AX AND THE HATCHETMEN: INTERVIEW

September 11, 2024

by abby crabill

Chicago-based group, Ax and the Hatchetmen, recently dropped their new single, “Love Songs.” They hope to share the message of positivity with a care-free enjoyment of life. Along with the release of their new single, the group also announced their Way Too Late Tour across the United States. The group is focused on creating and friendship, while enjoying the overall experience.

Can you tell me a bit about the creation of Ax and the Hatchetmen?

Hunter Olshefke: “Yeah! Back in his sophomore year of high school, Sal, one of our guitarists, posted videos of himself playing acoustic on Instagram. Axel Ellis (singer and other guitarists) stumbled upon one of them and DM’d Sal, asking if he wanted to jam sometime. Within the next two weeks, they recorded a cover of ‘Cyclone’ by Sticky Fingers.

Sal and I were already playing together for fun, and they decided to bring me in for bass. From there, we just brought different people we knew to rehearsals and jammed. Everyone (Phil, Quinn, and Nick) who plays in the band now was also in our high school’s jazz band. So it was pretty easy to connect over that.”

How would you describe your aesthetic/sound to new listeners?

Hunter Olshefke: “I would describe it as an ode to 60s and 70s music with a big alternative/indie twist. We all are super inspired by multiple genres like jazz, rock, and blues that I think we cover quite a few bases, genre-wise.”

What does your writing process typically look like?

Hunter Olshefke: “Recently, we have been working with a producer and other songwriters outside of the band. Typically, Axel and Sal go to work with a couple of people to write a song (structure, lyrics, melody) and then they bring it back to the band to beef it up a bit.

We started it out with Axel mostly writing a song on acoustic guitar and then bringing it to the band, in the same manner.”

Can you tell me a bit about your single “Love Songs?”

Hunter Olshefke: “That was one of our favorite tunes to work on with our producer Jake Sinclair. We recorded at his studio in LA and were stoked that it was the third new song we’ve released this year.”

So far, what has been one of the most difficult parts about being musicians?

Hunter Olshefke: “In my opinion, one of the most difficult parts about being a musician has been staying healthy on tour. Quite often when one person gets sick it just leads to everyone else going down with them.”

What are you most excited about when you go back on tour?

Hunter Olshefke: “We are always stoked to be able to have a few nights to go camping and hiking. It’s always awesome when there is time to go explore.”

What do you enjoy doing on a free day?

Hunter Olshefke: “We love to hike and try the best restaurants we can find.”

Who are some of your dream collaborations?

Hunter Olshefke: “We all love Hippo Campus. It would be an honor to collaborate with them in some way shape or form!”

As a group, how do you overcome challenges that you encounter?

Hunter Olshefke: “Any challenges we encounter we just try to push through and make sure that we are keeping our heads on straight. In my opinion, we are lucky to have such a good fun-loving group of guys. We’re always able to laugh with each other even if things can get a bit stressful.”

Ideally, what does success look like to you?

Hunter Olshefke: “I think success to me and maybe all of us is just being able to have a good time doing what we do. No one in the band wants this to become mundane or unenjoyable (obviously). I think as long as we get to do what we want to do (play and record music, hike, camp) then we are in good shape.”

What can listeners expect to see from you in the future?

Hunter Olshefke: “More fun music and an upcoming tour starting in November!”

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BOY JR.: INTERVIEW

September 10, 2024

by kaleigh gieraltowski

Ingenious songwriter and influencer Boy Jr. has recently released their newest single “Still Be Friends,” a triumphant tune that takes on the whirlwind of a breakup. The indie-pop artist has more in store this year as their DIY album I Love Getting Dumped is on its way to being released. This project is filled with sarcastic and edgy anthems to heal the souls of any listeners going through their own relationships struggles. You won’t want to miss their upcoming live shows with Jhariah this September, along with more music on the way! We got to talk to Boy Jr. about the inner workings of the album, which you can read about now!

Congratulations on your new single “Still Be Friends!” Is the way you describe the breakup spiel coming from personal experience?

Boy Jr.: “Thank you so much! It definitely comes FROM it. It’s a combination of things that have been directly said but then a lot of more sarcastic extrapolations from that. Sentiments that are more implied, or hyperbolic version of sentiments expressed during a breakup.”

“Still Be Single” hits its mark by diving into the casualties of a breakup that too many people can relate to. How do you hope this message is portrayed to listeners?

Boy Jr.: “I hope it’s portrayed cathartically and with an edge of having to laugh at the BS we’ve gone through.”

Your new DIY album I Love Getting Dumped is releasing soon. Tell us about the narrative of this work as a whole.

Boy Jr.: “All the songs on I Love Getting Dumped were written/recorded after different breakups over the last few years. Some started at one point and finished months or years later. So it really spans musical influences and a variety of ideas and feelings surrounding breakups. My hope is that by putting ALL these stories into one body of work and releasing it I’ll be relinquishing a lot of those old feelings and letting live in the past too.”

