We Speak Music

Pittsburgh’s Messiah Of Madness returns with new EP!

Published

5 months ago

June 26, 2024

Out of the shadowy recesses of “Steeltown” (aka Pittsburgh, PA) a dark musical force known as The Messiah Of Madness has been crafting some of the most grimey boom-bap around today. His four-track offering, You Already Know (to drop digitally on June 28^th via Dominion Hill Records) is titled such, as the artist relates “if you ever listened to my music, you already know that everything I put out is hard, raw and menacing, this EP is held to the same standard.”

On the mic, The Messiah is gruff, disrespectful and homicidal with his words, his producer alter-ego Tone Fultz (who produces three of the four tracks on this release) is equally adept at creating the type of raucous instrumentals that made Wu-Tang and Mobb Deep touchstones of the 1990’s. The one non Tone Fultz produced track on the release “Crown Royal Bag” is provided by hometown legend Big Jerm, who has also laced tracks for Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg among others.

Preview the EP here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/you-already-know-ep/1750087586

This is the first new Messiah Of Madness since last year’s Monstrosity LP (Global Sounds/MNRK) but prior to that was a twelve year break between 2011’s The Ordeal LP and Monstrosity. This was mostly due to Tone Fultz keeping busy on the production side. Some of his recent work includes “Get On Your Knees” the new single from Wu-Tang / Theodore Unit affiliate Solomon Childs as well as a forthcoming EP with Kinetic 9 of Killarmy.

More info: https://www.instagram.com/messiah_of_madness/

We Speak Music

Kendra & The Bunnies Challenges the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” Stereotype with New Single, “Manic Pixie Nightmare”

Published

5 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Philomena Marie

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.