'CALLED UPON' / NEPTUNE'S CORE: REVIEW

August 25, 2023

by isabel dowell

With glowing praise from some of Chicago’s highest news outlets, Neptune’s Core is taking over the Chicago music scene one track at a time. These two sets of sisters — Sofie Richter (vocals/guitar), Hannah Richter (bass), Jackie Cywinski (guitar/vocals), Kaitlin Cywinski (drums) — have just released their forthcoming EP, Called Upon. As Jackie Cynwinski puts it, “Called Upon is a beautifully diverse EP that truly shows how we work together in order to make music that is alive. The parts all four of us play separately naturally intertwine into unique, dynamic songs that we are extremely proud of.”

Being noted as a powerful representation of who the band is today, both as people and as musicians, Called Upon will be their first release in almost two years. A collection for growth, pain, joy, and everything in between, Neptune’s Core is ready to show the world what they are made of.

“Inside” and “Unloved” gave listeners a first look into the new era for Neptune’s Core and are praised for their booming basslines and shimmery guitar riffs, as well as soaring vocals and crashing drums. Their experimentation has turned the heads of music lovers everywhere, proving that Neptune’s Core is not afraid of challenging the norm of what girls in music can do.

The remaining four tracks, “Mermaid Song,” “A Widow’s Tune,” “Bunga,” and “Why?,” are all unique in their own ways. “Mermaid Song” is a slow and eerie, yet beautiful melody. With no vocals, this instrumental grasps your heart and ignites your brain into listening further. “A Widow’s Tune” starts immediately with delicate lyrics and provides sharp imagery that reads like poetry. “Bunga” is one I was most excited to hear for the first time, curious about the track by its name alone. It’s one of the more explosive tracks on Called Upon and definitely marked itself as my favorite song from Neptune’s Core. The words are devastating, but in the most truthful and honest of ways. “Why?” brings the EP to a perfect conclusion. Its echoing and repetitive nature will bring shivers down your spine. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Neptune’s Core or this EP is your first look into your music, we can both agree that this band is exactly what the rock music scene needs more of.

Called Upon (EP) Tracklisting:

01. Inside

02. Mermaid Song

03. A Widow’s Tune

04. Unloved

05. Bunga

06. Why?

Called Upon adds a new era of sound to Neptune’s Core’s already impressive list of previous releases. They’ve shared stages with Chicago favorites such as Dehd, Bunny, and Friko, and are destined to make themselves known on even larger star-studded bills with this latest release. The confidence and emotion of these sisters radiates from these six tracks, leaving you hungry for more. While these women have become a fixture in Chicago’s rock landscape, I guarantee they will be taking over the rock scene very soon.

Called Upon is out now and available on all streaming platforms! Neptune’s Core is ready for you to hear what they’ve been working on for the past two years and to show you exactly where their talents lie.

TAELA: INTERVIEW

August 25, 2023

by martina rexrode

TAELA is an artist who is unapologetic in how she feels her emotions, no matter how big or overwhelming. Born and raised in Missouri, TAELA has been striving to create music that people can feel in their souls since she saw her mom lose herself in Joss Stone songs when she was younger. Her latest single “beetlejuice (dead to me)” is another step on that journey with a music video to go along with it. We talked with TAELA about this single and the fantastical inspiration behind it as well as her goals and the evolution of her style.

It’s probably pretty obvious from the, title but tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single “beetlejuice (dead to me).”

TAELA: “A couple months ago I had a dinner reservation at the Tim Burton restaurant Beetle House and I was so excited to go. I was in a studio session a couple hours before the reservation when I got a call saying the kitchen had flooded so they had to close it down. I was so bummed out and couldn’t stay focused during my writing, so I decided to pivot and challenge myself to write a Tim Burton inspired song. Beetlejuice is my favorite movie, I couldn’t stop thinking about the scene where he says, ‘I’m tellin’ ya, honey, she meant nothing to me! Nothing at all!’ And the lyrics just started flowing.”

