Winnipeg’s Mise en Scene dive into their indie rock fever dream ‘Actuality Bites,’ an EP that aches with uncooked ardour and electrical power because the duo marry an unapologetic perspective with heat melodies, poetic lyrics, and wondrous, soul-stirring sound.

for followers of HAIM, Alvvays, Anteros, Tennis

Stream: “Actuality Bites” – Mise en Scene

We’re overworked, underpaid, bored, and fed up. “Actuality Bites” is an unfiltered glimpse behind these rose-coloured glasses we frequently every adorn simply to get by means of the mundanity of day-to-day.

For a document borne out of disillusionment and misery – billed as a no-holds-barred grappling with life’s pain-points and letdowns – what’s maybe most shocking about Mise en Scene’s new EP is simply how a lot enjoyable it’s. Actuality Bites, however they’re not letting that cease them from having a very good time. Actuality Bites, however they’d somewhat go down kicking and screaming, smiling and laughing – with a cinematic shout, somewhat than a hushed, haunted whisper. If the previous few years have taught us something, it’s to cherish what we do have and check out to not fear concerning the minutiae.

And but, it’s laborious to not name consideration to only how a lot our world takes from us, typically providing little in return. Take into account this viewpoint pessimistic when you should, however an commentary is simply that: An commentary – and on their new document, Winnipeg’s Mise en Scene provide loads of pointed critiques on life as we all know it, and the folks with whom we’re compelled to share our world. A sonically and emotionally charged indie rock fever dream, Actuality Bites aches with uncooked ardour and electrical power because the duo marry an unapologetic perspective with heat melodies and wondrous, soul-stirring sound.

I don’t learn about my aspirations
It looks like there’s too many temptations
Getting in the best way of goals on stage
Getting in the best way of my minimal wage

We don’t learn about us anymore
Our worlds collide who’re we residing for?
We don’t wish to give in to one another
And don’t need anymore shock encounters
So don’t act in your emotions
Simply fake you’re not respiratory,
’trigger actuality bites…

Launched June 23, 2023 through Mild Organ Information, Actuality Bites is a cathartic reckoning and a radiant reverie multi function. Mise en Scene’s Mise en Scene’ first correct multi-track launch since Winnipeg, California – their acclaimed third LP, launched in October 2020 – sees the Canadian duo of vocalist/guitarist Stefanie Blondal-Johnson and drummer Jodi Dunlop delving deep into themselves, piecing aside heavy feelings and unresolved experiences by means of a rigorously crafted set of songs that stability internal ache with musical acumen, exasperation with enchantment, ache with ardour.

“I had probably the most prolific outpour of songwriting between 2019-2021 the place I wrote possibly 100 songs,” Stefanie Blondal-Johnson tells Atwood Journal. “I actually simply couldn’t cease writing. A few of them are on our earlier document, Winnipeg, California and a few have but to be recorded. The Actuality Bites songs have been songs we would have liked to document, just like the songs have been calling to us and begging us to document them… We obliged.”

“It’s a document that reveals the variety and trademark sound that’s Mise en Scene,” she says of the brand new document. “Every tune has its personal persona and perspective and the document explores completely different genres whereas nonetheless sustaining the constant vibe that’s our musical and lyrical model. There aren’t any “repeats” on this album; the songs are their very own world they usually don’t compete with one another.”

What was I in search of
I discovered you within the liquor retailer
You have been like a bit of trip
And we met once more on the bus station
All class you swore
I keep in mind what you wore
Early days adoration
Now it’s inflicting me agitation

Save me from burning out
I really feel like I’m slipping away
Save me from burning out
I’d like it when you begged me to remain

Energetic all through the previous decade after which some, Mise en Scene have maintained their standing as indie upstarts, making edgy, dreamy rock-fueled music with a slight pop polish.

They liken it to someplace between storage rock and grunge pop. For this document, the duo targeted on creating songs that felt each unfiltered and genuine: They saved true to the music, whereas staying as true to their humanity as attainable.

