Features | MendoWerks

On Repeat: The Intoxicating Feeling of Twenty One Pilots

7Jul

By Ethan WylanNo Comments

Features, Music, Reviews

On Repeat: The Intoxicating Feeling of Twenty One Pilots

When I was twelve, I really started to get into music. I started feeling it more than hearing it - emotions I didn't quite understand stirring in my chest, movement pulled from me by the chords and verses. I felt a connection to the artists I chose to put on, an invisible string tying them to me, tethered through relation. With that said, the first “alternative” band I got into was none other than Twenty One Pilots. The Intoxicating Feeling of Twenty One Pilots - A Reflection I used to have this app called Songza and that’s where I played my music from. On the app, there were playlists similar to Spotify that were sorted by genre or mood, resetting every day. I put one on shuffle, started cleaning my room, and let the music take me away. The first song was "Stressed Out" by Twen...

John Conlin is Giving Electropop Heartbreak in “I Die Again”

28Jun

By Charlotte MooreNo Comments

Features, Music, Uncategorized

John Conlin is Giving Electropop Heartbreak in “I Die Again”

Boy, do we have a treat for you, dear readers - electropop artist John Conlin released a new single today. If this latest season of Bridgerton isn't getting you deep enough into your feels, then perhaps a few spins of "I Die Again" will. Or, at the very least, this song will get you up and dancing. And who couldn't use a little more dancing in their lives right now? In short, listening to this song is a good way to let yourself feel sad and dance it off. All About "I Die Again" by John Conlin Despite being a song about heartbreak, "I Die Again" is, putting it simply, quite fun. One thing that really stood out after our initial listen is that through the delivery of his vocals, Conlin seems to relish in his pain, but shows no intentions of wallowing in it. Instead,...

FUTURA X is bringing WAVERUNNERS to Dallas

13Aug

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Events, Features

FUTURA X is bringing WAVERUNNERS to Dallas

One of the most exciting things happening in wave music right now is a little group called FUTURA X. And no, I don't just mean their upcoming WAVERUNNERS event that's scheduled for this weekend. Though, let's be honest... that show is going to be amazing. Introducing: FUTURA X Based in Dallas, FUTURA X is responsible for hosting some of the most impeccable wave events in the United States. This wave music collective curates uniquely diverse lineups for each event that they put on. They have even collaborated with other passionate wave music superpromoters like Tears in the Club and vibe.digital on some occasions, including the recent skeler tour stop in Dallas. Bolstering wave community seems to be FUTURA X's primary goal, and I would definitely say that they are accomplishing it...

17Jul

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Interviews

Artist Spotlight: LYFFE

If you're looking for a new artist to check out, then you've come to the right place: in this first edition of MendoWerks Magazine's 'Artist Spotlight' column, we are highlighting LYFFE, an up-and-comer in Chicago's underground electronic music scene. Something we really appreciate about LYFFE is that he creates music that actually gets people dancing--even if, like me, they aren't the sort of folks who often dance. Throughout his discography, you will find nothing but high energy tunes that are going to inspire movement in one way or another. At the same time, despite the energy, some of his tracks retain that particular kind of moodiness generally found in the slower, softer OG wave music that's best saved for a deep listening session rather than the dance floor. As LYFFE has rel...

13May

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Music

Songs On Repeat: “Ascend” by VILLA

While "Ascend" by VILLA hasn't been out as long as the first song I wrote about for this column, it is another example of a song that has been lingering in my 'On Repeat' playlist since its release day. This song is an epic tune that never fails to get my blood pumping--and it is especially effective when listened to at loud volumes during my dreary morning commutes. There is something thoroughly enjoyable about the unsettling subtleties of this song contrasted by just how truly grand it is. Thoughts on "Ascend" by VILLA In reference to this song, the artist tweeted, "it truly feels like you’re listening to a symphony in a haunted church" -- and she's absolutely right on that. With "Ascend", VILLA combines the grandeur of symphonic and hymnal music; however, it's almost if ...

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 competiti...

Kings County Drop New Order’s “Blue Monday” Cover With Hard Rock Twist

13Apr

By SimonNo Comments

Features, Music

Kings County Drop New Order’s “Blue Monday” Cover With Hard Rock Twist

In the realm of music covers, New Order's 1983 hit single, "Blue Monday," has seen its fair share of interpretations. But this time around, Orlando's hard rock outfit, Kings County, has taken it upon themselves to give the iconic track a whole new lease on life. Kings County is comprised of Rob Dexter on vocals and bass, Steve Bell and Bill Kania on guitars, and Joe Lopez on drums. They're not shying away from the challenge of reinventing a classic. With heavy guitars, earthy drums, and aggressive modern vocals, they've breathed new life into the song while still paying homage to its New Wave roots. According to Dexter, the decision to tackle "Blue Monday" was driven by a deep appreciation for timeless music. He notes, "Great songs stand the test of time, and New Order's hit is no ex...