PHOTO GALLERY: OSHEAGA MUSIC FESTIVAL IN MONTREAL
Osheaga Festival kicked off its three-day jaunt to the delight of fans on August 4th, last Friday. The festival was held at Parc-Jean-Drapeau in Montreal and featured incredible performances from a wide range of different genres and artists like Rina Sawayana, Gabriels, Soccer Mommy, Cults, Carly Rae Jepsen, Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar, Tom Odell, Rema, Bille Eilish, Fletcher, Sofi Tukker, Lil Yachty, and many many more.
You can view a photo gallery of some selects from the festival below from photographer Sophie Bouquillon.
All photos by photographer Sophie Bouquillon
PASADENA’S CRUEL WORLD FESTIVAL RETURNS IN ALL OF ITS DAZZLING GOTHIC GLORY
PASADENA’S CRUEL WORLD FESTIVAL RETURNS IN ALL OF ITS DAZZLING GOTHIC GLORY
Photo Credit: Brittney Williams | The Reclusive Blogger
The SOLD-OUT festival is now in its second year and entertained a crowd of thousands of hard-core music lovers with a taste for punk, proto-punk, Goth, Industrial, Electronica, Rock, and Alternative Rock, all looking to dance the humidity away on a Saturday and depending on your age relive some teenage memories. Given the performers, it was no coincidence that this was casually referred to as the Gen X lineup. This year's electric lineup featured mostly artists and bands from the late 70s and the 80s, with some sounds from today that echo a similar hauntingly chaotic vibe. The festival is in Pasadena's Brookside Park, located south of the Rose Bowl Stadium, and showcases the best Goth/Punk/Alt culture, fashion, and music. A niche subculture that's quickly growing in the mainstream culture or media space. You guys can debate the merits or negatives of that. While fashion, with its roots in freedom of expression, was a focal point and was more than spot-on artistically and sartorially. So as much as everyone had come dressed to impress in black with fishnet, lace, leather, or mesh that perfectly accented their ensemble. Cruel World was still a music festival, and music was the hallmark of Goth culture. After the festival had to overcome two fan favorites dropping out, The Motels and Adam Ant. They continued with new additions, Squeeze, and one of last year's highlights, Berlin. Now to talk about the best of the festival and well that ending ...
Photo Credit: Pooneh Ghana
Photo Credit: Coen Rees
I'm pretty sure by now everyone has heard about what happened towards the end of the Cruel World Festival. It wasn't until the end of the festival when Iggy was playing we got word of a lighting storm headed our way, so we needed to evacuate safely, quickly, and calmly. There were many signs, including flashes of lighting and even some actual strikes (I even saw a few lightning flashes). How close was it? I'm not sure exactly, but you can never hedge a bet with something like that. It's always better to be safe than sorry. So you won't wind up dealing with potentially horrific repercussions afterward. Anyway, I am very thankful that the storm never made it and petered out. It's also worth noting that Iggy Pop still slayed even through potential danger, and I finally got to hear one of my favorite songs from childhood, The Passenger.
Many festival-goers (including other musicians and ones sharing the bill) made it known that Goth Punk icon Siouxsie Soux was who they had trekked out to the festival to see. Siouxsie was playing her first show in over fifteen years, and this would be her only show in the Americas. So when the evacuation happened that killed her set, disappointment was an absolute understatement, but Goldenvoice (the festival promoter) came through and went above and beyond by creating a second-day mini-fest with a re-do of both hers' and Iggy Pop sets, adding Gary Numan, and a DJ set from the Club Dooms' Dave. Iggy Pops' expanded second set had twelve songs closing out with tracks from his time with two epic Stooges tracks, the blistering Search and Destroy, and sleazy pop stump, I Wanna Be Your Dog. Siouxsie closed the night out in a disco lamé jumpsuit to a roaring and adoring crowd of thousands playing through her classics, solo work, and fan favorites. You can check out her entire setlist below.
Some other highlights include the soulful British Pop band ABC who got the crowd going and pumped in the mid-afternoon. Lead Singer and showman Martin Fry held a captive audience as they sang along to every word to hits like Poison Arrow, The Look of Love, and When Smokey Sings. Billy Idol's rebel rock energy brought us into the dusk with an energetic 80s Rock revival as he flexed through hits like Dancing With Myself, Flesh For Fantasy, Rebel Yell, White Wedding, his cover of the Tommy James & the Shondells classic, Mony Mony and so many more. The crowd even sang Happy Birthday to his Granddaughter, Poppy, who turned three. I was shocked at the size of the audience that came to see and hear him on the Sad Girls stage. It was massive! Billy Idol fans are still hard-core to this day, and I bet he picked up so many new ones with his Cruel World debut.
Berlin, Modern English, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Gary Numan were all clear fan favorites with packed sets and brought top-tier electronic and synth music and vibes to the festival. For me, Gary Numan stole the show with his vibrant and electric mix of avant-garde Industrial electronica. Once again, as in many of the artists mentioned before, Numan's power was in his stage presence and comfortability. He played through a mix of old and new work and, of course, played Cars, the song (or one of the songs) that inevitably changed the landscape of Electronic music. It was a treat for not only fans but anyone that's a fan of the genre or makes music within it.
Lastly, Cruel World Festival also highlighted newer artists that carried the torch of the various genres and ethos. Ela Minus is a Columbian singer whose DIY electro-punk aesthetic and synthesizer made a big splash at the festival. Then there was Riki, who brought strong vocals set against spiked bubblegum synth-wave sounds, and the duo of Boy Harsher, whose darkwave and EBM sound filled the air with a sense of foreboding as you danced. Molchat Doma, a Belarusian post-punk band whose mournful sound was another rare offering, fell in line with the tradition of the festival highlighting niche overseas bands. The high point for me out of the newer bands had to be Texas' Urban Heat their music was an electric mix of post-punk and darkwave. The trio, led by captivating frontman Jonathan Horstmann gathered a large crowd around the Lost Boy stage at the hottest time of the day, enduring the heat and humidity. I also got to interview and take some portraits of Jonathan, so please stay tuned for that.
It was quite the wild ride at this year's festival, and it seems that Adam Ant, as the Bunnymen had in the previous year, has been rescheduled to next year. Adam is the reason why skull rings are a jewelry staple for me. So, I'd like to thank Goldenvoice for everything, and I'll see you all at Cruel World 2024 with my 'Goody Two Shoes' on.
MY CRUEL WORLD FESTIVAL PHOTO GALLERY | ALL PHOTOS BELOW TAKEN BY ME AND THE PRIOR GARY NUMAN PHOTO. THE SIOUXSIE SIOUX PHOTO TAKEN BY POONEH GHANA AND THE IGGY POP PHOTO TAKEN BY COEN REES. THANKS GOLDENVOICE FOR THE USE OF THOSE PHOTOS!Photo Credit: Brittney Williams | The Reclusive Blogger
PHOTO GALLERY: 15th ANNUAL STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
PHOTO GALLERY: 15th ANNUAL STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
This past weekend after Coachella wrapped its two weekend stinct in Indio, CA. Stagecoach Music Festival rolled into town and took over to continue the party in the California desert. While the annual country music event is only one weekend, it still brought a pretty star packed lineup of country stars, icons, boundary pushers, genre blenders, and a bit of diversity. This year headliners were Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, and Chris Stapleton, each turned out incredibly massive crowds for their main stage shows. Artists and fan favorites like Breland, Jon Pardi, Elle King, Lainey Wilson, Priscilla Block, and Bailey Zimmerman also performed and had everyone singing along. Nikki Lane (A Stagecoach Veteran), along with band Old Dominion, Ryan Bingham, Keb Mo, and Valerie June, to name a few, were some who brought a more Alternative or Bluesy sound. DJs Diplo & Dillion Francis, plus Rapper Nelly brought party vibes to Stagecoach, while Rock icons ZZ Top and Bryan Adams still held their own. This year was the festival’s 15th year and anniversary.
