#Victoria Music

[ladiesofeurovision]

[thepermanentrainpress]

TEENAGE ART SCENE: PIPES ON THE INSIDE

Pipes on the Inside – Teenage Art Scene Release Date: September 9th, 2022

Track Listing:

1. Crystal 2. Full of It 3. Never Live This Down 4. Feeling This 5. Pipes on the Inside l 6. Pipes on the Inside ll 7. Pipes on the Inside llI 8. Weeks (Years) 9. Electrical

Teenage Art Scene's latest release Pipes on the Inside fuses indie rock with 80s synth pop, new wave, and electronica. Bold, colourful shapes and meticulous attention to detail merge in a collection that feels like it belongs in the Fallout video game series. Victoria’s Rupert Yakelashek adapts in this exciting musical journey, presenting an array of genres that gracefully fall into place.

From the spacey opener “Crystal,” with its swooping synths, nasally vocals, and gritty electric guitar melodies, to the retro relaxation of “Full of It,” with its light percussion, sad words, and hopeful layers, each song is stylishly surreal.

“Never Live This Down” chimes in with a Depeche Mode tone. Clean guitar riffs support an echoing, amused voice: “And I’ll express that you’ve made quite a mess.” Standout track “Feeling This" provides a beachy goth essence with lingering horns, deep guitar strums, and 90s rock. “You're the pinnacle of what I could achieve / If I didn’t give up so easily.” Sharp, faded synth entrances charge a trippy soundscape.

Metallic notes soar and urgent bass floods “Pipes on the Inside I.” A sonic machinist, Yakelashek cultivates a fascinating audio field. Frantic percussion transitions into stronger beats. The conjoined song “Pipes on the Inside II” is lighter, almost dainty. It integrates sweet, haunting bells with rubbery bass. Third edition “Pipes on the Inside III” switches gears. Speedy and tenacious, gritty guitar cuts through contagious synths. “This Anthropocene makes it so hard to glean / I can feel the pipes on the inside.”

With gentle, catchy hooks, “Weeks (Years)” grooves with stacked synths. Playful use of high and low pitches makes for a fun auditory experience. Nostalgia and reflection of time emerge from the piece: “More than anything combined / the weeks and years we left behind.” A sly and sneaky undertow adds lightheartedness to an otherwise somber message.

The last song off the album, “Electrical,” sparks neon melodies and embodies a glamourous, youthful 80s vibe. Rigid vocals exude confidence and weave through the tune with swagger: “You seem like such a spectacle / I can’t help but notice you’re electrical.” Robotic reverb brushes against pixelated notes and bouncy guitar. Intriguing mystery exists in a colourful synthetic haze, while arcade noises diffuse energetic retro charm.

Pipes on the Inside is a trendy development in Teenage Art Scene's evolution. Rupert Yakelashek's willingness to intertwine genres results in a cohesive yet abstract collection. The union of eclectic aesthetics with vintage technology creates a multifaceted music adventure that showcases creative growth. Pipes on the Inside breaks away from usual patterns while staying true to Teenage Art Scene's artistic vision.

Written by: Jenna Keeble

[thedrawingduke]

I realized I never posted these here on tumblr! 2020 did unspeakable things to my mind and body…I staggered away from lockdown with a whole pitch of how I would make an animated Cats adaptation. I got the whole thing up here *taps skull*—it would be Very Good. I can’t think about it too much lest I awaken my sleeping obsession…still want to finish Old Deut and Macavity one of these days.

Fun fact: The term "Jellicle Cat" is actually the cats’ mishearing of the term "Dear Little Cat" (this gives me much joy)

@thedrawingduke on Instagram

[xosiren]

Bitch, she went to the Michael Jackson School Of Performing Arts, and minored in Janet Jacksonology

[theereina]

Victoria Monet ✨

Grammy Awards (Feb. 5, 2024)

[louisbxne]

VICTORIA MONÉT

Alright (2024)

[yeehawnce]

ALRIGHT BY VICTORIA MONÉT (2024) dir. Dave Meyers

[mysticalcats]

a few cats i doodled while testing out a new brush !

[angelgigisworld]

[fhaerieee]

she music on my duo till i qsmp

[sisaworld]

[ladiesofeurovision]

[thepermanentrainpress]

THE PERMANENT RAIN PRESS INTERVIEW WITH ALEX FRASER

Alex Fraser loves to make music and share it with an audience. The Vancouver Island producer and singer-songwriter released his debut EP Clarity in March and in August, was named the winner of Unsigned BC's Song of the Summer with his west coast dance track "Summertime High."

We chatted with the artist about his background in music, influences, the making of Clarity, and enjoying the art as a performer.

What can you share about your background in music, and how/when that passion first formed?

I first started performing live when I was 12 years old with music groups from my middle school. However, I didn’t begin singing publicly until I was 14. I started out with playing the drums, before diving into vocal groups during middle school and high school.

You co-produce your music. What training do you have, and how did you develop these skills in order to have more creative control in the process?

I enrolled in a couple online classes to pick up some basic training, but for the most part, I am self taught. It has been a really useful tool, especially since I am able to put my own unique elements on a track before I take it to a producer for further work.

Your music is very emotive. How would you describe your sound to new listeners, and what inspires you in the music you like to create?

I try to make music that will uplift and inspire people. I write from the heart, whether it be a slow song, something more upbeat, happy or sad. But I always try and include a positive, uplifting message within my projects.

