time constraint, I’m incredibly happy with how it came out. Our friend Evan who also films Magnolia Park’s videos really came through.”

What are you most excited about upon playing “One Last Time” live during your first full US headline tour?

Oliver: “To see how it translates. Do they like it on AND off the internet? A lot of bands forget that they have two jobs… and they don’t always overlap.”

What are you all most proud of upon the release of “One Last Time?”

Oliver: “I want everyone who has ever doubted me to say damn, that fool is still going. And to the fans, I want them to see that we are still their band. Theirs.”

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