ROZZ MAGAZINE edition one
Hellooooo good people of the Rozz Magazine community! We’re so glad that you’ve picked up a physical copy of our magazine, found it on Issuu, on our website, or however else you managed to get your hands on this because we have worked really hard on getting this to you. We’ve spent the last few years working as concert photographers and being involved in several different local music scenes in Europe and in the USA. The amount of raw, unfiltered energy and the love for music that so many of these artists show on stage and through their music is something that simply cannot go unnoticed or be kept to ourselves, which brings us to where we are now. Rozz Magazine is an initiative we started together to share some of the music and artists and shows that we love and think that you’ll love to. From indie to grunge to punk to metal and everything in between, this magazine is meant to encompass all of the things we love about music. This first issue is very much a trial run, but if everything goes as planned, then we’re hoping to release one magazine at the end of every month. We’d also love to include some other creative forms other than music eventually too, but that’s a conversation for another day. As it’s the beginning of the year, we figured we’d start in the most logical place, which is to recap some of the really cool things we found over the last year: some of our favorite songs from last year, talking with some of our favorite artists who put out music last year, and more. We really hope that you love this as much as we do, and you can keep up with everything we’re doing and the production of the next magazine on Instagram @rozzmagazine. We hope you enjoy this as much as we do, and if you know of an artist or a band or another creative (that could also be you!) who you think we should cover in a future issue of Rozz, feel free to send us an email at rozzmagazine@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you! All the best, Mars & Hugo
the Edition 1 Playlist here are Some of our favorite tracks that were released last year, from sir chloe to lambrini girls to iguana death cult and more. Making this playlist felt like picking a favorite child, but hopefully you love it as much as we do!
dancer - idles a visceral and anthemic track that pulsates with raw intensity, featuring pounding drums, and frontman Joe Talbot’s commanding vocals, all coalescing into a cathartic sonic experience that challenges the norm
motor spirit - king gizzard & the lizard wizard
USA - Bad nerves a high-octane punk rock anthem that radiates frenetic energy, featuring bold guitar riffs, and rebellious lyrics that encapsulate the singer’s dream (now a reality) of playing to an american audience
an unrelenting and psychedelic sonic journey, fueled by distorted guitars, hypnotic rhythms, and mind-bending arrangements, showcasing the band’s signature blend of garage rock and sonic experiments
tarot cards - saturday’s at your place an upbeat song that envelops listeners in its atmospheric soundscapes, featuring a mix of indie rock and midwest emo energy
hot (don’t date a musician) - dream wife a fierce and empowering track that combines gritty guitar riffs with infectious pop elements, delivering an unapologetic message about the troubles of dating musicians, all wrapped up in a rockstar attitude
devil’s den - squid an experimental post-punk track full of historical references if you listen closely enough to find them!
opening night - scowl
belly up - return to dust
a ferocious and unapologetic track that unleashes a torrent of punk energy, with blistering guitar riffs, relentless drums, and brutal vocals, definitely one for the books
a truly cathartic listening experience, with guitars reminiscent of queens of the stone age, and powerful vocal harmonies that would give anyone goosebumps
Heaven’s hate - blood command an explosive and genre-defying track that seamlessly blends elements of punk, metal, and pop, featuring fiery vocals and brutal instrumentals that collectively make a thrilling and dynamic track
deathwish - cottonwood firing squad
mama’s boy - dominic fike a song that combines distorted vocals with thoughtful lyrics, exploring themes of identity and connection, creating a poignant and emotionally resonant track
a gentle and poetic sounding track that addresses love and suicide with grace. quiet vocals and a soft melody guide the whole song and create a somber and self-reflective atmosphere
boys in the band lambrini girls an anthem for every queer or woman musician out there, blending punk inspired energy with catchy melodies, and its unapologetic lyrics deliver a bold middle finger to the men in music who step over everyone else
head spin - 12 gauge trixie a headbanger of a debut single that truly showcases to everyone that 12 gauge trixie is not here to mess around
TURN OFF THE NOISE PETER MCPOLAND truly a song you’ll never get out of your head after you listen to it. this song marked a turning point in peter mcpoland’s sound, and man, we cannot get enough!
