Frisson Frets

Self-Isolation Singles

Over the span of the 2020 Quarantine, many artists have released their upcoming albums or singles to carry their fans through this global pandemic. These new releases are not just for the fans though, they are also for the artists. This pandemic has been extremely hard on everyone and performing artists are not exempt from this. These artists can no longer record in studios, carry out pre-planned campaigns, or even tour. Just like everybody else, they are bored in the house and they’re in the house bored. Just like everybody else, they are looking for ways to keep a sense of normalcy and stay creative.

In order for artists to keep that sense of normalcy, they need to keep making art and keep releasing it to the world. Some have done this by editing and perfecting songs that they have previously recorded and released them contrary to their original release plans. Some are using the recording equipment they have at home to record and release songs as they create them. Others are covering songs or making their own renditions of them and releasing it to their fans via YouTube.

Here are some of the self-isolation inspired singles that artists have put out over the span of our time in quarantine :

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OneRepublic: “Better Days”

OneRepublic set their fifth album, Human, to be released May 9^thnot knowing that the world would be experiencing a global pandemic during this time. Although their album was nearing completion, the band, who is in isolation together, decided to write and record a whole new song for the album pertaining to the current state of our world. Their new single “Better Days” is intended to be an anthem of hope for the world that we will be back to normal soon which can be seen in the opening lines: “Oh, I know that they’ll be better days/Oh, that sunshine ‘bout to come my way.”

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Leon Bridges ft. John Mayer: “Inside Friend”

On April 10^th, Leon Bridges released a new single featuring John Mayer. Although this song seems directly related to being in self-isolation, this song was actually recorded months ago. However, Leon Bridges tweeted saying that “the current state we’re in globally compelled @johnmayer and me to dig this back up and finish it—I hope y’all find it soothing and uplifting while we hole up indoors and get through this!”

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Oh Wonder: Home Tapes

The first track on this project is “Lonely Star” which is a soft piano-centered melody that is paired with the duo’s harmonic voices. The second track, “Keep On Dancing,” begins with the duo’s well-known soft and delicate sound but eventually transpires into a positive pop ballad that indeed makes you want to keep on dancing. These are just two of the songs that Oh Wonder will be recording and releasing on their Home Tapes project.

Global Citizen: One World Together at Home

On Saturday April 18^th, Global Citizen partnered with the WHO to bring the world together through music by broadcasting a special one-night event full of music on NBC, ABC, and CBS. The two-hour event included hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert along with performances by some of the world’s most famous artists such as Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and so many more. The purpose of this event was to raise funds for the COVID-19 emergency response fun and they ended up raising more than $127M. While you can go back and watch the performance on various streaming platforms, you can also listen to the songs that were played on Spotify where an album of the performances was released.

Not Cancelled, Just Postponed.

The word of the week is CANCELLED. School is cancelled. Church is cancelled. Graduation is cancelled. Weddings are cancelled. Funerals are cancelled. Public gatherings are cancelled. Concerts are cancelled. Festivals are cancelled. It feels as if the entire Spring and Summer seasons themselves are just flat-out cancelled.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has uprooted all of our lives. Where we once shunned the over usage of technology, we praise it for being the only thing keeping all of us connected. Where we were all so used to going out to eat or go to bars, we feel lucky to even be able to take a walk in our neighborhood. Where we once spent our Spring and Summer weekends with friends at concerts and festivals, we will now be spending them in our homes live-streaming shows while on a ZOOM call with our friends.

(Refer to my article titled, Quarantine Concerts: A Taste of Normalcy, to see which artists have performed live shows and where you can view them)

With everything being cancelled and everyone having to scratch their calendars, it may feel like all hope is lost. But, let me be the one to tell you that it is not. If you are reading this, there is a good chance that means you are healthy and at home versus laying in a hospital bed fighting for your life. There can always be another show, another festival; but there can never be another YOU. It is weird and truthfully, sometimes depressing to not be able to leave your home and hangout with your friends. But this is just a season and like all others that came before and will come after, it too shall pass. In the wise words of Fun. – “If you’re lost and alone. Or you’re sinking like a stone. Carry on.”

