ifitbeyourwill S04E26 • Lucas Mayo of Pickle Darling

Lucas Mayo, affectionately known as Pickle Darling, shares the musical journey that took him from strumming a ukulele in his primary school days to becoming a defining voice in the indie pop scene. We explore the powerful impact of DIY ethos, drawing inspiration from artists like Dylan of Bedbug, and how these influences have shaped his distinctive sound. Lucas offers a candid glimpse into his time at music school, where songwriting became his refuge, and discusses the collaborative spirit that fuels his projects.

Continuing our conversation, Lucas reveals the art of embracing limitations to craft authentic music from his home studio. We dissect the evolution between his albums, "Cosmonaut" and "Laundromat," highlighting a shift towards a spontaneous, raw style that captures the essence of daily inspiration. Lucas offers a peek into his latest project, where experimental recording techniques take center stage, showing his relentless dedication to evolving his sound. Our discussion also reflects on the synergy between songwriting and production, underscored by his experiences with the legendary band The Bats, which transitioned him from studio work to vibrant live performances.

Performing live, Lucas finds a unique connection with audiences, from intimate solo shows to energetic band settings. He shares his admiration for Billy Bragg, whose simple yet impactful performances inspire Lucas's own aspirations. With exciting future projects on the horizon, including an upcoming album and a video game soundtrack, Lucas promises to push the boundaries of his creativity while keeping accessibility at the forefront. As we conclude, we celebrate the vibrant community that surrounds the podcast, leaving listeners eager for the new chapters yet to unfold.

 

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Movieland • Icarus • 2024

Vancouver’s Movieland is a cult shoegaze trio from the early '90s, blending melancholic melodies with lush, textured soundscapes. Their early recordings are being re-issued as Then & Now (2024) with new music to follow in Now & Then (2025) on 604 Records

ifitbeyourwill Podcast Backtrack 2024

frog • DID SANTA COME • 2024

Did Santa come after midnight

Across the lawn covered in thin white

Lying awake in my bed

Thinking ‘bout what Daddy said

Covered in the color red

Setting down above my head

Did Santa come 

best of 2024 • Mammoth Penguins • Here

The new record leans into a raw pop-punk power-trio sound more than ever, with a deep growl in layered guitars and bursts of percussion and harmony. The songs and artwork explore themes about finding a place for yourself and familiarity with people and places. Although it turns back towards a classic three-piece sound, the band weren’t restricted by that palette, adding finishing touches of percussion, extra guitars and backing vocals in short bursts in a garden shed, and also bringing in gorgeous strings to sweeten the title track.

You know that it's the right thing to do

We've got the chance to achieve something new

And I will be here

It's alright to have doubts

There's always new things to find out

But I will be here

Picture the first wedding in four weddings and a funeral. A marquee. It’s the end of the night and the band have finished but not packed down yet. I go and pick up a guitar and start singing this song. Slowly the band come back onstage and join in. joyzine

best of 2024 • Cracker • Sick of Goodbyes (Re-Record with Members of Drive-By Truckers)

https://www.crackersoul.com/

“To the uninitiated, Cracker might seem to be just another ’90s alt-rock band. However, fans recognize that they are 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. tini

S04E17

ifitbeyourwill S04E25 • Eden Sierotnik of COOL HEAT

Eden Sierotnik from COOL HEAT transports us into the beating heart of Chicago's music scene. Born amidst the vibrant streets of Chicago, Eden's journey from high school bands to being awestruck by iconic venues like the Aragon Ballroom is nothing short of captivating. Through Eden's eyes, listeners gain a unique perspective on how Chicago's rich musical history, with its roots in genres like post-punk and shoegaze, continues to thrive. Despite the challenges that have arisen post-pandemic, including the decline of DIY venues, Chicago's music festivals and the energy they generate keep the city's spirit alive, offering a fertile ground for both new and established artists.

Dive into the creative processes that shape Eden's music-making world. With a keen focus on balancing consistency and the need to recharge creatively, Eden shares insights into how platforms like Spotify can play a role in an artist's journey to success. As the conversation flows, we uncover Eden's evolution from crafting intricate studio recordings to developing a more direct sound he fondly calls "dream punk." The transition is inspired by the electric energy of live performances, and Eden offers us a fascinating glimpse into how these studio creations metamorphose on stage to offer an immersive, organic experience for audiences.

