SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
mad sounds a publication for the young and daring
life imitates art ISSUE NO. 10
mad sounds I LOVE YOU MORE THAN BEING SEVENTEEN
Giselle Melendres - Editor, Creative Director & Designer madsoundsmagazine@gmail.com
Trinity Gardner - Music Editor
Contributing Writers - Giselle Melendres, Zoe Allen, Emily Hampton, Riley Donahue
Contributing Photographers - Sheridan Elyse Dyches, Willow Greene, Arvin Rusanganwa, Aidan Doyle, Rai Utomo
ON THE COVER - Photography by Hannah Minkner Featuring Kennedy Dawn Stearns
stay rad, stay mad @madsoundsmag www.madsoundsmag.com @madsoundsmag
introduction 008
contributors
011
042
baby, don’t sweat it by AIDAN DOYLE
055
a letter from the editor
blue hour by RAI UTOMO
photo journals
064
012
leave me like you found me by WILLOW GREENE
030
coconut cheeks by SHERIDAN DYCHES
girl of my dreams by ARVIN RUSANGANWA
 
interviews 074
natalie fong an interview with photographer and Instagrammer, @nataliefongphoto
082
broken dreams club photography by NATALIE FONG
094
emmy kappes an interview with Northwestern student/lifestyle blogger @happy_kappey
110
kennedy dawn an interview with blogger, Free People stylist, and ASU student, @kennedydawn
music 128
mad sounds must hears reviewed by TRINITY GARDNER
mad sounds contributors
contributors
GISELLE MELENDRES
WILLOW GREENE
SHERIDAN DYCHES
AIDAN DOYLE
@gisellelisabeth founding editor-in-chief & creative director
@moody_mind photographer Arizona
@sheridanelyse photographer Hawaii
@adoyleee photographer California
RAI UTOMO
ARVIN RUSANGANWA
ZOE ALLEN
TRINITY GARDNER
@paraisitic photographer Kentucky
@a.rvin photographer California
@eoz_allen writer Texas
@catveins music editor California
008
a letter from the editor
LIFE IMITATES ART KENNEDY DAWN STEARNS HANNAH MINKNER Beauty lives within every aspect of our everyday lives. It lives within our favorite records, and our childhood photos. It lives within the detailed musings of a novel or poem. It lives within the laughs we share, and our precious memories, captured upon a DSLR. It lives within our tears, and our reckless emotions. It lives within our secret hiding places, and our guilty pleasures. Life imitates art in many forms. In love, beauty, lust, desire, fear, anger, happiness, and more. Within our tenth edition of Mad Sounds, we hope to dedicate this issue to
the seemingly abstract & bewildering idea life itself: the greatest form of art and beauty. Whether it means picking up a camera, writing a blog post, styling an outfit, or discovering a new song; we’d like to encourage our readers to be inspired and find passion within their youth. In a life filled with an abundance of creativity and imagination, it is crucial to be daring, creative, bold, and most importantly, inspired. Now this is your life—make it count. Giselle Melendres Founder & Editor-in-Chief
011
LEAVE ME LIKE YOU FOUND ME photography by WILLOW GREENE featuring OLIVIA BROWER styling by BRANDY MELVILLE
mad sounds photo journal
014
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
015
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
017
mad sounds photo journal
018
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
019
mad sounds photo journal
020
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
021
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
023
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
025
mad sounds photo journal
026
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
027
mad sounds photo journal
028
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
029
mad sounds photo journal
COCONUT CHEEKS photography by SHERIDAN ELYSE featuring LOHELANI HICKS styling by COCONUT CHEEKS
030
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
033
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
035
mad sounds photo journal
040
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
041
mad sounds photo journal
BABY, DON‘T SWEAT IT photography by AIDAN DOYLE featuring AVA WITTKOP, TRINITY GARDNER
042
styling by AMERICAN APPAREL featuring AVA WITTKOP
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
045
mad sounds photo journal
046
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
049
mad sounds photo journal
050
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
051
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
053
mad sounds photo journal
BLUE HOUR photography by RAI UTOMO featuring JANIE POULTON
054
mad sounds photo journal
056
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
057