What has it been like writing your album in a “do it yourself” format?

Boy Jr.: “Well, it’s the only way I’ve really known how to make my music. I often feel like I’m collaborating with myself doing it this way. A lot of times I’ll start one song either as a producer or as a writer. Sometimes a little of both. But then I’ll come back to the song later on and really hone in on just the song or just the production and go back and forth like that until the song feels like it’s satisfying both sides of me.”

Your art is heavily influenced by honesty and unapologetic advice. Have you found this
to be beneficial to yourself and fans?

Boy Jr.: “Oh, that’s interesting! It’s funny, I have found that it’s not until I am asked questions like this that I even realize how my writing is coming across. Like, yeah, I guess I do just kinda tell it like I’m feeling it. I would say it’s beneficial to the part of me that needs to vent about what I’m feeling and create from a place of frustration or sadness or what. My hope is that it’s beneficial to others to hear something they perhaps relate to and/or can just enjoy the music.”

What would you say to anyone going through a breakup right now?

Boy Jr.: “Listen to my album. [laughs] No, but seriously, my advice is try to take a step back and gather whatever you can learn from the experience.”

Which track off of I Love Getting Dumped are you most excited for the world to hear?

Boy Jr.: “Well, all of them. [laughs] But I’m gonna go with ‘Lost And’ because it’s the longest song I’ve put out, and ‘I’m Not Pretty’ because it’s the saddest song I’ve put out.”

Thus far in your career, what milestones have you accomplished that make you the most
proud?

Boy Jr.: “Releasing this album will certainly be one. I think every time I put out new music it feels like a milestone. The tours we did opening for JER and VIAL and then VIAL again were also meaningful milestones. Anytime I get to be out in the real world and interact with the music community is so special.”

What else can we expect from you coming soon? Any collaborations or live shows?

Boy Jr.: “I’ll be opening for Jhariah on a few dates in September!! And after this album comes out, I’ve already got some bonus tracks for it. Then I think it’s time for a collab era.”

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'WHAT'S WRONG WITH NEW YORK?' / THE DARE: REVIEW

September 8, 2024

by izzy petraglia

The attention on Harrison Patrick Smith, famously known as The Dare, has only skyrocketed since the release of his 2022 single, “Girls.” Smith produced the hit song “Guess” by Charli xcx and joined her at her Boiler Room in Ibiza, garnering attention on him from every which way. However, as a gifted and knowledgeable musician, Harrison goes beyond his connection to the pop star. His highly-anticipated debut album, What’s Wrong With New York?, has just been released — and it is far from disappointing.

After listening to The Sex EP and singles “You’re Invited” and “Perfume,” I had high expectations for this album. It’s clear that Smith’s musical background from being in an indie-rock band called Turtlenecked, to substitute teaching, and DJing set him up for success. In a world where many artists strive to make listeners analyze deeper meanings within their songs and album releases, The Dare puts everything right in your face — almost obnoxiously. The album, with its crude and straightforward lyrics, is pure fun — something music has desperately needed for a while now. Harrison’s encyclopedia-like knowledge is demonstrated strongly in this album, especially in its production of bass lines and synth hooks that won’t fail to draw you in.

I never doubted his vocal abilities, but honestly, I hadn’t focused too hard on the way he sounded as much as I did on his production skills or lyrics. The part of the album that took me by surprise was the change in his lyric delivery — specifically in “Elevation” and “All Night.” After hearing the lead singles and The Sex EP, I became familiar with the semi-blunt, monotone tone of voice he’s delivered in his previous tracks. Hearing Smith’s range as a vocalist made the listening experience for this album extremely enjoyable and refreshing in a way that exceeded my expectations — and to accomplish this in a debut album is not an easy task.

I’ve been reading Meet Me In The Bathroom lately, and I’m obsessed with the amount of influence you hear from several bands featured in that book. What’s Wrong With New York? feels reminiscent of these bands that piloted the 2000s rock revival and it has everything you love about hedonistic electroclash in the 2010s. I couldn’t help but pick up on some elements of funk as well. We’ve all seen the comparisons to LCD Soundsystem, but contrary to popular belief, The Dare is not trying to be James Murphy. His influences go beyond the band — citing New York artists such as The Rapture and Lou Reed among others as his favorite musicians. Listening to this album re-ignited the love I have for not only all these artists, but some of my favorite DJs like The Chemical Brothers and Justice. I also loved the fact that his viral hit “Girls” was made while he listened to Some Girls by The Rolling Stones — another one of my favorite bands.