You can view a ton of photos from the festival from incredible photographers in a slideshow gallery below courtesy of Stagecoach.
WHO: HEADLINERS: Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, and Chris Stapleton. Jon Pardi, Old Dominion, Brooks & Dunn, Riley Green, Gabby Barrett, Parker McCollum, ZZ Top, Bryan Adams, Tyler Childers, Elle King, Niko Moon, Turnpike Troubadours, Breland, Nelly, Diplo, Melissa Etheridge, Morgan Wade, Lainey Wilson, Priscilla Block, Ryan Bingham, Sammy Kershaw, Marty Stuart, Parmalee, Ian Munsick, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Kameron Marlowe, Luke Grimes, Jackson Dean, Nikki Lane, Valerie June, Trixie Mattel, Corey Kent, Warren Zeiders, Seaforth, Lily Rose, Sierra Ferrell, Drake Milligan, American Aquarium, Restless Road, Flamin' Groovies, The Last Bandoleros, Keb' Mo', Nick Shoulders, Jaime Wyatt.
WHAT: Stagecoach Music Festival
WHEN: April 28 - 30, 2023
WHERE: Empire Polo Fields, Indio, CA
PHOTO CREDITS: Are listed on each photo and courtesy of Stagecoach
INTERVIEW WITH… CONNECTICUT INDIE EMO ROCK BAND THE INSIDE OUT
INTERVIEW WITH… INDIE EMO ROCK BAND THE INSIDE OUT
THE INSIDE OUT
Connecticut Emo rockers The Inside Out are thrilling audiences and collecting new fans with their satisfying mix of Indie Pop and Emo Rock. Their debut album "No Brains, No Blood" was released late last year, and the band which is comprised of James Howard, Zach Stout, John Landino, and Andi Wright, recently played a show at NYC's famed The Bowery on February 11th. I talked with the group about their album release show, any musical influences, the debut album, and much more which you can read below.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, guys let’s just dive in. Talk about your upbringing? How pivotal was music to each of you then? Were there any artists or bands that shaped those early years?
JAMES OF THE INSIDE OUT: I personally didn’t even think of music at all until I was about 9 when my parents bought me a Tama drum set. My dad set it up in our backyard shed at the time with some lights and when I could, I would go and practice. I was in band and drumline up until my freshman year of high school. However, I started playing football and didn’t pay much mind to music for a year or so after that.
(cont.) My younger brother Nick was taking guitar lessons and I would always hear him playing and shredding away in his room. To be honest, I loved hearing how his lessons would go, and it inspired me to mess around on the guitar with him and later take up the bass. I loved the idea of being self-taught and bought an acoustic guitar off a friend for $20. I started teaching myself and got a little Peavey amp for Christmas. I rarely left my bedroom practicing that next summer, unless I was walking around the neighborhood and hanging with my friends.
(cont.) I honestly haven’t stopped with music in general since. I got a lot of my early influences from bands such as Taking Back Sunday, Green Day, Modest Mouse, Brand New, and The Killers. There are so many more bands I used to listen to and love but those are really the ones that stuck with me.
ZACH OF THE INSIDE OUT: Starting with the Suzuki method for cello at age 3, my appreciation for classical music was spawned. A little later in my childhood, my dad was a major influence in getting me hip to classic rock; we’d jam out all the time in the car to Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and whatever else Sirius XM Classic Vinyl was playing. I decided to vastly expand my musical horizons again in the fourth grade when I picked up guitar and bassoon, before deciding to teach myself guitar after the fifth grade.
JOHN OF THE INSIDE OUT: Growing up I remember just being obsessed with my mom’s CD collection. She had a lot of RnB and movie soundtracks that exposed me to a lot of different stuff. Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose” comes to mind haha. I also remember jamming to Notorious BIG’s Life After Death album on the way to elementary school every day. That was lit.
(cont.) Coincidentally, I discovered Blink 182 around the same time I got a guitar in my hands for the first time, so naturally, I became obsessed with everything in their orbit and wanted to play it all. I feel extremely lucky to have been exposed to so much good music and to be alive at this point in time.
ANDI OF THE INSIDE OUT: I started listening to Aerosmith, Meat Loaf, and ‘90s boy bands when I was 5 years old, thanks to my trusty boom box that I still use to this day to play CDs and cassettes. I started learning piano around that time but ended up not sticking with it because my teacher scared my first-grade brain away with time signature fractions.
(cont.) The first time I really got into music that wasn’t what my parents put on in the car, it was the album The Young and the Hopeless by Good Charlotte when I was 9-10 years old. I started to gain more appreciation for music in middle school when Pop-Punk was at its prime with Green Day, Paramore, Blink-182, MCR, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At the Disco, and so many more. I dabbled with various instruments as a kid, but it wasn’t until 10th grade.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How did The Inside Out form?
THE INSIDE OUT: We formed in early 2020 with Zach, Andi, and James, but we didn’t reach our final form until early 2021 when we snagged John off of a craigslist ad, haha. The band had a few different lineups from 2017-2019, varying from some of James’ high school and college friends, but nothing that really stuck. Honestly, he considers most of those times super fun and enlightening, which led this project to where it is now, but nothing has been official to him since the current lineup.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Is there a set creative/recording process you have as a band? what was for this new release? How did you approach the creative and writing process this time on your latest release, "No Brains, No Blood”?
THE INSIDE OUT: Our creative process for songwriting usually stems from an idea James has dabbled with on his acoustic guitar and then presents to the full band. We’ll jam on it for hours if we like it enough. Each member will start dropping in their own flair and originality, and sooner than later we have a new song idea. Sometimes the best fuel for songwriting and creativity is taking a step away, walking around downtown, grabbing some drinks or food, and just talking about it.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What are some goals you hope to accomplish as a band this year?
THE INSIDE OUT: We’re looking to continue to expand our horizons and play at new venues and cities as much as possible, and we’re hoping to make new friends and fans along the way! A major goal is to continue to introduce lovers of indie/alt-rock to our latest album No Brains, No Blood., and we’re looking to release some fresh tunes by the end of this year.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I read that you’re playing at The Bowery in NYC coming up on February 11th. How are you prepping for that show and what are most excited for?
THE INSIDE OUT: We've been doing a lot of rehearsing and trying to refine the setlist. This is our first time playing the big stage at Bowery so we want that show to be the absolute best it can be. We’re also really excited to see all our NYC friends and family. It's gonna be an epic night for sure!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to create your dream festival to headline what other three artists past or present would you pick as your co-headliners and why?
THE INSIDE OUT: Ooh, it’s tough to narrow our answer down to just three. Inner Wave, The Audiots, and Tame Impala would be super fun to play on a bill with. We have so much respect for the artistry that led each respective band to where they all are now, and those vibey, dancy strains of indie-rock that they’re each known for would mesh nicely with our sound.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: So, to close what's next on the horizon for The Inside Out?
THE INSIDE OUT: Good times are on the horizon! This year we’re looking to play a bunch of shows and go on tour in the fall. We’ve started writing our next album, which is more upbeat and dancy than our last, and we plan to release new music and a music video by the end of this year.
STREAM THE INSIDE OUT’S DEBUT ALBUM “NO BRAINS, NO BLOOD” OUT NOW
PHOTO GALLERY: 65TH GRAMMY Awards® WEEK EVENTS + PARTIES | 2023 MUSICARES persons of the year HONORING BERRY GORDY + SMOKEY ROBINSON
Hollywood is abuzz with GRAMMY® fever this week. The who’s who amongst the music scene clamoring about the glittering events and parties held for the annual occasion culminating this Sunday with the official GRAMMY Awards® ceremony.
