greenvillesc – Hypnotic Bolt

New Album Release: Paper Daisies

Originating from Clemson, South Carolina, Tayler Bucich of Paper Daisies released his first album In and out the Window on March 30th. We had the opportunity to ask Bucich questions about his new project and this album.

What inspired you to move to this stage of your music career?

I got into music and recording when I was 20 because it gave all of my emotions a very clear therapeutic outlet. Nothing makes me happier than writing and recording, so I guess that would be the inspiration for all of this. Chasing happiness.

With this being your first release under Paper Daisies, what is the significance of this album?

It’s the start of something fresh and new. With purpose. I have a big plan for how my Paper Daisies albums will feed off of each other.

Can you tell us a little bit about your songwriting process for this album? Where did you find inspiration to write these songs?

The songwriting process for In and out the Window was extremely personal. I filled an old black notebook front and back with thoughts, questions, statements, poems, conceptual ideas. I’ve been at odds with myself recently. The last year has really stressed me out and made me feel purposeless. But no matter what I always have music. So I decided to make this project about just that. Having a therapeutic outlet to go to.

A little passage from that notebook says: “These eyes are windows. Press play and listen to my soul. Go in and out the window.” In and out the Window is also a reference to a children’s book that teaches kids how to play music. I liked that because I feel like a child in the world of music.

Major musical influences for In and out the Window?

I found a lot of inspiration from the existentialism that Loving spews out in every song. I loved the raw recordings and genuine lyrics of Elliot Smith. I was extremely inspired by the late 60s sunshine pop movement. And of course, forever and always, Brian Wilson.

How is this album different from anything else you’ve released?

I think there is a conscious effort to present these songs with more concrete structure. I had access to an actual drum kit for the first time in my life. So really, long story short, I had the ability to do whatever I wanted when I wanted. I could truly create with no boundaries for the first time.

How would you describe your music to someone who has never listened to you before?

Hahaaa! I have a lot of practice doing this. I usually say something like “I hunker down in my bedroom and I write songs about being alive, the ups and downs.” And then I usually give a little disclaimer “Could be kinda weird! I don’t know what you normally listen to!” If they need a genre I usually say “Experimental bedroom pop” which sounds like a lot of fun things.

What message do you want to convey to our readers about this album?

I’m always at odds with wanting to tell what my albums are about…but if I had to say something real short and sweet I’d say: You never know what someone is going through, or who they might end up growing into. People have an incredible capacity to change, or to be shaped by their surroundings, both in a positive and negative way. Be kinder. Smile more. The world is like a mirror, you’ll feel it come right back to you. I promise!

Final Thoughts

Bucich released this album when the world needed it the most. During a time of uncertainty and confusion, the songs on In and out the Window offer a sense of calmness and security about where we are and where we can go from there. It’s like a big hug from someone you love and you know that they’ll never let go. This album is reminiscent of warm drinks, dried flowers, and baked goods. A cozy feeling, ya know. Like everything is going to be alright.

We’ll link the album on Spotify below and make sure to follow @daisiespaper on Instagram for any future updates! Thank you again Tayler!

Stay groovy!

A Hypnotic Hangout: Illiterate Light

Georgia Theatre 5/9– The Illiterate Light duo ended their set with “Growin’ Down” and walked off the stage while the crowd cheered. Their initial thoughts are filled with excitement and positivity about their performance. We got to sit down and talk with Jake (drums, vocals) and Jeff (guitar, vocals) in Athens while they were touring with Shakey Graves.

Mission Accomplished

Illiterate Light is a rock duo from Virginia and their music has been spread far and wide since we last saw them in December. From recently playing Shaky Knees, to upcoming festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, Illiterate Light has grown immensely.

After the show, Jeff described to us that “It’s an interesting feeling to play to hundreds of people who have no idea who we are. You kind of have to win the crowd over a little bit.” They make it their mission to impress the crowd with their set. And we believe that they did just that. After seeing them open for Post Animal a couple months ago, we fell in love with their sound and that encouraged us to learn more about them and download their music. At the end of their set on this night in Athens, the crowd was clapping and in awe of the musical ability that these two people possess.

Illiterate Light makes an effort to hang out by their merch table and talk to people after their set. They relayed to us that they really enjoy meeting new people and spreading their music to others. So, if you ever want to chat with these guys, you know where to find them!

Inspirations

Many different artists, have influenced Illiterate Light’s music. Jeff described that he is most inspired by artists like Flaming Lips, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Foo Fighters. Jake explained that he has been listening to a lot of St. Vincent, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, and Big Thief recently. Jeff described that “Artists like Neil Young, Fleet Foxes, My Morning Jacket, and Wilco were my go-to. I really wanted to craft my musical vision based off of these artists.”

