We Speak Music

Will Bates Delivers Masterful Album ‘The Pirate Album’

Published

4 months ago

July 30, 2024

With the release of his album, The Pirate Album, Will Bates—who is well-known for his vast body of work in cinema and television composition—has entered uncharted musical ground. Sketches from a forgotten project and a fifteen-foot balafon were the strange starting points for this project. First envisioned as a budding film score, the partnership with friend and drummer Mathias Kunzli took an unexpected turn when the renowned composer turned it into a significant release.

After the movie idea was abandoned, Bates repurposed balafon drawings to create The Pirate Album. He assembled a talented group of musicians, including drummer Spencer Cohen and jazz musician Quentin Collins, who helped transform the original doodles into complete tunes. Their input helped Bates create a unique and original musical experience.

Sonically, the Pirate Album is influenced by a wide range of genres and is thought to fall between Talking Heads and Eden Ahbez. But the album’s route wasn’t a straight line. Bates balanced his composing commissions over a period of eighteen months with sporadic record revivals. A breakthrough occurred when Bates’s own production firm, Fall On Your Sword, music supervisor Lucy Alper, was able to obtain a sync for one of the tunes. This encouraged Bates to finish the record.

In conclusion, the album is a creative collaboration by Bates, that showcases his creative spirit and rejection-response relationship. The album features nine diverse and sonically striking tracks, showcasing Bates’ status as an important artist in the music scene. The unique sound design and atmosphere make it a sensational listen, regardless of the setting.

We Speak Music

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

Published

14 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.