REALFICTION: Out Of Town #1

How did you come up with your group's name?

“REALFICTION” emerged from a fusion of creativity and chaos during a quarantine session. Jason and I were isolated together, allowing us to produce our first EP in a state of fevered inspiration having just been diagnosed. The name 'REALFICTION' encapsulated our ethos, our creative mantra. We explored other possibilities, but nothing resonated quite like REALFICTION.

Does it mean anything?

The term REALFICTION became a philosophical exploration for us, a medium through which we could create soundscapes that defied the conventional boundaries between fact and fiction. A space where we could write about more than just our own experiences. A space where we can dream, yell, kick, scream, cry, love, curse, dance, process, and play. That’s REALFICTION.

How did the band come together?

The formation of our band was almost serendipitous. Jason's move to Nashville and into Joey's life was a cosmic alignment that neither of us could have planned. We became fast friends, and when the pandemic struck, our shared ambition and passion for music transformed our living space into a creative hothouse.

What have been some of your favorite/memorable performances?

Opening for Judah and the Lion on their Happy Again Tour, was a dream turned reality that expanded our horizons, and Playing Nashville's Bummeroo Festival with Arlie transcended performance—it was a celebration, a musical communion with friends and fans that echoed long into the night.

What songs are your favorites to perform?

Performing 'Blood In Your Car' and 'It's Not The End' is an electrifying experience that we and our audience collectively partake in. These songs have a life of their own, manifesting in tangible energy that spreads through the crowd, urging them to move, feel, and embrace the music. It's a symbiotic relationship that validates our existence as musicians. And as people.

Who are some of your influences in music?

Our musical influences are a rich tapestry of sounds and philosophies. We draw inspiration from the soulful storytelling of Frank Ocean, the sonic experimentation of Radiohead, the pop sensibilities of Taylor Swift, the bold defiance of Run the Jewels, the emotional rawness of The 1975, and the intricate harmonies of Pinegrove. This kaleidoscope of influences fuels our creative engine, pushing us to transcend genres and create something that reflects the complexity of human emotion.

New Music Monday 8/14/23

Destroyer by M.A.G.S.

A riveting song that takes you through a plethora of emotions. From the strong guitar, the quick beat of the drum, and the songwriting that cuts so deep it almost hurts, “The things you’re giving up are the dreams you only wish to forget”. The musical journey is consuming, exciting, and almost confusing. M.A.G.S., or Elliott Douglas, has beautifully combined sounds from alternative rock and ends the song with a punk rock twist with screaming vocals. Vivid and raw lyrics make this song what it is: honest and expressive.

Jesus In Tokyo by Libby Quinn

Listening to this track feels like going on a trip, you don’t really know where it’s going but you know you’re having a good time. With the repeating guitar riffs throughout, captivating lyrics along exciting vocals, and unapologetic drums, this song encapsulates post-punk rock. You get taken by surprise when a gorgeous instrumental solo takes place amidst the song but then suddenly transitions back into the earlier recurrent guitar riff.

balloons by Noname (feat. Jay Electronica & Eryn Allen Kane)

After five years since her last release, Noname has dropped an album, “Sundial” that is distinctive, true, and bold. In “balloons” an undertone of jazzy/r&b aspects is incorporated with a smooth beat and a light piano. Noname’s ability to be unapologetically honest and tackle serious topics in a poetic manner is a true talent. Her combination of lyricism with instrumentals that make you feel make this track, and her others, undeniably special.

Find Me Out by Peter McPoland

With the release of his new album, “Piggy” Peter has taken a new path from his typical music genre, leaving behind his folky alternative sounds and entering a more emo/punk/alternative route. In “Find Me Out” powerful drums and guitar solos pair with Peter’s angsty, gritty voice creating an atmosphere that’s out of this world. His alluring songwriting gives the song its own energy of yearning and agony, “Well, I have seen the fragile tears that hide in smiles / Beneath the cheeks of shells of men”.

Nobody Else Will Do by Anish Kumar

For an upbeat exciting electronic dance song turn to “Nobody Else Will Do” by Anish Kumar. The beat is impeccable and elicits immediate dancing and the outro transitions into an isolated drum beat. Throughout, the title of the track is repeated in an edited warped sense, all the while he stays eclectic in his production style. Mesmerizing synths and quick beats keep listeners on their toes while also slowing down for that repeated phrase “Nobody else will do”.

care about myself by N3WYRKLA

Heartbreakingly open and honest songwriting alongside beautiful vocals, “care about myself’ fuses r&b sounds with a bit of alt-rock in the chorus. The melody is steady and consistent, with instrumentals that quicken and slow with the lyrics, definitely a headbanger. The outro includes echoey vocals, this track is all about recognizing one’s wrong-doings and finally putting yourself first, “Poison that’s been wearing on my health, I / I just gotta care about myself.”

