Category: Videos

Inside Out – Kylee Phillips Gets Vulnerable and Introspective on New “Long Time Coming” EP

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Kylee Phillips shares a spectrum of emotions on “Long Time Coming.” Photo – Kris Herrmann

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

Kylee Phillips deliberately steps outside herself and looks inward on Long Time Coming.

The indie-pop singer-songwriter and keyboardist examines past vulnerabilities and realizations through a wiser lens on her new EP.

“It’s very autobiographical. Honestly, writing them was less about sharing them with other people and more about admitting things to myself,” said Phillips, who lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

“In the writing process, I struggle sometimes to be vulnerable or to process my own feelings in real life. I joke that sometimes you could ask me how I feel about a situation and I would say, ‘I don’t know,’ and then I would write a song and go, ‘I guess that’s how I feel about it.’”

On Long Time Coming, Phillips shares a spectrum of emotions—ranging from disappointment to anticipation to relief—across five introspective tracks. The EP’s cathartic lyrics and atmospheric pop instrumentation allow listeners to instantly grasp and connect with Phillips’ perspective.

“A lot of these songs were things that I was describing, especially ‘Long Time Coming,’ and are like the closets in your house where you put stuff and you’re like, ‘I’m not going to think about it; I’m going to pretend that all that crap has been in there,’” Phillips said. “Then at a certain point, you say, ‘I’m gonna have to look in that closet.’” 

Continue reading “Inside Out – Kylee Phillips Gets Vulnerable and Introspective on New “Long Time Coming” EP” →

Major Release – Melanie Pierce Confronts Dark Feelings of the Past on ‘Stir Crazy’ Single

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Melanie Pierce takes a fearless approach on “Stir Crazy.” Photo – Hannah McWhorter

Melanie Pierce doesn’t hesitate to confront the dark feelings of the past.

The Detroit pop-rock singer-songwriter exposes deep frustration and disappointment from a former relationship on her confessional new single, “Stir Crazy.”

“This song was a huge release … it’s delicate, and one of those feelings was coercion,” Pierce said. “It brought closure by allowing me to get it all out as well as adding a little poetry to the mix.”

Alongside fearless electric guitar, bass and drums, she sings, “It hasn’t been seven years yet but who’s counting / It won’t be long until I’m a different person / And I’m comforted in brand new skin / A place I know your hands have never been.”

“I had been processing feelings from this song for a long time and being able to write about it a bit poetically was very cathartic,” Pierce said.

Pierce captured “Stir Crazy’s” cathartic and courageous feel with co-producer John Katona, co-producer/guitarist/bassist Tom Mihalis’ and drummer/percussionist Dalton Thomas at Shelby Township’s JK (Not Kidding) Studios.

“John, Tom and Dalton took the song to the next level,” she said. “This one specifically felt very dialed in from the start, meaning that it truly was an amazing experience to have Dalton come in and immediately be on the same page about where the song was headed stylistically.”

Continue reading “Major Release – Melanie Pierce Confronts Dark Feelings of the Past on ‘Stir Crazy’ Single” →

Sobering Thought – Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds Remember a Late Friend’s Determination to Overcome Alcoholism on “Liquor Store” Single

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Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds honor a late friend’s memory and his determination to overcome addiction on the new single, “Liquor Store.” It’s the latest release in a series of new singles from the band, which includes Shannon Wade, Erin Zindle, Loren Kranz, and TJ Zindle. Photo courtesy of Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds remember a late friend’s strength and determination to overcome alcoholism on “Liquor Store.”

The bluesy new single from the Ann Arbor folk-rock band addresses the daily struggle Nelson Whitehorse faced while trying to fight addiction and follow a path to recovery.

“He was from St. Louis actually and moved to Ann Arbor to be in a band with me, and we lived together for a year,” said Zindle about Whitehorse, who passed away several years ago. “We lived on the west side of Ann Arbor and he had been an alcoholic since childhood.”

Throughout “Liquor Store,” Erin Zindle and bandmates TJ Zindle (electric and acoustic guitar, vocals), Loren Kranz (drums, vocals), and Shannon Wade (bass, vocals) chronicle Whitehorse’s ongoing challenge of having to walk past a liquor store each day to visit the local Alano Club.

Ominous keys and drums follow Zindle as she sings, “You said ‘Grace is new every morning’ / As you stared into your black coffee cup / Today you’re gonna make it past the liquor store / To get to the Alano Club.”

