Indie | Breaking And Entering

INTERVIEW: SAM AND CURTIS OF GLITZY

By: Elizabeth Lintonen

Glitzy is an experimental, noisy, 5-piece band that is newer to the Milwaukee music scene, and their success is a long time coming. Ahead of their gig Monday with some Milwaukee favorites like “Breakup Tour,” and “Killer High Life,” Glitzy’s two guitarists and singers, Sam and Curtis, spoke on the journey of their band, the development of their sound, and their experience in Milwaukee music.

EL: How did you get started?

C: So originally, me and Sam met off of Craigslist the week after I moved from Texas. We were jammin’ together for a year. We kept it together and would write more songs. Eventually we met Aaron, our bassist, and Jeff, our drummer, and Jacob, our synth player.

S: It was a slowburn. We couldn’t get together for a while.

C: The end of 2022 is when we got everybody together, there’s five of us now.

S: We spent a year just practicing, writing songs, combining our new stuff with our old stuff. Now our whole set is composed of our older music. The older stuff was really lo-fi, indie sort of stuff. Jeff plays more aggressively so it turned into more indie-rock.

C: Just getting Jeff alone changed the way we initially sounded into something much more dynamic. It made it more upbeat.

EL: Tell me about your style and influences?

C: I know when me and Sam met we both really liked Mac DeMarco, The Cure, King Gizzard.

S: That’s sort of how we met, I just listened to a bunch of bands on Craigslist. I listed more popular indie-music to be a catcall for anyone. Neither of us wanted to make some super specific genre. Aaron likes a lot of post-punk stuff, a lot of bass heavy bands, and Jeff likes a lot of Midwest emo. That’s where a lot of the energy comes in. We don’t put a lot of pressure on ourselves to seem a certain way. We’re all just different people in it for the same thing.

C: A big band for me was called “Smile.” That was a really big influence, it’s a very shoegaze sound, but it’s full of interesting textures and garage centered.

EL: Pick one of your songs and tell me what you like about it.

S: “Water Gun” was a song that me and Jeff started out with when we started getting different without music. It’s a very direct song. That one is upbeat and fun rather than a slow and low one. We recorded that one at Stillwave studios, and that was a great experience.

C: Recently, I really like ‘Clover.’ We haven’t recorded it yet, but we’ve gotten it really tight. For a recorded one, ‘Haunted,’ is one of my favorite songs. It was one of the first I wrote for our group. Sam liked the initial chord progression, so I wrote the lyrics.

On “Haunted:”

C: Well, the day I was writing it, Russia was invading Ukraine, so it’s about nuclear war.

S: It’s kind of knowing you’re going to die, don’t care, sort of thing. It’s got a great built up, explosive sound at the end, it’s sort of tongue and cheek.

C: I had definitely never really feared nuclear war, but something about when that conflict started had me scared. I was terrified. The next day, I went outside to take Ally out, my dog, and I didn’t know there were tornado sirens in WIsconsin. I was like “what the hell is happening right now?” Out of recorded songs, that’s my favorite.

S: It’s really fun live too, it’s noisy, and everyone has a great part.

EL: What’s coming up next?

Sam: We’re playing May 25 at The Void in Racine with Static Palms and Sweet Talk. And we’re going to record right after this.

EL: How do you feel about the Milwaukee music scene?

S: Everyone is really nice and welcoming. Super supportive. It’s honestly ideal for musicians, especially if you aren’t “the coolest band in the world.”

C: It’s really different from Houston. Here, it’s super cool, because everyone is welcome.

EL: Tell me about the name!

C: I was just reading something with the word in it, and we easily agreed on it.

S: I never even knew what it meant before.

C: Our name is interesting because how we had it with two people has changed. The vibe of how we thought it was going to pan out with that name is totally different now with a full band. It’s nice having a simple name. I know it means “really pretty” or “really handsome,” which we thought would be pretty funny.

S: A lot of the riffs are pretty!

C: It fits the vibe very well.Collaboration is super cool. It’s fun to walk in with an idea and fully flesh it out before we decide if we like it.

S: That’s my favorite thing too. If anyone comes in with anything, we can make something out of it.

