WATCH: Paper Jackets Share New Single “Drugs & Honey”
WATCH: Paper Jackets Share New Single “Drugs & Honey”
The single follows their summer album, Souvenirs Volume One
Words by: Amanda Marano
Paper Jackets are back with a brand new single titled “Drugs & Honey”, the first track written by the band since coming out of quarantining for the better part of the year so far. The LA-based alt pop band offers up darker, more serious lyrics lifted by an upbeat sound. Akin to a more pop-leaning version of The 1975 or John Bellion, the track is a first look at the band’s next collection of songs, Souvenirs Volume Two.
“We’re all paying the pharmacist whether it’s for cocaine or Starbucks,” shares vocalist James Mason. “‘Drugs & Honey’ is about what we do to mask the pain. It’s a stylish approach to the nothingness that becomes us and the colorful veil to cover up. I personally like drug metaphors, crispy vocals and hot take heart breaks.”
“Society places a certain pressure to exude happiness at all times and this song translates the feeling of putting on your best face while working through your existence,” vocalist Aimee Proal adds.
“Drugs & Honey” was produced by Jordan Witzigrueter [The Ready Set] and co-written by James and Aimee alongside Jordan and Cameron Walker [Twin XL], and was mixed by Charlie Park (lovelytheband, Dreamers). The track follows Paper Jackets’ summer release of their album, Souvenirs Volume One – featuring hit singles “What They Call A Life”, “Baby Teeth“, and “Miss You”. The 10-track album is just one part of a tantalizing collection that challenges the boarders of alternative rock, while weaving a nostalgic theme the project. The compilation touches on formative moments the band has experienced together, especially addiction and its many forms. The carefully curated album is centered around specific relics, and everything from the song titles, lyrics, and album art all revolve these objects. Each object featured, from rose to a flamingo to a disco ball, correlates to a specific song – each relic telling its own story.
Paper Jackets formed in 2016 as each musician was rotating through a number of Sunset Strip jam nights. What began as random meetings and sessions soon blossomed into a four-piece group consisting of James Mason [vocals], Emily Dickinson [keyboard, live backing vocals], Jonny Vesely [guitar], and Aimee Proal [vocals]. After releasing their EP Don’t Lose Your Head in 2018, the band landed opening slots for Bishop Briggs and the X Ambassadors. For Paper Jackets, the road to creating Souvenirs Volume One has been long and winding, but all the more rewarding. “There’s a sense of urgency,” says Mason, speaking to the album as a whole. “There’s this mentality of, we have to do this now, we have to make these songs now…There’s this artistic force that pushes me in that way.” We can’t wait to see where this artistic force takes them.
