ifitbeyourwill S04E08 • Mary Water & Pat Maley of Guidon Bear

Join us on a fascinating musical exploration with Mary Water and Pat Maley from Guidon Bear as they reveal the heart and soul behind their new record, "Internal Systems." Discover how their 25-year collaboration began in the 90s when Pat, captivated by Mary's performances, brought her onto the Yo-Yo Recordings label. With roots in church bands and experimental Philly sounds, their journey highlights music as a therapeutic force that helps them maintain emotional balance and connection, much like a deeply personal therapy session.

Curious about how creativity thrives amidst imperfections? Mary and Pat share their insights into the unblocking of the creative mind, a process akin to embracing spontaneity in live performances. As they unfold the secrets of their dynamic partnership, listeners will gain an understanding of authentic artistic expression, far removed from the polished facades often seen on social media. Adrian Lenker's songwriting class on this very topic provides a backdrop to their unique approach to music-making.

Explore the reality of life on tour with the compelling track "Ride Into the Beast," inspired by the challenges and discoveries encountered on the road. Pat's cultural insights and musical versatility shine through, transforming simple arpeggiations into resonant soundscapes that echo shared experiences. In a world where connections are increasingly sought through screens, this episode prompts reflection on the nature of empathy and the narratives we construct to make sense of our own lives.

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"all the invention and heart we’ve come to expect from Guidon Bear, capturing the experience of real life with a unique sound" - Various Small Flames

"infused with tremendous energy and an authentic approach...exudes a warm, homemade atmosphere." - Start Track

"glistening and cheery melodies and harmonies, perfectly soundtracking lyrics from the real world and lived experiences, reflective and occasionally noir in nature. The result is all-original and

catchy compositions that have that undeniable ear-worm quality." - Aldora Britain Records

"I adore the sense here that feels seeded from 60's bohemian folk, 70's busker punk and maybe from new artists that fueled retro adorations of revisionist indie sounds" - American Pancake

TW Walsh • Wilderness • 2024

Dean & Britta & Sonic Boom • "Pretty Paper” • 2024

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Cracker • Sick of Goodbyes • Alternative History Version • 2024

https://crackerband.lnk.to/alternative_historyPR

To the uninitiated Cracker might seem to be just another '90s alternative rock band. However, fans recognize that the band is much more than that, having skillfully explored a wide array of styles over nearly 35 years. Regrettably, when newcomers hear a Cracker song and wish to learn more about the band, they often start with algorithmic streaming playlists. These playlists are typically limited to the dozen or so tracks with the most streams. As a result, these playlists are dominated by a few albums from the early 1990s, the heyday of alternative rock radio. There are also a few “greatest hits” compilations for Cracker available, but these, at best, cover only the first third of the band’s 35-year career. Both of these sources overlook some of the band’s most critically acclaimed and fan-favorite work.

Nap Eyes • Dark Mystery Enigma Bird • 2024

Nap Eyes’ songwriter Nigel Chapman says:

"As you’ll see in the video, Dr. Cool’s imagination is intensely vivid and, perhaps it’s all right to say, mind-blowing. We are very lucky for this chance to collaborate with him, and grateful for the huge determination and patience it must have taken to create this powerful story from out of nothing, and fuse it to the ‘Enigma Bird’ song. For us it’s beautiful and moving to participate in this creation.”

“Dark Mystery Enigma Bird” is the final pre-release single from Nap Eyes' much anticipated forthcoming fifth album, The Neon Gate set for release on October 18, 2024. This disjunctive avian fable told through a stream-of-consciousness narrative provides, with its sun-dappled surreality, perhaps the most immediate earworm melodies and arrangements on the record. Unlike most vocals on The Neon Gate, which were recorded live with the band, songwriter Nigel Chapman recorded his vocals for “Enigma Bird” in a blanket-draped children’s cardboard castle in his parents’ basement.

https://www.napeyes.com/

COOL HEAT • Little Romance • 2024

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Pickle Darling • The Milkman of Human Kindness • 2024

Pickle Darling lends an uplifting cover of Billy Bragg's poignant classic, "The Milkman of Human Kindness.” Lukas Mayo, the creative force behind Pickle Darling, wields the song’s socially conscious message with a delicate plucking metronome through a terrain of synths, guitar and snappy drum machine.

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Christopher Lee Lewis • My, oh, My (Summer of ’94) • 2024

Lewis’ ability to pair biting lyrics with unexpected warmth is on full display in ‘They Still Haven’t Figured Out What’s Wrong With Me.’ It’s a record that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable, capturing the messiness of life in all its complexity. psychMag

Christopher Lee Lewis returns with the follow-up to his July release, They Haven’t Figured Out What’s Wrong With Me, both on Sweet Cheetah Records. This second installment delves even deeper into Lewis’ battles and unfiltered narratives that resonate with authenticity and vulnerability. Go ahead--call it a part two, if you'd like.