Never Shout Never’s Unborn Spark [Review]

Music has a remarkable way of guiding us down memory lane. A wicked guitar riff, a memorable chorus, or a funky bass line can cause a ripple of a thousand memories to flash before our eyes. Every time I listen to Never Shout Never, I find myself time traveling back to the years of 2009-2011. Those years are such a blur yet every time I hear Christofer Drew’s voice, the innocent and naive young girl from the midwest awakens on the inside. Those were pivotal years in my young life.

I went from a young child to a goofy pre-teen who desperately wanted to “find meaning in life.” I desired to feel comfortable in my own skin and had Never Shout Never guiding me through the highs and lows of it all.

Last week, I was feeling nostalgic and decided to dance around my living room to their album “What Is Love?” This led me to discover that Never Shout Never released an album on June 12th, 2020 entitled, “Unborn Spark.” On this specific record, Christofer Drew returned to his roots. All seven tracks are just Christofer and his twelve-string guitar.

 “Unborn Spark” debuts a grown-up Christofer. He’s no longer the youthful soul strumming his Ukelele singing about “Big City Dreams” or “Trouble.” 11 years later, we are re-introduced to a man with years of wisdom under his belt. Each song expresses a new sense of refined maturity. Lyrically, I believe this is his best work. It’s crystal clear that creating music is where he finds solace. 

SONGS ON “UNBORN SPARK” THAT DID A NUMBER ON ME: 

“UNBORN SPARK” 
“Shedding tears and shedding skin

Where on Earth can I begin

To explain this crazy world

Lost in fear lost in greed

How much do we have to bleed

Before we can live in peace”

In my opinion, I believe this was the perfect song to set the tone for the entirety of the album. The lyrics above stood out to me, and caused me audibly say, “wow.” The world we live in today is consumed with greed and there’s violence all around. At the end of Unborn Spark, Christofer proclaims “love is the guiding light” which leads us to the following track. 

"Time To Change"

“We have everything we need to build a better world

We have everything to gain and everything to lose

A world where no man fears his brothers

Where sisters walk hand in hand

There's a greater plan

It's time for change

Can't you see that it's time for change

I can see it's time to change.”

Time To Change is another song that caused me to meditate on the current state of this world we’re living in. There’s a deep healing that needs to take place and it's long overdue. Many turn a blind eye and claim, "there's nothing I can do to change the world around me." However, that's not entirely true. It begins with us, and we must take the initiative to do our part. It’s a song that calls for peace and unity with one another. 

"The Hotter It Burns"

“The hotter it burns

The quicker dies out

You were my best friend

Is it too late to tell that now.”

The Hotter It Burns is a tragic song about loss and the sorrow that comes with words being left unspoken. I could tangibly feel his anguish with every word that escaped his lips. Losing someone who’s an important part of your life is a pain unimaginable. This song is a heart-wrenching reminder to cherish every second with your loved ones and to tell them how much you love them. 

"To Follow A Dream."

“I heard a voice in my ear whisper sweet poetry

In destiny's arms, I saw the future

When I woke up to find myself alone

I followed that dream, I followed it home

To follow a dream is like learning to dance

In the light of the sun, in the blackness of night

The truth has no borders for the arcane child

To follow a dream, let your love grow wild”

To Follow A Dream is the final song on the album and it ties it all together. This song is beautifully written and it causes me to yearn for something bigger than myself. His delicate voice and the angelic guitar complement one another. Christofer is coming into his own and creating music that’s authentically him. Nothing over-produced and manufactured to put him in a box.

Knowing that Never Shout Never is back and releasing new music places a big ol’ smile on my face. I may have parted ways with Christofer’s music a few years ago, but it's freeing to hear his voice again. 

The songs on Unborn Spark are nothing like Can't Stand It, Happy, or On The Brightside. However, I truly believe they aren't meant to invoke nostalgia from the past. Life only moves forward, and it's lovely to know we have the opportunity to grow alongside him. 

