Max's Music Mondays // November 2nd

bb sway and MRWIZE, a combo sweeter than halloween candy

Wow, a Halloween to remember, huh? All those M&Ms and Snickers and stuff? Yummy! There’s some observation to be made - how we use costumes to escape from reality for a moment. The same way I might turn to music in moments of intense anxiety or stress. But, I tried to make it and folks? I couldn’t quite pull it off. Just know that thought is simmering… maybe I’ll use it next Halloween. Regardless, I am grateful for this week’s songs, both of which do create their own worlds to escape into.

I Found Out When The Day Had Come - bb sway.

A deep and earnest sigh as this song starts. It’s just so playful and easy from the first second on. The groove gives off such a natural sway, I’m boogieing in my chair. I mean just listen to the birds chirping!!! I love this!! It creates a levity that ties this song together. It allows the brightness that follows to feel like an earned progression. When that synth hits and the ‘ooo’s come through at 0:46 there’s a sense that maybe it’s just the birds singing, or at least they’re the ones playing the synth. The chorus is a magical minute that feels almost unreal. Not in a scary way, rather it’s an inviting eeriness. Like the expanse of a mountain range, seeing forever off into the distance and even sat right before your eyes you can’t fully believe it. At least I can’t. It’s a remarkably humbling yet empowering ability, wielded by ol Mommy Nature (I instinctively reached for Mother Naych? What is happening to my brain?), and bb sway has captured it in the music, in the lyrics, and in the delightful music video. The birds playing synth take on the first half of this second verse with that familiar melody. Of course, it’s not that bb sway couldn’t do it. Instead the birds are supporting her, letting her bask in mother nature’s beauty for just a bit longer (kind of Cinderella vibes. I’m sorry… I can’t shake the visual now). When we finally return to bb sway, the gentle echo matched with their vocal tone gives it this half-ethereal feel. Holding me close, and when that expansive feeling explodes again with the ‘ooo’s and I’m at peace. TY BB SWAY. As the song breaks, we end where we began, some simple acoustic guitar and the sounds of life still flourishing out there.

They Ask You How You Are (And You Have To Say That You’re Fine) - MRWIZE

We’re swinging for the fences on this one, but *Jackson Maine voice*, all ya gotta do is trust me. Love a song whose cover art so perfectly embodies the sound within. All of MRWIZE’s covers are all stunning and weird and inspiring on both counts. The song’s relaxed pace leaves space to create a visual in my head. Opening alone, our narrator slowly enters the world, talking to themselves in the mirror maybe. It leads us to this ghostly interaction on a cold street. A passing conversation, just trying to connect. I admire how MRWIZE can deliver such humanity in such manipulated vocals. It’s most visceral while responding “I’m alright”, which propels us past this conversation. It’s our simple key, the easy answer that unlocks our moving on, and it feels like a relief. Yet it’s that same energy throwing us stumbling forward, alone again, questioning what that “alright” really means. The lightness and quickness that swept us off our feet is gone, and nearing 2mins, things get a little James Blake-y... There’s repetition, modulation, fragments and sounds coming and going, there’s hesitation. The vocals splash into that digital water, making room for this wild recording revealing the truth we all knew - this fine isn’t fine. And in this divulgence, we move the song in an honest direction - like opening a door, and rather than find a room, we find it’s a portal to a completely chaotic dimension, showcasing the complexity of “fine”. Like life, this “fine” is messy, it’s funky, it’s dense, it’s all over the place, it’s relentless. Yet, the moment is cathartic in its honesty about, and acceptance of, all the above. And musically, it’s mesmerizing. There’s no real closure to the story, just a complex end to chew on. Another deeply unique and creative execution of a fun, if heavy, song to carry.

In Case You Missed It

Harry really is at the top of his game, it’s genuinely inspiring to me. Maggie Rogers for Atmos on finding and honoring our whole selves. New Caroline Kingsbury, a Killers anthem but make it 80’s. Jim-E Stack album, capping off a year of beautiful releases with an exceptional variety features. Ayoni is back and ready to dance. Tierra Whack as delightful as ever.

There’s a lot to worry about in our lives right now. If you need anything, seriously, please reach out. I’m always here for anyone who needs it.

Speaking of needing, if you have any leftover candy…

Yours,

Max