Alec Benjamin has been one of my favorite music artists out there, once upon a time he was niche but I’m very happy he’s well known. He’s worked hard for it.
Alec is the kind of guy I look at and get “Lover Boy” from. He’s very passionate in his writing about multiple feelings and how he may feel towards others and scenarios. Alec has various forms of singing as well. Most songs are slow, letting you hold on to every word, others are more rapid as he brings you into this scene of intense pressure or stimulation with his skills to rap.
Alec’s most common genre, I would say, would be a more romantic/heartbreak genre. In some of his album’s descriptions, it’ll talk about his experiences and mor importantly, you’ll hear it from himself in his songs.
Now, unfortunately, if you’re like me and listen more predominantly on Apple Music, you will be limited to four albums.
Narrated for You – 2018
These Two Windows- 2020
(Un)commentary- 2022
12 Notes- 2024
And a few Singles, He’s released “The Knife in My Back “on Apple Music in 2025 after having been on YouTube for such a long time. He’s reprised the song from its original and it’s so hard to choose which ones better, but personally, I’m really liking the 2025 reprise more but I’m juggling right now. And his newest song, EMOTIONS with WENDY, a Korean artist.
You can find more of his songs all on YouTube, which is where I first discovered him through one of those lyric videos. The kind that just end up on your YouTube playlists rather than the original video for some odd reason. His music videos are also really cool; some are of him others are more engaging.
I personally feel like Alec has a little bit of something for everyone. He’s also great to listen to when studying or writing (Unless you’re like me when your favorite song comes on and you start dramatically singing it out).
I do highly suggest giving him a listen if you haven’t heard of him before and if you have and it’s been forever given him another listen.
If storytelling could be told in song form With twists and turns and everything between Each pluck of the string. A devotee quiet fast slow serene. -Lily Ross, A small poem on Alec Benjamin
I have phases where I listen to a song, love it so much, and loop it over and over again until I learned the entire thing. For days. My spotify wrapped is always interesting because of this, because theres always a song at the top I never remember listening to. When I was 13 (ish) I looped “Strawberry Blonde” by Mitski for not one, not two, not three… but four weeks (in dr phil voice). The surprising part? That wasn’t even the top of my wrapped.
As of late, I’ve tried to expand my music taste less and more so tried to get more familiar with artists I already know and love. This was the case with the album I’m predicting to be my favorite, “Class Of Cardinal Sin” by Covey. I have a very, very deep interest in the concept of “sin” as a whole, but ESPECIALLY the seven deadly sins, and this album kind of just scratches that itch in my brain. This is also the case with Rainbow Kitten Surprise, my ABSOLUTE all-time favorite band. I love them so dearly.
It started with one song, which happens to be their most popular, “It’s Called: Freefall”. This song, often shorted to “freefall”, comes from the Album “How to: Friend, Love, Freefall” and is the 4th of 13 in the album. This is, of course, their most popular album BUT! The third they’d released.
I’ve been spending a few days (I say this like it hasn’t been two weeks(edit: It’s been a month and a half, almost two months)) looping their albums, and I’ve JUST finished looping that one, but if I had to name a favorite album it’s definitely “Seven + Mary”. (Still not tired of it, just starting Love Hate Music Box)
I think it may be because I’ve loved RKS’s (Shortened from Rainbow Kitten Surprise, I am NOT typing that out 100 times) music for so long, but I find their music very very easy to listen to on loop how I normally do. Sometimes, sadly, I can’t loop my favorite artists and bands because they tend to find a sound that works for them and… never ever EVER stray from it. This is why I can’t listen to Lana Del Ray (? I have her blocked on spotify) or Chase Atlantic, sometimes even The Neighborhood and Arctic Monkeys. They have lots of music, yes, and it’s all good music, but it has a sound that’s too similar to their other songs. My other favorite bands, like The Crane Wives, do have this problem (from time to time) but by GOD it is not as obvious. Sorry. Little hater rant there. I never have this “Sound too same” problem with them, so it feels like im looping a hundred different favorite songs rather than one album.
