Author: Emerson Redding

Welcome to Dreamland: COIN’s Third Album

Emerson Redding

Last month, Nashville-based indie pop band COIN finally released their long-awaited third album, Dreamland.

I spent my high school years driving around listening to COIN’s first two albums and I think it would be safe to say they are a big part of the soundtrack of my life. COIN is one of those bands I could listen to forever and not get tired of; I was ecstatic when they dropped Dreamland and this album does not disappoint.

Opening with “Into My Arms”, Dreamland immediately makes itself known as a good classic indie-pop record, joining previous self-titled COIN and How Will You Know If You Never Try. Less ‘windows down summer indie’, the next tracks “I Want It All” and “Simple Romance” both give off a slightly different feeling than the rest of the album; with both being co-written/produced by Mark Foster of Foster The People, it makes sense.

“Crash My Car” is probably the most musically powerful song on the album, being born out of wanting a song louder than “Talk Too Much” (their most popular song). The story behind “Crash My Car” is a perfect example of the band’s impact, and also why I was so eager for this third album.

“The day after we played Music Midtown in Atlanta [in 2017], we played for like 15,000 people and we heard thousands scream “Talk Too Much.” I knew, the next day, we had to write a song louder than “Talk Too Much.” I was so inspired. We went to the studio, literally the next morning, and “Crash My Car” came out in probably three hours. But we didn’t have a story. There was a chorus, there was some lyrics… it didn’t really say much. Then in October [2017], a girl came to a show in Oxford, Mississippi. After the show, she stuck around to tell me that she got in a very bad car accident on the way to the show in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her car was literally totaled — completely totaled. She showed up, still. She drove her totaled car and made it to Oxford, Mississippi in the same day. I was like ‘Why would you do that, that’s so dangerous!’ and she [said] ‘I want to be here. More than I care about my car, more than I care about my possessions.’ It all clicked. That’s what this song means. It’s not about what you have, it’s who you’re with. “

COIN interviewed by Monica Sucic for WTBU

“Dreamland Sequence” is the first of two quasi-interludes on the album. Its dreamy sound definitely adds to the Dreamland experience, and provides a moment to just sit and think before going into “Cemetery.” In this track, COIN tells a story with the message that being “the richest man in the cemetery” is nothing compared to leading a life filled with love for those around you.

One of my favorite parts of Dreamland is the transition between some of the songs in the album. Lead singer Chase Lawrence likes the transitions between the last few songs, but I actually like the subtle transition between “Youuu” to “Valentine”. The fade-out/in musically connects the two songs, making room for a possible lyrical connection to be made. “You ever love something so much it hurts?” from the latter can enhance the entirety of “Youuu”, a proclamation that “it’s always been you” no matter who the narrator may love now. Still loving the past someone so much it hurts. “Youuu” is probably my favorite song on Dreamland, anyway. I’ve been waiting for this song since they added it to their live setlist a while back and the official released song is even better than I expected.

Next song “Nobody’s Baby” is also one of my favorites. This song encompasses my memories and feeling of driving around years ago better than any other. This is one that reminds me of how much I love COIN and why I still listen to them after years. “Never Change” also sounds a bit like past COIN to me for some reason. Both are highlights from Dreamland.

“Lately III” continues the tradition of “Lately” and “Lately II” from the past albums. Each “Lately” fits its respective album well, with this third installment sounding more dreamy, akin to “Dreamland Sequence”. “Lately III” also features the topic of sleeping in cars that has been crowned Dreamland’s most mentioned topic. The “Lately”s generally make my top songs and “III” is no exception. “Lately III” also begins the beautiful transitions of the last few songs.

“Babe Ruth” features one of my favorite lines from the album: “Oh baby, whatcha gonna do when the universe puts your hand in mine?”. Following “Babe Ruth” is the other dreamy interlude “Heaven Hearted”, which goes into closer “Let It All Out (10:05)”.

In contrast to the loud way power is harnessed in “Crash My Car”, “Let It All Out (10:05)” has the most power emotionally. If you’ve been a fan of COIN for some time, seeing that “10:05” in the title is already enough to know this song is going to be special.

“when you see 1005, it means everything will be ok”.

