Features

Songs on Repeat: “NOTHING” by MAYKO
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'r...
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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. ...
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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 w...
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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 c...
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Knotfest Presents: VUKOVI x Calva Louise Co-Headline US Tour
29Jan By CJNo Comments
Events, Features

Knotfest Presents: VUKOVI x Calva Louise Co-Headline US Tour

Two big names in UK alternative are joining forces this spring: VUKOVI and Calva Louise. These two bands are coming together for a co-headlined US tour in May. Want to know more? Read on to find the tour schedule and to get to know these two bands ahead of your local show. VUKOVI x Calva Louise US Tour Dates The co-headlined tour will run for just over two weeks. The shows begin in Carboro, North Carolina, on May 8th and ends in Brooklyn, New York, on May 23rd. Heads up, west coast fans: you may need to get going on some travel plans if you want to catch a show, as the tour route is taking VUKOVI and Calva Louise along the east coast. Additionally, Stellar Circuits will be supporting the tour on all dates except for the headliners' two festival appearances, which are Wel...
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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 A...
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Velvet Rays Chronicles the Essence of Love in Debut Single “Something Different”
12Jan By SimonNo Comments
Features, Music

Velvet Rays Chronicles the Essence of Love in Debut Single “Something Different”

Introducing Velvet Rays, the R&B and soul duo making waves from the heart of Houston, TX. The duo is comprised of the talented singer, songwriter, and producer Jayson De Buyl. Along with the multifaceted artist, singer, songwriter, producer, choreographer, and dance teacher Jon Glenn. Their debut single, "Something Different," is available now on Dark Spark Music. The genesis of their single, as described by Jayson, is rooted in the concept of a dream girl. The ideal woman with whom one envisions spending a lifetime. Their mission was clear: to encapsulate the euphoria of new love and convey it in a way that not only makes sense but also breathes life into the hearts of their audience. "Something Different" aims to evoke that exhilarating feeling of encountering someone for ...
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The 10 Best Films of 2023
29Dec By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film, Reviews

The 10 Best Films of 2023

It's time to take a look at the best films of 2023. I managed to view over 120 new releases this year and there was a lot to love. Despite the Writers Guild and Screen Actors Guild striking this year, there was a wide array of movies to choose from. The true impact from those strikes will not likely be felt until next year, although the box office of several releases this year were likely less than they could have been due to a lack of promotion. It wasn't all doom and gloom for the overall business - 8 feature films crossed the $200 million mark in ticket sales and 'Barbie' ended up grossing over $636 million domestically. The films below weren't necessarily the biggest hits, but they are the ones that have lingered the most in my mind. Emma Stone stars in 'Poor Things,' ...
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ICYMI: ‘Rye Lane’ is a Refreshingly Creative Meet-Cute (Review)
22Dec By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments
Features, Film, Reviews

ICYMI: ‘Rye Lane’ is a Refreshingly Creative Meet-Cute (Review)

'Rye Lane' is the debut feature from director Raine Allen-Miller. Earlier this fall, the it led the pack with a whopping 16 nominations at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). While attending a friend's art exhibition, Dom (David Jonsson) breaks down in a gender-neutral bathroom. His long-term girlfriend Gia has cheated on him with his best friend and Dom just can't take it anymore. He feels safe to have an isolated cry in the bathroom, but Yas (Vivian Oparah) overhears him in the stall next door. The two cross paths later while checking out their mutual friend's artwork on display and Yas clocks Dom by noticing it was his shoes under the bathroom stall. But Yas has recently gotten out of a relationship too and, although she plays it cool, it was also a difficult experience ...
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Auld Lang Syne Punked-Up: The Dollyrots’ Cover New Year’s Anthem
22Dec By SimonNo Comments
Features, Music

Auld Lang Syne Punked-Up: The Dollyrots’ Cover New Year’s Anthem

The Dollyrots, the dynamic punk-rock trio consisting of Kelly Ogden (bass and vocals) and Luis Cabezas (guitar and vocals), along with current touring drummer Simon Hancock, are gearing up for an action-packed 2024. They've just announced a January tour alongside Bowling For Soup and Lit. Additionally, a March tour with Gymshorts as support is on the horizon. Tickets for both upcoming tours are available now. Before bidding farewell to 2023, The Dollyrots have dropped a punk-infused yet sentimental rendition of the New Year's Eve classic, "Auld Lang Syne," released on Wicked Cool Records. Kelly Ogden reflects on the inspiration behind the rendition, stating, "Usually, when Auld Lang Syne comes on, I feel a bit wistful... I mean, maybe it’s the champagne, but it’s also time to re...
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