Go On an Electrifying Cosmic Ride with SWEETTALKER's 'Born To Lose' Music Video

“I think about this song all time. It’s about the grind and how it can make you feel and influence your perspective. In the end, you realize nothing matters and this was all just for fun.” - David Brown, lead singer

Though 2020 was a shit show, SWEETTALKER made the absolute best of it by releasing their latest EP, Paradise. And if I’m being honest, this release made my 2020 worthwhile. Every single song is a total jam through and through, especially ‘Born To Lose’. 

‘Born To Lose’ is SWEETTALKER’s newest single off of Paradise and man, is it fantastic or what? Any song by SWEETTALKER is a go-to jam in general, but ‘Born To Lose’? Turn it up!

The second you hear the guitar riffs in the beginning, you know you’re in for one hell of a ride. The beginning has that sort of 80’s hard rock sound that makes you want to delve a little more into the genre. I mean, did we jump into a time traveling machine and go back to the era of 80’s hard rock? That’s what it feels like.

As the song moves towards the end, things slow down a bit. ‘Born To Lose’ starts to transform into more of a soft rock sound. The melodies and riffs are what make the song as amazing as it is. Plus, it is true to SWEETTALKER nation. 

Not only that - today, they have released a dreamy new music video for ‘Born To Lose’. Watching the video feels like you’re embarking on some sort of electrifying cosmic journey. It’s very aesthetically pleasing to any person who loves the rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia. 

Both the song and video really show off the electrifying rock ‘n’ roll power that SWEETTALKER has. ‘Born To Lose’ only makes you want to hear more and more from the Nashville band. Let’s all sit back, turn the radio up to the highest volume on the dial, and enjoy this very rockin’ song.

Watch Diamond Blood 'City of Angels' Music Video

“Angels are alive high above the city lights. It's in my bones it's in my soul.”

Tattoos, dirt roads, gritty vocals, and guitar solos. Diamond Blood delivers everything you’d want from a rock video with their latest release, ‘City of Angels’.

A solo project by singer-songwriter Taylor Diambrini who started his musical journey back in 2004 with a focus on metal/post hardcore. Becoming influenced by Alice in Chains, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Freddie King, Luther King, and Sound Garden - Diambrini fell in love with the sounds and styles of alternative, electronic, nu har rock, and classic rock. Thus becoming Diamond Blood. 

‘City of Angels’ looks to be Diamond Blood’s fourth single and strongest to date. Backed by a full band in the middle of the desert, Diambrini’s heavy metal like screams interlace with the strong guitar riffs perfectly. On a scale from a chill nod along to turn it the EFF up and belt the lyrics, I’d say this is one is a 10.

Check out the video below and stream the single on Spotify.

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Carly Opacic Releases Dreamy New EP, Luna [REVIEW]

I don’t wanna be the sun, I wanna be the moon. 

For years, I have referred to certain songs, albums, and EPs as, “Indie Dreams” or “Folk Dreams”. Listening to Carly Opacic’s latest EP release, Luna, certainly lives up to those titles, as they feel like you are in some sort of dreamland. 

Starting off with Intro, I can already feel myself being transformed into this dream that I cannot even begin to describe. The words being spoken in this already showcase how good of an introduction this is. It’s a beautiful form of poetry.  As it approaches towards the end, It only makes you wonder what is next to come with this EP and what we can expect.

Next, we head off to the title track of the EP, of course Luna - The very start of the song transported my thoughts to scenes of myself cruising down a California highway with the beach in the background, as this song plays on a high level on the radio. 

Luna reminds me of the songs I enjoyed the most in high school, so in a way, it brought back some pretty nostalgic memories. The songwriting is very fresh, and Carly’s vocals only adds to that musical satisfaction. 

Loved You is more of a folk ballad. Her vocals on this track are very reminiscent of a Kate Nash song of any kind. I’m thinking more of Nash’s song, OMYGOD! It’s a beautiful track and the lyrics are just as exquisite. 

The last two tracks of this EP are Sincerely and Farther. While I really enjoyed Sincerely, If I’m being honest, Farther is a song that I can definitely see being a fan favorite… And I am not just saying that because it’s my personal favorite track. With Carly’s vocals and the sound of the instruments, this song is one to put you in a good mood.