Currently, As I am typing this, I’m looping their album “Love Hate Music Box”, (edit: I didn’t like it then, i’m locking in now btw this is danny a month later) and I think it’s a perfect example of what I’m talking about. It has an entirely different sound from, say, RKS the album. And both of those albums sound entirely different from “Seven + Mary”, even if RKS the album and Seven + Mary definitely sound more similar. Love Hate Music Box brings a sound from them that I’m absolutely not used to, and I’m still working on actively listening to this album and becoming as familiar with it as I am the others.
Something I think is funny, in relation to their albums, is that this is about the 3rd time I’ve looped their albums like this , but never with this dedication. I was so sure that I knew only a few songs in seven + mary, but I can sing most of them and if not I can recognize them. So far, from each album (that I’m versed in, don’t ask me anything past love hate music box) my favorites are Mr. Redundant, Seven, Shameful company, and Black and White from Seven + Mary. In RKS, Counting Cards, Lady Lie, Goodnight Chicago (probably my fav on the album) and an even tie for All’s Well That Ends and The Countdown, the two last songs on the album. In the album How to: Friend, Love, Freefall, my favorites are definitely It’s called: Freefall, Mission to mars, Possum Queen, and When it lands!!!! (I love this entire album so much it’s devastating). After that…. I don’t know enough of the albums yet to have a favorite, and that’s okay!!! Otherwise, my #1 favorite song from the entire band is Drop Stop Roll, one of their singles. Their singles are a whole other ballpark, one that I do not care to talk about (no vacancy, work out, and our song are all MASTERPIECES deserving of their own blogs).
I know that I really like music blogs, and that it teaches me a lot about bands I already know or bands ive never heard of, and I figured it’s about my turn to share some of my favorites. Don’t know if I’ll be continuing this blog…. But know I do love RKS and also a few other bands that DEFINITELY deserve more recognition. Kiss kiss, literaries!! See you whenever 🙂
This is me from a few weeks later, coming back and reflecting on this blog: I’m now going to properly rank them based on my favorites.
1 It’s Called: Freefall; 2 Drop Stop Roll; 3 The Countdown; 4 Mission to Mars; 5 Black and White; 6 Goodnight Chicago; 7 Shameful Company; 8 When it Lands; 9 Cold Love; 10 Fever Pitch or Holy War (these are the same song to me)
Honorable Mentions for: Polite Company, Painkillers, Possum Queen, and Devil like me plus every other song they’ve ever made (our song, dang, and SVO also belong here)
Glasgow’s The Ninth Wave is a distinct niche in the modern post-punk/new-wave world. Their story is best told through the evolution of their records; each album marks a new emotional journey.
2019: Infancy
The band’s debut full-length album Infancy dropped on 15 November 2019, following a two-part rollout. Infancy was a bold statement from a young band exploring identity, heartbreak, and self-discovery. With its reverb-guitars, synths, and emotionally honest lyrics, the album earned critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year. Tracks like “Used to Be Yours” — led by bassist Millie Kidd — showcased their capacity to combine vulnerability and moody sonic textures. Fun fact when filming a music video for one of the songs, they had to issue a public warning because they were throwing a dummy off a roof. This album also earned a nomination for the Scottish Album of the Year.
2020: Happy Days! (EP)
Between their two studio albums, The Ninth Wave released an EP titled Happy Days! in 2020. Though shorter than a full album, this EP continued to deepen the emotional themes the band is known for. Its lead single “Everything Will Be Fine” struck a bittersweet chord: the optimism in the chorus paired with the darkness in the production felt both cathartic and unsettling. The EP was well-received, also earning a nomination for the Scottish Album of the Year.
2022: Heavy Like a Headache
Their second full-length, Heavy Like a Headache, arrived on 11 March 2022 via Distiller Records. This record represented a huge creative and emotional development in their music. Produced by the band themselves and mixed by Max Heyes. This album dives into complex themes like grief, anxiety, loneliness, and anger.
Since I need more words for this word count I’ll talk a bit about a song in this one. “What Makes You a Man” tackles consent and shame with raw honesty, combining harsh post-punk instrumentation with deeply personal lyrics:
“I don’t want to blame myself for the degrading actions of others anymore … I want to stand up to this shame … I’m just the one carrying it.” This song can be spotted in the Umbrella Academy season 3, that’s actually how I found this band <3
Shortly after Heavy Like a Headache dropped, the band announced an indefinite hiatus in 2022 and played what they described as a “possibly last ever” gig that March.