Did the idea of comparing a line by Beetlejuice to a specific type of ex in a relationship come fairly quickly to you? What was the writing process like?

TAELA: “I had been wanting to write a song about an ex trying to crawl out of their grave for a while. Comparing my toxic ex to a ghost that’s trying to haunt me really helped me move on. I knew I needed to put that concept into lyrics and share it with the world.”

Have you been inspired by movies and other media for songs in the past or is this the first time you’ve brought something like this to life?

TAELA: “This is the first time! I definitely feel like I’ve unlocked something now, though. I’m sure more movie inspired songs will be happening in the future.”

Who do you hope to reach with this single?

TAELA: “Anyone who needs to cut ties with somebody who brings darkness into their life. Whether it’s a family member, friend, ex, coworker. I hope whoever needs it is able to listen to this song and quit giving their past opportunities to hurt them.”

How does it feel to have “beetlejuice (dead to me)” out in the world along with the music video?

TAELA: “It feels amazing! Like the start of a new era.”

Has your personal style evolved since the start of your career? Do you find your personal style bleeding into your musical sound or vice versa?

TAELA: “It’s evolved so much. I used to be so scared of my sexier, feminine side. I didn’t know how to find a balance between that and the tomboy/emo style I’ve always had — I didn’t think it was even allowed to be both. It’s definitely bled into my musical sound! I really feel like my music fully represents exactly who I am now which is really incredible.”

Who are some of your favorite badass artists from the past or making music today?

TAELA: “Joss Stone will always be my favorite artist. She went against the grain and wrote about really uncomfortable but important topics when that wasn’t really a thing and I’m forever inspired. Sleep Token is 100% my favorite band! I listen to them every day. Addicted.”

What is the biggest goal you hope to achieve from here?

TAELA: “My main goal with all of this is to tell my story exactly how it is and reach people who need to hear it. I just want to be a safe place for people to feel things.”

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LILA HOLLER: INTERVIEW

August 24, 2023

by martina rexrode

“Up&Out,” the debut single from Lila Holler, is a fresh entry into the growing field of melancholic music by young artists. Tapping into raw emotions like heartache and the value of friendship, Holler’s lyrics are guaranteed to resonate with listeners no matter what you’re feeling. We were lucky enough to talk to Holler about the feeling of releasing their first song, the process of creating the music video, and their biggest career dreams.

Congratulations on your debut single “Up&Out” and the music video! Can you try to put into words how it feels to officially release your first song?

Lila: “Thank you so much, and gosh I feel like everything I have ever done has been leading up to this release. As a perfectionist I've feared releasing my music for so long, but ‘Up&Out’ felt like a very special song since the moment I wrote it, which is how I knew it had to be my first release. The support I have gotten from the people who have listened has been so lovely, and far beyond what I was expecting. Overall my heart feels full of gratitude.”

How long have you been working on this song?

Lila: “I actually just wrote this song at the start of this summer. It took a few weeks after I wrote it to polish, record, and then send to my lovely producer Jessica Taylor to build the tracks, mix, and master.”

What was the writing/production process like?

Lila: “I wrote ‘Up&Out’ alone in my bedroom, as I do with most of my songs. When I wrote it I had already started working on the EP, and really had no intentions of adding a fourth song. But this one flew right out of me in just a matter of minutes. The structure changed a lot as I was writing, but the words fell into play pretty quickly. I knew it had to go on the EP because when I finished and was looking down at the lyrics I knew every last word was exactly how I felt.”

Are you a fan of any specific artists’ music videos? Did you take inspiration from them or find that in other forms of media (film, TV, literature, etc.)?

Lila: “Yes! The inspiration for the ‘Up&Out’ music video aesthetics was the 2006 Marie Antoinette film directed by Sofia Coppola. My close friend and creative partner Emma Miszewski and I had already had the idea to do a wreck room for the music video, but we knew we had to have some sort of twist. I am really inspired by the Rococo era’s colors, textures, fashion, and architecture. The ‘Up&Out’ music video really was the basis for building a color palette for the EP.”

