For outdoor enthusiasts, weekend adventurers, and everyday commuters seeking more than just pavement, the fat tire electric bike has emerged as a game-changing solution. With its oversized tires, powerful motors, and rugged design, the fat tire e-bike enables riders to go farther, tackle more terrain, and reconnect with nature in ways that traditional bikes or even cars cannot.
In this article, we explore how fat tire electric bikes are redefining outdoor mobility, helping riders overcome environmental limitations, and creating new opportunities for exploration. We’ll also introduce two of Fiido’s most popular all-terrain models — the Fiido T2 and the Fiido M1 Pro — and how they embody this outdoor revolution.
1. Beyond the Road: What Makes Fat Tire E-Bikes Special?
Fat tire e-bikes stand out for one key feature: their wide tires, typically measuring 4 inches or more in width. These larger contact patches offer several advantages over standard e-bikes or traditional bicycles:
Improved traction on loose surfaces like sand, snow, mud, and gravel
Shock absorption on uneven terrain, reducing rider fatigue
Stability and balance, especially when carrying cargo or riding downhill
When paired with a powerful electric motor, these bikes transform into terrain-conquering machines. Riders can take on forest trails, mountain paths, snowy streets, and even beach rides — all with pedal-assist or throttle-enabled ease.
Chris, 38, from Oregon, shared how his fat tire e-bike replaced his 4×4 truck for short forest hunting trips. “It’s quieter, less disruptive, and I can carry gear without issue,” he says.
Maria, 27, in Colorado, uses hers for winter commutes. “Snow doesn’t stop me anymore. My fat tire e-bike feels more reliable than public transport during storms.”
These are just two of many stories showing how fat tire e-bikes expand mobility where it was once limited.
Unlike gas-powered ATVs or cars, electric bikes — especially fat tire models — leave a much smaller environmental footprint. They produce zero emissions, are whisper-quiet, and reduce trail damage thanks to their wide tires.
From a practical standpoint, they’re cheaper to run (often less than $0.05 per charge), require minimal maintenance, and don’t need insurance or fuel.
The fat tire electric bike is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative tool for anyone who wants to experience the outdoors with fewer limits. From forest trails to sandy beaches, snowy streets to remote campsites, fat tire e-bikes give you the freedom to explore your world — comfortably, sustainably, and on your own terms.
If you’re ready to embrace a more adventurous, practical way of getting outside, a fat tire e-bike like the Fiido T2 or M1 Pro could be the ride you’ve been waiting for.
There’s something about Nick Drake that lingers. Maybe it’s the tenderness of his voice, maybe it’s the way his songs drift like a breeze through an open window. His life was brief—only 26 years—but it left a long echo. So in celebration of the 26 years he lived, here are 26 facts you may not know about this quiet legend.
Nick was born in Burma just months after the country gained independence, before his family returned to England when he was three.
His mother Molly was also a songwriter, and many of her home-recorded songs share a haunting, introspective tone with Nick’s work.
He learned piano first, long before picking up a guitar, and composed songs on a family reel-to-reel recorder in the drawing room.
He was a track star in school, running 100- and 200-yard sprints for Marlborough College.
He once rejected Chris de Burgh from his teenage band, The Perfumed Gardeners, saying his style was “too poppy.”
Nick bought his first acoustic guitar for £13, and immediately began exploring alternate tunings and fingerpicking.
He studied literature at Cambridge, but was more interested in playing guitar and writing songs than lectures or essays.
His first demo was recorded in a dorm room, and that tape would land him a deal with Island Records through producer Joe Boyd.
He was only 20 when he signed his first record contract, still a university student and barely out of his teens.
He skipped lectures to record Five Leaves Left, his 1969 debut album, often traveling from Cambridge to London by train.
He performed live rarely, and was known for barely speaking during sets, even when audiences struggled to understand his quiet magic.
His second album, Bryter Layter, had John Cale on two tracks and leaned toward a more pop-jazz sound, though Nick still kept it all deeply personal.
He was deeply influenced by Frederick Delius and Bach, which explains the classical, pastoral feel in his arrangements.
