You’d have to read a bit too much into the lyrics on Green to Gold to see them as a metaphor for the Antlers’ long-awaited return, but a couplet on ‘Wheels Roll Home’, the first non-instrumental track on the album, fittingly sums up the expectations that complicate such a comeback: “Every second we got, we gotta make believe/ That you’ll be right back like you never left.” The group’s first album in seven years is tinted in the same hushed, muted tones that have permeated much of their discography, but their artistic growth seems less a result of strained deliberation than a genuine reflection of the changes that have occurred in their personal lives. In the wake of the tour cycle for 2014’s Familiars, primary singer-songwriter Peter Silberman was forced to set music aside after his aural health had suffered a severe blow, causing him to relocate from the city to the more serene environment of upstate New York, where he grew up. But he then endured another setback after touring Impermanence, the 2017 solo album that quietly mirrored his struggles with hearing loss, this time diagnosed with lesions on one of his vocal cords.
It would be understandable if Silberman decided to take a break from music entirely, or dedicate his career to making spare, instrumental solo music. He took up gardening and hiking, fostering a sense of home that came both from leading a more peaceful existence as well as the safety of a fulfilling relationship. As evidenced on Green to Gold, the music came naturally, like the small miracles that illuminate its warm palette – field recordings of crickets and chirping cicadas that displace the Antlers’ music from the claustrophobic environment of hospitals and bedrooms to a more open and organic space. Imbued with an air of lightness and touches of country-tinged Americana, the album aptly fulfils Silberman’s intention to make “Sunday morning music,” but at its brightest also transcends that somewhat characterless description. Highlight ‘Just One Sec’ draws from the instructions of a meditation retreat Silberman attended with longtime drummer Michael Lerner, pleading, “Free me from your limiting ideas of me/ Free me from the version you prefer I’d be.”
It’s hard not to hear that liberated sense of self reflected in the duo’s songwriting as well as Silberman’s vocals, which never strain to achieve their desire effect. His disquieting falsetto, once responsible for some of indie’s most devastating emotional moments, has been eased out but not erased; his voice has lost none of its distinct resonance, punctuating atmospheres of intimate beauty that stem from the simple pleasures of day-to-day life. The songs don’t so much ignore interpersonal drama as filter it through a wider, more amicable lens, zooming out to lighten its weight, the way time often does. The album opens with the lines, “There’s a point, way out, past the present tense/ Where our weeks away make a lot less sense,” while ‘Solstice’ finds the narrator “winding back down the decade past/ Through the afternoons when I knew you last,” recalling how “we were walkin’ true like the stars don’t hurt.”
Silverman has cited David Lynch’s The Straight Story, a lesser-known but positively received road drama the director made for Disney, as a reference point for the album, calling it “heartfelt” and “melancholic.” The comparison makes sense, except that the melancholy one might have traced up until 2014’s Familiars is largely absent here, or at least softened out as if by a smooth breeze. While some might yearn for more of the trademark intensity or emotional peaks of Hospice, part of Green to Gold’s success lies in the fact that the group have matured their sound without abandoning the qualities that made them striking in the first place; in fact, it was going on a tenth-anniversary tour of the album that partly drove the decision to revive the project. You can hear echoes of the past on ‘Volunteer’, but Silberman seems more enraptured by the possibilities of the future: “It’s challenging, practicing living like beginners,” he admits. Then, as if slowly watching something unravel, he adds with a sense of wonder, “But it’s happening, it’s dazzling.”
Seeing that there’s a special date coming up in your calendar makes you eager to get an exceptional gift, such as custom challenge coins, for your loved one, one that is thoughtful and reflects your feelings for that special someone. A personalized gift would be perfect for this situation since it tells your loved one that you took their personality and taste into consideration. However, you may feel overwhelmed and not fully convinced with the almost infinite options available on the market, so if that’s the case, consider the following 3 reasons why you should get a personalized gift for your loved one.
Options are more Diverse than Ever
Nowadays it’s almost incredible to think about the number of shops and products available for browsing for all occasions. It is up to you whether you prefer shopping in a mortar and brick store or spend some time looking for the best options online. However, the convenience of shopping online for gifts is undeniable at this point since there are plenty of features and perks you can access through this method.
Many new companies have specialized in creating high-quality, custom-made products at an affordable price over the years. They show that you’re tech-savvy who likes to research the latest trends and niche products and can also save from frustratingly wasting time on a gift that won’t hit the mark. Remember to hide the package if your loved one lives with you. In that case, it’s best to leave your work address to the delivery service to avoid spoiling the surprise.