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
059
mad sounds photo journal
060
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
061
photography by RAI UTOMO featuring JANIE POULTON
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
063
mad sounds photo journal
GIRL OF MY DREAMS photography by ARVIN RUSANGANWA featuring STEPHANIE INCHAUSTEGUI & ISHA HUSTON
064
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
065
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
067
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
069
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
071
mad sounds interview
NATALIE FONG
photography by NATALIE FONG interview by GISELLE MELENDRES
074
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
Natalie Fong is a Hawaii/New York based
fashion photographer, with an eye for the alluring and divine. Natalie’s photos, both ethereal and thoughtprovoking, evoke a unique wave of emotion, often highlighted through her personal experiences and powerful beliefs. Read on to learn more about Natalie Fong’s inspiring journey into photography. TO START OFF, WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHERS? I shoot primarily on film, and I use a 50mm 1.8 on a Canon AE-1. When I am shooting digitally, I use a Sigma 35mm 1.4 on a Canon 6D. I love how simple my set ups are and I would definitely recommend it, as it is easy to move and shoot with what I use.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PARTICULAR LOCATIONS IN WHICH YOU PREFER SHOOTING? I love nature; bright flowers, big trees, blue skies, all of it. I also love good light and unusual shadows, but I do not like to repeat locations, so I usually try to find somewhere new for every shoot. DO YOU PREFER INDOOR OR OUTDOOR SHOOTS? Outdoors, but I never turn down amazing indoor locations! WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHERS? Tim Walker, Michal Pudelka, Synchrodogs, Venetia Scott, Hunter Ryan, Fanny Latour Lambert...the list goes on. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PHOTOS? Like I said in my answer to question 2, my experiences and beliefs are what fuel my work. I see qualities, good and bad, in myself and others that I try to capture in photographs. I am also encouraged and inspired by other artists in photography as well as artists in other mediums.
WHAT DIFFERENT MESSAGES/FEELINGS DO YOU HOPE TO PORTRAY WITH YOUR PHOTOS? My work is most often an extension of my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about life. I photograph to remember things. I frequently photograph people in postures of hopefulness because of my desire to live life in the same way based on my foundation in Christianity.
077
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
“There are moments and images that come from all of my shoots that I grow to love.” HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHICH SUBJECTS/MODELS TO UTILIZE WITHIN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS? I like photographing those that I feel close with, as well as complete strangers. Most of the people that I shoot are signed models that agencies send to me for testing, but I frequently create personal work with friends.
WHICH HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE SHOOT THAT YOU HAVE DONE THUS FAR? I don't think that I have a favorite shoot specifically because there are moments and images that come from all of my shoots that I grow to love. WHAT IS YOUR DREAM EQUIPMENT? A Rolleiflex and an unlimited supply of film would be a dream ♥ ALTHOUGH THE EQUIPMENT DOESN'T MAKE THE PHOTOGRAPHER, WHICH DO YOU FIND TO BE MORE IMPORTANT, A GOOD LENS OR A GOOD CAMERA? Both are important, but I typically invest more money in acquiring lenses over bodies. DESCRIBE SOME OF YOUR EDITING PROCESSES. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PROGRAMS TO UTILIZE AND HOW DO YOU EDIT YOUR PHOTOS? I used to use PhotoShop very heavily with my digital work, but now that I shoot analogue, I do very little retouching because I adore the natural colors and tones of film: After I have my film developed at the lab, I scan the film, do minor color corrections in PhotoShop, remove any dust, and fix blemishes/flyaway hairs. That's about it!
WHAT BRANDS AND COMPANIES HAVE YOU ENJOYED WORKING WITH THUS FAR? I began directing my attention towards working with modeling agencies and shooting fashion about a year ago, but school, work, and travel has kept me from giving it my full attention. That being said, I do have plans to create new work with new people in the near future!
