chorusfm

[chorusfm]

4/27/23 (Ten Songs)

Ten songs is a weekly playlist from Jason Tate featuring songs enjoyed over the previous week. It is included in every edition of the Liner Notes newsletter and is free to sign up for via email. This playlist is available on Spotify and Apple Music. Ten Songs * ManDancing – Malachi * Katie Pruitt – White Lies, White Jesus and You * SeeYouSpaceCowboy – Sister with a Gun * Taylor Swift – The Black Dog * Marianas Trench – A Normal Life * Florrie – Kissing in the Cold * Dayseeker – Crying While Your Dancing * Maggie Rogers – It was Coming All Along * ERRA – Rumor of Light * Thursday – Application for Release from the Dream Subscribe to Our Newsletter Sign up for a free weekly newsletter full of thoughts on music, entertainment, technology, and other cool stuff. Your email address stays completely private. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/playlists/ten-songs/4-27-23-ten-songs/

[chorusfm]

Liner Notes (April 27th, 2024)

It’s been a few weeks, but we’re back! This week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here. If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here. A Few Things * Whew, it’s been a while! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. There have been many family commitments on the weekends, and then two weeks ago, I was out of town on a business trip. It was the first time I’d traveled since the pandemic year, and the trip down and back from Mexico City was filled with every example of why I dislike traveling. Canceled flights, airline chaos, the dreaded SSSS on my boarding pass. It felt like a calamity of errors each way, leading to 12+ hours of travel on both days. Let’s say I’m not a fan. There’s a reason I like working behind a computer in the comfort of my home office. But, I’m back, and the calendar looks much clearer from here on out. So, I hope to get back into a regular weekend writing routine. But, enough about me; there’s a whole lot to cover. * Apple has started allowing game emulators on iOS. The first one I’ve seen is Delta, and it’s pretty wild that it works as well as it does. I downloaded some nostalgia-as-fuck games, tossed them in the Files app, loaded them into Delta, and was playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 on my fricking iPhone. Wild, wild stuff. * I’ve written many times over the last couple of years about FRND CRCL and their most recent pop-punk gem. But I just have to call out this t-shirt. Could there be anything more me? The Friends parody? It’s perfect. Also, the album still rules. In Case You Missed It * ”We Got Older, but We’re Still Young” * South Star Festival Announces Lineup * The Get Up Kids Announce New Tour * The Starting Line Thank Taylor Swift * Update from Adam of Fenix TX * The Menzingers Announce’ Rented World’ Shows * The Starting Line Talk With Variety * Saosin Detail Version 4.0 * Emo’s Not Dead 2025 Cruise Announced * Albums in Stores – Apr 26th, 2024 Music Thoughts * The most significant release of the last couple of weeks is, obviously, the new Taylor Swift album. After some time with it, my thoughts are starting to solidify a bit. It’s good, but it absolutely suffers from its length and overall sameness to a lot of the songs. Too many never quite elevate and instead feel stuck in first gear. In a fun twist of fate it’s not unlike what I thought The 1975 were suffering through for a couple albums. The lack of an editor who can say: let’s take the best batch of songs and hone in on them, workshop them, and make them incredible. Less can be more, and in an era where the biggest music star on the planet is already verging on overexposure, a scalpel was desperately needed on this project as a whole. He says as the album breaks all kinds of records, has seven billion vinyl variants printing money, and is sure to be the best-selling album of the year. And there’s a handful of super solid songs here. “But Daddy I Love Him,” “Down Bad,” and “Imgonnagetyouback” are all standouts for me. The Starting Line reference in “The Black Dog” is an all-timer. The smile on my face hearing that for the first time could have powered a small town with the electricity pouring out of me. * Cold Years’ new album A Different Life came out this week, and they completed an absolute scorcher of a three-album run. Truly one for the ages. They’re doing the whole Gaslight Anthem meets Green Day punk thing as well as anyone in music. This should dominate playlists as the weather starts turning to the summer months. Highly recommended. * I cannot praise Florrie’s upcoming album, The Lost Ones, enough. It is a pitch-perfect pop album. The most recent single, “Kissing in the Cold,” gives a really good feel for where the album is headed. Now, if she would just have a vinyl option that’s not over $60 shipped to the States, that would be excellent. * The new Mariana’s Trench single is a welcome return to form. I didn’t dislike… https://chorus.fm/features/articles/liner-notes-april-27th-2024/