C: My favorite thing about being in the band is getting to make music with each other. It’s so nice to walk into a room and feel like everyone gets it.

Listen to Glitzy here and follow on Instagram @glitzymke

AUDIO: Fake Dad – “Crybaby”

Los Angeles-based band Fake Dad, with roots in New York, is gaining widespread attention as they emerge as one of the most promising musical acts. The duo’s latest single, “Crybaby,” has garnered acclaim as a memorable indie rock anthem. Following the success of their earlier EP, Yerba Mala, which featured the hit single “So Dramatic!,” the release of “Crybaby” has further solidified Fake Dad’s position as an exciting and captivating musical force. The band’s growing popularity is a testament to their ability to deliver riveting indie rock experiences, captivating audiences with their unique sound.

AUDIO: Lynne Taylor Donovan – “Movin’ On”

Country music artist Lynne Taylor Donovan is embracing a new chapter in her life with her latest project, “Movin’ On.” While the title may suggest various scenarios, for Donovan, it signifies living in the present and savoring every moment. The Canadian singer is passionate about this endeavor, which promises to be a significant milestone in her career. Check out the song below:

AUDIO: Boy Jr. – “I Hope You Feel Terrible”

New York based musician Ariel Allen-Lubman, known by the stage name Boy Jr., has unveiled the first single “I Hope You Feel Terrible” from their upcoming DIY album. Boy Jr. is recognized for their creativity, quirkiness, and authentic songwriting style, which resonates deeply with audiences. The artist’s latest release has been described as a compelling and infectious earworm, setting the stage for much anticipation ahead of the album’s release later this year.

AUDIO: Tye David – “Troubled Heart”

Kansas City-based artist Tye David’s debut single, “Troubled Heart,” showcases a soulful pop sound with a laid-back R&B appeal. The track’s glistening guitar lines and harmonious vocals entice listeners with its key-laden ruminations reflecting on the transformative impact of a new love. With grateful, smitten lyrical adorations and a melodic range of tender guitars, synths, and twinkling additives, “Troubled Heart” captivates with its easily accessible production and impactful sound.

AUDIO: The Silent Era – “Matter Of Time” / “Bela Lugosi’s Dead”

London-based band The Silent Era showcases a darkly affecting rock sound on their new single, “Matter of Time,” delving into the theme of mortality and the importance of “hope amidst the darkness.” Alongside the single, they release a compelling live cover of Bauhaus’ classic track “Bela Lugosi’s Dead.” With a fierce vocal presence and thumping rhythmic moments, the cover showcases the band’s live sound, merging rock with industrial, stoner, gothic, and psychedelic elements. The 6+ minute track commences with a hypnotic, meditative swell of sounds, then reveals a twanging guitar illumination and a subsequent unleashing of distortion. A debonair, smoky vocal captivation immerses with a moody, bluesy fervency. The atmospheric, darkly gripping rock sound and aesthetical mystique continue throughout. “Matter Of Time” is a standout from The Silent Era.

AUDIO: Hot Dress – “Grave Robin”

“Grave Robin” by Hot Dress, an East Brunswick, NJ-based band, is a rock hit driven by an energetic burst of guitars and vibrant vocals. The track draws on early ’00s indie-rock influences, delivering melodic vocals and lively guitar work. Inspired by acts like The Strokes and The Rapture, the song explores the theme of hesitation after reminders from a past lover. With an exciting melodic drive, it culminates in a fervent vocal finale. Check it out here:

AUDIO: KLEN – “Compendium/Consortium”

The new single “Compendium/Consortium” from KLEN, a band based in Penryn, UK, showcases a throwback garage-rock fervency with quivering vocal theatrics and nostalgic guitar swipes. Self-dubbed “freakbeat beatniks,” KLEN blends punk, garage, and ’60s UK freakbeat with stylish vigor, creating a thematic aim described as “a real-time narrative of a satirical fantasy board meeting at a multinational conglomerate.” Decisive guitar movements and commanding vocal presence complement the track, which evolves into an otherworldly vocal murmur and synth-y intrigue before launching into a title-referencing vocal affirmation. Praised for their memorable live performances, KLEN is a talented project poised for a quick ascent. Check it out here:

AUDIO: The New Grey – “Superhuman”

R&B and indie rock fusion band, The New Grey, are back with a new single titled, “Superhuman.” The song starts out strong with an intense beat and guitar riff that hypes up the listener. Soon after, the vocals come in just as strong, showcasing the singer’s powerhouse voice that’s still beautifully smooth. The vocal riffs on this track are indescribably impressive- this song seems hard to perform, but they make it sound easy. With a perfect mix of rock and easy listening, this song is easily a must listen. Be sure to check it out here!