079
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
“ M a k e work that gives you joy to create, not what you think your followers would like.”
HOW HAS INSTAGRAM INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER/PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND WHAT IMPACT HAS IT MADE ON YOUR LIFE THUS FAR? Having any sort of following on a social media inherently elevates expectations. I gained a lot of my Instagram followers during a very conceptual phase of my work. Since moving into a different direction, the numbers have dropped and I have come to understand that "likes" and "follows" are not necessarily indicators of how good my work is, but simply a reflection of different expectations. Change and development are crucial in any artist's growth. DO YOU HAVE ANY LAST ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS? Make work that gives you joy to create, not what you think your followers would like.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A 'GOOD' PHOTOGRAPH? There are plenty of technical aspects in photography that are, arguably, able to define a good image. However, the motivation with which you use to create is something that cannot be compromised or conformed. If your work means something to you, it is good. If a photograph can change the way you feel about something, it is good. DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE A CAREER OUT OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY? Definitely. It is the only thing I can imagine myself doing for the rest of my life and I'd like to think that I'm already on my way there.
081
mad sounds photo feature
BROKEN DREAMS CLUB photography by NATALIE FONG
082
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
085
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
087
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
089
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
091
EMMY KAPPES
photography by EMMY KAPPES interview by GISELLE MELENDRES
“a cheeky ball of unruly hair + urban sophistication”
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
Meet Emmy Kappes, the featured face behind Northwestern’s premier lifestyle publication, “Quaintrelle”, and multimedia editor of STITCH Magazine. She’s the young Blair Waldorf of Evanston, Illinois: sophisticated, ambitious, driven, and astonishingly creative. And now, she’s taking the world of fashion, art, and journalism by storm.
FAVORITES… Song: Anything from Sia's 1000 Forms of Fear album. Band: Cayucas Artist: Marcel DuChamp Book: Coffee table books on art + design. Movie: This is so hard…but I'll go with The Great Beauty. TV Show: Ugly Betty Female Celeb: Blake Lively Male Celeb: Ed Westwick Place: New York City (especially Bleeker Street). Drink: Earl Grey tea with milk Quote: "Listen, smile, agree, and then do whatever the f*** you were gonna do anyway." - Robert Downey Jr. Store: Dover Street Market Instrument: Piano Movie Soundtrack: Amélie Holiday: New Years
RANDOMS… Last movie you watched? Fantastic Mr. Fox (The only good movie on my flight to London). Coffee or tea? Tea. Comedies or dramas? Dark comedies. Big city or small town? Big city. What is your most worn item? A vintage Casio watch I got from American Apparel when I started college last year. What are your biggest pet peeves? When people say something "isn't their job". Favorite place that you’ve ever traveled? The French Riviera Hot or cold weather? Hot weather East or west coast? Can't decide. Worst fears? Big heights If you could have one talent, what would it be? I really wish I could draw well.
095
You have a free trip to anywhere in the world, where do you go? Rome or Paris. Those cities are magical. If you could be any television show character, who would you be? Amanda from Ugly Betty. If you could have any job in the world (without worrying about financial stability) which would you choose? Floral Designer or Travel Writer You have $1,000, what do you spend it on? Set it aside + use later for a Yves Saint Laurent Sac du Jour bag If you could relocate to one place, where would you live? New York, without question.
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
“Chicago moves fast, but I sort of love that about big cities. There is this sense of anonymity that exists when you venture into the downtown area by yourself, which can be wonderful sometimes.” HI EMILY, THANKS FOR SITTING DOWN WITH US HERE AT MAD SOUNDS. TO START, GIVE US A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF EMILY KAPPES.