What was it like to film a music video like this with such an intimate team?

Lila: “It was honestly super efficient. Emma Miszewski who directed the music video is a super close friend of mine, and that definitely aided the process. Emma had a clear understanding of my vision, and is an absolute visionary when it comes to film and music. They are able to organize and plan with amazing attention to detail after studying the references carefully. I really could not have done any of this without them and I will never stop singing their praise! The shoot only took one day to do, as a lot of the preparation was just building the set (which was actually all done in my garage).”

You also announced that your debut EP will be released on August 31st! What can listeners expect from the additional three songs?

Lila: “The additional songs are some of the most personal songs I have ever written. Exploring themes of growing up, codependency, religion, and much more — all three songs are very dear to my heart. There are some really nice consistencies in the production of all four songs that makes it feel like a unified body of work. The final and title track of the EP ‘Worth it Soon’ is what I am most excited for people to hear. It is the most deeply personal thing I have ever written, as the song takes you through lessons from my entire life verse by verse.”

Will there be music videos for these songs?

Lila: “Yes! The first track ‘Intimacy’ has a beautiful music video that was animated by a good friend of mine, Marley Wingfield. She has a very distinct art style that I just adore, and she was able to capture the essence of the song perfectly in her animations. The final track ‘Worth it Soon”’ also has a music video/visualizer coming with it. Lots of home videos and nostalgia that I’m very excited for everyone to relive with me!”

How have opportunities like attending Grammy Camp and winning the National Young Arts Competition prepared you for a career in this industry?

Lila: “I have learned so much from the opportunities I have had so far. With songwriting there is really no better experience than just going out and doing it, but even so what has been most valuable to me is the people I have met. Through Grammy Camp and Young Arts, I have made long term writing partners and friends. There are so many people I have come across that have inspired and changed my music forever. I am so grateful for those opportunities for teaching me how to network with other artists because it has been invaluable.”

Let’s end by thinking big. Where do you see yourself and your music in a few years?

Lila: “My biggest dream is to be a touring musician. The most magical part of all of this for me is the live performances. Connecting to a room full of people through my songs has always been so rewarding, and I truly believe performing is my purpose. In a few years I hope I am able to be recording even more music, and touring for future projects!”

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BROOKLYN JULIANA: INTERVIEW

August 22, 2023

by martina rexrode

Brooklyn Juliana is gathering fans like a seasoned professional after the release of his latest single “Thinking About You” and its accompanying music video. Directed by himself, the music video is something of a passion project for Juliana to convey a summer romance plagued by common communication problems of the 21st century. He talked with Unclear about this video and hinted to what fans might expect from future releases.

Congratulations on the music video for your single “Thinking About You!” What has it been like in the days leading up to this release?

Brooklyn: “The past couple of months have just been so wild. There have been so many happy little accidents and working with everyone has just been a complete joy. I’m really so excited for this one and I can’t believe it’s finally here.”

Before “Thinking About You” had you ever directed before? If not, what was it like to direct your own music video?

Brooklyn: “Yeah, I’ve directed all my videos because it’s a creative outlet for me. But ‘Thinking About You’ was really different because I got very, very hands-on with the technical stuff and working closely with my crew. I spent a lot of time studying my favorite movies done on super 35mm film, then we came up with the treatment, and I’m so happy with it.”

How were you able to visualize the theme of a summertime romance within the video?

Brooklyn: “I felt like this project needed to be something that could stand the test of time and hold up years down the road. The last frame in the music video was lifted from an old video game, Final Fantasy X, which I have on my Nintendo Switch. Anyone who’s played that game will know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s the two main characters embracing each other in a lake — it’s absolutely gorgeous and I thought that was the perfect image of love, so it’s just something I wanted to bring to life through the song and the visual.”

Where did you find inspiration for the direction? Are there any artists whose music videos you admire?