On February 3rd, Motown living legends Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson were honored at the Los Angeles Convention Center as the MusiCares Persons Of The Year for 2023. A host of special guests and performers were in attendance including John Legend, Elton John, The Four Tops, Marcus Mumford, Sheryl Crow, Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Trombone Shorty, Brandi Carlile, Molly Tuttle, and many more. You can view a photo gallery if the event below. All images are courtesy of Getty Images for The Recording Academy.
PHOTO GALLERY: 65TH GRAMMY Awards® WEEK EVENTS + PARTIES | RECORDING ACADEMY HONORS PRESENTED BY THE BLACK MUSIC COLLECTIVE
Hollywood is abuzz with GRAMMY® fever this week. The who’s who amongst the music scene clamoring about the glittering events and parties held for the annual occasion culminating this Sunday with the official GRAMMY Awards® ceremony.
Last night, on February 2nd, the second annual Recording Academy Honors at the Hollywood Palladium. This year’s honorees were Missy Elliot, Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, and Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone, as the event honors the past, present, and future of, Hip-Hop, Black artists, and music. You can view a photo gallery below. All images are courtesy of Getty Images for The Recording Academy.
INTERVIEW WITH LONDON’S MODERN DARK POP chanteuse LUX LYALL
INTERVIEW WITH LONDON’S MODERN DARK POP CHANTEUSE LUX LYALL
London-Based Dark Pop Artist LUX LYALL bridges the gap between modern pop, early 90s grunge girls like PJ Harvey,and torch songs. All while incorporating her multicultural roots and life stories. “Draw Blood” is her latest release and the second single from her forthcoming release, “Runaway Bridge”. The track's orgin story tells the story of a abusive relationship with Lyall ultimately finding the song a difficult but cathartic experience. In an interview I did with Lux late last year, we talked about the single, Christmas Holidays, her favorite record of 2022, and more all of which you can read below. THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Thanks for chatting with me at TRB, Lux. To start, How are you doing? How was 2022 for you both professionally and personally?
LUX LYALL: I'm doing good thanks! Personally, 2022 was the best year I’ve had since I was a small child probably. Professionally I’m trying to pull things up to speed. I’ve had a lot of changes post releasing my debut album VAMP in 2020. I'm taking on practically all aspects of my work myself now so I have more control over how things go and are released. It's hard but it's what I want.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What did you get up to over the holiday season?
LUX LYALL: I was lucky enough to spend Christmas and New Year’s in Cyprus where I grew up with my sister and my fiancé. We hung out on her farm with her horses, dogs, and multiple cats. It was pretty perfect.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Continuing on this theme, do you have a favorite Holiday themed song or movie that gives you immediate warmth and nostalgia?
LUX LYALL: River by Joni Mitchell is my favourite holiday song. It makes me cry but I love it. This year we watched Black Christmas, I think that’s now a tradition.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Moving forward, Tell me about your background before you were an artist? How growing up in a multicultural family and being multi-racial yourself has possibly influenced your sound and music? Also, has music also played a role in your life?
LUX LYALL: Music has played a huge role in my life. It was the first thing I was really passionate about and obsessed with. It still is despite being kind of coloured by the more I learn about the industry-heh
Being from a multicultural multiracial family is a dominating part of who I am. It's influenced my work in many ways, mostly the consistent sense of displacement. I didn’t grow up with people who were like me, and my parents are first-generation immigrants to a more western world and culture, so we were very different and detached while I was growing up. We're extremely close now but I know me trying to figure myself out in situations where I didn’t know anyone like me gave them a lot of grief.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I would like to talk about your new song, “Draw Blood”. Can you talk about the track’s origin story? And how the recording and writing process was like?
LUX LYALL: The origin story is difficult to talk about. I referred to it briefly not thinking that it would be the main takeaway from the song (which I guess in some way is something I need to address and unpack…)
I had a lot of bad relationships. Some of them were emotionally and mentally manipulative, in one instance I was physically hurt by a partner. Draw Blood
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What fictional character do you think would most identify with the Lux Lyall sound and aesthetic?
LUX LYALL: It would be a girls’ gang composed of the following: Audrey Horne-Twin Peaks, Lux Lisbon-The Virgin Suicides, Alabama Beggs - Save me the Waltz, Lily Bart-The House of Mirth, Norma Desmond - Sunset Boulevard & Jennifer North - Valley of the Dolls.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And my last two questions, what is your pick for the best album of 2022?
LUX LYALL: Preachers Daughter by Ethel Cain
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And... Is there anything else you would like to add? Thanks again, Lux!
LUX LYALL: Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. My second album will be out this year and I’m looking forward to playing more live shows again!
STREAM LUX LYALLS’ NEW SINGLE “DRAW BLOOD” OUT NOW
INTERVIEW WITH THE 134TH ANNUAL ROSE PARADE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD
INTERVIEW WITH THE 134TH ANNUAL ROSE PARADE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD OF ALTADENA
On New Year's Eve, I got to speak with one of the members of the 2023 Rose Court, this year's Rose Queen, Bella Ballard. The seventeen-year-old hails from Altadena, and is a Soccer extraordinaire, as she not only plays the sport with several clubs, she is a volunteer soccer coach with Chelsea Football Club. A senior at the distance learning school, The Ogburn School, Bella also enjoys collecting vinyl records, chess, astrophysics, and volunteering. It's these myriad talents, smarts, and extra-curricular activities which Bella and the rest of the young women chosen for the 134th Rose Court exemplify. In my interview below, we chatted about her life as the 134th Rose Queen, her journey to the court, her life growing up in Altadena (which happens to be my hometown as well), and her life post-Rose Court.
This interview has edited for clarity.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: First, congrats to you, Queen Bella, and thanks for taking the time. To start can you talk some about your journey to the Rose Court and ultimately Rose Queen? Was this something that you always wanted to do and be?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: So, my journey started out as my family is from Altadena, so I’m a huge fan of the Tournament Of Roses and the Rose Parade which I watch every year. I thought why not try out that’s how my journey started, I went through the interview process, and eventually, I was selected to become a member of the Royal Court. That was an amazing day and it just started a lifetime of amazing opportunities. A couple of weeks later I was selected to become the 2023 Rose Queen, so it was probably one of the highlights of my life and definitely high school.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: So, you’re one of two on the court that's from Altadena (I'm from there as well). What has been your favorite thing about growing up in such a relatively small town like Altadena?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: My dad grew up in Altadena as well, so I’m really a third-generation Altadena resident. It's really just a sense of community and just home that Altadena feels like to me. I grew up there, my Dad grew up there, and my Grandparents moved here a long time ago. Altadena is such a special place, and it's the perfect place for me.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Yeah, I would, I would say the same thing as well. You kind of get that feeling of a small town meets a big city as well since it’s so close to many other things.
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Yeah. All my neighbors were so ecstatic when I was selected to be queen. They sent over flowers, I mean, they're all supportive. My family is more than supportive, so it really is the community.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: It’s really great to have that experience, particularly growing up.
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Yes. Definitely!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How has this experience helped you grow as a person and young woman? What has this experience helped you discover about yourself?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: This experience with Tournament Of Roses is so unique and so special. We all get media training and speech training, etiquette training even. It’s such a unique experience and all the members of the Royal Court come from such diverse backgrounds. We all have such intellectual curiosity, and we have dreams and goals. So we come together in such a unique way that we can really balance each other out.