“1005” came to be a sign that you are right here in this moment, and it will be okay; paired with “let it all out” meaning that once you let go of something, you can realize that “none of this is permanent anyway.” “Let It All Out (10:05)” is a perfect ending for Dreamland, as it holds the best representation of who COIN is in a song.

Dreamland is yet another great album by COIN, and solidifies their spot as one of my favorite bands of all time. I’ve had this album on repeat since it came out and probably will for years to come.

Listen to Dreamland here.

Written by: Emerson Redding


Things I Learned Through Cities, a Camera, and a Restless Mind

Emerson Redding

I have always had a need to document everything. From walking around New York City with a camera, to waxing poetic in my phone’s notes app looking at the Portland skyline from the backseat. Fortunately, traveling has provided me with a lot to look back on and learn from what these places have to offer.

Little moments can end up meaning the most; especially if no one else but you understands them.

My moments alone with the city, no matter how short, always end up being the memories that are best etched in my mind. They allow for unfiltered thinking better than anything else.

A cup of homemade coffee from an Airbnb in Phoenix in February tastes the same as it does in Pasadena in May.

And four people who have never met before watching an air mattress blow up can serve as a reminder that everyone is here for the same reason.

Portland and Oregon in general reminded me that I am indeed not a nature person. I will always prefer the concrete jungle over the real woods. It’s interesting to explore places with someone the opposite of you and try and see life as lived by them.

People that know you like the back of their hand can make an unfamiliar place more like the backdrop for a family reunion. Experiencing new things together is always the best.

Looking at murals in downtown Minneapolis can almost mirror doing the same in Berkeley.

Everything seems to blend together. And you don’t remember if this conversation took place walking in New Haven or Hollywood. Northern California and central Oregon; LA and Phoenix; and everywhere in between. Somehow it all feels the same.

Walking down Portland and Sacramento streets echoes Brooklyn. Driving across the city from Jersey to Connecticut can feel like driving from Portland to the suburbs. the snow at night in Wisconsin can feel like home in Northern California where you’ve never experienced snow. LA, however just feels like a mess. And what I’ve learned from that is that I can put myself through hell for the things that I love.

Written by: Em Redding

You Should Know: Your new favorite band The Maine

Emerson Redding

For this last You Should Know post of the semester I talk about one of my all-time favorite bands, The Maine.

Normally, I would recommend some of my favorite songs from the band and explain why I like them, but my love for The Maine is based on a lot more than just their music.

I’ve been listening to The Maine for over eight years now. They were my first concert in 2011. I’ve grown with them along the years, and have been able to see them create a personal and unique experience through what they do.

Of course it all begins with music.

The first album of theirs I got was 2011’s Pioneer. It remains on my favorite albums list; “Like We Did (Windows Down)” and “Don’t Give Up On “Us”” are still two of my favorite, most listened to songs today. I actually heard the entire album live a couple weeks before its release, front row in a small venue on the tour to present the album. Listening to the music itself provides quite a raw and personal feeling, and the live concert emphasized that even more. Eight years later and The Maine has only made that experience feel even more special. Despite playing bigger venues, having a larger fanbase to play for, and having more responsibilities as a bigger artist, The Maine is still the same sweet group of people who go way above and beyond to make their band meaningful, and create a family within what they do.

The Maine understands the importance of the band’s relationship with their fans.

The question “Why would you pay money to meet a human being?” sums up their philosophy, and led to free meet-and-greets and even a 100% free tour. The Maine have kept that personal feeling all throughout their career because they stay true to their humanity. They would have gotten nowhere without their fans, and they know that. Fans of The Maine made it possible for them to independently release albums, because at the heart of everything is the love and support for the music.

Their music has always been very candid. “Happy” and “Waiting for My Sun to Shine” (and its hidden track) deal with depression/sadness and “24 Floors” poignantly tells the story of frontman John O’Callaghan’s thoughts of taking his own life. Speaking about these topics allowed for their listeners to find solace in the band and in each other. That connection created the 8123 Family, the band’s fanbase that is so much more than that.

The 8123 Family is always there for each other, and that includes the band themselves.