They’re Suitable for Every Occasion
Whether Valentine’s Day is coming up, a person in your life is graduating from university, or your partner just got promoted at their job, there are plenty of reasons to get a personalized gift for the people you care about. Gone are the days where you could only pick between a teddy bear and a rose bouquet.
Some of the most popular gifts according to https://manlymanco.com/ include manly bouquets made of bacon or beef jerky. These make for unique celebratory gifts for men who have just started a new job or successfully took another step up the career ladder. Other options, like personalized mobile covers, etched leather bags, and printed coffee cups are perfect for birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and even weddings. It’s just a matter of knowing what your loved one likes and keeping yourself from spoiling the surprise beforehand.
Your Loved One Will Appreciate the Gesture
Finally, but not least, receiving a personalized gift will always be an unexpected and well-received gesture for your loved one. Even if they’re secretly hoping to receive something small for their birthday or anniversary, a personalized present means that you spend time and effort looking for the perfect item, considering your loved one’s taste and preferences. While some people may loudly declare that they despise receiving gifts and can even find it cheesy, in reality, almost everyone will smile and thank you for taking the time and money to get them something.
The occasion gives a chance to bond and creates a shared memory that will get immortalized in that item for both parties. A gift has been a sign of friendship and love for so many cultures, which has lasted through centuries for a good reason. As we all know, life circumstances may change, and physical distance can become an issue for seeing each other in person. You may not be able to see them as often as you would like, but having that token of love will always be highly appreciated. And in the worst-case scenario of losing someone close to your heart, having these personalized gifts to cherish those wonderful experiences together can also help with the grief process and cope with the loss.
As you’re pondering about what your loved one will appreciate most for a special occasion, there are some aspects you should consider before settling on any gift. For example, you may want to consider how they have reacted to previous presents from you and note if it has been a positive or negative response. Contrary to popular belief, it’s usually best to abstain from purchasing tools or materials If they have a specific hobby unless you know exactly what they need. At the end of the day, a personalized gift will always be your best option since it allows you to express your love and creativity while creating a special memory for your loved one. After all, what could be better than a thoughtful gift that reflects the receiver’s personality and preferences?
After releasing music under her birth name with her band The Hooves of Destiny, including 2012’s much-praised album Yours Truly, Cellophane Nose, Beth Jeans Houghton hit a creative block. Having taken the time to regroup and reassess, she came out the other side and began to create again, this time as Du Blonde. Her debut LP under the new moniker, 2015’s Welcome Back to Milk– the title of which was inspired by a bout of constipation and using her lactose intolerance as a bowel loosener – introduced the world to the snarling, raw and cathartic sound that encapsulates Du Blonde. From there, Beth went on to release a comic book series, directed music videos for Ezra Furman, LUMP, and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and took on production duties for her sophomore outing, Lung Bread For Daddy, an achingly honest collection of songs that explored her ongoing battles with mental health.
Lead by the singles ‘I’m Glad That We Broke Up’ featuring Ezra Furman, ‘Medicated’ with Shirley Manson, and ‘Pull The Plug’, Du Blonde’s latest album, Homecoming, is her first on own, newly founded label Daemon T.V. It’s fitting then, that it sounds like the truest reflection of herself so far, one that stems purely from a love of music and a need to create. She faces her demons on ‘Pull The Plug’, shows us a more reflective side on ‘Ducky Duffy’, and establishes her distinct way of telling an ugly story beautifully on the Andy Bell-assisted ‘All The Way’. At the helm, as always, is Beth’s commanding voice, orchestrating the magnificent cacophony she’s created from top to bottom.
We caught up with Beth Jeans Houghton for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight Q&A series to talk about past collaborations, her creative process, Homecoming, and more.
The important question, now more than ever; how are you doing, really? What’s been the biggest thing keeping you afloat in these incredibly trying times?
Considering the year we’ve all had I’m doing alright thank you! I’m lucky that the work I do I can mostly do from home. The biggest thing keeping me afloat is my mum. I came to stay with her at the beginning of the pandemic and I’ve been here on and off AR for a year. She’s been there for cuddles and also to give me a hand with things like packing up the records to post out. I’m self releasing so I’ve turned her house into a warehouse full of LPs and CDs and she’s been very gracious.
You’ve collaborated with some incredible people on the album including Shirley Manson on the track ‘Medicated’ and Ezra Furman on ‘I’m Glad That We Broke Up’. What was the most rewarding part of those experiences?
