One Two Ten Releases New Single, “Heathers”

One Two Ten’s latest single, “Heathers,” is a summer hit as far as we’re concerned.

On Friday, July 26, One Two Ten put out their newest song, “Heathers.” The song is the epitome of summer fun. It’s upbeat and dripping in vacation vibes. The sound is reminiscent of a television score; the lyrics tell a story while the music stays light and positive.

This is the first song the band has released since their full-length album Hurry Up & Wait in April. One Two Ten deviates from the more serious and relatable themes in their album for “Heathers.” Rather than discussing the same issues like love, loss, and mental illness, the band tells their own story that envelops similar themes in a less orthodox way. The story is loosely based on the movie of the same name, Heathers, an obvious fact by the plot of the song.

The release of this song has created a bit of a buzz in the Oklahoma music scene. OkSessions announced the release on July 18, and several bands promoted both the single and the concert on the days surrounding the release date.

The band celebrated their release on Saturday night (July 27) at Hollywood Corners in Norman.

(For more pictures, check out Raw Media By Ali)

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OKC Band, Westering, Debut Their Talents With Self-Titled EP

Westering, a five-piece indie rock band from OKC, is on the cusp of releasing their debut EP, Westering – and everyone should be excited.

Earlier this month, the band released a single off of the collection called “1976.” The song is soft and riveting with rock elements supporting their self-proclaimed alternative status. Listening to it feels like finally exhaling after holding your breath for a long period – it starts tense, like the buildup to a sob, and then the emotions spill out in a swirling, relieving manner.

The band, Westering, was initially a side project for members Jamie Bramble, Stephen Brand, Andrew Dolman, Bryan English, and Dalton Farr, as most of them are currently involved with other bands (Gall, And In The Darkness, and Chris Jones & the Flycatchers). For the past three years, the group has been writing music for the project, allowing it to “grow organically.” When they appointed Bramble as their singer about a year ago, the course of their songwriting altered and the EP was made.

The upside to this being a pet project for the members is that they have the freedom to experiment and just be creative with the music. It’s because of this that, when I asked them to describe their music, they had a tough time doing so.

According the band, Westering has been flexible with the different genres. Rather than staying in between the lines, they’ve chosen to let the music escape its confinement and color what it wants. This freedom makes for an exciting sound, to say the least.

The upcoming self-titled EP, set to come out on July 27, has five tracks – which is meant to be representational of their five-piece band. It is self-titled because they felt that their band name is their “initial offering” and that it makes sense to stick with it for their initial record.

The collection begins with “Seven-Eight.” To use the band’s words, “it’s an exciting and kinda epic opener, with hints of math-rock and weird time signatures.” You can currently find it on here; unable to wait until July 27, the band posted it on Reverbnation and shared it on their social media on July 15.

Second on the list is “Dark Seas.” Again, to quote the group, the song “is very reminiscent of early 2000s pop punk delights.” Much like the flood of emotions that spins the tone around in “1976,” this track takes a “90 degree turn at the bridge” and almost turns it into a whole new song. The change is nice; it keeps the listener on their toes and makes the experience exciting.

“Spiraling” follows “Dark Seas,” and this one apparently has “nerdy Easter eggs” – and they will be especially evident for musicians. Time signature changes in almost every section makes it a fun play for the group.

The next to last track is “Sound of your name,” and this one supposedly had a whirlwind composition. Earlier demos would be barely recognizable, says the band. Their singer ended up remaking the song into what it is now; a steady buildup to a big ending that eases into the final song, “1976.”

“1976” was intentionally placed as the finale because it was the last song they had written for the EP – and therefore, it is closer to the sound of the songs on their next record, which they are currently demoing.

Westering has recently amped up their self-promotion and activity on social media in preparation for their new music. What was formerly a side project has now been shoved to the forefront of their brains, and they are more than happy to push it to the forefront of our brains as well. It bodes well for the group that the message coming across is one of determination and drive. The very least any of us can do is give the record a complete listen and voice what will undoubtedly be our approval.

Check Westering out on all social media and music streaming sites, and make sure to listen to their EP on July 27.

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Trevor McBane Releases New Single, “Blame It On the Rain”

Trevor McBane, former American Idol contestant from Southeastern Oklahoma, released his latest single, “Blame It On the Rain” this morning (July 20), and it definitely showcases his talent.

The song begins with a resonating line that immediately introduces the idea of “blame it on the rain.” The sound bounces around for a moment as he sets up the tone before leading into the first verse. Paying homage to the small town stereotype of “fake faces” and the ever-present desire to “get out of this town,” the song encourages positivity even as the imagery remains dreary and gray.

The song continues with McBane’s low melodious voice staying soft as the song delves into deeper, more serious meanings. Desperation leaks into his vocals, and 2:10 marks the change with a new, pleading tone.

About forty-five seconds before the song ends, McBane’s voice becomes agitated and more desperate. He ends with the same reverberating sound from the beginning, like a brush of a gong with a muffled, cotton-swathed hammer.

The song is a perfect example of the talent that landed him a spot on American Idol and granted him compliments from several high-ranking musicians.

Check out Trevor McBane on all social media and music streaming sites, and make sure to listen to “Blame It On the Rain.” McBane will also be performing at the Vanguard in Tulsa with Guys on a Bus on July 27.

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Kat Lock’s Debut EP, “You Again,” is the Hit of the Summer

Tomorrow, July 12, marks the release date for Kat Lock’s debut EP, You Again. Consisting of five songs, the EP is part one of two, with the second half set to release later this year. All of the songs were written in 2017 or earlier, so anyone who has been to one of her performances has probably heard at least one of them.

According to Lock, the concept is recognizing faults and attempts at self-growth. With hints of relationship drama and self-exploration, You Again is both powerfully emotional and a light listen. You don’t have to analyze the music to enjoy it or get the concept. There’s no flurry of instruments to back her up – just melodies that perfectly complement the strong vocals of Lock.

There were no specific influences, but she did mention that Jenny Lewis probably slipped in a little. (Quote: “She always does.”) She also wasn’t aiming for a specific genre; the EP is just her. Everything in it reflects a bit of her personality and thoughts – and it clearly comes across.

Each song is explained in Lock’s words below:

“Art: is about dating another songwriter.

Biggest Mistake: is an upbeat self sabotage bop. Sometimes you gotta do something stupid just to feel something.

Demitrius: was written for a friend that passed away a few years ago. (Guitar solo is played by Sam Wegryzynski of Ben Quad, formerly of St. Basic, forever my love.

Embarrassed: is that moment when you realize you’re over somebody and just how pathetic they actually are.

Someone Else’s Future (studio version): is an alternative version of the thematic song, one of the first songs I ever wrote! Helping myself get over someone by saying maybe it’ll work out in another life, cause I believe in stuff like that.”

“Biggest Mistake,” the single put out earlier this summer to give a taste of You Again, was actually not Lock’s favorite. In fact, she hated it. However, after reworking it, she eventually grew to love it; it was this tenacity that made her turn it into the summer bop it is.

The title, You Again, apparently comes from a line in “Someone Else’s Future” – “I’ll see you again in someone else’s future.” It stems from the feelings associated with certain people popping back up in life again and again.

Each song is well-written and personal. From start-to-finish, it is a beautiful record. When asked for final words on the EP, Lock claimed that “listening to this EP will clear your skin.”

So, you heard the lady; make sure you listen to You Again when it comes out tomorrow and check out Kat Lock on all social media and music streaming sites.

Join Kat Lock, One Two Ten, and Matt Jewett in celebrating the new music at 89th Street in OKC at 7 pm tomorrow, July 12, and make sure to listen to You Again.

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