Static and Sentiment

TikTok Does It Again .. Have You Heard Jutes?

Songs mentioned (in order):

There’s a certain kind of Sunday morning that feels suspended in time, the kind where the light spills in slowly, the world is quiet, and nothing feels urgent. My playlist, Sunday Mornings Sipping Coffee With You, lives there. 

This playlist is softer than what I usually gravitate toward in the alternative scene, but that’s exactly the point. It’s mellow without being sleepy, intimate without being heavy. It feels like sitting on a sun-warmed patio, legs tangled under a small table, coffee steaming between your hands while conversation drifts in and out of comfortable silence, whether it’s with a partner, a best friend, or a family member taking polaroids of each other in the morning sunlight. 

There’s a little reggae, a little soft R&B, and a few light rap tracks woven in. The blend gives it warmth. Nothing feels rushed. Nothing feels forced.

The songs here don’t demand attention, they invite it. Gentle instrumentals, warm vocals, subtle builds. It’s music that breathes. The kind that lets you think, or not think at all. The kind that turns an ordinary morning into something cinematic.

There’s an understated romance woven throughout. Not the dramatic, all-consuming kind, but the soft kind. The kind where you’re still half-wrapped in a blanket, sharing slow smiles over coffee refills. It feels like staying a little longer.

If most of my usual playlists soundtrack late-night drives or existential spirals, this one is the calm morning after. It’s for slow sips, open windows, and the quiet comfort of someone choosing to be there with you.

A few of my personal favorites:

• “When You Wake Up” — Medusa ft. Katherine McMorrow

• “Something” — Jim Sturgess (from Across the Universe) — and if you haven’t watched that movie, you seriously should. It’s a beautiful tribute to The Beatles.

• “Ava” — Famy

• “Small Worlds” — Mac Miller (duh.)

• “Morning After” — Bumpin Uglies

You can listen to the full playlist here:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sunday-morning-sipping-coffee-with-you/pl.u-gxblkmxt5AGP9ag

Put it on when you want the world to move gently.

Or when you want to pretend, just for a little while, that it already does.

Let me know which tracks become your favorites.

Hi friends!

Today we’re doing a featured artist, and this band holds a very special place in my heart. Anyone who’s interested in the scene, or loves it, probably feels the same way about them. If you’re just beginning your journey into the alternative, post-hardcore, slightly emo world, this is one of the best bands you could possibly start with. Every single band member and everything they contribute feels perfectly molded together. There are very few bands that have come this far and somehow sound better with every new release.

list of all the songs mentioned by Movements- (in order of albums listed)

• Protection (demo) 
• Nineteen (Album: Outgrown Things)
• Vacant Home
• Hatchet 
• Daylily (Album: Feel Something)
• Deadly Dull 
• Third Degree 
• Don't Give Up Your Ghost (Album No Good Left To Give)
• Skin to Skin 
• Garden Eyes
• Lead Pipe (Album: Ruckus!)
• A.M.P
• You're One Of Us Now

Movements

Movements formed in 2015, and the first song I ever heard by them was “Protection.” This track sounds very different from where they are now, but it will forever remain one of my favorite Movements songs of all time. The raw, emotionally driven vocals from lead singer Pat Miranda are completely unmatched. The lyric “I overthink too much and this weight becomes too heavy to handle” is, in my opinion, one of the most relatable lyrics ever written, and I know I’m not alone in that.

The band is from Southern California, and they perfectly blend emo, pop, and touches of punk (or pop punk, if you will). I’ve seen Movements live more times than almost any other band, maybe only rivaled by Mayday Parade. They’re signed to Fearless Records, a label that has helped shape so much of the scene, but Movements stand out as a force of their own. They just keep getting better.

Outgrown Things

The release that really put Movements on the map was Outgrown Things. This EP is full of raw emotion, and you can hear that Pat was still developing his sound, but that’s part of what makes it so special. There isn’t a single skip on this record.

