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Under The Rug’s “laugh a lot” delivers cathartic joy in life’s darkest moments

Under The Rug

Indie band Under The Rug has shared the second single off Part 1 of their two-part album, happiness is easy. The “laugh a lot” track offers listeners a whimsical yet profound anthem juxtaposing life’s levity with its lurking anxieties.

“laugh a lot” is a masterful piece of storytelling that captures the essence of finding beauty in the bleakest scenarios. Vocalist Casey Dayan opens up about a poignant period spent in a motel, closeted and grappling with their identity. In this unlikely sanctuary, a cockroach on a lamp became a bizarre yet comforting companion, symbolizing how even the most reviled creatures can offer unexpected solace. Dayan’s raw narrative transforms the mundane into something tender and evocative, highlighting the absurdity and resilience of the human spirit.

“So many times I’ve woken up into the worst parts of my life and laughed, and I think that’s beautiful somehow. That tension, between the awfulness and the laughing,” Dayan shares. This sentiment is intricately woven into “laugh a lot,” where self-pity and strength dance together, celebrating life’s rich and multifaceted nature.

The single serves as a tantalizing preview of Under The Rug’s upcoming album, happiness is easy, which promises to delve deep into themes of joy, resilience, and the human experience. Featuring contributions from notable co-writers such as Sam Hollander (Panic! At The Disco, Weezer) and Mason Jennings, and produced by David Peters, the album is set to be another testament to the band’s storytelling prowess.

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Over the past decade, the Austin-based trio—Casey Dayan, guitarist Sean Campbell, and drummer Brendan McQueeney—has built a dedicated fan base with their heartfelt indie, folk, and Americana blend. Their unique DIY approach and intimate fan interactions have garnered praise from publications like American Songwriter and Rolling Stone India, and endorsements from The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle.

As anticipation builds for happiness is easy Part 1, Under The Rug continues to enchant listeners with their deeply personal and evocative music. “laugh a lot” is a beacon of light for anyone who has found humor in hardship, and as the band gears up for their headlining US tour this August, fans can expect an authentic and emotional live experience that showcases their profound connection to the complexities of human emotions.

Natalie is a journalism major with a focus on Entertainment and Music who aspires to become a Content Creator For Honk Magazine. Eventually, she wants to be the Publisher or Editor-in-Chief of a major Publishing House. She loves helping people find their voice and passion for writing and journalism, and she can always be found with coffee in hand, editing another article.

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Artist Spotlight

David Cloyd triumphantly returns with a reflective new album, “Red Sky Warning”

David Cloyd

David Cloyd, a seasoned artist whose creative luminescence has only intensified over his career, makes a noteworthy re-entry following a decade-long hiatus with an emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated new album, “Red Sky Warning,” released via ECR Music Group. This album marks his reintroduction to the music scene as he aims to reclaim the spotlight. Co-produced and mixed by the acclaimed indie architect Blake Morgan (known for his work with Lenny Kravitz, Lesley Gore, and Janita), the masterful ten-track album encapsulates a significant evolution in Cloyd’s sonic profile, where intricate craftsmanship meets intense emotional exposition.

Spanning ten compelling tracks, “Red Sky Warning” is a profound exploration of openness, identity, and the intimacy of human connection. The very first notes of the opener, Ocean of Hours,” envelops listeners in a euphoric wave of melody, with the magic of Cloyd’s lyricism resonating like heartbeats, consistently engaging while maintaining a clear direction. This immersive tone sets the stage for a record that demands to be felt as much as it is heard.

It is followed spontaneously byIf We Could Escape,” the second track, delving into themes of emotional ambivalence and quiet longing for escapism. Its soulful balm and shimmering aura capture the ache of unspoken truths, laying bare the intimate confessions Cloyd expresses through his signature vocal warmth and layered instrumentation. Each hypnotic rhyme that follows builds on this honesty, embracing a therapeutic narrative of accepting imperfection.

