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“Dead Summer,” A Nostalgic Yet Contemporary Take On The Struggles During The Pandemic

The sun is shining, but people aren’t outside trying to take it all in. Everyone is confined to their homes. Crows are circling in the distance; something must be dead. If you ask Levi Zadoff and Dead Hendrix, it must be the summer. 

“Dead Summer” is a joint EP by these two artists about the psychological effects of COVID, which can still be felt even today. “Dead Summer” represents a time when everything slowed down, and what would have been an enjoyable, fun time was anything but that. 

Levi Zadoff is a pop-punk musician based in Los Angeles who believes in maintaining a sense of freedom in his artistry. His inspiration comes from pop-punk artists like My Chemical Romance and Nirvana. Dead Hendrix, whose name also fittingly represents his psychedelic sound, is a punk artist based in Canada. He covers true-to-life topics such as drug abuse, heartbreak, insecurities, and trauma in his music. 

With a fusion of punk, pop, and rock, Dead Summer takes us through Zadoff’s and Hendrix’s thoughts as they process the pandemic. Love Game and Alone talk about the rabbit hole that has been sitting in your thoughts for too long. Love Game leans towards hard rock. It is loud and aggressive, and the drum chops used at the end give it a strong finish. 

Alone is mellower with heavier lyrics; “Yea, I am numb to the core I’m getting kinda tired of getting stoned and kinda tired of being home.” It is that gnawing feeling of no longer enjoying things that used to make you happy. The song also has some hints of EDM to it, especially with the bass drops and looping in the chorus. 

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Cant Be God has the most summer feel in the EP. It sounds easy and light. The instruments are muted and alternate between a subtle guitar riff and simple piano chords. They sing, “If I make my bed, I lie in it,” a willingness to accept whatever comes your way.

Dont Think It Could Get Much Better takes a satirical perspective of Dead Summer. Of course, things will get much better, but before they do, Hendrix and Zadoff allow us to wallow in the feelings of things worsening. 

Hendrix and Zadoff have added the song Teenage Dirtbag as a bonus track. The sound is nostalgic, with guitar melodies that sound like they were made over ten years ago. The song is about missing someone, but you decide to stab them since you can’t have them.

With Zadoff and Dead Hendrix based in different countries, Dead Summer was created virtually. However, it’s hard to tell. The two bounce off each other’s sound well, making for a cohesive sound. Furthermore, the transition between different song styles is smooth, making for a trippy and enjoyable listen.

Listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/7v9FFhJrHoLLDiuNOIXy1H?si=vCrWap8nS8S6zM4iOJHFpg

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Distrokid:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/deadhendrixandlevizadoff/dead-summer-ep

 

Levi Zadoff Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/levizadoff

 

Levi Zadoff Website:

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https://www.levizadoffmusic.com/

 

Dead Hendrix Instagram: 

http://www.instagram.com/talk2thedead

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Album Review

Eric Schroeder drops a riveting dare into his emotionally charged new album “Cat’s Game”

Eric Schroeder

Eric Schroeder, a distinguished innovator within the indie rock-pop sphere, born and raised in San Diego, has unveiled his ambitious latest album, “Cat’s Game,” a masterful project that deftly explores intricate emotional landscapes. Comprising ten meticulously woven tracks, traverse through landscapes of confessional intimacy, introspection, and sonic defiance that revitalizes classic rock ‘n’ roll aesthetics. Recorded at Mant Sounds under the expert production of Rob Schnapf and engineered by Matt Scheussler, this striking new album premieres today and signifies a potential shift in the contemporary rock narrative.

As a pivotal player within San Diego’s eclectic music scene, Eric Schroeder adeptly navigates the dynamics of chaos and clarity, and “Cat’s Game” showcases his most sophisticated orchestration to date. Collaborating with a tight-knit ensemble featuring Matt Scheussler (bass), Jake Richter (drums), and Aidan Finn (keys), Schroeder breathes life into every lyric, wrapping each composition in swirling authenticity and unfiltered emotional gravity.

Commencing with the soaring rock gem High And Low,” listeners are immediately plunged into the heart of Eric’s introspective lyricism, capturing a spectrum of euphoria tinged with unintentionality, where moments of sorrow transmute into uplifting sentiments. The follow-up singleEmily floats a unique form of bittersweet poetry, allowing audiences to resonate with a profound longing through emotive acoustics and nostalgic melodies. Furthermore, the slow-burning Don’t Wanna Let You Go effectively merges vulnerability with assertive musical grit in one unforgettable, gut-punching anthem.

