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Free Trip To Maine
This is the opposite of nothing
Happy Wednesday, homies! Holiday times and the end of 2024. Where is the time going?! With that, I digress, I can’t afford to go on a tangent here, lol.
This week we are talking about a duo that writes incredibly emotive music both lyrically and instrumentally - you could say it really… strikes…a... chord. We are going to be chatting about hey, nothing this week. Strap in, we get emo - again!
Who Are hey, nothing?
hey, nothing is an indie folk-rock duo from the general Atlanta area, composed of best friends Tyler Mabry and Harlow Phillips. The two of em met in high school and have been making music together ever since (somewhere around 2016). To the moon, they said (maybe I can’t really confirm or deny this, Finetuners)!
Their debut album, "We’re Starting to Look Like Each Other," showcases their dynamic vocal interplay and emotionally charged storytelling. Tracks like "Bad Influence" and "Goodbye" highlight their ability to transition between upbeat anthems and more somber, introspective ballads. Since then they have hit a new stride in their rise, hitting some home highs, specifically in the release I mention below. In addition to the release below, do yourself a favor and check out their record "We’re Starting to Look Like Each Other”. This release literally feels like you smashed Modern Baseball and Pinegrove together and formed f**king “Contemporary Baseball”.
Hey It Ain’t Nothing - What To Expect Sonically
Their sound blends emotional, introspective lyrics with elements of folk, emo, and punk rock - which led me to make comparisons to bands like Modern Baseball, Pinegrove, and even The Front Bottoms. I think that if you are someone who gravitates towards this emotive type of sound that speaks so openly but also poetically about emotionally charged memories, trauma, and life - they are up your alley.
They adjust their production in a way that feels like their songwriting starts with something like, “What does this song need to give the sentiment we want?”. And I think that sort of approach is true here for their music in that they really deliver the vibe required for each track. They do have a lot of songs that focus on more acoustic guitar duo + vocal harmonies, give-n-take vocal lines, and solo verses.
Placing Maine On Your Timeline
This one has a solid vibe sonically in that there is nothing overly dramatic or that heavily stands out, except of course their harmonies and lyrics. With stripped-back production and tough themes lyrically, this can be a relatable, challenging listen. Central to this EP is the feeling of detachment from a place that was once considered or called home, reflecting both the pain of departure and the realization that leaving can sometimes be necessary for personal well-being.
click the image to listen ⤴️ | Finetuned Rec 👇️This duo is so hilarious (watch an interview) and so unbelievably relatable. I enjoy listening to this album when I’m looking to chill out, or if I am taking a relaxing drive around town with the windows down. This is definitely a record that is a heavier listen for some, but if you love emo tunes like me, this is right up your alley, my friend. |
Thanks for reading here, Finetuners! I do hope you all have enjoyed this week’s Finetuned. I’d appreciate any insights, admiration, or otherwise. You can reply to the newsletter directly or DM me on Twitter. (or email me here: finetunednewsletter@gmail.com)
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See you all in the next one! 🙌