AUDIO: North Warren – “Drugs!”

Milwaukee-based band, North Warren, dropped a new single this week titled, “Drugs!” With a strong beat from the drummer, a catchy guitar riff, and edgy lyrics about taking drugs and inevitably overthinking, this single ticks every box of a great indie rock song. The song starts sans drums, and draws the listener in with the riff we hear throughout. An effortless transition into the verse and chorus then keeps the listener engaged, and about halfway through, the bridge starts, which strongly shows off the band’s instrumental skills and changes up the song for the listener. The second half of the song throws it back to the first, and effectively ties it all together. This single is definitely worth a listen for any rock fans. Be sure to check it out here!

AUDIO: Living For Today – Christian Love & Nate Ruvin

This unlikely duo including the son of a Beach Boy and a hidden MKE gem made for a light, airy album that feels every bit amicable as it is named for – ‘Living For Today’. The varying cheery-to-dissonant guitar tones complement each of the vocalists as they reflect on moods and moments that, despite their lasting impression, remind us to live presently. This unique collaboration should be heralded as an example of how two minds can become one on a track.

AUDIO: Sun Mahshene – “New Shores”

Dublin-based band Sun Mahshene combines soaring rock immediacy with atmospheric shoegaze inspiration on their latest single, “New Shoes.” The track follows their previous release, “Reverie,” showcasing the band’s talent for atmospheric and melodic productions. Mixed by Mark Gardener from Ride, “New Shoes” features an anthemic swirl of guitars and melodic vocals, evoking a sense of being lost in one’s mind. Check out the single below:

AUDIO: Ladybird – Short King Shuffle

Ladybird breathes new life into the country genre with their latest single, “Short King Shuffle”. Ladybird’s music dances back and forth between the mason-jar-sweet-tea Lynyrd Skynyrd southern hospitality, the cowboy wallowing of Cash and a gritty modern blues feel seen in the likes of The Black Keys. “Short King Shuffle” is to be enjoyed by lonesome desperadoes of any height, anywhere.

INTERVIEW: FOUNDERS OF NEW MUSIC VENUE, DOWN ‘N DOWNER

By: Elizabeth Lintonen

Downer Ave., a road lined with everything that feels quintessially East Side, from the buisnesses and coffee shops, to the iconic architecture, combined with proximity to the lake. It’s by luck that six college students moved into a red-brick Downer house, directly across from UWM’s campus, that would host Milwaukee’s latest DIY venue, an ambitious outdoor concert stage called “Down N’ Downer.” But with an outpouring of community support and unmatched determination, the UWM students made this dream a reality.

Down N’ Downer is a passion project, pulled off by a group of students with a variety of skills relating to their majors. Determined to provide a new venue in Milwaukee, they built an outdoor stage, city approved and up to buliding code, in order to host more local music acts throughout the summer. The first show, this Saturday, will be an opportunity for artists, musicians, fellow students, radio, and more. From band interviews, to sound set up, to technical support, to debut local bands, to the local artists, and every little job in between, the space is an experience, a trial run, and an exciting concert, all in one. For the founders of Down N’ Downer, this spring was spent pouring back into the community in a big way.

Benjamin Moyle (@been_jammin_) and Kyle Anongdeth are two of the Down N’ Downer co-founders. Moyle is an ASL interpreting major and a member of the UWM student radio station, Prowl Radio, and Anongdeth is an engineering major who helped construct the backyard stage.

EL: Tell me about where the idea came from, and why you wanted to put this work into the project.

BM: The idea came from a passion for the music scene. We were over at Club Cramer, and Kyle said that we should have a venue and try to do this. Club Cramer is a basement venue, but our basement isn’t big enough, and so when we got back we looked at our backyard and realized it would work.

