Tag: epitaph records

LiL Lotus Drops Deluxe Version of ‘nosebleeder’

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Interview and Photos by Jordan Edwards

Today, LiL Lotus released the deluxe version of his sophomore album nosebleeder. It features acoustic versions of standout tracks including “blame me for everything” with Mod Sun, as well as a cover of Lil Uzi Vert’s “Grab the Wheel.”

Since his debut EP Bodybag in 2017, LiL Lotus has gradually shifted away from the alternative hip-hop sound he started with. Signed to Epitaph Records, he now mixes elements of pop-punk, metal, and Y2K alt rock.

We met up with the Texas-born musician for a photoshoot and to talk about the album.

Tell me about this Lil Uzi Vert cover. How did you put that together?
I always loved Uzi and that song, and I always felt the lyrics hella. They’re super sad when you really listen behind all the flexing, so I wanted to make a sad version of it.

You teamed up with Mod Sun for the track “blame me for everything.” What was it like to work with him and make that song?
Mod’s always been the homie and super fun to hang with, so the process of the song just came naturally and we just goofed off and caught up while making it. So happy on how it came out.

You’ve shifted from an alt hip-hop sound to rock. What do you love about pop-punk?
I’d say this album is less pop punk than error boy, but as far as rock goes, it’s definitely my roots and where I feel most at home. Emotionally it’s very fulfilling, ’cause it’s powerful enough to get my point across.

Do you have a favorite tattoo?
Probably the angel on my face. It’s not the craziest design, but the baby angel that cut off his own head just symbolizes me, so I’m very attached to it.

You grew up in Texas. What do you miss about living there?
Well, I have my family there and I miss them, but as far as Texas itself goes, I’d say the food. No one does it like Texas. I don’t care what anyone says (at least out towards the east coast).

Is there someone you listen to that might surprise people?
Hmm I listen to a lot of music. Mk.gee, Yuele, Këkht Aräkh are some of the people I’m really into right now.

What are you planning for the spring and summer?
I’ve already started this new album, which I’m so stoked on. Really, just more music and getting healthy, oh, and more shows. Maybe get into this TikTok bullshit, who knows?

For more from LiL Lotus, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

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March 22, 2024
Chad Tepper is Having a Great Time

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Interview and Photos by Jordan Edwards

If Chad Tepper looks like he’s in a good mood, he probably is. He just released his debut album, he’s been working with some of his childhood rock idols, and he’s found his life partner.

Released on August 11 on Epitaph, Never Stood a Chance is a throwback to TRL-era rock with choruses that would fit into a Y2K teen comedy. To help get that sound, Tepper worked with artists like Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan and the band Lit, who appears on the track “777.” The production might be modern, but the attitude is from an earlier time.

We hung out with Tepper in downtown LA to talk about Never Stood a Chance, skateboarding, and where he goes from here.

You just released your debut album. How do you feel?
Super excited. Super grateful. It’s crazy to even say it’s finally here. Can’t believe the time is finally here, and I’ve put out a body of work. I’m so grateful for everyone involved.

Why did you call it “Never Stood a Chance?”
My whole life is “Never Stood A Chance”. Never stood a chance of becoming a full time artist. Never stood a chance of living in LA. Never stood a chance of being happy. When you come from growing up homeless living on the side of the road as a child, you feel like you never stand a chance of actually getting out of that shit. But here I am–all doubters, all naysayers, all crazy obstacles aside–here I am.

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What was the hardest part about putting it together?
The hardest part was dealing with all the paperwork stuff haha. That and deciding what songs to put on there. I made so many songs that I love and normally I make music for myself and if I’m happy, I’m good. But with this one, I really wanted to focus on a range of music that I was inspired by and grew up on instead of just doing what makes me happy. The hardest part of making this album was showcasing my range and pushing myself out of the comfort zone while staying true to myself and giving something to my fans that I know they’ll love. As an artist, you can get insecure and question what you’re doing so just saying “F it, I’m happy so let’s pull the trigger,” was probably the biggest challenge.

You brought in some big established names to produce and play on the album. What was it like to work with musicians you grew up listening to?
It’s a fucking dream. When you grow up as a kid you’re influenced by these artists, and you’re jumping around your room playing air guitar. You’d just never think 10-20 years later that you’d be sitting down making music with them, and doing shows with them, and becoming friends making art together. It’s surreal, honestly.

Do you have a favorite track from the album? I really like “777” with Lit.
I mean I love the whole thing haha but yeah I’d say my personal favorites are “Run The World,” “At Least I’m Not Alone,” and “1-800-IDONTKNOWYOUANYMORE.”

