We Speak Music
Meet Your New Favorite Band: Deadbeat Daycare
Picture this. You’re in high school sitting at the lunch table with your best friend and contemplating what a great idea playing music together would be. So, you start the band and realize that you need a drummer and a name. You find the drummer. You decide on a name that is unlike any other. You start writing music in one member’s garage and realize that you need a bass player to round things out. You find a seasoned bass player who is a fit, and suddenly it all makes sense. That’s the story. I am just the messenger. That’s Deadbeat Daycare’s story and they’re not only sticking to it, but they’re ready to rock your world as they start to ramp up their live shows, hitting as many local venues as they can this summer. Most recently, they performed at the notable Brudder’s Bar and Burlington Bar in Chicago. The band is ready to kick it into high gear since they are all now finished with college.
Formed on the outskirts of Chicago, Deadbeat Daycare is four parts equal to one sum. Their manic energy, catchy tunes, and power punk sensibilities are what makes this four-piece unit one of the tightest bands around, as their live show is a testament to their desire to give 500% to their audience. Featuring Joaquin on vocals and rhythm guitar, Ethan on lead guitar, Bobby on drums, and Dan on bass, the band is firmly planted in a genre-less existence which doesn’t give audiences the opportunity to pigeonhole their unique sound.
Influences are many for each member of Deadbeat Daycare, which is one of the many reasons the band veers off the beaten path from many of its contemporaries when it comes to songwriting. Instead of relying on one or two people in the band to create, which they did in the beginning stages, it’s now a shared responsibility which allows the band to build their arsenal of songs at a more rapid pace. As the band states, “Songwriting has always been a mix of a split responsibility and solo. Often times Ethan or Joaquin will write a chord progression and lyrics, and bring it to the band where Bobby provides a beat, Ethan provides lead ideas, and Dan writes a bass line. More recently Bobby and Dan have been bringing lyrics and riffs to the table for the band to create a song around.”
The songwriting isn’t the only part of the band that is unique, all the members of Deadbeat Daycare make sure to stay true to who they are as individuals. They dont try to fit in with other bands or even with each other. While they recognize that a band should be a unit, they also know how important it is to be authentic, which is just another reason why Deadbeat Daycare is one of the tightest bands around!
We Speak Music
Kendra & The Bunnies Challenges the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” Stereotype with New Single, “Manic Pixie Nightmare”
Kendra Muecke of Kendra & the Bunnies is back in the spotlight with her latest release, “Manic Pixie Nightmare,” a single that confronts and defies the traditional “manic pixie dream girl” (MPDG) trope. Known for her genre-blending sound that fuses rock, pop, and elements of folk, Kendra has built a reputation for delivering music with powerful messages of self-love and authenticity. With “Manic Pixie Nightmare,” she takes her message a step further, encouraging fans to embrace their individuality and break free from societal constraints.
The term “manic pixie dream girl” refers to a cinematic trope that presents quirky, free-spirited female characters as a muse for male protagonists. In her new single, however, Kendra reclaims this character as a figure who refuses to be boxed into anyone else’s narrative. Instead of living for others, Kendra’s “Manic Pixie Nightmare” character lives for herself. The track tackles complex themes of self-discovery, self-worth, and rejecting external expectations, reflecting Kendra’s evolving artistry and commitment to empowering messages.
The song combines catchy guitar riffs and a punchy beat with lyrics that are both rebellious and introspective. Kendra’s bold vocal performance gives life to lines that challenge listeners to live authentically, making “Manic Pixie Nightmare” both an anthem for personal freedom and a critique of narrow, limiting labels. As Kendra puts it, “Chasing love can lead to heartbreak, but finding yourself? That’s where the magic happens.” Her message has struck a chord with listeners, as early feedback shows fans responding strongly to the song’s empowering themes.
Adding a visual layer to the single, Kendra released a music video shot on the Los Angeles subway, specifically on the line running from North Hollywood to Hollywood Blvd. The video shows Kendra journeying through the subway with friends, symbolizing the process of self-discovery amid an ever-moving world. Set against the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the video highlights her message of forging one’s own path and finding meaning outside of societal pressures. The subway scenes create a relatable setting that complements the song’s themes of independence and authenticity.
Kendra’s new single has already received positive feedback from music critics and fans alike, who appreciate her willingness to challenge conventional stereotypes while providing an upbeat and fun musical experience. With this release, Kendra is not only solidifying her presence in the indie music scene but also expanding her audience. “Manic Pixie Nightmare” has caught the attention of fans who are eager for music that speaks to personal empowerment and breaking free from limiting narratives.
Kendra Muecke continues to push the boundaries of indie rock-pop with “Manic Pixie Nightmare.” By taking on cultural archetypes and reframing them, she’s giving listeners a fresh perspective on self-identity and personal freedom. As she continues to create and evolve, fans can expect more music that doesn’t just entertain but also inspires critical thinking and self-reflection.
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