They did one singular Gig in May 2024 but there has been nothing since.
—————————————-
Looking at The Ninth Wave’s discography in chronological order highlights their artistic growth: from youthful longing in Infancy, through uneasy hope on the Happy Days! EP, to broader emotional reckoning in Heavy Like a Headache. The albums they left behind stand as a testament to their emotional courage, musical ambition, and refusal to be simple or safe in the music industry. they still inspire people like me 🙂
pls give them a listen if you like punk rock….im like the only fan, REALLY like I’m the ONLY one…I’ve searched FAR AND WIDE…
V Flower, often stylized as v4 flower or simply Flower, stands out in the Vocaloid world as one of the most distinctive virtual singers. Released by Yamaha and developed by Gynoid Co., Flower made their debut in 2014 for the Vocaloid 3 engine, later receiving an upgraded Vocaloid 4 version in 2015. What sets Flower apart from other Vocaloids is their powerful, androgynous voice and their association with high-energy rock and alternative genres—making them an icon of defiance and individuality within the Vocaloid community.
Flower’s design reflects their persona: bold, sharp, and expressive. Their original appearance features white hair with black streaks, a dark, punk-inspired outfit, and a choker that emphasizes their rebellious aesthetic. Later designs, especially for their V4 and CeVIO AI releases, evolved their image into a more futuristic and nonbinary style. This design evolution mirrors their vocal versatility.
Unlike other Vocaloid’s designed to sound cute or traditionally feminine, Flower’s voice sits in a gender-neutral range, filled with roughness and passion. This unique tune has made their particularly popular among producers who want to convey deep emotional intensity or themes of frustration and self-expression. Their voice captures both the beauty and chaos of teenage angst, resonating with listeners who crave authenticity over perfection.
Flower gained widespread recognition through popular songs on Niconico and YouTube, such as “Error” by niki, “Goodbye Declaration” by Chinozo, and “Doll” by Niru Kajitsu, “Lower ones eyes” by Lanndo. These songs highlight their ability to convey both power and vulnerability, with lyrics often exploring identity, loss, and rebellion. “Error,” in particular, became a defining anthem for their—its mix of despair and beauty perfectly encapsulates what makes Flower special. Many fans connect with the emotional depth Their voice brings.
Beyond their sound, Flower has become a symbol of androgyny and individuality. Their design and vocal tone challenge gender norms, inspiring a wide range of interpretations and fan art that celebrate their fluid identity. As Vocaloid technology continues to evolve, Flower remains a beloved figure for their raw emotion, expressive energy, and fearless voice. They represent not just music, but the idea that even artificial voices can express most human feelings.
Flower is a big inspiration for many people, in many ways. Gender identity, musical charm, etc. Flower is a beloved character in the Vocaloid world. Flower is discovered by someone new every day and then they are introduced to a whole new world.
Ever notice how a good song can instantly make you feel better? Whether it’s an upbeat tune that gets you dancing or a soothing melody that helps you unwind, music has a strong impact on the brain In fact, research shows that music is not just entertainment; it can actually improve your mental health.
Here’s how music can help your mood and mind:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety Listening to calming music can lower your heart rate and soothe your nervous system. That’s why soft, slow music is often used during meditation or yoga. It helps your body relax and allows your mind to calm down.
Boosts Your Mood When you hear a song you love, your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical. This is why music can make you feel happier, more energized, or even emotional. It acts like a natural mood enhancer.
Helps You Focus Background music, especially instrumental tracks, can aid concentration. Some people find that playing soft music while working or studying helps them stay focused and block out distractions.
Improves Memory Music activates many areas of the brain, including those related to memory. That’s why an old song can bring back specific moments or feelings. Some studies also show that music therapy helps people with Alzheimer’s recall memories.
Inspires Creativity Music can create an atmosphere for creativity. Whether you’re writing, painting, or brainstorming, the right playlist can help you think more freely and express yourself better.
Music also brings people together. Sharing songs with friends, attending concerts, or playing instruments in a group can strengthen social bonds and create lasting memories. These shared musical experiences foster connection, reduce feelings of loneliness, and support emotional well-being, reminding us we’re not alone in how we feel.