For all you concert and festival lovers out there, from now on when you think “cancelled,” train your brain to instead think “postponed.” These shows may not be happening now, but when it is safer for all the fans and artists to be out there doing what they love—they will be there. Many tours have not yet been rescheduled, but festivals have.

Festival season used to mean Summer season. This year it is taking on a role. May we introduce to you, for the first time ever, Fall Festival Season. Yes, the wait is going to be longer but come on, who ISN’T excited to not feel like they are dying under the hellish sun of the Summer?

Think about it—A festival where you can actually wear cute outfits and makeup without worrying about sweating everything off. A festival where you don’t mind being pressed together in the pit with strangers because you no longer feel like you are going to have a heat stroke. A festival where you can leave without sunburn. I am not seeing any cons here.

Remember to be thankful for your health today. Remember that this will all be over soon. Remember that your favorite artists and festivals are still just around the corner.

See below to find the new dates of some of the most popular Spring and Summer festivals.

Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival: (Indio, CA) October 9–11 and 16–18

Shaky Knees Music Festival: (Atlanta, GA) October 16–18

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival: (Manchester, TN) September 24–27

(LockN’ Festival: (Arrington, VA) October 1-4

Stagecoach Festival: (Indio, CA) October 23-25

Treefort Music Fest: (Boise, ID) September 23-27

J. Cole’s Dreamville Music Fest: (Raleigh, NC) August 29

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: (New Orleans, LO) TBA Fall 2020

Quarantine Concerts: A Taste of Normalcy

Spring is typically every music lovers’ favorite season as bands take on the road to start their Spring and Summer tours. But, with our nation still on a shelter-in-place order, the once season of singing in crowds has turned into a season of singing alone. With social distancing and self-quarantining being all that we can do to fight this virus, forget about even hanging out with your friends; so, going to a live show with them is certainly out of the question. The Coronavirus Pandemic has turned the prime time for concerts and festivals upside down and put spring and even summer shows in jeopardy. State and Federal officials have banned large gatherings of ten or more people, which subsequently closed down music venues nationwide for an indefinite amount of time. Because of this, all tours as well as Spring and Summer festivals have either been cancelled, or if you are lucky, postponed to the Fall.

As the nation remains in isolation, we are all desperate for a taste of normalcy. A reminder of what once was and what will hopefully be again soon. We crave distractions to keep ourselves from going stir-crazy, to keep ourselves from lingering on the tragedy that is our current reality, to keep ourselves and our hopes high.

Music has a special way of being able to bring people together and that remains true now more than ever. We as a nation, in this time of social distancing, need to remain united and we need the healing and positive energy that music provides. This is why so many artists are turning to social platforms such as Instagram and YouTube Live to perform “live” quarantine concerts for their fans. On these platforms, fans can leave comments and post reactions—which does not compare to sweaty bodies rubbing against each other, packed in the pit like sardines—but it is still a way for fans to interact with their favorite artists and fans alike. Other artists are hosting quarantine concerts via ZOOM, Vimeo, or Twitch for a small donation which goes to helping tour and band members out of jobs right now, helping food bands, or helping cure Covid.

Artists like James Blake, Clairo, Death Cab for Cutie, Diplo, John Legend, Sure Sure, and James Bay are just a few of the artists taking time out of their day to connect with fans and spread some positivity through their music.

Our time in quarantine will only last a season and although it is not the season that music lovers planned for, it is the one we were dealt. So, just look on the bright side, be grateful for your health, and take advantage of this time to slow down and take a breath… and to tune in to your favorite artist performing an intimate live show of course.

See SUPER CITY in Your City

As Winter turned to Spring, it was that time again for musical artists to pack up their trailers, vans, and busses and hit the road again for the start of their Spring and Summer Tours. With an abundance of shows and festivals coming up, one of the shows that I was looking forward to above all others was the Super City show at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta, Georgia on March 14, 2020.