KA: Ben was about to go to bed. None of this would’ve happened if Ben didn’t get out of bed and come to the show.

BM: Well, you texted me to come, so it was because of you.

EL: A very symbiotic relationship, I like it. Tell me about the bands and the kind of music?

BM: There’s no real theme, it’s just Down N’ Downer’s first show, and all the bands have members in Prowl Radio, the UWM student radio station.

The lineup is Bad Roommate, who is doing their debut show. They’re opening for us, and they are Midwest emo. Then we have Oogwe, a three-piece math rock band. They are newer to the scene too.Then we have Pushing Indigo. And then Bronco, which features some pretty prominent members of the music scene. We have Slader from Chapped Lips and Aidan from Oogwe. It is their debut show as well.

EL: Tell me about the process of building the stage, and getting permission to put on a show like this.

KA: We started with some drawings. Our landlord approved and supported us and our project. After we got all the designs and the materials listed, we broke ground and it honestly took us four days to fully get the stage complete.

BM: We had a lot of outside help on the sound engineering and the technical stuff like that. What I like to tell people when it comes to Down N’ Downer is that all of our roommates bring in a different skill that’s really usable, but one of the members of Oogwe gave us suggestions for the sound.

It’s kind of a happy accident that everything mixes so well, I’m really glad that it does. I think it’s a combination of talented musicians, architects, and engineers coming together to make something special.

EL: What do you think the impact of this venue specifically will be on the Milwaukee scene? What do you think is the importance of venues like this for the Milwaukee music scene?

BM: I think it’s important to set a precedent that anyone can do this. You can do it and pull it off and have it be successful and people will come. The benefit of a DIY scene is that it is people in the scene putting on these shows, and the community supporting people. I’m hoping the impact creates a good example of how venues and artists should work together.

We also will have art vendors here for the first show. We want to be a pillar for artists of all types to get together, share art, and support local business. We want to support the local scene in every way possible.

KA: I want to add that it’s going to be a safe space for people to hang out and enjoy themselves.

BM: We talk alot about how we are going to make this safe, about how we’re going to make sure people leave here unscathed. We have a first aid kit, not that we expect anything bad to happen.

KA: I am looking forward to hosting people here, because I think that will be a lot of fun. There’s not another venue like this, with it being outside. People will really enjoy that.

EL: What are you most excited for people to experience when they come here for the first time?

KA: I’m really excited for people to appreciate the space, and I’m also excited for the bands to play as well. There’s a lot of debuts. I think they’ll like the venue and looking above people instead of being level with them, like you would in a basement. Lastly, I’m excited to just watch.

BM: I second all of that. Especially the point about watching. I’m looking forward to sitting down on my balcony with my friends and family all out in the crowd. The idea of looking over all these people having a fantastic time, the bands, the artists, and just knowing that we did this. We took this from an idea and we made it real. Just seeing our passion and hardwork take off. I wouldn’t be surprised if I cried.

Down N’ Downer will host its first show on Saturday, April 27, at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., doors at 6 p.m. Cover charge is $10. For more information, visit (@down_n_downer) on Instagram, and DM for address.

REVIEW: Alvvays at Pabst Theater

When walking up to the Pabst Theater 10 minutes before the doors were opened, the lines at both entrances were beginning to wrap around the sides of the building, and well-dressed people all around were buzzing with excitement. The doors opened at 7pm, and the pit filled up immediately. The rest of the packed venue slowly started to fill out over the hour as people were counting down the seconds until they saw the dream pop sensations.

A little bit past 8pm, the openers, a band called SPLLIT, confidently strode out onto stage. Once they settled and began playing, a couple things stood out. First, they’re all very talented, but the bassist in particular was nothing short of impressive to watch. Her hands flew up and down the neck of the bass at the speed up light, and she knew how to hold a tune. The drummer also, there was one song where he had a shaker in one hand and was playing the drums with his other hand which had the whole crowd enthralled. Their music was truly satisfying to listen to, as the heavy bass and guitar were balanced out by syncopated talking to the track. This was the band’s first time in Milwaukee, and we’re hoping to see them again soon.