Brooklyn: “When I’m making music videos, I’m not usually watching too many other artists’ videos. I almost exclusively find inspiration in movies and video games. I always appreciate when the visual builds on the story of the song and it’s a surprisingly difficult thing to do, but that’s just something I love.”

Does this single give fans any hints about what they can expect from the sound of future releases?

Brooklyn: “Yes and no — we’re playing coy here. This song and visual was meant to be Brooklyn without any bells and whistles. It’s so simple and straightforward while also being really strong and good. But my fans can expect me to pick up my guitar a little bit more, write a little bit more, and deliver more of the authenticity that you’re seeing here.”

How has your style and sound evolved since the start of your career?

Brooklyn: “In the beginning of my career I really felt like I had to meet certain expectations. But through my experience with my fans and the support they’ve given me, I’ve learned that what they want is for me to be, well... me. And that’s what this song and video is all about. It’s me without the bells and whistles and if you can get on board with that, I think you’re going to really love what comes next.”

What lessons did you take from your K-Pop days into how you carry yourself as an artist now?

Brooklyn: “Just about the only thing that I really agreed with when it came to making music in K-Pop was the uncompromising production value. There’s a lot of passion that goes on behind the scenes when it comes to making music and the visual products associated with it. That’s something I carry forward, obviously. It looks and feels very, very different here because there’s so many things that I’m not doing and replacing them with things that I think are more authentic to who I am.”

Do you hope to direct more music videos in the future?

Brooklyn: “Yeah, I love directing as a creative outlet. Film and cinema is something that I just appreciate so much as a hobbyist. I pretty much quote movies all day long. But I’d also love to explore the idea of working with other directors. My cinematographer on this project really helped on set and took the reins whenever I wasn’t able to because I was in front of the camera a lot. And on top of that, of course, I had my assistant director — it was really just such a collaborative effort. And so that’s kind of where I’d love to keep going with this.”

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TAYLOR BICKETT: INTERVIEW

August 11, 2023

by alex grainger

The messy, raw, and chaotic growing pains of being a 20-something year old are beautifully captured through Taylor Bickett’s “QUARTER LIFE CRISIS.” In an effort to materialize her thoughts on paper, “QUARTER LIFE CRISIS” became a viral sensation, with millions streaming and Bickett earning the new title of long-lost sister by her fans.

The timelapse of the “QUARTER LIFE CRISIS” music video represents Bickett’s inner turmoil as she grapples with the feelings of fear of wasting her potential, shedding who she once was, and navigating her place in the world. The closed down diner reflects a part of her mind she has just recently chosen to share.

This composition of contradictions was never meant to be relatable, just simply honest. Bickett was able to find solace in the song's response as she learned just how many people are also trying to understand their own versions of a quarter life crisis. Read more about Taylor Bickett and “QUARTER LIFE CRISIS” below!

“QUARTER LIFE CRISIS” lyrically immerses us into the world of 20-something contradictions. How do these contradictions drive the story you are sharing through this track?

Taylor: “The first lyric of the song ‘I’m terrified of rejection but I get high off attention’ was also the first lyric I wrote, and it sets the tone for the rest of the track. I was feeling anxious about a lot of things, particularly social media, and the constant need (especially as an artist) to curate your perception and seek more and more attention online in the name of getting your art out there. This thought then led me to realize how my life, in many ways, is just a collection of contradictions. I ‘say that I read for fun but haven’t read in months,’ for example. I think that this is how most people in their early twenties feel. It’s a shedding of your childhood/teenage self, except you’re not quite an adult yet either. It’s an awkward chrysalis situation.”

“QUARTER LIFE CRISIS” seems to conclude that everyone in their 20s are experiencing some type of crisis questioning who they are and what they’re doing with their life. Was the creative process at all therapeutic in these 20-something growing pains?