“I Destroyed Disco” and “All Night” definitely stuck out as personal favorites on the album for me. In “I Destroyed Disco,” there’s almost an extra layer of cockiness laced within it, especially when Harrison name-drops himself with “What’s a blogger to a rocker? What’s a rocker to The Dare?” The combination between this and the outro to this track is what truly sold it to me. I can definitely see listeners who were fans of “Guess” enjoying this song specifically as well.

As I said before, I went into listening to What’s Wrong With New York? with high expectations, but after several listens, nothing could have prepared me for what an insane debut album this is. I can tell from this point forward, it’s only up for The Dare — and I can’t wait to see what’s to come for him.

ROSE BETTS: INTERVIEW

September 7, 2024

by brittany ormiston

Folk/celtic pop singer-songwriter Rose Betts is extraordinary in more ways than one. Her unique vocals whisk you away to a magical land free of life’s trials and tribulations. Her songwriting feels similar to a comforting embrace, one you wish would never end. Rose’s most recent single “Doodles” has been highly anticipated by fans since the first sneak peek on social media. The tune gets stuck in your head on loop, and also makes you feel seen and understood. The overarching theme of “Doodles” indicates the commonality of making a mistake that eventually turns into a life lesson. Rose has taken some of her “doodles” out of the box from under her bed, and turned them into an anthem for many. She is taking this track and many more out on the road for her Traveling Feet tour throughout the months of September and October.

You have defined doodles as “unfortunate/possibly accidental events you often wish you could undo.” Tell us a little bit about how the concept for “Doodles” came about!

Rose: “‘Doodles’ came from a note on my phone I’d forgotten, I’d made of a long list of things I regretted. We have a tendency to turn mistakes over in our minds, they niggle at us, give us sleepless nights sometimes, and because songs are such a form of therapy to me I thought if I just got them off my chest I’d feel better. I think we should all try to embrace the mess sometimes.”

“Doodles” is a very fun and lighthearted song on the surface, but diving deeper it is personable and reveals some soul-baring confessions. What are you hoping listeners take away from this track?

Rose: “Yes, it’s all very true [laughs]. I hope my honesty in the song allows them to feel seen, and accepted, despite the things they got wrong in life.”

What is your favorite lyric in “Doodles?”

Rose: “I like ‘and one for the light that I let him dim’ because of the reason above. It’s devastating and sad to let someone take your light away from you, and the song had to have these kinds of truths in it to stand up to the lightness of the melodies and the arrangement.”

You demonstrate a wide vocal range in “Doodles.” Was there a specific routine you utilized in preparation of recording the final version?

Rose: “Oh, thanks! No routine I’m afraid. I would generally record vocals at the end of the day so my voice is warm from talking and singing along, but that’s it. Singing every day pretty much keeps my voice in a good place.”

Who inspired your folk/Celtic sound? Have you always been drawn to this genre?

Rose: “My mother’s side of the family is all Irish so it’s been in my life since I was born, and I guess I absorbed it unconsciously because people have been telling me I have a Celtic edge to my music ever since I started making it, even though it was never my intention. I never embraced it until this project, and it’s been wonderful how easily it’s settled into my songwriting and production.”

You take great pride in your unique style, and thoroughly enjoy sewing outside of being a musician. How did you get started with making clothes, and what is your favorite item you have created?

Rose: “I started making clothes in lockdown, out of old sheets and curtains. I love making clothes, they’re always a bit flawed, but the whole process is so gratifying and creative, and the fabric district in downtown LA is one of my happy places for sure. I made my cousin a dress for her wedding weekend, I’m pretty proud of that! Usually, I’m a bit slapdash, but I managed to make something pretty cute for her, and she looked so beautiful in it.”

Which city are you most looking forward to visiting on tour?

Rose: “Great question, hadn't thought about that! I think Chicago! I’ve never been, but always wanted to go.”

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BELLA RIOS: INTERVIEW

September 6, 2024

by izzy petraglia

21-year-old singer-songwriter Bella Rios is living her dream. Her senior year as an economics major at Princeton University is currently underway, and through it all, she’s demonstrated her commitment to her musical career with the release of her latest EP Sincerely,. Rios draws inspiration from notable artists to channel her pop-rock sound, including Lady Gaga, Aerosmith, P!nk, Fleetwood Mac, Adele, and Queen. Unclear was able to chat with Bella about her recent EP, the connection she’s found between music and studying economics at Princeton, and what she has planned following her graduation. Read below to find out!

Your EP, Sincerely, is a beautiful collection of songs addressing the highs and lows associated with young adulthood. How has working on this EP helped you navigate difficult experiences you’ve had at this point in your life?

Bella: “I mean, this EP truly is made of a group of works that spans a fairly lengthy, developmental period of my life — with some of the tracks being written as early as my sophomore year of high school, and others as recently as this past school year. In that way, this EP has grown and morphed into its final state with me. It is the culmination of my human and artistic development, and the process of creating these songs, their videos, the art, etc, definitely helped me process all of the ups and downs that came with it. At every stage, making this music basically forced me to look inward, confront everything I was feeling and going through at the time. Without it and that introspection, I don’t think I would be the same person today.”

