Author: Ambur Masen

Ambur Masen is a freelance writer whose "Breaking Waves" column aims to document wave music history as it unfolds. She is also a Hudson Valley local who loves nothing more than driving up and down the Thruway with her windows down, blasting the latest & greatest from the electronic underground. She is currently publishing with MendoWerks, Lightwood, The Electric Hawk, and others.
Alienblaze & OmenXIII Make Angst Cool Again With “Lovesick”
Features, Music

Alienblaze & OmenXIII Make Angst Cool Again With “Lovesick”

There is something addictive about the (fictional) tortured love affair--otherwise, primetime dramas and bodice rippers wouldn't have much of a market, would they? I mean, c'mon--the angst! The intensity! The rawness of it all! But, sometimes you just don't have the time for a full-length story, like with a TV series or in a novel, yet still crave the *drama*. Boy, do we have some good news for you: the full emotional impact of such an affair is perfectly channeled in "Lovesick," the spellbinding new rap-rock duet by Alienblaze and OmenXIII. This song also represents a point of nostalgia for us--back when emo music was at its delightfully melodramatic prime. If you're looking to escape for a while--or want something to scream along to while you drive with all your windows down--why ...
Within Temptation Release Powerful New Single, “Wireless”
Features, Music

Within Temptation Release Powerful New Single, “Wireless”

Within Temptation is marking the start of a new era with the release of a new single, "Wireless." This song is everything one can anticipate from Within Temptation--epic, powerful, and gorgeous--but with a new, fiery edge. This new single also marks the start of the countdown to the release of their upcoming eighth studio album, which is due later this year. Check out "Wireless" by Within Temptation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lrDoeSxlm0 AI video generated by Adriano Theel In terms of content, "Wireless" deals with the idea of manipulation as power. Specifically, this song depicts some of the sociopolitical issues surrounding war-hungry officials that distort and control the media to their own gain. Speaking on the new single, Within Temptation'...
OMF20xx: Odyssey Music Festival 2023 Lineup Unveiled
Events, Features, Music

OMF20xx: Odyssey Music Festival 2023 Lineup Unveiled

Odyssey Music Festival, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, has unveiled its 2023 lineup at last. Home to The Wave Stage's very own festival stage, OMF20xx has been on our radar for quite some time, as it is one of the only festivals with a space reserved for wave music. Last year, The Wave Stage hosted brilliant artists like barnacle boi and deadcrow at OMF20XX-- Let's see what they have in store for us this time around. Odyssey Music Festival 2023: the full lineup OMF20xx: the details The need-to-know about Odyssey Music Festival 2023 is: This festival takes place on Saturday, July 29th, starting at 2PM. The location for OMF20xx is Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. This festival has three different stages--the Rawsome stage, The Odyssey Stage,...
THE HARA Challenge Mental Health Stigma with their Debut Album, ‘SURVIVAL MODE’
Features, Music, Reviews

THE HARA Challenge Mental Health Stigma with their Debut Album, ‘SURVIVAL MODE’

"Nobody talks about what it feels like to slowly get out of survival mode.There’s emotional withdrawals, moments of intense confusion, and so much grief that comes with seeing life as it truly is."- Dr. Nicole LePera, PHD Chronic stress takes a toll on us—that’s no secret. Since it’s currently Mental Health Awareness Month here in the United States, and we’ve entered year three of what could be considered mass exposure to a collective, global traumatic stressor, this might be a good time to talk a bit about mental health. As you know, MendoWerks Magazine isn’t run by mental health professionals, so we’re going to do what we do best—we’re going to talk about music. Specifically, we’re going to be digging into SURVIVAL MODE, the highly-anticipated debut album by THE HARA, which was releas...
5 Reasons to Be Hyped AF for Sunset Festival 2023
Events, Features, Music

5 Reasons to Be Hyped AF for Sunset Festival 2023

Sunset Music Festival is the go-to Memorial Day festival in the beautiful Tampa Bay area. With nearly 20 years of history in a beautiful destination, this festival offers full-scale production and timeless experiences for artists and fans alike. Local powerhouse promoters Sunset Events and Disco Donnie Presents are ready to deliver an incredible 2023 edition of the fest that you will not want to miss. Read on to find out why you should be hyped AF for this year's Sunset fest. 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Hyped AF for Sunset Festival 2023: Reason #1: Sunset Festival presents three stacked stages of incredible music for you to enjoy all weekend long. You read that right--there will be three different stages for you to enjoy at Sunset Festival. The main stage, aptly ...
Post-Pantheon Flashback: an interview with Yama of Human Error//
Features, Interviews

Post-Pantheon Flashback: an interview with Yama of Human Error//

Earlier this year, we reconnected with Yama from Human Error// for an interview about how things were going after the massive North American wave festival, Pantheon, wrapped up. Read on to learn more about what 2023 has in store for this talented force from the wave scene. If you're curious about where Yama's head was at before the festival, read this pre-festival interview. While you read, check out his most recent release, "Datashard," a collaboration with REMNANT.exe: https://open.spotify.com/album/1SIIwEzyW41GTEtnIs0iDk?si=2ZncnAT2SEulijCiu_d5KQ A post-Pantheon chat with Yama: A warm welcome back to YAMA, our OG Pantheon liaison. It's been a while - how are you doing? And how are you feeling now that Pantheon 2022 has passed? Yama: I’m doing great. Moving...
Wave Wrapped: March 2023
Features, Music

Wave Wrapped: March 2023

We're back again for another edition of 'Breaking Waves: Wave Wrapped'--this time, we're bringing you some awesome wave music you might've missed from last month, March 2023. Last month was crazy for wave--Skeler finally dropped both editions of his incredible "N i g h t D r i v e" projects; the massive US-based "wave tour" (featuring Skeler, barnacle boi, and Brothel), brought to us by vibe.digital and kompass music group, was announced. Wave artists vowl., Kareful, and hyperforms--as well as father of wave music, Plastician--were featured at Belgium's Rampage festival as well, thanks to the efforts of the folks at Liquid Ritual...among other cool feats. Sit back and reminisce with me--and let's talk about some cool wavy releases that we may have missed along the way. Wave...