CD Burners 12: IS THIS ALBUM CURSED? | Chroma by Cartel with Will Pugh
Jun 11, 2024
Joining the conversation is Will Pugh, the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Cartel, who shares his firsthand experiences from the making of their debut album, Chroma. He delves deep into the emotional themes of the songs, particularly 'Say Anything Else,' revealing the personal struggles that shaped their lyrics. The impact of timing and authenticity in the music industry is analyzed, as well as the nostalgic journey of Cartel from indie beginnings to major label fame. Expect insights into the lasting influence of Chroma and the pop-punk legacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Two 'Honestly' Videos Exist
- There are two versions of the "Honestly" music video due to major label influence wanting a reshoot to change Will's haircut.
- The original featured Will not playing guitar, and the new version had added makeup and styling to fit the emo scene aesthetic.
Chroma's Puzzle Piece Missing
- Cartel's album Chroma was highly planned and thoughtfully crafted, allowing them to record it quickly in eight days.
- Despite good songwriting and production, it lacked a certain intangible 'puzzle piece' that made it feel incomplete to some listeners.
Band in Bubble Hurt Momentum
- The MTV "Band in a Bubble" project cut short the album's momentum by shifting focus away from Chroma's radio singles.
- Major label commercialization hurt the scene's authenticity and negatively impacted Cartel's career growth.