How to Use Music in Your Daily Life: – Start your day with an upbeat playlist – Play calm music while winding down at night – Use music to stay motivated during workouts – Try lo-fi or classical music for studying or working – Create playlists for different moods or tasks
The best part? There’s no “right” kind of music. Everyone responds to different sounds. What matters is how it makes you feel. So the next time you’re feeling down, stressed, or stuck, try turning on some music. Whether you sing along, dance around, or just listen quietly, music can reach your soul and make everything feel a little bit better.
So low because it’s kind of sad and more of a storytelling. GENUINELY SO HAUNTING, it’s all about an umbrella salesman who says his umbrellas are magic levitating umbrellas, but nobody buys them. So, on a rainy day he goes to the top of a tall building and jumps off with the umbrella. Let’s just say he certainly ends up above in the clouds…non magically…
R.I.P- “Language of the Lost”
AAHH very upbeat considering it’s about a confused identity and goes through a range of emotions, IT HAS SUCH A HAPPY ENDING where the Teto (the Vocaloid singing) realizes it doesn’t matter what she is and only that she’s her and she should love that.
Deco*27“Monitoring”
Pov of a mentally ill person on the person who is checking in on them outside, Lowkey a BANGER plus its cool when you get little flashes of reality that aren’t delusions.
Paseri Onuma- “Egoist”
About WELL an egoistic person believing they are better than the things around them to an EXTREME point.
Kikuo – “O Light”
A person in a dream BEGGING to wake up, the character seems to be just stuck in an endless cycle of delusions.
32ki- “Mesmerizer”
The two characters are basically hypnotized into a sense of calm while they were looking for an escape.
Abu-Se-Ken- “Flowers, Mountains & Funerals”
AHHH Kinda hard to make out the meaning but from what i get i believe its about living on after someone dies. It has really cool and climatic instrumentals
Abu-Se-Ken- “Want to Be Cremated”
A deep reflection on cremation, delving into grief and what comes after
Lanndo- “Lower one’s eyes”
Narrated from the perspective of a maid who feels conflict in her relationship with her teacher (a “witch”). She admires the witch but simultaneously harbors jealousy, guilt, and fear. Driven by her insecurities and longing, she betrays the witch—this betrayal leads to the witch’s execution. The maid wrestles with remorse and the weight of her own decisions. (TLDR: doomed yuri)
FLAVOR FOLEY- “Spoken For”
The song follows an idol who feels trapped in her career. Her words, image, and actions are all controlled by others, leaving her with no personal freedom. As she performs, the pressure of constant expectations eats away at her identity. She struggles with exhaustion, self-doubt, and isolation, realizing that everything she presents to the world is scripted and “spoken for.”
Escape Chaotic and raw, Escape encapsulates Muse’s early intensity and their ability to turn panic into art. The song captures a desperate urge to flee suffocation, whether from societal pressures or personal entrapment. Lines like “You would say anything, and you would try anything” shows frantic attempts to claw out of control to the point of doing anything. The singer’s strained vocals, paired with distorted, jagged riffs, create a crowded tune. The track doesn’t feel polished, it’s messy and overwhelming yet that’s precisely its power.
Overdue
I don’t have much to say about this track as I personally see it as straight forward. In Overdue, bitterness replaces panic. Here, the confrontation is betrayal and disappointment, specifically the anger that comes from wasted devotion. The line “You’ll make us want you, you’re all we need” uses irony, showing the false promises of someone undeserving of trust. Musically, the track pushes forward roughly, as if each chord is driving home the frustration of misplaced belief.
Hate This & I’ll Love You
the closing track of Showbiz. Unlike the aggression found elsewhere, lyrically it explores a paradoxical relationship between love and pain, where rejection and hostility are met not with retaliation but with devotion. The title itself encapsulates this contradiction—suggesting that even in the face of hatred, love persists, though it is tinged self-destruction. The song captures themes of longing, imbalance, and the emotional cost of giving oneself completely, closing the album with a sense of unresolved yearning rather than resolution.