My honorable mentions include “Nineteen,” “Vacant Home,” and “Hatchet.” The emotional delivery is so intentional; every lyric feels purposeful and deeply meaningful. To me, this EP feels like being unhappy in a situation or relationship but not fully knowing how to fix it yet. If that makes sense. It’s still one of the greatest releases in the scene, but we’re not at the best one yet.

Feel Something

Feel Something is definitely the best way to introduce yourself to this band. This album is lyrical, spiritual, and emotionally in tune in a way that’s hard to put into words. Just like Outgrown Things, there is not a single skip.

This album came out during a really difficult time in my life in 2017. I was dealing with a lot, my stepdad had passed away, my mom was sick, and I had just had my heart broken for the first time, a few years before. This became my go-to album. My very bestfriend at the time introduced me to it, and we listened to it constantly. No matter what we were going through, there was always a song that fit exactly how we felt.

Feel Something is Movements at their most emotionally exposed. It’s not just an album, it’s a full emotional collapse, laid out track by track. If you want an album that feels like you’re reading someone’s diary, this is that album.

The most popular song is “Daylily,” and I even have a tattoo of lilies with the words “I’ll be just fine” because of it. I remember the exact moment I first heard it, driving with my best friend, both of us completely silent, just absorbing the vulnerability in the lyrics. It touches on seasonal depression which I know so many of us suffer through.

Other honorable mentions include “Deadly Dull,” which is especially relatable for anyone who has experienced dementia or Alzheimer’s in their life. The band even collaborated with the Alzheimer’s Association for the music video, and it beautifully captures such a devastating disease. My other standout is “Third Degree,” though truly every song on this album is worth your time.

No Good Left to Give

If Feel Something were a story, No Good Left to Give would be the second book. This album is quieter and more restrained, it feels emotionally exhausted, whereas Feel Something feels like experiencing everything all at once.

The tempos are slower, the songwriting is mood-driven, and the sound is heavier in a darker, more grounded way. Pat’s vocals are more controlled here, and it’s beautiful to witness. His voice is so rare and soft, yet incredibly powerful.

To me, this album is about letting go, even when it’s the hardest thing to do and you are trying everything to hang on.

My honorable mentions:

• “Don’t Give Up Your Ghost” – a stunning depiction of grief and presence after loss

• “Skin to Skin” – still in constant rotation for me; if you need a song about a situationship, this is the one

• “Garden Eyes” – quiet devastation disguised as a gentle song, and one of the emotional cores of the album

No Good Left to Give is the sound of emotional burnout after surviving your own feelings for too long.

RUCKUS!

RUCKUS! is a very different sound, and I know there was a lot of controversy when it came out, but that’s entirely the point. It's about being fed up, making noise, finding yourself and leaving behind all the things that took you down, and holding up a middle finger while you do it. 

This album is loud, confrontational, and restless. There’s less sadness and more frustration. It feels physical instead of emotional. Confidence replaces vulnerability, and you can really hear how fully Pat has come into his voice.

There are heavier guitar riffs, faster tempos, and a more punk-alt energy. It’s less “here are my feelings” and more “I’m doing something about them.” It has a little Neck Deep Peace and The Panic Energy to it. 

Standout tracks for me:

• “Lead Pipe” – so much anger, delivered with total vocal control

• “A.M.P.” – groovy, fun, freeing, with incredible momentum from Spencer on drums

• “You’re One of Us Now” – one of the heaviest and most underrated tracks on the album; tense, angry, and beautifully delivered

This album feels like being welcomed into something that quietly takes pieces of you,and I love it. Pointing exactly to theme of I am doing something about these feelings, It’s easily one of my favorite albums they’ve released.

At the end of the day, Movements are one of those rare bands that make emotionally heavy music feel accessible. Whether you’re brand new to emo/post-hardcore or already deep in the scene, their discography offers an easy entry point without ever watering things down. From the raw honesty of Outgrown Things, to the emotional weight of Feel Something, the quiet burnout of No Good Left to Give, and the sharp urgency of RUCKUS!, every era feels intentional and earned.