Eden opens up about the complexities of songwriting and collaboration, especially highlighted in tracks like “Change" on Abandoned. His meticulous approach to vocal production, from initial whispers to confident performance, reveals a journey of growth and introspection. With choir classes boosting his confidence, Eden has embraced the transformative power of vocal processors for live shows, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. The exploration doesn't stop there; Eden discusses the potential of revisiting older tracks, keeping his music fresh and resonant for fans, ensuring every live performance is as exhilarating as the last.

 

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best of 2024 • Clem Snide • All was Revealed

clemsni.de

Barzelay describes “Oh Smokey” as “slow, sad songs about God and death” and, true to his word, the centrepiece of the album, ‘All Was Revealed’, is a delicious hypnagogic delve into that moment when a bright light beckons the soul as the body collapses. It’s a glorious song, surrounded by a gorgeous  arrangement which is delivered at a funereal pace. read more

ifitbeyourwill S04E24 • Drew Danburry of Icarus Phoenix

Ever wondered what it takes to keep the creative spark alive amidst the hustle of life? Join us as we chat with Drew Danburry of Icarus Phoenix, who shares his incredible journey from a spontaneous songwriting moment at his brother's house to performing over 800 shows and releasing 400 songs. Drew provides a candid look into his world, revealing how his love for music and songwriting became a vital form of self-expression. He talks about the challenges and joys of forming a band, organizing performances, and nurturing creativity through an organic songwriting process. With personal anecdotes and reflections, Drew sheds light on how interactions with different generations inspire his music, especially the storytelling woven into each album's first track.

As Drew and Icarus Phoenix emerge from a whirlwind Japanese tour, we explore his remarkable achievement of recording 40 songs in just three days. Despite facing mental exhaustion and a guitarist's wrist injury, the band is steadfast in their creative journey, with plans to release singles over the coming year. We also get a glimpse into Drew's personal transition from barbershop owner to his current role at Old Bank Barbers in Baltimore, where he welcomes visitors for both haircuts and engaging conversations. This episode celebrates the resilience and passion that fuels Drew's pursuits, both musical and personal, while building anticipation for what Icarus Phoenix has in store for fans.

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Icarus Phoenix, the project of indie songwriter Drew Danburry, arises from a place of raw vulnerability and personal upheaval with the new album I Should Have Known the Things You Never Said. Written after Danburry’s separation from his wife of 13 years, the album dives into the depths of grief, loss, and introspection — set within a melodic range of rock and folk. Through melancholic tones and reflective lyrics, Danburry channels his pain into a cathartic exploration of a fractured heart, offering listeners a poignant glimpse into his emotional landscape. The result is a powerful record that explores the complexities of love, family, and personal transformation in the aftermath of a life left behind. read more

best of 2024 • Girl and Girl • Maple Jean and the Anthropocene

Maple Jean dries of spit licked clean

And Ma and Pa are crying, once again

Ding dong, life begins

Palm fronds, mandarins

And I'm coming up, yeah life's not that bad

And I love Mum and I don't mind Dad

Oh my, how she's grown

Into her winter coat

We must let her go

There she goes, there she goes...

Then there’s Call A Doctor’s sorta-centerpiece “Maple Jean and the Anthropocene,” a five-minute epic offering a new perspective on climate change and the notion of what it means, in a personal sense, to suffer: “I live in the bushland, and I was driving home one night and hit and killed a wallaby with my car,” James recalls while discussing the song’s lyrical inspiration. “My first thought was, ‘What is the universe trying to tell me?’ No remorse, no guilt, just total self-centeredness. Which was like, Woah, you fucking psychopath! This wallaby wasn’t put on this earth to send you a message. That’s what the song is about, our egocentric species - thinking you’re the main character and that everything that happens is somehow about you.” subpop

best of 2024 • Jessica Pratt • "Life Is"

https://www.jessicapratt.net/

“Life Is,” the album’s opening track and lead single. Despite existing in Pratt’s ’60s folk-pop comfort zone, it’s got a bigger, more bombastic sound than the rest of the record. “In a way, it’s kind of a false flag,” she says. “But I also feel like it’s a statement of intention.” As for the subject matter, Pratt explains, “Life came and went and you didn’t land where you thought you would. It’s the third act and you’re trying to climb back on the horse before it gets dark.” SG

best of 2024 • Merce Lemon • Will You Do Me A Kindness

Merce Lemon has been a mainstay of the consistently prolific Pittsburgh music scene for longer than most people can claim, or even remember – it’s where the music in her life began, and is where it’s since returned to bloom perennially. “I grew up in a house full of music, and I’ve been making songs for as long as I can remember,” says Lemon. “Both of my parents played in bands when I was kid. I had an acapella group with my sister and friends when I was nine or ten that I wrote all the songs for, and I changed the name of our band every show we played.”