Tracks like As I Sit Here In My Car and I’ve Got Problems demonstrate Schroeder’s exceptional proficiency in turning everyday occurrences into deeply relatable stories, marrying lyrical poetry with infectious grooves and cinematic soundscapes. Meanwhile, Leave Me Sleeping arises as a notable highlight, functioning as a haunting lullaby drenched in longing and lucid dreamlike clarity, further underscoring his capacity to encapsulate solitude in a captivating sonic framework.

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Mid-album highlights, such as My Big Brother,” “Slipstream,” andSummer In The Psych Ward,” explores the chaotic interior of memory and identity, enhancing the psychological dimensions of Schroeder’s artistry. Finally, the closing track, The Road To Recovery,” presents an achingly beautiful exhale, a tender, tremulous resolution to a defiant, emotionally rich album.

Cat’s Game” is a crucial addition to any rock enthusiast playlist, reminding us of the enduring significance of music in contemporary culture. The album is an immersive manifesto of emotional honesty, dynamic storytelling, and fearless creativity. Eric Schroeder doesn’t just participate in this artistic endeavor; he is rewriting the rules with his enchanting vocal delivery. His rare gift for transmuting vulnerability into visceral musical encounters cements his reputation as a mesmerizing songwriter, a burgeoning force in today’s evolving music landscape, poised to make a significant impact.

 

For more information about Eric Schroeder, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Eric Schroeder’s Album Cat’s Game on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Eric Schroeder | Instagram

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Music

BLACKPINK’s Lisa Signs Major Solo Deal with Universal

LISA BLACKPINK

Lalisa Manobal, better known as Lisa of BLACKPINK, is making waves in her career by signing a solo deal with RCA Records, a well-known label under Sony Music Entertainment. This is a significant step for her, highlighting her independence as an artist and showing a trend in the K-pop industry where artists seek more creative control and a wider international audience. Lisa is the first member of BLACKPINK to partner with a different label for her solo projects, setting her apart from her bandmates.

This new agreement is about Lisa taking charge of her music. One of the standout features of this deal is that she will own the rights to her recordings, a rare opportunity in the music industry, especially in K-pop, where artists often have strict contracts. With her own company, LLOUD, Lisa will manage her solo music, giving her artistic freedom and financial control.

By collaborating with RCA Records, Lisa gains access to a large global network that includes production resources and marketing support. This is about changing how K-pop artists can reach audiences worldwide. Lisa aims to succeed not just in South Korea but also in places like North America and Europe.

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From a branding perspective, this decision also makes sense. Lisa has built a reputation as a fashion icon and talented performer, attracting millions of fans through her performances and style collaborations. Now, with LLOUD and RCA, she can create music and an image that resonates with international listeners while staying connected to her roots. This flexibility is important in today’s fast-paced entertainment landscape, where artists are cultural influencers.

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Lisa’s solo deal has sparked discussions about the future of BLACKPINK as a group and the individual paths its members might take. While they are still managed by YG Entertainment, Lisa’s step into a solo career opens the door for her bandmates to explore their own opportunities without completely stepping away from the group. This creates a new model where artists can balance group activities with solo projects.

From an industry standpoint, Lisa’s contract reflects a shift in power distribution between record labels and artists. As digital platforms allow musicians to build their own fan bases, traditional record labels need to provide better, more flexible contracts to keep top talent like Lisa. Her decision to maintain ownership of her music is a powerful statement about valuing creativity and the long-term benefits of protecting her work.

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Fans are eagerly awaiting what Lisa will do next. Her solo music so far has shown her range, blending hip-hop, pop, and R&B. With full creative control, listeners can expect music that truly represents her style and growth as an artist. The excitement for her upcoming projects is palpable, not only because of her popularity but because she now has the resources to create something special.

Lisa’s signing with RCA Records is a key moment in the evolution of pop culture. It symbolizes the emergence of a new type of K-pop artist who is not just a performer but also a savvy businesswoman and a global brand. As she steps into this new phase with LLOUD and RCA, everyone is curious to see how she will push the boundaries of music and identity. Lisa is no longer just a member of a famous girl group, she is a powerful solo artist in her own right.

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