There isn’t a weak song in their collection, just different shades of the same honesty. Movements doesn't just introduce people to the genre; they show why it matters.

They are one of the bands that shaped me, and I’m so excited to continue watching them grow. I will absolutely be getting myself out of the house to see them live again. They have quickly become one of the best bands in the scene.

What’s your favorite Movements song?

Hi friends!

So sorry for the quiet over here. I’ve been going through a lot personally and dealing with some big changes, so writing took a little backseat. That said, I still wanted to drop my playlist for the month, and of course, break it down with a few special mentions, per usual.

🎧 January / February Playlist: follow me for more @mariahpennewell
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/january-february26/pl.u-gxblkM4T5AGP9ag

Do you ever have certain tracks that feel far too relatable to whatever you’re going through that you just put them on heavy repeat? I don’t know, maybe it makes us feel less alone. Music has always been therapy for me. I tend to gravitate toward songs that say the words I can’t quite admit yet, or help when my thoughts feel too tangled to sort out on my own.

Some of these songs clearly fit a theme… and some are just iconic tracks that everyone should be listening to, in my opinion. I’ll let you decide which is which.

The Hardest Part – Olivia Dean
Not my usual genre, I know, but there’s something about her voice that feels so classic and effortless while still being insanely powerful. Pair that with lyrics that absolutely smack you in the face and make you feel everything all at once, and yeah… this one got me.

Treading Water – MGK
Love him or hate him, I refuse to deny his talent. This track blends his newer rock/alternative sound with his rap roots perfectly. People love to say he was “forced” into switching genres, but MGK has always had a little rock in him, even when rap was his main focus.

You Want It, You Got It – Bike Routes
This is a newer band, from what I can tell. I found them on TikTok, and this song gives major nostalgic early-2000s pop-punk vibes. It’s beautifully put together, and the singer has an impressive range. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

In My Room – Julia Wolf
I have a whole post about her coming, so I won’t go too deep this time, but honestly, anything Julia Wolf is worth checking out. She has an Alanis Morissette-esque vocal style paired with gut-wrenching lyrics. She’s insanely talented and quickly becoming an icon. I love her. I am so excited for her to release new music, and see her blow up and get the recognition she deserves, as we know I am all about women in male dominated fields, and I am so so excited for her. 

IT WAS ALL FOR YOU – Goner
I discovered Goner pretty recently. He has a unique emo sound that’s perfectly mixed with goth rock, and I’m genuinely excited to watch him blow up over the next few months.

Fierce Grace – Rich People
This band is just beautifully orchestrated. The lead singer’s voice is stunning, the band complements it perfectly, and everything feels so in tune and intentional. They were probably more popular a few years ago, but they’re incredible. Definitely one of those scream-it-at-the-top-of-your-lungs, windows-down-on-a-drive kind of songs.

And of course, my rotation included a lot of nothing, nowhere (are we surprised?), Holywatr (again — shocker), and Public Works. Holywatr actually showed up more than nothing, nowhere this time, which is the real surprise… but let’s be honest, I’ll always come back to nothing, nowhere. I mean, for God’s sake, I have a tattoo of his logo.

Let me know how you feel about this playlist, and the tracks called out! 

 I love seeing badass women in the scene. There’s a newer band that, in my opinion, is going to absolutely blow up this year called Gore. The lead singer, Haley Roughton, is a force. Gore. blends heavy metalcore riffs with melodic elements and emotionally raw vocals, all driven by Haley’s unmistakable presence. They already stand out in the modern metal scene, bringing a distinctly feminine perspective to a genre that’s still largely male-dominated.

Haley effortlessly alternates between beautiful, melodic clean vocals and raw, emotional, intentional screams. There’s nothing accidental about her delivery, every word feels lived in. I actually mentioned Gore. in my playlist dump earlier this month, and I can’t stop coming back to them.

