The Test Press

Indie rock is a crowded field these days. It’s difficult to cut through the noise; the literally thousands of new indie tracks uploaded each day. Social media, the tool artists rely on to reach new fans and break their music, is overrun with peers trying to accomplish the same goal. While it’s genuinely sad people’s hard work gets reduced to 3 second sound-bites, there quite literally isn’t enough time in the day to listen to every hopeful artist’s pitch for fandom.

However, a few months prior to this interview, I heard a song while scrolling through instagram that halted me. The soaring and powerful guitars (manned by founder Chris O’Keefe & the luscious locks of Nick Nassab) beautifully complimented the expressive vocals of lead singer Dani Judith, with Jake Kaspari (bass) and Ryan Williams’ (drums) work in the rhythm section hypnotizing me into a head nod. I would discover this (soon to be relentlessly replayed) tune was “Fruitless”, the title track off the latest EP from NorCal’s own Rainbow City Park. After listening to their whole discography many times over, and very possibly becoming their biggest fan, I simply had to get them on the show.

In summation, an Instagram ad lead us to this very interview, where I sat down with Rainbow City Park to discuss their newest indie/alt-rock EP, “Fruitless”. We also chatted about their musical inspirations, their very 2025 origin story (Chris assembled the gang from various internet spaces), and their dream to play a show at the actual Rainbow City Park (which most of the members, inexplicably, haven’t even been to). Later, the group sees if we can identify who’s embarrassing story is who’s, where I tell the band a story they got a real “kick” out of.

You’ll absolutely be making this episode your “end all be all”!

Buy Rainbow City Park's Music on Bandcamp: https://rainbowcitypark.bandcamp.com

Stream Rainbow City Park's Music:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7D859YwLQQnOwzDouWtcmd

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rainbow-city-park/1617489961

Follow Rainbow City Park on Social Media!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainbowcitypark

Threads - https://www.threads.com/@rainbowcitypark

Follow the show!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.testpress

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetestpress

Alex Ray has already lived multiple, vastly different (and successful) lives. After graduating Valedictorian of her law school and working in the “Big Law” system, she decided to upend it all and pursue music and content creation full time. After just a couple of years, she’s already cultivated a dedicated community on YouTube, been taken on by a manager to assist with her music career, and released a handful of incredible songs that have taken her to some big stages. Her music, similar to her life thus far, takes vastly different worlds and combines them; she blends pop and trap production with heavy metal elements, all with lyricism straight from the Taylor Alison Swift School of songwriting. These combine to form surprisingly cohesive works that would be at home on Top 40 radio or at a warehouse show.

On this episode, Brylan sits down with singer/songwriter, YouTube personality and former lawyer Alex Ray to discuss her wild transition from law to music, growing up with southern roots (shout out to everyone who knows what a “warsh rag” is), and how women are carrying the torch for rock music in 2025. The duo also discuss how Alex was essentially baited into becoming a KPOP fan, Taylor Swift’s impact on Alex as a musician and songwriter, and much more! At the end of the show, Alex Ray debuts her unreleased song “BOY YOU AINT” (which Alex describes as “the meanest song she’s ever written”) in a Test Press Exclusive. Brylan also put's Alex in the hot seat to see if she can identify some famous musicians' real names.

There's certainly a trail leading to more in this episode!

Stream Alex Ray’s Music:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OVZimSALUqKlgqROcxVJc

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/alex-ray/1698755962

Watch her music commentary on YouTube!

https://youtube.com/@alex_ray_music?si=vcGGMBKDfv2rgGLb

Follow Alex Ray on Social Media!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alex_ray_music

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@alex_ray_music

Threads - https://www.threads.com/@alex_ray_music

Follow the show!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.testpress

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetestpress

Watch that episode of Kitchen Nightmares with the crazy burger people: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK33Q31g7wM

It's no secret that The Test Press are fans of elite lyricists. So, this week was extra special, as indie rock/alt-country singer-songwriter and self proclaimed Maxxinista June Swoon graces the guest chair before she hits the road for her upcoming "Can't Grow Flowers on a Rolling Stone" Tour in June and July. 

In the interview, she confesses her love for being "esoteric", explaining her tendency towards philosophical lyrics laced with metaphors that both inspire deep contemplation and paint vivid pictures. These pair well with the often moody instrumentation June crafts to complete her soundscapes, that draw inspiration from emo, early/mid 2000s indie rock, and even classic country.

