Ones To Watch – Surfing the Soundwaves

Praise Our Founding Fathers

Well this is definitely some new territory as far as topics go for me. PODCASTS. They have been around forever, but for some reason, everyone is just now hopping on the bandwagon. I remember the first podcast I ever truly enjoyed, Serial. I am a big murder mystery fan, but that’s a topic for another time. Personally, I never found myself in a position where I would want to sit down and listen to another person talk. Unless I was having a face to face conversation. Books on tape were never up my alley. However, one day, everything changed.

My friend sent me a text saying something along the lines of, “Have you listened to Call Her Daddy?” Initially, I thought this was going to be a new song that had just been released. However, she informed me that if I like anything to do with Barstool Sports, then I would love this. Obviously, I had to do my research. Now, any NORMAL person would think to start a podcast from the beginning. I later learned that the Daddy Girls strongly advise this concept. However, my initial research began with watching their vlogs on Youtube to get a feel for who they are. For me, I would like to see who exactly is giving me all this raunchy advice.

Now yes, let me preface this whole post by saying, Call Her Daddy is not for the weak of heart. It may not even be for anyone reading this who is over the age of 40. Let me tell you why. It is RAUNCHY and RELATABLE. Which for most adults, is horrifying. Especially for parents. I can’t imagine any parent sitting down to listen to this podcast and thinking, “Groovy”. However, it is 2019, and young adults are being young, wild, and free. Most of the premise of these podcast episodes, deal with the trial and error of dating. Just when you think you’ve met the one, something isn’t right. These girls also give real and raw (no pun intended) sex advice. Now for some people, this is where their opinions on the podcast waiver. Maybe you aren’t a hoe, so to hear some of these stories is scarier than Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. However, maybe you are, and you’re looking for something to spice it up. These girls do it all.

Let me give you an example. Tragically, most of us reading this, like men. It’s more often than not, tragic. However, like the saying goes, you truly cannot live without them. In a more recent episode, Alex invites her male friend to come on the podcast. Now you’re thinking, cool, time for some useful advice from the man’s perspective. Judging by his name, Milf Hunter, you can only assume it isn’t going to be romantic. While I am sitting in my car listening, I am mistakenly waiting to hear advice from a guy on how girls SHOULD act. Instead, I am listening to a normal guy talk about all the savage things he has done in the past, and how he doesn’t plan on settling down anytime soon. If that doesn’t confirm my point that men are TRASH, I don’t know what will. I’m kidding. I actually found the episode super amusing and maybe a TAD insightful. I mean, who am I to kid, I have the worst taste in men. So, he seems right up my alley. I actually, in turn, learned a couple tips and tricks on how to play a player. NO MAN IS SAFE FROM ME NOW. I say as I am literally typing this alone in bed with my cat.

My favorite portion of the podcast however, is when youngins like myself, get to submit questions. At the end of the episode, Alex and Sofia pick which questions may be the most relevant and useful. Most of the time it’s about a cheating spouse, or sometimes it is just a crazy story about college. While I am no longer at the age where I have to worry about boys at frat parties, I still love to hear the advice. It makes me wish I had these girls in college, would that have changed anything? Probably not. Would I have steered clear of the frat stars? Most definitely. It was just recently that I found myself writing in to these girls for advice. On what, I won’t disclose just yet. However, whether I get chosen or not, there was some comfort in thinking they might see it. It almost feels…fatherly. Maybe they are the daddy’s of the internet.

While I would LOVE to tell each and every one of you to go listen to this podcast, I feel as if I should disclose a warning. This podcast is EXTREMELY inappropriate. Mom and Dad, close your ears and stay away okay? But, while it is raunchy, do not go judging your friends for being die hard fans. In all reality, this podcast is what girls talk about at slumber parties with their friends. If you are a guy reading this and have listened to the podcast, yes it is true, we are talking shit about you behind your back. Lastly, to the men. If you use your little Airpods and decide to listen, kudos to you. HOWEVER, this is not a reflection of any of your female friends’ endeavors, okay? There is no slut shaming in this house. These stories are obviously not ours, and that’s why they’re hilarious to listen to.