I think learning how to deal with so many interviews and so many events and then meeting new people. That's something that I think is really special about the Tournament Of Roses and being a member of the Royal Court.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What appearance that you’ve done has been either your favorite or has stuck out the most to you so far?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: We've attended a wide range of events. I think one of the ones that stood out to me the most was it was early on was on Halloween, we all dressed up as our Harry Potter houses and we went to Huntington Hospital. We gotta visit a couple kids there and hand out candy in little goody bags and just kind of make their day a little better, and take photos with them and greet them. Just do whatever we could at the moment to make their Halloween a little more special.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can I ask what Harry Potter House were you?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: I was in Gryffindor. I’m a Gryffindor.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Okay, cool.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What advice would you give to another young girl who would want to kind of go on the same type of journey?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: I would have to say there's not one path to success. I mean, as an online student with a passion, for soccer and astrophysics, and economics. That there's not one path to, quote-unquote, success. Being the Rose Queen is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility that has opened so many new doors for me that I can't wait to experience. That path there was so winding and so chaotic. I mean, a year ago today, if you told me I would have been the 2023 Rose Queen. I would have probably called your bluff and never believed you. So, I just think that there's not one path to success and everyone's journey is a little different.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: You mentioned that your doing online schooling. I did homeschooling as well when I was younger. I’m curious to know how you think that experience either helped or hampered your experience as Rose Queen?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Online school has always offered me flexibility, Especially since I play soccer and with all the traveling doing that. That has kind of continued that amount of flexibility into my duties as the Rose Queen. So, I do have a little bit more flexible time and a little bit more time management. I can talk to my teachers and just let them know what's happening. I don't envy the other girls in their traditional schooling ways.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: You're big into sports, particularly soccer can talk some about that? What are your goals with the sport?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Yeah, I've been playing soccer basically my entire life. My mom played Division One soccer at LMU. My dad plays soccer and was coaching. He played a whole bunch of sports, so we're really a sports family. So I got into soccer because I loved it and I still do. My goal, and it's still my goal, is to play professional soccer, either in the US or in Europe. It's one of my biggest dreams, and also to play Division One soccer in college. So I've been playing soccer my whole life. I've traveled to different countries including moving to Michigan to play soccer. So, soccer is a big part of who I am, and it's really helped me along this journey.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: At the end, since you mentioned that it's really helped you along this journey, is there any kind of specifics that you can get into that you would say that has helped you along and will continue to help you along?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Yeah, I think soccer is such a unique sport, and I think my dad and mom have always taught me that if you don't love it, just don't do it. So, I think my passion for pretty much everything in academics and athletics, has carried over into other aspects of my life. For soccer, I've done a couple interviews, I've been on the news, and I've done youtube videos. So that interview aspect has continued over to being the Rose Queen. Um, and soccer is such a hard sport to play, so I think that my discipline and time management skills going into playing soccer have also transitioned into this.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are there any kind of specific goals that you want to accomplish as we go into the new year?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Yes, I'm excited for 2023. I can't wait to start college, to finish up my duties on the Royal Court to really get on to the community, to continue to help people, to continue my passion for soccer, and hopefully, continue to place for professional soccer this summer. Helping my sister play tennis, she’s a tennis athlete, learning how to drive. That's a big one. Yeah. I think 2023 is gonna be a great year.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are you a little bit nervous about the Rose Parade and your ride on Monday? I just want to kind of want to get your mindset?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Yeah, I mean, I'm extremely excited. I just can't wait to, you know, it's the big day. It's what we've kind of been talking about, and looking forward to this entire time. So I'm more excited than anything. I'm also a little sad that this whole journey is coming to a slow end, but I know we have a couple of events scattered throughout the new year in 2023. So, it's not over yet, but I'm just looking forward to parade day, the game. I can't wait for that and just, you know, finally turning the corner.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Since you mentioned turning the corner what does the turning the corner theme mean to you? And how will you choose to embody that theme as we go forward into the new year?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Yeah, I mean, to me, turning the corner represents the strength and resilience through tough times that can be shown through academics, athletics, personal life, even through Covid I think embodying that symbol of turning the corner, just to get past it and to better yourselves through opportunities new experiences and just new ways to grow.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Is there anybody I guess in your personal life, or just anybody that you know of that specifically embodies this theme of ‘turning the corner’ best?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: I would have to say, my younger sister, Samantha, I think she really embodies the theme ‘turning the corner’. Through her strength, her creativity, her ambitions in tennis and academics. I think she embodies the theme.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I want to ask you some questions about pop culture and music because I did read that you had a big collection of vinyl and a retro record player.
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: I-I love vinyl.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: So I wanted to ask you what your favorite vinyl is from your collection, and if you and the rest of the Rose Court listened to any kind of music during your journey? Or if you guys had any playlists?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Well, I think it's so hard to take a favorite record. I think most recently I've been listening to The Weeknd, Taylor Swift. I have a couple of Beatles albums. I have a Fleetwood Mac album. For Christmas, I just got a Lady Lady Gaga album from my sister. As a court, I think we don't really listen to too much music as a court because we're kind of struggling with college apps at the moment, but when we do put something on it's usually more upbeat for fun. We like to listen to Katy Perry, and sometimes Harry Styles. So yeah, I think we have a wide range of music tastes in this group. We like to mess around with each other and play interesting song choices.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Which Harry Styles album?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: His most recent one, I forget what it's called. Harry House. That one!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Do you have a specific memory from this experience that sticks out to you most or that you treasure more?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: The day of the coronation, before I was crowned we were kind of all getting ready in the tournament house. We had our interview suits on, and I think all of us were just in the moment. We were so ecstatic about what was gonna happen. We were so nervous, jumping up and down, and just that moment of calmness before like, the storm. So, I think we were soaking it all in when we were all princesses, and we all had on the green dress. I think that was the moment that kind of sticks out to me.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What three words would you use to describe your experience overall on the Rose Court and as Rose Queen?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Wow. I would have to say. Unique. I think it's a perfect word for that. Another word is Best Friends. Because you're gonna gain six new best friends that will last a lifetime and the third one would have to be ‘Memorable’.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Is there anything that you are most looking forward to when you're riding the float or will you just be taking it all it?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: I would have to say with this year’s theme ‘turning the corner’ that moment when we turn the corner from Orange Grove to Colorado it's gonna be so special. That's probably the moment I think we're all looking forward to the most. All our family's gonna be there in the grandstands. Um, That's kind of the first moment of this is actually happening. So, I'm most looking forward to that.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I read that you were named after both of your great-grandmothers. I just wanted to know more about that. I thought that was really nice and sweet.
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Yeah, so my great-grandmother on my dad's side Rose. So, I got my middle name from her and Yaeko is a middle name passed down through my mom, who has that middle name, and my great-grandmother on my mom's side also has that middle name. So, it’s kind of special because Rose as in obviously Rose and Yaeko means kind of like a bouquet of flowers in Japanese.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Wow, there are a lot of things that seem fitting and quite serendipitous in you becoming the Rose Queen. That's very, very interesting.
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: And here's a fun fact. So we all have numbers, and they don't have your names or know anything about us, and I was number 134. Obviously, this year's parade is the 134 year.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Oh, wow, that’s insane….
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: I know.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Well, my middle name is Rose too. I'm named after my grandmother actually.
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Wow, that's so special.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: So, yeah, I also find that a big thing with the Rose Parade is tradition and as I was reading your bio and all of that. I noticed that you and your family seem like they're really into traditions and things. Are there going to be any new traditions that your family has now added with you being Rose Queen or anything?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Oh man, I don't think anything has been added but we have a tradition in the new for the new year with my mom’s side of the family, my Japanese side of the family. Where we all roll sushi and eat soba noodles to kind of bring in the New Year with good luck and good fortune. And of course, when we roll sushi we watch the Rose Parade. So I think the rolling of the sushi will be postponed just a little bit, but that's kind of our New year's tradition that involves the Rose Parade. But I think this year is gonna be so much more special because they're obviously gonna be in California and watching me on a float.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: As I was trying to prep for this interview. I also noticed how multicultural and diverse this year’s Rose Court felt and how it truly hit upon the themes mentioned in ‘Turning The Corner’. I just want to kind of get your thoughts on that.