Really, I think it was just having experiences with friends again. Everybody recorded their parts either from home or their own studios and sent me the tracks via email. Having that kind of experience with people outside of my tiny quarantine bubble was really uplifting. I’d check in with Jorgen Jorgensen-Briggs (of Ezra Furman and The Visions) who did some bass parts on the record and he was out in the Mojave desert the whole time. It was a nice reminder that there’s a whole world beyond the house I was making the album in and that you don’t always have to be in the same room as someone to share an experience. I’m stoked to have these amazing people on my record, I’m super grateful, but first and foremost they’re my friends and that’s what made the whole thing so fun.
Over the years you’ve had an impressive creative output. You’ve released a comic book series Butt Hurt, a collection of illustrations done by yourself, you’ve painted (notably your album cover for Lung Bread For Daddy) as well as of course releasing music as Beth Jeans Houghton and Du Blonde. Is creativity something you’ve always harboured, has the arts always been your outlet and way of expressing yourself?
I think it’s probably the only thing I was ever going to do. I’m not academic, I struggle a lot with things outside the creative field and creativity just came very easy for me. I’m sure having a mother who taught me how to use Photoshop instead of video games helped, but it’s always been the easiest way for me to express myself. I’ve always leaned towards using different mediums and part of my wanting to ditch the record label route was because I wanted more time and freedom to make all these different things. Releasing records on record labels can end up being a very convoluted and complicated journey to get to the point of actually putting an album out. I wanted to work with people who’d be like ‘wham, here’s the album let’s release it in 6 months’ and then I can work on painting or something for a couple of weeks. Luckily I’ve found that and I’m really grateful.
Homecoming is your third release as Du Blonde. What’s the biggest marked difference between your initial release as Beth Jeans Houghton and this album in your opinion?
The biggest difference is that Homecoming is self released. This is the first album I’ve released without label backing and so the entire journey has been different from start to finish. I wrote, recorded, engineered and produced the album at home, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m also an entirely different person now. I wrote most of my first album when I was 16 years old, I’m now 31. I love my first album, I’m still proud of what I made back then at that age and under those circumstances, but I hadn’t yet figured out how to write a straight up rock song. I had access for the first time to a studio and all sorts of instruments, and so I was like ‘let’s see what I can make when I can do anything I like’, and I love how it came out, but playing shows to an audience who are sitting down and nodding isn’t how I saw my life playing out. I always wanted to play raucous shows in basements where people can feel some kind of release, and I feel like three Du Blonde records in, I can play a show and feel like I’m finally in the right place.
The album has a beautiful cadence, there’s a real sense of control and nuanced pacing. It’s almost a hybrid of Lung Bread for Daddy and Welcome Back to Milk. Did you have a clear vision of what you wanted it to sound like before you started recording?
I did but it wasn’t how it turned out! At the beginning it was gonna be a stripped back shitty garage record, like very simple songs with very little songwriting. A lot of the records I listen to while I’m working are a bunch of good songs that don’t have a lot to them, that’s what I enjoy most of the time. So for me this record was going to be the least song-written, simplest record of overdriven ditties, which is how I sold the thing to Sam Grant (Pigsx7) who mixed the thing. I feel bad that by the time I turned up to mix I was like ‘here’s a couple of garage tracks but then also some epic ostentatious guitar solos with strings and a 30 person choir’. He was a good sport though and turned my mediocre engineering skills into something that sounds a lot more polished than it really was.
Perhaps a personal one, but how do you feel when you perform/write/create as Du Blonde? Listening to your music is empowering and cathartic, it’s raw and in your face with honesty. I wondered if that is somewhat how you feel when you’re in the process of writing?
I feel like I’m my ultimate form. I’m not a social person in the slightest. I barely leave my house, sometimes I’ll go to the pub with friends but mostly I like to be alone in my room making stuff. So in a way performing and touring is the opposite of my personality. Standing up in front of a crowd and opening myself up to a lot of opinions is quite anxiety-inducing, but when I’m out there as Du Blonde I feel better equipped to deal with those kinds of things. I feel like I created Du Blonde as this ideal of who I’d like to be in the future, someone with a lot of bravado who doesn’t get embarrassed and can defend themself, and I’m moving closer and closer to actually filling that space. It’s helped me in my writing as well. There are probably a bunch of songs I wished I could write in terms of honesty, but wouldn’t have felt so comfortable doing so 10 years ago. But having a character who is basically a braver version of myself has allowed me to open up much more about mental health and abuse in my songwriting. That isn’t always the subject matter but for me being able to touch on that has helped me deal with a lot of things that have happened in my life.
