Happy Fall, everyone! Singer-songwriter from Liverpool, Euan Blackman, is back with “alt folk for the kind folk.” I have previously stated in this publication that he is one of the artists on my heavy rotation during rainy weather in the DMV. His new track, “The Ballad of a Broken Machine” proves me right, once again.
On the track, Euan says: “TBOABM is probably one of the dreamiest songs I’ve ever created. Lyrically it’s a love song, but I thought it would be fun to base the narrative around the idea of a robot/machine that finds love and begins to malfunction due to the emotional intensity. I think as humans we’re all emotionally vulnerable creatures, and occasionally the right (or wrong) person can cause us to drift away from our usual programming. I definitely was inspired by the books of Sally Rooney in the storytelling. When producing the track I wanted to take all the sounds and ideas of bedroom pop (such as Clairo, Mac Demarco) and combine these elements with the traditional instruments of acoustic music.”
“‘Cause when I’m alone/ I feel like a drone/ stacking plates away” is my favorite lyric in the track because to me, it expresses how sometimes a person can be so used to the feeling of being with someone and the excitement that comes with it and when they are gone, our lives can feel empty and boring.
Fans of The 1975, Phoebe Bridgers, and bedroom pop will find themselves enchanted by the sounds of Euan Blackman. I cannot wait for more!
“The Ballad of a Broken Machine” is available now on major streaming platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Maura Marcellino is studying business and environmental sustainability at George Mason University. When she is not studying, Maura enjoys listening to music and spending time with friends and family.
Subscribe to Alchemical Records today to support our efforts online and in print.
Join the Alchemical Records Street Team to promote these and other artists, live music, and music community organizations & events while receiving cool perks from artists throughout the region.
Queer duo Witch Weather discuss new album and the influence of the DMV on their sound.
Philadelphia-based queer punks Witch Weather have a message for anyone who feels hopeless and worthless: you are not alone. With an irresistible sound that draws from 80’s goth and lo-fi grunge, the indie duo wears their heart on their sleeve, giving voice to complex emotions that many would opt to suppress in the recesses of their minds.
Join Alchemical Records as they connect with Witch Weather to discuss the band’s new self-titled album, their search for a sense of belonging as members of the queer community, the important element that keeps the duo’s creative bond strong, and the influence of the DMV on their sound.
More to Watch D.C. local post-punk outlet, Outerloop, releases “huracán” on November 10th. Hurricanes are angry, defined by their high-fast winds and concerningly calm center.
Recent Articles The D.C.-Based indie punk band releases their first track, “Practice” on November 3rd. For those of us missing the distinct 90s punk rock
Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