Taylor: “In many ways, I would say that writing ‘QUARTER LIFE CRISIS’ was very therapeutic. Putting it all down on paper made it feel more manageable, in a way. What was more therapeutic, though, was the validation I felt when so many people shared that they resonated with the song. To put your most vulnerable thoughts out there, and for people to tell you they feel the same way, that you’re not alone, is a really special thing.”

If “QUARTER LIFE CRISIS” is the first track someone hears by you, what do you hope it says about your sound as an artist?

Taylor: “I think it’s an incredibly accurate depiction of the way I think and process my life experiences. It’s a little humorous, a little self-deprecating, but still emotionally raw and honest. I weave those threads through all of the music I create, especially the new stuff I’ve been working on.”

You’ve mentioned how recording the music video was a bucket list moment. Can you take us deeper into the creative process behind translating “QUARTER LIFE CRISIS” into a visual piece? Did you have a specific vision you felt was most important to capture?

Taylor: “This song has gone through many journeys — from my brain to my notes app, from my notes app to my guitar, to a voice memo, to a recording, to a real published song, and finally to a music video. It felt like the right next step, and I was beyond excited to see it brought to life visually. The vision that I really wanted to capture with the video was the messiness of it. I didn’t see this song having a clean, bright, shiny visual counterpart — it needed a sprinkle of the angst and humor and chaos that went into writing it.”

We see your younger self looking through the diner windows at your present self. Why did you choose a diner as the setting for the “QUARTER LIFE CRISIS” music video? Does it hold any type of significance to you and this song?

Taylor: “Setting the video in a diner was actually the directors’ idea (Angelica Valente and Pseudo). As soon as they presented it, I was sold. I used to be a hostess at a café and would write songs in my head the whole time and dream about being anywhere else. I think a lot of us have that feeling of being stuck, having all these goals but also not really knowing what to do about them. I also loved the fact that it was a contained space, that the whole crisis was happening inside my head, inside this empty diner after closing. Most people would probably never know it happened (even though most people could probably relate).”

The music video was released on your 24th birthday! Reflecting on the track and your headspace when you created it, where are you now in life? Is the 20-something chaos and confusion still running wild?

Taylor: “Releasing the music video on my 24th birthday felt like the perfect closing of the 23 chapter, but by no means the closing of the quarter life crisis one. I think that might stick around a little while longer. While in certain ways I feel just as lost as I did when I wrote the song, in other ways I have so much more clarity and confidence. I think it’s really special that a song I wrote about all these struggles I was having (as an artist, as a person) and this fear of wasting my potential, of not doing enough, was actually what brought so many new opportunities my way.”

Your fans have given you the title of their long-lost older sister. How special is it that your community looks up to you for advice? How do you continue to connect and grow this relationship?

Taylor: “I remember getting a DM in which someone referred to me as their ‘long-lost older sister’ a couple years ago, and it was the warmest and fuzziest feeling. I’m an older sister in real life. My sister is my best friend, and we both learn from each other every day. Most of my listeners at the moment are young women, and the bonds between young women are so powerful and unique. In some ways, I’m like ‘don’t take advice from me, my life is a disaster,’ but I think that’s the point. It wouldn’t be realistic if I had it all together. Life is messy and imperfect. I want to create a relationship with my listeners that’s like a deeply loving friendship, which is what sisterhood is to me.”

How do you feel “QUARTER LIFE CRISIS” gives a sense of comforting relatability that attracts so many?

Taylor: “I’m glad that it does. I don’t really know why, except maybe that it’s just honest. I didn’t try to make it relatable, it just so happens that what I’m feeling is apparently really relatable. That definitely makes me feel better. It would’ve been awkward if I released the song and everyone was like, ‘we all have our lives together, but sucks for you!’ It surprised me a little that it’s not just twenty-somethings who relate, but people of all ages either feel or have felt this way.”

This breakout single has only left us wanting more! What can we expect from you in the coming months?

Taylor: “The new music is coming so soon I can taste it! I’m so excited to share the project I’ve been working on for over a year now. ‘QUARTER LIFE CRISIS’ is just the beginning.”

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