Jake told us that he likes to mix aspects of various performers in order to find something that fits with the music that Illiterate Light creates. “I have a really strong love for very weird performers. We like to have the energy for sure and have fun.”

“It sets us apart”

If you’ve ever seen this band live, you have probably seen the beloved floral crop top that Jake wears. One thing that stood out to us when we first saw them, was that half-way during the show, Jake took off his shirt and underneath that shirt, he wore a pink floral top. On this night, we were eagerly waiting to see if the tradition remained and when he showed it off, we were excited to get the chance to ask about the origin of the ritual.

“While touring in another band, while living in Virginia, we used to tour by bike. I wanted to keep the sun off my back while remaining cool. I stopped into a thrift store and was sorting through the racks when I found it. At first, I started wearing it as a joke but eventually it started feeling natural.”

Shaky Knees: “It was killer”

After recently playing Shaky Knees, Jeff relayed to us that “It felt weird performing on the main stage, the stage where Tame Impala played and then having people come up to us and congratulate us on our performance.” There are a lot of new faces at their shows and the continuous growth of the band has brought them many opportunities and experiences. “Some days we truly don’t know what to do with it, but I think that’s a good thing. It means the timing is right for our band.”

“Have you grown up yet? Does the war make sense?”

The songwriting process is always a very important one. Illiterate Light described for us where they get their inspiration for writing. They try to write songs that are moving between their emotional and relational lives. “Also our observations of our culture and of the world at large. Therefore, we don’t stray away from writing about politics and war. We want to be a part of the conversation.” With the world that we live in today, it’s important that there are artists in the industry discussing these topics.

The Show

Before the interview, we had the opportunity to take pictures of the band while singing and dancing to their songs. They opened with their hit “Nuthin’s Fair” and had the whole crowd bobbing their heads and moving to the music. They played through songs off of their EP, Sweet Beast and played an outstanding cover of “Vampire Blues” by Neil Young. You could tell that the crowd was surprised that two people could create the sounds that they were creating. By the end of their set, you could tell that the audience was impressed and eager to listen to more of their stuff!

What’s next for illiterate light?

The band recently signed with Atlantic Records and is planning to release an album in October! They have an EP on Spotify, Sweet Beast, which you should definitely check out! They actually just released a new single a couple days ago called “Carolina Lorelei.” Illiterate Light (@illiteratelight) is constantly creating new music and they will be going on multiple tours throughout the rest of the year. If they come around to your town, you should treat yourself and go! Seeing them perform live is a great time!

Mystic Truth Tour 2019

“Away We go”

Our first concert since we got home from Texas was Bad Suns… and we were pretty excited about it. I (Britt) spent all of high school listening to their album Language & Perspective and was stoked to see them live for the first time. We left Greenville around 4:30 and made our way to the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.

We arrived at the venue while the opener, a very talented 18 year old from Wisconsin, Carlie Hanson was performing. Hanson’s music can be described as pop punk and alternative. She was assisted by a drummer and a guitar/keyboard player and had amazing energy as she was jumping from side to side on the stage!

feels like home

The lights in the venue dimmed and the members of Bad Suns made their way to the stage and opened with “Away We Go”, the first song off their newest album, Mystic Truth. They played through songs off of their other albums, Language & Perspective, and Disappear Here. After performing “The World and I”, the lead singer Christo, approached the microphone and asked “Who’s been here since our first record?” Half of the audience put their hands up and shouted. “Thank you guys for being here for that long! Now who’s ready to fucking dance?” The band then proceeded to play “Rearview” off of their first record. Christo encouraged the crowd to dance and jump along as he sang the lyrics.

The continued playing through their set and then… “Cardiac Arrest” came on. This song is super nostalgic to me because it is the first song that I listened to by them and it introduced me to their music. It was one of my favorite songs to listen to throughout high school and hearing it live felt insane. Jenna and I jumped around and belted out the lyrics with the crowd. Before ending the song, Christo yelled into the microphone, “This feels like fucking home tonight!” And it sure did.

“away we go” Part 2

Unfortunately, after this song, Jenna wasn’t feeling well so we had to cut the concert short and head home. We were thankful to hear some of our favorite songs like “Violet”, “Rearview”, “Daft Pretty Boys”, and “Cardiac Arrest” though! We made our way to the merch table and I bought a record and Jenna bought a t-shirt (per usual). We gathered up our things, took some pictures outside of the venue and made our way back to our car with blisters on our feet from dancing and messy hair.

Overall, we had a great time at this concert. Bad Suns sold out this show and put on a great performance! If you ever have the chance to see them on this tour, you definitely should! The energy and enthusiasm that this band puts into their stage presence and songs is super dope and you can feel the love and gratitude that they have for their fans. 10/10 would recommend!