[chorusfm]

Sum 41 x Kerrang Merch

Sum 41 have teamed up with Kerrang for some exclusive merch celebrating the band coming to an end. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/sum-41-x-kerrang-merch/

[chorusfm]

Wallows – “Bad Dream”

Wallows have shared the new song “Bad Dream.” --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/wallows-bad-dream/

[chorusfm]

Blink-182 Announce Show Openers

Blink-182 have announced all the openers for their upcoming tour dates. Jun 20 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center * Jun 21 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center * Jun 24 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center ^ Jun 25 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena ^ Jun 27 — Denver, CO — Ball Arena % Jun 30 – San Diego, CA – Petco Park + July 02 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena + July 03 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena + July 06 — Los Angeles, CA — SoFi Stadium + July 08– Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center + July 09 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center + Jul 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center & Jul 13 – Portland, OR – Moda Center & Jul 14 – Quincy, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre & Jul 21 – Flushing, NY – Citi Field # July 23 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park # July 24 — Hartford, CT — The XFINITY Theatre # Jul 26 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center ~ Jul 27 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena ~ Jul 29 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena ~ Jul 30 – Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena ~ Aug 01 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena ~ Aug 02 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse ~ Aug 06 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center ~ Aug 07 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum ~ Aug 09 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center ~ Aug 10 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center + Aug 12 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena + Aug 13 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center + Aug 15 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre @ * Pierce The Veil and jxdn ^ Pierce The Veil and Live Without % Pierce The Veil and Drain + Pierce The Veil and Hot Milk & Pierce The Veil and Landon Barker # Pierce The Veil and EKKSTACY ~ Pierce The Veil and Astronoid @ Pierce The Veil, Alexisonfire, and Hot Milk --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/blink-182-announce-show-openers/

[chorusfm]

Action/Adventure – “Real Juicer Hours” Video

Action/Adventure have released a video for “Real Juicer Hours.” --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/action-adventure-real-juicer-hours-video/

[chorusfm]

Jimmy Eat World on Danny Brown Podcast

Jimmy Eat World are the latest guest on the Danny Brown podcast. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/jimmy-eat-world-on-danny-brown-podcast/

[chorusfm]

Parris Mitchell – “Problem Child” (Song Premiere)

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone the latest single from rising pop artist, Parris Mitchell, called “Problem Child.” Mitchell has a unique sound that transcends musical boundaries, and hits the right spots on this vibrant single. When speaking on his latest track, Mitchell shared, “”This is a ‘neighbors calling in a noise complaint’ banger about self-reflection. My emo indie rock anthem, co-penned with Stalking Gia and Ryder Stuart, explores raw emotions and introspection with ripping guitars, angsty vocals and intense drums.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, keep an eye out for Parris Mitchell’s new LP, The Mixed Emotions Arcade, that releases on June 14th. I was also able to catch up with this talented artist for a brief interview below. ”Problem Child” encapsulates a blend of raw emotions and introspection. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track and how it fits into the overall narrative of The Mixed Emotions Arcade? Problem Child draws inspiration from the punk-rock music I grew up listening to. I wanted a track on the record that spoke to my younger self and the angsty feeling of growing up with the consistent “has a difficult time concentrating and gets distracted easily” report card remarks. In regards to the overall footing it holds in the record, I felt it necessary to have an anthemic ‘f it’ song placing the self loathing blame on the environment rather than myself. I have songs on the album that are self reflective and accepting and I thought it best to also have the opposite put in the middle of the tracks. As the release date for The Mixed Emotions Arcade approaches, what emotions are you experiencing? Are there any specific tracks from the album that hold particular significance or that you are excited for the world to hear? Of all the feelings currently I think relief is the most potent. I’ve worked tirelessly on this record for the better part of two years and I’m just thrilled to finally release it to the world for all to hear. The final track on the record “The Hard Part” I think I’m most excited for people to hear. It’s one of, if not the most raw and vulnerable songs I’ve yet to put out delving into, introspective of life, death and the love you find and give in-between. Reflecting on your evolution as an artist in the last 5 years, what aspects of your journey do you feel have had the greatest impact on the creation of The Mixed Emotions Arcade? I think moments and opportunities where I’ve needed to distill more confidence in myself have had the greatest impact. It can be easy to fall into a routine of self doubt and compliance when pursuing any dream and the moments where I’ve needed to raise my head up and persevere I think have had the most effect on me. Times where I thought the moment at hand would be crippling to my journey where I couldn’t see a way out yet ended up seeing through for the better were opportunities for growth in my art, my endurance and my overall confidence in myself. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/features/parris-mitchell-problem-child-song-premiere/