With that being said, if you are not scared away yet, listen to the podcast. Maybe it’ll spark some memories from your wild past. Or, maybe it’ll just make you grateful for your easy, breezy, beautiful dating life. Either way, Call Her Daddy, has a little something for everyone.

HAYDEN JAMES

This is kind of a “best of both worlds” situation for me. I have been loving Hayden James’ music for quite some time now, so I was thinking he would be a perfect edition to Ones To Watch. THEN, today, he decided to release a whole new album. Previously, he had only a few singles, some remixes, and a baby EP. So, here I am, listening for the first time and writing an AUTHENTIC review of his music. In my last album review, I had listened to it weeks prior, and based my opinion on their previous work. In this case, I only have a handful of songs, most of which are debuted on this new album as well.

So why do I think he’s an artist to watch? His music has beats that make you want to party by the pool all day, combined with lyrics that sometimes make you sit and say, “Wow. I’ve been attacked.” Which is totally a good thing. That means he is making relatable content that you can sing your heart out to, if you have any oxygen left from dancing. Let’s talk about some songs that were out in the world before this album. The reasons I became a fan, and the reasons I believe he’s going to be popping on Top 40 charts soon.

The first song I had ever heard by him was actually a remix. I heard ODESZA remix “Something About You”, which lead me to wonder who he really was. The crazy thing is, the different effect both songs have on me. When hearing the ODESZA remix, it gives me some sort of nostalgia that gives me a little lump in my throat. However, when I go and listen to the actual version of the song, it makes me feel super relaxed. The type of feeling you get when you’re just laying by the pool tanning. By now, this song is probably pretty popular, due to the fact that the remix blew it off the charts. However, if you haven’t already heard, I suggest listening to both, and deciding which one you like better! That single came out in 2015, and it looked like he had released one single per year since then, until 2018. He released a whopping TWO. However, these two are probably my favorite songs on this planet, not to be dramatic or anything. Starting with the song, “Just Friends.” This song was released toward the end of 2018, and for some reason it REALLY spoke to me. At this time, I was boy drama free and had no reason to particularly relate to it…yet. If you were to ask me if I can relate to the song now, I’d tell you to mind your business. This song is just everything. I don’t even know how to use proper terms to describe it. At the time it came out, I would play it on repeat 24/7, not listening to anything else. Now that I don’t do that anymore, whenever it comes on shuffle, it feels like a jolt of electricity. Just hearing the beginning I think, “Oh shit, here we go.” The lyrics are so self explanatory that I don’t even think it’d be necessary for me to talk further about it. JUST GO LISTEN TO IT OKAY?

Now, let’s get into the build up of the album today. Then, we’re going to tear it apart. For some reason, I like to think that 2019 just started. That’s how fast it’s blowing by. So, while I was listening to Gryffin Radio, a bomb station that curates music based off that one artist’s style, I found a new gem. It’s called “Nowhere To Go.” When I first heard it in my bathroom, I was STOKED to find out it was by Hayden James. I knew it had to be relatively new, but when? How did I miss this? Turns out, he just released it in May. I wasn’t missing out for too long. This song has been my obsession lately. It lyrically has almost a similar vibe to “Just Friends,” but a little bit different. That was his last single before today, June 14th, when he blessed my ears this morning.

He kicks off the album with a voice I recognize immediately, Boy Matthews. The beautiful voice on “Just Friends.” The awesome thing about this album is there aren’t any real slow songs to kill my vibe. Lately, I’ve been wanting something upbeat that will keep me going throughout the day, not put me to sleep. Who am I kidding, that’s ALWAYS how I’ve been. I can appreciate a good slow song from time to time, don’t get me wrong. However, it is unique to have an artist come up with all upbeat stuff, that lyrically is amazing too. The album is filled with his singles he’s released this past year, but the new songs are just as exciting. I think my favorite on this new album would have to be “Hold Me Back,” which is his album kick off. Sometimes, the first song on an album can be hit or miss.