Overall, Carly brought something amazing to the table with Luna. It certainly is a great little dreamy EP. Every track just gets better and better and Carly continued to amaze me in every track. She is gonna go places. 

Luna is out now!

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Interview with Griffin Tucker

If you’re looking for the next generation of rockstars, you need to meet Griffin Tucker.

Based out of DFW, Griffin Tucker has been making music since he was just a kid. We sat down and talked about influences, what it’s like to audition for both American Idol AND the Voice, and of course, what records we’d bring to a deserted island.

If you're looking for the next generation of rockstars, you need to meet Griffin Tucker. Based out of DFW, Griffin Tucker has been making music since he was ...

Interview edited by Kiki Gilligan

Stream Heart Full of Love now!


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Watch Joyous Wolf Perform Unreleased Song 'What You're Worth'

There are songs that have the power to completely pull you in from just the first few notes. For me, ‘What You’re Worth’ by Joyous Wolf hit my ear drums sending chills through my entire body. I just knew in those early moments that this song was going to emotionally wreck me in the best way possible. It feels personal, raw, and truthful. The music ebbs and flows allowing singer, Nick Reese, to show off his vocal strength. Just as you feel like the journey is coming to a slow end, it picks back up pulling you in for a grandiose ending. The song isn’t released yet, but Joyous Wolf just shared the video performance of ‘What You’re Worth’ on YouTube. Check it out below…

'Takin' It Back' with The Moon City Masters

Picture this:

You’re on the road with the rag top down, it’s early summer, all your friends are piled in. It’s a three hour drive to the beach. It’s hot.

Your legs are sticking to the seat, sweat’s dripping down your back, the glass Coke bottle in your hand feels cool and sticky. 

Suddenly a groovy percussive beat starts up, shaking through the radio. Not long after, it’s joined by riffy guitar, the kind that makes you scrunch your nose and bob your head. You can almost see the beat floating up out of your speakers. 

“Here you are superstar-“

And here you are. Your friend in the passenger seat starts playing air guitar. Nothing else matters in the world except that hazy stretch of highway and the three other people there with you. Doesn’t matter where you’re going, doesn’t matter where you’ve been. You’re here, now. It’s copacetic. 

That is the exact feeling that “Takin’ it Back”  imbues the listener with. It harkens back to care free times, open highways, hot summers, cold drinks, best friends. 

It is roller skating on the pier, it is summer love. 

It is everything the wearied survivor of 2020 needs and more. It’s restorative. 

Moon City Masters are contemporary rockers living in a contemporary world, with all the larger-than-life color and pop I’ve come to love about rock and roll. They combine a sometimes surreal world of light and color with rhythmic melodies that make you need to dance. Their music is uniquely bright and optimistic. It’s fun. With all the classic riffy-ness of the vintage sound, combined with the eclectic and neon flavor of millennial sound, Moon City Masters have truly bottled lightning with Takin’ it Back. 

Texas Is Getting Cold

Not literally of course, but San Antonio’s very own Coldcasket is breaking out just like Covid-19. Almost 2 years ago I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing these young bad boys. 

Such genuine young men with a passion for music and childhood bond that is rarely found in bands now. At the time they had 1 single and an E.P. out. Now to kick off 2021, at the stroke of midnight, Coldcasket released Vol 2.

This 5 track EP continues to show how talented these gentlemen are, with memorable and noticeably more technical riffs, head banging breakdowns, and creative lyric writing. For a little history lesson on the band, they were formally Buried Under Texas way back in the day and played some serious festivals like Knotfest in San Bernardino. Also, lead signer Thomas is the younger brother to Danny & Rubin from Upon A Burning Body. So the heavy metal fire burns strong in this family. 

Coldcasket is wiping the covid dust off their coffin and giving music lovers excitement for the new year. For the complete Coldcasket experience, have your Alexa/Google Dot/laptop/home sound system play as loud as it can and share it with your neighbors. 