Their music balances emotional vulnerability with aggressive instrumentation in a way that really sticks with you. Gore.’s sound moves between atmospheric, melodic moments and brutally heavy breakdowns, keeping you on edge the entire time. What makes them so special to me isn’t just their raw talent, it’s how relatable their music is. Metalcore isn’t always written with female listeners in mind, but Gore. changes that. They embody what we call feminine rage, honest, unapologetic, and deeply emotional.

A perfect example of this is their track “Like You Meant It.” From the first listen, you feel the weight of it. The song tackles what a half-assed connection really means, calling out the lack of love and honesty in relationships and even situationships. Even the title alone says it all: say it like you mean it, or say it with your chest. This isn’t begging for love, it’s anger toward the absence of it.

The lyrics feel like something you’d write in your journal and never let anyone read… except Haley is screaming and singing them on behalf of all of us. One of my favorite lines is, “Can’t mend a broken heart with a broken man.” That line alone hits hard, but then it drops into one of the most intense breakdowns in the song, followed by furious melodic screams: “I guess every parasite needs its host, and this host has nowhere to go.” Another standout line in the song is “Can’t follow you when your soul is lost.” The song is layered with deep, raw emotion, and it’s their most popular track across streaming platforms for a reason.

As a band, Gore. fits together perfectly. Their intense heaviness, insane guitar riffs, and aggressive rhythms are balanced by thoughtful lyrics that blend softness with anger. Every song explores a different emotion, and each minute feels different from the last, nothing is stagnant. It's beautiful to feel.

I love seeing women in the scene being recognized, being unapologetically badass while still carrying divine feminine energy. I’m grateful that us metal girls finally have a band that feels this relatable. Of course, there are others, amazing ones. but Gore. is different. This band is going to blow up, and being here for the beginning of it is going to be an incredible ride. 

What other female lead bands should I get into? 

I played with posting this so many times. I wasn’t sure if I would be cancelled before I even started by writing about this artist.

Oh, Mr. Jonny Craig.

For context: Jonny struggled with addiction at the start of his career. He made terrible decisions, burned a lot of bridges, and got himself into serious trouble. Today, Jonny is sober, has full custody of his child, and is planning to release new music this year. I come from a long line of addiction and have seen firsthand the ins and outs of it, and how it affects not only the person struggling, but everyone in their inner circle.  None of his actions are inexusable, but I can admit that people can change and be better versions of themselves. I won’t get into all of it here, but one thing is undeniable: this man can sing.

Jonny Craig is arguably one of the most talented vocalists in the scene, if not of all time. He possesses an insanely powerful, elastic tenor with an enormous range. His sound blends R&B influences with post-hardcore, paired with an emotional delivery that feels completely unmatched.

He is most widely known for his work with Dance Gavin Dance, particularly during the early stages of the band’s popularity. Tracks like Strawberry Swisher Pt. 1 and the entire Downtown Battle Mountain album are iconic. Downtown Battle Mountain is widely regarded as one of the best albums of all time, with special recognition deserved for It’s Safe to Say You Dig the Backseat. Jonny recently experienced a resurgence on TikTok when people rediscovered Blue Dream from DBM pt 2, and I’m sorry, but after watching other vocalists attempt to sing those parts, nothing compares to Jonny Craig. I admire them for trying to hit his notes, but truly, nobody comes close. Side note, I would love to see Cullen Moore from Sleep Theory cover this song, (more to come on that later.)

Isles & Glaciers was another perfectly formed project, stacked with incredible vocalists. Jonny’s role here was different, he was a precision vocalist: understated, soulful, and used sparingly for emotional weight rather than sheer virtuosity.

Jonny Craig in Emarosa is often seen as the most complete version of him within a band setting, where his vocal instincts and a cohesive group vision aligned almost perfectly. He is clearly the frontman, yet the band still feels like a band, not just a backing track. The instrumentation supports him without disappearing, and the songs are structured around strong melodies and emotional arcs rather than chaos. This era showcases a balance between raw expressiveness and control, with plenty of R&B-inflected runs and falsetto used far more intentionally than in early DGD. His vocals feel urgent and emotional, not just flashy. This period captures his voice at its most emotionally explosive yet focused.