[chorusfm]

Old Neon – “Empty Frames” (Video Premiere)

Today I’m so excited to share with everyone Pittsburgh, PA’s dynamic pop-punk band, Old Neon, and their latest single/video for “Empty Frames.” When speaking on the track, band member Sean Michael shared, ”The song is about developing feelings for someone who is emotionally unavailable and how lonely it can feel. More lonely, however, when upon expressing those feelings, finding it was not one-sided; whilst not an unrequited feeling, one that will never be alive in the way you want.” The band would be perfect for fans of Four Year Strong and The Wonder Years. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/features/old-neon-empty-frames-video-premiere/

[chorusfm]

The Starting Line Launch New Merch

The Starting Line have released some new merchandise. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/the-starting-line-launch-new-merch/

[chorusfm]

Marianas Trench – “A Normal Life”

Marianas Trench have returned with the new song “A Normal Life.” --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/marianas-trench-a-normal-life/

[chorusfm]

The Get Up Kids Announce New Tour

The Get Up Kids will be playing a Something to Write Home About tour. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/news/the-get-up-kids-announce-new-tour-3/

[chorusfm]

Cold Years Talk with Kerrang!

Cold Years talked with Kerrang! about their new album: “I think Against Me! were the last punk band who got a million-dollar deal,” he ponders. “If you look at how major labels invest in bands, a lot of the time the money’s in pop music or hip-hop or viral sensations off TikTok. The days of punk bands getting deals like that are gone. We all work normal jobs because we want to do this – I want to be able to pay my bills so I can go on tour assured that I have a wage to come home to. Brexit’s killed it for Europe and we have a lot of upfront costs now, so it’s not a viable living anymore unless you’re doing it 365 days a year, because record sales aren’t what they used to be. So it’s a hard life, but it’s also an amazing life, because I get to experience things not a lot of other people experience. I wouldn’t change it for the world.” --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/linked/cold-years-talk-with-kerrang/

[chorusfm]

Albums in Stores – Apr 26th, 2024

If you hit read more you can see all the releases we have in our calendar for the week. Hit the comments to access our forums and talk about what came out today, what albums you picked up, and to make mention of anything we may have missed. ACxDC – G.O.A.T.AWOL – Tear ‘Em To BitsAccept – HumanoidAmiensus – Reclamation: Part 1Bears In Trees – How To Build An Ocean: InstructionsBelmondo – The Blessed & The EvilBlack Tusk – The Way ForwardBullion – AffectionCold Years – A Different LifediscussCypecore – Make Me RealDarkthrone – It Beckons Us AllDeicide – Banished By SinDiamond Construct – Angel Killer ZeroDisillusion – Back To Times Of Splendor (20th Anniversary Reissue)Fat White Family – Forgiveness Is YoursFreeways – Dark Sky SanctuaryFull Of Hell – Coagulated BlissGlassing – From The Other Side Of The MirrorGodeth – The Path Of DestructionGoing Off – Die FastGrumpster – GrumpsterHovvdy – HovvdydiscussIda Kudo – ProudInter Arma – New HeavenIron & Wine – Light VerseJoyer – Night SongsJustice – HyperdramaKLONNS – HeavenMicrowave – Let’s Start DegeneracyMorgul Blade – Heavy Metal WraithsMy Favourite Nemesis – We AnnihilateNeil Young & Crazy Horse – FU##IN’ UPNight Shall Drape Us – Lunatic ChoirOwen – The Falls Of SiouxdiscussParty Cannon – Injuries Are InevitablePet Shop Boys – NonethelessPillow Queens – Name Your SorrowSega Bodega – DennisSt. Vincent – All Born ScreamingThe Zutons – The Big DeciderWith Sails Ahead – Infinite VoidWolfgang Tillmans – Build From HereWretched Blessing – Wretched Blessing --- Thanks to helloiamzach for providing additional contributions to this week’s list. You can check out and support his weekly music podcast It’s Not A Phase or follow him on his socials. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/albums-in-stores-today/albums-in-stores-apr-26th-2024/

