We Speak Music

Devin James Fry releases his post-pandemic masterpiece ‘Retrellion’

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2023

Don Reed

Devin James Fry is pleased to announce the release of his new album ‘Retrellion’ this April, 2023. ‘Retrellion’ is a departure from his previous sound, which typically featured him fingerpicking a guitar, either alone or in the context of Name Sayers, the adventurous psychedelic rock band he fronts. The new album, which was produced, recorded, and mixed by Fry, features punchy, hip hop-influenced songs that are difficult to classify into a single genre, with otherworldly synths and glitchy electronics throughout.

Early reviews have noted the shift. “Is this post-punk hip hop? We hope so,” wrote reviewer Layla Merino of yourEDM.com, noting that with Retrellion, “Fry might even be creating new genres.”

The album’s title reflects that it is the product of a time (the Covid-19 pandemic) when societal norms broke down and expectations could be set aside.

“I wanted a word that felt like both retreat and rebellion,” says Fry.

Thus, ‘Retrellion’ was born. Some songs, like lead single ‘Black Rainbow’, feature collaborations with rappers like Brooklyn’s Chris Conde and Denver-based rapper and circuit bender Otem Rellik, while others are solo explorations. All were created using a bank of synthesizers and noisemakers including ‘The Jitter Getter’, an analogue sound effects engine Fry designed and built himself, and which is featured in the video for previous single ‘Purple Glue’.

One song, ‘Ash Ode Variation’, is an adaptation of the poem ‘Ash Ode’ by Fry’s friend and hero, poet Dean Young. Fry enlisted the help of another of his mentors, Chicago flutist Lloyd Brodnax King, to create the song and sent it to Young, who replied to say that he was looking forward to listening to it.

Unbeknownst to Fry, Young lay on his deathbed at the time, and Fry is unsure whether the poet heard the song before he died.

The ‘Retrellion’ merchandise is as offbeat and finely crafted as the music, and includes a 180-gram LP, colouring books, incense, lathe cut 7” singles, soap, and matchbooks. Yes, anything seems possible in the world of Devin James Fry.

We Speak Music

Mark Winters Releases New Album “Acoustic Me”

Published

6 minutes ago

May 9, 2025

Olivia Long

A Raw, Heartfelt Journey Through Resilience, Connection, and Love

Texas-based artist Mark Winters invites listeners into his most personal work yet with the release of his new acoustic album, Acoustic Me. A collection of intimate, stripped-back songs inspired by real moments, shared stories, and quiet strength, the album offers a warm and honest portrait of an artist embracing vulnerability, connection, and inner resilience.

At its heart, Acoustic Me is a celebration of growth through stripped-down expression. Each song was recorded in a live, organic setting—with minimal production—capturing the raw emotions and true essence of Winters’ performances alongside longtime collaborators Michael Shanks and Rochelle Gomez, whose harmonies and instrumental textures elevate every track.

The album includes four standout singles that chart the emotional arc of the record:

“Strong [Acoustic Me] feat Roxé” – A powerful anthem of perseverance, moving lyrically from reflection to encouragement, touching on setbacks, self-doubt, and the importance of finishing strong—not perfect, just strong.

“Leaning” – A tender reminder that strength often comes from leaning on others. Built on a simple acoustic groove, this song speaks to the quiet beauty of vulnerability in relationships.

“Find My Love” – A soulful search for connection, layered with acoustic warmth and lyrical longing. It’s both a love song and a personal compass—pointing inward as much as outward.

“Signal” – A folk-rock-flavored transmission of hope and authenticity, Signal explores the idea of being seen and heard in a noisy world—of sending out your truth and trusting that someone, somewhere, is listening.

Reflecting on the journey of creating the album, Winters shares:

“I’ve been on an amazing journey with my good friends Michael Shanks and Rochelle Gomez—playing live, writing music, and shaping what has become my acoustic sound. I’m so very grateful for the growth and experience it’s offered me. This album is a reflection of our live sound—honest, unfiltered, and full of heart.”

The album also includes a heartfelt haiku and a dedication:

Make A Friend – A Haiku
Hands in my pockets
I, step out, and say hello
Joy, of new, begins

In memory of Dean C. Winters, my inspiration for many of my artistic endeavors.

Acoustic Me is not just a musical project—it’s a statement of purpose: to live with openness, to create with heart, and to share moments that make us all feel a little less alone.