THE BAND LIGHT: INTERVIEW

May 5, 2024

by sara welden

From high school theater practice to now rehearsing for shows playing alongside artists like Quarters of Change and the Jonas Brothers, THE BAND LIGHT is a Nashville based pop-rock group who are rolling out their unique and vintage sound across the country. The band took the time to chat with us about early beginnings, touring, their brand new singles, and more which you can read below!

I read that you all met through your high school’s student production of Footloose. Who or what initially prompted the conversation about starting a band and making music together?

THE BAND LIGHT: “When Footloose was canceled due to Covid, we all decided to get together and make our own versions of the songs while in quarantine to honor the excitement we all had for wanting to do the show. When that was finished, we just started writing a few songs together, and that felt so right. We knew that the connection we had through the music was special, so we just started to write more and more and build the connection with each other more and more, and then THE BAND LIGHT was a genuine product of our shared love of music and connection.”

What does your friendship look like outside of work? What do you guys do when you aren’t performing or making music?

THE BAND LIGHT: “We have the type of friendship where ‘doing things’ together isn’t a necessity. We can do anything together and it’s a blast because it’s each other, you know. But we enjoy seeing movies together, obviously making music and just jamming, and we love to go to Jack’s house to hang out. His fianceé always cooks for us and we heavily look forward to those nights. Shout out Lydia!”

Because of your theater background, I have to ask, if your music could have been the soundtrack of any musical or movie, which would it be?

THE BAND LIGHT: “Well, I think it would be wrong to not say Footloose, right? But honestly, I would say our own. It has always been a dream of ours to make a movie or musical and write the music for it. We have so many plans outside of just music that hopefully will come to fruition one day.”

You guys recently supported Quarters of Change on a few stops of their “The Portraits Tour.” What was that experience like? Can we expect some more live shows or a tour in the future from you?

THE BAND LIGHT: “The Portraits Tour was a fantastic experience. The QOC guys are the best and we really look up to them a lot. We relate to them in a lot of ways, and so it was fun to get to hang out with them and get to play some of the best shows we’ve ever played in the meantime. We are itching to get back on the road and play more as soon as we possibly can!”

Your two most recent singles “Lover Girl” and “Flower Song” are really great! What does your typical creative process look like when it comes to making songs? Who typically contributes what?

THE BAND LIGHT: “Thank you so much! Our creative process really changes with the seasons, but this upcoming cycle of songs mostly started with Konnor and Trevor; since they live together they come up with the initial rough ideas, and then they bring them to Garrett and Jack and they are fantastic at helping mold those rough ideas into fleshed out bodies of work. Sometimes the process is the other way around too. We have a very piecey creative process, but it has worked in a beautiful way.”

If you could go back and visit your high school theater selves now after all you’ve accomplished so far as a band, what would you say?

THE BAND LIGHT: “Keep going, and keep pushing. The best is yet to come. :)”

With your 2024 already off to an amazing start, what can we expect next from THE BAND LIGHT? Any items on your bucket list as a band?

THE BAND LIGHT: “We have plenty of new music to share in this next year and are extremely excited for everyone to hear it! We are also looking forward to being on the road and being able to give something to the people that have been supporting us! As for our bucket list, I know we all would love to play stadiums, get our own pinball machine, and have our own Fortnite skins.”

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'THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT' / TAYLOR SWIFT: REVIEW

April 24, 2024

by abby crabill

Somehow always knowing what her fans need, Taylor Swift has done it again. On April 19th, Taylor released her eleventh album, The Tortured Poets Department, as a surprise double album. Taylor shares her new album as a form of closure for herself from past heartaches, leaving her fans feeling as if they are getting a sneak-peek inside of her personal journal. As expected, she intertwines allusions to many other artists and works throughout her poetic tracks. While a feeling of angst and drama sets the overall tone throughout the album, each song leaves listeners trying to cope with understanding different emotions. In traditional Taylor fashion, there is plenty of room for speculation among her tracks. Any attempt to decode her music could go on forever, but here are a few thoughts to recognize and consider when listening to her newest album (for the first time, or the 100th time).

A large part of the album takes listeners deeper into feelings of heartache, loss, and not being enough. For example, songs like “So Long, London,” “loml,” and “Peter,” tend to represent loss and the pain that comes with reminiscing on moments that once brought joy. Taylor seems to recall several moments of unhappiness that she felt as she left a relationship and the town she spent much of her time in with the lines from “So Long, London,”

“I didn't opt in to be your odd man out, I founded the club she's heard great things about. I left all I knew, you left me at the house by the Heath”

Her song “Peter” seems to be an interesting telling of Peter Pan from the character Wendy's perspective. The song explores Wendy reminiscing on the promises that Peter made to her when they were younger, that have never come to fruition.