Spiral Static (Bonus Track)
Track was only released in the Japanese edition of the album. Though released as a bonus track, Spiral Static deepens the album’s themes. Atmospheric and haunting, it pulls listeners into a cycle of obsession and entrapment. The lyric “You’re the one who’s scared of me” flips vulnerability into menace, suggesting unstable power dynamics within relationships. The track’s swirling, hypnotic sound creates the sense of being caught in an endless loop, unable to fully escape.
__________________________________
With that, we reach the conclusion of this deep dive into Showbiz. Across three parts, we’ve explored the beginnings of Muse, their lyrical intensity, and the emotions that shaped their debut. Every track reveals a fragment of identity, from suffocating pressures to moments of fragile vulnerability. This third installment brings the journey full circle, tying together the chaos, passion, and ambition that defined the era. Thank you for listening to my ramblings about this wonderful band.
Hello, I’m Courtlandt or CJ whatever floats your boat. I love music like many and as an “art kid” I love to analyze and learn songs whether by ear or tabs. So, Sublime has a special place in my pseudo musician heart their unique mix of samples barred chords and poppy reggae, and ska creates a very fun style. This style is culminated between the three Sublime vocalists sharing unique similarities and differences.
Bradley Nowell the bands original front man and lead singer has a powerful and almost childlike voice. He created what is considered “white boy reggae” an American take on the Jamaican rock style. I personally find the difference in Jam Rock or Jamaican Ska to Nowell’s own style as content and instrumentation. Nowell was a firm believer of sampling and chopping over his songs creating a hip hop infusion to his already rhythmic style Sublime is the quintessential band t0 begin and uplift Ska in the United States. There wouldn’t be Reel Big Fish or No Doubt with Bradley. Sadly, Nowell would die of an overdose shortly after the birth of his Jakob at the age of 28 a point in his life were Bradley seemed to be at his musical peak and only getting better.
Technically Sublime with Rome is a different band with a new front man and the members of the original group in Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson. A bit of time passed after the death of Bradley Nowell so the Original Drummer and Bassist would get together to play with one another guitarist enter Rome Ramirez. Ramirez a native to California was a big fan of Sublime and the story of band would be incomplete without him. It’s almost like with Chad Channing’s Never mind demos Dave Grohl’s drums wouldn’t have filled out the album. Ramirez would release several musical projects with Sublime. Bud would eventually leave the band due to not wanting to play in Sublime without his best friend Josh Freese would join after to aid in the touring of Sublime with Rome. I find Rome’s voice as much more theatrical than Bradley’s as he had a more poppy ska hip hop voice. Where Rome could hit higher notes and use of vocal break downs. As a front man I find Rome as less interesting than Bradley Nowell.
One thing I chose to mostly exclude from Bradley’s bio is that he struggled with addiction. A problem that would follow the senior Nowell on stage leading to a bunch of memorable performance, but questions on Bradley’s character.
Like Father Like Son is often an odd sentiment. Jakob Nowell son of Bradley Nowell grew up very well aware of who his father was and his band. Jakob like his father struggled with addiction. Eventually Jakob would attend rehab doing something his father proved incapable of, staying sober. So as the story goes on Jakob would go on to become a musician having success in the Ska-punk band LAW. In 2021 his band LAW would breakup leading Jakob to take over as the sublime singer. At first he would join Bud and Eric for a few select shows while Rome was still fronting Sublime with Rome. Then the Announcement came Jakob Nowell would front the band moving forward.
In the comments recommend me music or albums to listen through.
My recommended listening to Sublime for each Era of the band go’s as following
Bradley Nowell era
Santeria
Doin Time
Wrong Way
WITH ROME ERA
Goin on tonight
Black out
Take it or leave it
JAKOB NOWELL ERA
Warped tour live performance
Ensenada
(Jakob and the gang are working on new songs so only time will tell what happens with that, but I have faith in the reggae rebels.)
BEST ALBUM
Sublime (1996)
this has been heavily re edited to tone down somethings if you want the original manuscript or short hand version ask and I’ll show it to you privately.
Okay, I admit, the title is a bit of clickbait because I’ve known for a while that punk music is political. Punk music has been used as an anti-establishment protest device since its inception, using heavy rock and lyrical call-outs to get its point across. Now, I’d like to preface this by saying, punk music in its entirety isn’t political, and punk isn’t the only political music, but punk started out political.