I cook dinner with some friends

Tidy up the house tie up loose ends

Now the sun has yet to set

A little staring at the ceiling

Pick a book I never read

And I get lonely for a bit

Comes in waves and then it split

Like a kiss

That missed my lips

Will you do me a kindness?

Point the sun

Right into my flesh

I want

Nothing left

Will you do me a kindness?

mercelemon.com

best of 2024 • This Is Lorelei • I'm All F****d Up

you little sick thing you had your fun

you hide the dead like you always said you would

baby you can hear the bass and the pounding of the drum

yea you’re gonna bang it out cause the sick’s so good like

you hit the gas yea your heart’s all play

you cut the line baby there’s no more tears

you know some people’d wanna go yea they’d wanna run away

but you’re all fucked up and you wanna stay here with me

“‘I’m All Fucked Up’ is just me trying to diagnose/comfort/scold my younger self — an amalgamation of real experiences I had jumbled and reset in inaccurate but contextually relevant locations,” Amos explained in a statement. read more

best of 2024 • Kelly McMichael • Bomb

Kelly McMichael is an artist and producer who makes music in St. John’s, NL. A versatile multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, McMichael has toured the country with The Burning Hell, Gentleman Reg, The Hidden Cameras and Sarah Harmer. Her solo debut 'Waves' garnered a spot on the Polaris Prize shortlist, three Music NL Awards, and the ECMA for Best Rock Album.

kellymcmichael.com

best of 2024 • Laughing • Bruised

The Canadian supergroup’s debut album arrives like a progeny of Built to Spill, Dinosaur Jr., and even Neil Young’s Crazy Horse all while constructing a singular, inspiring voice of its own. read more

ifitbeyourwill S04 E23 • Graham Ereaux of Devarrow

What if the key to understanding life's circular beauty was found in an apple orchard? Join us as we explore the artistic world of Graham Ereaux of Devarrow, an indie singer-songwriter hailing from Liverpool, Nova Scotia, whose music is deeply rooted in nature and folk traditions. Graham takes us on a journey from his bohemian upbringing to the European tours that tested his introverted spirit. Through a series of candid reflections, he reveals how his teenage angst and freedom forged the path for his creatively charged life. From his first song, "The Apple Tree," to planting a real orchard, Graham's story is a poignant reminder of how art and life intertwine in unexpected, meaningful ways.

Graham also unlocks the secrets behind his songwriting process and the evolution of his musical voice. We uncover how the pandemic has left its mark on his work, influencing the themes of his albums "A Long Distant Wave" and "Heart-Shaped Rock." Both projects capture contrasting essences of the human experience, from the solitude of 2020 to the joy of unbridled freedom. As Graham gears up for a Canadian tour, he shares his excitement about performing with a full band, promising to bring his latest songs to life on stage with newfound energy. Tune in to hear Graham's refreshing perspective on music, life, and everything in between.

Graham Ereaux, who makes music under the alias, Devarrow, is a Canadian musician and producer celebrated for his songs reflecting on small-town joys, personal introspection, environmental and social concerns, and (on this new album) the unique love affair with his converted school bus turned music studio. Despite his seemingly bustling life in rural coastal Canada as a carpenter, surfer, and nature lover, his latest album, Heart Shaped Rock, defies any notion of musical complacency. Opening with the lines, “Every morning I just wake up and I just wash my face. Go downstairs and make some breakfast, coffee and some bacon and eggs,” the record offers a refreshing take on life's simple pleasures, injecting vitality into a folk genre that can often lean towards melancholy.

https://shop.paperbagrecords.com/products/heart-shaped-rock

best of 2024 Islands • "What Occurs”

There's a sense of finality floating on the sun-warmed waters of What Occurs, the tenth album by Islands, the near two-decade-old brainchild of ingenious pop songwriter Nick Thorburn. Returning to his home province of British Columbia to make a live-off-the-floor record with people facing each other in a room and exploring their instinctual, creative impulses, Thorburn seems to be signalling his unique musical voyage has perhaps come full circle. read more

