photo by ericka clevenger
On the artfully addictive, fanciful, massively grooved, 80's / 90's saturated "Money", the amazingly diverse Los Angeles daring duo Child Seat go for broke, throw wonderfully produced dice and killer vox at the proverbial dance hall wall. Appropriately, the second single from their sophomore album "Dancing at The Disco", is exquisitely lush and perfectly punchy with (maybe) sonic coinage nods to both Pink Floyd and The Flying Lizards. As I listen to the exquisite production courtesy of one half of Child Seat, songwriter / musician / producer / extraordinaire Josiah Mazzaschi, I not only thought of those artistic nods but others and, quite frankly, this track could have been a David Bowie and Annie Lennox collaboration (circa Scary Monsters / Let's Dance). Now clearly the other half, songwriter / vocalist Madeleine Mathews has a powerhouse vocal countenance possessing not only a killer instrument in terms of vocal control but also in bathing her voice in her own complex emotional patina. That to me is everything for a singer.
The mix here is pop prowess with alternative indie subversions too like an amalgam of Roxy Music, Thomas Dolby, Eurythmics, Tom Tom Club, Metric and (oddly or not oddly) Gang of Four.
About the song, LINER NOTES (high-lighted):
"Money" is a commentary on growing up in late-stage capitalism. Americans are born to work - and not just work, but dedicate their lives to their career. We are taught to go to college to get a good job, but often are unable to find a job to easily pay off student loans while simultaneously affording rent, bills, medical insurance, etc. Many Americans work paycheck to paycheck and strive to find happiness all while collectively stressing about one common denominator - money.
Money is what makes this world go round and what we spend most of our lives chasing after. Although this theme can be relatable to all generations, it is becoming a huge talking point within Gen Z and Millenials - as many are unable to save for homes or pay off their student loans.
“Money” also touches on the "soul-suckingness" of the routine that many Americans are stuck in - get up, work, count down the hours till your off work, short weekend, errands, repeat - often leading to that every Sunday panic attack feeling (the "Sunday scaries").
This all begs the question "is this what I was made for?". Were we just born to devote our lives to work while not reaping many of the benefits that we were promised in the "American dream"?
Money is what makes this world go round and what we spend most of our lives chasing after. Although this theme can be relatable to all generations, it is becoming a huge talking point within Gen Z and Millenials - as many are unable to save for homes or pay off their student loans.
“Money” also touches on the "soul-suckingness" of the routine that many Americans are stuck in - get up, work, count down the hours till your off work, short weekend, errands, repeat - often leading to that every Sunday panic attack feeling (the "Sunday scaries").
This all begs the question "is this what I was made for?". Were we just born to devote our lives to work while not reaping many of the benefits that we were promised in the "American dream"?
"Dancing at The Disco" drops on June 21st, 2024.
-Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM
https://www.youtube.com/@childseatmusic
https://www.instagram.com/childseatmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/childseatofficial
Here's more about Child Seat ....
Released debut album, "Bad Holiday" August 5th, 2022 featuring Jeff Schroder of the Smashing Pumpkins and Ron Dzuibla (featured on Jon Batiste's Grammy Winning album).
Some recent highlights:
- Opened for The Regrettes last Fall for a Dr. Martens event at Thalia Hall
- Recently played SXSW 2023
- "Off With a Bang" recently featured on KCRW's "Top 5 Songs to Hear this Week"
- Named one of the Top 10 Emerging Artists in the USA
- Frequently played on KCRW, LA's Buzzbands, Sirius XM, and many more!
- 1/2 of Child Seat, Josiah Mazzaschi, has recorded and/or produced artists/bands including: IDLES, members of the Smashing Pumpkins, Jesus and the Mary Chain, Rilo Kiley, Sunflower Bean, members of The Smiths, Kate Nash, Built to Spill, Deap Vally, and countless more.
A quick synopsis:
Child Seat, the powerhouse duo formed in 2021 by Madeleine Mathews (MAWD) and Josiah Mazzaschi (Light FM, Bizou), turns pandemic setbacks into indie rock gold. With the entirety of their debut album written remotely during the pandemic, Mathews’ powerful rock vocals, reminiscent of artists like Brittany Howard/Karen O., creates a unique juxtaposition over Mazzaschi's 80's synth-heavy instrumentals and blended with MGMT/Beach House/Arctic Monkeys vibes.
Child Seat encompasses both Mathews and Mazzaschi’s strengths. Mazzaschi has over 20+ years of success recording and producing artists like The Jesus and the Mary Chain, Jeff Schroeder of the Smashing Pumpkins, Deap Vally, Built to Spill, Rilo Kiley and more, as well as writing/performing for his own projects; Light FM, Motorhome, and Bizou. Mathews, who has fronted and written for numerous bands as well has won songwriting competitions, is defined by her unique vocal styling and powerful lyricism.
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