Minneapolis Indie-Pop Artist Landon Conrath Shares “Science Fiction” + Watch the Studio Performance Video
July 29, 2022 BY Jason Currell
Today, the multi-faceted Minneapolis indie-pop artist Landon Conrath shares the moody new single “Science Fiction,” taken from his forthcoming debut album, Nothing Matters Anyway. With dark descending guitar lines, fuzzy tones, and angsty vocals, Landon opens up about his anxieties and insecurities in a powerful way. “Science Fiction” is available on all digital retailers (here).
Says Conrath about the song, “I think this is my favorite song I’ve ever written, and it’s about the worst thing in my life. I wrote this song about depression, which was something I never thought I struggled with until this last year of my life. The line ‘my chemistry owns me’ was really the one that stuck with me the most. I felt like my brain ruled my life in a way that I didn’t agree with. In the chorus when it says, ‘slam the door or tell me that it’s science fiction,’ I basically just wanted people to leave me alone before admitting that my depression was real.”
Landon has cemented himself as a leading voice in the Minneapolis indie music scene working with fellow Minnesota artists like Jake Luppen of Hippo Campus and most recently touring as the music/production director for fellow Minnesota indie-pop artist Ber.
“Science Fiction” joins “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.
WATCH “SCIENCE FICTION” OFFICIAL PERFORMANCE 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