2020 has been a time to go inward — to decipher the stories that live inside of us, and to find new ways to express them.
Mesa Jane got the memo early on in the pandemic. Now, she has Frequency — her first-ever self-produced EP — to show for it.
Hear the EP
Photo credit: Kuf Knotz
In troubled and divisive times, Mesa Jane is here to bring us together.
Hear the Message
We already knew that Mesa Jane was awesome. The experimental alt-pop artist from Philly first got our attention with her newest EP, “This is How the Meek Riot.”
As it turns out, her older material is pretty sweet, too.
We kick off October’s slate of shows, sponsored by The Valley Ledger, with an interview with Philly-area indie pop artist Mesa Jane. We chat about her experimental EP, “This Is How the Meek Riot,” as well as her creative process and the future for this bright artist.
We have plenty more where that came from, including a missing briefcase mishap in Stupid News, and we tell you the ill effects of negative headlines. Makes you crave Somethin’ Good, doesn’t it?
Track listing:
REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become (Opening theme)
Rofo Audio – Maisie
Mesa Jane – It’s Still Free to Laugh
Mesa Jane – It’s Still Free to Laugh
The Blisscats – A Star is Born
Grunge Norris and the Slackers – One Way Kid
Marc Ambrosia – Nineteen
Robert Hunter – Outta My Mind
John Scargall – That Wind’s Always Gonna Blow
Jupiter in Velvet – Lose Yourself
Zed D’Lance – Hangin’ On
Rawboss – Color
The Revere – The Beast
Duke Maroon – The Man Who Laughs
It’s been a long summer, full of festivals, live shows, and new music.
While, in all honesty, those things will continue year-round, one thing that is changing with the seasons is the fact that The Quinn Spinn is back, sponsored by The Valley Ledger! Today at 6 p.m., join us as we broadcast the season premiere of LVU’s Official Podcast, live on YouTube.
We’ve taken your requests, and we have a great show up ahead that you won’t want to miss. Get a glimpse of what’s in store with the first-ever…
Remember to change the channel – First, it is important to note that live broadcasts of The Quinn Spinn will take place on our YouTube livestream, as opposed to the originally announced Facebook Live. Links to the stream will be shared on Quinn Spinn and Lehigh Valley Underground social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.
An old friend joins us – DJ Pearlman of hard rock juggernaut REVEL 9 is the only appropriate guest for a season premiere of The Quinn Spinn. You’ve heard DJ’s voice at the beginning of every piece of Quinn Spinn programming since September 2014 by way of REVEL 9’s song, “All I’ve Become.” Tonight, you’ll also hear DJ talk about the band, the industry, and their appearance at Slatington Bike Night this Saturday, September 24.
New music premieres – The season premiere of The Quinn Spinn will feature brand new tunes from #GoodFriendsoftheShow old and new, including Second Player Score, Lemonade Kid, and SloFunkPump.
Local flavor – We have no shortage of tunes from artists native to our home in eastern Pennsylvania, including Michael Meade, Mesa Jane, Roi and the Secret People, Acoustic Kitty Project, and more!
Popular segments return – We’re doing something special tonight by bringing back classic Quinn Spinn segments. Expect to hear some Stupid News with The Quinn, as well as Somethin’ Good a bit later on in the show (formerly Good News with The Quinn).
Artist: Mesa Jane
Album: This Is How the Meek Riot (LISTEN)
Released: Aug. 12, 2016
Genre: Indie pop
Mesa Jane’s “This Is How the Meek Riot” EP is a record with defined pop sensibilities. The singer’s catchy hooks stick out and make for fun sing-alongs. Yet, a spirit of experimentation is certainly alive on the new release, with gritty, distorted instrumentation and electronic soundscapes that make the record unique.
Each track on “This Is How the Meek Riot” goes unexpected places, and each time, the risk pays off. Opening track “It’s Still Free to Laugh” combines minimalist electronic beats with a simple, cheery piano progression while the Philly-based singer’s indie pop alto sings a catchy melody, complete with lyrics that look on the lighter side of life’s calamity. Meanwhile, “Waking Up to the Sound of a Machine” employs a heavy presence of electronic elements to add punch to an otherwise tender ballad.
“This Is How the Meek Riot” has no shortage of empowering messages. “Everybody Knows” switches back and forth between sweet verses and an uplifting, distorted rock chorus. Meanwhile, EP closer “Honestly” uses poignant spoken word verses to encourage the listener to make the world a better place.
Track listing:
1) It’s Still Free to Laugh
2) Everybody Knows
3) Waking Up to the Sound of a Machine
4) Honestly