Pink Moon was recorded in just two nights, with Nick alone in the studio aside from engineer John Wood.
The only overdub on Pink Moon is a piano part, played by Nick himself on the title track. Everything else is guitar and voice.
He once dropped off the Pink Moon tapes at Island Records, unannounced, without saying a word. No press. No expectations.
He smoked a lot of cannabis, often isolating himself for days, disappearing without warning and reappearing just as suddenly.
He drove aimlessly around the countryside, sometimes running out of petrol and calling his parents to pick him up.
He maintained a close bond with his sister Gabrielle, who became his most vocal champion after his death.
He inspired John Martyn’s “Solid Air”, written in tribute to Nick’s mental health struggles and enigmatic presence.
His music wasn’t commercially successful during his life, with fewer than 4,000 albums sold across all three records.
A 1999 Volkswagen commercial changed everything, using “Pink Moon” and introducing him to a new generation.
Artists from R.E.M. to Radiohead have cited Nick Drake as a major influence on their own sound and songwriting.
He died in his childhood bedroom, his last night spent listening to classical records, including Bach.
His gravestone bears the lyric, “Now we rise / And we are everywhere,” from the final song on Pink Moon.
Nick’s legacy has only grown, with tributes, books, and documentaries continuing to illuminate the quiet genius who once sang softly, and changed everything.
Nick Drake didn’t need decades to change the world. He needed 26 years, a guitar, and a few perfect chords.
What’s the Feel Good Index? It’s a blend of tempo, key, lyrical sentiment, and listener feedback used by researchers and music psychologists to measure just how much joy a song sparks. High scores come from upbeat tempos, major keys, positive lyrics, and that undeniable urge to sing along or dance. Below are 10 songs that top the Feel Good Index—science-approved serotonin boosters!
“Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen This classic is scientifically engineered for joy. Its fast tempo and Freddie Mercury’s soaring vocals deliver an adrenaline rush of pure positivity.
“Dancing Queen” – ABBA Few songs channel the thrill of the dance floor like this one. Shimmery melodies and soaring harmonies make you feel young and free at any age.
“Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys Layered harmonies, quirky synths, and sun-drenched lyrics make this psychedelic pop gem a masterclass in musical bliss.
“Uptown Girl” – Billy Joel A retro-flavored bop with bouncy piano and charming storytelling. It’s a peppy ode to romantic optimism that keeps your toes tapping.
“Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor Instant motivation in song form. This anthem’s pulsing beat and triumphant chorus make you feel like you can conquer anything.
“I’m a Believer” – The Monkees Catchy and carefree, this tune radiates joy with every note. It’s impossible not to smile when that chorus hits.
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper A playful explosion of color and sound, this song is pure pop liberation with a glittery beat that never loses its shine.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi The ultimate underdog anthem. With every “Whoa-oh,” you’re pulled into a hopeful, high-energy singalong that lifts spirits instantly.
“I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor A disco-fueled declaration of empowerment. The dramatic vocal delivery and groove-laden rhythm make it a celebration of resilience.
“Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves This track is sunshine in audio form. The vibrant horns and joyous vocals make it feel like the first warm day after a long winter.
Happiness is just a playlist away. Whether you’re dancing in your kitchen or need a pick-me-up on the go, these Feel Good Index champs are scientifically soundtracks to a better mood.
Let’s face it—releasing your first song or album is a big deal. You put your heart into the music, you finally hit “upload,” and… you wait. Sometimes it explodes overnight. Sometimes it takes the scenic route. But here’s the thing: music is a long game, and every artist’s journey looks different. There are countless stories of now-legendary musicians whose first releases were quiet, only to later shake the world with their sound. So if your debut hasn’t made headlines yet, that just means you’re still building your story—and that’s a beautiful place to be.
Here are 10 tips to help you keep growing and thriving after your first release:
1. Keep Making Music Momentum builds with consistency. Your next song might be the one that clicks with listeners, so keep writing, recording, and exploring your sound. Each new track is a stepping stone.
2. Celebrate the Process Growth happens when you’re fully immersed in the music-making journey. Fall in love with learning new gear, discovering new sounds, and enjoying the ride.
