By Charlie Maybee
This reading of Alchemical Records content provides a multimedia experience for our audience while increasing the accessibility of our content to persons with hearing loss, low vision, dyslexia, physical or motor disabilities, or are on the autism spectrum.
The self-appointed “emo jazz” musician, Geo Botelho (aka Just Super), started off 2022 strong with the release of his first cinematic and funky song, “Not Me!”, which dropped on January 14. Botelho is a Massachusetts truck driver and preschool teacher turned tortured artist, as well as a Berklee graduate.
There’s a sardonic tone that permeates the song, bringing a certain level of humor to the darker lyrical content. Complete with ensemble strings which feel dramatic and, at times, sarcastic, the drive of the rhythm guitar and drums along with the bubbly bass groove give this track a sense of liveliness that contrasts the breathiness of the vocals.
Just past the midpoint of the song, he sings, “Someone died today / But I only know because it got in the way of my daily horoscope,” which perfectly encapsulates the weird funny bone that is being struck in the musical composition, but there is something relatable in the dryness of the humor. Beneath the drama of the strings and the peppiness of the main groove is a someone who is working through some deep feelings.
In describing the song, Just Super notes that, “Ultimately, this is a story about a clown who lives with impunity to worldly problems,” which is relatable sentiment in this pandemic era. How can we make space for us to feel our feelings when there are so many overwhelming and overlapping current events happening in the world that are devastating? This song seems to be a stepping stone toward an answer to that question for Just Super.
Stay tuned for follow-up releases from this rising talent. Follow our Alchemical Weekly Spotify Playlist for more great music featured on the site.
Charlie Maybee is a dancer, musician, educator, and writer based in Charleston, South Carolina who currently teaches with the Dance Program at the College of Charleston. His primary work as an artist is with his performing collective, Polymath Performance Project, through which he makes interdisciplinary performance art that centers tap dance as the primary medium of expression and research. He also currently plays rhythm guitar for the Charleston-based punk band, Anergy, and releases music as a solo artist under the name Nox Eterna.
Recent Articles March 21st. A day that I will always think of amazing album releases. DC-based musician, producer, and singer-songwriter, Rachel Levitin, released Witty Banter
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.