Super City is a Baltimore-based band that was formed in 2014 by front men, lead vocalists, and song-writers Dan Ryan and Greg Wellham. The guitar heavy, alt-rock band released its self-titled EP back in 2014 and have been releasing lively, energetic jams ever since. Their first album, titled Again Weekend appeared in 2015 which was then followed by Sanctuary in 2018.

The 13-track masterpiece, Again Weekend, starts out with “Keep It Royal” which is a paradigm of rock n’ roll music and my personal favorite. This album is filled with rock, ethereal, and indie sounds that work together to form this seamless and beautiful album.

Three years later, our ears were once again blessed with the release of their album Sanctuary— an album named after one of its most prominent singles. This 10-track album is equal parts rock n’ roll and groovy pop sounds. This entire album will have you moving at least one part of your body—you simply cannot help it.

Regardless if it is an album, EP, or single, this band produces music that will have you feeling like you are in the wake of a rock revival. Hand banging included.

THIS is why I needed to see them live. I have daydreamed of being able to dance to their music as they stand in front of me and shred their guitar for too long now. Here is what their spring tour was SUPPOSED to look like:

3.10 – Columbia, SC – The White Mule
3.11 – Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse
3.12 – Chapel Hill, NC – The Cave
3.13 – Charleston, SC – The Royal American
3.14 – Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar
3.15 – Birmingham, AL – The Firehouse
3.16 – Knoxville, TN – Preservation Pub
3.18 – Ft. Worth, TX – Main at South Side
3.19 – Austin, TX – Blue House
3.20 – Hot Springs, AR – Valley of the Vapors Fest
3.21 – Dallas, TX – Double Wide
3.22 – Albuquerque, NM – Dialogue Brewing
3.24 – Phoenix, AZ – The Nile Underground
3.26 – Fullerton, CA – Programme Skate & Sound
3.27 – Los Angeles, CA – Gold Diggers
3.28 – Santa Cruz, CA – Blue Lagoon
3.29 – San Francisco, CA – Neck of the Woods
4.1 – Reno, NV – Jub Jub’s
4.2 – Portland, OR – Killingsworth Dynasty
4.3 – Seattle, WA – Central Saloon
4.4 – Eugene, OR – WOW Music Hall
4.8 – Denver, CO – The Squire Lounge
4.10 – Lincoln, NE – 1867
4.11 – Des Moines, IA – XBK
4.12 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St. Entry
4.14 – Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club
4.15 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean
4.16 – St. Louis, MS – The Sinkhole
4.17 – Nashville, TN – The 5spot
4.18 – Cincinnati, OH – MOTR

However, due to the Coronavirus, the majority of their tour is having to be rescheduled.

With so many concerts and festivals that I had on my calendar already being canceled, I was sure that Super City was also going to cancel or postpone. My suspicions were correct, and they did postpone their tour, but they announced that the show in Atlanta would be their last show of the tour until it was safe to perform to large groups again. I WAS STILL GOING TO BE ABLE TO SEE THEM! And let me be the one to tell you. They did NOT disappoint.

From start to finish, this band expended every last bit of their energy into their performance. Between coordinating outfits, extensive guitar solos, perfect harmonies, and clean choreographed dance moves that synced with the beat, Super City had one of the best stage performances that I have seen in a long time. Their rock and dance-pop rhythms had every single person in the room jumping up and down and dancing with their partners.

I am so grateful that this was the last concert I was able to see before our world went into quarantine.

I would recommend seeing Super City whenever they reschedule their tour—you absolutely will not regret going.

Check out their newest music video here and check out their Spotify here!

Stay Inside. Stay Safe. Stay Groovy.