3. Play Live (Anywhere You Can) From open mics to coffeehouses to backyard shows, every performance builds your confidence and connects you with real people. Live gigs are where fans are made.
4. Engage With Other Artists Collaboration fuels creativity. Team up with other musicians, producers, or visual artists. Not only do you learn from one another—you also grow your audience naturally.
5. Be Social on Socials Share behind-the-scenes clips, stories about your songs, or your favorite records on TikTok, Instagram, or Threads. Fans love being part of the journey.
6. Stay Curious About Your Sound Experiment with genres, styles, and vibes. Your first release was just a snapshot. There’s a whole photo album of sounds waiting to be explored.
7. Ask for Feedback (From the Right People) Seek out trusted ears—mentors, producers, or fellow musicians who understand your goals. Feedback helps you grow without losing your voice.
8. Keep Building Community Reply to messages. Thank your listeners. Send a newsletter. Whether you have 10 fans or 10,000, your authenticity shines when you’re present.
9. Learn the Business Side Music is art—but it’s also an industry. Learn about distribution, royalties, rights, and playlists. Knowledge gives you power to move forward wisely.
10. Define Success for Yourself Success doesn’t always come with a chart position. Sometimes it’s finishing a song you’re proud of, or seeing a stranger sing along at a show. Keep your goals personal and joyful.
Music history is filled with stories of resilience—artists who kept going, kept learning, and kept growing until the world caught up with them. Every stream, every post, every new fan adds to your momentum. Your first release was just the prologue. The next chapters are up to you, and they’re already sounding pretty good.
There’s something magical about watching a vinyl record spin while the opening riff of “More Than a Feeling” or “Hotel California” kicks in. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a feeling. Vinyl and classic rock are like peanut butter and jam, thunder and lightning, Mick and Keith. They were made for each other, and no matter how many digital revolutions come and go, this love affair isn’t going anywhere.
Classic rock was born on vinyl, and vinyl remembers. These albums weren’t designed to be shuffled on a playlist or fed to an algorithm—they were sequenced for Side A and Side B, built to be experienced with liner notes in hand and your best speakers turned up. You weren’t just listening to Dark Side of the Moon, you were entering it. And let’s be honest: flipping the record halfway through just feels cooler than hitting “next.”
Vinyl also gives these legendary recordings the space to breathe. You hear the raw warmth in Joni Mitchell’s voice. You feel the guitar solo in “Free Bird” stretch into eternity. You sense the room where it was all recorded. Every crackle and pop is like a little ghost from the past saying, “Yeah, this was real.” There’s a humanity to vinyl that mirrors the soul of classic rock—imperfect, passionate, and utterly alive.
And the fans? Oh, they’ve never left. Every generation rediscovers vinyl like they’re unearthing a buried treasure. Teens are still falling in love with Rumours the same way their parents—and grandparents—did. Walk into any record store and you’ll see the same titles on the front display: Led Zeppelin IV, Abbey Road, Back in Black. Because vinyl isn’t chasing trends. It’s holding the torch.
So why does vinyl still love classic rock? Because the romance never ended. The format and the genre grew up together, danced through the decades, and now sit on our shelves like old friends waiting to hang out. Needle down, volume up. Some things never go out of style—and thank goodness for that.
Atlanta, Georgia, has rapidly become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, earning the moniker “Hollywood of the South.” This vibrant city has transformed into a key hub for film and television production by blending southern charm with cutting-edge technology. The pivotal role in this transformation is played by Atlanta’s film studios, attracting filmmakers globally. The city’s rapid growth and significance on the global stage were highlighted in a recent report.
The Rise of Atlanta Film Studios
The journey of Atlanta’s film studios has been nothing short of remarkable. With strategic support from the local government and enticing tax incentives, the city’s film industry has flourished, making Atlanta a preferred location for filmmakers.
Growth Timeline:
Early 2000s: Introduction of initial incentives.
Mid-2010s: Significant expansion due to enhanced incentives.
Present: Atlanta emerges as a leading film production destination.
Key developments and milestones include:
Tax Incentives: Offering financial benefits that attract productions.
Supportive Environment: State commitment fostering a favorable milieu for production studios.
