Ambur Masen, Author at MendoWerks

18Apr

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Music, Uncategorized

The Tragedy of MNQN: the AI Gone Rogue

Six years ago, Dustin Bates shared a copy of a cease and desist order that he issued against Ohio-based tech company, The Sentience Corporation, due to complications with one of its AI projects, MNON (later called 'MNQN'). In his letter, Bates alleges that this AI project, and thus the company who created it, was guilty of "stealing and advertising the likeness of [his] voice in music works and marketing materials." The offending songs not only contained unauthorized use of the STARSET frontman's voice, but were also distributed to all major streaming platforms without his knowledge, thus "intentionally violating [his] rights and the rights of [his] songwriting business." He goes on to explain that these actions "constitute theft, conversion, misrepresentation, and unfair competit...

Framing Hanley Returns (Again?) with “Say Less”

4Apr

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Music

Framing Hanley Returns (Again?) with “Say Less”

If you were (an emo kid) on the Internet at any point in the 2000's-2010's, I guarantee that you've come across Framing Hanley at least once. If you were anything like me, then finding out about the band's indefinite hiatus and subsequent "farewell tour" in 2015 was nothing short of heartbreaking--especially given the fact that all three of their albums up until that point were solid bodies of work. What I didn't know until recently is that this "farewell tour" wasn't exactly the definitive ending that I had anticipated it would be upon leaving my local stop on that tour. As it turns out, the band announced the end of their hiatus in 2018, and in 2020, they released a fourth album, Envy. During their hiatus, Framing Hanley released One Màs More, a project split between new renditions...

Saint Samuel Tells the True Story Behind New Song, “Hit and Run” [Exclusive Interview]

4Apr

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Interviews

Saint Samuel Tells the True Story Behind New Song, “Hit and Run” [Exclusive Interview]

"When the world is crazy, that's exactly what humans need the most: music."Sam mccoig (Saint Samuel) If you're looking for a fun pop-rock bop to jumpstart your Spring playlists with, then we invite you to check out "Hit and Run" by Saint Samuel. Based in Richmond, VA, Saint Samuel is a self-produced singer-songwriter whose roots in Americana and pop-punk meld together in interesting ways. This new song follows the artist's January EP, Going Through It, and in a way, is based on a true story. While the song itself is generally fun to listen to, with its catchy hook and playful transitions, the inspiration behind "Hit and Run" is anything but 'fun'. You can learn all about this song by reading our conversation with Saint Samuel, below. Listen to "Hit and Run" by Saint...

Get Ready for Bible Service: Eat You Alive III

21Mar

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Events

Get Ready for Bible Service: Eat You Alive III

Bolton's favorite party planners are back next month for another unforgettable night celebrating all things alternative music. Yes, that's right-- Eat You Alive is returning to The Ramp on Saturday, April 6th, for their third epic event full of the best in rock, metal, punk, and emo music. Live music, a late-night, mosh-friendly DJ set, freebies, and more--what's not to love? Get all the details below. Eat You Alive III Who: Eat You Alive presents Mouth Culture, Artio, TOVA, and Asleep at the Helm What: the third edition of Eat You Alive's alternative music club night, as curated by THE HARA's Josh Taylor and Zack Breen. Of-age attendees will be met with a free shot of THE HARA’s ‘Rockstar’ branded vodka upon entry. When: 6 April 2024, from 8pm-...

16Mar

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Music

Songs on Repeat: “NOTHING” by MAYKO

Here at MendoWerks Magazine, we aim to share the music that truly moves us. With that said, I want to take some time and explain to you, dear Readers, why some of the songs found in my 'On Repeat' Spotify playlist seem to have found a permanent home there. This time, we're going to talk about "NOTHING" by MAYKO, which has lived in my 'On Repeats' since the summer of 2022 (i.e., about 19 consecutive months). Based in San Diego, you may recognize MAYKO's name from his performances at Alter/Ego's LA showcase in 2022, Umbrella Weekend in 2023 or OMFG! NYE 2023. Or, perhaps, you remember his mix for Insomniac Radio's 'Discovery Project', or his new year's mix for EDM Identity. You might even remember that time we interviewed MAYKO, or maybe you read another profile of his. Whether you'...

