Dear Rocka readers,
This month, I didn’t put out any features. It has been a month of adjusting to my now insane schedule and planning out some content for this spring.
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My major “first” of this month was getting some tickets to see a show in Chicago for my job. I’ve been invited to shows before, but I usually end up paying any sort of cover/ buying merchandise. Getting free stuff is cool, but ultimately most of the artists I support are indie and I want to be able to support them in any way that I can.
The most notable takeaway from this show is that I think I am getting older. The charming lines and mannerisms from boys on stages with guitars that at one point were spellbinding now fall flat. But watching a predominately female audience get excited about an artist will forever be a fulfilling experience for me.
When I was in middle school, I read some book about fangirls and their impact on pop culture. I’ve carried wisdom from that book for years now. Girls are usually onto things faster than everyone else. Whether it’s the Beatles or One Direction, our passion for things is often interpreted as mania. And admittedly, sometimes it is. But fangirls (using this term very broadly) compose the foundation and spirit of so many industries.
I’ve noticed this in my job. Most of my coworkers and people I connect with are obsessed with a handful of artists or have stories about camping outside venues for days on end to see a performance. They have specialized merchandise and can rattle off facts faster than their own name. Although “stan culture” has its pitfalls that are becoming more evident as we navigate our increasingly strange parasocial relationships with artists, I ultimately find it hopeful. Kurt Vonnegut once wrote:
“What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”
That concert wasn’t for me, but it served me in its exhibition of pure adoration with a common interest. I won’t pull any “music is my religion” lines on you, but it can, and does, act as a uniting force for so many people. I hope I never cease to experience moments like that, even if I cringe.
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And as if on cue, I wanted to include a small note about a song that captures this kind of feeling. When I visited LA for the first time a few years ago, I met some great people at a show (for Been Stellar actually). Brayden, lead of Unlucky Sonny, was one of those. The group just released their first track in a while, “Growing Up.”
This track sounds like winter melting into spring. It’s gentle and curious in tone, musing on what growing up feels like. My interpretation is the desire for contentment in life moving forward. Nothing outrageous, glamorous, or intense. Just how to be better. Check it out here.
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My mix this month is predominately hip-hop. Mynameisntjmack dropped a new track with Kwame Adu called “walk around”. It was produced by lim0 (Jack L) and John Wehmeyer— both of whom are very talented producers. Also on this mix is Carter Ace’s newest, “How Could U Ever,” some Topaz Jones, and my newest love: Kari Faux.
The spotlight track is “RNS,” by Snowsa. I’ve loved Snowsa for going on a year now, and this release was a pleasant surprise. She’s just smooth as hell. The disjointed piano track mixing with the phone buzz sounds so cool and I cannot wait to see Snowsa grow. And if her team is reading this, please hit me back about scheduling an interview… I can offer my first born. Or a limb. Whatever snow prefers.
Here is March’s mix.
Rocka out,
Ally