We Speak Music
Devin James Fry releases his post-pandemic masterpiece ‘Retrellion’
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.
Rol3ert (pronounced “Robert”) is making waves in the music world with his emotionally captivating single “meaning.” Released in January 2025, the track has already amassed over 400,000 views on YouTube, signaling that Rol3ert is an artist whose appeal extends far beyond his native Japan. With his unique blend of J-pop and alternative indie-pop, the song is a testament to the artist’s ability to combine traditional and contemporary sounds, creating a track that resonates with listeners globally.
What’s truly remarkable about “meaning” is how effortlessly Rol3ert blends J-pop elements with more universal indie-pop sensibilities. The track’s soaring melodies and introspective lyrics have made it a viral hit, and Rol3ert’s emotional delivery amplifies the song’s power. His voice is commanding yet vulnerable, capturing the complexity of the song’s themes. There’s an unmistakable depth to “meaning” that speaks to listeners no matter where they’re from, proving that music is a language that transcends borders.
The “meaning Remix Contest” launched on SURF MUSIC has taken the track’s journey even further, with global creators offering their own interpretations of the song. Out of thousands of submissions, Vietnamese producer KIDCOZY’s remix emerged as the winner. KIDCOZY brings an unexpected twist to “meaning,” infusing it with a gritty electric guitar riff that adds a raw, edgy energy to the track. The remix amplifies the song’s emotional power while giving it a new sonic flavor, showcasing the versatility and creativity of remix culture.
KIDCOZY’s remix introduces a bold, guitar-driven intro that immediately sets the track apart from the original. While the infectious chorus remains intact, the remix adds layers of intensity, with a new production style that brings an exciting urgency to the song. It’s a perfect example of how a remix can evolve a song, giving it new life while staying true to its emotional core. The collaboration between Rol3ert and KIDCOZY highlights the beauty of cross-cultural partnerships and the power of music to unite artists from different backgrounds.
Rol3ert’s upcoming “meaning EP” promises to build on this momentum, featuring a stripped-down piano version of the song alongside a diverse collection of remixes. As a rising star in the global music scene, Rol3ert’s ability to seamlessly blend East and West, J-pop and indie-pop, positions him as an artist to watch closely in the years ahead.
-
We Speak Health1 week agoGino Black Premieres Powerful New Video Series: “I SURVIVED A LIVER TRANSPLANT”
-
We Speak Music4 days agoRising Stars Roundup: Bantunani, Chris Errera, and More
-
We Speak Music5 days agoErvin Munir Drops Second Studio Album, “Pure and Simple”
-
We Speak Entertainment2 days agoMac After Death: Where Bars Meet The Pen