Jordan Edwards/Popdust

I know you love 2000s rock. Why is that your favorite era?
Haha these are the best years ever – these define me – Jackass culture, skate culture, the movies were incredibl,e the culture was incredible. It was just a TIME. It’s literally perfection to me: the clothing, culture, TV shows, commercials. Nothing beats late 90s/early 2000s for me. That’s my childhood right there, man.

You’re known for your big personality and being a goofball. What kind of kid were you? I can see you getting in trouble for acting up in class.
I actually grew up homeless, so I was super shy and introverted. Of course, I got in trouble, but I really was a shy/good kid because I was insecure being homeless and kept quiet. I didn’t start being a menace until I got to high school, because that’s around the time we moved into our trailer, and I started to come out of my shell a bit more. That’s when I started skating and really getting into the culture.

How much skating do you do these days?
Not as much as I’d like to, but funny you say that because I’m actually doing a guest pro deck that’s coming out this month through a company called Bad Grease, so I’m super pumped on that. I have a mini ramp and rails in my backyard, so I skate at least once a week. But, it’s really not as much as I’d like to.

What are your plans for the fall?
Going on tour! Playing a festival. Making more music, of course, and celebrating all things Never Stood A Chance. And of course, celebrating my fave holiday, Halloween.

For more from Chad Tepper, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

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August 16, 2023
The Sweet, Twisted World of Roe Kapara

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Interview and Photos by Jordan Edwards

Roe Kapara is a talented songwriter who’s created his own world that’s both macabre and endearing. His aesthetics, with references to death, religion, and past decades, build a surreal atmosphere that’s helped make him popular on social media.

Kapara’s latest single, “Before We Croak,” is a great example. A duet with Chevy, it’s a quiet, acoustic song that acknowledges love and an impending apocalypse.

“…If the sun explodes tonight, just know that I’ll hold you ’til we die.”

In the two years since his breakout single “Employment Cost,” the St. Louis native has signed to Epitaph Records and released his debut EP. Anchored by the single “Preacher,” I Hope Hell Isn’t Real is funny and surprisingly sweet, but it also reflects the anxiety that many young artists feel.

We met up with Kapara in Las Vegas to talk about how he got to this point.

Your debut EP has been out for a while. How does it feel now that you’ve had some separation from the release date?
I’m happy with it, but mostly I’m just feeling a sense of urgency to make as many projects as I can before I keel over and die one day.

What’s your favorite song to play live?
Right now, it’s “This Time Last Week.”

You’ve used rural gothic Midwestern aesthetics for some of your visuals. Where did that come from and do you direct your own videos?
I’m from the Midwest and love Halloween, so maybe I’m just naturally drawn to it. I directed some of them, and I worked with directors as well. For a long time, it was just me and my friends messing around.

You have sort of an early ’90s grunge vibe, both musically and with your style. Is that your favorite era of music?
I love all eras of music, and I wish I could have been a part of all of them, honestly. I do think the ’90s were great for music and art in general.

How did you end up signing with Epitaph?
I had a few labels reach out when I had a bit of success online. I wanted to stick with an indie label that seemed like they really cared about the music.

Some of your songs are pretty cynical. Do you consider yourself a cynical person?
Very cynical, but I’m not naturally that way. I think most people are just sick of watching lazy, megalomaniacs get rich and exploit everyone’s labor in order to buy something dumb like an overpriced, loud Corvette.

Why do you tend to favor acoustic over electric guitar?
Lately. I have been using a lot of electric guitar on my new stuff, but I tend to write everything on an acoustic guitar first. It’s so easy to just pick it up, nothing blocking me from immediately writing.

What do you miss most about living in St. Louis?
Feeling like everything and everyone isn’t moving so fast all the time.

You’ve been teasing new songs on social media. How much does fan reaction influence what and how you release something?
A song may come out faster if I love the song, and the audience seems to love it as much as I do. I’ve also had songs go viral that I never put out, because I didn’t love them. It certainly gives an artist comfort that a song will perform well before putting it out though (since we are forced to make art that performs well monetarily in order to eat). I’m pretty sure most artists go through that struggle unfortunately.

What’s the perfect song for a late night summertime drive?
“One of These Nights” by the Eagles, “Brazil” by Declan McKenna, “Aphasia” by Pinegrove, or “Do You” by Spoon. Can’t pick just one haha.

For more from Roe Kapara, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

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July 19, 2023