“I saw that battle play out over and over every day, and sometimes he made it, and sometimes he didn’t,” she said. “The daily work is just getting there every day.”

The band opted to release “Liquor Store” on September 14, which coincides with National Sober Day, to celebrate sobriety and raise awareness about addiction.

The track also helps Whitehorse’s family and friends to take comfort in his memory as a “hilarious, loyal, giant-hearted friend” as Zindle noted in a Ragbirds’ Facebook post.

“The message I hope people will take away is that today you’re going to make it,” Zindle said. “It literally is just that one day at a time. I’m so grateful that the song came to me, and it came with that wisdom to know not to add any message to it.”

We recently spoke to Zindle about the band’s new single, its strategy for releasing new songs and an upcoming album, the inspiration behind several tracks, the creative process for writing and recording them, a Halloween show at The Ark, and additional plans for new material.

Continue reading “Sobering Thought – Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds Remember a Late Friend’s Determination to Overcome Alcoholism on “Liquor Store” Single” →

The Soundcheck – Jennifer Westwood and The Handsome Devils, Brian Perrone, Hard Luck Pete & The Wrong Way Streets, Marty Kohn, Grooblen and Johanna Beekman & Ben Leinbach

For the September “Soundcheck,” I assembled a collage of new releases that represent a season of change. Whether it’s being resilient, overcoming heartbreak, reflecting on the past or entering a new dimension, each release introduces a different chapter and the possibilities that come with it. I invite you to explore these sonic offerings and see how they relate to your own experiences.

Jennifer Westwood and The Handsome Devils, “Bullet Proof”

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Detroit’s Jennifer Westwood and The Handsome Devils acknowledge the power of resiliency on their latest single, “Bullet Proof.” The soulful, bluesy ballad celebrates being yourself, standing your ground and moving forward despite receiving negative feedback from others.

Alongside bold electric guitar from Dylan Dunbar, Westwood sings, “I’ve heard it all before / I’ve given my best and more / Been locked out / But I just beat down the door / It’s not like me to fade away / Oh baby, I’m bullet proof.”

Those strong words inspire us all to regain our self-confidence and deflect criticism from our detractors. I can’t think of a better song to play when I need some extra encouragement after a tough day. (Plus, Westwood offers strong words of wisdom and support daily for Detroit musicians through the Playing in the Detroit Area Tonight – Music News Facebook group.)

Westwood and husband Dunbar truly shine with top-notch bandmates Chuck Bartels (bass), David Below (drums) and Evan Mercer (piano) on the first track from their forthcoming album. They’re working with Royal Oak producer Bunky Hunt of WhistlePig Music Group and recently completed some additional recording sessions at Memphis Magnetic Recording.

Continue reading “The Soundcheck – Jennifer Westwood and The Handsome Devils, Brian Perrone, Hard Luck Pete & The Wrong Way Streets, Marty Kohn, Grooblen and Johanna Beekman & Ben Leinbach” →

Scale Up – Adam J. Snyder Overcomes Life’s Obstacles on ‘Down From the Mountain Out to the Sea’ EP

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

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Adam J. Snyder creates a comforting sonic experience on his “Down From the Mountain Out to the Sea” EP. Photo courtesy of Adam J. Snyder

No “mountain” is too high for Adam J. Snyder to scale.

The Ypsilanti singer-songwriter and guitarist overcomes life’s obstacles to follow a new path on Down From the Mountain Out to the Sea.

“I’ve been pushing against myself, and I feel like I’ve been in the weeds my whole life. I’m in a pretty good place now, and I’m heading in the right direction of where I want to be,” said Snyder about his latest folk-pop EP.

“I went to Nicaragua in March, and I got to spend some time in the mountains. Then I got to spend time surfing on the beach and hanging out. Something about [that] just felt like where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, so that’s my goal.”

As part of that goal, Snyder shares that positive outlook on Down From the Mountain Out to the Sea, which features soft, breathy vocals; concise lyrics; bluesy influences; and percussive, rhythmic, and fingerpicked acoustic guitars.

Those elements create a comforting sonic experience and reflect the hope, encouragement, and determination embedded in the EP’s five tracks.

“I’ve just been feeling a little more in touch with that kind of stuff when I’ve been writing,“ said Snyder, who grew up in Dexter and previously fronted the now-disbanded Dirty Deville.

