Just Jaded Weekly

May 28th, 2021

Written By: Joanna Serrano

New Music Monday: The Jonas Brothers with Marshmello

It has been yet another amazing week for music, with so many releases that it was difficult to choose just one highlight! However, I had to go with our favorite band of brothers, the Jonas Brothers, and their collaboration with the Electronic Dance Music DJ, Marshmello, on the track “Leave Before You Love Me”.

If I’m being honest, I was quite interested to hear of this collab, considering I am a huge fan of the iconic trio, and was not sure how the mix of the two different genres would play out. However, I am glad to say that I was pleasantly surprised to hear the track. 

The track’s mellow, electronic beat and smooth vocals are just what we needed to get us through the summer! Are you looking for a summer single to jam to while driving down the coast, a song to cry to in the shower, or just dance to all night long? Well, let me tell you, this song will make you do all of the above!

Not only was this an amazing, surprise single from the band, but it went along with their equally as exciting announcement of their upcoming return to live performances! Their “Remember This” tour is set to begin in August of this year, 2021. I’m sure I can speak for, not only all the Jonas Brother fans, but all fans of music, when I say I was ecstatic to hear that live music and tours would be returning so soon.

Are you planning on going to their “Remember This” tour?

Artist Rec Friday: Waterparks

Haven’t heard of the electric trio Waterparks yet? Well, we’ve got you covered! With three EPs and four studio albums, the latest being their 2021 album Greatest Hits, this group will have you hooked!

Waterparks is an American band, which formed back in 2011, and originally consisted of Awsten Knight, Geoff Wigington, and Gage Matthieu. After a few shuffles of members, Knight remains the group's lead vocalist, along with Wigington on lead guitar, and drummer Otto Wood.

The trio has been known to have a very unique sound, containing musical influences from both modern and past music. A few artists that the band can be compared to include Neck Deep, Neon Trees, Walk the Moon, and Weathers. 

Considering this, in no way does that sum up the band’s ever changing sound. For example, songs such as “Violet!”, the latest single from their latest album Greatest Hits, contain far more alternative-pop elements, with vocal autotuning and synth resembling artists such as Owl City. This can be compared to another song on the album,“You’d Be Paranoid Too (If Everyone You Knew Was Out To Get You)”, which provides more pop-rock elements, such as heavier guitar and drums. On another note, songs such as “Dizzy”, from the band’s second studio album Double Dare, can be compared to pop-punk artists such as State Champs.

Waterparks will definitely keep you on your toes with their amazing and eclectic discography. As someone who personally grew up loving pop-rock, pop-punk, and alternative artists such as Paramore, All Time Low, and Pierce the Veil, it is refreshing to hear similar elements used in a current band. Whether you are also a fan of these genres or just need a new band to discover, Waterparks is for you!

Diversity in the Music Industry

Written By: Vivienne Huynh

Music is one of many artforms that transcends language, it gives off a feeling that is universally understood by anyone. Music isn’t restricted by one culture, or one language; music brings people together, it’s a form of expression, community, it’s the universal language. 

Growing up music has been one of the most constant things in my life. From hearing my dad blast CDs on the stereo in the house every weekend, learning how to play the piano, being in my high school band, to becoming a fan girl, going to concerts, trying to write my own lyrics, the list goes on and on. Music was and is a core pillar in my life that has brought me so many friendships, unforgettable memories, and comfort. 

Despite all the joy music has brought me, the one thing I felt that the Western music industry lacked was diversity. Of course I have my favorite artists, but I always wanted to see a singer/artist that looked like me, and I never saw that until now. The representation of People of Color in the music industry hasn’t been prominent, but I feel like now more than ever I’ve been seeing POC finally get their chance in the spotlight. From Olivia Rodgrio and Lizzo to Amine and Eric Nam, all these amazing talented POC artists are getting recognized for their hard work and talents and not just seen as people who are up there as placeholders or because “they just got lucky.”

With the new age of streaming and social media constantly growing, the music industry has gone from people looking for big companies to big companies looking for people. And because of that, making music and showing it to the world isn’t restricted by the need of a record label or a TV broadcast, but people are now able to do that by simply having a phone. Smaller POC artists now have access to their own platform to tell their stories and grow an audience all on their own. 

Outside of the big music labels, we are seeing smaller companies use that power to showcase POC talent, one company being 88rising. 88rising is an American mass media company that started in 2015, and has a focus on promoting music for Asian Americans and Asians in the U.S. They promote and work with artists such as Joji, Niki, Rich Brian, and Jackson Wang. Seeing their company grow into what it is now brought me a great sense of pride because for the first time it felt like I was seeing Asian artists get recognition for their work. That they weren’t just some token for a company but that they are seriously talented individuals who worked hard and deserve to be where they are. 

Aside from the start up of smaller companies, the use of streaming and social media has helped tremendously to showcase POC talent and because of that we are now seeing songs that aren’t  sung in English top the charts and being played on the radio. Streams on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TikTok, etc. are influencing what radio stations play, and as a result we are now finally hearing songs in other languages. Some examples are Telepatia by Kali Uchis, Hawái by The Weekend & Maluma, Baila Conmigo by Selena Gomez, IDOL by BTS, and How You Like That by Blackpink. And not only are we hearing these songs more on the radio, but we are seeing non-english songs top the Billboard Charts, for example how BTS’s song Life Goes On was the first song in Korean song to be #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Non-english songs topping the charts and getting radio spins might not seem like much but these are all steps towards paving the way for a more diverse music industry. 

With all that being said I know the Western Music Industry still has its flaws, but because of social media people are taking the spotlight into their own hands, and I’m starting to see more and more POC artists being appreciated and getting the recognition they so rightfully deserve. Seeing all my favorite POC artists making these accomplishments and the effect social media has on the music industry makes me excited for what’s to come!