Music
Indie Folk Rockers Little Wretches Offer Message Of Hope For At-Risk Teens With Latest Music Video “Running”
The song features a vocal spotlight on Rosa Colucci. “Running (Was the Only Thing to Do)” appears on the band’s 2020 album “Undesirables and Anarchists.”
“This song represents how every teenager feels when their world is falling apart and they don’t feel safe in their own home.”— Rosa Colucci, Little Wretches
“All I really needed was some breathing room
But my hiding place slowly became my tomb
Had me down so long I started to assume
That I would never see the light of day.’
‘Seemed like running was the only thing to do
The only thing to do
So I ran…”
– Robert Andrew Wagner, Little Wretches “Running (Was the Only Thing to Do)”
With the 2020 release of their album, “Undesirables And Anarchists,” indie folk rock pioneers Little Wretches hit the ground “running.” The album received national college radio airplay on over 115 AM/FM stations in North America. Propelled by international iTunes chart hits like “Ballad of Johnny Blowtorch” and “All Of My Friends,” Robert Andrew Wagner and company have amassed more than 130K Spotify streams. Their Youtube videos are quickly approaching 70K views. Now, the Pittsburgh-based band has released their most poignant video yet.
The music video for “Running (Was The Only Thing To Do)” was released on February 15th, 2022. Taken from “Undesirables And Anarchists,” the Wagner-written song was inspired by Cecil B. DeMille’s movie, “The Ten Commandments” and bandmember/spotlight vocalist, Rosa Colucci’s life story.
Wagner tells the story behind the song: “Prior to joining The Little Wretches, Rosa Colucci had never sung in a band. She’d been the only white soloist in a predominantly African-American Gospel choir, and she’d sung some karaoke, but that was the extent of it. Shortly after Rosa joined the band, Scott Mervis of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, ‘Rosa Colucci is the best thing that ever happened to The Little Wretches.’ Given Rosa’s vocal power, audiences came to expect her to have a ‘spotlight’ number in band’s live shows, so she asked me to write something for her.”
“Rosa is an April baby, the season of Easter and Passover, and I wanted to have a song ready for her birthday. Watching Cecil B. DeMille’s THE TEN COMMANDMENTS on television while strumming my guitar, I paused to marvel at the big scene when Charlton Heston as Moses raises his staff and God parts The Red Sea. Bondage and hopelessness behind them and the impossible before them, what would the average Israelite do? What else could they do? RUN! Believers and non-believers alike. Oh, well… Here goes nothing. Or everything. I recalled Rosa having told me that she’d been on her own since the age of fifteen. The details are for Rosa to tell, but I saw the parallels. EXODUS. Let My People Go! In her own way, Rosa had fled a kind of bondage and leapt into an uncertain future with only faith to guide her.”
Rosa says, “This song represents how every teenager feels when their world is falling apart and they don’t feel safe in their own home.”
Watch the video for “Running (Was The Only Thing To Do)” at https://youtu.be/qsF_MtrVsyQ
The Little Wretches hope that the visual imagery, the lyrics, the band’s performance and Rosa’s vocal work together to provide hope and resilience for any at-risk teenager who stumbles across this video. In addition to writing and performing music, Robert holds a master’s degree in teaching and works with at-risk, court-adjudicated and special-needs teens.
https://littlewretches.com
https://www.facebook.com/thelittlewretches
Words and Music by Robert Andrew Wagner
Lead Vocals–Rosa Colucci
Drums–Mike Madden
Bass–John Carson
Piano–H.K. Hilner
Guitars–Robert Andrew Wagner
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Album Review
“Every Rain” by Luke Borchelt evokes a soulful tapestry of nostalgic life with introspective memories
Emerging singer-songwriter Luke Borchelt steps into the spotlight, making waves with his highly anticipated debut album, “Every Rain,” a heartfelt ode to life’s quiet moments, comprises a nine-track odyssey that bridges the intimate charm of the Chesapeake Bay roots with the universal resonance of timeless authenticity. This collection demonstrates Borchelt’s unique blend of country upbringing and modern soundscapes, creating nostalgically grounded and refreshingly innovative music.
