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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...

Framing Hanley Returns (Again?) with “Say Less”

4Apr

By Ambur MasenNo Comments

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 ...

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...

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. ...

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...

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 ...