In the third track,The Day Before,” a contemplative light emerges as Cloyd masterfully blends soul-pop sensibility with mature finesse. It evokes the quiet anticipation that precedes change, revealing Cloyd’s ability to distill quotidian experiences into a resonant metaphor. Conversely, A Far Cry From Nothing presents a robust rhythmic foundation that underscores lyrical potency, driven by piano-centric confidence and heartfelt phrasing that illuminate emotional resilience. InCage of Water,” Cloyd adeptly navigates the emotional landscape through an audacious sonic tapestry that reflects the fluidity of love’s ever-changing tides. This piece captures the inherent unpredictability of romantic experiences, evoking a captivating composition that accentuates its dynamism. The ambientDrive With Me employs lush ambient textures to guide listeners through reflective pathways, invoking the nuances of nostalgic relationships and emotional bonds often left unarticulated.

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Into The Sea dazzles with melancholic elegance, threading love and mystery into a cohesive storytelling framework. Subsequent tracks, such as Climbing Ivy,” maintain this thematic momentum, focusing on unity and the complexities inherent in celebrating brotherhood and kinship through a storytelling lens steeped in poetic nuance.Small Wooden Boat offers a poignant reflection on the past, emphasizing rediscovery and personal growth while capturing the bittersweet clarity that revisiting old memories often brings. The album culminates with the stunning trackWalk the Earth,” a soul-stirring finale that lingers in the heart of listeners long after its chords fade. Cloyd’s use of tremulous vibrato and unwavering vocal performance echoes the weight of lived experience, providing a fitting closure to an album that’s both a personal manifesto and a universal commentary.

Each composition sequentially builds upon the previous one, thereby enhancing the thematic essence of “Red Sky Warning” and symbolizing not only a reawakening but also a rebirth for David Cloyd. His distinctive vocal style as a singer and songwriter approach draws comparisons to notable figures such as Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, and Peter Gabriel while remaining distinctly his own. With this release, Cloyd effectively positions introspection at the forefront of his artistry, transforming emotional vulnerability into a cathartic experience. This meticulously curated body of work serves as a testament to David Cloyd’s enduring musical vision, establishing it as a timeless addition to any music aficionado’s collection. “Red Sky Warning” is essential for those seeking genuine artistry that transcends genre and invites listeners on an evocative expedition of heartfelt optimism and recuperation.

 

For more information about David Cloyd, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM David Cloyd’s AlbumRed Sky Warning on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH David Cloyd | InstagramFacebook |

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Music

“Setmefree” by Forgetmyname is a breakthrough of emotion and liberation

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In a music scene filled with catchy but predictable tunes, Forgetmyname stands out with their latest single, “Setmefree.” Known for creating rich musical experiences that blend the familiar with the new, Forgetmyname delivers a heartfelt track that beautifully captures feelings of vulnerability and strength. “Setmefree” draws listeners into a cinematic vibe that feels comforting and exciting. The instruments have a timeless quality, reminiscent of older alternative music, but they’re rooted in a contemporary pop style.

Imagine sparkling synths combined with honest and emotional vocals, this song tells a story that many people can relate to. Forgetmyname has a talent for expressing the complexities of life, and “Setmefree” is a perfect example. The way the singer’s voice moves captures a sense of urgency, almost as if each line is reaching for something important that’s been long awaited. This track is about wanting to get away, finding clarity, and being ready to let go of what no longer serves you. The production of the song acts like an emotional guide, supporting the lyrics without overshadowing them.

This careful balance is part of what makes Forgetmyname special they turn deep feelings into music that everyone can understand, while still allowing listeners to connect with the song in their own way. “Setmefree” is a powerful release that speaks to anyone who has felt stuck in their own life and is ready for change. It’s about the courage to jump into the unknown. This song is meant to be felt. As Forgetmyname continues to build their unique sound, “Setmefree” invites listeners to embrace their emotions, find freedom, and move forward without looking back.

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