Atlanta film studios drive economic growth by creating jobs across various sectors and supporting local businesses. Challenges include labor shortages and competition, addressed through training programs and continued government incentives.
Future trends in Atlanta studios include emerging technologies like virtual production and advanced editing software, indicating promising growth prospects.
Advantages of Choosing Atlanta Studios for Film Production
Choosing Atlanta for film production offers strategic location access, a thriving talent pool, community and industry support, and high-quality facilities. Reliable endorsements from industry veterans or associations further affirm these advantages.
In conclusion, Atlanta film studios are reshaping the entertainment landscape with their advanced facilities, skilled talent, and strong community support. For filmmakers seeking a backdrop to capture unique stories and benefit from logistical advantages, Atlanta stands out as the prime choice to create cinematic magic on screen.
The rise of blockchain technology and smart contracts is reshaping the betting industry, offering new ways to automate transactions, improve transparency, and eliminate intermediaries. In traditional betting, payouts, odds calculations, and settlements are controlled by centralized operators, often leading to delays, human errors, or disputes. With smart contract integration, 1win Token could enable fully automated, trustless transactions, where bets are placed, executed, and paid out instantly without the need for manual intervention. But is a fully automated crypto betting system possible, and how would it impact the industry?
Beyond automation, 1win Token has the potential to become the first truly global currency for iGaming. Unlike casino-specific tokens, which are locked within platforms, blockchain-powered assets can be traded, used across different gaming platforms, and even integrated into DeFi applications. As the gaming industry continues its shift toward decentralization, 1win Token’s ability to function as a universal gaming currency could revolutionize how players interact with betting platforms, manage their funds, and earn rewards.
With automation through smart contracts and integration into a broader gaming economy, 1win Token is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. Exploring the role of smart contracts in crypto betting and the potential of a unified gaming currency sheds light on how blockchain technology is transforming online gambling.
Crypto betting and smart contracts: can 1win Token enable fully automated transactions?
The integration of smart contracts into iGaming and crypto betting is revolutionizing how wagers are placed, settled, and paid out. Traditional online betting platforms rely on centralized systems where bets, odds, and payouts are controlled by the operator. This model introduces delays, potential manipulation, and withdrawal restrictions. In contrast, smart contracts allow for fully automated transactions, ensuring instant settlements, transparency, and trustless execution.
1win Token has the potential to enable a fully automated betting ecosystem, where bets are executed and paid out instantly without the need for manual intervention. Below is a detailed comparison of traditional betting models vs. smart contract-based crypto betting with 1win Token.
Feature
Traditional online betting
Smart contract betting with 1win Token
Why it matters
Transaction processing
Bets and payouts are processed manually by the platform, leading to delays.
Smart contracts execute bets and payouts instantly upon event resolution.
Eliminates human error and delays.
Trust & transparency
The betting platform has full control over odds, bet results, and payouts.
Blockchain-based contracts ensure all transactions are immutable and verifiable.
Increases trust and eliminates manipulation risks.
Payout speed
Withdrawals are subject to approval processes, bank processing times, and restrictions.
Instant payouts through automated contract execution, with no manual processing needed.
Players receive winnings immediately.
Dispute resolution
If a bet outcome is contested, players must go through the casino’s customer support.
Smart contracts automatically execute pre-agreed terms, making disputes unnecessary.
Prevents delays and unfair settlements.
Fees & costs
Platforms charge processing fees, bank fees, and withdrawal fees.
Lower transaction fees with blockchain-based settlements and no intermediaries.
More cost-efficient for players and operators.
Security & fraud protection
Betting platforms are vulnerable to hacks, data breaches, or internal fraud.
Blockchain and smart contracts ensure tamper-proof records and secure transactions.
Eliminates fraud risks and enhances security.
Decentralization
Centralized operators control betting funds and transactions.
Players bet directly through smart contracts, without platform interference.
Gives players full financial control.
Bet customization
Users are limited to predefined bet options controlled by the platform.
Custom betting pools and peer-to-peer (P2P) wagering are possible with smart contracts.
Expands user freedom and betting options.
Accessibility
Payments and withdrawals are limited by banking restrictions and regional laws.