Overall, I think Hayden James is going to be a real hit on the more dreamy side of the House Music charts. While he does have 2 million monthly listeners, I still feel like he belongs on a Ones To Watch. I just don’t hear his name as much as I should. However, not to toot my own horn, but I am usually the one who presents new names to my friends. I also don’t see him on as many release radars as he deserves. So here he is! If you haven’t heard of him, now you have. As always, I am leaving a little playlist radio down below. So, if you’re lazy, you don’t have to go far to listen to him. Or, if you don’t have Spotify, this is your chance to download. Honestly Spotify, sponsor me already. #AD

Billie Freaking Eilish

As some of you may know, Billie Eilish is an artist that took 2018 and made it her bitch. For someone like myself, it is always fascinating to watch artists blossom. Sometimes, when it happens this quickly, it really has me wondering how it happened. Was it just luck? Opening for the right act? Becoming friends with the right person? How do these small breakout artists really take the charts by storm?

Believe it or not, “Ocean Eyes,” Billie’s take-off single; came out in the year 2016. However, it didn’t fully reach popularity until artists in 2017 started remixing it. Around this time of sudden popularity, Vanity Fair decided to interview her as an up and coming artist. Still naive to the inner workings of the industry, Billie gave an enthusiastic interview about who she is and what is to be expected from her. Cut to 2018, they conducted a follow-up with the same questions, but exactly 365 days later. Almost 20 million people have seen this side-by-side interview and the comments are eye-opening. However, we will touch base on that later.

So, who is Billie Eilish? Why is she so popular now? Apart from her amazing music, I really wanted to pick apart who she is, with the little information she probably shares about her true self, on social media. For starters, I believe breaking out on the charts has to do with calculated luck in the algorithm. Every streaming service for music has one. I started to believe that Billie was just popping up on people’s feeds at the right time. Which, very well may be the case. However, I think a lot of it had to do with the people she was touring with and the festivals she played. People do not recognize how powerful the combination of word-of-mouth and social media can really be. Say Billie Eilish was performing at Lollapalooza one year and there is a celebrity in the crowd. All that person would have to do is post about how amazing she is, and off go people to Spotify or Apple Music to stream her songs. That is where the algorithm starts to come into play. If in a short time frame, people are all of a sudden streaming this one artist, the app is going to assume EVERYONE is going to want to do the same. Eventually, Billie ends up on Ones To Watch, and Top 40 Songs playlists overnight.

Now that she is so popular, she has to decide what she wants her image to be. In the 2017 Vanity Fair interview, her personal style was already a tad tomboy-ish. She was wearing chains, big sneakers, and baggy clothing. However, her silver/purple hair and subtle/glowy makeup were still very feminine. On her Instagram, @wherearetheavocados, you can kind of see her transform through social media’s eyes. With every picture, her clothes get baggier, and her smile becomes more non-existent. Personally, I do not like her style at all. I have a couple friends who agree, and we have all had heated conversations about it. However, I always say the same thing, it’s her “brand.” When Lady Gaga first came into fame, her style was WACK. Now that she has become more established and self-aware, her fashion has changed completely. I think when it comes to self-image, Billie is just trying to figure out who she is, while still maintaining this boy-ish vibe.

Now let’s talk about her music. Her voice has to be one of the most angelic voices I have ever heard come out of a 17 year old. When “Ocean Eyes” became popular, it was such a beautiful melancholy tune. At the time, I would have labeled it as something more “Indie.” The more she released, the less I was able to categorize her into a genre. However, referring back to her 2017 interview with VF, that is part of her vision. Not being confined to a definitive musical box. My two favorite songs of hers at the moment are: “Bellyache” and “bitches broken hearts.” With the song “Bellyache,” I love how beautiful her voice is in comparison to the tragic lyrics. She even stated herself, the lyrics are simply about murder. She is singing an upbeat tune about killing her friends. What’s not to love about that? Again, FBI agent in my computer, I am just kidding. When listening to her album though, you will realize that a lot of her songs are very sad. It could be reflective of what she is going through in the industry. The way she is handling growing up in the public eye. In her 2018 interview with VF, she flat out said that everyone in the industry is sad. Other artists may be hiding it by singing about the great times in their lives, however, Billie is very transparent about the things going awry. With the song, “bitches broken hearts,” she is really tapping into that melancholy vibe. With little instrumentals in the background, her voice takes center stage. She simply is singing about someone missing her, but being in denial. It’s honestly an empowering song, with a rainy day attitude.

