discovering and sharing the music that moves us

Music

Framing Hanley Returns (Again?) with “Say Less”
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 ...
Songs on Repeat: “NOTHING” by MAYKO
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...
Are You Feeling ‘Alright’? After Listening to The Bluebell Smile, You Will
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. ...
Millennials, Are You Feeling Old Yet? (Happy 20th Birthday to these Emo Albums from 2004)
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...
Velvet Rays Chronicles the Essence of Love in Debut Single “Something Different”
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 ...
Auld Lang Syne Punked-Up: The Dollyrots’ Cover New Year’s Anthem
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...
Radiobot: Listen To Debut Single “This World’s On Fire”
Features, Music

Radiobot: Listen To Debut Single “This World’s On Fire”

Radiobot is a dynamic musical trio featuring Brett Scallions, Billy Harvey, and Eddie Wohl. They're making waves with their debut original single. "This World's On Fire" is available now on all major music platforms via TLG/Virgin Music Group. This and their previously released Bob Dylan cover gives listeners a taste of what's to come from this exciting band. According to the trio, their debut album is set to drop in Spring 2024, In a statement, the band expressed their intentions behind the single, stating, "At a time when the world certainly feels like it's a mess, we hope listeners will enjoy the comical tongue-in-cheek lyrics in this song. That, along with the stomp beat, should get your booty shaking and have some fun with it." Adding an extra layer of entertainment, Radiobot ha...
The Force (Re)Awakens: Djedi Returns With Epic New Single “Ambedo”
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 ...
Polyvinyl Records Presents Birthmark’s Highly Anticipated Album ‘Birth of Omni’
Features, Music

Polyvinyl Records Presents Birthmark’s Highly Anticipated Album ‘Birth of Omni’

Birthmark is the brainchild of accomplished multi-instrumentalist Nate Kinsella and a new album is on the way. Birth of Omni is set for release on January 19th, 2024 through Polyvinyl Record Co. Following the well-received lead single "Rodney," Birthmark has unveiled "Red Meadow." The new material is accompanied by a visually striking music video directed by Kinsella himself. Photo Credit: Tom Medvedich In "Red Meadow," Kinsella explores the complex dynamics of midlife and parenthood. He shares how these experiences can reshape relationships and one's understanding of oneself. The music video, co-directed by Chris Strong, employs light, darkness, and dance to articulate the emotional essence of the song. Kinsella and dancer Robin Mineko-Williams move together in tandem, symbolizing a...
Creeper Announced as Support for Black Veil Brides’ 2024 Tour Across North America
Events, Features, Music

Creeper Announced as Support for Black Veil Brides’ 2024 Tour Across North America

Southampton's favorite goth rockers, Creeper, have been quite busy these last few months. The band just wrapped up a European tour supporting Atreyu, and back in October, they released their third studio album, Sanguivore, with Spinefarm. That's not all... Earlier this year, Creeper not only performed at the Heavy Music Awards. but was also listed in three different award categories: Best Single (for "Ghost Brigade"), Best UK Artist, and Best UK Live Artist. Now, the band has even more good news: Creeper is coming to North America to support Black Veil Brides on tour in the spring of 2024, after they complete a 12-date run of shows in the UK. Want the details? Keep reading. "Yeehaw cowboys, cowgirls, and cowothers across North America..." The 'Bleeders' tour is comp...