Punk Rock had its start in the 1970s in small clubs in London, San Fran, New York, Boston, and LA, drawing inspiration from 50s rock and roll and 60s garage rock. Punk music has been anti-institution since inception, and has been used as a feminist device as well by the likes of Patti Smith and L7 (one of my favorite punk bands ever.)
Patti Smith was an artist and poet who was very active during the beginning of punk, being one of the pillars of the community, she toured North America with her band The Patti Smith Group, influencing punk artists of later generations.
L7 was another punk band, though functioning in the latter 80s. they were one of the first all-female punk bands in the game. They have been staunchly political since their beginning and are to date one of my all-time favorite bands. They formed the Rock for Choice movement in the 90s, aimed at holding concerts over a ten year period to raise funding for the pro-abortion movement of the time.
The Slits were the first all female punk band (to my knowledge) and had one of the defining releases of the punk era. They were heavily inspired by Patti Smith and toured with many punk bands of the time. The Slits cycled through members, having a total of 15 members in their time.
Now, being a bit sick has left me with little energy, so this blog post didn’t turn out exactly how I wanted it to, but I hope you enjoyed and maybe give some of these artists a listen!
Over the past few weeks, I found that I was revisiting a band that I listened to a lot my sophomore year. Hiatus Kaiyote. Hiatus Kaiyote is a jazz/funk band from Melbourne, Australia. The Lead singer Nai Palm, born Naomi Saalfield, bassist Paul Bender, Simon Mavin playing keyboard, and drummer Perrin Moss, all comprise this wonderful band. Nai Palm and Paul Bender met after one of Palm’s solo shows and soon after duetted together and resultingly formed Hiatus Kaiyote. I’ve been listening to HK since about October 2023 and over that time I’ve gone through almost their entire discography.
Canopic Jar
Canopic Jar is one of my favorites because of the eerie melody and the poetic lyrics. It is the second track on an EP of the same name. The instrumentals of the song remind me of a suspenseful and almost… halloween-esque scene? That’s the best phrase I can think of to describe it. A Canopic Jar is a type of vessel used by ancient Egyptians to preserve their organs and by extension their souls for the afterlife. HK uses this idea of a canopic jar to symbolize preserving a relationship for another time, to come back to. This is shown by the lyric “I’ll keep your heart in canopic jar.”
Blood and Marrow
Blood and Marrow is the 12th track on HK’s album, Mood Valiant. Being the last track, it provides a dynamic ending to the album, moving through upbeat instrumentals and then tapering off at the end to provide a resounding finale to Mood Valiant. My favorite lyric from this song is “You could get through to the blood and marrow/ deeper than a cinder in snow.” Granted that lyric repeats plentifully but it doesn’t take away the meaning that this “you” can reach the singer’s deepest parts of themself.
Love Heart Cheat Code
Love Heart Cheat Code is the title track of HK’s most recent album, with the same name. Love Heart Cheat Code is like a musical poem, repeating lyrics in a sort of chant and an upward beat that doesn’t make it seem repetitive, at least to me. I find that I can’t stop thinking about this one line “Hotter than lava/ Slicker than lightning,” no matter how hard I try. I don’t know what it is about that line, but it’s like a worm in my brain.
Laputa
The song ‘Laputa’ is one of the more auditorily interesting songs to me, filled with deep imagery and a flowing beat, it pays tribute to the Ghibli film “Castle in the Sky.” In this film, there is a floating island named “Laputa.” This song provocatively illustrates a sort of longing for that island, or the idea of it.
Cinnamon Temple
Cinnamon Temple is one of my favorites because it blends many genres. This one feels very punk-inspired, and that draws me to it because I do listen to a good bit of punk music. My mom has told me that it sounds very chaotic, but I think that’s what makes me love it. I find that it’s very cathartic to move to the beat of this song. It is the 10th song on LHCC and begins the departure from Hiatus Kaiyote’s regular style into a more guitar-heavy and rock inspired vibe. This journey only really lasts for two songs, Cinnamon Temple and White Rabbit (which is a cover of another song of the same title by Jefferson Airplane), but I’d love to see HK take a deeper foray into this style.
Anyways, that’s my music rant! I plan to write many more of these, so stay tuned!
