Tag Archives: rock

With ‘Loser,’ Lips Speak Louder Inspires Us to Get Back Up, Even in Defeat

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“It evokes that familiar, deflative feeling we’ve all experienced before.” -Angie Lese, drummer for Lips Speak Louder

Lips Speak Louder’s sixth single release, “Loser,” is the UnderDog anthem you want to blast at full volume on a rainy day, when you’re fed up with life dealing continuous blows (despite your many attempts to keep your head up).

The song begins with building harmonic anticipation on a melodic guitar. The verse comes in, reminding us of the innocence of youth and all the expectations we had for life when we grew up. Then, chorus busts in with an admission: “I’m tired of proving, I’m so good at losing,” before telling us to stay tuned, to see if the band makes it out of “the same black hole.”

“It’s a song about burnout and frustration that comes with growing up, and realizing that you can  try your hardest and it won’t always be enough,” the band told us.

When you initially hear “Loser,” it gives the vibe of carefree life, spent cruising down the street on a skateboard before hanging with friends to catch a glorious sunset. Then, you feel the vulnerability of admitting that it’s tough to stay resilient when everything around you feels like it’s not working out.

Despite this sense of defeat, there is also a feeling of hope on “Loser” that things can and will be better on the other side of the struggle. The song provides a lonesome reminder that most of us are doing the best we can, even when the days constantly feel like an uphill battle. We remember not to bee too hard on ourselves and to keep pressing on, even at times when “doing our best” wasn’t good enough.

It’s important to keep getting back up. Then, just maybe, you’ll get a win every now and then.

LISTEN: Katie Mal Gets Us ‘Caught Up’ in Our Feelings

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Have you ever experienced a heartbreak so real, that even the smallest reminder prevents you from moving on?

Katie Mal crafted her new single, “Caught Up,” 3-4 years ago, as she was trying her hardest to recover from her first “real, hard breakup.” The raw honesty of the lyrics, paired well with a steady-driving garage rock soundscape, give us all the room we need to process our own pain — even if we’re the ones choosing to hold on to the memories.

“’Caught Up’ came from a really personal place—those moments when even the smallest things, like rain on a window or a box of their stuff, can keep you from moving on,” Katie said. “It was one of those times where writing helped me process what I was feeling.”

The Toronto-based songwriter started with the lyrics, later refining the melody and guitar parts to develop the finished product we’re enjoying today.

“I really wanted to release this song, because I love how the final product turned out,” she said. “It feels raw and real, and I hope people can connect with it.”

Rock On: Holiday Tunes and Winter Moods

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There’s a certain moodiness to some of the tunes on this month’s edition of Rock On! befitting the time of year. The weather has turned colder, the sun’s light has dimmed, and it’s a perfect time to go inward and reflect. There are quite a few songs here that will give you that opportunity, bookended by holiday cheer.

Of course, there are plenty of high-powered moments, as well. It wouldn’t be the Rock On! playlist if you couldn’t turn it up to 11.

Track listing:
The Mad Sugars – Christmas Wrapping
The Manic Boys and Girls Club – Blacked Out
Glamper – Back Chewer
Josh Gilligan – Anything
Aaron English ft. Francy Planet – Canada
Evan Kreutz – Dandelion
All Poets & Heroes – Dime A Dozen
Harley Olivia ft. Emily Bones – You’re Not Ready
Tell My Sons – Shot In The Dark
Fortunate Losers – Taste
Lips Speak Louder – Dog Days of Summer
Feral Minks – My Escapade
General Mojos ft. Marshall Law Band – change will come
floater. – Half-Life
Doc. Henry – Babyface
KJ Wild – Red Hot Magazine Girl
ROM COM ft. Eliza Harrison Smith – Call You Mine
westwell – Don’t Forget To Leave the Light On
Brother People ft. Bradley Rodermond – It’s a Brand New Day
Shattervox – Home for Christmas

All Poets and Heroes: Using Authenticity to Win the ‘Battle’

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Alt-rockers All Poets & Heroes outlasted stiff competition to be crowned Nashville’s Battle of the Bands winners. The competition — hosted by our good friend ARREIS and Chicago-based music platform Local Nation — helped some of Nashville’s top emerging artists showcase their talent, while building a stronger community among the independent music industry.