How Covid-19 is Affecting the Live Music Industry

The Coronavirus outbreak is a true epidemic that has and will continue to devastate the lives of thousands across our nation. Those affected by this outbreak are not just the families that have lost loved ones to this virus, but also those who have lost their jobs to this virus. As the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise all across the globe, so do the number of business having to close its doors to customers amid this crisis. Some of these business industries include, but are not limited to the restaurant, hospitality, travel, education, and of course—the entertainment industry.

In the entertainment industry, with focus on the live-music business, many security guards, box office representatives, sound and lighting engineers, tour managers, directors, and hospitality agents, among others, are out of jobs. No mass gatherings mean no tours. No tours mean no shows. No shows mean no fans. No fans mean no profits. Since there has been a cessation in live music tours, venues all across the United States and even locally in Atlanta, have dimmed the lights and closed the doors to patrons until further notice. According to their socials, the following music Atlanta venues have closed with no knowledge of when they are to re-open: The Masquerade, Center Stage, Variety Playhouse, The Earl, Smith’s Olde Bar, Terminal West. The Tabernacle and Buckhead Theater have not yet made an official statement but all of their upcoming shows leading up to and going through April have been either canceled or postponed.

Venues closing and tours being canceled are not the only things to be impacted by the Coronavirus. Spring season is also the start of the long-anticipated Festival season. Music festivals around the country bring people together, bring profits to the cities that host them, and bring hundreds, if not thousands, of employment opportunities to live music professionals, beginners, and even volunteers. However, due to federal guidelines and quarantine procedures, festivals are being forced to either cancel or post-pone their event as well.

One of the biggest events that has been affected thus far, is the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. The music, film, and technology event was supposed to be held in Austin, Texas from March 13 through March 22 but was canceled after some of their biggest partners like Facebook and Google backed out.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival took a different approach. Instead of canceling one of the most talked about music and arts festivals of the year, they simply pushed back their April event to October.

Although Covid-19 and the quarantine that it has trapped us in has disrupted our economy and the jobs of thousands, ensuring we as a nation do our part to contain this virus and stop the spreading of it is top priority. We as a nation may go through a season of hardships, but if we take care of one another we can all get through this TOGETHER.

Stay Safe. Stay Inside.

And keep showing your favorite band love.

Everything You Need to Know About Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2020

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival is just around the corner so here is everything and anything you need to know.

What even is Okeechobee?

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival is one of the biggest outdoor music and camping festivals in South Florida. This four-day festival includes 100+ multi-genre performances as well as yoga, meditation, a wide variety of arts, culinary treats, and much more! It is a true celebration of all things music, art, nature, and life.

There are two parts to this festival— The Grove and Moonlight Oasis.

The Grove is at the center of the festival grounds and is the home of the three main stages: Be, Here, Now.

Moonlight Oasis is the “cultural epicenter” of Okeechobee Fest; a continuous flow of creativity, art, self-expression, and community. Here you will find: the Chobeewobee Village, Yogachobee, Aquachobee, Jungle51, and Powow.

When can I go?

The long-anticipated annual celebration will take place March 5 through March 8 of 2020.

Where does this magical experience take place?

If you have not figured this out already, Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival will be held in, yes you guessed it— Okeechobee, Florida. More specifically, the 800-acre “natural paradise” known as Sunshine Grove filled with sandy beaches, refreshing lakes, and tropical woodlands in the South Florida jungle. A true oasis.

Will I have to sell my right arm to go?

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Since the festival is just a few suns away, ticket prices are at their top-tier price. But, keep in mind that you will enter the portal for FOUR days of non-stop bliss in paradise. Right now, the cheapest option to attend the entire festival is the GA Eco Pass which costs $299 plus fees. This includes entry through the portal and a tent spot inside the festival grounds for the duration of the festival. There are other options such as car camping passes, souvenir passes, and effortless passes; but they are a tad pricier. So, if you want to really treat yourself you can check out the other ticket options here.

So, who is going to be there?