You are influenced by Coldplay, The Weeknd and Kygo. What do you enjoy about these artists in particular, and what aspects do you hope to emulate in your own music?

Coldplay’s “Believe in Love” message is one that I try and include in my writing. They are such a positive uplifting band, with lyrics that pull you in, and connect you to each word of every song. On the production side of things, The Weeknd and Kygo have some amazing synth elements, which has provided me with some fantastic production ideas, that I have incorporated into building my own unique sound.

You’ve worked with prolific music producer, Steve Kroeger, on some of your releases. What can you say about your working relationship, and how he’s helped you realize your vision for your sound?

Steve is an incredible artist and producer. He also happens to be the first producer that I have co-produced with. His workflow and organization has led to many amazing sessions, and I am honoured to have been able to share the room with him on most of my projects.

Your music is heavily electronic based, but you also play piano (showcased in “Lost Soul”) and have some wonderful acoustic videos on YouTube. Tell me about the duality in sound, and your decision to keep the majority of your releases in the EDM/pop sphere?

I decided to lead my music into a pop, mainstream direction, in hopes to try and blend in with other successful acts in my genre. "Lost Soul" was a song that I wrote in 15 minutes, but just felt like one of those that needed to be raw and stripped back. And I do enjoy creating acoustic music. Future projects may be leading in that direction.

How would you describe your process as a songwriter - from recording thoughts and ideas, to finishing a song?

It really depends on each song. But I usually sit down at the piano, feel out some chords, and let the lyrics mold around a rough structure. Then, I get into production elements once I have solid groundwork formed for a track. I usually spend a few months on each song, to make sure it is the best it can possibly be. Both from a structure and production point of view.

Your song, “Summertime High,” was named as Unsigned BC’s Song of the Summer. Tell us about your submission, released in 2021, and what overall message/vibes you hoped listeners took away?

"Summertime High" was written during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. The thought for that song was to write a summer anthem to make people feel good, and let them know that those tricky times would not linger on forever. Better days were ahead.

What did the win mean to you when you received the notification?

Winning this competition was such a special moment for me. Not only just as a performer, but also as a writer and producer. I’m very grateful to the entire team at Unsigned BC and to the judges for choosing my song, and opening doors to new opportunities.

Your debut EP, Clarity, was released in March. What are you the proudest of in your journey to its release?

Clarity is a title that has been around for a while, but one that has a very special meaning to me. And I felt that it would be nicely suited for this project. 7 years prior to the EP release, I got quite sick, and was unwell for several months. Since that time, I have grown stronger, and have learned to appreciate every single moment of every single day. The 7 songs on the project are put in an order to tell a story of a struggle, but an eventual overcoming of those difficult times. It is definitely my most proud project to date.

Which is your favourite song off the EP and why?

"Lost Soul" would probably be my favourite song off of the EP. It’s one of those songs that is raw and stripped back, but that’s what I like about it. It captures the story that I wanted to tell.

You’ve filmed a few music videos over the past few years, and have collaborated with a local team at Runegate Studio. How did that relationship start, and have you enjoyed working with Adam and Danny?

Adam and Danny are an amazing team to work with. We first met in 2021, and they have done all of my video projects since. They know how to make a video look flawless, and have provided incredible direction with each project that we have filmed.

Have you always felt comfortable in front of a camera?

I would say so. It’s a part that comes with being a performing music artist. You're always in the spotlight. And it’s just something that I’ve gotten used to. And for my own projects, working with a team like Adam and Danny, just makes the process so much easier.

What do you enjoy about being an artist on Vancouver Island, and what can you say about the connections you’ve made in the community?

I love Vancouver Island. The Victoria music scene is a very close knit family. We all know each other, and we all support one another. It’s a really good community. I wouldn’t be performing as often as I do without the support of my incredible peers.

You’re a seasoned performer, and have played over 25 shows this year. How has your live set developed in 2023, and how have you grown as a performer?

Being on the stage on a weekly basis definitely provides confidence when playing a live show. It took time over the years for me to feel comfortable on stage in front of an audience. But playing as many shows as I have so far this year, I have learned to control my nerves, relax and enjoy the art of performing.

Your first music festival performance was at Five Acre Shaker in Port Alberni earlier in August. How was that experience?

Playing a music festival has been a huge goal of mine for a while. The Five Acre Shaker Festival was an awesome first time experience. The staff were so friendly, and I also owe a huge thank you to the Zattzoo Family for providing the opportunity to perform. It was an experience that I will never forget.

You’re a regular at pubs in Victoria. What can you say about pub crowds, and how their reception to your music has motivated you?

Pub crowds in Victoria are awesome. When I get the opportunity to play a packed room, and have the crowd sing along, it is such a huge boost. It definitely motivates me to pursue music as more than just a hobby. But as a possible career path.

What can you share about the new music you’ve been writing and recording? Do you have an anticipated release date (or month)?

I have a couple new songs in the works, and will be heading over to Vancouver this month to track a third song. Can’t say too much about the projects at the time, but I’m really excited to share new music soon.

Our signature question: If you could be any ice cream flavour, which would you be and why?

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for sure. Definitely one of the best.

-

Thanks to Alex for answering our questions! To stay updated with his new music and projects, follow Alex on Instagram, and visit his Facebook and YouTube.

Photo credit to: Alvin Lyndon Cassell

[skapediem]

fuck it unironic cats (2019) fanart

[awliette]

Pile o’ Jellicles

Bonus:

[theereina]

IG: victoriamonet