Rising LA alt-rocker Indio Downey, son of Robert Downey Jr., chats with Atwood Journal about his debut EP ‘Cigarettes in Mattress’ and the tales that encourage his alt-rock sound.

Stream: “Dume” – Indio Downey

Few issues stand the take a look at of time, and even fewer issues stay cool.

Punk does each.

Much less a style and extra a lifestyle, ripped clothes and a foul perspective solely scratch the floor of the custom. LA rocker Indio Downey preserves nonconformity and insurrection in his artistry. His latest single, “Dume,” accompanies information of his forthcoming debut EP, Cigarettes in Mattress, out January 2024. Downey’s tracks span the tales of habit and heartbreak, in addition to the nostalgia that accompanies them. Atwood Journal lately spoke with Downey concerning the tales that make his sound.

“Dume” crawls beneath your pores and skin with its sharp lyricism and the pounding unison of the bass and drums. Downey is tempted by this power, trailing its heels blindly. The siren music accompanies Downey in his infinite spiral which he attributes to “feeling like a failure, and getting rejected.”

The heartbeat of the music is stored in its kick drum and wailing guitar. Endlessly darkish, Downey moans, “So intoxicated I can’t transfer, I may die so deliver me to your backyard, to the darkness.” Lastly, he ends, “The extra I give, the extra you’re taking. The extra what as soon as was actual turns faux.”

Angst is infectious in fellow single, “Plastic Rainbow,” launched in September. Downey channels punk rock legends Billie Joel Armstrong and Kurt Cobain within the emphatic anthem. He explains that the one is about previous habit and the nostalgia of completely satisfied reminiscences. He begs for management as he whines, “Give me the wheel, I need to steer.”

Downey injects the alt-rock custom together with his personal id, making for a fascinating hear. His energy lies in his easy execution and devil-may-care sound. Cigarettes in Mattress is a testomony to the ability of punk, which Downey’s story tells and his music exhibits.

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A CONVERSATION WITH INDIO DOWNEY

Atwood Journal: There’s a simplicity to your music that’s entrancing. The licks and lyrics are actually immersive. How would you say your sound has developed over time?

Downey: I really feel prefer it’s gone from rock with metallic thrown in to rock that’s a bit extra produced. I’ve additionally realized so much about my very own writing course of which has enabled me to write down higher lyrics.

You discuss love as a type of shedding management in each “September” and “The Different Aspect.” Did you discover this frequent floor between the songs or between your personal relationships?

Downey: Sure. I really feel like falling in love is out of your fingers since you’re following your coronary heart.

You’ve been making music for years, however that is your first self-titled undertaking. How does this launch really feel in comparison with your previous work? Is there extra stress now that you’re releasing music by yourself?

Downey: I’m excited for individuals to listen to the brand new sound. On one hand working with producers has taken a number of the stress off of me. On the similar time, I’m busier than ever with writing new music.

Your newest single is surprisingly candy. Not loads of love songs are as angsty or heavy. Why write a love music like “Plastic Rainbow”?

Downey: “Plastic Rainbow” is about previous habit. Many of the lyrics are concerning the nostalgia of fond reminiscences.

There’s an emphasis on being misplaced and out of contact on this report. The place did this sense stem from?

Downey: The heartbreak of breaking apart, feeling like a failure, and getting rejected.

Your sound is paying homage to the ‘90s and 2000s bands all of us love, however manages to be distinctive. Who’re your influences? How did they information these songs?

Downey: Weezer, Pixies, The Intercourse Pistols, Queens of the Stone Age, Tame Impala, The Shrine. I really feel like I can relate to the struggling I hear within the lyrics. They’ve additionally impressed me to need to grow to be a greater songwriter.

What are you hoping listeners will get from this undertaking?

Downey: Lust for rock n’ roll!

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:: join with Indio Downey right here ::

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 © Elizabeth Miranda

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