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: Yeah, I think we're such a diverse court through and through. Yes, with ethnicity we are diverse in that aspect but also our interests, our hobbies and our passions for the future are also so diverse because we are all so different. We come from such different backgrounds. But I think it's so special that way as we’re able to bond so quickly.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I just kind of wanted to end it on Is there anything that I forgot to ask you, or what's next on the horizon for you?
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: No. I don't think I have anything else.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Other than that, congrats on being the Rose Queen. Ah, I hope you have a really fantastic time on parade day. I can't wait to see you on your float going by. I'm gonna be there.
ROSE QUEEN BELLA BALLARD: That’s amazing! Well, I'll make sure to it wave your way then. And Happy New Year!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Happy New Year!
Thanks to the Tournament Of Roses Association and 134th Rose Queen Bella Ballard for the lovely interview!
FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS + ANDY GRAMMER BRING THE WRONG PARTY TOUR TO L.A. WITH HELP FROM BRELAND
Last Saturday, Three of what seems like the unlikeliest artists brought what was an epic dance party to The Greek Theatre. Opener Breland with Hip-Hop Country, Andy Grammer with his happy Pop, and Fitz And The Tantrums, whose soulful pop tunes have ears tuned, feet dancing since their KCRW days have endearingly collided on their The Wrong Party tour.
Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick of Fitz And The Tantrums
Last Saturday, Three of what seems like the unlikeliest artists brought what was an epic dance party to The Greek Theatre. Opener Breland with Hip-Hop Country, Andy Grammer with his happy Pop, and Fitz And The Tantrums, whose soulful pop tunes have ears tuned, feet dancing since their KCRW days have endearingly collided on their The Wrong Party tour. While it may, on the surface, come across like a mish-mash of Adult Alternative radio artists with popular hits. It ultimately worked for many reasons, as it was a family show. Families were out and about on this breezy Saturday evening. Also, all three acts together brought showmanship. Lastly, two performers on the lineup (Breland and Andy Grammer) have roots in the country music space.
Breland performs at The Greek Theatre
Breland was first up on the lineup. His sound has its roots in country music but was so much more. "Praise The Lord" was gospel tinged with a hipper country sound. Then songs like "Thick" and "Throw It Back" completely leaned into the Country-Rap sound. So it was no surprise that his Nelly mashup was straight fire. The New Jersey native and Gen Z artist fused Hip-Hop, Gospel, Soul, and Pop into what I could only describe as a Breland fusion. A mix of funky, bouncy, feel-good music. That easily captured the audience. An audience that was only starting to trickle in. Make no mistake, though, Breland fans were there and ready to party. His opening set was full of exuberant boundless energy and the perfect joyful vibe to start the night out. His banter between his songs was my favorite as he regaled the audience with jokes and other anecdotes from his life. Including the time Keith Urban asked him out to Nashville to write music, and he hopped on a plane and arrived the following morning.
Andy Grammer performs at The Greek Theatre
Andy Grammer was next out, opening with a spoken word poem befitting his brand of joyful uplifting pop. That poem transitioned into the song "Damn It Feels Good to Be Me". A booming pop-jazz style band backed Grammer and was complete with backup singers who also played jazz instruments like the saxophone. For some, Grammer may not be a face that is easily recognizable but with his penchant for writing memorable pop hooks and catchy melodies. There is no doubt that you have heard a song or two from him. Infectious melodies, jazzy riffs, and dance-pop synths permeated the well-paced sixteen-song set. Some highlights include the new collab, “The Wrong Party”, with Michael ‘Fitz’ Fitzpatrick of Fitz And The Tantrums, who popped out to sing it with him. Then the monogamy and relationship anthem, Honey, I’m Good. Or the soulful foot stomper, Good To Be Alive. His vocals shined throughout and soared best on the more personal numbers like “Fresh Eyes”, Joy, or later on, during the encore “Saved My Life”. The jazz-inflected “Pennies From Heaven / Stay / Fine by Me” mashup was a sweet surprise. His debut track, “Keep Your Head Up”, was another brilliant moment during his encore. Those lyrics still resonate and speak to the dreamer in all of us.
Noelle Scaggs of Fitz And The Tantrums performs at The Greek Theatre
Lastly, Fitz And The Tantrums closed out the night and the L.A. stop of The Wrong Party tour. Although far removed from their KRCW days where blue-eyed soul and a vintage sound dominated their music. Their evolution to Alterna-Pop heavy hitters makes this band so great, reminding us that a dream and hard work will ultimately pay off. The band fronted by two singers, the aforementioned Michael 'Fitz' Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs plus their insane chemistry. The Greek Theatre showcased their exuberant blend of soulful dance pop and was the perfect way to cap off what was an eclectic dance party in the canyons of L.A. The band opened with “OCD” into a “Don’t Gotta Work It Out”, a Fitz classic and staple. Songs like “Complicated” got the party moving with its R&B bounce before moving into synth-laden “Out Of My League”. Other highlights from the band include their new cut “Sway”, the soul-inflected “MoneyGrabber”, and the skittering pop of “123456”. Fitz and The Tantrums continued the trend of incredible musicianship and professionalism that night. They closed out their eighteen-song set with an encore that included hits, “HandClap” and “The Walker”. “The Wrong Party” tour offered fans and music lovers a night of fun, dancing, and lighthearted escapism in its purest form. It was a bubbly hip-pop disco party accentuated by an incredible light show. Fun for all too, as you’re never late to this party.
INTERVIEW WITH… 12AM, THE RISING TORONTO ALTERNATIVE R&B PRODUCER + ARTIST
Emerging Toronto Alternative R&B & Rhythmic Pop artist Matthew Dubois better known as 12AM has made quite the name for himself amongst the growing Canadian music scene. Now with a move to Los Angeles and string of successful singles including his latest “Hollywood”, some major co-signs and support. The artist is clearly only looking ahead in a new interview with him for TRB.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, thanks for taking some time out for TRB! Let's start with talking about your latest single, "Hollywood," and where the inspiration and sound of it came from? Also, what was the recording process like?
12AM: Being in LA for 5 years I found that I was losing myself, not loving myself like I should, couldn’t properly make relationships and just overall down and struggling. So “Hollywood” lays it all down, my emotions, feelings, thoughts, and my journey. Recording started with me going over to John Feldmann’s place, we found ourselves doing beat meditation for 30 minutes…. All I can say is that it was life changing…. It was the most spiritually enlightening moment of my life. I went down to the booth and banged the track out in one take… you had to be there to see it.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How did your journey begin into the music world?
12AM: My journey began as far as I can remember in grade 3, I would write over YouTube instrumentals, beats, whatever I could vibe with.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I read that you co-wrote "Hollywood" with producer John Feldmann on it? How was the experience and how did he help you craft the overall sound? What were you most excited about for fans to hear with this release?
12AM: Like I said it was something like no other, being at John Feldmann’s place in his living room, we found ourselves doing beat meditation for 30 minutes…. All I can say is that it was life changing…. It was the most spiritually enlightening moment of my life. I went down to the booth and banged the track out in one take…
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What is your favorite childhood music related memory?
12AM: Car rides with my mom when we would just endlessly drive around and listen to music, she would help me practice singing, it’s what made me the person I am today.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What is the most important lesson that you’ve learned in your career?
12AM: Patience, when I say patience, I mean you need to wait for it to be the right move and not make moves to hurt your future.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I read that you've recently moved back to Toronto from LA. What’s the thing you missed most about Toronto and its music scene? How different is it from LA’s?