Spanning just over 32 minutes, the album “Every Rain” is a masterful exploration of life’s imperfections, love’s intricacies, and the enduring impact of personal history. It begins with “Same Old Square,” Borchelt immerses listeners into a euphoric country classic drenched in youthful memory love, capturing the unassuming joy of revisiting familiar places with someone special, driven by heartfelt lyrics and strumming guitars and small-town life with his signature lyrical authenticity. The title track, “Every Rain,” follows with soulful yet melancholic undertones co-written with producer Warren Russell. This centerpiece delivers a vivid mosaic of imagery of life’s imperfections, malfunctioning trucks, and overgrown gutters, embracing the therapeutic warmth of resilience through life’s storms.
Subsequent tracks such as “Itchin’” and “Frostbit Hands“ further broaden the album’s emotional spectrum. The former ventures into unexplored realms with folk-pop soulfulness, while the latter is a modern acoustic classic work reflecting on lost friendships and the reconciliation of past errors with hopeful renewal in personal growth. “Victoria“ shifts the focus to a romantic-soaked ballad influenced by dreamy organ strums, catchy beats, and an uplifting soundscape to paint vivid snapshots of budding memories of romance, evoke late-night calls, and sweet red wine, rendering it an undeniable highlight of the album.
Borchelt’s artistic versatility is manifested in blending enchanting lyrical narrative with sonic sophistication shines in “Accent,” a nostalgic acoustic vibe co-written with Jordan Rager and Mark Irwin. Meanwhile, “Maryland Life“ and “Car Heat“ are poignant tributes to Borchelt’s upbringing and childhood memories, encapsulating his roots with soul-stirring melodies. The album concludes on a hauntingly beautiful note with “Orland, ME,” a heart-wrenching portrayal of heartbreak. Borchelt’s trembling vibrato leaves an indelible mark, lingering long after the final note fades.
Crafted meticulously, “Every Rain” constitutes an intimate adventure through Borchelt’s world. It traverses a landscape of memories characterized by shimmering melodies and genuine authenticity. Each track provides a glimpse into his creative vision, cementing his place as a compelling new voice in modern folk and soul. Luke Borchelt’s “Every Rain” promises to be a valuable addition to diverse musical playlists, appealing to listeners craving introspection and emotionally evocative depth. Don’t miss the chance to experience this profoundly remarkable debut.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Luke Borchelt’s Album “Every Rain“ on Spotify.
Artist Spotlight
Chandra delivers an anthemic dash of festive kindness in its recent single “Christmas Hugs”
The Bristol-based pop-rock quartet Chandra has unwrapped an early gift for music enthusiasts with their new single, “Christmas Hugs.” This upbeat festive bop delight is an auditory representation of a cozy fireside experience, encapsulating an intimate gathering that embodies a shimmering embrace. The track celebrates the joyous spirit of the holiday season with a hint of unapologetic nostalgia, featuring catchy melodic tunes that will resonate with listeners.
Frontman Chandra Nair leads the charge with his spirited vocals and jangly guitar riffs, while Chris Wong’s groovy basslines and Keith Jones’s upbeat drumming keep the song bouncing with holiday joy. Co-produced with their long-time collaborator Aaron Shawt, the track exudes a polished yet playfully energetic vibe, weaving together Chandra’s signature cheeky pop-rock style with a sprinkle of classic Christmas magic.
The brilliance of “Christmas Hugs” is particularly evident in its unabashed optimism. It’s a merry, melody-driven, lyrical anthem that doesn’t just sing about Christmas; it feels like Christmas. The composition radiates with festive cheer and an endearing sense of whimsy. Its infectious hooks and sing-along chorus effectively capture the essence of a holiday gathering, where warmth, laughter, and a little bit of mischief come together in perfect harmony.
Beyond the festive sound that sets this mesmerizing production apart, the song carries a heartfelt message. Beneath the layers of tinsel and festive flair, “Christmas Hugs” echoes the thematic hallmark of the band’s core ethos: celebrating kindness, inclusivity, and shared togetherness of humanity. It consistently reminds audiences that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t in the material gifts or glitter but in the human relationships that bring people closer.
Whether you adore the holiday season or find yourself counting down the days until it’s over, “Christmas Hugs” is the perfect song to lift your spirits. It can brighten even the gloomiest moods and make excellent background music while decking at home, sipping mulled wine, or craving a sonic pick-me-up, seasonal serotonin. It’s a feel-good vibe that wraps listeners in its joyful melodies, which don’t let go, just like the best festive hug for the soul.
For more information about Chandra, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Chandra’s “Christmas Hugs“ on Spotify.
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