The Centaurettes – Spider On The Wall
St. Louis Trio The Centaurettes Go Pastel Punk on New EP ‘Cute to be Mean’
LOUIS, MO – When St. Louis indie punk band TheCentaurettesdecided to make their second EP, “Cute to be Mean” – a project they consider to be more professionally produced than their DIY debut “Please Give Me Space” – they were surprised to hear how much their musicianship and songwriting had grown. Core members Derek Hibbard and Bionca Maldonado – guitar and bass, respectively – added drummer Daniel L. Jackson to their roster first. All three of them are vocalists for the band and represent a diversity seldom seen in rock music today. Two-thirds of them are Queer and People Of Color. That diversity helps create something truly original on “Cute to be Mean,” which was recorded almost entirely live. While the songs still ooze sass and irreverence, the artists also found some soft moments, causing them to rebrand themselves as “pastel punk.”
In general, there’s a heaviness to the subject matter here. Lyrics confront topics like depression and addiction. Ultimately, Maldonado sees the dominant theme as growth, saying “Growth and adaptation are enormous to everyone right now.” In one standout song, “Spider on the Wall,” vocalist Derek Hibbard explores all aspects of addiction. Yet, the music stays phenomenally groovy, and the song ends with a recording of people laughing.
Hibbard credits Jackson with helping widen the band’s sound, saying, “Danny started out as just a drummer. But in the recording of this he started doing backing vocals, he added keys, he added guitars. He actually has his own song on the record that he plays and sings, ‘Birds and Bees.’ “We’ve kind of got a punk rock Beatles thing going on where you never know who’s going to be singing.”
It was Jackson who suggested re-recording “The Barge,” a song on the band’s first EP, wanting to do his own take on the song. Having done multiple recordings, Maldonado was keen to try one more time and give the song a “final resting place.” The band was shocked when they heard how much better the new version was. “Miles and miles above where it started in 2017,” says Hibbard. “Night and day.” Maldonado adds that it’s a treat for their longtime listeners, saying “It’s a way to share an old song that all of our fans knows and show them how good it is now.” Much as Green Day fans enjoy both an older and newer version of “Welcome to Paradise,” “The Barge” now lives in two iterations. A video is forthcoming.
On “Cute to be Mean,” the St. Louis trio shows their own growth. Not just in their music and songwriting, but in their openness to explore new genres, revisit their past, and make the very best of a change in the band’s lineup. But they’re keeping the sass.
“Cute to be Mean” was recorded by The Centaurettes at Lighthouse Sounds in Alton, IL and produced by Alex St. Cin.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNwD15GF-0Q]
The EP is currently available across all streaming platforms. To listen to their music, or to follow them on social media, please visit the following links:
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/thecentaurettes?utm_medium=copy_link
Album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/64TDQN4FkYe6fccsZU564m?si=pFv83l9SSv6rlw3vOMM_Tw
Apple Music album link:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/cute-to-be-mean-ep/1563203845
EP
(EP) 38 Hauncho – “First 38”
In a momentous stride forward, rising rap sensation 38 Hauncho has unveiled his latest EP, “First 38”, a bold testament to his unparalleled artistry and unyielding dedication to his craft. After spending the last 8 months incarcerated, 38 Hauncho came home and got straight to work. Within the first 38 hours of being released, these songs were created. Hence the title, First 38.
Crafted with precision and passion, “First 38” serves as a placeholder for his highly anticipated next project featuring his single “Smooth Nigga” and “Alter Ego”. The EP encapsulates his distinctive style, blending infectious beats with reflection of 38 Hauncho’s journey, drawing from his personal experiences and aspirations.
Featuring a dynamic fusion of tracks, each song within “First 38” showcases 38 Hauncho’s versatility as an artist, effortlessly navigating through various themes and emotions. From his gritty street narratives , the EP offers a multifaceted glimpse into the artist’s world, inviting audiences to immerse themselves into his trap.
Available now on all major streaming platforms, “First 38” is set to make waves across the industry, solidifying 38 Hauncho’s position as an artist to watch in 2024 and beyond.
Music
(Video) MaDrique – A FEW GRAND @madriquesanders
MaDrique drops the visual for “A FEW GRAND” from his EP “KEEP THE FAITH” produced entirely by SWIM. A FEW GRAND Video directed by King Murphy Media . Watch A FEW GRAND and stream “KEEP THE FAITH” on all streaming platforms
https://streamlink.to/KEEPTHEFAITH
Music
(Video) HoodTrophy Bino ft. Kalan.FRFR – “I Want Her”
LA based rapper HoodTrophy Bino releases the new single and video for “I Want Her” ft. Kalan.FrFr. Alongside powerful hip-hop force Kalan.FrFr, the two rappers get lost in a sensual daydream that ruminates over two different women.
“I Want Her” explores diverging figments of fantasy with sharp rhythms, captivating vocals, and deep, shadowy synths.The music video juxtaposes intimate vignettes of HoodTrophy Bino in a bedroom with roses at one moment and at a nightclub with Kalan.FrFr surrounded by women at the next.
HoodTrophy Bino has opened for Soulja Boy, Tee Grizzley, Bow Wow, Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Omarion, Flo Malcom, Skinnyfromthe9, YN Jay, and Ohgeesy. He’s received acclaim from Lyrical Lemonade, HipHopDX and more. Bino is set to perform with a special screening at SXSW on March 13th at Icenhauer’s.