12AM: The culture, I love the team spirit Toronto creates, everyone is super talented. I wanted to bring back some of the style and process I gained in LA I feel that mix of culture and US flare, makes for a incredible outcome.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s a normal creative process like for you? Is there a routine or place that is comfortable for you?
12AM: In my home studio writing music and recording alone, I like to freestyle everything.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What are your thoughts on social media and how integral it has become to the modern artist?
12AM: Social media is everything and draining and the same time, finding that balance between real life and social media is the most important, so you don’t drown yourself in the fake lives the medium propels, that kind of input can only cause depression. If you can take advantage of social media then it’s the ultimate tool for an artist.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s one album that you wish you could listen to again for the first time?
12AM: Marshall Mathers LP, I remember the first time I heard it as a kid I don’t think I have ever had a mind-blowing experience like that… I couldn’t believe it… and the artwork is amazing. I wish I had it on CD… I’m going to go buy it on CD right now actually.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Closing out, what’s up next for you, 12AM? What are you most excited for fans to hear?
12AM: All I can say is that I have a lot coming up, next week I start touring with multiple artists including one leg of my tour with Anders and another with Killy, my album is set to drop soon and I’ve never been more in touch with myself, and fans than ever before I cannot wait to deliver them some of my most amazing work. Thanks TRB
STREAM “HOLLYWOOD” BY 12AM OUT NOW
INTERVIEW WITH... FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE CRANBERRIES & DRUMMER FERGAL LAWLER
READ THE TRB interview WITH founding member and drummer OF The Cranberries Fergal Lawler about the early days of the band, aS the REMAINING MEMBERS OF THE BAND reissue their 'stars' anthology
The Cranberries were one of the hardest-hitting bands gaining legend status as the fierce foursome conquered the 90s Alt-Rock scene with their unique indelible sound. A sound fully immeshed by their Irish roots and filled with raw emotional vulnerability. Led by one of the most distinctive and significant voices in rock, the late great Dolores O’Riordan rounded off with founding members Noel Hogan, Mike Hogan, and Fergal Lawler. They captured fans all over the world & gaining super hits with songs 'Linger', 'Dreams', & 'Zombie'. These songs and more are on this updated version stunning anthology album titled 'STARS: THE BEST OF 1992-2002'. This anthology album encapsulates their five albums at Island Records with two unreleased songs, "New New York" and "Stars". Ahead of the release, I interviewed founding member & drummer Fergal Lawler. Lawler talked about The Cranberries' formation, his influences growing up, the legacy he hopes Dolores and The Cranberries will leave behind, and much more below.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you tell me the origin story of The Cranberries? Many of us have heard these songs over the years but may not know how the band came to fruition.
FERGAL LAWLER OF THE CRANBERRIES: Mike, Noel and myself met and became friends through ‘Breakdancing’ around 1984/85. After a few years we started listening to other music like The Cure, The Smiths, Joy Division, The Pixies etc. A friend of mine from school was a DJ on a local radio station and he played a lot of Irish bands. He gave me some compilation tapes and info on when the bands were playing in Limerick. We began going to see these bands play live and discovered some were from Limerick. That gave us the idea to buy instruments and start learning how to play. I got a drum kit for Christmas when I was 17 and Noel and Mike got their guitars a few months later. We practiced together for a year or so and then met Dolores through a friend that was in school with her.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How pivotal was music during your upbringing in Ireland? What were the artists/bands that shaped those early years? Do they still shape you guys as musicians?
FERGAL LAWLER OF THE CRANBERRIES: Music was a massive influence on all of us in our childhood / teen years. Dolores played music from a very early age and was singing from the moment she could talk. When we were growing up, Ireland was a lot different. To be honest we thought it was quite a miserable place. Music was a great escape and also a way to express our emotions. Once we got a chance to travel and see the world I think we realised that Ireland wasn’t that bad after all.
Yes, the bands I mentioned earlier were a big influence on us in our early years. I personally still listen to them and continue to be moved by their incredible songs.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I know you guys are releasing a greatest hits collection titled STARS: THE BEST OF 1992-2002, which collects the band's biggest hits from your first five Island Records albums. Can you talk about this album collection together? How were the songs picked for it?
FERGAL LAWLER OF THE CRANBERRIES: The songs from ’Stars’ were picked as a Greatest Hits from that time period (1992-2002). They were all the singles we had released in that time plus two new songs, “New New York” and “Stars”. We felt it would be unfair on fans who already had bought the singles not to have something extra, so we recorded those two new songs in Miami while we had a few days off from a US tour.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Some of the songs on this collection include your hits 'Linger' and 'Dreams'. Do you have any particular memories from making some of these songs that stick out to you?
FERGAL LAWLER: Yes, ‘Linger’ was the first song we ever wrote together. The first time we met Dolores was a Sunday afternoon rehearsal. We played her some music we had been working on, one of which was an instrumental of ‘Linger’. Then she played some songs she had written. We gave her a cassette of ‘Linger’ and she went home and worked on it for a few days. When she came back to rehearsal later that week she had the vocals and that catchy string line done. We were blown away !
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What is it about songwriting that you find most rewarding? What is it that you find most challenging? Was there a song that you've written or produced that was difficult but ultimately rewarding
FERGAL LAWLER: When we got signed to Island, our A&R man was a record producer named ‘Denny Cordell’. He was a great guy who really loved music. He had heard the demo of ‘Linger’ and that version was always very special to him. So when we recorded the version that was released on ‘Everybody Else….” he wasn’t so sure about it. He asked us to do a few remixes with other producers but in the end we managed to convince him that the version we did with Steven Street was the best one.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Do you have a favorite memory of Dolores? It can be outside of music. Whatever is comfortable for you to share.
FERGAL LAWLER: My fondest memories of Dolores are of those early years when we were all teenagers, travelling around the world in vans and busses. We had hardly any money so we would entertain ourselves with laughter. She could be very funny and was great at doing accents of people.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Do you remember the first time you heard her sing? Did you feel and know that the band would click at the start? That this would be something special?
FERGAL LAWLER: Yes, as I mentioned earlier, the first time I heard Dolores sing was at that Sunday rehearsal. But her microphone was plugged into a guitar amp so it was quite difficult to hear her properly. After a few months playing together, we managed to save enough money to record a demo tape. It was when we went into the studio that we really got a shock at how unique her voice was. Not only were her main vocals brilliant but she had all these astounding backing vocal melodies too! When we finished that demo we knew our band was something special.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What lyric from any of the Cranberries Island Records releases do you feel best represents the world around us currently?
FERGAL LAWLER: I think with the shocking injustice and barbarism of what is happening to the people of Ukraine, the lyrics of ‘Zombie’ are still very relevant.
“What’s in your head, in your head ? They are fighting”
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are there any current artists and bands you enjoy? Any current bands that you feel carry the spirit of The Cranberries forward?
FERGAL LAWLER: There are lots of current bands I enjoy listening to, off the top of my head……. ‘Phoebe Bridgers’, ‘Billie Marten’ and a young band from Limerick called ‘PowPig’.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I know fans debate about topics like this, but I would love to hear it from a musician’s perspective. What do you guys think is The Cranberries' most underrated or overlooked track?
FERGAL LAWLER: There isn’t just one track I can think of but rather a whole Album. We always felt the Album ‘Roses’ didn’t get a proper release. There are some beautiful songs on that record and we plan to re-release it properly in the future.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: To close out, What would you hope is The Cranberries and Dolores's legacy?
FERGAL LAWLER: That people are still moved by the dynamic, emotional songs we created together.
