stayc main image

Write a Vocal Melody That Stands Out: Tips for Phrasing and Dynamics

August 25, 2024

If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.

Read more
stayc main image

Add FX and Ear Candy to Your Tracks: Tips for Taking Your Sketch to the Next Level

August 23, 2024

Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.

Read more
stayc main image

Recreate a Vocal Stutter Effect Like Skrillex: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 21, 2024

If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...

Read more
stayc main image

Get a Great Sounding Synth: The Deadmau5 Approach

August 21, 2024

If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...

Read more
stayc main image

Make Music Again: Overcoming Creative Burnout Like Pharrell Williams

August 21, 2024

Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...

Read more
stayc main image

Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

Read more
stayc main image

Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

Read more
stayc main image

Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

Read more
stayc main image

Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Create a Joyful Song Like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

July 24, 2024

Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...

Read more
stayc main image

Why Nas' Illmatic Deserves the Top Spot: Rap Lyricism at its Finest

July 17, 2024

Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Create a Viral Chart-Topping Song Like Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby"

July 8, 2024

Creating a viral, chart-topping song is the pinnacle of success for many music creators. Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" exemplifies how to craft a hit that resonates with a wide audience...

Read more

Joyce Manor Returns After Three Years

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet

Joyce Manor Return With “All My Friends Are So Depressed” After Three-Year Hiatus

Everyone’s favorite pop-punkers, Joyce Manor, are back with their first new song in three years. The surprise single, “All My Friends Are So Depressed,” is out now via Epitaph Records, blending influences as unlikely as The Smiths and hyperpop duo 100 Gecs.

Vocalist/guitarist Barry Johnson shared the unusual spark behind the track:

“The first line I came up with was ‘Lord Above in a Tecate Truck’ after passing a Tecate delivery truck with Jesus shit all over it on the freeway driving back to Long Beach after a show in Fresno. While searching for a line that rhymed, I came up with, ‘Why even exist? Who gives a fuck!?’ and the concept of ‘All My Friends Are So Depressed’ was born.”

Johnson described the lyrics as his take on a Lana Del Rey-inspired world, but filtered through Joyce Manor’s scrappy punk lens:

“Instead of icy, detached cool ’50s Americana, it’s all dirty shag carpet, bong rips, Peter Frampton Comes Alive, key lime pie, and suicidal ideations.”

He also revealed that his flow was heavily influenced by 100 Gecs:

“I was listening to a concerning amount in 2023. Much respect to Dylan and Laura — please take us on tour.”

On the musical side, the band looked to The Libertines, Tiger Army, X, and The Smiths.

Accompanying the single is a fittingly chaotic video directed by Jaxon Whittington and Barry Johnson, perfectly matching the track’s high-energy blend of punk grit and eccentric humor.

Joyce Manor Returns After Three Yearsjoyce-manor-returns-after-three-yearsMuhammad SiddiquiAug 20, 2025Everyone’s favorite pop-punkers, Joyce Manor, are back with their first new song in three years. The surprise single, “All My Friends Are So Depressed,” is out now via Epitaph Records, blending...