BODIES - FOREST a haunting track that weaves ethereal vocals with lyrics that explore the need for validation, consent, and power dynamics within relationships
i got HEAVEN MANNEQUINN PUSSY
NIGHT TRAIN DEWOLFF
self-identity, discovery, and challenging expectations are all shared in mannequinn pussy’s “I got Heaven” with a side of danceable instrumentals
a very 60s/70s inspired track with layers and layers of instrumentals and vocals to make you get off your feet and dance!
EGG MAN TY SEGALL psychedelic garage rock with some amazingly smooth harmonies and lyrics that will get stuck in your head, ending with a massive tornado of sound.
I SAW WATER JOYCE MANOR
I Am The Dog sir chloe
a cover of a song we all know and love with a joyce manor twist. Tiger’s jaw, the original band behind the track has also covered one of joyce manor’s.
a catchy bassline, vocals that feel as though they are telling a story, and a chorus that will be sure to have even the most stubborn show attendee off their feet
the beggar swans
SENSORY OVERLOAD IGUANA DEATH CULT
a haunting song that puts desperation and dependency at the forefront of a story that michael gira tells us in this 10 minute title track from the 2023 swans album.
post punk meets dance party meets an incredibly cool saxophone part. need we say more?
バーチャルセックス BETCOVER!! an absolute whirlwind of a song, it feels like you discover something new every time you listen to this song. layers on layers of instruments and vocals
ANTIDOTE - BAD NERVES
klatter 1 boris + Merzbow
a track so fast we can hardly keep up. this song, along with their other single released last year have a different feel than their older music, which leaves much to look forwward to with their upcoming album
merging boris’s experimental rock with merzbow’s electronic noise, this song is an immersive and intense experiment in heavy music
LOOK AT ME DE STAAT reflecting on fame and seeking recognition, this song looks at what being famous is like, adding just a touch of irony while they’re at it
freddy krueger vs jesus bethany home this song is exactly what it feels like to reminisce on a night where you were completely lost in the moment with someone you really care about
Bad IS going turn kids
nerves g to your s PUNK
BAD NERVES IS GOING TO TURN YOUR KIDS PUNK
in London earlier this year, as well as a few new singles to be featured on their upcoming second studio album. This year, they’ve supported Royal Blood in the US and The Darkness in the UK, as well as headlining their own tour throughout Europe, playing 14 shows in 6 countries. Next year, they’re poised to show the world that they really are a sonic force to be reckoned with. They’re currently set to head back to the United States to play Shaky Knees (ATL) and Welcome to Rockville (FL) alongside artists like Slipknot, Queens of the Stone Age, and Foo Fighters. They’ll also be supporting Nothing But Thieves on In the UK’s music scene that is now the other half singing every lyric at the the European leg of their Welcome to evolving faster than ever, one band top of their lungs. Seeing them live the DCC World Tour in early 2024. has captured the eyes (and ears) of is nothing short of a gloriously fastBad Nerves is more than many this year with their infectious paced fever dream that’ll leave you just a band; they are a sonic phemelodies, distorted guitar, and in- deeply fulfilled yet also leaving you nomenon, breathing new life into sanely fast paced drums; that is of craving more. Their raw, unfiltered enthe punk genre while staying true course, Bad Nerves. They’ve created ergy on stage wholeheartedly reflects to its rebellious roots. With their a niche for themselves in the scene their commitment to bringing back infectious tunes, high-energy that captures what we love about in- the punk spirit into today’s music. performances, and a commitment die, classic punk, and modern rock, The band currently consists of Will to authenticity, Bad Nerves is a something not unlike a ferocious- Power and George Berry on guitar, testament to the enduring power ly fast sonic orgy between the Ra- Jon Poulten on bass, Sam Thompson of true punk rock in an evermones and the Strokes. The London on the drums, and Bobby Bird taking changing music scene. We can based band has truly mastered an center stage as their frontman. only anticipate the sonic storms electrifying sound that pays homIn 2020, they released their they will unleash this coming year age to the unapologetically loud, self-titled debut album that we all and the impact that they’ll have messy, and raw spirit of rock n’ roll. know and love, featuring iconic on the alternative music industry. Bad Nerves is bringing back a tracks like Baby Drummer and Can’t whirlwind of energy to the rock and Be Mine. This album truly feels like a To keep with everything Bad Nerves punk scene; the likes of which we new take on 21st century pop-punk, is up to, check out their socials below. haven’t seen since the era of the Ra- with a break from the emotionalmones. Their style, their music, their ly overbearing overtones that much Instagram: @badbadnerves stage presence has got what it takes to of pop punk seems to have adoptWebsite: badnerves.co.uk make them the next biggest name in ed within the last decade, while still TikTok: @badbadnerves rock. Within minutes of kicking off maintaining lyrics that resonate with their shows, Bad Nerves will have half many. Following this album release, the room spinning in a mosh pit, and they released a live album recorded