Stream 'STARS: THE BEST OF 1992-2002' anthology by The Cranberries out now
INTERVIEW WITH... BRITISH UPSTART SINGER LIA RYE
Lia Rye is the captivating eighteen year Singer-Songwriter coming out of London bringing her brooding and soulful artistry to a multi-genre sound. A sound kicked up by rich vocals and her many layered music tastes. Which she champions in music now, no one genre, no borders, and most importantly as a Black woman breaking free from what’s is typically expected of us. I chat with Lia below about her new single and more…
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, Lia! Thanks for taking the time out. How did you each get your start in music? Was it something that you always felt called to?
LIA RYE: Hey! Thanks for having me :) I always loved singing from a young age, so carrying on with it felt like a natural progression. I wouldn’t say it was a calling, it was just continuing something which I love to do.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How do you think studying at The Brit School has helped you in as you begin to shape your career?
LIA RYE: I think I can firmly say that without going to the school, I wouldn’t have released my first single at the time that I did. I’ve met amazing musicians which have helped me out and inspired me along the way. My peers have helped to shape my career, as their help allowed me to set off properly.
Hi THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can we talk about the recording, creative, and writing process for your forthcoming EP ‘Fever Dream’?
LIA RYE: Fever Dream is a highlight reel of songs written between the ages of 12 and 17. In terms of the writing process, there wasn’t really a methodical process behind it. My songs are narratives explaining how an individual perceives the world around them. I find that the stories come quite easy to me, it’s just about creating the instrumentation around them. I had made my own demos for all of the songs on the EP, so it was mostly about how to make the parts sound better and adding in anything that was missing. I had a really clear vision of what I wanted things to sound, so coming prepared helped a lot. I recorded 4/5 songs on the EP in 2021, so it took years for some of these songs to be realized in their full potential.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to describe your sound in only three words. What words would you choose?
LIA RYE: Eclectic. Alternative. Reflective.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was the first artist that you listened to that made you want to be an artist?
LIA RYE: Pffff I don’t think I could pinpoint that. I just wanted to be an artist through my own volition because I liked to sing aha. However I’d say the first artist who inspired me was Lady Gaga.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What is one album that you can listen to over and over?
LIA RYE: Melodrama by Lorde. An honourable mention to SAWAYAMA by Rina Sawayama.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
LIA RYE: Erm I’m going with who my brain is thinking of right now and that's Miley Cyrus. The short answer as to why is because she’s iconic. ATTENTION: MILEY LIVE was crazy!! She’s just got every single aspect on point.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to put one of your lyrics in a message in a bottle for the ocean which lyric would you choose?
LIA RYE: I had to open my notes for this one. This isn’t even a song yet but its one of my most recent lyrics:
‘I’m not materialistic but when your notion of self is fictitious, how can reality mean anything to e me?' -Lia Rye
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s your earliest music memory?
LIA RYE: This is so random, but probably singing and rapping ‘Airplanes’ by B.O.B ft Hayley Williams in my v primary school playground with my friend.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What's the best piece of advice another musician has given you?
LIA RYE: How important the business side of music is and that doing everything yourself isn't sustainable.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Lastly, I’d like to end with what music and the craft of songwriting mean to you?
LIA RYE: Music and the craft of songwriting mean power to me. The way in which you can craft meanings through your music and influence emotions is such a special unexplainable thing. I’m grateful I have the ability to do that, as it acts as a release for myself and others.
LIA RYE | SOCIALS
PASADENA'S CRUEL WORLD FESTIVAL DELIGHTS WITH A HOST OF EIGHTIES GOTHIC NOSTALGIA
Not even the 95-degree heat could stop the beat or the fun at the first Cruel World Fest.
Last weekend kicked off the first Cruel World Festival held by Goldenvoice. A music powerhouse behind many of the biggest annual California festivals like Stagecoach and Coachella. Cruel World Fest had thousands partying into the night to eighties icons like Bauhaus, Morrissey (yes, that Morrissey), Devo, Missing Persons, Blondie, The Church, Berlin, The Psychedelic Furs, English Beat, and many more.
Held in Pasadena at the Brookside Park and Golf Course in Pasadena, so the heat was an issue, but otherwise, the two-day eighties goth oasis was an exhilarating blast from the past. It was also a day or two to be grateful, enjoying the sun, the music, any new friends made, and the vibes. After all, it has been a difficult and trying two and half years. Even though there were a few fest hiccups like Echo and the Bunnymen dropping out or your garden variety festival hiccups. It was sure to be an event for the ages and truly an event for Alternative and classic Alternative music lovers.
Living legends at the Cruel World Festival anchored by many next wave acts or niche artists of the time. Like The KVB, a husband and wife duo with a penchant for 90s melancholy via Shoegaze guitar rhythms, neon 80s synths, and dark melodies for ages. Despite the somewhat penchant for dark and brooding music, the duo was so lovely in my chat with them (that will be out soon). Solo artist TR/ST brought his vibe of sin-soaked angsty synth beats much to the surprise and delight of many. You also had your underground mainstays like Cold Cave and my faves Blaqk Audio, with each band garnering super loyal and supportive fanbases. They each brought a unique sense of new-age sleekness and style that the newer brand of goth-tinged synth-rock or pop showcase.
For me, and no doubt so many others, there was no question that Bauhaus stole the show. A magical feeling was prominent in the air as the moon was high. Bauhaus set the scene from the beginning with a fog machine to heavy strobe lights. The audience was feverish by the time Peter Murphy's booming baritone rang out. Singing through a catalog of Bauhaus classics like 'She's In Parties'and the obvious crowd fave, 'Bela Lugosi's Dead'. It was a night to remember one perfectly accented by the elusive (and perhaps reclusive?) Morrissey. His vocals are as dramatic as ever, from every ad-lib, yelp, and yodel.
The crowd clung to every word as many of them had grabbed barricade spots way early in the day, standing for hours. Other highlights were Berlin, lead vocalist Terri Nunn's crowd interaction was like no other, Automatic, The Church, Missing Persons, and Devo. While I missed the chance to photograph every band like I wanted to, the heat that day was more than I expected. You can check out my photo galleries from the festival below. I had a great time, as did many other fans of all ages. So, closing out, I'll see you at Cruel World 2023 and, yes, that means you too, Bunnymen.
INTERVIEW WITH... LLUSION THE BUZZY TIK TOK LOFI REMIXER TURNED RISING MUSIC PRODUCER
Rising music producer LLusion has worked with some big names already like Charlie XCX and Rina Sawayama. The OC-based artist has been playing shows since he was seventeen cutting his chops early on. He later earned the nickname "The Remix Guy” on TikTok for all of his vibes Lo-Fi remixes of artists like the Jonas Brothers and Doja Cat. He also began to amass over 3.8 million followers. Now on his latest release, he teams up with Max Frost and UPSAHL for this instant pop hit, "After The Tone".
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk a bit about your backstory and how you got your start in music?
LLUSION: My dad grew me up on 90s hip-hop, the big names from the east coast like Tribe Called Quest to Wu-Tang and everything. When I realized that a producer named J Dilla was working on a lot of Tribe Called Quest stuff, that made me get into J Dilla and DJ Premier. I was listening to all of these great hip-hop songs and then there came a time where I was like “Man, I just want to listen to these beats” and I didn’t know if that was possible and I didn’t know listening to instrumental music was a thing.