Lastly, I want to talk about the controversy surrounding her 2018 follow up interview. I had watched it when it came out and thought about how much she had changed looks-wise. Her style was edgier, her hair was blue, and her eyes looked tired. However, recently a friend of mine has become really enamored with Billie Eilish’s presence. She was talking about the interview, which brought me to watching it again. The comments stunned me. The majority were talking about how sad she looked now, and how naive she was in 2017. To me, yes, she does look a little bit more sad. Becoming famous overnight had put a lot of pressure on her, as she states herself. I can’t imagine how tiring it must be trying to figure out who you are, while also trying to battle the pressure of what the world wants you to be. While I do think she looks exhausted and sad, I also think that is just a part of her age. She is so young and growing up in front of now 12 million people. Talk about overwhelming.

When it comes to Billie Eilish, I have always been in awe of her voice. I think that this is just the beginning for her, and her talent is going to take her so far. I think she is going to take 2019 by storm. With the many festivals she is set to play, Coachella being a big one, she is going to have a busy year. I think it will be interesting to see how she grows musically and fashionably in the next several months. I also hope she doesn’t let the pressure of the industry get to her. The world can sometimes be a cruel place, but I think she will use her art to heal herself and her fans this upcoming year.

Who is Lostboycrow?

When creating this section of Surfing the Soundwaves, my mindset was to eloquently force an artist I have loved for a while down everyone’s throat. While they may not be new on MY radar, I have a feeling they will be on yours.

Let’s talk about Lostboycrow. The appeal for me in the beginning, besides his awesome music, was the mystery of figuring out his real name. Not to mention, he has a super deep song titled “Real Name,” which basically talks about how important names really are in our identity of ourselves and others. REAL INTELLECTUAL SHIT HERE. Now, it may be easy to just google him and find out what his actual name is. However, his identity for me is now deeply rooted in his powerful music.

As with everyone else, I have trouble picking a favorite song, mainly because my moods fluctuate each week (Cancer season is 24/7 with me). However, that doesn’t mean I can’t rant for hours about certain songs and why I love them so much. With Lostboycrow, I feel like you can really hear his emotions and his passion in every song. I am not saying other artists don’t give off the same vibe, but he is unique. For me, they are songs that have an awesome beat, but really make me reevaluate my life. Which, some people may hate, and some people may love. My favorite part of music, is feeling as if I can relate to the person singing. That for me is always a stand out feature. This factor is also another reason I feel like this artist is going to BLOW UP THE CHARTS in the very near future. Whether we all love or hate reevaluating our lives based on how songs make us feel, we can all come together and agree that we want to feel understood. There is nothing better than turning on a song with your friends and screaming, “MEEEEEE” at certain lyrics.

Right now, my favorite song by Lostboycrow is, “Devil’s in the Backseat.” If you have ever driven with me, you have probably heard this at some point. This song is such a relatable, zone out on PCH kind of bop. It’s a little bit scandalous, but in the most storybook kind of way. We have all experienced a little bit of mischief, without it being aggressive like in most Rap songs. For some reason, the line in the song that stands out the most to me is, “Keep me in the lines, 87 on the 405.” While plenty of other lyrics are my favorite, this one really makes me wonder what time of night they are driving at. There is no way you can be going 87 on the 405, is that a lyrical myth?? I need answers.

When writing this, I decided to do a major throwback to the first song I ever heard by him, “Love Won’t Sleep.” Most people who know me would be extremely confused on how I used to listen to this song on repeat all the time. I never opt for slower songs, unless I am desperately trying to go to bed. With this song, it is so sweet and mellow, it doesn’t make me sad. Those are the slow songs I can’t do, the sad ones. Listening to this song now, in comparison with “Devil’s in the Backseat,” it is awesome to not only see the growth of this artist, but also how much he has stayed the same. Most people think you need to conform to what’s “hot” right now in order to make it. Thus, losing themselves and what made them unique and great in the first place.