Today, we chat with All Poets & Heroes about the win, their journey as a band, and what we can expect going forward.

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at Helping Our Music Evolve, Nashville, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

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LISTEN: Josh Gilligan Applauds the Courage it Takes to Do ‘Anything’

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Photo credit: Emory Brown

There are times in all of our lives when persistence itself is an act of bravery.

Nashville-based songwriter Josh Gilligan offers a comforting commentary on such moments with “Anything,” the first single from his forthcoming album, Party of One (out January 24 via Easy Does It Records).

“I started writing ‘Anything’ to a friend who was going through some pretty dark times. It’s a song that acknowledges the bravery it takes to keep on going, no matter what kind of life you lead,” Gilligan said. “It’s not written to give advice or prescribe anything, but just to extend some calm love and feel the weight and the joy of life together. It’s also the first tune coming out that I live tracked together with the band!”

“Anything” is the opening salvo of the forthcoming record, described as a “somber, yet hopeful collection of songs.” The mellow, shoegaze-y indie rock tune is also part autobiographical, with a relatable message for anybody soldiering through the grind of everyday life.

“I wasn’t expecting to feel so hollowed out after my twenties, and I was wondering if I still wanted to make music. But I felt like I owed it to myself to give it another try, even though in the back of my mind I’m thinking, ‘What can I add to the conversation? Why would anyone want to listen to what I have to say?'” Gilligan recalled. “‘Anything’ came out of that, and it’s been a good message to live with. A lot of people think that if they’re not doing something super ambitious and highly visible, that means they’re doing something wrong or they’re not being brave enough. But, it takes so much bravery to do anything at all.”

Rock On!: November 2024

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We’ve said it before, we’ve said it again, and we’ll always say it: contrary to what you may have heard, rock is alive and well.

We’ve seen and heard this simple truth through the years, as artists near and far have made clear through their art. And, for as diverse as our musical world has become, there’s still nothing quite as organic as a bunch of friends bringing their instruments into a room to make some noise.

This playlist is a result of that raw energy and spirit, 20 times over. If you’ve been wondering where all the guitars are on the modern music landscape, look no further. They’re right here for you.

Track listing
The Mad Sugars – New York Girls
Bobby Mahoney – Empty Passenger Seats
Leah Burns – WUT R U WAITING 4
Brother People – Total Vibe
The Trampoline Delay – Little Lucy
Theos Wall – COSMONAUT CASTAWAY
Hot4Robot – Your Chemical (Unplugged Live)
Lonely Little Kitsch – Vices
Harley Olivia – You’re Not Ready
Fortunate Losers – Taste
Lips Speak Louder – Dog Days of Summer
Feral Minks – My Escapade
General Mojo’s ft. Marshall Law Band – change will come
f1oater. – Half-Life
Doc. Henry – Babyface
The Manic Boys and Girls Club – Last Train
horsebread – ontherun
The Hollow Party – Medicine
KJ Wild – Red Hot Magazine Girl
ROM COM ft. Eliza Harrison Smith – Call You Mine

LISTEN: On ‘Where Are You Now,’ Matthew Ryan Jacobs Captures Life’s Bittersweet Journey

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Life doesn’t always wait until we’re ready to make changes.

Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario-based songwriter Matthew Ryan Jacobs has experienced plenty of growth over the past few years, and he captures its essence on “Where Are You Now.” This bluesy waltz is passed through a gritty alt-rock filter, as Jacobs helps us reflect on the pivotal moments that comprise life’s bittersweet journey.

“’Where Are you Now’ is mostly about making changes in your life, whether you want to or not,” Jacobs said. “A lot of my writing over the last few years has had a lot to do with getting older or growth; and the struggle of leaving certain things or people in your past. It’s not intended to be a negative narrative, just honest. Even if you know you’re making the right — or at least, better — decision, you still second guess yourself along the way.”

“At least I do.”

Produced by Ben Kempel, Jacobs describes “Where Are You Now” as a song that “just kind of happened” — much like the reality that inspired its narrative.

“I didn’t overthink anything in the process. It felt right, so we went with it,” Jacobs said. “I had a pretty clear vision for the production, and Ben did a great job as usual making it happen.“

PHOTOS: Gussapolooza, Day 1: We Arrive North

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The late summer sun was shining. Shades of sky blue and kelly green draped over the Canadian landscape, as I drove into Ontario by way of the Ambassador Bridge, connecting Detroit to Windsor.

