Music Archives | MendoWerks

Lost MGMT Performance from 2003 Resurfaces on YouTube

14Dec

By SimonNo Comments

Music

Lost MGMT Performance from 2003 Resurfaces on YouTube

If you’ve ever wondered what MGMT sounded like before they blew up with 'Kids', here’s your chance to time travel. A five-part video series has been uploaded to YouTube by user Rad Scientist, and it’s pure indie gold. This footage takes us all the way back to 2003 (or maybe 2004, the uploader’s not 100% sure), capturing the band in their raw, pre-global fame glory. According to Rad Scientist, “Recently found some footage on an old drive I thought was gone forever. This was from either 2003 or 2004. Jamming on the balcony of the Wesleyan Wesco dorms up one. Part of a concert series on 4/20 called Zonker Harris Day.” Yup, Zonker Harris Day. The dorm concerts, the 4/20 vibes, and that unmistakable “just figuring things out” energy are all here. It’s like peeking into a college scrapboo...

24Oct

By SimonNo Comments

Music

Master Peace Revolution’s ‘Left of Normal’ Challenges the Status Quo

Master Peace Revolution is redefining hard rock music with its new single, "Left of Normal." This debut single sets the stage for their upcoming album, Fate or Destiny. Arriving in early 2025, it promises to be a complete sensory experience. "Left of Normal" isn’t just another track. It’s part of a broader narrative, blending music and visuals. The band wants listeners to truly experience the sound, not just hear it. They aim to create an immersive journey that demands full attention. Every chord, lyric, and visual element serves a purpose. The story follows a character living “left of normal,” a clown working odd jobs. He’s manipulated by the political system, representing a society controlled by "political clowns." The narrative reveals how everyone is trapped in a circus, with hid...

John Conlin Drops Heart-Wrenching Dance-Pop Anthem “Kissing Other Girls”

13Sep

By SimonNo Comments

Features, Music

John Conlin Drops Heart-Wrenching Dance-Pop Anthem “Kissing Other Girls”

In the ever-evolving landscape of dance-pop, John Conlin stands out as an artist whose honesty and emotional depth infuse every beat with meaning. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, and now based in Los Angeles, Conlin has a unique ability to pair infectious melodies with raw, introspective lyrics. He’s the kind of artist who can make you dance and cry at the same time—and that’s precisely what he’s achieved with his latest single, “Kissing Other Girls,” set to drop on September 13, 2024. Conlin’s musical journey began early. At just four years old, he was already experimenting with the piano, and it didn’t take long before he started to compose his own music. Teaching himself production on a laptop, he quickly developed an ear for crafting the kind of hooks that stick with you long after th...

7Sep

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

Features, Music

Artist Spotlight: crowit.

If you’re looking for a new artist to check out, then you’ve come to the right place: in this edition of ‘Artist Spotlight‘, MendoWerks Magazine sat down with German electronic music producer, crowit. In the three years that he has been releasing music, this artist has explored a variety of genres, such as ambient, wave, hardstyle, hyperpop, future garage, and most notably, hardwave. His music has found homes on labels like Karmakontra, Lost Sounds, Cyberwave Collective, and Baku Records. As you listen through his discography, you will notice quite a number of collaborations--such as those with Azcona Savage, xanashimi, Exodynamics, shrxpnel, and others--which only further demonstrates crowit.'s versatility. If follow the wave music scene closely, then you might recognize crowit. from h...

A Relatable Tale: Let’s Watch the Music Video for “Alcohol You Now” by Jim Camacho

15Jul

By Charlotte MooreNo Comments

Features, Music

A Relatable Tale: Let’s Watch the Music Video for “Alcohol You Now” by Jim Camacho

A musical legend returns - earlier this month, Jim Camacho released a new single, "Alcohol You Now," via Dark Spark Music. In even more exciting news, the music video for this song just dropped today. With this new single, Jim Camacho combines his storytelling prowess with extraordinary Americana vibes, resulting in a song that captures the feeling of 'having a few brews with the boys and getting into some trouble' to a Twisted Tea... get it? Even if this isn't your usual genre of choice, I highly recommend checking this song out. I would especially recommend checking out the music video, which only adds to the great chaotic energy of the whole ordeal. The video also has a lot of charm, and features great cameos throughout. You can watch the video for "Alcohol You Now" on YouTube,...

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,...

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

12Apr

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...