[chorusfm]

Hovvdy – Hovvdy

If I was in Hovvdy, I would be very tired of the word “nostalgia” by now. It’s been mentioned in countless write-ups and reviews (this one now included), singling out the band’s biggest strength — down-to-earth earnestness and relatability — and occasionally spinning it as something manufactured. Any detractors of the band are unlikely to change their minds about Hovvdy’s new self-titled double album, although fans will no doubt be pleased that the band continues to retain their carefree and approachable image, likely because it serves as such a complement to their songwriting. Even more than 2021’s True Love, Hovvdy fulfills the goal of most self-titled records, as well as the goal of many records this far into a band’s career; it is kaleidoscopic while remaining cohesive, a defining work by an artist in their prime that captures nearly every sound the band has explored over their first decade of existence. In my recent interview with the band (likely to be published next week), songwriter Charlie Martin mentioned revisiting the sound of their sophomore slowcore effort, Cranberry, and it’s easy to hear how that has informed Hovvdy’s overall style and tempo. But even between upbeat singles boasting delicate piano interludes and familiar tones (“Bubba,” “Jean,” “Forever”), a track like “Shell” harkens even further back to the band’s debut, Taster. And in between throwbacks to their past iterations? Hovvdy fills this largely subdued collection with quiet, introspective moments inspired by songwriters like Bruce Springsteen, Randy Newman, and Jeff Tweedy. Two of these moments come in the form of highlights “Heartstring” and “Til I Let You Know,” both of which make you feel like you are in the room with songwriter Will Taylor; in the former, he questions his past decisions, before landing on a slightly humorous (albeit frustrated) refrain of “That’s why I run my mouth around like that/’Cause I know what you know.” Much of the album’s raw production, largely focused on live takes and helmed by the band along with frequent collaborators Andrew Sarlo (Big Thief, Bon Iver) and bassist and multi-instrumentalist Bennett Littlejohn, hints at a newfound darkness; songs seem to reference death and isolation while always retaining a glimmer of hope. Still, Hovvdy mitigates the effects of what could be overwhelming sparseness with songs like “Meant” and “Make Ya Proud,” the latter’s boisterous drums and deep piano chords helping the band to sound as full as ever. Miraculously, Hovvdy manages to avoid the pitfalls of so many double albums before it, hardly featuring anything resembling a dud and simply providing fans with more of what they love about the band’s songwriting. Many of the album’s tracks sit right around, if not under, three minutes, encouraging listeners to revisit their favorite moments as opposed to giving them too much to chew on throughout a 50-plus minute runtime. Of course, it helps that the album is paced with precision, offering two more energetic highs in the album’s second half. Both “Every Exchange” and “Bad News” find the band operating in their most interesting and comfortable space, operating a playful combination of organic instrumentations, electronic drums, and processed vocals. After a double album bursting at the seams with some of the band’s most personal material, Hovvdy still manages to close their self-titled album with one of their best songs to date; the twinkling, slide-assisted “A Little” feels like the closest thing to a standard that the band has ever written. Still, it’s lyrical moments in songs like “Jean” (“I’m at your exit, five blocks to your house/You got a cousin says he can help me out”) and “Angel” (“Let’s take the long way, we could use the extra mile/I could do a little dance, do anything to make you smile”) that truly boil down the essence of Hovvdy, offering unique turns of phrase that can simultaneously feel completely silly and shockingly honest in their simple presentation. At the end of the day, Hovvdy are talented and… https://chorus.fm/reviews/hovvdy-hovvdy/