“You said you were gonna grow up, then you were gonna come find me. Said you were gonna grow up, thеn you were gonna come find mе. Said you were gonna grow up, then you were gonna come find me. Words from the mouths of babes, promises oceans deep but never to keep, oh, never to keep.”

If listeners don't want to spend all of their time alone under a fuzzy blanket wallowing in sadness, the album also explores themes of hope, freedom, and prevailing despite the odds. Some of these tracks include, “Florida!!!,” “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?,” “Clara Bow,” and “So High School.”

There is a final overall theme to the album, which strongly represents Taylor exploring all of the instances that have not only made her a better singer-songwriter, but a stronger woman.

This is best presented in her track, “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” with the repetition of lyrics like, “Who's afraid of little old me? Well, you should be,” and “You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me.” It can also be seen in her track, “Clara Bow,” when the lyrics change from comparisons made between Taylor and other famous artists, including: Clara Bow and Stevie Nicks to simply making it as a star for being herself.

“You look like Taylor Swift, in this light. We're loving it. You've got edge she never did, the future's bright... dazzling.”

As a whole collection, both The Tortured Poets Department and The Anthology, can be considered some of Taylor Swift's most personal, raw, and poetic work so far. Once again, she delivered, both for her fans and herself.

5 ARTISTS WE'RE EXCITED TO SEE AT PITCHFORK MUSIC FESTIVAL

April 11, 2024

by isabel dowell

Pitchfork, one of the most trusted voices in music, just released their lineup for their 2024 Pitchfork Musical Festival. Taking over Union Park in Chicago, Illinois from July 19th - 21st, music lovers from across the globe will be traveling to see their favorite artists, explore the city, and take in all of what these Pitchfork-backed artists have to offer. Black Pumas, Jamie XX, and Alanis Morissette are set to headline, with Jai Paul, 100 gecs, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessie Ware, Brittany Howard, and MUNA also holding prominent spots on the initial lineup. Whether you’re a Pitchfork alum or visiting for the first time, here are a few artists we are most excited to see and recommend you check out too!

1. MUNA

Seeing MUNA on the lineup was the greatest gift we could’ve been given this summer. If you aren’t already familiar, this indie-pop band of Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson has been absolutely crushing the sapphic hearts and playlists of queer folks everywhere. Kidding… but not really. They toured with Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Phoebe Bridgers, and Kacey Musgraves, so if they aren’t already a household name they will be. Their latest album, MUNA, was their first album as an independent artist and first being signed to Phoebe Bridges’ label, Saddest Factory Records. MUNA is known for their genre mixing experimentation, celebration of queer love, and thrilling and empowering tracks. We can expect to see all of that and so much more as they take over the Pitchfork stage on Sunday, July 21. Life definitely is so fun if MUNA is involved.

2. Wednesday

Wednesday, an alt-rock band from North Carolina, originally started as a solo project led by Karly Hartzman (vocals/guitar). Growing to accompany Jake Lenderman (vocals/guitar), Xandy Chelmis (pedal/lap steel/banjo), Ethan Baechtold (bass), and Alan Miller (drums) allowed Wednesday to truly thrive and encompass the genre of alt-rock music that we all know and love. We are very excited to witness their set on Saturday, July 20th and experience the unique live show so many fans talk about. In just a few words, Wednesday rocks and we can’t wait to see them!

3. Akenya

Well-versed in the Chicago music scene, multi-genre vocalist, pianist, composer, and arranger Akenya will be making her Pitchfork debut following the release of her forthcoming debut album, Moon in the 4th, hinted to be releasing in May 2024. Akenya has worked alongside acclaimed musicians like Smino, Chance the Rapper, Anderson .Paak, and Hayley Williams, just to name a few. As a solo artist, Akenya’s music is unique and versatile. The lead single off of Moon in the 4th, “Hades Moon,” is now available and was coined “an excellent pop song” with “a testament to her skill as an artist” by Atwood Magazine. We are excited to experience Akena’s masterful talents on Sunday, July 21st.

4. feeble little horse

Repping the Pittsburgh DIY-music scene, feeble little horse was born out of college dorm rooms and grew through basement shows and apartments that doubled as recording studios and producing spaces. Beginning in 2021, Lydia Slocum (vocals/bass), Sebastian Kinsler (vocals/guitar), Ryan Walchonski (guitar), and Jake Kelley (drums) have grown exponentially because of their “commitment to adventurous guitar tones, catchy hooks, noisy atmospheres, and dry, cutting lyrics,” according to Pitchfork. With this description backing them, they are set to bring an exciting energy to the Pitchfork stage on Saturday, July 20th. As their beginnings show, feeble little horse is fiercely independent and scrappy. We have no doubt that their set will gain them a slew of new fans to join in on their adrenaline spiking hooks and mesmerizing experimentation.