I'll tell you the basics…I'm a journalism and art history student studying at Northwestern University in Chicago. I'm nearly twenty years old (my birthday is in September), but I'm pretty much an old lady on the inside. I love big cities, and almost always have a Starbucks cup in my hand. I can't think of a time since I got to college that I haven't been crazy busy, but I love college, and Chicago.
look around and see the sort of accomplishments going on around you, but it also serves as my biggest motivator. For instance, one of my good friends from STITCH, Alix, worked backstage at Rodarte last year during NYFW. It's crazy, because that sort of thing would seem crazy impressive outside of school, but at Northwestern, those sorts of opportunities and experiences are relatively common. And I love that. YOU ORIGINALLY RESIDED IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, HOW DOES THIS NEW CHICAGO LIFESTYLE DIFFER FROM THAT OF THE WEST COAST? Chicago moves fast, but I sort of love that about big cities. There is this sense of anonymity that exists when you venture into the downtown area by yourself, which can be wonderful sometimes, but can also get really lonely. When I came back home for the summer, it was like someone hit the pause button on this whirlwind experience I was having; at first, it was disorienting, but now I'm appreciating the rest. It's nice because I'm truly appreciating the laid-back lifestyle that I used to dislike about California. Everything moves slowly, but the guacamole here is unbeatable (so important), and the weather is always nice. It's a nice break, but I think I needed to be in that fastpaced environment to appreciate where I came from.
T E L L U S A B O U T Y O U R L I F E AT NORTHWESTERN, WHAT’S IT LIKE? Everyone at Northwestern is so incredibly talented. It can be almost daunting sometimes to
097
mad sounds interview
098
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
“Above all, it was really important to me that the publication had a collegiate focus. I wanted the content to be applicable and interesting for a student audience.” W H A T O R I G I N A L LY I N S P I R E D T H E PUBLICATION AND ITS CONTENT? It was a conglomeration of things; I love elevated fashion publications, like Vogue and Elle, but I also wanted the publication to have a voice similar to Nylon, or smaller print publications. Above all, it was really important to me that the publication had a collegiate focus. I wanted the content to be applicable and interesting for a student audience. WHO ARE THE MAIN COLLABORATORS OF QUAINTRELLE?
I REMEMBER YOU TOURED THE TEEN VOGUE OFFICES NOT TOO LONG AGO, WHAT WAS THAT LIKE? Having the opportunity to tour that office space was truly a blessing. It was that visit that I met the then Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief, Alyssa Reeder, who has truly become my style icon and all-around #wcw (follow her on Instagram; she's so incredibly cool). Looking back, I do think I had a vastly different idea of what the office environment would be like than what I actually saw; the space turned out to be much more welcoming and friendly than I was expecting it to be. The office was quieter than I was expecting too; no one was sprinting down the hallways á la Devil Wears Prada. I ALSO UNDERSTAND YOU CONTRIBUTE TO NORTHWESTERN’S “STITCH MAGAZINE’, HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE PUBLICATION? I actually read STITCH's magazine long before I even knew I wanted to go to Northwestern; I even mentioned the publication in my "Why Northwestern?" essay. Once I had gotten in to NU, I reached out as early as possible to executive members about joining the team - it was just something I was passionate about from the beginning- and practiced filling out old applications they had made available online. I was a little rabid about the entire thing, but I was so excited that a group of people on campus were as interested in fashion journalism and trends as I was in high school.
We have about ten staff members who contribute content to the publication regularly. More recently, I started doing interviews with photographers I found on Tumblr, or bands. We also did a collaboration with Warby Parker this past April; that was really cool.