Besides me and you? The announced headliners include: Rufus Du Sol, Bassnectar, Vampire Weekend, and Mumford and Sons. This lineup is electronic and alt-pop heavy, but still maintains their promise of a diverse range of genres. Other main performers include: Arizona, Kaskade, Gunna, Haim, Sublime with Rome, Earthgang, Glass Animals, Alison Wonderland, and Flatbush Zombies. You can see the full lineup below.

What Now?

What do you mean what now? Buy your ticket (if you have not already) and start packing! This immersive festival is one that you will not want to miss. 4 days of good vibes, over 60 mind-blowing artists, and countless memories. See you there!

Top 3 Concert Venues in Atlanta

While Atlanta has a rich musical tradition dating back to the Atlanta Pop Festival of 1969, which predated the legendary and infamous festival of Woodstock in New York, its currently legacy is being maintained by three music venues.

The Tabernacle, which originally opened up as a church in 1911, has since been reinvented as a performance venue, established in 1996, as the “House of Blues” and has been a staple to the Atlanta music scene ever since. To this day, it is still home to the original stained-glass windows and organ that resided in the church. It has also hosted a myriad of musical, comedic, and theatrical performances which live between big arena and super intimate settings. In this way, the Tabernacle has hosted many big artists which otherwise would be troubled to find a musical hall to house them along with their fan base. I do dare to say that any act worth noting has performed at this hallowed hall at least once in their career.

Another, yet smaller, venue with prominence in the Atlanta scene that should not be understated is Center Stage. This three-in-one establishment’s multi-faceted approach to housing musical guests has allowed for a range of many of acts to call this place their home. This venue is comprised of musical rooms known as Center Stage, The Loft, and Vinyl. From obscure acts to readily known performances, these musicians have made their presence known in this space. With theatres ranging from 300 to 1050 in capacity, Center Stage Atlanta is able to host both up and coming and well-established artists in environments which can be either intimate or grandiose, depending on the preference of the act. No matter which musical room you attend, there is not a bad spot or a bad seat in the house.

Last but not least, Variety Playhouse contributes to the community exactly what its name implies, a wide assortment of acts and artists. Located in the heart of the Atlanta artistic district, Little 5 Points, this quaint yet impactful venue has been in operation since 1962. Since then, this building has hosted all numbers of musical and theatrical acts, building for 8 decades of presence which permeates the Atlanta entertainment scene. This venue adds, not only to musical culture, but to the maintenance of older theatrical culture. Regularly, the Playhouse hosts views of musicals and plays originated in the 80’s and before such as Working Girls, Desert Hears, and Brazil.

If you have not yet attended a show at either one of these three venues, I highly recommend them. From the grandiose, original theater artwork, to the intimate setting of the shows, to the unbeatable sound quality—these are venues in which will make a lasting impact that you will not soon forget.

Happy Valentine’s Day to Music Lovers Everywhere

This past Friday was Valentine’s Day and while thousands worldwide were spending quality time with their special someone, I was also spending quality time with mine. Except my special someone in this case happened to be my favorite pair of headphones. Some of the hottest artists on the charts right now decided to give the world a gift for Valentine’s Day— a new album! Tame Impala released The Slow Rush, Yung Gravy and bbno$ released Baby Gravy 2, Nathaniel Rateliff released a solo album called And It’s Still Alright, Justin Bieber released Changes, and EDEN released No Future.

The most notable of these releases is Tame Impala’s The Slow Rush. It has been a little over five years since Tame Impala has released an album, but the band’s front man (and only man), instrument wizard, and creative force is back “On Track.” This long-anticipated album has been in the works for what feels like forever—being stunted by endless tour dates and the devastating California fires in 2018 which destroyed Parker’s home along with all of his equipment. Perhaps Parker’s struggle with completing this album in a timely manner is the reason this album revolves around the theme of Time. This is why the album begins with the track “One More Year” and ends with “One More Hour.” Besides Time, Parker also reflects on his journey of trying to find himself while simultaneously rising into musical stardom through a more serious tone than he has used in his previous albums. It is also important to note that just as his tone has changed, so has the psych-rock sound we have all come to know and love. Although Parker’s signature psychedelia remains, his sound has evolved into a more refined pop-influenced reverberate. All adversities and alterations aside, this album may be one of his best yet.