Number 9 by Miguel (feat. Lil Yachty)

In a unique and thrilling collaboration, Miguel and Lil Yachty worked together to create an eccentric track filled with interesting beats and lyrics. While it’s trippy in its musical sense, Lil Yachty does the ad-libs until he joins with whisper-like vocals and fascinating songwriting. Listening to this song invites an open mind and appreciation for the production, “And the sky came crawling out beneath the waves”.

New Music Monday: 7/31/23

Madhouse by House of Harm

“Madhouse” takes you through a series of thoughts and emotions, all provoking an all-consuming feeling of delight. The poetic writing tells a story of the longing for compassion and understanding all the while trying not to get lost in your own mind, confusing your thoughts for another, “The voice is clear / It’s in my head and it’s coming from your eyes /

But you would never let me see”. It’s an eerie phenomenon, the feeling that your own thoughts are not your own. House of Harm beautifully captures this peculiar sentiment, with steady drums, mesmerizing synths, and just an overall feeling of being taken to another dimension.

Cold Fingers by Two-Man Giant Squid

If you’re ever looking for a new, cool, underground, indie/alt-rock band, look no further because Two-Man Giant Squid is criminally underrated. Their recently released single “Cold Fingers” is superb to say the least. Beginning the track off with hypnotic riffs, strong drums, and cool vocals, the song progresses into an insane job on instrumentals with an unforgettable guitar solo and a gutting outro. The drums pick up and so does the singing alongside the guitar. This is one of those songs that is already so good that you know hearing it live would be an incredible experience.

RIOT (Rowdy Pipe’n) by A$AP Rocky

The first drop since January’s “Same Problems”, A$AP Rocky is giving his fans a taste of what’s to come with his new album ‘Don’t Be Dumb’. Co-written and co-produced by Pharell Williams, the track delivers clever bars with a punchy beat, “Pass on a sweetie, I got me a RiRi/ Blue magic, she sniffin' that, I dream of genie”. Acknowledging the shoutout he gives to Rihanna, lyrically A$AP’s flow is undeniably clean, and using his past work as a reference, it only further proves this statement true.

Heavier by Odesza and Yellow House

Dreamy vocals paired with psychedelic electronic beats, “Heavier” is the perfect addition to your mid-summer playlist. The collaboration of Yellow House working with Odesza adds an indie element incorporated to the already expected EDM aspect of the EP ‘Flaws In Our Design’. Introspection is evoked while listening and analyzing the lyrics which are fascinating, “I'll find peace in your nightshade / And the warmth inside your cool blade / And lead you down a labyrinth of desire”.

Be My Summer by Snoh Aalegra

For angelic vocals luring you into the start of the track and majestic keys, “Be My Summer” feels like a heavenly experience from start to finish. The song moves you through her emotions of trying to move on from a significant other but somehow falling back in love, “You’ve taken tenure in my heart / I can’t change how I feel”. Harmonizing vocals in the back support Aalegra’s voice creating an all-around perfect R&B tune, again perfect for the summer.

Enough Is Enough by Post Malone

Another highly anticipated album, ‘Austin’ by Post Malone dropped July 28th, making this his fifth studio album. With every new release, Post shows evolution within his music but still creates art that resonates with countless amounts of people. Starting the song with a classic guitar riff and his notorious autotuned vocals, the reflective lyrics are catchy and the melodies are refreshing; however, the track touches on the issue of over-indulgence. Post has been known for his genuine and honest song-writing abilities while also making an enjoyable track that may not feel as depressing as it is, “Take me home, don't shut me out / It's easier to leave me down here on the ground”.

DELRESTO (ECHOES) by Travis Scott

With the release of Travis Scott’s new album ‘UTOPIA’, fans are overjoyed and raving about the long list of featured artists throughout the record. “DELRESTO (ECHOES)” in particular features Beyoncé, which many of her fans speculate is an easter egg continuing Renaissance content for the one-year anniversary. The track has the same Renaissance disco vibe with smooth vocals persistent from Beyoncé and Scotts’ echoey delivery, “The starry nights are startin' to fade / At times for miles I see your face”. All around, the song elicits dancing and contains a beautiful outro with Bon Iver reverberating, “Hey, now, you will report to me”.