Crypto-based smart contract betting is borderless and accessible worldwide.
Increases inclusivity and cross-border transactions.
Odds & liquidity
Betting odds and liquidity pools are controlled by centralized sportsbooks.
Smart contracts enable decentralized betting liquidity and algorithm-driven odds.
Creates a more competitive and fair betting environment.
By leveraging blockchain technology and smart contract automation, 1win Token could enable instant, trustless, and borderless betting, eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional centralized systems. The combination of self-executing transactions, decentralized liquidity, and transparent bet settlements makes smart contract-powered crypto betting the next evolution in iGaming.
As the demand for decentralized betting grows, 1win Token is well-positioned to become a key asset in this transformation, ensuring that players have more control, security, and financial freedom in online gaming. With the implementation of automated, blockchain-based wagering, the future of betting could shift towards a fully decentralized, provably fair, and globally accessible ecosystem.
Gaming crypto economy: can 1win Token become the first universal iGaming currency?
The iGaming industry has traditionally relied on fiat money and centralized payment systems, limiting player flexibility and transaction speed. However, with the rise of blockchain-based assets, the concept of a unified, decentralized gaming currency is becoming a reality. 1win Token has the potential to serve as the first truly global iGaming currency, allowing for borderless transactions, decentralized rewards, and full financial ownership. Here’s how 1win Token could reshape the gaming economy and become the first universally accepted digital currency in the iGaming industry.
Decentralized transactions – unlike fiat-based systems that require banks and payment processors, 1win Token enables direct peer-to-peer transfers, eliminating delays and transaction fees.
Cross-platform usability – players can use 1win Token across multiple gaming platforms, rather than being restricted to a single online casino’s internal currency.
Seamless betting and wagering – instead of depositing money into different gaming wallets, users can store and wager 1win Token directly from their crypto wallet, ensuring faster and more secure transactions.
True asset ownership – traditional casino funds remain locked in centralized accounts, but 1win Token is stored in a user-controlled blockchain wallet, providing full financial independence.
Deflationary economic model – with potential token-burning mechanisms and staking incentives, 1win Token could appreciate in value, unlike fiat currencies, which are affected by inflation.
Staking and passive income – instead of simply holding funds in a gaming account, players can stake 1win Token to earn rewards, making it a dual-purpose financial asset.
Instant payouts and withdrawals – unlike fiat-based payouts that can take days to process, 1win Token enables instant, automated withdrawals via blockchain transactions.
Integration with NFT gaming – 1win Token could be used to purchase NFTs, exclusive gaming assets, or digital collectibles, creating new opportunities in Web3-based gaming economies.
Smart contract betting – by using 1win Token in smart contract-based wagering, bets can be placed and settled automatically, without intermediaries.
Incentivized gaming economy – players could earn 1win Token as a reward for participation, achievements, and loyalty programs, instead of relying solely on cashback promotions or centralized bonuses.
Global adoption potential – unlike fiat currencies, which are subject to regional restrictions, 1win Token could be used across multiple jurisdictions, making it a truly borderless gaming currency.
DeFi integration and yield farming – users could lend, borrow, or stake 1win Token in DeFi protocols, turning it into a financial tool beyond just iGaming.
By combining gaming functionality with blockchain finance, 1win Token has the potential to become the first fully functional iGaming currency, bridging traditional betting platforms with Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi).
As the gaming industry shifts toward more decentralized, player-controlled financial models, 1win Token’s ability to provide fast transactions, real ownership, and multi-platform usability makes it a strong candidate for becoming the go-to currency in the iGaming ecosystem. If successfully integrated across betting platforms, NFT markets, and DeFi applications, it could redefine how players interact with digital assets and gaming economies, marking a new era for blockchain-powered iGaming.
Conclusion: 1win Token as the future of automated betting and iGaming currency
The evolution of iGaming and blockchain technology is creating new opportunities for fully automated, trustless betting and decentralized financial ecosystems. 1win Token stands at the forefront of this shift, offering smart contract-powered transactions that eliminate intermediaries, ensure instant payouts, and enhance transparency. By integrating blockchain automation, 1win Token can redefine the way bets are placed, processed, and rewarded, making the gaming experience more efficient and secure.