You’ve always been extremely honest and transparent about your struggles with your mental health and this is something you’ve explored musically. Is making music intrinsically tied up with catharsis and does it provide an emotional outlet for you?
It does. I (like most people) have a lot of thoughts and feelings swimming around in my brain and the way I make sense of those is to put them into a song, take a step back and look at them from a new perspective. Sometimes I’ll write a song of nonsense and then 6 months later listen back and realise I was actually saying something important about a situation or a relationship I hadn’t managed to navigate yet. It’s kind of like having a diary but instead of words it’s songs and paintings and a video game. I have all these things I can look back on and see how I’ve progressed or regressed. I have two self portraits I painted for no particular reason, but if you place them together you can see clearly who I was before I took medication for depression and anxiety (in this painting I’m screaming with strings of spittle flying out my mouth) and after (post-medication I’m laying serenely in some clouds happy and kind of stoned). I hadn’t thought anything of them but I was moving things around my garage one day and suddenly they were next to each other and it was so clear how far I’d come with my mental health. So I’m glad I have things like that even if they’re painful to look back on.
Du Blonde’s Homecoming is out April 2 via Daemon T.V.
Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this segment.
This past week, BROCKHAMPTON returned with news of a new album along with an exciting, fiery new single called ‘BUZZCUT’, featuring a stellar guest appearance from Danny Brown; London collective black midi showcased their unique brand of avant-prog on the staggering ‘John L’, the first preview from their upcoming sophomore LP; Philadelphia trio Mannequin Pussy delivered their first single since 2019’s Patience with the soaring, dynamic ‘Control’; Phoebe Bridgers joined Luminous Kid (aka Olof Grind, the photographer behind the Punisher artwork) on the fourth single from his debut album, blending indie folk and pop melodies on the lovely ‘Mountain Crystals’; North Carolina singer-songwriter Sprig (formerly known as rosemary) released a new EP called What Life Would Be Like, and the hauntingly dreamy ‘Sleep Paralysis’ also inhabits a world close to that of Punisher; and finally, New York-based Pakistani composer Arooj Aftab’s transportive voice foregrounds the latest single from her forthcoming album, the mesmerizing and evocative ‘Last Night’.
De_caffeine homme, a brand for people who love coffee and not caffeine, showcased their 2021 autumn-winter runway collection at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo. Designer Avizmo Jo designed his collection with clean, sleek silhouettes in which he used various materials, which gave it a luxe appearance. We saw velvet, a fabric which had partly feathers attached, and houndstooth — to name a few. Some of the lapels merged to become half a scarf, and some of the shirts appeared backwards. Additionally, there were a variety of tailored garments with added femininity.
HxCx digitally presented their 2021 autumn-winter collection titled Insane Youth. The ready-to-wear collection was inspired by streetwear, in which designer Takashi Kido uses denim as his key material. The designs had a relaxed fit and a rough appearance with frayed edges of materials. The roughness of materials was contrasted with clean and smart slouchy shirts. The most memorable items from the collection were the ripped jeans with fabric attached behind and the bomber jacket held by a combination of materials.
Japanese brand Rito presented their 2021 autumn-winter collection at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo. The theme for the season was outline-contours. Japanese designer Miyako Shimakawa experimented by creating textiles and combining them with masculine and feminine silhouettes. As Miyako Shimakawa put it, the contour expressed by straight lines and curves presents and hides fragility and strength depending on the given light and shadow.
For the collection, neutral colours were explored in contrast with vibrant blue and yellow. The garments had a soft structure that created a movement with the wind. Layering made different contours in the light; there were curves and straight lines throughout the garments. The film’s setting enhanced the theme with thick structured columns and the sun shining down on the background creating various shadows, formulating the perfect scenery for the presentation.
SHINYAKOZUKA digitally presented their 2021 autumn/winter collection at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo. TInterestingly, the pieces for the designer Shinya Kozuka came in a dream he managed to render into an entire collection. “The model wore the painter-ish garments, and he gazed at the easel which ornaments a knit jumper of someone’s painting pattern,” added Shinya Kozuka. The digital presentation had a haze effect which aided the viewers to visualise Kozuka’s dreams. Exploration of mixed pastels, dark and vibrant colours resulted in a colourful collection. Individual items were presented like painted canvases with a mixture of colours dyed onto them.
