All The Other Days - A June Recap 🎶
Roo, June, AOTY, there's SO much to cover, get in here!!!!
Oof, folks, no time for intros there is WAY TOO MUCH to talk about. You see all these artists^^^? I still have to share my Roo-cap. It’s the end of June which means which means there’s new releases to tell you about!! Plus we’re about halfway through the year, so it’s time to check in on AOTY candidates. Going absolutely fast & furious mode on this one - buckle up. Vroom Vroom!!
The Roo-cap
Bonnaroo rocks, let’s just get that out of the way. A special music experience with nearly non-stop music from Thursday to Sunday (and also some on Wednesday too) on the farm in Tennessee. It’s one of my favorite things in the world and despite unrelenting heat, this year rocked. Thank you to everyone who made it so special - all these artists and my dear friends, old and new, who shared these sets with me, took care of me (emotionally and physically), and just reminded me how great music and people can be.
My new friend, Meleah, wrote in a lot more detail about some amazing sets (and even shouted me out in the Ryan Beatty section…) give it a read here!!
Some of my favs from the festival this year:
Old Reliables (My fav artists, seeing them again)
Medium Build - Fucking hell. Cannot get enough of these live shows. My 10th time seeing ol’ MB and it just continues to be life changing and mind-altering. So cool to share it with friends new and old, this one really really meant a lot to me.
Maggie Rogers - Loved seeing her again, my first time in this new album cycle. These songs feel so massive, so timeless, I couldn’t help but watch and think, “we’ll be watching her dominate headline stages for decades to come”. She’s got it!!!
Brittany Howard - GET UR ASS TO A BRITTANY HOWARD SHOW. your soul will thank you. It’s a religious experience but in the most loving, welcoming way imaginable. I was feeling really anxious and out of it this day, and 2 minutes of BH had me grounded and present and alive. Loved it.
First Time Long Time (Love ‘em already, about time I saw them)
Chappell Roan - At the highest point (yet) of her hype, I finally got to see Chappell play live. I have been loving her album since it came out and just in awe of the launching into stardom. Maybe the most talked about set of the weekend, seemed like a show everyone wanted to see, a moment everyone wanted to be a part of. And she crushed! Gave the people what they wanted. The songs sound amazing live and it’s so incredible to get a crowd this big engaged the way she does.
Ryan Beatty - Calico was one of my favorite albums last year. A record I’d listen to in full during sunset walks through the neighborhood. Finding myself in tears throughout, each time a new lyric, a new story taking hold of me. I’d been so excited to see him play live - he’s got a killer band (shout out ryan richter) and the sound is transportive. This set ruled. Even baking in the heat at 2pm, I felt so at peace. You see the love and the tenderness that went in to the music so clearly. Was fun to share this with my friends Romy and Maleah - the heat was intense so everyone there was a True Fan and it rocked to feel how special it was for all of us.
TSHA - Ok I only caught the last few songs of this set, but damn it was good and I will be on a mission to see TSHA again as soon as I can. I still think 2021’s Power is one of the best dance songs released in this decade.
Festival Bonus (Think they’re cool, might not see their tour, so glad to catch them here)
Megan Thee Stallion - COME ON. Nonstop hits. Besides a brief costume change it’s really just Megan going the fuck off for an hour straight. She has SO MANY great songs, as someone who isn’t a diehard fan (sorry) I was in a constant state of “oh!!! this one!!”. Was nice to just settle in and enjoy a confident performer doing her thing.
Fred Again.. - The closing set of the festival, there couldn’t have been a more loving, wholesome, and beautiful end to the weekend for me. I’d say I’m a fan, but have never really dug in. Just someone who I see around online and enjoy. But now I get it. Really an impressive performance and someone who is so happy to be living the life he’s living right now. The music is incredible, exciting to hear live, and the entire crowd was eating it up. My friends and I joined a bigger group to camp with this year. Instantly became close friends, the farm bringing great people together, and to end with this set - all of us arm in arm, it was unforgettable.
Khruangbin - I’ve seen them at least one other time, I think Outside Lands? But regardless they have the most well defined “Vibe” in music. You know exactly what you’re getting (easy, hazy, psychedelic, groovy, great musicians, dynamic show) and they manage to deliver at a higher level than you’d expect. They’re so sick, so tight musically, and is the perfect thing to hear in a middle of a giant field with thousands of people around you.
Totally new to me (Totally new to me)
Parcels - my friend Grace has been riding for these boys for years but our paths had never crossed. Grateful they finally did. One of the best parts of Roo is the long days. Scheduled shows stretching well into the night after headliners play ~10/11. It’s always a thrill to see someone like this on the schedule after midnight. There’s a new energy in the crowd this late. Parcels were working magic up there I swear. Such good energy, such dialed in performers, everyone left jaws dropped.
Nation of Language - I had heard a song or two here and there, my friend Ben was a fan ever since some (rare) opening slots for LCD Soundsystem. I’ve listened a couple times but this is one of those classic see-it-live-and-really-get-it bands. I was loving it, the perfect chance to revive me from that Medium Build set. I’m sure every single article/review about them calls them a synth-pop band with 80’s influences, and yeah, sure, but live you see how much more they are than that. They rocked.