Tame Impala isn’t the only artist that has released new music after a half-decade of silence. Justin Bieber’s new album, Changes, is also his first album since 2015 when he released Purpose. Bieber is not the only A-lister voice you will hear when listening to these tracks. He has features from Quavo, Post Malone, Lil Dicky, and Travis Scott on his album. On this album Bieber addresses his recent struggles with mental health, his marriage to model Hailey Baldwin, and his relationship with God. The album cycles between summertime anthems, to hip-hop bangers, to slow, bedroom-pop sensations. After years of being America and Canda’s “Baby,” it is refreshing to hear songs with lyrics so close to his heart and sounds filled with pure passion.

Valentine’s Day may be over, but these albums are here to stay. All of the albums listed above are available on all streaming platforms—go give them a listen!

Stranger Things Cast Are No Strangers to the Music Scene

At this point, we all know of and love the hit Netflix series Stranger Things and if you have not, then look around because you might just be living in the Upside Down yourself. But, what some of you may not know is that not only do these young actors have remarkable acting skills, the majority of them also seem to have some unspoken musical talent. (As if we did not love them enough already.) Here is a collection of the Stranger Things‘ cast off-screen feats.

Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven)

Aside from saving her friends from imminent demise, Eleven actress Millie Brown has a passion for music. Up until recently when she deleted her Youtube account, she regularly uploaded videos of herself performing covers of songs from John Legend to Amy Winehouse, whom was her biggest inspiration. A lot of people can sing well, but what truly makes Brown’s vocal talent more admirable is the fact that she is completely deaf in one ear. She even said during an interviewwith Variety magazine that “if [she] sounds bad, [she does not] care because [she] is just doing what [she] loves.” Watch her sing “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse here.

Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas)

If you thought that all of the kids from Stranger Thingsmade their debut in the series, you would be wrong. McLaughlin (along with co-star Gatten Matarazzo) began their lives in the spotlight on Broadway. McLaughlin played the role of Young Simba in The Lion King. Check out his performance of “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.”

Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin)

As stated above, Matarazzo also made his premiere in the limelight on Broadway for his role as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Gavroche/Petit Gervais in Les Miserables, and Jesus in the 2011 version of Godspell.In addition, Gaten along with his older sister, younger brother, and some friends, formed a band called “Work In Progress” back in 2017. You can listen to their two new singles, “Dream Eater” and “Waste my Time,” on Spotify and Apple Music. Check out their performance of “Dream Eater” at The Loft in Atlanta back in 2018 here.

Fun fact: he also appears in the music video for “Swish Swish” by Katy Perry ft. Nicki Minaj.

Noah Schnapp (Will)

Maybe Will Byers has spent too much time in the Upside Down to really focus on his musical talents, but with the exception of appearing in Panic! At The Disco’s music video for “LA Devotee,” Schnapp seems to be content just sticking with his acting career. Plus, if he continues to play roles just as convincing and seamless as he does in Stranger Things, an acting career is all this kid will need.

Charlie Heaton (Jonathan)

Jonathan Byers is a lone wolf who is a little strange and has a deep appreciation for photography and music. Therefore, it is only fitting that Jonathan actor Charlie Heaton is in a band back in real life. He previously played drums for alternative/noise rock/punk glam/death metal band called Comanechi. Although he does not seem to be in the band any longer, Heaton has posted a few pictures on his Instagram of himself playing the drums with the caption “Back at it!” Although he may or may not be reviving his role in Comanechi, we can be sure to expect great things from him. Check out Comaneci’s Spotify here.