“I wished a human contact, a female contact to this document,” Blondal-Johnson explains. “I additionally wished to construct it rigorously and thoughtfully, and I’m proud to say that was achieved by means of our course of. We recorded in a very cool means, possibly a bit of unconventional in comparison with conventional methods of recording; we received collectively for the primary spherical of recording the place it was simply my guitar and Jodi’s drums and a information vocal. We sat on these stripped down variations of the songs for a number of weeks, then got here collectively the three of us (with our unimaginable producer John Paul Peters), the place we constructed up the remainder of the songs from its unique basis of Jodi and me. All of the melody, the tones, harmonies and instrumentation have been rigorously explored and mined collectively. It was a magical time.”

Dunlop remembers working with John Paul Peters fondly, describing the method as a collaborative, easy, enjoyable, and inventive expertise. She calls the ensuing six-track assortment “vibrant, actual, and enjoyable” – a stable and mature sound in comparison with the band’s 2017 LP Nonetheless Life on Hearth, she says, and a extra chill and relaxed vibe than that of its fast predecessor, Winnipeg, California.

“Actuality Bites has our laborious working throughout it,” Blondal-Johnson agrees. “It demonstrates a sort of femininity that’s robust, succesful and assured whereas nonetheless being delicate, comfortable and mysterious. There’s extra respiratory room on this document in comparison with the final two, and it’s much less confrontational and extra conversational.”

For Blondal-Johnson, Actuality Bites is a contemporary, female, and charming show of Mise en Scene’s expertise at work.

The title, she says, is direct in its intent. “As a result of it does [bite],” she exclaims. “Particularly now that we’re on the opposite aspect of the pandemic that shall not be named. Don’t get me flawed, life is gorgeous, we aren’t misanthropes however generally… generally life generally is a actual kick within the dick, and we discover that idea all through this assortment of songs.”

From the spirited and rousing drive of the EP’s opener and title monitor “Actuality Bites,” to the candy revelry and cinematic celebration of “You Really feel Good,” and the tender glow and world-weary twinge of its heartfelt finale, “Keep,” this set of songs burns brilliant with a hearth that gained’t quickly be extinguished.

Poetic strains litter each tune: The document’s cynical first phrases (“I don’t learn about my technology, it looks like there’s an excessive amount of desperation“) make a long-lasting impression on the thoughts, but it surely’s the uncooked heat and surprise of “You Really feel Good” (“It’s such an harmless factor when your goals get caught within the wings of one other“) and the bittersweet, tongue-in-cheek candor of “Lovely Folks” (“We are able to’t all be stunning folks. Lovely losers appears extra on level…“) that hit us the place it hurts.

“We’ve at all times been unapologetic lyrically and musically talking, and Actuality Bites is an ode to the spectrum of feelings that we now have just lately been coping with,” Blondal-Johnson notes. “These songs are about letting go, grief, budding love, kindness, shallowness, physique picture, however most significantly coming to phrases with maturity and a few of the unhappy realities of rising up.”

“These songs are truthfully all so particular to me,” she says when requested about her favorites. “I’m actually happy with the lyrical power of this document and variety in storytelling. I’m additionally so into the harmonies we did on this document. Our producer, John Paul was so superb at encouraging me and pushing me vocally and I feel the harmonies make this document shine. “Keep” has a twin peaks vibe but it surely’s additionally one of many saddest songs I’ve ever written and it nonetheless makes me cry once I hearken to it. It’s a really private tune about dropping somebody you’re keen on.”

“I like the guitar tone on the prime of ‘Burn Out,’” Dunlop provides. “It jogs my memory of a tune that may be featured on that outdated 90’s present Daria.”

Stable alternative – each in television reveals, and in songs.

Dunlop’s favourite lyrics, in the meantime, come from the document’s title monitor: “Getting in the best way of goals on stage, getting in the best way of my minimal wage.”

“It completely describes the musician’s wrestle in a means that’s cheeky and enjoyable,” she exhales. “I might image a variety of artists referring to that one.”

Blondal-Johnson, who wrote the lyrics, provides a number of extra strains to that favorites listing – phrases she says she personally loves singing:

“you have been like a bit of trip, and we met once more on the bus station”

“actuality bites and it hurts each time”

“It’s such an harmless factor when your goals get caught within the wings of one other, however then you definitely’re within the swing of falling in love and getting underneath the covers”

“So what I’m a lady interrupted, a bit of bit disrupted, don’t wanna be corrupted”

Whether or not you see your glass as half-empty or as half-full, Actuality Bites guarantees to spark loads of inspiration as Mise en Scene pour their hearts and souls out in tune.

