New Music Friday / 15 Years of Emo
Sharing music, learnings, and a reset leading into a milestone.
Hello friends of Washed Up Emo,
In October, it will mark 15 years of Washed Up Emo as a site/crazy idea I had when I was sitting around late at Equal Vision Records in Albany, NY on a Friday night. No place to go, frozen pizza at home with a PS2 or stay around and play with Blogspot. I ended up doing both and started a site talking about the bands I loved. Here we are 15 years later and I sorta forgot how to do that. From the myriad of distractions, music became the background of backgrounds. My guitar even got dusty from my incessant 6/8 strumming. I looked back and missed a lot that could have been with a constant doom scroll or a stressful meeting that by the time I got home, it was head meets pillow. Music, either listening or playing was such a massive part of my day that as we get older and we think there’s only the bands we liked in whatever era, I’m guilty of that too when I step into my car. Lately, it’s pushing me to spend more time than I ever have finding what’s else is out there. No wave, no scene, just hearing what’s going on.
15 years of Washed Up Emo, sounds crazy to say but I’ll be trying to do some more celebrating or going into the archives to commemorate the start of a crazy idea and a terrible name that haunts me to this day. You’re here still (I hope) and I thank you.
I also wanted to share some music I’ve been digging that’s out this week and worthy of your time. While you’re listening, read along to learn more about each artist.
L.S. Dunes
Features members Of Thursday, Circa Survive, MCR, & Coheed And Cambria, is a true powerhouse group. Their album comes out 11/11 on Fantasy Records, though they released a song today called “Permanent Rebellion.” It’s crazy to think I’m that old where I got to work with all of these bands separately and now they’re together. Weird days indeed.
For Fans of: All those bands, plus we get to hear Anthony Green scream again.
Read more on Stereogum.
Rocky Votolato
There’s sad singers and then there’s Rocky. A person I’ve loved for years and his new album (first in 7 years) called Wild Roots is quite the ride.
FFO: Absolutely punishing sadness.
Pre-order now on Spartan Records.com
No Better
I’ve featured No Better before as a favorite band on the site and they just released a new record entitled The Colors and All and it’s fantastic.
FFO: Sunday’s Best, Oso Oso, Elliott.
Tiny Blue Ghost
What a surprise from Count Your Lucky Stars. It sorta hits every button for me. Soaring vocals that feel like you’re jumping off a cliff in slow motion, intricate guitars, and something you could drive 1000 miles to and never feel like it gets old. Out today.
FFO: Death Cab for Cutie, Great Grandpa, The World is a Beautiful Place and I am no Longer Afraid to Die
Julia Jacklin
An absolute powerhouse release from Polyvinyl Records. Record is called PRE PLEASURE and the song featured on the playlist is called “Be Careful With Yourself.” The sound is easy, carefree, and truly a bright sound for when you’re in a dark place.
FFO: Anyone that likes when a song sticks in their head after one listen.
John Van Deusen
I truly think I just stalked John while he was in The Lonely Forest. I was obsessed with his voice and was so happy to hear he was continuing to make music. He’s not stopped and written some of my favorite pop songs. Today he released an EP called Content and the song is called “Hypothermic Hermit.”
FFO: The Lonely Forest, David Bazan, Fountains of Wayne
Teen Suicide
There’s a new album from Run for Cover Records out today called honeybee table at the butterfly feast and it’s pretty impressive. Call it ambient, post, or lo-fi indie, this album delivers on where music can go when you stop trying to be anyone else.
FFO: If Portugal. The Man was even spacier.
Saint Valletta
Josh Hagquist from The Beautiful Mistake wrote some new songs under the Saint Valletta and it’s beautiful. Can’t wait to hear more from Josh.
FFO: The Beautiful Mistake that’s more 80s than 00s.
84 Tigers
84 Tigers features members from Small Brown Bike and Swellers. I have a massive soft spot for Small Brown Bike. 84 Tiger’s debut album Time in the Lighthouse is available October 21st on LP / Digital. The song I picked is called “Atlas Fractured.” Pre-order via Spartan Records here: spr.tn/84tigers
FFO: Small Brown Bike, Hot Water Music, Rival Schools
Some Feelings
This person from Germany emailed me directly on Washed Up Emo and holy shit, it’s great. “Seagulls” is the name of the song and maybe you’ll be flying high after hearing it. I certainly did. It also reminded me to never stop checking the submissions box of Washed Up Emo dot com.
FFO: Oso Oso, Tigers Jaw, Free Throw
City of Caterpillar
Two new songs from the legends. Say no more. I’m in. They have a new record out 9/30 via Relapse Records called Mystic Sisters.
FFO: Actual screamo before cell phones and podcasts.
Botch
I remember trying to talk to Minus the Bear back in the day just to ask about Botch. Yup, I was that guy. Truth be told, this is a new song, there aren’t plans for more. But never say never. While we have it, enjoy an absolute torching of a song from the land of rain, comes a downpour of heaviness.
FFO: Botch, ISIS, Converge
Sparta
Jim Ward. Hooks for days and we’re in a special time when we can get a new Sparta album. The album is self titled and out October 14th. Until then enjoy “Mind Over Matter.”
FFO: Sparta, Jimmy Eat World, The Gaslight Anthem
Church Girls
“Telepathic Mind” is an anthem from an amazing band from Philadelphia.
FFO: Alex Lahey, The Early November, The Starting Line
Teenage Halloween
Another band from Philadelphia. Super hooky that’s super raw and perfectly crafted pop song through the fuzz.
FFO: The Flatliners, Frank Turner, bands from Philadelphia
LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST NOW!
What did you think? Any feedback/suggestions? Hit me up anytime at admin@washedupemo.com
Ok, that’s it for this week. Thank you for supporting the podcast, the site, and for some of you the last 15 years!!!
- Tom
Thank you Tom!!