frames for real
frames is an indie-rock band from Central Illinois, who describe their sound as “power pop”. Consisting of Singer, Darcy Johnson, Lead Guitarist, Max Hutti, Bassist, Nathan Logsdon, and Drummer, Ellie Long; since 2019, they have been writing and releasing music together. Their newest tune, “peach pit”, has three awards in tow, for songwriting, engineering, and production. frames is most recognizable by their use of blunt and relatable lyrics that confess their real-life experiences.
What hot sounds in the city should fans be listening to of yours right now?
DARCY: While we’re from Central Illinois, just north of us is an insane Power Pop band you may have heard of called Beach Bunny. They just released a new record and to call it fantastic is an understatement.
NATE: I’d like to think we’re the hot sound, we really set ourselves apart from the normal country and/or acoustic sounds of central illinois.
ELLIE: I’d say listen to “peach pit”, it’s our new single. It’s one of my favorites we’ve done. It has a nice groove to it and the guitar in the outro is just simply perfect.
How has the reception been to new music?
DARCY: I think it’s been pretty good! It seems like people are liking the new sound. Our following is starting to grow!
NATE: It's been wonderful! Our latest music has been received very well, and people have seemed to really like what we’ve made
ELLIE: We’ve gained quite a few more followers. People seemed to like “peach pit” and it’s by far our most streamed song.
What are you looking forward to most when you perform in front of an audience this year?
DARCY: I love the energy we get from people. When they’re loving what we’re doing, it makes it so much easier to put on a good show. We as performers just feed off of the energy we get from the audience. I love nothing more than people yelling and screaming during our shows.
NATE: Making people smile, I love making people’s day with our music, and seeing people’s genuine reactions is my favorite part of performing for people
ELLIE: I look forward to just having a great time. I want the audience to enjoy the performance as much as I do. Hopefully we can gain new followers along the way.
What was the intention set for your music?
DARCY: To be blunt. You listen to our lyrics and you hear exactly what I’m saying. You don’t have to interpret any of it. I tell you exactly what you need to know.
NATE: With our music, we intend to make something that people can relate to on a deeper level while still enjoying the musical aspect of it!
ELLIE: The intention of our music is for others to enjoy it as much as we do. Our music is how we share our experiences and others may relate to it. It’s a good way to connect with our listeners.
What was the most important message to impart with your music?
DARCY: I want people to know that what they’re feeling is normal. It’s okay to be upset after a breakup, it’s okay to not want to graduate because you don’t know what comes after high school.
NATE: The most important message with our music is that you aren’t alone in how you feel. We try to write about experiences that can be related to by others so nobody ever has to go through something thinking they’re the only one who’s gone through it.
ELLIE: It’s relatable. Everyone has had that one relationship that didn’t end the way you wanted it to, or a relationship didn’t end the way you wanted it to or a relationship that you wanted that just didn’t happen. Our songs are mostly about a relationship in some way and everyone can relate to that.
How do you want your fans to treat themselves after listening to your music?
DARCY: I want them to be gentle to themselves. I want people to have something to relate to. I want everyone to know it’s okay to feel the things they feel.
NATE: Do whatever it is that makes you happy, whether that be chilling by yourself reading a book, or going out with friends! Forget the bad for a bit and make good memories to replace them:)
ELLIE: Share our music with others. A little convo can go a long way. There has been many times that I have been talking to someone, and they have mentioned a band they were listening to recently and I try to always give them a listen.
What is a song of yours that you have on repeat right now to set the mood for the rest of 2022?
DARCY: “peach pit” is probably the best song we’ve written so far, I’m definitely guilty of listening to it…often.
NATE: “Viva Voce” by the Rocketboys. An amazing song about using your voice and how the sound you put out can have such huge impacts. The true power of music.
ELLIE: I keep listening to “REELING”. I have just been going through the motions and every day feels like it’s the same day. But as the summer is getting closer to the end, things have been picking up and my mind has been reeling. I definitely had to take a step back and take a break.
LINKS: