TBT: Elliot Lee – Kelly – Blame Candy – The Unlikely Candidates
TBT: Elliot Lee – Kelly – Blame Candy – The Unlikely Candidates
Throwback Thursday is upon us once again. It’s a time for reflection, a time to highlight the great, and a time to truly bring the past back from the dead. This week we look at a dark-pop enigma who debuts her first story-driven music video, an internet icon who has helped mold Millennials into the sarcastic adults they are today, a band that embodies all the brilliance that was ’80s glam rock, and finally a likely fan favorite from the most ‘unlikely’ group.
Back at the end of August, rising start, Elliot Lee, dropped her imaginatively bold music video for her single, “GoodBadUgly”. Draped in dramatic synth-pop, Elliot squares up against the ‘beautiful’, yet hollow, version of herself, portrayed by fashion mannequins. With female pop artists constantly under pressure to look, act and be a particular way in order to survive in this industry, Elliot shows us a world where all the female artists are carbon copies of themselves. In a world only filled with socially acceptable female beauty, we are left with mindless, empty mannequins who can’t even move how they need to. Determined to flip the hold industry on its head, Elliot Lee aims to cloak the whole world in a dark-pop kingdom. With her exceptional vocal talent and her smooth delivery of relatable lyricism, Lee seamlessly executes a ‘night and day’ performance under the same persona.
When you say the name ‘Kelly’, generationally you know who you’re going to get. While young creatives of today will be quick to blurt out Kelly Clarkson, older generations may be inclined to say Kelly Kapowski [Saved By The Bell] – but there is a very specific brand of Millennial that will simply say, “Shoes”. From the creative mind of Liam Kyle Sullivan came the iconic Kelly and her off-brand family. Scrutinized by her family for being outside of the social norm – alternative Millennials flocked to Kelly and became obsessed. Well, it’s been nearly 15 years and Kelly is back! – and she needs to go shopping. In this modern-day revival, Kelly checks in on her parents via video call and gets an unexpected apology from her dad – her mom is still a Total Betch.
A few years ago Liam Kyle Sullivan was on an episode of YouTubers React where “Shoes” was the focus. During the episode, Liam found out that it was named one of the best videos of all time by Time Magazine back in 2010. It’s been several years since Liam had posted anything to his YouTube channel but fans were waiting with open arms. Liam finally answered the call of many and made his triumphant return as Kelly in “Masks”. Posted just over a week ago, “Masks” has already garnered over 919K views – another instant viral hit. It may have taken over a decade to see our beloved Kelly, but we are so glad to have her back and promoting safety and equality for all. #BlackLivesMatter
There’s a reason why people love Rock ‘n Roll from the iconic ’80s era – animal print, perfectly winged eyeliner, and way too much hairspray. Fueled by sick guitar wales and classic rock vocals reminiscent of days of Mötley Crüe and Poison, Blame Candy rocks out in their August release, “Playtime!” Encased in a silver foiled room, Blame Candy rock out as some musical friends join them via TV sets broadcast. Cameo appearances include Dorian Electra, YUNGBLUD, Pussy Riot, Palaye Royale, Slayyyter, Phony Ppl, Blu DeTiger, Kelsy Karter, The Struts, Kitten, Bonavega, Lucia & The Best Boys, Cassyette, Jack Saunders (BBC1), Jasmine Star and Brasko, as well as an opinionated intro skit from their “manager” Max Rowntree, played by Matt Bennett [Nickelodeon’s Victorious].
Speaking on the single, vocalist/guitarist, Aaron Deming, shares, “It’s daring and fierce, bold and non-heinous! The lyrics are a first rate example of what happens when you speak before thinking – total chaos, absolute nonsense – like a child in a sandbox. But with chaos comes creativity, and with creativity comes responsibility – act accordingly.”
While lead guitarist/producer, Chris Greatti, adds, “This song is literally everything opposite of the way 2020’s felt. We wrote it over a year ago before our LA lives got hectic (producing, touring, etc.) but one unexpected international shutdown + one nitro cold brew-fueled conversation in March gave us the *bright* idea to revive the track (a HIT) & get all our quarantined/bored friends to join us for a few minutes of pandemic-safe serotonin release. SO HERE WE ARE (still locked down), [but now] it’s playtime!”
Finally, we highlight Texan alt-rockers, The Unlikely Candidates. Back in June, the 5 piece rock collective dropped their single “High Low”. Surprisingly, record in a closet, due to the pandemic, the song itself speaks to the global situation and feelings of loneliness that most can relate to these days. The easy rhythm track builds for a rollercoaster ride to remember. The gentle single possesses just the right amount of punch with relatable lyrics. In a world that’s not quite open but not as closed off as it was a few months ago, many feel like they are in a state of limbo.
Frontman, Kyle Morris shared the meaning behind the single saying, “’High Low’ is about isolation, loneliness and longing for human connection. We’re all still here for one another even when we can’t be together.”