My Favorites of June
To be totally honest, this probably would’ve just been a bonnaroo recap if it weren’t for brat. But… brat. So I have to do this. We’re gonna keep it short and sweet because there’s way too much to write about. All these songs live on my All The Other Days Playlist - frequently updated, it truly is what I’m listening to all the other days.
Charli xcx - BRAT
Obviously I have been a Charli die hard for years and years but bias aside, my god. The perfect album roll out if I’ve ever seen one. Every one is electric for this thing and for good reason. Charli remains light years ahead of the rest of music and it’s a pleasure to hear. These songs make me feel alive, they make me feel so free, so myself. Obsessed with the whole thing, a real new-fav-with-every-listen situation here. Current Favs: I think about it all the time, Talk talk, and Apple
Remi Wolf - Motorcycle
Another artist who simply cannot miss. Of course, I have adored every single off this record and eager to hear more. I am so thrilled to hear Wolf slow it down and show off the pipes, this one has me swooning in the summer heat. Melts my heart as the heat melts my body. I’ve been screaming this we could get a house section <3
Blue Mena - Jewels
A summer dance HIT. Mesmerizing production, Blue Mena’s dreamy vocals floating across the top. It’s a gorgeous sunset of a song. The samples are divine, really a stunner top to bottom. Good luck not dancing to this, and good luck not playing this at least once every single day this summer…
Moses Sumney - Vintage
A new song from Moses Sumney will always stop me in my tracks. The slow groove, the intimate vocals, color me entranced. It’s soft and cozy and so damn beautiful. The simple production makes moments like that little drum fill at 1:18 feel so massive. Little choices, big impact. Just close your eyes and savor this one.
Elora - Carousel
I wouldn’t mind / kissing on the merry-go-round in July. I’m sold immediately. Such a tender tune, amazing writing through out and I’m just blown away by Elora’s creative melodies. The song is a joy and feels exciting every step of the way. Love her voice, love the band, what can i say i love the song!!! The chorus really comes alive, I’m smiling ear to ear. Perfect summer song, has me craving a carnival.
EARTH TO EMILY - I’VE ALWAYS HAD THINGS FOR COWBOYS
EARTH TO EMILY is one of the most exciting artists in Pop rn imo!!! Obsessed with her voice, so gentle and powerful, confident, flirty, but vulnerable all the same. Every song is so fun. This one opens with a mellow groove, love story unfolding, breezy little verse. The you got me bad section takes a breath, before dropping into another verse. JUST KIDDING TRICKED YOU IT’S TIME TO MOVE!!! Dropping into a breakbeat moment that absolutely rocks. The writing is sick, the adventurousness is thrilling, and production so solid from the first second. Can’t wait for more.
AOTY Candidates So Far
holy hell there’s still more?? Yeah let’s rock folks. Here are the albums that have stuck with me so far this year. Excited to see what still lies ahead. WHAT ALBUMS AM I MISSING I NEED TO KNOW!!!!
Charli xcx - BRAT
recommended if you like: having fun??? crying in the club, beautiful loud sounds you’ve never heard before, self aware pop anthems.
Favs: I think about it all the time, Talk talk, and Apple
Mk.gee - Two Star & the Dream Police
RIYL: Dijon, intergalactic rock n roll, not being totally sure wtf he’s singing, Bruce Springsteen if he was in the matrix, Jai Paul
Favs: Little Bit More, Are You Looking Up, New Low
Empress Of - For Your Consideration
RIYL: Bold and daring pop music, perfect features, dancing your ass off, music for after midnight
Favs: Lorelei, What’s Love, Sucia
Waxahatchee - Tigers Blood
RIYL: indie music but crave that country twang, taking the boat out just to float around the lake, a cold beer on a hot day, swaying back and forth one arm in the air.
Favs: Bored, 365, Evil Spawn
Rachel Chinoriri - What A Devastating Turn of Events
RIYL: Pop music unafraid of a little edge, innovative melodies, Billie Eilish and British People.
Favs: My Everything, It Is What It Is, My Blood
Katy Kirby - Blue Raspberry
RIYL: poetry, queer introspection, sprawling songs with stunning instrumentation, lyrics that make you go “oh fuck”
Favs: Redemption Arc, Wait Listen, Table
Medium Build - Country
RIYL: rocking out, crying, putting words to all my feelings and all my fears, petey, miya folick.
Favs: Can’t Be Cool Forever, Stick Around, Hey Sandra
Maggie Rogers - Don’t Forget Me
RIYL: timeless songwriting, ballads, Sheryl Crow x Natalie Imbruglia but make it 2024, loving your friends a lot
Favs: The Kill, So Sick of Dreaming, Don’t Forget Me
Superfan - Tow Truck Jesus
RIYL: Rock and Fucking Roll, vulnerable story telling, big heavy guitars and ear-catching piano sounds, Hand Habits, Ezra Furman
Favs: When You Come To LA, Sewn Up and Handsome, Over Under
All these songs and soooooo many more like 200 as of this moment but that’s bound to change. Share this playlist and this newsletter with anyone you know who might also like good music <3 Please, it really means a lot!!
If you read all the way through, 1) bless you and 2) please let me know what you thought! What songs did you love? What else have you been obsessing over this year.
Thank you as always, happy July,
Max