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Interview with The Moon City Masters

If you like punchy catchy tunes that stick in your head and out of this world visuals filled with life and color, Moon City Masters is about to rock your world. Brothers Talor and Jordan sat down for a chat with me to discuss their influences and styles- and what inspires their far out music videos. Strap in and let the Moon City Masters take you with them on a musical odyssey.

Interview edited by Kiki Gilligan.

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Stream their music now on Spotify!

Letter From The Editor | 2020 Year In Review

To the fans, the bands, and staff,

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. When the year first kicked off, like many of you, I was feeling hopeful and excited for all of the music adventures 2020 had in store. Little did we know, that would all change COMPLETELY.

After completing my first full year on the festival side with Live Nation, I was over the moon to start putting energy into this second festival run with everything I had learned. THIS was the year. I was confident in the work ahead of me and I had a spectacular lineup of concerts to attend. Week by week, day by day, those plans changed. As everything that brought me and so many others joy started to crumble, I knew the energy needed to be shifted.

With live shows at a halt, it only made sense to start amplifying what we did have - the music at its core. Artists continued to release incredible pieces of work, some we may have not received had it not been for this time, that helped us cope and spark joy. As BANDED started to highlight more artists and new releases, our team grew. It not only grew but it THRIVED because of each staff’s individual burning passion for the music and the artists they were writing about. The passion between our staff, the artists, and the music ricocheted off of each other in turn creating an incredible year of interviews, reviews, livestreams, and playlists.

Thank you to the artists who pushed through, followed their creative intuition, and believed in us to share your work. Thank you to the fans who have streamed our playlists, watched our interviews, shared our posts, and engaged. Thank you to the BANDED staff for being passionate in your work, for believing in my vision, and becoming family. Thank you to the bands, the fans, and the staff for bringing joy to 2020.

Because of all of you, this year we produced….

61 Articles

11 Instagram Live Performances

12 New Installments of Rock My Soul

8 Video Interviews

6 New People on Staff + a Staff Picks Playlist

1 IGTV Premiere hitting 1K+ views

You saved my 2020. In this new year, I hope to continue with this energy and fervor. We hope to change up the site a bit to make it easier to navigate. We plan to bring you more live performances and interactive pieces of content. We hope to grow our staff. And most importantly, we vow to continue to share music we love and elevate the voices of both artists and fans.

Thank you so much for supporting BANDED and believing in our mission. Stay safe and healthy this New Years Eve and let’s rock 2021.

Much love,

Rebecca (Becks)

2020 Sucks, But Music Didn’t | BANDED's Best of 2020!

The end of a year is always a time of reflection and this year it seems more important than ever. It’s no secret that 2020 has been an absolute shit show yet even with the loss of concerts and festivals, music has seemed to save us all. We’ve made it to the final days of 2020! That’s something to celebrate. To add to that celebration, the BANDED team shares our favorite releases of the year….

BECKS

To be truthfully honest, my listening behavior has been just as chaotic as this entire year. It seems I spent more time listening to singles rather than albums (outside of The Struts + Ozzy) which is pretty reflective of how artists are releasing their music these days. Here’s a handful of tracks that I’ve had on repeat throughout the year…

But before I share, I want to give a special shoutout to Nashville’s Sweettalker for releasing the EP of the century, Paradise. From beginning to end, it’s a musical masterpiece and an instant mood lifter. It could have singlehandedly gotten me through the year on a high note, but I’ll let Isabel tell you a little more about the EP….

Crown Lands: Self Titled EP

If you’re a die-hard classic rock fan then WOW do I have something for you. Crown Lands' self titled EP soothes a craving so many of us have been yearning for. My personal favorite track is ‘Sun Dance’, a captivating experience reminiscent of Led Zeppelin. Light up some incense and let this one play. You’ll thank me later.

Tetrarch: I’m Not Right [Single]

This may have been Tetrarch’s only release this year, but it’s all they needed. ‘I’m Not Right’ has racked up major attention on the radio, streaming services, and my most played list. Hard hitting and emotional, this one has been perfect for my workouts and honestly just getting lost in the music.

THEM EVILS: Where Ya Gonna Crash Tonight? [Single]

Everyone needs some damn good rock ‘n’ roll and Them Evils always delivers. ‘Where Ya Gonna Crash Tonight’ is a fun one I found myself belting in the car and dreaming of hitting the road to see shows again.

