.png)
January 28, 2023
What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...
Read more.png)
January 26, 2023
Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?
Read more.png)
January 26, 2023
What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...
Read more.png)
January 23, 2023
As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...
Read more
January 19, 2023
Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...
Read more.png)
January 19, 2023
Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...
Read more
January 16, 2023
Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...
Read more
January 6, 2022
Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....
Read more
December 28, 2022
Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...
Read more
December 7, 2022
Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...
Read more.png)
October 4, 2022
In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...
Read more
October 5, 2022
Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...
Read more
Bad Omens' alt-metal breakout, "Just Pretend," has transcended its origins as an ironic parody to become a genuine No. 1 radio rock hit. The song, featured on the band's 2022 Album, "The Death of Peace of Mind," initially gained traction as a viral TikTok song before claiming the top spot on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. In a recent interview with NME, Bad Omens' vocalist-songwriter Noah Sebastian shared the surprising journey of how a song conceived as a comedic take on radio rock conventions evolved into a chart-topping anthem.
Noah Sebastian revealed that the origin of "Just Pretend" was born out of frustration and a desire to make fun of the formulaic nature of radio-friendly rock. In response to pressures from outside perspectives advocating for a more radio-oriented approach, Sebastian decided to prove a point by creating what he describes as an "ironic butt-rock song." The intention was to demonstrate how effortlessly one could produce a song adhering to the stereotypical opinions of mainstream rock.
Despite the initial sarcastic intentions, Sebastian found himself captivated by the chorus he had created for "Just Pretend." The exaggerated boldness and intentionally silly vocals took an unexpected turn, revealing a genuinely great hook that stuck with the songwriter. The decision was made to immediately develop the song for the record, setting the stage for an ironic twist in the band's trajectory.
Throughout their career, Bad Omens has stuck to the principle of creating music without ulterior motives. The band's focus has consistently been on crafting music they genuinely enjoy and feel proud of, rather than succumbing to external pressures or industry expectations. "Just Pretend" stands as a testament to this, as it defied its initial sarcastic purpose to become a radio rock sensation.
Noah Sebastian reflected on the irony of the situation, acknowledging that a song written to poke fun at the ease of creating radio rock has now claimed the top spot on the radio rock charts. The unexpected success of "Just Pretend" marks a full-circle moment for Bad Omens, highlighting how art can surprise us, 'Just Pretend' showcases the unexpected beauty that comes from being true to oneself in creative expression.
Bad Omens' journey with "Just Pretend" serves as a reminder that artistic endeavors, even those born out of irony, can take on a life of their own. The accidental transformation of a parody into a No. 1 radio rock hit underscores the power of genuine creativity and the unpredictable path that music can take when driven by authenticity rather than external expectations.