photo by matt akana
return to dust
Return to Dust, a four piece band originally from Texas, is taking the modern day grunge scene by storm; seamlessly blending everything we love about true 90s grunge with today’s alternative rock. We were lucky enough to get a chance to chat with them about future plans, navigating the digital age of social media in the music industry, and everything that truly defines Return to Dust as Return to Dust.
Although their sound as an alternative grunge band has a certain ring to it, each member of the band draws inspiration from their own personal taste when writing and performing their music. Matty (vocalist & rhythm guitarist), reflecting on his own experience beginning to get into music, attributes his initial interest in guitar to the bluesy rhythms of Eric Clapton, SRV, and the legendary Jimi Hendrix, courtesy of his dad’s eclectic taste. While their current work most
definitely reflects the grunge scene of the 90s, Matty also cites the Cure and the Smiths as other influential figures. Bassist Graham, on the other hand, acknowledges the profound influence of Cage the Elephant, seamlessly blending it with a softer touch drawn from the realms of Hozier, Bon Iver, and Half-Moon-Run. Sebastian, the group’s lead guitarist, passionately declares Metallica’s “… And Justice for All” as his ultimate musical bible, a transformative force
shaping the way that he plays and listens to music. The band attests to Sebastian’s prowess, saying that “He can play you the entirety of and justice for all, top to bottom, on guitar, he’s done it for us, a few times.” Outside the realm of music, the members of Return to Dust draw inspiration from a few different aspects of life. Matty and Graham share a passion for the dark and macabre within the fantasy genre, allowing these influences to seep into their
songwriting and musical preferences. Matty, additionally, finds inspiration in game soundtracks, suggesting that the evocative melodies have seamlessly woven their way into the fabric of Return to Dust’s songwriting process. Graham, on the other hand, turns to outdoor activities as a means of breaking free from the everyday music routine. Drawing an analogy of sharpening the ax before cutting the tree, saying that “it helps bring a sense of clarity to the mind and genuineness to the music”. Sebastian, in a more lighthearted vein, cites his dog, Gigi, as a source of non-musical inspiration, simply because “she’s the best”. Together, these diverse influences paint a vivid picture of the eclectic wellspring from which Return to Dust derives their creative energy. At the core of this band is a true love for music, but for each member there lies their own `personal motive behind it. Graham, drawing from a well of personal hardships, sees the band not merely as a stage for artistic expression but as a platform to share the intimate chapters of his life. The songs are meant to serve as a sort of a lifeline to those struggling with similar experiences; “hopefully someone out there who’s going through something similar can feel less alone when they listen to us”, he says. Matty, driven by an innate creativity coursing through his veins, views the artistic process as a sort of decoding of his own mind. For him, crafting music is like solving a math problem, translating the abstract language of his thoughts into a tangible, audible form. He says that “[he] felt like [he] owed it to [himself] to make a career out of it”, as he’d rather pursue his love for music and a more personal, self-fulfilling type of success, rather than anything else. Meanwhile, Sebastian’s lifelong love affair with music, cultivated through bonding with his father, serves as the foundation for his unyielding passion. Graduating high school for him was a pivotal point, not in pursuit of academia but
“Putting yourself out there is one of the most important things you have to do as a creative, People will hardly ‘stumble’ upon your art, even if it’s good.” - Return to dust