Positive, this EP was borne out of disillusionment and misery – who hasn’t felt these robust emotions over the previous few years? – and but, we don’t need to wallow alone in our despair; as a substitute, we will sing alongside to 6 seductive, hovering songs stuffed with vigor, vibrance, and visceral emotion. Mise en Scene provide another technique of lamentation – one which includes shouting on the prime of our lungs and embracing the highs and the lows of life’s lengthy, winding, great journey. Whether or not you’re feeling good or really feel like extra of a burnout today, Actuality Bites is a radiant, revitalizing dose of musical and emotional TLC.

Expertise the complete document through our beneath stream, and peek inside Mise en Scene’s Actuality Bites EP with Atwood Journal as Stefanie Blondal-Johnson and Jodi Dunlop take us track-by-track by means of the music and lyrics of their beautiful new launch!

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Stream: ‘Actuality Bites’ – Mise en Scene

:: Inside Actuality Bites ::

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Actuality Bites

Jodi Dunlop: We’re overworked, underpaid, bored, and fed up. “Actuality Bites” is an unfiltered glimpse behind these rose-coloured glasses we frequently every adorn simply to get by means of the mundanity of day-to-day.

Stefanie Blondal-Johnson: Are you underneath 18? If that’s the case, put together yourselves for actuality! You’ll be able to anticipate a peanut gallery of inner ideas, month-to-month payments, and family and friends letting you down as you method the crossroads of your life that forces you to decide on between your goals and a minimal wage job! Buckle up! Actuality bites, and it hurts each time!

You Really feel Good

Jodi Dunlop: “You Really feel Good” is a sun-soaked homage to being current in your life. On day that you simply really feel riddled with anxiousness, put this tune on, take your canine out for a stroll, and luxuriate in your neighbours’ stunning city landscaping.

Stefanie Blondal-Johnson: Trip a motorcycle, let your hair really feel the wind, possibly even take your arms off the handles when you’re that good, and bask within the sunshine of affection. Some folks wish to fill the world with foolish love songs, however what’s flawed with that? I’d wish to know…… cuz right here I’m going agaiiiiiiin!

Burn Out

Jodi Dunlop: “Burn Out” is a snapshot of millennial life within the early-twenty’s — jam packed dive bars, sticky dance flooring, terrible haircuts, and lusting after boys in bands who don’t comb their hair or return your sms flip telephone texts.

Stefanie Blondal-Johnson: They’re the flawed man, each time. They’ll by no means be the best individual and the best time won’t ever occur with them. They’re simply the apply boyfriends/girlfriends that embarrass your future self.

Lovely Folks

Jodi Dunlop: “Lovely Folks” is a tune from the soul — it speaks to a world the place we’re all so related but additional aside than ever earlier than.

Stefanie Blondal-Johnson: This tune is about social media making you’re feeling silly, broke and ugly. When are all of us going to only come collectively and say “fuck it let’s go off grid and ditch the telephones and simply stay bare in a forest”? This shit ain’t value the price of my psychological well being!

Nicer

Jodi Dunlop: Whenever you make one thing a sport, somebody at all times has to lose. “Nicer” demonstrates the facility in merely, purely, and poetically asking for what you need, laying all of it on the market, and being candid together with your emotions.

Stefanie Blondal-Johnson: I’m wondering what our world and each day lives would appear like if we simply tried a bit of more durable to be good to one another. Individuals are actually performing prefer it’s alright to be their lowest selves, it’s getting vicious on the market and I’m not right here for it. What might our lives be like if we had extra persistence with ourselves and others? “Nicer” is an exploration of these ideas.

Keep

Jodi Dunlop: “Keep” is a bittersweet Velvet Underground-esque lullaby to a cherished one—weak, uncooked & tender; this tune means one thing completely different to every one who listens to it.

Stefanie Blondal-Johnson:  The saddest tune on this planet. Nonetheless provides me the melancholy chills once I hear it. Brings me to a lonely place, but when I’ve discovered something from music, it’s that it doesn’t allow you to really feel alone. In the event you resonate with this tune, meaning I resonate with you and collectively we’re not alone, we’re collectively in our unhappiness and that’s stunning.

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