The Best Show with Tom Scharpling with Islands

https://islandsareforever.com/

ifitbeyourwill S04E22 • SJ Riedel of Dutch Mustard

SJ Riedel from Dutch Mustard takes us on an emotional and musical journey that began at eight years old, all sparked by the iconic film "School of Rock." Her story is a testament to passion and perseverance, from diligently saving up for her first guitar to mastering classical compositions in the Netherlands. After moving to the UK, SJ's transition to rock music marked the beginning of a new chapter, where early songwriting and an unforgettable school talent show win set the stage for her burgeoning career.

In our conversation, SJ opens up about the pivotal shift from band member to solo artist. After forgoing traditional college in favor of a sound engineering apprenticeship in London, she discovered a new world of creative possibilities. The isolation of the COVID lockdown, though challenging, offered her a unique opportunity for self-reflection and musical innovation, resulting in 20 demos and a debut EP. SJ's narrative highlights how this time of solitude was a catalyst for finding her authentic voice and artistic identity.

Listeners will be inspired by SJ's resilience as she navigates the music industry, embracing authenticity and collaboration with artists like Steve Milbourne and Gang of Youths' guitarist. Her story of overcoming personal struggles and the serendipitous connections that shaped her career is truly uplifting. With upcoming live performances, recording sessions, and new music releases on the horizon, SJ embodies the power of positive energy and creative collaboration. Join us for an episode filled with heartfelt stories, exciting plans, and the unwavering passion that fuels SJ's musical journey.

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Dutch Mustard blends ethereal dream-pop, 90s alt-rock, and shoegaze, creating a unique sound of abstract drones, psych- infused guitar lines, and SJ’s versatile vocals—ranging from delicate whispers to powerful bursts. Her music layers atmospheric textures with raw emotion, offering a captivating, genre-defying sound that's both dreamy and dynamic.

D U T C H M U S T A R D 

Slow Salvation • 'The Ghost of Last Christmas’ • 2024

ifitbeyourwill S04E21 • Matthew Thomas Dillon of Windmill

What drives an artist from secretive teenage recordings to captivating live performances and recording contracts? Join us as we embark on a journey with Matthew Thomas Dillon, the creative mind behind Windmill, whose musical evolution has been nothing short of transformative. Matthew shares his story about moving from quiet four-track sessions to the spotlight. Through a conversation rich with Matthew's personal insights, discover how an unexpected love for pop music shaped his songwriting.

Unveiling the whirlwind of emotions behind releasing a debut album, we navigate Matthew's reflections on the unexpected praise and the introspective process of music creation. The stories behind tracks like "Tokyo Moon," "Replace Me," and "Boarding Lounges" reveal their deeper significance, serving as reminders of ambition and new beginnings. This chapter captures the delicate balance between personal detachment and artistic expression, where Matthew's blend of poetry and subconscious creativity turns his music into intimate memories or snapshots of life, rather than mere songs.

In a heartfelt exploration of artistic fulfillment, Matthew shares how the purchase of an acoustic piano reignited his passion for music creation. He discusses integrating classical piano into his work, leading to a unique approach of releasing multiple versions of tracks on Bandcamp. Additionally, his innovative vocal techniques highlight the importance of authenticity and genuine emotion, painting a vivid picture of an artist dedicated to capturing raw, unique qualities in music. Tune in to experience Matthew's journey through the struggles and triumphs of a music career, leaving listeners inspired by the power of personal expression.

http://www.matthewthomasdillon.com/

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"Subtly beautiful and hugely addictive.****4 Stars" - The Sunday Telegraph

"An impressive album of displacement anxiety with sonics to match. Think Mercury Rev making a break up album. ****4 Stars" - The Independent

"...his style is utterly his own. Timeless and graceful. Strings and percussion, ominous echoes and soft, sweet choirs add richness to tales of asthmatics and fashion houses, plastic pre-flight seats and boarding lounges that you can't help returning to. ****4 Stars" - The Guardian

"Windmill's lovely way with melody and borderline brilliant sense of the emotional dynamics between his own plaintive piano style, heartwrenching

cello and gorgeous washes of full-on strings." - MOJO

"The Mercury people should make a note because their will be no better British album this year - 10/10 ." - Comfort Comes