Minneapolis Indie Artist LANDON CONRATH Shares New Song “Trader Joe’s” + Announces Debut Album Out September 9th
June 17, 2022 BY Jason Currell
Minneapolis multi-hyphenate indie artist Landon Conrath is proud to announce his debut album Nothing Matters Anywaywith the release of the single + video “Trader Joe’s.” Blending hypnotic synth lines with hard-hitting guitars and a fiery chorus, Landon delivers a melancholic melody about those moments where it feels like everything is taking a turn for the worst. Landon worked with Minnesota native and member of Hippo Campus Jake Luppen, who served as co-producer on the track.
“Trader Joe’s” is available on all digital retailers (here).
Landon explains, “It’s easy to feel the weight of the world fall completely on your shoulders after every little thing goes wrong, or an expectation doesn’t quite come to fruition. I guess my gut response is to just slap a Band-Aid on it with big bright text that says, ‘nothing matters anyway!’ cause that’s easier than actually dealing with the disappointment. Anyways, I think that’s what the song is about, but it’s really up to you.”
“Trader Joe’s” follows “Boulevards,” “Casanova,” and “Last Week,” which will all appear on Landon Conrath’s forthcoming album Nothing Matters Anyway, due out September 9th via Nettwerk. In addition to releasing new music, Landon has been busy touring as the music/production director for fellow Minnesota songwriter Ber.
WATCH “TRADER JOE’S” OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO HERE:
Since making his debut in 2020, Landon Conrath’s distinctive brand of hook-laden indie-pop has seen him become a viral sensation on Spotify, landing on influential playlists virtually overnight. His authentic, off-the-cuff style has resonated with listeners worldwide, amassing millions of streams. “I never wanted to make anything that was based on a trend. It’s exciting to have the freedom to really choose who I want to be and what I want to say. My goal is to make music that people can connect with.”
There’s a palpable energy in songs like “Papercuts” and “lowercase,” as honest lyrics reflect on the perils of youth and “letting your heart do all the thinking.” Conrath made his Nettwerk debut with his EP Dazed & Confused(2021), a collection of up-tempo grooves full of glistening guitar licks and late-night revelations. It’s two am on the phone again; you got me thinking we’re more than friends, he croons in “2AM.”
Now Landon returns with his debut full-length Nothing Matters Anyway, an 8-song expression of the growing pains of youth and all the pitfalls that come with it. We find Landon taking a more mature and nuanced approach while still delivering his signature break-neck choruses and angsty energy.
“Boulevards” and “Casanova” both serve as carefree bangers with anthemic attitudes that could easily sit next to Bad Suns or The 1975 on a playlist. “Last Week” sees Conrath at his most vulnerable, opening up about a toxic relationship with a musical collaborator. It’s an honest account of how negative relationships affect our mental well-being.
“Last Week is about a person in my life who made me feel like I was constantly under their feet,” Landon explains. “We worked super closely together, but I always felt like my ideas weren’t good enough and that I should just quit music in general. Whether it was truly a bad situation or if I just put those ideals on myself, this song illustrates with the struggles of self-worth.“
Then there’s “Trader Joe’s,“ a song co-produced with fellow Minnesota native Jake Luppen of Hippo Campus. Perhaps his most dynamic effort to date, the song shows off sizzling synths, swaggering melodies, and a furious chorus.
Throughout the album, Landon juxtaposes his cathartic lyricism with uplifting melodies, showing listeners that there’s always a way to heal.
With each phrase, Landon lives in the moment, and whether it’s emotional hell, taking kicks to the belt,or dealing with a love interest that’s in his head wreaking havoc, we’re right there with him. “I think everyone has felt that sting of being led to believe something that isn’t true and the fallout that can take place in your brain.” Landon uses music to grapple with his uncertainty. He graduated college during the pandemic, found a new relationship, and signed a record deal with Nettwerk. Through it all, he’s found a way to stay true to himself.
LANDON CONRATH IN THE PRESS…
“…writing catchy hooks… the 23-year-old Minnesotan has music in his bones…” –MN Daily
“A palpable energy reflecting a quick heartbeat and reminiscent memories of driving recklessly with friends.” –Early Rising
Song of the Day – The Current
“Driven by a strong bass line, Conrath’s powerful vocals and lyrics that’ll inspire you to drive down the highway with the windows down, the song arrives just in time for summer nights.” -Prelude Press
“The blend of honest lyrics matched with the happy production is perfect, and it has us all wanting more from the emerging artist.” –Banger of the Day