Shiraz Lane: Broken Into Pieces [Single]

Shiraz Lane is one of my favorite discoveries of 2019/2020. If you’re into The Struts or classics like Def Leppard, you’ll Love them. Feeling like a bunch of broken pieces myself, this was a great one to sing out into the abyss and groove into the guitar solo.

Joyous Wolf: Odyssey [Single]

A strong story line, incredible musicianship, and out of this world vocals. Joyous Wolf continuously delivers forceful and emotional tracks that keep me begging for more. Since discovering the band, I can’t remember a time they haven’t made it onto my most played.

Andrew Hagar: Cold Knife Karma [Single]

Since we’re keeping it honest here, I truly could not decide which of Andrew’s 2020 releases was my favorite. Cold Knife Karma brings the heat with a gritty and suspenseful feel that I just couldn’t get enough of.

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JUSTIN

We all know and felt the blow of 2020, no reason for me to list and relive it, well …… besides the Tiger King part of this year ( we all loved that part). However shitty the rest of the year was, amazing music did not stop and in fact we clung ever more dearly to it and forgot the world around us. Here are my top 5 picks that got me through this shit storm. 

Asking Alexandria: Like A House On Fire 

Before you burn me for saying this, hear me out. I know this album received a lot of backlash ( A LOT ). However, I also followed Danny ( lead vocalist ) on his solo career and with We Are Harlot, and I greatly appreciated the bluegrass, hard rock fusion they did with this album. Is it the AA you know and love: No. Is it a well written album taking a different creative direction: Yes. A lot of these songs were on repeat for me.

American Slang: Death Drive 

Do you like Every Time I Die? Do you like He Is Legend? Then you will love American Slang. 

Their debut album is a total sleeper and was shown to me by good friend and bassist from Them Evils, Jake Massanari. Hard American rock, as simple as that. It’s a banger album and a low key hit. 

Trivium: What The Dead Men Say

Now I will admit, I am not thee hugest Trivium fan; couple songs here & there and that’s it. However, when this album was released, it completely change my ears to hearing him. Sick riffs, great vocals, great lyric writing, and still a diverse sound on the album. This album made me Trivium believer and I’m sure may others as well. 

Bring Me The Horizon: Post Human: Survival Horror

Yes I know this is not an actual “album” but an E.P., but it is pretty much an album in length. Regardless, from front to back this album almost took my number 1 spot. I didn’t like their previous album Amo at all, in fact it’s my least favorite of theirs. As soon as “Dear Diary” hit my play button, I knew this album was different and my hear opened for Bring Me The Horizon again. 

Code Orange: Underneath 

Number 1 was a close tie, but Code Orange as blow me away this year. Underneath came out in the beginning of the year and like every band, their tour for the album was canceled, so what did they do ? They rented out one of their venues scheduled and still preformed a live stream show for FREE, in fact they were one of the first bands to do a live stream before everyone else hopped on the bandwagon. 

This album is pure rock art. Such a grunge Alice In Chains meets industrial Nine Inch Nails. It demonstrates the musicianship each member of the band possesses, and puts you on a journey you will want to relive over & over. 

Code Orange is my top release for 2020, and it is well deserved. 

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IRIS

I Don’t Know How But They Found Me: Razzmatazz

In a year marked with struggle and strife, Salt Lake City duo I Don’t Know How But They Found Me (shortened to IDKHow) managed to transport listeners to a groovy retro dimension with the release of “Razzmatazz.” Mystical, magical, and utterly monumental this 37 minute tour de force exemplifies everything we loved about the 80’s. From the grandiose synths in “Leave Me Alone” to the smooth saxophone found on the closing track, “Razzmatazz” is an utterly remarkable album. 

Architects UK: Animals [Single]

Architects UK shocked everyone when they announced the end of their two-year hiatus via the surprise release of ‘Animals.’ Drastically different than any of the music found on their 2018 release “Holy Hell;” the leading single from their 2021 release, “For Those That Wish To Exist” is an utterly crushing track. Brutal, cutting, and ephemeral, ‘Animals’ by Architects UK represents a promising new start for this UK-based band.