It took about 30 minutes to set the stage for Alvvays as the crowd was excitedly anticipating their arrival. When the band walked out, the room was filled with cheering and screaming saying, “I LOVE YOU MOLLY” (the frontwoman of the band). Alvvays set up, immediately broke into “Easy on Your Own,” and steadily cruised down the setlist from there. Live on stage, Alvvays sounded exactly like they do on their recordings, if not even better. Molly Rankin’s clear tone was hypnotizing, and the dreamy instruments that were perfectly synced up with one another were too. Behind the band was a large screen that bounced between live footage from hidden cameras around the venue showing them with some sort of distortion or effect over it, trippy and slow moving patterns, and, of course, a flag with the band’s name on it. The set consisted mostly of songs from their newest album, “Blue Rev,” but they still played a handful of their classics. 78 wistful minutes later, the band wrapped up and played three more songs for their encore that had the crowd screaming and dancing along. Though it was just yesterday, we’re ready for Alvvays to come back next time!

I never thought that one of my favorite nights in college would be a Monday night at Pabst Theater, but goes to show that Alvvays is always worth seeing.

AUDIO: Scam Likely – “Yolk”

Scam Likely returned over the weekend with their sophomore full-length album, “Yolk,” and they are already a contender for one of the strongest releases from the city for 2024. The ten-song album is full of angst, energy, and has an edge about it that is hard to duplicate. The record teeters on the lines of punk and indie, with cathartic screams and a tightness that makes the raw energy from the band hit just a little bit harder. The band celebrated the release with a release show at Vivarium over the weekend, supported by Gramma and Clementine. “Yolk” is a burst of angst, and you can hear it below:

AUDIO: Casii Stephan – “Can’t Handle Me”

Singer/songwriter Casii Stephan has returned with an electrifying musical blend in her latest release, “Can’t Handle Me.” The track, which serves as the lead single from her forthcoming EP “Relationship Status,” exudes a retro soul vibe complemented by a catchy pop hook and funky instrumentation. “Can’t Handle Me” encapsulates a feel-good energy, embodying a soulful funk essence. Check it out here:

AUDIO: Pam Ross – “When Therapy Fails”

Pam Ross has her debut album, “When Therapy Fails” out now. The album’s thematic content, musicality, and lyrical depth have drawn attention for their nuanced and cohesive nature. Ross’s ability to blend rock, Americana, and country genres into what she has termed “PamMusic” reflects her diverse experiences and influences. The album’s title, “When Therapy Fails,” sets a profound thematic tone. This stunning debut LP from Ross is making waves and marking her as an artist to watch. Check it out here:

AUDIO: Eimear – “To Be Loved”

Singer-songwriter Eimear Crehan, known simply as “Eimear”, is set to launch her latest single, “To Be Loved,” today, March 29th. Following the success of her previous hit, “I am Woman,” which made waves on the charts with its empowering message, Eimear’s new release promises to be another captivating ballad. “To Be Loved” delves into themes of self-worth and authenticity in love, showcasing Eimear’s soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Fans can anticipate another resonating track from the talented artist.

AUDIO: Malcolm Todd – Sweet Boy

The prep school Steve Lacy has finally culminated the Sweet Boy EP Parts 1 & 2 into his debut album, Sweet Boy. Despite his TikTok origins, MT has all of the swagger and prose of any R&B artist in the industry. Todd’s sound leans into his whiny-edged vocals and softboy lyrics—yet still each track touches a nerve of anyone who’s played the dangerous game of love recently. The rising sensation showed off clean production, impressive lead guitar, and some tastefully exaggerated catharsis throughout the album. MC sets off for his 2024 tour soon, and cities across the nation will soon be swooned by a rollercoaster of jealousy, pleading, lust, yearning and everything in-between.

AUDIO: Motel Breakfast – I Promise I’m Having Fun.

Motel Breakfast’s newest album stays true to the declaration in the album’s title—without trying to impress, MB provides a chill, time-and-place-ambiguous project for a neo-Americana population. The lyrical content of the album has to do with not the growth of an adolescent or a journey from immaturity to adulthood, but a general acknowledgement that we will all continue to learn valuable lessons for the entirety of our time on this Earth. While emphasizing indie guitar tones, bends and all, each track is still well-layered to reach the corners of the ear that the lyrics do not already fill.