Joe Keery (Steve)

When Steve made his first appearance in season one, he instantly became a heart throb despite his “too cool for school” and “I’m better than everyone else because I’m an athlete” persona. (Let’s be real: we all know it was only because of the hair.) But, he did manage to redeem himself in seasons two and three with his newfound identity as ‘Dad Steve’ which only made the girls swoon harder. But ladies, just when you thought ole Steve couldn’t get any better, wait until you find out that in real life Joe Keery plays the guitar and sings under the stage name of Djo. Keery used to be a member for the Chicago psych-rock band Post Animal, however his acting schedule made it difficult to actively contribute to the band. His love for music remained though, so he pursued a solo career. Dad Steve by day. Daddy Steve by night.

Finn Wolfhard (Mike)

Can we all just take a vow right now to protect this kid at all costs? He can act. He can sing. He plays guitar. AND, he has a beautiful and keen eye when directing film. Make sure to keep in mind that is he only seventeen years old but has been in the industry since he was thirteen. Mike captured all of our hearts with his undying loyalty to his friends and family along with his not-so-secret love for Eleven. Finn Wolfhard continues to do the same in real life with his love for music and the arts. He was previously in a band called Calpurnia that recorded some music and even toured for a year. During that time, he performed a solo cover of “Cooking Up Something Good” by Mac Demarco which gained attention by Demarco himself and resulted in a surprise on-stage appearance by Wolfhard at Demarco’s concert in Atlanta back in 2017 for the both of them to shred guitar. Now, Wolfhard is in a band called The Aubreys, which already has a feature in an upcoming horror movie, The Turning.

(Fun fact: Finn also did a cover of co-star Joe Keery’s previous band, Post Animal, and sent it to him which made Joe cry.)

In addition, Wolfhard has managed to merge his acting talent with his adoration of alternative music by appearing in a few different music videos. He appears in Canadian punk-rock band PUP’s “Guilt Trip” (2014) and “Sleep in the Heat” (2016). In addition, he stars in the Spendtime Palace’s music video for their hit song “Sonora” which he co-directed with his friend Josh Ovalle.

Check out the music video for “Sonora” here.

Music. Always.

While growing up, I have always been a music enthusiast.

Always singing.

Always playing.

Always listening.

Always.

But as I got older, music started to actually mean something to me. The bands I idolized were no longer based solely on how attractive the members were (R.I.P. One Direction), but on how their music touched me and made me feel.

I grew up in a small, southern town raised by a small, southern family. When I was still small, everything was picture perfect. When I got bigger, I realized I was meant for bigger things. Yet, nobody understood that. Nobody understood why I strayed from country music. Or why I traded my Vineyard Vines for Pacsun and my sandals for Vans. Or why I did not (and still do not) agree with the morals and ideals that these small minds of this small town hold. I could not turn to my mother whom cried actual tears after she found out I wore a dark plum lipstick to school one day to compliment my all-black outfit and proceeded to ask me if I had started to sell drugs. I could not turn to my sisters whom told me my new style was “weird.” I could not turn to anybody. So, I turned to music because music was always there.

Always.

I remember browsing through different official Spotify playlists just listening to a variety of different songs from different genres when I came across the song “Lydia” by Highly Suspect. A band that is still one of my favorites six years later. That song contains lyrics such as “black ocean, cold and dark,” “I’ve seen better days, so unafraid in my youth—I can’t breathe, much less believe,” and “your eyes are lined in pain, black tears don’t hide in rain.” The song is pretty much full of dark language and although the true meaning behind the song is about the lead singer going through a toxic relationship along with drug abuse, I still felt like the words of this song was relatable to what I was going through at the time. I felt cold, alone, sad, and hopeless. Even though I would not wish hardships upon anyone, I cannot even begin to describe how relieving it is to hear somebody else put all your feelings into words. I just remember thinking— “finally, someone gets it.”

Ever since that moment, my adoration for music has done nothing but grow. I am at peak happiness when I am listening to music— especially if it is at a live concert. Music has helped me make peace with being the black sheep of my family. Music has helped me through failed friendships. Music has helped me tremendously through heartbreak. Music has helped me become a more positive person. At the end of the day, music has changed me for the better and I hope it continues to do so.

Always.