I — and UMC — had never been here before. Not only did I find myself in another country, but I was there on behalf of this plucky little platform I started with a USB mic, laptop, and idea in my childhood bedroom 11 years prior. Surreal.

I still had a few more hours to go before I’d arrive to my destination: Cookstown, about an hour north of Toronto. Gussapolooza — an emerging festival for independent artists — was set to begin.

I arrived shortly after 5 p.m. ET, where I was greeted warmly by organizers and volunteers. After getting camp situated, I grabbed my camera and walked up to the festival’s dual main stage setup.

Suddenly, we were off to the races.

Throughout the evening, I found myself remarking at the talent and diversity on the lineup. It felt that, with each new performance, I had found my new favorite moment of the night.

Moreover, all of us in attendance were free and encouraged to create and enjoy it all. It became evident quickly that Gussapolooza is more than a festival; it’s a community that brings us back to the fundamentals, while providing meaningful opportunities for artistic expression.

Certainly, to build a career in this industry, there is a necessary emphasis on the business side that we all must embrace. However — if just for a weekend — Gussapolooza invited us all to drop the pretense, come as we are, and find unity in the art form that inspired our creative journeys.

Gussapolooza was here for another year, and it was ready to remind us why we do what we do.

Note: I tried to get to every performance, but there were a few I missed throughout the weekend, in the flow of things. If I missed yours, I offer my humblest apologies. Let’s make it up sometime!

Brigitte Eve (IG | Spotify)

In Your Walls (IG | Spotify)

Freightliner (IG | Spotify)

Usual Suspektz (IG | Spotify)

Cudbear (IG | Spotify)

Ashley Gilmore (IG | Spotify)

Feral Minks (IG | Spotify)

Jeff Gutteridge (IG | Spotify)

The Manic Boys & Girls Club (IG | Spotify)

CMAGIC5 (IG | Spotify)

Believe the ‘Hype’: Lips Speak Louder are Here to Rock!

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In case you’ve been under a rock for the past few years, turn-of-the-millennium rock influences are everywhere these days. It’s never long before we hear about another reunion tour — or entire festival — meant to appeal to our Gen X and Millennial tastes.

Of course, the late 90s and early 2000s are showing up in plenty of new music as well. Take Nashville-based duo Lips Speak Louder for example; their new single, “Hype,” draws its instrumentation and swagger from some of your favorite high-powered grunge tunes, while frontwoman Rachel Brandsness’ vocals remind us of Gwen Stefani — with just a wee bit more of a sullen edge.

“‘Hype’ unapologetically calls out and confronts the inauthenticity of those who sell themselves for their own gain, whether it’s social, financial or political,” Brandsness said.

If you want to hear more after listening to this — and we’re sure you will — Lips Speak Louder is about to embark on a fall tour across much of the US, both in support of their own project and as the backing band for Emily Wolfe, who produced “Hype” alongside the band’s forthcoming album. That tour includes an Oct. 19 date at Nashville’s Lipstick Lounge, beginning at 7 p.m.

For now, believe the “Hype” on this one — because it’s here, and it’s real!

All Poets & Heroes Want You to Make Something of Your Life

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A good friend can be the guiding force which leads us toward self-improvement.

All Poets & Heroes explore an unconventional version of this dynamic on their new tune, “Singlehanded.” Influenced by the slacker rock of the 90s and early 2000s, the band tells the story of a person with untapped potential, and the loyal stoner friend who witnesses him wasting away into oblivion.

“Centered around a bad day — and seemingly a wasted life — a person who was told they were ‘good as gold’ is finding that life isn’t turning out the way they had hoped,” said lead vocalist Rob McCall. “He visits his stoner friend and pisses away another day. However, it’s the stoner friend, who narrates the story, that sees this person clearly and is attempting to snap them out of there woes, urging them to claim their dignity by accepting that life is hard, and trying to get them to work at bettering themselves.”

“And for fun, there’s a reference to masturbation.”

Want even more reason for excitement? All Poets & Heroes will be a part of ARREIS’ and Local Nation’s Battle of the Bands, taking place June 12 at The End. Learn more about that here!

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