REVIEW: THE BROOK & THE BLUFF AT TURNER HALL

By: Elizabeth Lintonen
A white-button up, camo pants, loafers, and an exhilarating energy, one thing about frontman Joseph Settine is that he really loves his fans. Under simple, technicolor lighting, genuine joy radiates from the band, through song after song about the places they’ve been, the places they’re going, and the people in both.

The Brook and The Bluff
PHOTO: ELIZABETH LINTONEN

Nashville-based indie-folk band, ‘The Brook and The Bluff,’ took to Turner Hall on Wednesday night with a breathtaking display of musicianship. The band’s name is a nod to the landscape of Birmingham, Alabama, where the band grew up, and perfectly represnets the nostalgic, reminiscent nature of their songs. The difference between their live performance and the studio albums is a testament to their skill. Front-row at ‘The Brook and The Bluff’ is an otherworldly experience, wrapped up in heartfelt lyricism, groovy baselines, and energy that is deeply fun.

The show started at 9 p.m. with the song ‘Tangerine,’ off their 2023 album, Bluebeard. The folk feeling is evident, and translates more strongly in their life performance. On their recorded versions, the band seems indie, but live, they defy genre, ranging from elements of nostalgic western to fusion jazz to rock. Guitarist Alec Bolton and bassist Fred Lankford can both sing, and in addition to providing high and low harmony to Settine’s solid tenor, were both featured in a variety of impressive rock guitar and bass solos.

The emotional bandwidth of the music is varied and intense. Tears were shed over the beauty of ‘Prove Me Wrong’ and its simple, stunning harmony, and then immediately wiped away to get into the back half the setlist, with songs of their 2021 album ‘Yard Scale,’ such as ‘Petals on the Floor.’ Their song ‘Knock’ featured guitar and vocals from drummer ‘John Canada’ and was refreshing, airy, and otherworldly. The set ended strong, with an encore consisting of ‘Interlude’ and ‘Rush’ off the 2018 self-titled album, ‘The Brook & The Bluff,’ with its precise vocal riffs, rock organ feel, and satisfyingly good guitar solo.

A stand-out aspect of the show is the raw talent in every musician. Keyboardist Kevin Canada was featured in a number of deliciously wistful piano solos and interludes. The vocals are clean and crisp, and expertly mixed. Each band member has an expansive range, which makes harmonizing seem easy and soothing. The whole concept of the band is a nod to a return to home, to nostalgia and longing in a new way.

Next time ‘The Brook & The Bluff’ makes their way to Milwaukee, expect a night intimate concert packed full of electric energy and authenticism. It’s a worthwhile show, the kind of music that celebrates the realness of living and steps outside the bounds of indie music for a full, encapsulating experience.

AUDIO: The Publics – “Red Flag Verified”

Mansfield-based five-piece band The Publics have returned with a high-energy single titled “Red Flag Verified,” drawing inspiration from The Killers, Catfish and The Bottlemen, and Arctic Monkeys. The track features powerful guitar work, intense vocals, and impactful rhythms, positioning it as a potential festival hit. Reflecting on the release, the band described “Red Flag Verified” as a new milestone for their sound. Check out the track below:

AUDIO: Noah Bouchard – “Love Of My Life”

Noah Bouchard’s debut album, title “Love Of My Life,” has been described as a personal milestone for the singer/songwriter. The album, which features previous singles “Came Close,” “Swan Song,” and “Sometimes,” takes inspiration from the lo-fi Hip-hop space and showcases a range of emotions with remarkable production and storytelling. With influences from artists like Loyle Carner, “Love Of My Life” is undoubtedly captivating and marks an impressive debut for Bouchard. Check it out here:

AUDIO: Yali Blank – “Magnetized”

Singer Yali Blank has made a powerful return with her latest single “Magnetized.” The pop sensation’s new hit showcases her undeniable talent, featuring catchy melodies, vibrant synth work, and strong production. This release marks Blank’s first single since 2019, and she describes “Magnetized” as a personal story about feeling lost yet fearless. The song has already garnered attention for its compelling message and infectious sound, solidifying Blank’s position as a force to be reckoned with. Check it out here: