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Open Mike Eagle’s Absurd ‘Headass (Idiot Shinji)’ Video Explains How Black People Talk

With help from Jak Knight and Video Dave, Open Mike breaks down how overthinking makes headasses of us all. …

In the new video for “Headass (Idiot Shinji)” from his album Anime, Trauma, And Divorce, Open Mike Eagle recruits comedian Jak Knight (who’s crafted a niche lane for himself as rap’s go-to cameo comic) to break down the meaning behind the slang term in a segment titled “How Black People Talk.” After a fed-up Professor Jak reaches his limit of explaining the phrase — which doesn’t take long — he pops in a VHS (ah, nostalgia) of the actual music video and lets Mike and Video Dave do the talking.

Because Open Mike Eagle has such an absurdist streak, he naturally appears as a person with a literal gluteus maximus on his cranium to lead a “headass support group.” Lyrically, Mike and Dave recount some of their headass, over-analyzing moments from past relationships and their anxieties about their rap careers.

If I can be headass for a moment here, I feel like I need to explain where the “Idiot Shinji” portion of the song’s title comes from for those readers not well-versed in the first item from Mike’s album title. In the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, which is about (among other things) a lot of trauma and the ways people deal with it (or refuse to), the lead character, teenaged robot pilot Shinji Ikari, is nicknamed “Idiot Shinji” by his fellow teenaged robot pilot Asuka Langley due to his tendency to overthink pretty much every situation he finds himself in — including the life-or-death ones they frequently encounter as the pilots of giant robots.

So, it all ties together with the theme of anime and trauma and general headassery, which is something Open Mike Eagle is very good at doing on his new album Anime, Trauma, And Divorce. The album’s out now on Mike’s own Auto Reverse Records and you can listen to it here. You can also watch the classic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion on Netflix, but unless you too would like to be traumatized, I don’t recommend it.

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Artist Spotlight

“Little Louis” by Tom Collins turns an introspective heartache into life’s hopeful anthem

Tom Collins

Tom Collins presents himself as a captivating talent and noteworthy figure in contemporary songwriting, distinguished for conveying essential lifelines through his music. With his newest single, “Little Louis,” the rising indie artist has created something even more profound, luminous, and truly unforgettable, effectively exploring themes such as vulnerability and defiance. It marks an impressive advancement in his artistic evolution, exhibiting a blend of lyrical sincerity and nuanced storytelling that may soon establish him as a prominent vocalist within the timeless indie genre.

Upon the initial guitar strum of “Little Louis,” listeners are introduced to intricate guitar work and musical elements reminiscent of a late-night introspective revelation. As the composition progresses, it transforms into a resonant anthem for the morning, encapsulating the experiences of two young hearts, one boy and one girl, each burdened by challenging beginnings as they endeavor to move beyond the influences of their pasts towards uncertain futures. This track is a subtle yet powerful testament to those who courageously pursue their aspirations in a society that frequently neglects their struggles. It embodies the essence of a quietly confident anthem, symbolizing the journey of an individual who’s lived a little, experienced difficulties, and still dares to dream.

What makes “Little Louis” particularly special is its emotional duality, skillfully balancing elements of grit with tenderness and grandeur with intimacy, while simultaneously offering glimpses of hope. The chorus carries an undercurrent of resilience that resonates with the listener long after the final note fades. The composition establishes a dynamic tension by effectively contrasting themes of pain and perseverance, while juxtaposing the haunting shadows of the past with an aspirational quest for light. The instrumentation is rich yet tastefully restrained, featuring jangling guitar riffs, sweeping melodies, and deeply relatable lyricism, thereby fostering a visceral connection to the narrative for the audience.

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Collins’ artistic trajectory aligns favorably with contemporaneous artists like Sam Fender, whose narrative-driven songwriting resonates with audiences similarly. He draws influences from Jamie Webster and The Hunna, both known for their sophisticated melodies and polished production techniques. Collins is navigating a grounded and humanistic path within the music industry, and his track “Little Louis” exemplifies this perspective. The song explores themes of heartbreak, the search for existential significance, and the innate desire for an introspective connection. It serves as a poignant reminder of the shared struggle for companionship and understanding amid life’s inherent challenges, positioning it as an essential inclusion for any discerning music enthusiast’s repertoire.

 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Tom Collins’ Little Louis on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Tom Collins | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

PURE XTC stirs the emotional wheel of heartbreak with her anthemic new single “Drive”

PURE XTC

Alt-pop artist PURE XTC has delivered a heart-wrenching ballad with her latest single “Drive,” the sonic embodiment of emotional unraveling. This track doesn’t just play through your speakers; it resonates deep within your bones, showcasing PURE XTC’s most cinematic moment yet that feels like the soundtrack to a breakup you didn’t see coming until it was already behind you.

Co-written by Taylor Hughes with lyrical contributions from Mariel Loveland, “Drive” encapsulates the gut-wrenching moment when love unravels quietly, culminating in a profound realization. It deviates from the typical narratives of angry outbursts or dramatic breakdowns; instead, it focuses on the slow deterioration of love, capturing the ache of recognizing that someone you once believed was your forever has become a stranger sitting beside you. It conveys a sense of surrender wrapped in reverb, portraying a state of being too exhausted to fight, too numb to hope, and simply ready to move on, not necessarily forward, but away.

Musically, the track features hypnotic synths and reverb-drenched guitars that shimmer like streetlights on wet pavement. The steady beat mimics the rhythm of a long drive with no destination, fueled solely by the urge to keep moving. Hughes’ vocal performance paints a vivid soundscape that feels like emotional release in motion, a moody companion for late-night solitude.

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What makes “Drive” compelling is its honest restraint and refusal to glamorize heartbreak. Instead, it embraces the ambiguity and messy emotions involved in letting go, ironically making it resonate even more. The vulnerability present isn’t just in the lyrics; it permeates every layered sound and tension that never quite resolves.

PURE XTC isn’t merely creating music; she’s building an intimate and vast sonic universe. With this release, she solidifies her status as a master of emotional storytelling through sound, demonstrating her ability to transform the messiest feelings into something beautifully haunting. Buckle up as she invites listeners into her world, one that lingers long after the last note fades.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM PURE XTC’s Drive on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH PURE XTC | Instagram | TikTok

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