Playing video games might be one way you fill your spare time, but it’s not necessarily a waste of time. Doing so might help you become smarter, and if you want to work in the field, you’ll need intelligence and curiosity. Several degree options will help you live your dream, whether that’s working with video games or just putting your tech skills to work.
Preparing for School
If you are still in high school, now is the time to start preparing for college. Look for relevant classes and consider taking a couple while still in high school. That way, you can get a better idea of whether this is something you want to do for the rest of your life.
You’ll also want to think about how you’ll pay for your degree. Many students find that taking out a student loan from a private lender is the best way to pay for school. You can fill out a quick online application to learn about your options. That way, you can prioritize your education and get a great start on your career.
Tech-Focused Degrees
If you are already good at video games, you likely have an aptitude for technology, so that you could look into programming and computer-focused degrees. A bachelor’s in computer science is a great starting place. Many schools offer training on coding, and they’ll likely offer courses on science and math as well. Computer science is relatively broad, so you will learn things to apply in a range of careers.
Another potential field is software engineering, allowing you to make powerful software. Classes might include databases, programming, and networking, among other fundamentals. And you can expect to learn about usability and artificial intelligence during your time at college. One of these programs could help you get into a STEM career, and these often have promising job outlooks.
Working with Video Games
You could get an associate’s degree in developing video games. Expect to learn about multimedia design and software engineering, as well as modeling and animation. Plus, you’ll learn how to work with digital graphics and do programming. You can also learn how to do video game development. Many technical and community colleges offer degrees in the field, allowing you to enter the technological world. That might be in the form of computer applications engineering, designing, or video game programming.
Animation and Design
If you want to work on the artistic side of things, you might go into media design or art. Expect to take classes on lighting, shading, and other elements that can help the game come alive. You’ll only need a bachelor’s degree for this career path, although gaining some relevant experience is often helpful to land your dream job. Computer animation is another promising degree path. If you want to further your education, you can get a master’s in computer animation. You might learn about 3D and 2D aspects. After graduation, you could get a job working with game art and make sure that everything is ready for end users.
TV and Film are such a conversation starter. You’ll have had similar conversations with your friends, family or colleagues about the latest movie or series you watched and your opinions surrounding it. So not only can they be a conversation starter it also shapes perception, behaviours and acceptable and unacceptable behaviours based upon the impression it can leave to you all.
With there being such a vast range of genres within the film spectrum there are differences within the impressions given and the influence they carry into your day to day life.
Careers And Jobs Prospects
TV and film can definitely expand your horizons within the field of different types of employment, self employment and work prospects that are available. Of course, you will find in some of the movies and programs that the roles are dramatized for effect however they can in offer a great insight into the roles, responsibilities and progression opportunities in different fields. This could range from being an immigration lawyer to an undercover secret agent, with every other imaginable role recorded as well.
Difference Between Right And Wrong
Across the different genres you’ll see a variety of behaviours. Some which will have been dramatized to show the negative behaviours such as portrayed through villainous characters and baddies.
It can also demonstrate and educate good behaviours, whilst portraying a message that good can conquer and succeed. This of course, can positivity instil a drive how positive and ‘good’ behaviours can get you far and reinforce lessons and behaviours that have been ingrained within your life since you were a child.
Relationships
Films can show and teach so much when it comes to relationships and what is thought to be wanted and desired verus what is actually expected and how a good positive relationship can last. They can also teach about all sides of a relationship. If you’ve watched many films or shows you’ll be an example of all types of relationships. Consider, Outer Banks on Netflix, this show demonstrates friendships and the relationships that can be built and how this is just as powerful and meaningful a relationship to romantic relationships.
Health And Wellbeing
Although you may not automatically consider TV and film to always be a positive influence on physical perception. They have definity have some positive aspects that should be recognized. Consider some of your favourite actors or actresses, they along with some other celebrities can use their fame and influence to educate and promote health, well being and a positive well being.
Of course, you may automatically think of how toned and athletic some of these celebrities are, or how make up enhances their appearance, and think it’s not possible to follow that path. However, consider they have to work at that image. Having muscle, abs and a toned body isn’t something that people tend to be gifted. It takes time, effort, consideration into the food they eat and dedication to commit and do exercise. It involves them taking time and care of their appearance and these are all lessons that you too apply to your daily life. Yes, it might be in smaller doses but the lessons and positive teachings are there.