as a launchpad into a future entirely a new beast”. Matty, reflecting on the devoted to his art form. Collectively, four-year journey of the band’s deditheir stories weave a narrative that spite the sometimes tedious nature cated songwriting, acknowledges that celebrates individuality, creativity, of this process, the band approaches the core essence of their work remains and an unapologetic dedication to it with a light-hearted attitude, in- unchanged with the release of music. the transformative power of music. fusing fun into the necessary aspects However, the real game-changer lies However, taking your inspi- of self-promotion and avoiding the in the reception and the realization ration and your creative mind and trap of it feeling like something mun- that a substantial number of people putting them to your art form isn’t dane. Sebastian on the other hand, genuinely connect with their music. quite enough these days. The digital says “I don’t do any of the content, I This newfound appreciation from realm undeniably shapes the music just play guitar”. Fair enough. Living their audience has lit a new spark industry, and every band has to ac- in this digital age is already exhaust- within the band, breathing even knowledge that whether they like ing. But together, the band is able more life into their creative process. it or not. However, there is a sort of to navigate through the digital age, For the members of the band, dual nature of social media which blending necessity with creativity and Return to Dust, their greatest goals Return to Dust brings to light. Al- grounding their approach in a col- in music are intricately tied to the though, working on content means lective effort to make the journey en- impact they wish to have on their aunot working on songwriting, which joyable rather than letting all of these dience. Graham wants to inspire liscan feel contradictory, I definitely other aspects of being a musician teners, encouraging them to shake off didn’t think I’d have to pick up video make the whole point any less fun. the burdens of their past and chanediting to be a musician, but such are Return to Dust’s discography nel that energy into pursuits they the times”, Graham admits. “Putting dates back to April 2023, beginning love. “I felt the urge to tell my story yourself out there is one of the most with their single “Black Road” and and I can only hope other people do important things you have to do as a most recently with the release of “Live the same”, says the guitarist. Matty, creative, People will hardly ‘stumble’ Like This”. According to the band, driven by a deep appreciation for the upon your art, even if it’s good. If you their dynamic as a group has definite- unforgettable feeling that comes with want your hard work to be at all lu- ly changed since beginning to release listening to a truly great song, wants crative, you have to feed the parts of their music. Sebastian notes a shift in to replicate that experience for others. your business that might feel unnec- the energy at their shows, transition- He aims to craft melodies and evoke essary or lame. We deal with it as we ing from a familiar audience of family emotions that linger in the listener’s deal with all parts of life that suck a and friends to actual fans. This change mind, compelling them to keep it on little, make it fun, try not to make brings a fresh vitality into their perfor- repeat all day long. Sebastian dreams it feel like a job”, Matty reflects. De- mances, making “every show feel like of playing on the biggest stages pos-
sible to the most people possible, igniting a collective movement. His goal is for people to perceive Return to Dust as a band that genuinely cares about them and their connection to the music. Ultimately, they want their audience to find inspiration, experience the joy of musical repetition, and feel a profound connection that allows them to move and lose themselves in the music. Return to Dust is gearing up for a big year ahead, packed with ambitious plans and milestones. Graham reveals that the band has a multitude of significant projects in the pipeline, with a strong emphasis on releasing new music. The prospect of hitting the road for a
photo by matt akana
substantial portion of 2024 marks a monumental moment for them, as it will be the first time they can personally connect with their audience. The excitement is tangible as they anticipate the chance to bring their music to life in an in-person experience. “2023 was so good to us”, Matty says, expressing the hope for a similarly fortunate and prosperous year ahead. Regardless of the twists and turns, the band is unwaveringly committed to putting in the hard work, dedicating themselves to sharing their art as widely as possible, and collectively striving to turn their musical dreams into a reality in the coming year. To stay up to date with all of Re-
turn to Dust’s new music and everything else, find them on Instagram @returntodustband, on their website returntodust.com, or on Tik Tok at @returntodustband.