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CHLOE

Although underwhelming in most facets, 2020 was stellar for new music. I discovered a myriad of new local bands in my home scene if Ft Worth, as well as the scene I’ve adopted in Nashville. Bands like Drumrz, Ashes, Titans of Siren, and Echo Pilot. This year I also discovered Phoebe Bridgers, and Dirty Honey.

Some of my old favorites released some BRILLIANT work this year, with Greta Van Fleet’s “My Way Soon”, Old 97s “Twelfth”, and the Network’s “Money Money 2020 pt II: We Told Ya So!” being amongst my absolute favorites. The myriad of amazing music this year is a shining beacon in this dark sea of a year that reminds us that tours and good times lie ahead.

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ISABEL

2020 feels like the year where music responded to opposite but universal needs: tracks hit like a hurricane of nostalgia for other times and rich instrumentation, songs demanded to be danced upon to three o'clock in the morning even if the kitchen floor is the only dancefloor, escapism-core, intimate records about individual experienced yet universal understandable pain - and sometimes all of the above.

Sweettalker: Paradise

Sweettalker created a retrospective turmoil with their first EP: rich and colorful instrumentation with horns, violins, flutes, percussions plus groovy guitars, rampant background vocals, and adventurous lyrics. 'Paradise' is an EP that asks to be listened to multiple times and shows more of its secrets with every listen. Encapsulating the feeling of driving with the windows on a sunny day, Sweettalker know when to make a musical splash and when to open up the arrangement for new sounds - with heavier sounds on 'Born To Lose' or the transition between 'Far Away' and said song. But even with this abundance of lyrics and sounds, the EP knows when to skip a beat or place silence to make the next note even more remarkable.

Phoebe Bridgers: Punisher

'And when I grow up, I'm gonna look up from my phone and see my life'. In a year when screentime reached world record highs, 'Punisher' felt like an album for a world that was slowly falling apart. Phoebe Bridgers emotionally explores themes of touring, relationships, and living in general while achieving some truly stunning things: she finds a way to be universal through being specific, being relatable through being weird, being meaningful in the profound. The instrumental landscape gives her space for her truly astonishing lyrics and vocals and even surprises you a little bit - when the banjo in 'Graceland Too' comes in or when Julien Baker and Lucy Darcus harmonize. The album closes with the phenomenal and cathartic 'I Know The End' and the lyric 'Yeah, I guess the end is here' which feels like a weird closure for a weird year that was 2020 and makes 'Punisher' an emotional companion for the year.

Fiona Apple: Fetch The Bold Cutters

I really don't know what else to write about this LP that hasn't already has been written. 'Fetch The Bold Cutters' was the first Pitchfork 10 in a decade, has been the top of many AOTY lists, and has been called a masterpiece multiple times. But just listing off the critical reception of this album doesn't come close to the fascination this album holds. It is the musically embodied experience of self-selected isolation with home-made percussion and dogs barking in the background. It captures past traumas and current navigation in patriarchal structures. It is complicated, lyrically masterful, inevitable. But most important: 'Fetch The Bold Cutters' captured the feeling of holding on, of enduring emotions by making them felt. What a great experience.

Taylor Swift: Folklore

A year-end list wouldn't be complete without Taylor Swifts 'Folklore' - her (first) surprise quarantine album. Impressed on the first listen and the critical reception, the album turns out to be something that was on my mind the whole year (not solely but in part because the vinyl I ordered in July only arrived the day 'Evermore' was announced in December). Taylor Swifts' lyricism shines on this album as she mythologized her estate in Rhode Island, writes classical bridges on the fly, and steps into her capabilities as a storyteller about a teen-love-triangle.

Moreover, 'Folklore' shows how Taylor Swift gracefully can make a multitude of musical styles work - country, big bright pop, synth-electro-pop, and folk-pop - and make them emotionally available by her songwriting and lyrics.

