News — trevor daniel

I know what you're thinking...where has she been?

Honestly, I know absolutely nobody is thinking that. I'm acting like little miss influencer whenever I login over here, but hey, Twitter has been giving me a little ego boost lately.

What you might be wondering is if you've missed anything. While there have been plenty of drops that came and went, a lot are still up for grabs. Who doesn't love a little post-Christmas shopping spree? It's the perfect time to stock up on next year's not so ugly holiday sweater. I can't be the only one who thinks "ugly" sweaters are actually extremely cute...right? Someone back me up here.

2020 was a doozy. I mean, the music industry pretty much shut down for a second there with no clear path to recovery in sight. However, we all made the collective decision to not let it kill our drive. I'm not going to say we carried this industry...but...in my heart we did. I mean personally, my favorite memory was getting laid off, but we won't go there. I may ride that joke out until my career is over. My boss will never hear the end. However, I did get to stick around and talk all of your ears off...so really I think the COVID layoff was more of a character builder. Trying to find the positives in everything here. Which, I would argue was the learning curve for everything that happened this year. Finding the positives.

Anyways, we can talk about merch now, since I know that's what you all come for anyways. While I would love to tell you that there's a FAT discount you can use on all your next purchases, there isn't. However, a little birdie told me that everyone's starting to get their $600 stimulus checks overnight. I think it's time to spend all that on clothes. I mean...not like it can cover rent or bills anyways. I mean, at least if you're in Southern California. So, might as well TREAT YO SELF.

If we're getting specific, Four Year Strong is STILL running their holiday merch until January 1st. Some of it isn't even Christmas themed. It ties into their livestream, so you can build your own bundle AND rewatch the online concert. What more could you ask for to end the year?? 

We ALSO still have Charlotte Sands merch up and running through our website. I will say the "This Sweatshirt Was Yours," long sleeve is still the best seller. It's cozy AND a diss to your ex in a way. Kiss the year goodbye and your gross relationship history. We aren't bringing that into 2021 with us, I WILL NOT ALLOW IT.

If you're interested in that NEW NEW, we have a K.Flay line. This one's really taking me back, there are CASETTES AND SLAP BRACELETS. My childhood self is thriving with this drop. She even has a cute poster of her posing with a LAVA LAMP. I mean, if that doesn't sell you, I don't know what will. Nostalgia sells, right?

I really really really want to talk about stand out music for me this year. I know I blab on and on about it in separate posts, but it truly made the grueling year special. I mean, all we really got to do was sit inside and listen to music. It was a completely different experience than hearing it at the club or at a show. Something about being isolated and only having music, felt more intimate. Don't get me started on the song, "Bitter," with Fletcher and Trevor Daniel. For some reason that song is STILL resonating with me and it's been three months since I last spoke to you guys about it. However, a song quickly taking heed in my mind, is "Dress," by Charlotte Sands. I'm not even going to tell you WHO the song is about, because I feel like it's more exclusive and like an inside joke. Although, it is definitely easy to google. If you need more musical highlights, you can always checkout our playlists on the Absolute Merch Spotify. I clearly had fun during quarantine conjuring up different playlists out of my comfort zone. I promise to be more punk rock in 2021, okay?

Well guys...I guess this is see you next year?! HAHA. Classic dad joke. I promise also to be less MIA, disconnecting for the holidays made me realize how much I miss sitting down and vibing on this blog. SO GET READY. 

'Til next timeeeee!

Julianna Taylor

Happy 2020! 

Forget all the basic, “New Year, New Me” Instagram captions. How about, “New Year, New Music.” I thought I would kick off this new chapter, by introducing some artists for you to keep on your radar! While in 2019, these artists began their breakout, 2020 is proving that it is already their year. With tours, merch drops, and more, it will be hard to avoid these amazing singers! So, let me show you what they’re all about. 

First up on our watch list is Vaines. Also known as Jared Gaines, this artist has proven he is ready to bend the rules in the pop-rock world. Personally, I love pop songs that have a bit of a moody twist. His first hit he released in 2019, “Medicine,” is the perfect mix of angst and party. I love breakup anthems that I can dance to. I mean who doesn’t? Does anyone REALLY want a heartbreak tune that they have no choice, but to cry in the shower to? No. It’s 2020, we’re dancing our problems away. However, if crying is more your thing, I totally respect that. One thing I love about this song is the unexpected guitar solo in the middle. Giving the tune an edgy vibe we didn’t know we needed. I know Vaines himself is proud of this transition, touching on it in a past interview. 

His second track of 2019, was “Punchdrunk.” Another relatable emo love song. However, this one makes you want to roll down your windows, let the wind blow through your hair, while you forget about the person who clearly doesn’t like you back. Tragic, but beautiful. Since this bop came out toward the end of 2019, it really makes me wonder what 2020 has in store for Vaines. Obviously, nothing short of amazing. 

Next up, we have the lovely, Taylor Janzen. Her voice is one that will soothe you to sleep on a rainy day, but also lift you up in the middle of rush hour traffic. Her breakout year, started with a release of an EP at the end of Spring in 2019. This included her single, “Shouting Matches.” This is the type of song I would listen to on my way home from work. When I just want to wind down from a long day and relax. This is also a great go-to song for when you’re feeling a little lost, and need help getting back into the right mindset again. From melancholy to hopeful, this song is a much needed emotional rollercoaster. Taylor ended her year with, “What I Do…” This song is definitely another sunroof open, warm, summer vibe. She begins the song with a concept we can all relate to, forgetting someone we once loved. This song can serve as closure to those of us who may still be looking for it in an ex. If you find yourself falling in love with Taylor Janzen, catch her on tour at the beginning of this year!

Last but certainly not least, we have, Trevor Daniel. 2019 was a big year for Trevor. However, I feel like we need to blast back to 2018 for a second in order to come to terms with why 2019 was huge. In 2018, Trevor released his song, “Falling.” Now it’s no telling how long this song flew on the radar for, until Tik Tok blew it out of the water. This song became a viral hit, when users of the app started using it for comedy skits and breakup stories. Now, don’t be fooled. This song is definitely NOT a comedic hit. This song digs into a past relationship heartbreak, and how a new flame may be the one to change everything. In 2019, Trevor was firing out hits. With 4 new singles and 1 EP, he was determined to take the year by storm. Which is exactly what he did! His single, “Paranoid,” touches on typical paranoia we all have, about our lovers losing interest. His unique sound is familiar, yet unheard all in one. For that reason alone, I think he will go much farther than blowing up on comedy sketch apps in the near future. 

Listen Here:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EuJ1FVQxyGyE5aHSMGjzO?si=eu9-QN7YQ2-A2Z65BGR95Q

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rTVTBOBT7NPgXtI5oWyxc?si=Z_1jKktfQIKW_kLVGEKF4g

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DZ06evO4qP1zV?si=I09IxfMSTpeNZwfHSME2uA

Julianna Taylor