“When I come across an idea or things that feel right … or I’m just doing what I enjoy, which is playing guitar, I feel more connected to that kind of stuff. I feel like things are in alignment.”

Continue reading “Scale Up – Adam J. Snyder Overcomes Life’s Obstacles on ‘Down From the Mountain Out to the Sea’ EP” →

The Soundcheck – Strange Heart, Erin Zindle & Carolyn Striho, Letrick Olson, Steven Foster, Blank Tape Tax

The July edition of “The Soundcheck” celebrates the concept of summer through different emotions and experiences—love, authenticity, remembrance, nostalgia and connection. It’s time to think about “Your New Favorite Lover” while you “Stay Behind The Wheel” and later arrive at your destination and receive a warm greeting of Welcome to Pookie’s. There’s also a need to reflect on the life and love of “Willow” and remember what’s For Debbie.

Strange Heart, “Your New Favorite Lover”

Since releasing their sophomore album Falling Back Again in October, Detroit’s Strange Heart returns with a soulful new R&B single, “Your New Favorite Lover,” as well as a companion studio video and an official lyric video.

Rhythmic drums, gleaming electric guitar, humming bass and romantic piano wrap listeners in a heated embrace alongside frontman Josh Clemens’ fervent vocals.

He sings, “Ooooh I’m not trying to hide / What you see is what you get / Now you’re the owner of this wreck / Honestly, what did you expect of me / You only get the best of me / You’re begging for the rest of me / Honey, you’re not ready, but come and get it now.”

The track’s infectious, sensual groove is guaranteed to captivate new and current Strange Heart fans. Drummer Bobby Jankowski, bassist-vocalist Mike Schneider, lead guitar-vocalist Mike Leslie and Clemens have won me over, and I know they’ll delight you as well.

Strange Heart also blazes on stage with an eight-piece band (complete with horns), so check them out July 20 at The Whitney in Detroit and July 22 at Eastern Palace Club in Hazel Park.

Continue reading “The Soundcheck – Strange Heart, Erin Zindle & Carolyn Striho, Letrick Olson, Steven Foster, Blank Tape Tax” →

Big Picture – Mark Zhu and Felix Lahann Illustrate Self-Confidence on ‘paint the world red’ Single

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Mark Zhu and Felix Lahann present a vivid picture of self-confidence on “paint the world red.”

The Ann Arbor indie-pop singer-songwriter and hip-hop / EDM producer add vibrant layers of growth and courage to their latest empowering hip-hop anthem.

“By openly sharing our personal experiences, we gain a sense of catharsis and self-acceptance. It reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles and that vulnerability can be a powerful tool for personal growth,” said Zhu, who graduated from Skyline High School earlier this month.

“Writing this track allowed us to express our vulnerabilities and showcase the strength that comes from embracing them. We wanted to create a song that could serve as a source of empowerment and encouragement for listeners, so the idea of ‘painting the world red’ represents how our music, ideas and confidence is contagious enough to influence others.”

Together, they spread that steadfast reassurance alongside eager beats filled with glistening synth, rowdy bass and bouncy percussion. Zhu sings, “Somedays, I don’t believe I belong here / On the runway, I’ll conceal my fears / Once I paint everything red / There won’t be any spots left / I’m getting so fast / No holding me back / Just paint the world red.”

“Growing up, I found it hard to fit in and struggled with body image. I also feared rejection and failure, as I was always pressured to succeed in my community,” Zhu said.

“As I work through these struggles I have learned to channel my experiences into my music, and ‘paint the world red’ is a reflection of that journey. Collaborating with Felix Lahann, we shared our stories and found solace in our shared experiences of self-confidence, courage, fear and self-doubt.”

Continue reading “Big Picture – Mark Zhu and Felix Lahann Illustrate Self-Confidence on ‘paint the world red’ Single” →

Bold Ambition – Adam Labeaux Explores the Power of Courage and Vulnerability on ‘Brave Face’ Album

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Adam Labeaux’s “Brave Face” features earnest lyrics, soulful vocals and ‘70s-inspired folk-rock instrumentation flavored with improvisational jazz and soul. Photo – Natalia Holtzman

Adam Labeaux searches for the true meaning of courage in himself and others.

The folk-rock singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist explores the power of tenacity, vulnerability and authenticity on his new album Brave Face.

“It does have a lot to do with these central themes, and these are things I tend to touch on a lot, including the human condition,” said Labeaux, who resides in Ann Arbor.