From giving fans free tickets to shows, to randomly sending fans flowers or coffee, The Maine is always looking out for the people that love them and loving them in return. They take giving back even farther with 8123 Impact. In select cities on tour, the band organizes charity events for fans to take part in, including volunteering at food banks and other local organizations. And you can find the band members right there alongside the fans, all working together to help make a difference.

In everything The Maine does, it is so obvious that they truly care. The love they put into their work is like no other. And the love they receive from their fans in the 8123 family is quite special, too. 

Become part of the 8123 Family and listen to The Maine’s newest album You Are OK here.

Written by: Emerson Redding

Why BTS Deserves a Grammy

Emerson Redding

Perhaps the most anxious group of people awaiting the 2020 Grammy Nominations on the morning of November 20 were the millions of fans of global superstars BTS.

ARMYs, as the fans are called, anxiously but patiently waited for 8 AM EST, only to be met with disappointment. After months of anticipation after BTS was first recognized by the Grammys; with an invitation to present at the 2019 Grammy Awards (where they did receive their first nomination for Best Recording Package), being photographed by the Academy’s official winners-only photographer, and even being invited to become voting members of the Recording Academy; the seven member Korean pop group was not given a single nomination.

Among those nominated were Beyonce, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and other huge names in music. All who were outsold and outperformed by BTS this year in both album sales and touring. So why were they left out of the nominations?

The most obvious arguments to make are cases of xenophobia and a disrespect for the K-pop genre and overall “boyband” world.

Comparisons to the absence of Grammys for groups like NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and most recently One Direction are made against the argument of xenophobia/racism, but are still warranted. America especially has a notorious history with looking down upon the culture of boybands and their “crazed teenage girl” fans. The stigma around these artists creates a barrier that prevents most people from seeing their true talent and powerful place in the music industry. Those who are close-minded jump to the conclusion that popular artists only achieve their success through obsessed fans. But why are fans “obsessed” to begin with?

BTS is so much more than a “manufactured” group of attractive young men made to sell to teenage girls.

Take one dip into BTS’s discography and you will find many critically acclaimed songs spanning multiple genres, and a lot with beautiful lyrics and messages, such as “Reflection,” “Intro: Persona,” “Paradise,” and “Spring Day.” Go further and you’ll fall into the intricate “Bangtan Universe”: a series of cinematic music videos and short films that began with album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 1 in 2015 that encompass an entire storyline beyond the music itself, which now includes a webtoon and a book to expand on the story. Some may say that this is all a ploy to make more money, but it is undeniable that this level of artistry and thought is rarely seen. 

BTS at the press conference for Map of the Soul: Persona from Big Hit Entertainment.

There is truly no one doing it like BTS.

One of their most recent achievements is releasing their third number one album this year alone, Map of the Soul: Persona, which was a record held only by The Beatles before BTS. Every member of BTS has a hand in writing/producing their music, as well. This record is not to be shrugged off with the notion that their songs are crafted for profit and mass consumption. BTS achieves what they do through their talent and dedication, and of course with support from ARMYs. 

Their Love Yourself: Speak Yourself world tour in support of Persona just wrapped up last month in Seoul and had an overall earning of $116.6 million. The sold-out stadium concerts came complete with a set design of giant panthers, a bounce house, and a full fireworks show. 

In the midst of celebrating their sixth anniversary with various special releases and fanmeetings/concerts, their single with Halsey “Boy With Luv” became their second song to become certified platinum. From the release of Persona in April to now, BTS’s entire discography has charted on iTunes three times, with the most recent being in response to the Grammys snub. Everywhere you look, BTS is achieving something new and continuing to make history.

BTS puts an insane amount of hard work and devotion into their art, which they have done since they first began (debuted) in 2013.

Even at home in South Korea, it took two years for them to receive recognition with a win from Korean music shows. The BTS members, and ARMYs, are no strangers to waiting for the recognition and appreciation they deserve. For years they have been overlooked, and while they have been awarded a few titles such as Top Duo/Group at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, they deserve more.

BTS continues to prove that they deserve their spot as one of the top artists of all time and hopefully next year we will see that officially recognized by the Grammy Awards.

Written by: Emerson Redding