Are You Feeling ‘Alright’? After Listening to The Bluebell Smile, You Will

19Feb

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Music

Are You Feeling ‘Alright’? After Listening to The Bluebell Smile, You Will

The Bluebell Smile, a four-piece rock band made up of life-long best friends from Venice Beach, CA, just released a dreamy new single: "I'm Alright." The song came out via Dark Spark Music (The Orchard) on February 16th. It is certainly a must-listen, especially if you're seeking some respite from the winter cold--or other external stressors you may be facing. The thing we like the most about The Bluebell Smile is that their music oozes nostalgia, while still being fresh and modern. This new song has this hazy, summery vibe to it that's reminiscent of feel-good rock classics of yesterday, but also has appeal beyond that. It's vivid, clever, and resonant--all markers of a great tune. See for yourself: check out the new song by The Bluebell Smile, "I'm Alright," via Spotify, below. ...

Nita Strauss Announces Headline Tour Dates: March 2024

8Feb

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Events, Features

Nita Strauss Announces Headline Tour Dates: March 2024

Are you ready to experience a legend in the flesh? Then get ready to mark your calendars, because Nita Strauss has announced a run of headline tour dates for March 2024. Strauss has had one hell of a run so far: she is the touring guitarist for Alice Cooper as well as Demi Lovato, the official guitarist of the LA Rams, and just released a solo album, The Call of the Void, via Sumerian Records. She is also a frequent performer for sporting events hosted by NASCAR and WWE. Currently, Strauss is on the second leg of a North American tour with Mammoth WVH, and recently performed The National Anthem live on television before NASCAR's 2024 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. Nita Strauss on Tour: March 2024 Nita Strauss' tour will be kicking off on March 12th in Worcester, MA, and ...

Eat You Alive is Bringing the Best in UK Alternative to Horwich this Weekend

1Feb

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Events, Features

Eat You Alive is Bringing the Best in UK Alternative to Horwich this Weekend

Alternative music fans of Bolton and beyond: you are in for quite a treat this weekend! In case you missed the news, Eat You Alive is bringing their first-ever club night to The Ramp in Horwich on Saturday, February 3rd. This isn't your ordinary 'Emo Nite'. In addition to having a DJ spin all your edgy favorites until the wee hours of the morning, Eat You Alive has also booked a stacked line-up of some of the hottest acts in UK alternative scenes and stocked the club with all sorts of goodies for you to enjoy. Need the details? We got you covered. Eat You Alive Presents... Who: Eat You Alive x MAD HAÜS present their first-ever alternative music night, featuring live music from Hametsü, Pageant Mum, Octopus Montage, and KID BRUNSWICK, followed by a DJ set spinning all the ...

Millennials, Are You Feeling Old Yet? (Happy 20th Birthday to these Emo Albums from 2004)

27Jan

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Music

Millennials, Are You Feeling Old Yet? (Happy 20th Birthday to these Emo Albums from 2004)

Ahhh, yes, 2004: a year characterized by Bratz dolls, Shrek 2, The Da Vinci Code...and emo kids. It almost feels like yesterday, yet we're talking about a time from two decades ago. Let us rip that bandage off for you: 2004 is now as far away from today as 2044. Freaky, right? So, why are we talking about 2004? Well... 2004 was an important year for music, of course! It was an especially important year if you were an OG emo kid. After all, many of the subculture's defining albums were released in the early-mid 2000's. This includes artists who are still selling out tours and indoctrinating a whole new generation of emo kids to this day. If you need a refresher on the bangers of yesterday, here are some of our favorite emo albums (from 2004) that are turning 20 this year. Oof. Say ...

The Force (Re)Awakens: Djedi Returns With Epic New Single “Ambedo”

14Dec

By Ambur Masen1 Comment

Features, Music

The Force (Re)Awakens: Djedi Returns With Epic New Single “Ambedo”

At the end of last year, we had asked a very important question: will we be seeing The Return of the 'Djedi' in 2023? Well, we're very happy to report that yes, in fact, we are seeing Djedi's return in 2023, and with a huge new track, "Ambedo"! Check out "Ambedo" by Djedi below, via YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d82VhFA0BCw 'Huge' doesn't even begin to properly describe this new Djedi song, but it was the word that came to mind upon hearing "Ambedo" for the first time. That's probably because everything about it is huge--the intensity, the atmosphere, the emotion... In particular, this tune gives major vibes in the realm of 'epic hero reaches the final climax of his story--and the stakes couldn't be more dire!' As a result, we feel that this song would make for...