099
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
“ I've embraced my passion, and truly believe that fashion and art can be intellectually stimulating and smart. “ WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING FOR ‘STITCH’? Like I said earlier, the sort of talent that makes up our executive team and staff is unbelievable. I love being involved in elements of the magazine that don't necessarily need my help- like the photo shoots - simply because its just so much fun. I'm STITCH's multimedia editor, which means I deal primarily with producing video content for the publication. I'm planning on applying for creative director in the future, but that is a ways off.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE STORES? Madewell is a favorite, but I'm also really into American Apparel, Sandro and Acne Studios. FROM WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR BOTH YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND QUAINTRELLE POSTS? This sounds terribly lame, but 90% of the time the inspiration stems from random sources; I'm never really looking for inspiration. If anything, I always can find great ideas by browsing through Tumblr. LASTLY, HOW HAVE WRITING, FASHION, AND ART INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE? I can say with confidence that these subjects entirely define my life now, from the earrings I wear, to the postcard selection I hang in my dorm room at school. I was a little self-conscious at first when I showed interest in art and fashion, mainly because I was afraid of the responses I would receive from others- I've always wanted to be taken seriously, and thought others would think these endeavors were silly- but I've embraced my passion, and truly believe that fashion and art can be intellectually stimulating and smart.
Keep up with Emmy at emmykappes.weebly.com @happey_kappey on Instagram
AND NOW, ONTO YOUR PERSONAL TASTE, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FASHION STYLE? I would describe my style as classic, cheeky, sophisticated and ever so slightly tomboy. I wear a lot of black, white, and denim nowadays.
101
mad sounds interview
102
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
103
mad sounds interview
104
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
105
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
107
mad sounds interview
108
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
109
photography by HANNAH MINKNER @minkmade interview by GISELLE MELENDRES styling by FREE PEOPLE
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
Meet Kennedy Dawn Stearns, an Arizona based model, blogger, Free People Summer Styling Intern, and student at Arizona State University. Stunning, stylish, and seemingly celestial; Kennedy Dawn Stearns is a face to remember in the world of fashion, lifestyle, photography, and styling.
FAVORITE… Song: Gold Teeth by Little Wings Band: Cage The Elephant Artist: Gustav Klimt Book: She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb Movie: Girl, Interrupted TV Show: Right now I am watching Grey's Anatomy and I guess you could say I am pretty obsessed. Female Celeb: Miley Cyrus Male Celeb: Will Smith Place: Portland, Oregon my birthplace Drink: Root Beer Quote: "Let's be heroes, let's be martyrs, let's be radical thinkers who never have to test drive the least of their dreams." -Frank Turner Store: Free People Movie Soundtrack: Juno Holiday: Halloween
RANDOMS… Last movie you watched? Rosemary's Baby Coffee or tea? Tea Comedies or dramas? Dramas Big city or small town? Big city What is your most worn item? Destroyed Ankle Skinny by Free People What are your biggest pet peeves? When people interrupt and when I get woken up before my alarm. Favorite place that you’ve ever traveled? San Francisco! Hot or cold weather? HOT East or west coast? West coast Worst fears? To have a limb amputated and needles... I am terrified of needles. If you could have one talent, what would it be? To be musically inclined.
111
If you could be any television show character, who would you be? Sabrina the Teenage Witch If you could have any job in the world (without worrying about financial stability), which would you choose? Travel blogger You have $1,000, what do you spend it on? I’d spend it on a vacation to somewhere exotic. If you could relocate to one place, where would you live? Portland, Oregon
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
“It was a snowball effect from there, it picked up speed and turned into this incredible feed and community. I am very fortunate to those that have been working with me from the start.”
a great outlet for me to write about what I was into at the moment and talk about my life. Unfortunately, I haven't been keeping up on it for a while, but I do intend on getting back up and running in the near future. I SEE YOU’VE MODELED FOR A VARIETY OF PHOTOGRAPHERS ON INSTAGRAM, HOW DID YOU BEGIN MODELING? I started shooting with a local photographer right after I graduated high school and absolutely loved the feeling of being in front of the camera. Then I started reaching out to more local photographers and collaborating with them on some amazing projects! It was a snowball effect from there, it picked up speed and turned into this incredible feed and community. I am very fortunate to those that have been working with me from the start.