(cont.) Then, when I was in 8th grade, I was 14 (this is 2012) and I found Nujabes and I was like “Woah, he incorporated jazz and hip-hop music but just for listening purposes,” with or without vocals — it wasn’t a mandatory thing. That completely opened up my whole insight on music. Within a year, for all of my freshman year of high school, I was intaking so much information on instrumental music and then, by my sophomore year, I was like “I can’t just listen to this anymore, I really want to, and really feel like I can bring something to the table.” I was digging in record stores where I was going to the dollar bin. My only record store was primarily just a record shop and this is where kids who were in 5th and 6th grades went to rent instruments but there was this little section of records in the corner and they were so cheap, and I was the only person in there. So, I just started sampling records and making beats out of them. That’s where the production started to blossom. I never got super into instruments, samples are what really gravitated towards me, and the fact that I was able to make them into my own, that’s how it started.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How did the collaboration with Upsahl come together? And what was it like co-producing the track with Max Frost?
LLUSION: I love talking about this because this was half a year before the vaccine ever came out and we didn't even have conversations about a vaccine. My team really wanted me to get into sessions and this was before I even worked with any artists in person. My publicist was like “Hey, Zoom sessions are a big thing right now in the industry.” And I'm like, “I don't see how that's even possible of working and the audio is gonna sound terrible.” I didn't know if it was going to work out. And he's like, “Just give it a shot.” This was a few days after Christmas of 2020 and my publicist’s like, “Okay, you got it with UPSAHL and I knew UPSAHL from “Drugs” and “People I Don't Like” — one of my favorite songs from her. I knew that she worked with Max [Frost] prior so that made me relieve the stress. So anytime I was struggling during the session, I knew Max would fill in all those spots that I possibly couldn't, at that time.
(cont.) Anyways, we got on Zoom, met them for the first time, and within those four hours we came out with “After The Tone.” It's crazy to think that that was my first session working with an artist in general, let alone it being zoom. It's a song that's now finally out for people to hear. And it's funny, I didn't even know how I felt about the song until I again, I've mentioned my wife sticks a lot because she's, I consider fit 5050 With illusion. Just because she's like my naked ear since she doesn't create, she plays guitar and everything but since she doesn't like to create music, I always love letting her listen to stuff and she's kind of like my barometer. and when I showed it to her, she's like, this is actually really good and I was oh, it made me really excited to see the potential of it. So to think of where to think that it was made in that session and I think we really created something special there. That's how that whole thing came about, and then I'm so excited. Yeah, Taylor's awesome Max is great, and now Max is like a great friend of mine and we work together all the time.
- THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you got the chance to write a song based off your favorite piece of pop culture? What would you choose and why?
LLUSION: Well, I don't know. I've never thought about that question. The first thing I thought of was School of Rock because that’s my favorite. It’s one of my favorite movies of all time and a huge inspiration to me. I have stuck it to the man tattooed on my neck so that's a huge thing. So yeah, I don't know writing a song about Jack Black or just something fun about that because I think what Jack Black in School of Rock did for pop culture was huge. I don't know if that was the first thing that came to my mind, but yeah it’s really important.
- THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And, lastly what’s up next on the horizon for you?
LLUSION: My debut project, Buffet, came out back on November 8 and has incredible songs. I highly suggest people go check that out, it contains over 15 vocalists, some new, some underground. That’s such an incredible project to me that I hope to represent for many years to come just because I really do think it has a very good sound. With that being said, I'm kind of taking it back a little bit to how everything started and the roots of everything and I am currently working on my first actual album. I mean, Buffet was really an EP, but this album is going to contain 99% instrumental music again with some features from producers. As like I said, it's incredible to make these great songs with vocalists like “After the Tone” with UPSAHL you know, it feels really good to get to focus hardcore on the instrumental music itself. I know that's what a lot of people [want] at the end of the day like, “I'm being honest with myself, it's my decision in my choice to bring a vocalist that I think is really good to feature on a song of mine”, but whether it's not 100% my demographic or this or that, I know instrumental music will always be there. So that's why I'm really focusing on that. We're hoping by summertime-ish to get some more music out there. It’s going to range anywhere from Lo-Fi to Funk instrumentals. It's going to be good, it's gonna real good.
(cont.) And, aside from music, something that I’m absolutely extremely excited to announce and finally release is my podcast with my wife called “Six Illusion.” We’re interviewing everyone from incredible artists from Freddie Dread to TikTok creators like TootieMcNootie. All these different people that we’ve become friends with, whether musicians or content creators in general. We’ll be dropping that extremely soon. We’re trying to get tons and tons of episodes set. But yeah, dropping extremely soon.
Well, that's it! Thanks so much to LLUSION for taking time out to answer some questions for TRB and thanks to Republic Records for setting this all up. You can stream "After The Tone" his collaboration with UPSAHL and Max Frost below. Then be sure to check him out on TikTok by clicking ➡️ here.
LOS ANGELES INDIE DARLINGS THE MARÍAS DAZZLE AT THE NOVO DTLA
The Marías played two nights at The Novo in DTLA with Night 2 openers Rosie Tucker and Maye
Last Sunday, Los Angeles Indie darlings, The Marías’ came full circle bringing their Cinema tour to an emotional close. The band which is lead vocalist María Zardoya and drummer Josh Conway first met at The Kibitz Room at Canters Deli. María was playing that night and Josh was in charge of sound. They soon connected and began writing music together. The duo rounded out their sizzling chemistry with two live musicians for gigs, Edward James and Jesse Perlman. James on Keys, Perlman on Guitar, and then the addition of Gabe Steiner on the Trumpet.
Opening acts for tonight were Rosie Tucker and Maye. Each brought a fun alternative vibe and sound to the show that night. Surf rock meets garage rock is where Tucker truly thrived. Tucker hails from the West Hills, and not only did the artist bring their musicianship A-game but audience banter too. When a minor guitar tuning issue transpired not letting up so easily. Tucker parlayed cheekily into light audience banter and proved to be quite funny. Their sound was eclectic but full of raw emotion and is something all three acts embodied. Maye was the perfect in-between to both artists unleashing her soulful beachy pop sounds and bilingual lyrics amongst a full band. Her dance-centered set was not only groove-laden but showcased Maye’s knack for writing pop-centric melodies and her vocal talent.
MAYE
It was now time for The Marías. After a special heartfelt welcome from Josh's father Lionel Conway. Who works in the music industry as a music executive. It was time for the headliner as Lights went up. The Marías came out to a sold-out crowd for night two. That was ready and waiting to hear all the signature tunes. The majority of the audience danced and sang along, out loud and proud to every lyric that night. It was amazing to see the Cinema album take life, knowing that Zardoya and Conway take a lot of inspiration from film. Zardoya in particular from Pedro Almodóvar. Thus, allowing them to create and carve out a fulfilling, distinctive, and soulful pop psychedelia soundscape and therefore achieve such a loyal following.
The Marías opened up with the Cinema fever dream track,'Calling U Back' setting the tone for the night. Lighting also set the tone and was key for The Marías minimalist stage setup and was awash in it. It also ushered in the different song segues by evoking various emotions. Purples and Pinks tempered their Britney Spears cover and 'Little By Little'. While 'All I Really Want Is You' and 'Heavy' found the band bath in spotlights and their signature colors. Something the Cinema tour truly stuck to red, white, and black were everywhere. María even sported that palette in two gorgeous statement outfits. The first featured a heavily bejeweled pearl corseted top with a ruched black skirt and black combat boots. She later changed into a black corseted crop top and long red skirt for the encore of 'Hush' (my fave) and 'Cariño'.
Yet, it was Zardoya's delicate breathy vocals that carried the night. Earnest and melodic in their delivery. They suited the Flamenco meets Jazz-Pop sound so well. That made not only Cinema so darn alluring but this concert as well. How she seemingly interweaving it all with a simple snap of the wrist or swing of her hips casting an ethereal slim figure amongst the shadows and spotlight. After all, Cinema was entirely devoted to film and film noir. The Marías have cast a character with their music that is not only sensual. But one that breathes of pure escapism. What could be more hypnotic than that?