[chorusfm]

Dad Hats – “Spill” (Album Stream)

Today I’m thrilled to bring everyone a listen to Dad Hats latest LP, Spill, and share the news of their vinyl releases. After Dad Hats released Spill in February of 2023, the first pressing of the physical copies quickly sold out and – despite a run up that included several singles – there was one song that had been an obvious fan favorite that didn’t have a corresponding music video. To celebrate the second pressing of Spill on vinyl, the band announced a limited edition 7″ and a music video for their next single: “Claustrophobia.” “Claustrophobia” is a poppy little thing that hits close to home for anyone feeling suffocated by an endless cycle of work and obligations. Throughout the song, Dad Hats’ signature blend of overly honest introspection, woven guitars, and catchy melodies are on prominent display. It also serves as a must-listen for anyone who wants to have some friends over for a first world self-pity party. The seven inch features an acoustic B-side of “Brain In A Jar,” and this song is currently exclusive to only this limited edition vinyl pressing. You can purchase Spill here and the 7″ record here. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/features/dad-hats-spill-album-stream/

[chorusfm]

Gileah Taylor – “Sweetness Surrounding” (Video Premiere)

Today I’m so excited to bring everyone the latest video from ultra-talented songwriter Gileah Taylor, from her new album Slow Parade, called “Sweetness Surrounding.” It’s a song about putting on a happy face while feeling sad and lost, and fits well for fans of Big Thief or Boygenius. When speaking on her new single, Taylor mentioned, ““I felt lost and wanted to be by myself, to a scary point. I recognized where I was and decided to make a change. I took steps to feel better, like taking morning walks, choosing the good things around me, and listening to the birds.” If you’re enjoying the latest single, please consider purchasing Slow Parade here. You can also check out some insight on the new single from Gileah Taylor below. Exclusive quote: “I usually write songs in less than an hour. “Sweetness Surrounding” was different. I started it one evening and finished it a few days later. It took several days for the words to come to me, because as I woke up and lived my life and went back to bed again, I realized what it was I wanted to say: I’ve been in the dark but I’m looking for a sunrise and I don’t want to be alone anymore. When I wrote “Sweetness Surrounding,” it was just my old Wurlitzer upright piano and me. My producers, Gideon and Gabe Klein, took the song and made it sound like the classic songs I was thinking of in my head when I wrote the melody in the chorus.  I’d recently watched Echo in the Canyon, a music documentary featuring 1960s and 1970s bands from Laurel Canyon in LA. At that time in history, there was so much happening, and many of the songs reflected what was going on in America. But the film focuses on the joyous parts of making music in a creative community. I wasn’t very familiar with the artists who were behind the Laurel Canyon scene in general until I saw the documentary. When I watched it, I realized that I would like to write beautiful, timeless songs like the ones featured in the film. I definitely was hoping that Gideon and Gabe would take it in that direction, and they did. The strings are especially lovely as they kind of move the song along to a sweet and hopeful ending. “Curtains flung wide / Seeing outside / Like it’s my first sunrise again” from the second verse makes me gulp back tears when I sing it. It reminds me of the first sunrises I experienced after a long season of sadness. For a long time – a couple of years – the sun’s rising only reminded me of how much I didn’t want to get up and be part of my own life. When I finally came out of that darkness, I couldn’t believe how spectacular those first moments of the day can be. To me, this song reminds me of classic Hollywood films, easy on the eyes and easy on the ears. At least, the end result is often so beautiful that I forget how much work went into the production. I once enjoyed a show by a magician who quoted the magician and illusionist Doug Henning: “The difficult must become habit. Habit becomes beautiful. Beautiful becomes magic.” I find all of these inspirations to be quite magical. And I hope that my own music is a magical experience for the listener. --- Please consider becoming a member so we can keep bringing you stories like this one. ◎ https://chorus.fm/features/gileah-taylor-sweetness-surrounding-video-premiere/