Brylan and June also discuss their shared experience of growing up near Evangelicalism, connecting with her father through an old photo of him as a rodeo clown (which became the cover of her second LP), the state of live music in 2025, and SO much more (it's our longest interview to date)! Also, Brylan puts June's knowledge of chart topping country music to the test in "Poorly Explained Country Songs". And of course, we break down some of June's songs.

If you're "tired of being disappointed", this episode is sure to satisfy you!

June Swoon is going on tour! Buy tickets here: https://www.thejuneswoon.com/june-swoon-tour-dates

Support June Swoon by buy her music on Bandcamp: 

https://juneswoon.bandcamp.com/

Stream June Swoon's Music:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OVZimSALUqKlgqROcxVJc

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/june-swoon/1479805133

Follow June Swoon on Social Media!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juneswoonfm

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@juneswoon

Threads - https://www.threads.com/@juneswoonfm

Follow the show!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.testpress

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetestpress

This episode, Brylan sits down with Izzy T, a pop-rock singer-songwriter from the UK, known for her hard-hitting yet meaningful tunes that masterfully blend pop, hard rock, blues, and hip-hop to create powerful tunes often centered around female empowerment. Izzy discusses how overcoming bullying in her childhood lead her to become the powerful artist, activist, and woman she is today. The pair also discuss her musical influences such as Christina Aguilera, Bullet For My Valentine, and Eminem. They even take a quick detour to discuss Izzy's love for boxing (and its superiority to soccer), and weigh in on the massive yet controversial metal band Sleep Token.

Also, Brylan put's Izzy's mastery of her craft to the test by seeing if she can name her own songs from a single word, in the new game called "May I Have A Word?"

Stream "Crime Scene" and the rest of Izzy T's Music!

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YoA6qpLPKl5KkGbxlxDMg?si=ASQBodKRSGalwj60GmV6Cg

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/izzy-t/1600009281

Follow Izzy T on Social Media!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/izzytofficial

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@izzytofficial

Youtube - https://youtube.com/@izzytofficialmusic?si=a3dGLNrp7rGfvsAP

Follow the show!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.testpress

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thetestpress

Threads - https://www.threads.com/@the.testpress

This week, Brylan dives into the mysterious craft of film scoring with multi-award winning composer Lindsay Young, who elevates films with her unique blend of hard hitting yet emotional scores. They discuss her approach to finding the perfect sounds for a filmmaker's visuals, her favorite scores that inspire her, and even how Jack Black inadvertently helped her find her way to the art form. Also, Brylan puts Lindsay's ear for mood to the test with a game of "Settle The Score".

Aside from being a decorated composer, Lindsay is also a self-produced singer/songwriter who creates modern, jazz-inspired tunes under the name "Lindsay Ruth". The pair discuss how her personal writing different from her approach to film scoring, her most recent release "Hot Summer", and her plans for new original music in the future.

Don't cut this episode short!

Check out Lindsay's website and book her for your film project!

https://www.lindsayruth.com/

Stream Her Original Music:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2bDXcGbipCJXTC8PC0tmCZ

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lindsay-ruth/1545779495

Follow Her On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlindsayruth?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Music Played in the Episode:

"swan song" by Victoria Canal - https://open.spotify.com/track/1clFEQvpbykRc84u8y7a9P?si=ad1aba5bf36a49b8

"Hot Summer" by Lindsay Ruth - https://open.spotify.com/track/6C7wNNL55bIeERwhvSZXft?si=3bffbf2c5bd84ed7

Films/Clips Shown in This Episode:

"It Follows" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpmdhe1Ch9E

"The Silence Of The Lambs" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoZ1e5kjjcs&t=106s

"O.C.D." - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAfdRMeZkWQ&t=42s

"Quarantine Cats Strike Back" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA6L58ayhZE

"Blurred" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3foFTTNJOOk&t=287s

"Swiping" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQKIEMzrx5I

Follow the show!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.testpress

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetestpress

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@the.testpress

How would you get by with No Money & No Friends? Brylan sits down with LA Pop-Rock star and secret Taylor Swift fan Halo Kitsch to find out, and discuss Halo’s unique brand of introspective, smart, yet relentlessly catchy tunes. Halo reveals the early influences that shaped her trademark sound and how she pulls from her own life, struggles, and hopes & fears to craft her songs, with a deep dive into the inspirations behind three of her tracks; “No Money & No Friends”, “I Knew Not To (Fall for You)”, and her latest single, “Between Your Teeth”.

