Joyce Manor revisits old memories on new song

image

Joyce Manor continues to mine a deep sense of reflection. The Southern California pop rock group has unveiled “I Know Where Mark Chen Lives,” a fast and ferocious song fueled by recollections of earlier years. The release serves as the second preview from their forthcoming album, fittingly named I Used to Go to This Bar.

The extended song title draws clear inspiration from early 2000s emo culture while also honoring a figure from the screamo scene. “Mark Chen was a singer and songwriter for the bands Summer Vacation and Winter Break, which didn’t get quite as popular as they deserved to,” frontman Barry Johnson said in a statement. “I just love Mark’s songwriting and voice,” he added.

Johnson later offered insight into the loose and vivid storytelling that shapes the track. “Lyrically, the song was inspired by Chase and I hanging out, drinking and smoking weed and laughing about stuff, and we were talking about how when weed clubs first started, they’d give you a free dab and the budtender would do a dab with you,” he said. “Dabs are insanely gnarly. I was cracking myself up imagining some 19-year-old girl that just did her third dab of the hour before getting robbed at gunpoint, because they’d always get robbed as cash businesses. That’s the imagery of the song: Those early days when weed was still not super fully legal. It was like the Wild West, a little bit. And yeah, that just gave me a chuckle because it’s really dark and brutal,” he added.

The band carries that throwback spirit into the video for “I Know Where Mark Chen Lives.” Directed by Jason Link and Rowan Daly, the clip is presented in black and white and shows Joyce Manor performing in what appears to be a tight rehearsal room reminiscent of their early practice spaces.

While the band’s themes may be rooted in looking back, their current momentum feels just as strong. In October, Joyce Manor revealed plans for I Used to Go to This Bar, their seventh studio album and their first since 2022’s 40 Oz. to Fresno. They are also preparing to bring the record to stages across the United States this spring, with an appearance at Coachella 2026 also on the horizon.

COMMENTS

Leave a comment

Megan Thee Stallion Hospitalized After Getting Sick During Moulin Rouge! The Musical Performance

image

Megan Thee Stallion was taken to hospital after becoming unwell during her appearance in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Tuesday evening.

The Savage hitmaker, whose real name is Megan Pete, began her planned eight week engagement in the production last week, taking on the role of Harold Zidler. The show is currently running at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City.

However, according to a statement from the production team, Megan had to step away from the show after she began experiencing health issues.

"During Tuesday night's production, Megan started feeling very ill and was promptly transported to a local hospital, where her symptoms are currently being evaluated," a representative shared. "We will share additional updates as more information becomes available."

Meanwhile, Megan’s hairstylist Kellon Deryck also reached out to fans, asking them to send their support to the rapper.

"Everyone say a prayer for Megan, we are all at the hospital," he wrote.

At this time, spokespersons for the 31 year old performer have not released any new information.

Megan has made history as the first female identifying artist to take on the role of Zidler, a character first played by Danny Burstein, in any global production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

"Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team is an absolute honour," the Hot Girl Summer artist said previously. "I've always believed in pushing myself creatively and theatre is definitely a new opportunity that I'm excited to embrace. Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation and storytelling, but I'm up for the challenge and can't wait for the Hotties (her fans) to see a new side of me."

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is scheduled to end its Broadway run on 26 July, bringing a seven year run to a close.

COMMENTS

Leave a comment