INTERVIEW WITH PNW-BRED PUNK SINGER VERA BLOOM
Meet Nashville-based and Pacific Northwest-raised Punk Artist Vera Bloom. Her vibrant, raucous, and melodic punch of Popish-Punk music whispers echoes of PNW grunge and the merits of the Riot grrrl scene. The artist recently released her second EP titled “It’s Me” on September 30th. We chatted about her music, what influences it, and some of her favorite music of the year so far. You can check out the interview below.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I’d like to start off with an icebreaker question. Would you consider yourself more of a Morning Bird or Night Owl?
VERA BLOOM: Morning bird!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Now that your EP, It’s Me has been out for a few days now. What has the response been like? Have you had a chance to soak in it? What song was the most difficult for you to write?
VERA BLOOM: The response has been wonderful! I am definitely still soaking it all in, and there's still so much I want to tell people about the songs, but yes, overall the response has been great and people have been really excited and supportive about the EP. Hmm, the song that was most difficult was probably “Boxes.” It wasn't emotionally difficult, it just didn't flow as easily as the others did. Usually, I can write a song in a couple hours, but with “Boxes” I had written an incomplete version and set it aside for almost an entire year. I was browsing my voice memos last winter and came across it and decided to completely rework it.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: There have been some comparisons to grunge and many of those icons. How do you bridge the gap between honoring the icons and the sound of Washington with your unique identity?
VERA BLOOM: I don't really try to sound grunge and I think that's how I honor it? The older I get the more important my hometown and upbringing becomes to me. The more I find myself embracing it all and it helps me understand who I am better. I think because I've been self-reflecting a lot on this over the years and also on a mission to be authentic and stay true to myself, my unique identity is shining through but simultaneously so is the sound of Washington and the PNW.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s a typical writing and recording process like for you?
VERA BLOOM: I'm constantly writing down little snippets of lyrics and melodies. But, I can usually tell when an actual song needs to take form, and that generally takes me 2-3 hours to mostly finish. I write most of the song, a couple verses and a chorus, and take it to Garageband where I start working on the full band arrangement. They're really crappy demos, haha, but it's an important piece to see where the song can go before taking it to real-life human players. I give this demo to the band and we start rehearsing it, playing it live and shows, and then eventually take it to the studio to get it recorded. That's been the process for the last 2 EPs!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Where do you normally draw inspiration from as a musician and songwriter?
VERA BLOOM: My songs are pretty much always about my life and the feelings, fears, loves, and emotions involved. Musically, I just see what comes out while I'm writing and it really is a big flow and improvisation. The band I like to play with definitely helps produce the songs organically. They bring tones and rhythms to the table which help the arrangement of the song evolve.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Who were some of your musical heroes growing up? And have they changed now?
VERA BLOOM: I really liked Sheryl Crow growing up. She was the first artist I saw myself in, so she's pretty monumental for me. As I've grown, my tastes have definitely evolved, and I've grown a lot as a person, and, today I resonate a lot with Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, and Donita Sparks.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What is your favorite album or song of 2023?
VERA BLOOM: I'm one of those terrible people that listen to a lot of older music so, I don't think I have a new favorite. One of my favorite albums over the past few years is Catherine Wheel's Ferment from 1992...I know I'm terrible.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Throwing in another fun one here... If you could live in any fictional universe, which would you choose?
VERA BLOOM: I'd love to experience Willa Wonka's chocolate factory.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What has been one of the most rewarding experiences of your career so far?
VERA BLOOM: Opening for L7 last October for two nights of their big 30th Anniversary of Bricks Are Heavy was definitely a highlight and extremely rewarding. This release has also been rewarding and, I'm so grateful for the people supporting me and enjoying the music!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And, lastly, what's next on the horizon for you?
VERA BLOOM: Rinse and repeat, baby. 2024 will be a year of live performance and writing more music and I can't wait!
INTERVIEW WITH… LAS VEGAS PUNK ROCKERS MERCY MUSIC
INTERVIEW WITH… LAS VEGAS PUNK ROCKERS MERCY MUSIC
Photo credit: Corlene Machine
‘What What You Stand To Lose’ is the fourth album from the Las Vegas trio Mercy Music. The album sonically might sound like a fun Pop driven Punk record, with some of the band’s cleanest production. Lyrically, it’s a heavy record. The band, and in particular, lead vocalist/guitarist Brendan Scholz was going through a challenging time in life. So, this new album, ‘What You Stand To Lose’, captured the turmoil with clarity, rawness, and precision. It’s an album that neatly fits amongst the resurgence of Pop-Punk as much as it does Punk itself. Yet, it also seems tailor-made for Gen Z’s astute self-awareness and, yes, their love of angst. I ask a few questions of Brendan about his new album. You can read his responses in my interview with him below. Also, don’t forget to check out the new Mercy Music record, which is out now.
You can check out my interview with Brendan of Mercy Music below…
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How did the band form? Was music something that always played a role in everyone's life?
BRENDAN SCHOLZ OF MERCY MUSIC: Mercy Music formed as a solo project as my previous band had fallen apart. After a few years of touring solo, I began to build a band around it. Speaking for everyone, I’d have to say music has always played a huge role in their life.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk about the newly released album, What You Stand To Lose? What was this recording and writing process like? Did it differ from your previous releases?
