Introduction - Signal ⚡️

For this week (and possibly future), I am adjusting the format with the intent to make this a high signal setlist with a rigorously curated list of content. Rather than trying to capture a general summary of the week’s updates, I would rather capture the “why” something is special and worth your time. Additionally, I am working on a separate page to maintain the categorical recommendations for content such as podcasts, tours, blogs, photographers, artists, and creators. The setlist length may vary per week with intent that anything recommended has had an impact on me and I intend to help increase its exposure to others so that it may also have positive impact on you. There may also be an increase of imagery when applicable.

Thank you for joining me again with this week’s emo setlist! 🙏🏼

Setlist

Ace Enders’ Pain to Positive podcast - Since the podcast launched on Feb 29, there are already 4 episodes to listen to. Ace’s (The Early November) conversational approach makes you feel part of the dialogue with topics that can emotionally hit hard (pain), yet providing motivating (positive) outcomes and finding purpose. It is worth your time to check out the content. LINK

Norman Brannon’s Anti-Matter zine - I am constantly reading blogs and articles and the first time I read one of the articles from Anti-Matter I was hooked. The high caliber, journalistic approach, and overall style of capturing the conversations and stories leaves the reader engaged, immersed, and on the edge of the seat wanting more. Now combine this with Norman’s extensive career as a musician, his experience, leadership, trust, and relationships across the music industry leaves the quality of this hardcore zine unmatched. LINK

Jon Foreman’s tour and In Bloom release - I have been listening to Switchfoot since their second album, New Way to be Human (1999). Jon continues to create solo work as well and is promoting an upcoming album release through new designs, a solo tour, and a new song. Through the 25 years that I have been listening to Jon’s music, the lyrics have continuously resonated and shaped my perspectives and attitude towards life. Life is messy, the world is unsettling, and the light is fleeting. As I’ve been listening to “Jesus, I have my doubts”, it doesn’t necessarily solve the problems, but is therapy to hear my thoughts out loud. His latest release “In Bloom” has also been on repeat. Definitely give these a listen, you won’t be disappointed. LINK

The Jam Files nostalgic revisit of Jimmy Eat World’s Clarity album - Jennifer (thistle_thoughts) released this Nostalgic Revisit last week and was unreal how much it resonated to my own history with Jimmy Eat World. Their main radio hits never drew me in until I gave their “Clarity” album a true listen. The lyrics, the music, the stories - this album was magic and has always been my favorite. Not to mention, the band is amazing live and Jim gives every ounce of emotion and energy to the fans every show. Reading the words shared within the Jam Files brought it to life and re-ignited those memories of really “hearing” Clarity for the first time. LINK

Beartooth wraps up sold out tour - I had the opportunity to catch Beartooth, The Plot In You, Invent Animate, and Sleep Theory this week in Indianapolis. All four acts were excellent and I would have gone to a show just to see any of the 4 perform individually. Leading up to the show, Beartooth has been on repeat continuously for the past month. Hardy joined them onstage the following day in Nashville. When they announce their next arena tour, make sure to buy early, it will be worth it! LINK

Encore

My most played songs this week. Metalcore has been a majority of my listening lately.

1. Periphery - Satellites

2. Sleep Token - Give

3. The Early November - What We Earn

4. Silent Planet - Superbloom

5. Invent Animate - Heavener

6. Nights Like Thieves - A Toast to New Beginnings

7. Jon Foreman - In Bloom

8. Sam Stoane - Pretty Cowboy

9. Noah Thomas, sace6 - Currents

10. The Plot In You - Too Far Gone