5. Kara Jackson

Kara Jackson is also an Illinois-native known for her poetry, singing, and songwriting. Her musical debut came in 2019 with the release of her EP, A Song for Every Chamber of the Heart, and just last year she released her first full-length LP, Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?. Her debut album was also named Best New Music by Pitchfork which makes it no surprise that she’ll be gracing the Pitchfork stage on Saturday, July 20th. Her folk music is playful yet raw and observant, allowing you to live within her narrative. Her lyricism reads like spoken word poetry, clear and to the point, but combines beautiful melodies and layered instrumentals that bring a new level to her artistry.

Bonus: Carly Rae Jepsen

Of course we can’t wait to sing our hearts out to “Call Me Maybe,” the single that catapulted this Canadian singer’s career into the limelight in 2011. Jepsen is known for her pop experimentation and catchy lyrics compelling listeners to sing along whether they realize it or not. Her latest back to back albums, The Loneliest Time (2022) and The Loveliest Time (2023), received endless accolades for their portrayal of isolation we all felt during the COVID-19 pandemic and the eventual freedom we were able to express after many years of separation, masks, and canceled events. Carly Rae Jepsen is known for her upbeat stage presence and contagious tunes. We can’t wait to dance with her on Saturday, July 20th.

PRESENCE: INTERVIEW

April 8, 2024

by mariah estran

“I started writing as a means of expression” — singer-songwriter Presence says about his work. He recalls when he was twelve and wrote his first song for his mother's birthday. It was a preliminary stage full of emotive words of love and admiration. As he grew older, he never lost that vulnerable side. Instead, he grew closer to it.

“When I got to high school, I started posting videos of my songs, and then people resonated with them,” he recalls. “It was this realization of, ‘Oh, okay, people do appreciate honesty and vulnerability.’ So, it is something that I should keep doing, and I have.”

Now, in 2024, Presence is preparing to release his debut album. He’s already dropped his single “SCARED OF THE FALL!” and listeners got a glimpse into his elasticity when it comes to sound. Working alongside producer Sweater Beatz and Gianni Taylor, the pop-punk sound packs a punch as he sings about growing from the personal obstacle of being secluded.

As he’s created his upcoming album, he’s become more confident as an artist — proud of the finished product.

Presence took a moment to tell us more about “SCARED OF THE FALL!,” what it’s been like creating a debut album, and sharing vulnerable stories.

You’ve recently released “SCARED OF THE FALL!” I understand it's the fear of learning how to open up. But what more can you tell us about the story behind the track?

Presence: “I worked with producer Matthew Rad, and we made some super cool stuff. I remember going home; I felt so pumped about what we wrote. Laying in bed that night, I was like, ‘Man, this was a perfect day.’ Then, there was that fear. This serendipity immediately turned into this unnerving feeling of ‘something bad is probably going to happen.’

The last time I remember feeling that was when I had left the country for the first time. I got back home, and I was pumped to tell my dad. On the drive back home, he's like, ‘While you were gone, we didn't want to worry you, but we have to go to a funeral.’ Then, ‘Actually, your mom is taking care of grandma because she's been in the hospital sick. And Uncle Michael, his liver failed, he's in the hospital.’

All of these things happened at once. So, for a long time after that, I became very closed off for an extensive amount of time. I cut off a lot of people in my life and made many decisions that I inevitably regretted.

That's what this song is about. It's that period, also me growing out of that and not realizing I had. I opened up to my co-writer Gianni and Sweaters about what I'm telling you now. Then we wrote ‘SCARED OF THE FALL!’ in a few hours. It was the most therapeutic experience — the process that got me over the hump.”

Your music tackles these deep topics, whether that be heartbreak or even things like depression. Why is it important to share these vulnerable sides with your listeners?

Presence: “I started writing as a means of expression. The first song that I wrote — I was twelve years old, and it was my mom's birthday. So it was like a means of expressing this feeling towards someone that I love.

But even that stems from going to therapy prior — I used to have panic attacks — my therapist used to say, ‘Write down your feelings — that might help out.’

How I started affected the trajectory of what I kept doing — in regards to writing, that's all I knew how to do. When I got to high school, I started posting videos of my songs, and people resonated with them. It was a realization of, ‘Oh, okay, people appreciate honesty and vulnerability.’ I should keep doing that.”

You’re about to release your debut album. What has it been like creating this larger body of work and working with producers for the first time?

Presence: “For a long time, pre-releasing music, there was a lot of stress because I felt a lot of imposter syndrome.

The process of working with other people and creating this larger body of work — I'm confident enough to say I'm proud. These stories will resonate with people and are worth being told.

I feel better about the music because I've crafted a vision. Writing the songs alone was super healing. Like in the moment, I wasn't thinking about that (the album), I was thinking about making the best song — getting these feelings off my chest. It was super therapeutic writing ‘SCARED OF THE FALL!’ We just repeated that process twelve more times.”

I want to mention your sound. You’ve always had this way of mixing pop with heavier, alternative vibes. But how would you say your sound has evolved?

Presence: “My sound has evolved as I have as a person. Sonically, we wanted to take people through all of these different journeys. Even though the music is super emotional, it's not all-somber. Each song has its personality, which goes hand in hand with how I feel daily. I don't know who I'm going to be tomorrow.

There's an R&B track, a pop-punk track, and a piano ballad. I'm excited to show people what I'm capable of. I boxed myself in for a while — this is what I have to do. Nobody would know if I didn't at least try it.”

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CASSIE DASILVA: INTERVIEW

April 5, 2024

by kendall nicole yakshe

Cassie Dasilva’s music is a stanchion where transparency, catharsis, and grace can coexist together. A lyrical powerhouse with a knack for empowering femininity and transpicuous storytelling, her single “middle child” is an honest depiction of Dasilva’s relatable experience feeling like her voice goes unheard at times — which only motivates her to speak louder and more confidently within her angsty melodies and fun instrumental atmosphere. With much in store, Cassie Dasilva is an artist for all pop music lovers to follow in her journey.

Congratulations on the release of your recent single, “middle child!” This track follows up the release of your previous song, “part of the club.” Looking back, when did your passion for songwriting begin to blossom, and when did you start to get comfortable with your writing process?

Cassie: “Thank you so much! It’s been an exciting year so far!

I loved reading and writing from a super young age. In the second grade we had a short story writing assignment and my teacher really made me feel special about my work. She singled my project out and had me work on it in my extra time. She laminated and bound it as a book and even put it on her book shelf. It meant a lot to me. I started to love writing poetry for school projects (and at home in my fuzzy pink notebook), and I even won a few writing contests. I think that the encouragement from my school teachers at such a young age was the positive encouragement I needed to feel confident in my writing skills. I eventually started putting my poems to music — around 13/14… and that was it… I was hooked. I still tend to do things lyrics first just like I did then. It’s my way of getting my thoughts out and processing my emotions.”

Where did the message of “middle child” come from? What was your inspiration?

Cassie: “I wrote ‘middle child’ as a bit of a summary of who I am and how I came to be that person. I was going through a list of all the things that make me me — the good, the bad, and everything in between. I’m a middle child — feisty and outspoken because I’ve always had to fight to be heard. I’m an Aquarius — independent and creative and existential. But those things have been held against me at times. I wanted to take back the power from people who had ever made me feel insecure and really own how they made me into this person that I’m growing to love. The song’s got a bit of a bite to it.”

How would you describe your style and musicality in under five words?

Cassie: “Unapologetically honest & introspective angst pop. (Don’t count the & please!!)”

Being from Canada, how did music play a role in your upbringing? What music were you most drawn to growing up?

Cassie: “I grew up playing piano in a very musical household. My parents loved music and there was always music playing in our house. The Beatles, Shania, Eva Cassidy, Cher, Carole King, The Rolling Stones, Celine Dion. That’s the stuff that sticks out from my younger years. My own personal musical exploration went through many phases — from Spice Girls to Hilary Duff, to Sum 41 and Metric (thanks to my older brother). I’m also a proud day one Swiftie.”

The music videos for your singles “We Might Break Up” and “I Don’t Trust Anyone Anymore” were entirely female-made. What was that experience like, and how has female camaraderie impacted the creation of your music?

Cassie: “I love working with women. It’s always a super empowering experience which is why I’ve continued to focus on that. This new project is produced by Hill Kourkoutis, and my new videos are directed by Kate Harrison who has done all my videos. I know that the only way to change things is to be a part of that change and to make space for women — even when it’s sometimes hard to track them down in an industry that tries to hold them down. I just feel my most comfortable and have so much fun when I’m in a safe space with other women who also feel safe. It’s a cool thing to see, and you can see it reflected in the art we make.”

Any upcoming plans for touring?

Cassie: “I am really looking forward to playing these songs live and would love to hit the road… stay tuned!!”

Can you share any information about future releases?

Cassie: “I have some more music up my sleeve for this year… maybe another single? Maybe an EP? Only time will tell! But get ready for more songs!! I’m so excited to be back releasing music and can’t wait to share everything else I’ve been working on!”

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