“I tend to write dark folk, and I gravitate toward this subject matter and a focal point that maybe people don’t want to look at all the time. But I always have hope, and I always feel there’s positivity to come out.”

That positivity and bravery shine across Brave Face’s dozen candid tracks, which feature earnest lyrics, soulful vocals and ‘70s-inspired folk-rock instrumentation flavored with improvisational jazz and soul. Imagine if Labeaux formed a new supergroup with members of Steely Dan, the E Street Band and Toto.

“I’m the first to admit that sometimes I write songs to give myself words of encouragement that I’m not getting from someone else,” said Labeaux about his fourth album. “If nothing else, I find that when I’m at my lowest and when I’m most manic that usually it means I haven’t been writing enough. I haven’t been expressing it, and I really need to get into that space and have that cathartic moment.”

Continue reading “Bold Ambition – Adam Labeaux Explores the Power of Courage and Vulnerability on ‘Brave Face’ Album” →

The Soundcheck – Adam Liles, Bourgeoisie Paper Jam, Lilly MacPhee, Jeff Socia, Nicholas Arthur Powers

This month’s edition of “The Soundcheck” deciphers a range of relationships, whether they’re fleeting or everlasting. Some pull the “Ripcord” to break a scary free fall while others cherish “Every Heartbeat” and say a belated “Thank You for Breaking My Heart.” It also reveals the wisdom that comes with age and experience—I Know a Thing and Ronronner—and the potential for future growth.

Adam Liles, “Ripcord”

The Indigo Curve guitarist shares an instant headrush of emotion and energy on his debut solo single “Ripcord.” Produced by Anton Pastoria, the track’s swirling, indie-rock array of pounding drums, glistening electric guitar and humming bass propel Detroit’s Adam Liles into a brief infatuation until the “ripcord” of reality takes over. In raspy, reverb-filled vocals, he sings, “And I’m feeling it all / As far as feeling it goes / She came in like a star / Oh, but she left like a ghost.”

Liles also released a new video for “Ripcord,” which features him strumming a cream Fender Stratocaster on a pedestrian bridge at sunset over an interstate. He teamed up with Love Streams Films’ director Andrew Brumfield and Craigen Z Oster to film the introspective take on his single. Liles and Brumfield also collaborated on The Indigo Curve’s kaleidoscopic video for “But I Wanna Write Love Songs” last summer.

Continue reading “The Soundcheck – Adam Liles, Bourgeoisie Paper Jam, Lilly MacPhee, Jeff Socia, Nicholas Arthur Powers” →

Upward and Onward – Patrick Sheufelt Records with Pandemic Pat & The Murder Hornets and Versus Versus, Runs I/O Detroit Studio

Regardless of whatever life throws at them, Pandemic Pat & The Murder Hornets quickly rise to the occasion.

The punk-rock solo project of Ferndale vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Patrick Sheufelt captures this fearless sentiment on their confident new single, “Rise,” out March 17.

“A lot of my family and friends have been falling on tough times in the post-pandemic era—lots of heartbreak, financial hardship and just general gloom going around. And I thought I’d write a song to try and fight back some of that darkness a little bit,” he said.

“It’s similar to what I said about ‘Firelight’ on the first record [2020’s Not Dead Yet], where I saw stuff happening (at that point it was the protests and the madmen running the country), and it prompted an emotional response and subsequently a pretty cool song from me.”

Throughout “Rise,” turbocharged electric guitar, bass and drums urge people to seize the day as Sheufelt’s raspy vocals proclaim:

“You danced with me under the snow and said / ‘They’ve got me on the ropes, this time I don’t think I can find my way out,’ / But here you are on your feet again, fighting to the bitter end, leaving these demons so far behind.”

“When I was writing it, one of my traveling friends, Xavier O’Luain, was staying here at the studio. He was a bit of a sounding board for some of the melodies and whatnot. As far as the recording, no one else was on this one; I just wrote all the parts as I picked up the instruments,” said Sheufelt, who started Pandemic Pat & The Murder Hornets in 2020.

“Of course, it started on vocals/acoustic [guitar], then drums, bass and guitars. I always do lead guitar last as sort of the cherry on top of the song. And on this note, I’m looking for band members for this project. If anyone wants to learn some relatively easy parts and go on tour, hit me up!”

Continue reading “Upward and Onward – Patrick Sheufelt Records with Pandemic Pat & The Murder Hornets and Versus Versus, Runs I/O Detroit Studio” →