BRENDAN SCHOLZ OF MERCY MUSIC: I’d say the main difference in the process this time around was that we had the ability to really demo the material as our bass player, Jarred Cooper, had built a home studio during the pandemic.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I want to touch upon one of the singles that were sent to me, which is "Found Out That I'm Useless". Where did the inspiration for the song and video come from? The track is quite unrelenting, especially in comparison to its music video.
BRENDAN SCHOLZ OF MERCY MUSIC: The inspiration for "Found Out I am Useless" came from the dissolution of a major relationship in my life. The video was initially supposed to be animated, but due to time restraints, we opted to use tour footage. We think it came out quite well.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What lyric from What You Stand To Lose would you say is stuck in your head?
BRENDAN SCHOLZ OF MERCY MUSIC: Probably the chorus of “waiting to begin” : “ Bleed me out and draw me in, I’m waiting to begin”.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Name three words that define or describe the soundscape of Mercy Music?
BRENDAN SCHOLZ OF MERCY MUSIC: Poppy. Real. Hopeful.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What is up next on the horizon for the band?
BRENDAN SCHOLZ OF MERCY MUSIC: Right now it’s staying as busy as possible supporting the record. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us!
Mercy Music's “What You Stand To Lose ” is out so stream now
INTERVIEW WITH… LOS ANGELES RAP ROCKER SMILEZ
INTERVIEW WITH… LOS ANGELES RAP ROCKER SMILEZ
| MEET SMILEZ |
SMILEZ is a rising Los Angeles rapper, musician, and producer who just dropped his debut album ‘Ur in My World’. His sound is a genre-blending mix of rock-edged hip-hop beats that he self-produces, incorporating samples. Now that he is quickly carving out a fanbase with tracks like ‘Someday’. Which samples a part of the early Aughts band The Strokes song of the same name. Then ‘Coffee Queen’, a gen z take on finding your one and only. The artist known for his vibrant sunny yellow-hued persona (all puns intended), as much as his deadpan rap delivery, answered some questions for The Reclusive Blogger, which you can read below. SMILEZ talks about his influences, debut record, and how SMILEZ acquired his name.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Thanks for taking some time out for a few questions. So, how has your 2023 been both professionally and personally, if you mind me asking?
SMILEZ: It’s been amazing, I’ve been really locked in on my craft this year. If I’m not in the studio I’m making music videos all the time. Right now I’m in Tokyo, so I’m on a high so I can’t complain about this year at all.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let's talk about how you got into the music scene, where the music persona SMILEZ came from, and how it all fits into where you are today?
SMILEZ: I’ve been making music for years since I was a little kid really. I’ve always loved punk rock and hip-hop. When I started going by SMILEZ it was just this lighthearted like fuck it why not go by some ridiculous name Its memorable which is what I liked. The name just fits the color aesthetic which Is kind of a color theme to my music videos etc. Yellow and bright colors musically I’m always on those 2 lines of punk rock and hip hop.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was the recording and writing process like for the album ‘Ur in My World’? Was it any different that any of your past experiences creating music?
SMILEZ: It was mainly different because I was making it with the whole project in mind. Most of my older music was just kind of random songs I had made. I made this whole album at home. Recording vocals and guitars myself and producing the whole thing. I love working with people but I wanted this to be very personal so I just was like fuck it ill do it myself. I wanted it to be a transparent look at my life.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: One of my favorite tracks off the record and the catchiest as well is “Someday”. I loved how you incorporated The Strokes sample. Can you talk more about how that came together? Is the blending of rock and hip-hop something that you did for this album or is that just innate in your music?
SMILEZ: Both, it kind of happens naturally but I love that idea of mixing rock and hip-hop in a new cool way. Blending both elements of the production and songwriting. The idea of what would the strokes or Nirvana sound like if they started today always interests me.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was it like opening up for such hip-hop and rap names like Wiz Khalifa and the passed-on JuiceWRLD?
SMILEZ: They were both insane experiences. I love performing so its just a pure rush for me. To be around Iconic artists like that was just inspiring.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was the last album you played that had no skips?
SMILEZ: Lil Uzi Vert Pink Tape would be the closest thing to no skips but I probably would skip the track with Travis Scott.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What fictional character do you think would most identify with the SMILEZ sound and aesthetic?
SMILEZ: Pikachu, for the color theme, and Batman because that’s who I aspire to be
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Who are three artists from any type of artistic world, it doesn't have to be music, that influence you the most as a creative?
SMILEZ: Since we just mentioned Batman, Christopher Nolan as a director is inspiring for sure.
-I’m in Tokyo right now I’m definitely very inspired by the art and culture here.
-Anything that is cool and interesting to me
MAGGIE LINDEMANN - “SABOTAGE” - SONG REVIEW
Maggie Lindemann is one of the fierce femmes from pop punk's newest evolution. Her latest is the introspective single Self Sabotage, a track steeping in angst and nostalgia. Lyrically, Lindemann goes through the inner workings of her mind and her bad habit of being her own worst enemy. The song is off her new album, SUCKERPUNCH. This album takes you on her emotional journey of healing from the toxicity of a bad relationship. I got to speak with her about this new project during a small presser. When I asked her what is one thing people are generally surprised to find out about you, Seeing how social media can be a veneer for many things, including people. Lindemann's response was quite like what many of us would say, that she is more than what she is perceived to be online. Sometimes all the versatility we have as humans get lost in the social media clutter. So for fans of Maggie's, her latest album, SUCKERPUNCH, is truly only the tip of the iceberg.
STREAM MAGGIE LINDEMANN’S NEW ALBUM SUCKERPUNCH HERE
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.
