Joel's Music Reccomendations

Hey Patrons,

Music has always been a huge part of my life. Whether it be jamming to The Reason by Hoobastank on my iPod nano on the bus in 7th grade or the countless times listening to my musically talented friends perform throughout high school (at battle of the bands and basement shows and around campfires). Lord knows I wasn't ashamed to wear my classic rock graphic tees way too often. I even had a badass Metallica one despite only knowing Enter Sandman. Music, one way or another, was always happening around me, adding a score and energy to my life that colored everything.

While listening to music has always been present, I was seldom in a position to participate, never putting in the proper time to learn any instruments. When The Reason played in my 13 year old ears I would picture myself on a stage, performing in front of a crowd, everyone utterly captivated by my beautiful singing. At the time I couldn't sing, or at least believed I needed to be technically proficient to sing, so I kept that fantasy to myself.

Since then that fantasy has always been carried with me. Over the years I've allowed myself occasional moments of musicianship to indulge in a taste. Whether it be making goofy rap songs with friends, or writing lyrics to more personal songs that friends would help bring to life, embracing music has always felt like exploring a side of myself that doesn't get tickled as readily by film. Sadly, I was not self sufficient. Having to lean on my friends for help felt like a big obstacle I needed to get over so I could practice music more readily and freely. 

I bought a piano last year and have finally decided to make my Hoobastank dreams come true. I've been practicing everyday and at the start of the year I set out to write a song every single week, a goal that my two month European sojourn has put on hold. I miss my piano dearly. Playing it and writing songs has been some of the most creatively free and invigorated I've been in a long, long time. Being so closely tied to film and filmmaking has made all of my creative output be based around creating finished products my whole life. There's a beautiful quality to music where, sometimes, it just disappears into the air. It's transient in a way that it's much harder for film to be. Sure you can record a bunch of footage and delete it I suppose, but that feels to heady and goofy to me. Music is now my friend for stuff meant to disappear. I look forward to getting back to my piano, and either writing songs that will be released, or jamming alone in my room for no reason other than just cause.

This is all to say, music rocks. One of my favorite connections to have with friends is sharing music back and forth. I love to receive a song from a friend and, if I can't listen immediately, it gives me something to look forward to. When a friend and I have both been heartbroken, it's nice to share sad songs we both relate to. For that reason, I wanted to share some songs I love with you guys today.

Music By My Friends

My favorite music in the world to listen to is music made by my friends. My Spotify Year Wrapped is always just hundreds of replays of my friends' latest singles/eps and I wouldn't have it any other way. I could just point you to any of my friends and say dive in, but I fear that would be too unspecific. So rather, here's one great song from each of my musician pals.

Aida O'Brien - I Know You Know 

My childhood best friend Aida is the most musically talented person I know. The way she can pick up any instrument and improvise is truly incredible. She's a guitar virtuoso and it is her who colors most of the musical memories from my childhood and high school years. She released her debut EP Girl in the Blue Dress in 2020 (and I drew the album cover!) and I've listened to those five songs many, many times. I Know You Know is a truly gorgeous, tongue-in-cheek song about her coming out as trans to her parents.

Droodle - The Well

My friend Dru made what is likely my favorite album of 2022. It's called goblins are real and I've recommended it before. I knew Dru for years from his hilarious comedy videos and I had no idea he made music and it blew me away. Shortly after releasing that album, Dru released The Well. A single that might just be the most emo, dark thing I heard all last year. Crank it up and feel dour.

Kevin Sloan & grapefuit city - Turn Back Around 

If you've watched my stuff at all you've seen the name Kevin Sloan. Kevin has helped make beautiful songs time and time again for my videos, I've used his personal songs, and most recently he helped me record and mix my album. He made an album last year with his fiancé called Roadkill. The song Turn Back Around is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. A longing, hopeful cry out to come back.  

eee gee - promise to pick up the phone 

My friend Emma just released her latest album She-Rex and it's all so beautiful. The track I have on loop right now is promise to pick up the phone. It's about long distance love and work/success getting in the way and worrying and it's wonderful.

Field Medic - empty arms 

Field Medic is interesting because I knew him as a musician for years before he was my friend. I met him at his concert in November 2022 and since then we've grown to be great friends. His entire discography is lovely. His latest album Light is Gone 2 takes on an electronic edge without losing the indie folk stylings I've come to love from him. The closing song empty arms is devastating. 

Music By People I Don't Know

I also listen to music by people I don't know! I usually find these songs through recommendations by friends, or Spotify playlists/shuffling. I tend to gravitate towards sad songs. Sometimes people seem put off that all I listen to is sad songs, but I find the beauty and relatability they provide to me to be incredibly healing. I don't have anything to say about the following songs other than they've helped me through hard times in one way or another. Enjoy.

Jacklen Ro - Time Bomb  

Bobby Charles - I Must Be in a Good Place Now  

Joanna Sternberg - I've Got Me  

Black Country, New Road - The Place Where He Inserted The Blade 

Brian Wilson - The Last Song 

As always, thanks for the support. I wish I had a more unique way to say that each time, but just know I am truly grateful.

I hope you've enjoyed this bonus post. Have a lovely rest of your weekend.

Love, Joel Haver