HI KENNEDY, TO START OFF, DESCRIBE TO US A DAY IN THE LIFE OF KENNEDY DAWN: I wake up pretty early and immediately get ready for the day. I post my instagram picture at 9 am and answer any questions I have on tumblr. I feed my kitty, Gypsy James, and play with him before I head off for school or a photo shoot. When I'm back at home you can find me reading in the bathtub or writing emails. When I am completely alone I am curled up in a corner watching Grey's Anatomy shamelessly. WHAT INSPIRED THE CREATION OF YOUR BLOG/WEBSITE, NORTHERN INDIGO? I had just started building a portfolio and a following on instagram. I had so many photos that I couldn't post all of them to instagram, so I decided to start my blog, Northern Indigo. It was
113
mad sounds interview
photography by HANNAH MINKNER styling by FREE PEOPLE featuring KENNEDY DAWN STEARNS
114
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
“Have fun and be you, genuineness is everything. Know your value, do not sell yourself short. If you truly want something you must work for it!” I ALSO HEARD YOU’VE TRAVELED TO PHILADELPHIA/NEW YORK THIS SUMMER FOR AN INTERNSHIP WITH FREE PEOPLE? WHAT DID THIS INTERNSHIP ENTAIL? I spent three months in Philadelphia over summer. It was such an incredible experience. I lived in a house with six girls and two bathrooms, which was definitely trying at times, but I met some of the greatest people. My internship at Free People was crazy. I worked as a styling intern in the photo studio and I was able to work closely with the stylists and creative directors, while taking care of the models we worked with. I loved getting to meet the various models and learn about their back grounds; most of them were from different countries and could speak more than one language so it was all very interesting.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CLOTHING PIECES IN YOUR WARDROBE? Right now I love my Off-Duty Lieutenant hat and Cecile ankle boots from Free People, they have a parisian feel to them, which is what I love at the moment. W H AT A R E Y O U R S U M M E R FA S H I O N STAPLES? A cool pair of sneakers and a staple denim! WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLOTHING STORE? Free People! WHO IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE INSPIRATION? I love Rachel Zoe. IF YOU COULD GIVE ANY PIECE OF ADVICE TO YOUNG CREATIVES, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Don't be afraid to get out there and do what you want! Be original; you can find inspiration in others, but make sure your work is your own. Ask for help; be straightforward about what you need. Have fun and be you, genuineness is everything. Know your value, do not sell yourself short. If you truly want something you must work for it! THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF: Passionate, stubborn, and tough.
Keep up with Kennedy at northernindigo.com @kennedydawn on Instagram
WHAT TREND ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS COMING FALL? Parisian!
115
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
119
mad sounds interview
120
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
121
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
123
mad sounds interview
124
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
125
photography by HANNAH MINKNER styling by FREE PEOPLE featuring KENNEDY DAWN STEARNS
mad sounds must hears
MAD SOUNDS MUST HEARS  
hand-picked and reviewed by TRINITY GARDNER
BEACH FOSSILS
FRANKIE COSMOS
Instagram: @dustiiiin Twitter: @beachfossils
Instagram: @frankiecombos Twitter: @frankiecosmos
Of all the dreamy surf pop bands out there, I would have to say that Beach Fossils is my favorite. Using production tactics like excessive reverb is a ritual for the Brooklyn indie band. They are notorious for being highly catchy and somewhat mesmerizing. Beach Fossils is the type of band that wherever you are, no matter what time of day, will put you in a better mood. Songs like "Clash The Truth" are the perfect epitome of the light hearted "Teen dream", which explains why most of their audience consists of youth culture. Overall, they are a great band with exceptional quality and stunning riffs and melodies. I recommend their album "Clash the Truth" for first time listens.
