Shadowbanned “Lennon - McCartney”
From Shadowbanned’s The Two Towers LP, “Lennon-McCartney” reflects on the creative rivalry and 9/11 survivor’s guilt, tackling the unpredictability of life: change. The creative partnership of Lennon-McCartney is the most successful collaboration in history (by records sold), but their relationship ended with a clash. The time was good pre-9/11, but for many people, the attack forever changed their life. “Lennon-McCartney,” aligning with the rest of the Two Towers LP, contemplates on the best and worst of life.
Jak June’s smooth and charismatic pop vocal can makes you ears pregnant, but the nostalgia, introspection, and heart in the song is what moves souls. Its rich blends of influences feel like there are actual ghosts living in the soundscapes. For those who have experienced the currents of life, “Lennon-McCartney” certainly hits hard. It evokes lost feelings from the past and new feelings you don’t know that are there, while the warm and luscious sonics wash them through the currents, like the tide. “Lennon-McCartney” is immersive as it is heartfelt.
Read our interview with Shadowbanned below and learn more about the song and influences.
Punk Head: I love the smooth blend of genres in “Lennon-McCartney.” What's the story behind this song?
Shadowbanned: This one is an indie synth ballad about the creative rivalry between John Lennon & Paul McCartney, which resulted in (arguably) the best pop music ever - plus it's about 9/11 survivor's guilt. I know that’s a weird combination, but I reckon those two themes are connected. That connection is: nothing ever stays the same, no matter what we might want or fear - bad things become good, good things become bad. Then it all changes around again! Change just is, for better or worse. Live in the present, right? Meanwhile, the track definitely blends genres, I agree - and thanks for noticing! But which genres? Bieber-pop meets Prog Rock? 70’s Billy Joel meets Sam Smith? Whatever the case, genre-tension is key to the ‘Shadowbanned sound,’ for sure.
PH: What do you like the best about this track?
Shadowbanned: Jak’s voice rules. The Moog rules. Just push until you feel it.
PH: What motivates you as an artist?
Shadowbanned: Creating a little story someone else might listen to and enjoy and bounce off of. Also: thumbing a nose at genre conventions, plus loving and respecting musical genres - at the same time.
PH: Who are your biggest influences?
Shadowbanned: Joni Mitchell, Public Enemy, Everything But The Girl, Kacey Musgraves. And Lennon - McCartney, obvs.
PH: What is the one thing that you’d like your fans to know about you?
Shadowbanned: Dang, if I do have some fans, I feel so grateful and privileged?! Thank you so much for listening, it means the world to me, truly.