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BAYLEE

Tom Petty: Wildflowers & All The Rest

The deluxe edition of the 1994 album, Wildflowers, quickly became my favorite album of the year, following its release this year in October, 26 years after the release of the original cut of the album. The new tracks that were added, as well as the home recordings, added more to the legacy of Wildflowers, which is what makes it as enjoyable as it is and it also puts Tom Petty’s legacy on display.

Mandy Moore: Silver Landing

Mandy Moore released her first album in eleven years earlier this year and I found that the album was worth the eleven year wait after all. It showed more of her growth as a songwriter, musician, everything. Long gone are the days of singing Candy and now, we have Mandy singing folk tunes. Each song gets better and better as the album progresses, and I found it to be one of my go-to albums during quarantine.

Machine Gun Kelly: Tickets To My Downfall

Pop-punk is back and it’s here to stay, people. Machine Gun Kelly did something that we all needed this year: he brought in the nostalgia in his new album. Everything about tickets to my downfall just reminds me of why I fell in love with pop-punk in the first place and I think it’s the ultimate nostalgia album and one that will bring the genre back to the popularity it once was at several years ago. It reminds me of bands like blink-182, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, all of it. Plus, his duet with Halsey is surely one of the biggest highlights on that album.

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KIKI

Velvet Meadow: In The Meadow [Single]

If you’re someone that vibes to the psychedelic rock as much as I do, Velvet Meadow is a must for you, which is why “In the Meadow” is the first track to my list. This Doors-y sound was a one way ticket straight to my music lovin’ heart, and this song has become a nightly ritual to lay on the floor and stare at my laser stars on my ceiling to.

Theodora: Close For Comfort[Single]

Now we all need that pump up song that constantly makes us feel good. This month, “Close For Comfort” by Theodora was mine, and it shall continue to be into 2021. The catchy beat blended with Theodora’s magnetic voice, you’re instantly pulled in. 60s... but also 90s... a surf rock sound to this ballad definitely takes you for a spin in the time machine.

The Fool’s Agenda: Black Dog Blues [Single]

Talk about a band that wants to keep the raw blues sound alive and well, The Fool’s Agenda released their first single after the release of their debut EP. The track, “Black Dog Blues” features a dazzling Raini Callahan showing off her spunk and grit with her killer vocals, and an electrifying Conor Reinold shredding up on lead guitar. These Salem, Massachusetts based rockers have all kinds of new music planned for 2021 that you won’t want to miss.

Crown Lands: Forest Song [Single]

Every good rock song needs a journey. “Forest Song” by Crown Lands is a journey I don’t regret taking. Canadian-based classic rock artists that give you deja-vu back to the Zeppelin days, these guys amaze me. The ear catching vocals, tied into those heart stomping drums, and let’s not forget that guitar solo MAN! can i get a ROCK N ROLL?! just... listen to these phenomenal musicians, you will not regret taking their journey of artistry.

Greta Van Fleet: My Way, Soon [Single]

When all else fails, just be you. Choose yourself. That’s the reminder that Greta Van Fleet gave me this year. “My Way, Soon” reminded me exactly why I hopped on a plane and travelled to see my favorite band of our time last December. Choose the road to your heart. We have one life. Wander wherever you go, sink your toes in the dirt, be grateful and make it yours. This track will always give me the raw excitement of choosing music and following my heart and being one with the earth. I will always choose the road. Thanks, Greta Van Fleet.

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ANGEL

In 2020, I held onto music tighter than I ever have before. Music has always been my saving grace and where I’ve found my peace in the midst of chaos. It’s difficult to grasp onto the harsh reality that many of us haven’t experienced live music in a whole year. 

Throughout Quarantine, I spent a lot of my time reading about the lives of many rock n’ roll legends. I also spent many nights dancing around my room as if I was in a venue with hundreds of other music lovers. When  “cabin fever” would kick into maximum overdrive I had the melodies of a hundred musicians to keep me sane. 2020 was the year that came with a wide selection of brand new albums and singles. Without further ado, here are the records and songs that "rocked my soul."