Brylan and Halo also chat about being mixed, getting banned from social media apps, and (hopefully) turning 50.

Oh, and we also check in on Newfie!

Stream Halo Kitsch’s Music!

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kjYrogjc9CwlkeA6Sy9mH

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/halo-kitsch/1499806916

Follow Halo Kitsch on Social Media:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/halokitsch?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@halokitsch?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HaloKitsch?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Follow the show!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.testpress

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetestpress

Brylan sits down with composer, pianist, teacher, and Chinese food enthusiast Natalie Brice to talk about her critically acclaimed musical "White Rose: The Musical", currently playing from now till April 13th at the Marylebone Theatre in London, England. White Rose tells the story of a group of student activists in 1940s Germany who distribute literature challenging the Reich's propaganda.

In the episode, Natalie elaborates on the intensive process of writing the music for the show (including writing an entirely new song at the last minute), adjusting to the bizarre experience of watching others perform your work, and the heavy subject matter of the musical and how it relates to the current state of the world.

On a lighter note, the pair discuss Natalie's love for punk music and play a Test Press-ified version of "two truths and a lie" with wild music opinions!

Go see White Rose: The Musical if you're in London! Tickets - https://tickets.marylebonetheatre.com/tickets/series/WHITEROSE?_gl=1*1m1i2hq*_gcl_au*MTg2Nzk2OTg2Ny4xNzQxOTM1MTgy

Listen to the recording of the New York run of the show!

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/2wYNbpl9rpHwHLFmA0pwZ7?si=iYU96HVKT3yXgn-TmZ3Fqg

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/album/white-rose-the-musical-original-off-broadway-cast/1745157058

Follow White Rose: The Musical on social media!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whiterosethemusical

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whiterosethemusical

Threads - https://www.threads.net/@whiterosethemusical

Follow the show!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.testpress

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thetestpress

Threads - https://www.tiktok.com/@whiterosethemusical

On this episode of the pod, host Brylan May chats with Los Angeles based indie/noise rock band Impulse Bangs! Tune in to hear them discuss the creative process, musical influences, and some highlights from their catalogue, including the recently released album "Best Supporting Actress". Also, the band squirm in their seats facing the choice of either answering some VERY uncomfortable questions or eating some unholy foods in a round of "Bad Taste"!

Impulse Bangs pulls from a variety of different genres and influences to assemble energetic, catchy and delightfully noisy indie rock, culminating in their most recent effort, "Best Supporting Actress". The band describes the record as an "accidental concept album", dealing with themes of difficult relationships, insecurity, and self doubt. Despite the heavy subject matter, the group delivers energetic and often times upbeat songs that are sure to get any indie crowd going wild.

Buy "Best Supporting Actress" on Bandcamp: https://impulsebangs.bandcamp.com/album/best-supporting-actress

Stream "Best Supporting Actress" and the rest of their catalogue:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QbpC7UT2TgsfZ9Qpyvcbp

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/impulse-bangs/1551889512

Follow Impulse Bangs on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/impulse.bangs

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Follow the show!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.testpress

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetestpress

Host Brylan May sits down with Oliver Chavez, lead guitarist of indie rock band The Framers and lone mastermind behind the post-hardcore/spoken word project Your Albino Shadow. The pair discuss Oli's beginnings as a guitarist and songwriter, their mutual love of My Chemical Romance, and the two records Oliver worked on last year; "I'm Feeling Fine!" by The Framers and "What Resembles a Grave But Isn't" as Your Albino Shadow. Also, Brylan tests Oli's BS detector with some "Find The Fake" trivia of ridiculous band names and song lyrics.

Listen to The Framers' most recent album, "I'm Feeling Fine!" (and their other stuff): https://open.spotify.com/album/1qh4fSHEQPV1vwPx43v9SA?si=Iw-EiQcfRn2Ijvuy_p8RxQ

Listen to Your Albino Shadow's "What Resembles a Grave But Isn't": https://open.spotify.com/album/1qh4fSHEQPV1vwPx43v9SA?si=Iw-EiQcfRn2Ijvuy_p8RxQ

The Framers' Social Media:

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/theframers_sb

Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@theframers

Your Albino Shadow Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/youralbinoshadow

Follow the show!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.testpress

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetestpress

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the.testpress