12 GAUGE TRIXIE
photo by @sanchez_productions
FUCK THE BULLSHIT! In the heart of the San Diego music scene, one band stands out for their untamed energy, electrifying performances, and unpredictable madness – 12 Gauge Trixie. This dynamic group has made waves with their raw sound and unbridled creativity, creating a chaotic experience that lingers long after they play their last song on stage. In 2023, just two months after forming, 12 Gauge Trixie reached a truly remarkable achievement by recording and releasing four singles, with three of them available on all major streaming platforms as of early January 2024. The band’s dedication to getting their music out quickly to the world showcases their passion and drive to make an impact in the music industry. When asked about the albums, artists, or songs that inspired their 2023 music, each band member had a unique perspective. From Blake’s admiration for the crisp sound of “Back in Black” by AC/DC to Violet’s affinity for Korn’s “Issues,” the diverse influences contribute to 12 Gauge Trixie’s eclectic sound. Looking ahead to 2024, the band hints at new music with drums inspired by the beats of NWA, revealing a commitment to continuing to evolve their signature style. As for what the band considers “in” and “out” for 2024, they said and we quote– “4x4 animal style with animal style fries and a chocolate shake”. Ins and outs, In ‘N Out, basically the same thing anyway. Beyond enjoying their favorite fast food order, the band has exciting plans for the upcoming year, including an early February tour and the production of a new music video. Fans can anticipate more wild performances and beautifully deafening chaos as 12 Gauge Trixie takes the stage at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, California this year. As for what’s a bit further in the future, the band reveals that they would love to play at the historic Troubadour in Los Angeles and even take their electrifying performances across the globe to Japan. These ambitions reflect their commitment to reach new audiences and leave an indelible mark on the global music scene. In a final bold statement, 12 Gauge Trixie leaves no room for ambiguity – “FUCK THE BULLSHIT.” This unapologetic attitude not only resonates
with their rebellious image but also sends a powerful message to both their dedicated fans and anyone who may have any doubts about what they do and why they do it. 12 Gauge Trixie is definitely an artist to watch this upcoming year. With their unique blend of influences, explosive performances, and a commitment to staying authentic, the band promises an exhilarating journey for fans in 2024. As they continue to push boundaries, 12 Gauge Trixie remains a captivating force in the evolving landscape of rock and roll.
photo by @shutterluvbug
2024
UPCOMING TOURS
In 2023, we saw some incredibly stacked tour lineups that we honestly thought could not be beat, but it seems like 2024 is going to hit the ground running. Many tours through North America and Europe across many different genres have already been announced, some of which can’t be missed.