That being said, are there any messages you aim to send to listeners who may share experiences similar to your own through Sincerely,?

Bella: “I always say that my favorite part of music is that it can mean something so different to each listener, and even to the same listener at different points of their life or as they experience new things. So, I would say that I want listeners to take away whatever they need from the EP. That being said, I think that throughout the tracks, and as I look back on them, I am reminded of how important it is to be patient with yourself, especially as you struggle toward your goals or handle certain emotional stresses, and to also be understanding of others, what they might be going through. So, I guess if there was a message I would aim to send to listeners, it would be to constantly try to understand — yourself, your feelings, your growth, others, their interpretation of situations and experiences, etc. — because that is what these songs have allowed me to do — and that is how they have helped me grow.”

While being a musician, you’re also a senior at Princeton studying economics! How have you found balance within two?

Bella: “Oh Lordy — well — it has been tough, I won’t lie. I think, though, that what I have realized, as I have tried different balances and prioritizations of the two, is that both fulfill me. Going to Princeton has been a life long dream of mine, and putting time into my studies, friends, and all that makes me incredibly happy. But, for the brief period that I let my music fall to the wayside during my freshman year, I felt something was missing. I felt down in a way I hadn’t before. As important to my happiness as Princeton was, I knew I needed music to feel complete too. Ever since then, and especially when things get super busy at school, I remind myself of that feeling — that I need both to feel like myself, to feel like I’m pursing what makes me feel good.”

Throughout school, have you noticed any correlation between music and in economics?

Bella: “I think I’m drawn to the two, at least generally, for a similar reason — they help me make sense of the world around me. Of course, music on a more personal, emotional level. But both contribute to my perspective in monumental ways — from how I process breakups and treat friendships, to my understanding of fiscal policy. [laughs]

I also think that I approach the two similarly. Regardless of what’s in front of me, I am a pretty analytical, structured thinker, and I apply that in economics and music. Of course, it seems intuitive that economics requires that I break down, organize, and analyze data — but the same can be said for my songwriting. While it is a creative process, I break down every song into a ‘thesis statement’ or message, try to reflect on the emotions I felt or associate with each stage of the story I’m trying to tell, and organize the structure of the song to reflect that — this verse has to set up the foundations of the relationship because in verse two I want to get into what went wrong, this bridge needs to be a kind of relief from the intensity of the choruses to reflect my later interpretation of the situation, that kind of stuff.”

What did the songwriting process look like for Sincerely,?

Bella: “Like I mentioned earlier — Sincerely, has been a long time coming — I have been writing these songs for a while now. For each song individually, the process varied, whether I started with a bass line I liked, a melody I liked, a general concept I had in mind, or some combination of those things. But in each, I was intentional — in how the different melodic sections flowed together, in the various ways the lyrics could be interpreted, in how the production impacted the message I wanted to come across. I will say, though, that because they were written over the span of a few years, depending on when I wrote them originally, they reflect different pieces or portions of my emotional development and perspective, as well as my songwriting confidence.”

You’re currently getting ready to release acoustic versions of certain tracks off the EP! What prompted you to choose these songs versus others on the EP?

Bella: “It really was a combination of various things, from which songs I thought could be adapted best to, really, what songs were my personal favorites. While they are all my babies, ‘Ever After,’ ‘Walking in the Rain,’ and ‘In the Dark’ have always been extra special to me — and it just so happens that I actually initially wrote all of them to be acoustic — which now seems rather serendipitous.”

Additionally, do you find that the acoustic versions of these songs are more reflective of the songwriting process from when you were working on the EP as a whole, providing listeners with a more intimate listening experience?

Bella: “I think that the different production approaches achieve different things, bring different life to the songs. It’s exciting to explore and be able to share both types of performances because it gives the tracks even more opportunity to grow with the listener, like they did with me.”

Beyond the acoustic releases, what do you have planned for the rest of the year?

Bella: “LOADS! While finishing up my last year at Princeton, which is actually crazy to say, I have lots more coming — new music coming soon, performances, and other surprises.”

What are your biggest goals, personally and professionally, as a musician and following your graduation from Princeton?

Bella: “Well, that is a loaded question. But, what it comes down to for me is that for as long as I can remember, I have had two dreams, not ranked in order of importance… 1) to go to Princeton and 2) to pursue music. So, I guess, once I finish the first, I’m excited to finally be able to devote my all to the second.”

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Bella: “Thank you to anyone and everyone who has listened to my music, especially Sincerely,! I am so excited to share what’s coming! To keep up with releases, performances, and all that, you can find me everywhere @iambellarios.”

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