Greta Kline, daughter of actors Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates, began to make music in the underground/ independent scene in early 2010. This is when she decided to take the name "Frankie Cosmos." Then, she dropped out of college to pursue a career in music, writing tracks and playing shows with other bands. She also appears in the band Porches which is currently making material as well. Her tracks are soft, honest, and highly expressive. They resemble the sound of bands such as The Moldy Peaches and Eskimeaux. She's recognized for her short, yet exceedingly memorable songs such as "School" and "Birthday Song." The majority of Cosmos's tracks have lyrics
128
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART so brilliantly simple that they take on a childlike personality. With lyrics such as "Mom, Daddy is a Fireman" and "Just because I am a certain age, doesn't mean that I am any older than I was yesterday." These creative phrases leave you pleasantly humming and feeling somewhat nostalgic. For first time listens, check her album "Zentropy" on Spotify.
E S K I M E A U X - “O.K.“ Instagram: @eskimeaux666 Twitter: @eskimeaux666 O.K. is an accumulation of old and new coming from Eskimeaux, some songs remastered and revisioned accompanied with brand new tracks, never before seen by the Internet. And for that reason, I decided to focus on this album. Through "O.K.", Gabrielle Smith lets her listeners in on a glimpse of her world. She accomplishes this through a highly emotive, comforting, and quiet voice that sings lyrics that are personal to her as well as being relatable to others. The majority of her songs are being sung to one individual, adding an intimate effect on the LP. Her childlike voice can touch any heart as it permeates through speakers in to the listener's eager ears. I recommend any song on O.K for first time listens.
Stone, Rob Sheffield) Sam Cook-Parrot. His plainspoken lyrics combined with his eccentric vocals are only components to the multi-masterpiece that completes a Radiator Hospital track. Jam packed with hidden metaphors and unforgettable quotes, each song will have an impact on the listener. An exceptional asset possessed by CookParrott is his astounding ability to create an absolutely hear wrenching song, with a happy-go-lucky, upbeat melody. A perfect example of this is their celebrated, "Our Song." The 2 minute 17 second tune consists of Cook-Parrott painfully expressing his emotions toward his partner who is prevalently falling in love with someone else and he's coming to terms with that in the most innocent, harmless way possible, making the situation even more tragic. Meanwhile, the track is paired with an upbeat, garage-rock, higher-fi sounding tone which balances out the song's prevalent distressful lyrics. Radiator Hospital continues to amaze myself and others with his timeless tunes and riffs. I would recommend any song, but my favorite is "Cut Your Bangs" or "Big Cloud."
MITSKI Instagram: @mitskileaks Twitter: @mitskileaks Mitski brings an edge to the music scene that you don't see often, if at all. She emits compassion, wit, and cleverness through her tracks and all in a brilliantly subtle fashion. Meanwhile, she's consistent producing catchy songs that are extremely well produced that showcase her amazing vocals and musical abilities in general. Every song off of her latest LP, "Bury Me At Makeout Creek" is each a spectacle on its own. My personal favorites consist of "First Love / Late Spring" and "Francis Forever." Most of her work is available on Spotify or iTunes.
RADIATOR HOSPITAL Instagram: @radiatorhospital Twitter: @radhostweets2u The man behind Radiator Hospital is none other than the "Feelings-working-overtime wonderboy" (as said by Rolling
129
GIRLPOOL Instagram: @girlpoool Twitter: @girlpoolband Girlpool brings quirk, charm, edge, and wit to every song they produce. While remaining complex and meticulous, their band consists of merely guitar, bass, and vocal adding eccentricity to every track. The simplicity of their production adds a comforting, honest feel to their music that most bands seem to be lacking. Each song is a reflection of themselves, whether it be about relationships or the blatant confusion of being a teenager, they have such a personal essence that is rare to be heard in the music scene today. I recommend "Chinatown" or "Slutmouth" for first time listens.
NO. 10 — LIFE IMITATES ART
STAY TUNED there’s more mad sounds on the way!
DO YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED? email madsoundsmagazine@gmail.com with a cover letter & link to your online portfolio not all submissions will be featured for publication
131
mad sounds