Lizzie’s Pick – “Ziptie” by Julien Baker
In honor of pride month (and the upcoming Re:Set fest), my intern pick of the week is “Ziptie” by Julien Baker. This Tennesse-Native has been creating music since her teens. Her most recent solo album Little Oblivions features her recognizable vocals and rock sound.
Baker has been a part of the music industry for over a decade, creating music as both a solo act and as a band. Most recently she released the album The Record with close friends Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers under the alias boygenius. Her catalog of music has a signature style that highlights her strong vocals and Stratocaster riffs.
“Ziptie” showcases Baker’s knack for songwriting, with both incredible lyrics and powerful guitar. She is able to translate her life experience, good or bad, into well-written driving songs. Like the rest of this record “Ziptie” has themes of depression and addiction. Though at times difficult topics, she is able to touch the hearts of others with her music. Julien Baker makes you feel like you are never alone.
Listen to the track below!
Sean’s Pick – “Losing All Sense” by Grizzly Bear
For my Intern Pick of the Week, I have chosen “Losing All Sense” by Grizzly Bear. This song comes from their 2017 Album Painted Ruins and is beloved by their growing fanbase. Grizzly Bear was founded by American Singer Songwriter Ed Droste in 2002. In his time with Grizzly Bear, Ed Droste created some of the most unique sounding music in the Indie Rock scene. This song is a perfect mix of gritty hard-hitting instrumentals, compelling lyrics, and evocative themes that represent the signature sound of Grizzly Bear.
My personal legacy with Grizzly Bear began when I was a teenager living in my hometown. The first song I discovered of theirs was the hit song “Two Weeks” from their 2009 album the Vekatimest. Ever since then, my love for their music has only grown. Even after 14 years of music making the band still has the signature sound that defines it. “Losing All Sense” is about a bad break up. It refers to the feeling of being bound to a memory without being able to let go of it, being forced to deal with the repercussions of it forever. The music video for the song features a young woman being forced to endure a toxic relationship and becoming emotionally broken because of it. In the end, the woman decides the best way to move on is to let go of the person causing her pain.
“Losing All Sense” by Grizzly Bear is for fans of psychedelic and indie rock. It provides a serenade of colorful, hard-hitting instrumentals, gorgeous vocals, and compelling lyrics that keep you engaged. Check it out below:
Zoe’s Pick – “What I Need” by Hayley Kiyoko ft. Kehlani
My pick for this week is a pop classic that highlights two exceptionally talented queer artists: Hayley Kiyoko and Kehlani. This single off Kiyoko’s 2018 album Expectations is what should be the standard for all duets. The chemistry between the two vocalists is impeccable throughout, neither sounding even for a moment out of place.
The decision to have Kehlani’s verse kick off the song allows her particularly commanding and strong presence to lead. It’s a brilliant choice, subverting the tired practice of featured artists always jumping in later, with the main singer being the star of the show. “What I Need” is a song of two equals, with two unique aesthetics and vibes on their own, coming together to have a back and forth about, as the title suggests, what they need from each other.
The music is also so, so electric. It’s synth pop on a mission, a catchy dance song with stakes—the best kind, a la Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” It’s no wonder this has become the most streamed track off of Expectations. There truly was nothing like #20gayteen.
