Music Mailbag November 2024 

• Brandon Christensen
• Bennyjeans

We may be running out of months in the year, but there's no way you'll be running out of excellent releases from locals. Here are a few more to check out and add to your library.

Ambedo, "Make Me Happy": Ambedo began with singer/songwriter Brandon Keith busking in downtown SLC in 2022, but has since grown into a full band that is working together to create incredible tunes. Their new single "Make Me Happy" comes a year after their debut album Polyresin and is a cozy, loveable song that will immediately put a smile on your face. The song is upbeat and cheerful, something that is always welcome in times like these. All the music in Ambedo's library is easy to jump into and start enjoying, but "Make Me Happy" brings itself to the top of the list because of how easy it is to listen to and how much joy it brings upon listening.
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Die Shiny, "The Fountain": "It's hard to describe the rollercoaster that is the process of making a song," Die Shiny said on Instagram the day "The Fountain" was released. "Writing it, FEELING it, knowing it will be months before anyone can feel it with me, recording it, agonizing over every detail of its production, the amplified excitement when the production takes shape, planning its release at least a month in advance once it is finished, figuring out how to promote it so anyone will be around to finally celebrate it with us... No instant gratification here. It's a long game and a labor of passion." While Die Shiny have to play the long game in creating new music, we listeners do get the instant gratification of listening to their great songs the moment they're released. "The Fountain" features more of Die Shiny's smooth, electropop sounds and satisfying rapping from vocalist Callie Crofts. The song is chockful of social-commentary references that come just in time for election season. You just can't go wrong with a Die Shiny track; they're always extremely well-produced and have a replayability that's second to none.
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Racist Kramer, Covergirls: For nearly two decades, Racist Kramer has been pumping out fast-and-loud punk jams, their latest being their new EP Covergirls. Not only does the cover art feature the band members decked out as cover girls, the EP contains covers of some popular and beloved songs. Starting out with a cover of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5," their speedy rendition gives new meaning to the song that's all about the rise and grind. If you think about it, the subject matter of the song lends itself perfectly to the punk aesthetic—lamenting "the man," and feeling disillusioned about society and work culture are ideas that any punk can relate to. The selection of covers on this EP is wild and awesome at the same time. Following the Parton classic comes a cover of Taylor Swift's "Love Story." If you've never been a fan of the country/pop version of the song, this punk rendition will have you wishing you had this one sooner. The EP ends with a bang, featuring a delightfully entertaining cover of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)." That song already gets listeners up and dancing, but this version will make you equally hyped—plus you're able to headbang to it to your heart's content. If you love listening to songs filtered through a different genre, definitely check out Covergirls.
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Bennyjeans, "lost my mind in silence": Bedroom pop artist Bennyjeans returns with a new track that leaves the electronic beats behind in favor of an acoustic guitar. "lost my mind in silence" is a contemplative, beautiful song that feels like a walk in a quiet, beautiful forest. It's a peaceful track that's easy to put on repeat—the combination of sweet acoustic guitar and Bennyjeans' voice will have you wanting to come back again and again. It's great to see artists utilizing different mediums in their work. Whether you want to listen to Bennyjeans' pop songs, or acoustic tracks like "lost my mind in silence," you're in for a treat no matter what you choose.
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Aeon August, "Colors You've Never Seen" and "Ride or Die": If you're looking for a double feature, check out Aeon August's newest tracks "Colors You've Never Seen" and "Ride or Die." Aeon August describes themselves as a "collaborative odyssey," adding that "the synergy among the members creates a sonic alchemy that defines their ethereal sounds. Electric melodies intertwine with dreamy harmonies, and the result is a musical language that speaks directly to the heart. Drawing inspiration from the vast spectrum of human experiences, their words become portals, transporting listeners to realms of introspection, joy, and interdimensional exploration. Each lyric is a brushstroke on the canvas of emotion, painting vivid landscapes that resonate with the soul. Embracing a playful and comedic spirit, Aeon August injects humor into their musical expression." It's hard to resist taking a listen when a band describes themselves in such a way. These songs are definitely for fans of electronic sounds, as they're packed with futuristic/electro elements. The vocals are light and echoey, making you feel like you're drifting away before the music pulls you back in.
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