More my speed, however, is his work with Slaves. The band itself was perfectly put together, but the songs were undeniably framed around Jonny’s vocal talent. There is less chaos here than in DGD’s work, and Jonny in Slaves sounds like a modern R&B singer using a post-hardcore band as his backing track. His vocals are, once again, out of this world. The lyrics across Slaves’ discography are thoughtful and emotionally heavy, carrying a depth that truly resonates. In my opinion, Slaves was one of his strongest projects.

Now, onto my all-time favorite: Old Flame.

Larkin, Thank You for the Patience, and Pray are constantly in my rotation. This project was clearly designed to showcase Jonny’s vocal ability, his R&B and soul influences take center stage, without competing with heavy guitars or dense instrumentation. The main focus is his voice.

This is sober Jonny, and it is entirely unmatched.

His raw emotion feels completely uncompromised, especially on Pray, which reflects on his past self and the work he has done to change. You can hear that emotion throughout the entire track. We hear the same theme throughout Thank You For The Patience. While Old Flame leans more heavily into R&B, his vocals fit the style perfectly, while keeping the post-hardcore melodies. He shows more restraint here, yet still beautifully executes his high notes and signature rasp.

In my opinion, Old Flame is the project Jonny Craig would have made if he had never entered the post-hardcore scene. There is something deeply raw and intentional about the lyrics and the music, a clear picture of his growth and his new self. Every aspect of this project feels mature, deliberate, and honest.

Please note- I don’t write this as an excuse or a defense, I write it as someone who understands what addiction takes and what recovery demands. Watching Jonny Craig grow while continuing to create meaningful music matters to me. Not because the past disappears, but because progress exists. And when it comes to the music, the truth is simple: the voice was always there, now the clarity is too.

LINK HERE- follow me for more @mariahpennewell 

I recently moved my playlists from Spotify to Apple Music, and I have to say, honestly, the generated playlists and “Recommended for You” features are so much better. Spotify started to feel repetitive for me; it constantly shuffled the same songs, and Discover Weekly was either full of tracks I already knew or songs completely outside my usual genres- like EDM? Sorry but I have maybe listened to 2 "EDM" songs in my entire life. 

That said, here are a few special mentions(special to me) from this playlist:

“Ava” by Famy
This song has been on constant repeat in my house lately. If I had to choose a song that feels like a movie, it would be Ava. There’s something so unique about the production and beat, it’s cinematic in a way I can’t quite explain, and I absolutely can’t get enough of it.

“Black & Blue” by Being As An Ocean
I loved Being As An Ocean back in high school. I remember listening to The Hardest Part Is Forgetting Those You Swore You Would Never Forget nonstop, it felt like it perfectly described my silly end-of-high-school relationship. I played it so much that I eventually burned myself out on it.

Fast forward to now: I rediscovered BAAO on TikTok (yes, I carefully built my FYP brick by brick). Black & Blue really resonates with me. It explores the deep pain of an abusive relationship and the lasting insecurity that can remain even when you’re actively trying to fight it. Joel’s talent is undeniable, and I honestly think Being As An Ocean has become incredibly underappreciated. Their songs are filled with deep meaning and metaphors that reflect feelings so many people experience daily.

While the band has evolved and Joel is now continuing the project on his own, he deserves far more recognition. I’m so excited for Dear G-d… Vol. II to come out.

“Like You Meant It” by Gore.
I have a full blog post about this artist coming soon, so I won’t go into too much detail here. But this one line says everything:
“Can’t mend a broken heart with a broken man.” followed by one of the best, heaviest breakdowns i've heard in awhile, pure feminine rage and I am here for it. 

Download my playlist and let me know which songs stand out to you 🤍