A fresh release from Twill Distilled brings out an enticing combination of old and new pop styles together with a fantastical and lush soundscape and the ability to engulf you in another world that, in the end, you don't really want to leave anyway.
The POWER album is packed to the brim with synths and keys, along with crisp beats and colorfully soulful vocals that all have a bit of a magic touch to them.
The songs have a way of grabbing at you and letting you get both captured by
the grooves and washed away with the sounds and textures.
What gets me is the level of escapism this album portrays. It lets you step into this other realm and away from your own reality for a little whale and it's been a long time since I've heard something that lets you do that.
This was edgy but shined with character and loads of heart which is just oozing from every note on this release.
You also get such a great production style on the musical side of things because it is indeed a unique mix of vintage and retro-pop and this newer feel.
There are plenty of songs that stand on their own two feet, but this is the type of album that is meant to be soaked in as a whole and this is also very refreshing.
I love records that give you a full sort of experience. It is something that doesn't happen too often anymore so when it does it's easy to latch onto it.
The performances across the board are outstanding and really dive into that almost storybook fantasy aspect of things which also gives the record a bit of a cinematic feel along with the fact that at times, it even gives you a concept album type of vibe.
This album was endlessly alluring and fun which also gives you the understanding that everyone involved has s real deal love for the craft.
Make sure you give yourself some time to go for the full album on this one, so you don't miss out on anything because all the songs have a way of connecting and telling stories.
With the release of such a wonderfully woven album, we wanted to have a chat with Twill Distilled to find out where this all came from and what may be next for the project.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the Power album! This record had everything from contemporary pop to funk and so much more! How did this album come about?
I actually started writing this album almost immediately after my second album during Covid. At a time, I felt really powerless, I started to think about the different dynamics of having Power. What it means in different aspects of life. This album follows a lot of different power dynamics in business and how those concepts relate to my everyday life.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist?
This project started with me thinking about power dynamics but also wanting to get back in touch with some of the nerdcore and hacker pop I used to do when I first started my career. I really thought hard on the production side on how to incorporate chiptune elements alongside other pop/edm touches than I am known for. At the end of it all, it felt like this perfect melting pot of who I am in that moment and what I've accomplished in my solo career.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
A few different things, usually it boils down to musical artists I'm vibing with at the moment, what's going on in my life, or issues I want to talk about. Usually, a concept will really inspire me, or, a musical artist will!
Buzz Slayers: This album has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Thank you so much! I have a really eclectic music taste. Recently I've been jamming along to Lady Gaga, Ghost, Electric Callboy, Type O Negative, Dance Gavin Dance, MARINA, Dua Lipa, and Black Pink. I'm honestly all over the board. I like to balance high energy with dark themes from time to time. It's pretty common to go from death metal to j-pop/k-pop on a car trip with me.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
SLEEPING? Just kidding, I wish. I do a LOT! I currently have a comic series on hiatus on webtoon canvas, i've been doing illustration and woodburning projects, and when I am lucky I go on paranormal investigations with my bestie. Right now I've taken a small break from music because everything had become too much. But I am itching to get back!
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Ghost. Like I wish it was more than just that, but it's primarily Ghost 95% of the time. I can't get enough of Tobias - I see them on tour in August and I am beyond stoked. #fangirling
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Yes! I have an upcoming show at the beginning of August. It's called "Bit Gen Gamer Fest" which is one of the biggest VGM festivals in Maryland. If you're in the DMV/Baltimore area - please come by! We're expected to sell out. Details here: https://www.bitgengamerfest.com/
Buzz Slayers: Did you record this yourself or hit a big studio for this?
I did a lot of the production on this myself. So I did about half of the beats/background tracks on my DAW and I also recorded vocals in my makeshift recording booth at home. I hired out other musical friends of mine, and my good friend Tanner did the engineering.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
The next 'big' project of mine is in the planning stages. A friend of mine and I are kicking around the idea of a metal EP which is something I've wanted to do for years. Looking to jump more into the alt/pop/metal sound in the future - but we'll see! ;)
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you. Kind words and responses keep me going on the hard days. It means more than I can say in words when people are supportive of what I am doing! Don't be a stranger, please say hey! ^_~
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