1win Token has the potential to become the first universally adopted iGaming currency, bridging the gap between betting platforms, DeFi applications, and NFT economies. Unlike traditional casino funds, which remain locked in centralized accounts, 1win Token provides true financial independence, allowing users to store, stake, and trade their gaming assets freely. With its cross-platform usability, smart contract functionality, and real-world financial integration, it could become the standard currency for digital gaming transactions worldwide.
As Web3 and decentralized finance continue to reshape online entertainment, 1win Token is positioned to lead the transformation by offering fast, borderless transactions, player-driven economies, and sustainable financial incentives. Whether through automated crypto betting or as a full-fledged gaming currency, its role in the future of iGaming and blockchain finance is undeniable. Those who embrace this shift early will be part of a new, decentralized gaming economy, where players have more control, security, and financial opportunity than ever before.
Award-winning country rocker Josh Ross and global hitmaker Akon released the official music video for new collaboration, “Drunk Right Now (Na Na Na)” today.
Produced by COMING OF AGE and directed by Mattias Russo-Larsson & Lewis Atallah, the official music video captures the essence of the track and amplifies its no-regrets energy. Since its release last month, “Drunk Right Now” has racked up millions of streams and sparked viral dance clips on TikTok. The video aims to take that momentum global with a visual that’s as addictive and unexpected as the track itself.
“Akon’s music was always a huge part of my life growing up,” Ross shared when the track released in May. “Having two older siblings, his songs were always playing—his sound, his hooks, everything about it just stuck with me before I even knew what the words meant. I’ve always been a fan. About a year ago, I was messing around in the studio and reimagined his song ‘Right Now,’ just for fun. We started playing it before our shows and the crowd went nuts—it turned into this wild country party anthem.”
“I ended up sending it to him, not really expecting anything… and he actually loved it,” he continued. “He said he wanted to jump on it, and suddenly it turned into a real collab. It’s one of those full-circle moments I never saw coming and I’m truly grateful to have a summer party anthem.”
The current CCMA Entertainer of the Year has amassed nearly 1 billion global streams. At Canadian country radio, Ross’ current single, “Leave Me Too,” is Top 10-and-climbing. Ross dominated Nashville’s CMA Fest with performances at the Chevy Riverfront Stage, MCA’s SkyDeck activation, and a surprise pop up during Bailey Zimmerman’s Nissan Stadium set Sunday night, performing with Zimmerman on his Luke Combs collaboration, “Backup Plan.” On tap, he takes on a slate of fairs and festivals all summer long across North America from Cavendish Beach Festival (PEI) to the Kee To Bala (Ontario) and more. For the latest tour dates, merch drops, new music and exclusive content, visit joshrossmusic.com and join TheRoster.
2025 JOSH ROSS TOUR DATES: 6/27: Dauphin, MB – Dauphin’s Countryfest 2025 7/3: Rushville, IL – Schuyler County Fair 7/4: Portland, IN – Jay County Fair 7/10: Cavendish, PEI – Cavendish Beach Music Festival 2025 7/11: Rhinelander, WI – Hodag Country Festival 2025 7/12: West Salem, WI – Country Boom 2025 7/13: Chicago, IL – Windy City Smokeout 2025 7/17: Eau Claire, WI – Country Jam USA 2025 7/18: Oskaloosa, IA – Southern Iowa Fair 7/19: Grant, NE – Perkins County Fair 7/20: Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days 2025 7/25: Kansas City, MO – VooDoo Lounge 7/28: Piketon, OH – Pike County Fair 8/1: Ashland, VA – Down On The Farm 8/6: Sturgis, SD – Sturgis Buffalo Chip 2025 8/8: Malone, NY – Franklin County Fair 8/13: Saskatoon, SK – Delta Bessborough Gardens 8/15: Osseo, MN – Corcoran Country Daze 8/21: Bala, ON – The KEE To Bala 8/22: Lucknow, ON – Lucknow’s Music In The Fields 2025 8/29: Mihnden, NV – TJ’s Corral Outdoor Event Center 8/30: Puyallup, WA – Washington State Fair 2025 9/5: Lethbridge, AB – Thunder In The Bridge 10/2: Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center* 10/3: Moon Township, PA – UPMC Events Center* 10/4: Schenectady, NY – Proctors* 10/23: Springfield, MO – Shrine Mosque* 10/24: Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center* 10/25: Fargo, ND – Scheels Arena* *supporting Dylan Scott
Motion City Soundtrack make a triumphant return with the announcement of their new album, ‘The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World’ due for release on September 19 via Epitaph Records.