Albums/EPs:

Petals For Armor - Hayley Williams,

Pressure - Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown

Shore - Fleet Foxes

Colored Seas - Velvet Meadow

Odyssey - Luna Cruise

Self-Made Man - Larkin Poe

Remote EP - Wallows

El Dorado - Marcus King 

Strange Days - The Struts

Singles: 

Deep River - Ida Mae (feat. Marcus King)

Raining for You - Ida Mae 

Age of Machine - Greta Van Fleet 

My Way, Soon - Greta Van Fleet 

Blood in the Water - True Villains

Pretty Little Lies - RoZY

Get It Back - Pearl Jam

Shot In The Dark - AC/DC

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Follow Me Dark's Self Titled Album is Beautifully Unpredictable and Relatable

You can put us on record for saying 2020 has been a thundering year of emotions. Many of us have trudged through a journey of ups and downs in what seems much longer than just one year. With the weight of heavy emotions and the lack of live music, Follow Me Dark wanted to deliver a reflective listening experience. And they did.

Hailing from Grass Valley/Nevada City, CA, Follow Me Dark consists of Stephen Kozak (vocals/guitar), Sean Batinic (guitar), Elliot Grove (bass) and Jim Boots (drums). The band recently released their self-titled album offering up a strong mix of rock, metal, grunge, and indie. Just as we embarked on our journey’s, the 11 track album takes us through a reflective journey of ups and downs, falling into darkness, and finding the light.

“Too much music nowadays is predictable, it’s unexciting. It’s not surprising.  That’s something we pride ourselves in; we try to make music that pushes you into “I didn’t see this coming. I’m off my rocker. I can’t categorize this,” shared vocalist/guitarist Stephen Kozak.

An incredible example of unpredictability and my favorite track on the album is ‘Solace’. Starting off dark and heavy the song trails into this beautifully calming ending with the guitar at the forefront. At its final note, I feel like I have, indeed, found solace.

Tune in this Wednesday, December 30th, as Follow Me Dark takes over the BANDED instagram.

FOLLOW ME DARK

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Andrew Hagar Shares Acoustic Performance of Unreleased Song, 'Mystery Machine'

Wrapping up the How BANDED Stole Christmas series, Andrew Hagar shares a VERY entertaining acoustic performance of an unreleased song. ‘Mystery Machine’ is Andrew’s next release set to come out early 2021. Read what Andrew has to say about the performance and give it a watch below to get a feel for the fire that’s about to be released…

“Prevailing logic says to release “the song” BEFORE you release an acoustic performance of it. But if I’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that our standards and perception of reality are extremely malleable. So here is a rawdog acoustic version of an upcoming single, “Mystery Machine,” as I wrote it in my bedroom, blemishes and all. When you hear the produced version in early 2021 it’ll be completely different and blow your socks off. Until then, enjoy this goofy romp through the mind of a mad man. Big THANK YOU to Banded for putting this whole thing together, and for always being a massive advocate for my music 🖤Happy holidays!”

— Andrew Hagar

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Talking To Achilles Heel

I sat down (virtually, of course) with British rockers Achilles Heel for a lively discussion about live music, new releases, influences, lockdown, and more. Their new single “Running From” and companion music video drops January 1st on all streaming platforms!

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Interview with RōZY

Houston, Texas based Pop-Rock band RōZY (row-zee) have been rising up in the music scene and taking this world by storm. Zoe Flores is the lead singer-songwriter-guitarist whilst Molly Flores covers the drums, percussion and back up vocals. In 2016, Brandon Martinez joined the band and Charlie Bubenik came along in 2019. It was in that defining moment where RoZY became whole.

The past couple years have been tremendous for RōZY. They have gained quite a following and have had some vast opportunities come their way. RōZY made an appearance on the 2015 Vans Warped Tour, and performed for the first ever Houston Super Bowl LIVE. They opened up for acts such as Puddle of Mudd, Tora Tora, former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne Jake E. Lee, The Iron Maidens and more.

On September 18th, they released a brand new single called, "Pretty Little Lies." Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with both Zoe and Molly and we discussed the origin story of the band, where they are now, and what's to come for 2021. I can tell you right now, they are READY to make a huge impact in the next year.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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