USA: Movements, Tigers Jaw, Webbed Wing, Paerish Wax Jaw, Trash Boy Taking Back Sunday, Citizen Panchiko Fidlar Swans Militarie Gun, Pool Kids, Spiritual Cramp, and more Escuela Grind, Take Offense, Slowpulse, NOFX Final Tour Kublai Khan, Sunami Bad Nerves (West Coast USA) Europe: Slope, Dagger Threat, Swell Knocked Loose Green Day, the Hives, the Interrupters Microwave. The Dirty Nil Sisters of Mercy Cattle Decapitation Tramhaus (UK) Other/World Tour: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets (world tour) Real Estate, Florry, Water from Your Eyes Osees (EU & USA) IDLES (world tour)
Through the USA this year, NOFX will be playing their final tour throughout the spring and summer with guest artists TBA. Militarie Gun will make their way around the country accompanied by Pool Kids, Spiritual Cramp, and more; with Escuela Grind, Take Offense and Slowpulse following behind. In Europe, Slope will be taking the stage with Dagger Threat and Swell in the late winter/early spring (look out for this one in the next edition of the magazine!), as well as metallic hardcore legends Knocked Loose. Sisters of Mercy is also making their way through several European countries including Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. IDLES, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and Osees will all be embarking on their own respective headline tours across several continents. For a more detailed overview, see the list we’ve created below of some of the upcoming tours that we’re most excited for.. USA:
Breakout Artists Jordi A talented multi-instrumentalist from SoCal, Jordi has really put herself out there in 2023. In August, she released her debut album titled “Sorry I’m Late”, featuring 10 songs that you’re sure to keep on repeat. Citing Jon Bonham and Taylor Hawkins as her heroes, Jordi makes music that a lot of us can connect to; with lyrics centering around overcoming self-doubt and staying grounded combined with instrumentals sometimes reminiscent of Beach House, mybloodyvalentine, and Smashing Pumpkins. A song to check out: so easy For fans of: Smashing Pumpkins, The Breeders, Beach photo by david milan kelly
12 Gauge Trixie Coming from a hometown music scene dominated by indie and surf rock, 12 Gauge Trixie is a 5 piece band that’s bringing back everything we love about 90s grunge, punk, and garage rock all at once. With their first single, Head Spin, being released only a few months ago in September of 2023, they’re just getting started. Since then, they have released two more singles titled La Jolla OD and Get to the Point, with much more on the way. A song to check out: Head Spin For fans of: The Distillers, Deftones, Dazey and the Scouts photo by @sanchez_productions
DeathByRomy
photo by colin savercool
DeathByRomy, otherwise known as Romy Flores, is breaking the boundaries of how pop music is defined, putting a new dark, alternative twist on it and taking influence from other heavier genres. In 2022, she released her third studio album, Entropy, that gave us “Vicious Bliss”, “No Mercy”, and “I Kill Everything”. This year, she played all across Europe for the first time, headlining her own tour with her backing band Team Death. She has also released 5 singles on her own this past year, as well as 3 singles in collaboration with other artists including Hellhound with Jazmin Bean, HATEPARTY with bodyimage, and most recently, All Night with NGHTMRE and Rezz. A song to check out: Saint For fans of: Cassyette, MOTHICA, Zola Jesus Teen Mortgage From the birthplace of bands like Bad Brains, Minor Threat, and Iron Cross, the Washington DC punk scene has a new legend in the making: Teen Mortgage. Serving up hardcore punk with a side of sludge, this band is truly one to behold. Distorted guitar, heavy vocals, and deceivingly intricate yet powerful drums all come together to create a distinct sound that Teen Mortgage has come to be known for. They released their first and only EP as of now in 2019 and a number of singles since then; one of their most popular being Sick Day, released in March of 2023. A song to check out: Shangri-La photo by @visualleighh
For fans of: Bad Nerves, Death Lens, GEL
Lambrini Girls One of Brighton’s loudest punk bands is paving the way for other young queer artists in the scene. Lambrini Girls is here to make their presence known and to stand up for others in the community whose voice is often silenced. Inspired by the overlooked issues that many women and LGBT folk experience far too often, Lambrini Girls take their anger and channel it into music that demands change. After listening to even just a few songs, it’s easy to see that this band is not here to mess around. A song to check out: Boys in the Band For fans of: Mannequin Pussy, Pinkshift, Bikini Kill