For their first collection of music since 2015’s ‘Panic Stations’, the band doubles down on their signature sound with renewed energy and purpose, recapturing the magic of their early days while showcasing their growth and maturity after a decade-long hiatus.
Over twenty years removed from their 2003 debut, the quintet’s signature cocktail of neurotic charm and hook-laden pop-punk is still potent on lead single “She Is Afraid”. Conceived during the making of ‘Panic Stations’, its bendy guitar licks and quirky vocal delivery sound at once familiar and newly vital.
Frontman Justin Pierre enthuses: “As soon as I heard Josh’s bonkers guitar part, I flipped out. I don’t know how he does it. I’d been listening to a lot of Del the Funky Homosapien around the time of writing the lyrics, and I think his influence comes out a bit in the verses (but hopefully in a way that doesn’t sound totally derivative). I think the rest of the tune owes a debt of gratitude to That Dog for sure. Matt mentioned he hears some Faith No More in the tune, which is always a good sign, and now I hear it too. Hell, I learned how to be weird on stage watching Mike Patton on the You Fat Bastards (Live At The Britton Academy London) videocassette as a teenager in ’90/’91. I wore that sh*t out.” Check out the song and its accompanying Severance inspired music video below.
“Don’t Call It a Comeback” isn’t just the name of a song off Motion City Soundtrack’s 2003 debut I Am The Movie, it’s also an apt way to summarize the band’s mission statement. During their initial run from 1997 to 2016, the Minneapolis-based group released six celebrated albums, toured the world countless times and achieved gold status for their hit single “Everything Is Alright.”
After taking a three year hiatus, the band-vocalist/guitarist Justin Pierre, guitarist Joshua Cain, bassist Matt Taylor, keyboardist Jesse Johnson and drummer Tony Thaxton-started performing live again in 2019, but even the most optimistic fans didn’t necessarily expect a follow-up to 2015’s Panic Stations. “When we started conceptualizing the idea for this record, I was thinking about what we loved about doing this originally,” Cain explains. The result is The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World, an album that sees the band transmuting the last decade of life experiences into the most catchy songs of their career.
To record the album, the band reunited with Sean O’Keefe (Fall Out Boy, Plain White T’s) at the legendary Chicago studio, Electrical Audio. Featuring cameos from Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump (who also co-wrote the song “Particle Physics”), Citizen’s Mat Kerekes and Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer, the album sees the band reclaiming their crown as punk rock’s most accessible-and infectious-acts. However, the most impressive aspect of The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World is the fact that instead of relying solely on nostalgia, Motion City Soundtrack continue to experiment outside their comfort zone. “ It’s a very interesting thing to feel like we made the most important record of our career this late in the game,” Johnson explains.
“I think that if you look at a lot of our past records, it’s about ‘What’s wrong? What am I not getting right? Why do I feel f***ing crazy? Why can’t I figure this out’… and I figured it out,” Pierre admits. “It’s almost like I felt I didn’t have an identity [in the past] and now by working through the hard stuff, I know who I am.” With that sense of self-discovery mirrored by the music, when the final track fades out it may be the conclusion of the album, but in reality it’s the beginning of another chapter for Motion City Soundtrack’s collective journey.
The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World Tracklisting: 1. Some Wear a Dark Heart 2. She Is Afraid 3. Particle Physics (feat. Patrick Stump) 4. You Know Who the F*** We Are 5. Melancholia 6. Your Days Are Numbered (feat. Mat Kerekes) 7. Downer 8. Mi Corazón 9. Bloodline 10. Things Like This (feat. Sincere Engineer) 11. The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World