Lastly, one of my favorite songs is, “Thursday.” This was my OG sunset drive down PCH song. I still listen to it on my drives to coffee shops, or when I just want to go on a drive. It reminds me of Laguna Beach, and seeing the water appear as you go over that one hill.

As much as I would LOVE to over analyze every single song this boy has ever made, I figure you can just listen for yourself. Also, check him out on all his social media. He’s an actual sweetheart and if you tweet him or DM him, he sometimes responds. Those are also the best moments to share with an artist, talking about their music, or other things. Especially knowing that artist will one day in the future have so many dms, they won’t even check anymore. Definitely take advantage of getting to know this beautiful little soul and all his lovely heartfelt songs.

(I wish I could give photo creds, but google did not have a link, so shoutout to whoever you are!)

In Heaven With Coleman Hell

I am not entirely sure if I am going to start a series on this, but I always have my own personal watchlist for artists that I feel are going to blow up. My gut is almost never wrong, small artists I love, quickly turn from playing small underground clubs, to giant arenas. So, I think I am going to start documenting it as proof of my stellar ear for music.

Someone on my radar right now is, Coleman Hell. I have loved his songs for years. From his sultry bop, “Heat of the Night” to his banjo banger, “2 Heads.” Lately, I have discovered that he has slowly been releasing new singles since the end of 2017. Let me just say, they are nothing short of AMAZING. With a completely different vibe from the previously mentioned singles, Coleman Hell has managed to incorporate what is popular in today’s era, all while keeping it unique.

Keeping things original is something that is important to me when keeping budding artists on my radar. Of course, in order to really make a hit, musicians have to be in tune with what is popular in society at all times. However, where some artists fall short is they make a hit single that almost sounds like everything else you’re hearing on the radio. I personally enjoy when something has relatable lyrics, but also can be danced to at all times. I know everyone is different, but it seems as if EDM and dance genres are what’s booming right now. So, with Coleman Hell, he has impressively incorporated his sultry lyrics with an upbeat club-ish vibe. My favorite of his right now is, “Devotion (SMLE Remix).” Not to be basic, but the lyrics are soooooo Coleman. Im talking as if I know him. However, the lyrics are sultry, yet sweet and passionate, which is something he accomplishes with all of his songs.

The tunes I mentioned at the beginning of this post were from around 2015, I want to say. What sparked my interest in those songs, were the artistic lyrics. The type that make you think for a second, and then have you feeling as if you can connect on a deeper level. So for me, it was really nice to see that he did not stray too far from that, while also trying to reach different audiences. A more recent bop he released is called, “Killer.” This song can relate to anyone in their drunken nights. Whether you have a significant other or not, immediately you can relate to what he is saying. As far as the beat goes, it definitely isn’t something you will find anyone raging to at a club in the middle of the night. However, I have found myself night and day blasting this with the windows down. It is perfect for a summers day or night, which is probably the most important quality of ANY song. Everyone knows the summer season is the most exciting, no matter what age you are. So, if a song can channel a summery vibe, you know it’s going to be good.

Now of course, he has plenty of other songs I haven’t mentioned, but me talking about every single on is probably more tedious than you listening to them yourself! So, I am keeping it short and sweet. Mainly, because I want you to go grab your phone and listen to this man ASAP. Do it now, before he takes over the world, because I know he will. As I am writing this, it is looking to be a beautiful beginning of summer day. So, I am going to drive with the windows down and BLAST (not kidding I like it loud) “Devotion” and “Killer,” for all of Orange County to hear. If you love any of his songs, or are just now listening, tell me which one is your fave! I love when pals discover a new love for artists I am passionate about. Also, if you have any artists you think I would adore, never hesitate to throw them my way! Who knows, maybe they will end up on my watchlist.