photo by @dumivisuals
Alex Vile Originally the singer’s solo project, Alex Vile is a 4 piece band from Tacoma, Washington that blurs the line between indie, grunge, and other genres. Most of their discography has been released this year, with 2 of their singles also released in 2022. However, they have recorded an album’s worth of songs with producer Jim Kaufman, who has also recorded Helmet, Everclear, and Night Riots. A song to check out: Never Awake For fans of: Slowdive, Built to Spill, Indigo de Souza
photo by @jesse_beecher
Artist Name: DeWolff About: A classic psychedelic blues rock sound in a new electrified soul coat, DeWolff is a powerhouse of sound. The three piece band from the Netherlands has been in the business for a good while, but they find a way to refine themselves with every new record they bring out. Their heavy 60s and 70s influences is bringing back what brought rock n’ roll to fame in the first place, and combining it with a more modern sound to create something completely unique. In early 2023, they released their newest studio album Love, Death, & In Between featuring some of their currently most popular songs like Night Train. A song to check out: Tired of Loving you photo by @satellitejune
For fans of: Joe Cocker, Santana, Cream
Dream Wife Dream Wife have artfully crafted a discography full of songs that merge fighting the patriarchy with something a bit more lighthearted. This band tows the line between several different genres, creating something difficult to put into a box. All we know is that Dream Wife makes us wanna dance while screaming at every misogynistic male musician we’ve ever met. A song to check out: I Want You For fans of: Black Honey, Pip Blom, Sorry
photo by @bradharv
Carpool Tunnel While Carpool Tunnel has definitely been around the block a few times, their 2023 album “Don’t Let Them Pass You By” has landed them a spot here. Putting a fresh spin on that classic Carpool Tunnel sound we know and love, this album is really stands out amongst everything they have released in the last few years. Upbeat, beautifully danceable tracks all the way through this album make for something perfect to listen to as the warm weather slowly makes its return. A song to check out: Nothing I’d Rather Do For fans of: The Grinns, benches, Mexican Slum Rats photo by @yellowwindbreaker
BUNJI’s Battery Room record photos by @k.kei_photographer
In late spring 2023, the Japanese rock artist, BUNJI, released his debut EP, a musical gem entitled “Battery room.” Comprising four soul-stirring compositions, this EP not only marks a promising inception but also sets the stage for heightened expectations in the forthcoming year. Eagerly anticipated are the live performances alongside his ensemble, Falsehood, and the prospect of BUNJI’s future musical releases. Diving into the record, “Battery room” spans a spectrum of sonic experiences, from the pulsating instrumentals of the opening anthem, “SCAR,” to the ethereal ambiance of “crunk,” and every other nuance in between. The curtain raiser, “SCAR,” unfolds as an exposition of everything we love about BUNJI’s music. The track seamlessly weaves emotive vocals that make you want to sing along with infectious funky rhythms that make you want to get off your feet and dance like no one’s watching. The soulfully distorted guitar solo nestled in the heart of the composition is truly a testament to BUNJI’s talent. Transitioning to the EP’s second offering, “Alone at home,” BUNJI effortlessly fuses bluesy guitar riffs reminiscent of 70s legends like Eric Clapton with a contemporary alternative rock flair. The result is a mellower yet entrancing track where melodic vocals ntertwine with instrumental elements, providing an immersive glimpse into BUNJI’s musical world. The tempo escalates once more with the third track, “touch,” a rhythmic and evocative piece that encapsulates themes of yearning and desire. The infectious combination of heartfelt yet uncontrived lyrics leads into a daring guitar solo, propelling listeners through the ebbs and flows of the song until it culminates with a perfectly timed return to the bluesy riffs that the track began with. The final track, “crunk,” deliberately decelerates the tempo, offering a conclusive end to the experience that is listening to this EP. Infused with an atmospheric and spacey feel, the track seamlessly maintains the EP’s cohesive aesthetic, proving that even without lyrics, it can still pull its weight. In presenting “Battery room,” BUNJI unveils a musical panorama that encompasses the entire spectrum, from spirited, dancey feeling tracks to emotionally resonant lyrics and guitar solos. This EP stands as a testament to BUNJI’s music and what is to come in the future for his listeners.
