HOWARDIAN - "Different Dogs"

HOWARDIAN is an art-pop collective out of Olympia, WA fronted by Ian Vanek (Japanther). Supporting musicians of the act include Scott Brummel, Justin Mckaughan, Gardner Allen, Farley Glavin, Mustafa Daka, Schuyler Maehl, and Flo Amarino. Today we bring to you their new video for "Different Dogs" which will be on their upcoming record The Silly Shit You Say. The full album will be available this Friday, March 15, 2019 on Starcleaner Records and Let's Pretend Records. 

I suggest listening to this track when on the go... even better when you are with friends on the road, in the woods, on the bus, wherever you go. HOWARDIAN has put together a catchy, atmospheric garage pop tune right here. Riding steadily on a solid drum beat, everything else just falls into place. Right above the drumming on "Different Dogs" we have warm, channeling synth, delicate guitar tones, clever lyrics, and echoing supporting vocals that create a sense of optimism and appreciation for what one may already have in their life.

The video follows two friends adventuring through the outdoors. There is a nostalgic VHS glaze over the whole thing that complements the track nicely. Kooky masks and slight absurdity also make an appearance. I was for it. The video was directed by Kurt Buchmeier out of Chicago, IL. Enjoy this stream of "Different Dogs" below. 

"Lets see what we can see"... I am really looking forward to hearing what else is on deck for HOWARDIAN. Spin their new record this coming weekend! 

Follow HOWARDIAN

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Written by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

Read More

Wieuca ft. JAVAE - "Human Shield"

Wiecua is known for its diverse tones and melodies. The Athen’s based indie rock band comes from a very deep rooted appreciated for alternative country, and every single/project they’ve released since their inception has its foundations in it. But that’s not to say that everything that have and can make has to be tied to this very narrow genre. This new single, Human Shield, is a collaboration between the band and also native Georgian JAVAE. The 24 year old rapper released his second album WE OUTSIDE. In 2018 and is best known in his local area for competing in local hip-hop cypher events, winning some of them.

This collaboration exemplifies how talented and diverse both acts are. Only in seemingly niche settings do we see rap/indie artists collaborate and create something truly magical. The juxtaposition between Wieuca leads reverby and ethereal vocal harmony and JAVAE’s extravagant and abrasive vocal delivery provides an interesting dynamic that you don’t typically hear in either genre. The feeling of desperation and feeling lost because of your inner demons and feeling those walls closing in is perfectly demonstrated and expressed in this song. The most painful line to me being JAVAE explaining how his little brother had passed away from cancer and moving past it still searching for answers as to why and how to move on. The instrumental is incredibly atmospheric and giving each snare or synth note time to breathe gives it a new angle that you would typically expect from a cloud rap beat.

The video is a fascinating accompaniment to the track. Shot by local producer Goodie, the contrast between the very ominous, bleak lighting and the hued, very cartoonish colorful masks give a whole new point of view to the main point of the song. JAVAE's verse on top of the snowy rooftop feels like a much more laid back and relaxing point of the video. It serves as a great visual companion to the song.

Human Shield is something that we should all expect and ask for more of not just from Wiecua and JAVAE, but from music as a whole. Here we have two different genres that you wouldn’t typically see or expect to be as good as it is. However, all you really need is two incredibly talented and creative artists to come together and create something truly special. Human Shield is out now and is available through Land of the Freak Recordings alongside this music video, which you can watch below.

Follow Wieuca

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp 

Follow JAVAE

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | SoundCloud

Written by Javier Rodriguez (@Javi7122)

Read More

BBGuns - "One Piece"

I cannot really put into words what exactly BBGuns is. When it comes to this Pittsburgh duo, there are no rules. The mind says hip-hop, but the heart says everything else. Together talented vocalist Lazy JP and stalwart emcee Barz Blackman take elements found in pop and indie rock and slaps it up against hip-hop in a manner I have never really experienced before.

Their single One Piece is infectious. The performances between JP and Blackman complement each other oh-so-nicely in the track. Production handled by C. Scott and Oh85 sets the stage for a catchy club feel and The Zells even come in at the close of the song with some fuzzy guitar assistance. 

The music video for One Piece includes visuals that capture the contrasting beauty found in and around L.A. It was shot and directed by Cory Pitkavish who has worked with major artists like Desiigner and Riff Raff. Check it out below!

Bottom line: BBGuns makes good music no matter what you think it sounds like. Enjoy.

Follow BBGuns 

Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Streaming 

Written by Connor Murray (@craftedsounds)

Read More