photo by david milan kelly
Five Non-Musical Influences Behind Jordi’s “Sorry I’m Late” Last year saw the release of Jordi’s debut album, titled “Sorry I’m Late”, a tribute to the confusing yet wonderful teenage experience. This month, Jordi told us all about all of the non-musical influences behind the album and what inspires her when she’s making music. 1. Growing Up: The album encompasses a diverse range of sounds, evolving over a three-year period, reflecting a significant transformation in Jordi’s musical style from inception to completion. This shift can be attributed to the nature of growing up, embracing new interests, gaining diverse experiences, attending tons of different shows, and immersing herself in different scenes. The album mirrors the journey of exploring varied influences, much like navigating through the uncertainties of growing up. Towards the conclusion, she gravitated towards a heavier sound, culminating in an overall listening experience, describing it herself as it being a sort of tribute to growing pains. The album’s thematic essence, mirroring the teenage experience, defies a clear-cut definition, paralleling the universal experience of navigating life without rigid boundaries—a sentiment echoed in Jordi’s musical exploration. 2. High School: Jordi found inspiration for her music within the dynamic landscape of high school. The evolving social experiences, the formation and dissolution of cliques, and the intricate web of friendships all played a role in shaping her artistic expression. Amidst the complicated teenage experience, Jordi resisted conforming to a single friend group, finding solace in her independence. She recognized that the transitional nature of high school meant that most of the challenges and dramas would fade away in the broader scope of life. What may seem crucial in the moment often loses significance when viewed from a larger perspective. Jordi’s perspective emphasized the insignificance of high school drama in the grand scheme of things, encouraging a mindset that transcends the need to adhere to a singular sound, group of friends, or fixed identity.
3. Friends: The track “nightlife” on the album is particularly influenced by Jordi’s circle of friends and a period when she frequently spent time with them, finding peace in the togetherness. It captures the euphoria of being out at night, with the friends serving as a comforting sanctuary within that experience. The song encapsulates the excitement of making spontaneous plans with friends and gaining new experiences from their shared passions. The narrative underscores the important lessons that can be gleaned from those around you. The essence of feeling secure and free to express yourself in the company of friends radiates through the music, creating a sober yet euphoric high that resonates with many of us.
4. Her Bedroom: Jordi draws inspiration for her music from the eclectic elements in her room— posters, art, and vibrant spray paint adorning the walls, layered with photos capturing memories with friends. The room serves as a curated gallery of band posters and magazine covers that fuel her creative spark. Nostalgic photographs from her youth and cherished books occupy the space, contributing to the visual tapestry that surrounds her. Surrounded by a diverse array of inspiration, the room becomes a sanctuary where Jordi is reminded of all of the art that she’s loved. Given her long standing interest in visual art, her room stands as a safe haven for reflection and her creative process. It is within this intimate space that she often finds herself immersed in writing her music late at night, allowing the room to become this sort of sanctuary where she can fully delve into her art. 5. Fear: The inspiration behind Jordi’s music often emerges from the vast realm of fear, with a specific focus on the sense of uncertainty that we all encounter at various points in life. Tracks like “Idk,” “Clear,” and “Odd Day” explore the theme of feeling alone and burdened by a hurricane of negative or confused thoughts. Similarly, “I’ll Never Know” and “Escape Route” grapple with this overarching sense of uncertainty, with the former serving as a self-reflective breakup song, capturing the exhaustion of navigating through a period marked by confusion and doubt. Jordi channels the emotions of recognizing her own mistakes and coming face to face with the uncertainty of the future into her music, using the creative process as a means to navigate and express the complexities of fear and uncertainty.
photo by kaylnn Barnum
jordi
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