Not A Toy Tests Their Limits and Expands Their Lyricism, Vocals and Sound on Their Long-Awaited, Self-Titled EP
While many artists combine and drift between musical genres and styles, none seem to boldly diverge from music norms quite like Not A Toy. Eager to explore uncertain and unknown artistic territories, Not A Toy is continuously heard and noticed as they take music mixing and mingling to a whole other level.
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Sometimes all we need is a pick me up, maybe a time to shout at the world with some energetic, angsty tunes. Thankfully, a quartet collective from Denver, Colorado has exactly what we need. With catchy hooks that stick deep while rocking hard enough to be a staple act in recent years for the Warped Tour crowd, Not A Toy plays with vitality and vision. Consisting of seven tracks totaling 25 minutes of blistering melody, Not A Toy’s self-titled EP showcases their aggressive nature while displaying some experimental sonics and complex synths. One thing is clear: these guys are unbound by genre constraints and do not want to be another ordinary band.
In a virtual press conference led by Universal Music Group’s °1824 division, Not A Toy band members Branson Hoog and Benji Spoliansky revealed their quarantine revelations, creative process, and the power of pushing music as an art form. Never short of charisma and gratitude, the duo opened up about their passion projects and unwavering optimism during their music career and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, quite audacious when uncertainty and isolation fill the air. Their transparent discussion made it easy to understand their group dynamic and musical origin.
“The biggest blessing is that we’ve been able to stay home and focus on the art, diving into the new music and new sound,” Benji shared. “Keep your chin up and do what makes you happy. And keep creating.”
“We’re a group of artists, and if someone wants to look into the band and what we make, they’re going to get all of it. Everything we make,” Branson added. “It was easy for us not to be just a band; we’re passionate about too many other things.”
It is clear the band’s synergy results from its collaborative dynamic and spirited attitude, not to mention some properly trained musicians. By adding a variety of textures and sound production, there’s much talent and art in their music. Every member brings their own slew of flares and touches to the band, generating a harmonious operative and unique sound filled with electric riffs, character, and heart.
“We’re always figuring it out. Every song comes together differently,” Benji noted. “But it’s definitely collaborative. Everyone in the band is crucial to the band’s sound.”
Forget defined genres and distinct styles as Not A Toy vows to be unbound by music barriers and unconventionally fall under no specific label. Transcending the boundaries of any singular genre, the self-titled EP segues between different grooves and tunes. Following their artistic instincts, Not A Toy focuses on a plethora of relatable feelings and moods rather than limited lyrics and style structures. Their fearless EP highlights their unmatched versatility.
“We didn’t want it to feel like one band or one entity’s music taste, we want it to feel like a snapshot of this generation’s artistic expression,” Branson explained. “We wanted Not A Toy to feel almost more of a movement than a band.”
Drawing inspiration from their high school days and a range of artists such as rule-breaker, producer-rapper Kanye West, Not A Toy is an EP deeply rooted in the complexity of human emotions, bright twangs, and driving rhythms. Not A Toy explores anger and love while swerving between sounds and styles. A strategic set of songs that tell multiple narratives about personal discoveries, love and anger, and current commentaries of the world, with the hope of creating open and honest conversations with fans. An EP with no clear message or sound filled with simplistic lyricism that lets the vocals soar high, Not A Toy is about life's journey over anything else.
Musically, it is big and brash, living between spaces of alternative-punk and southern grit. An EP filled with luxe synths, smooth baselines, and intrepid lyrics that explore musical landscapes and visual variations. It transforms into a series of loud and hypnotic tunes, meticulously and magically crafted to serve as a reminder to chill out, dance around, and not take life all too seriously.
“We all wanted to make sure that right off the bat Not A Toy stood out as being its own thing,” Benji expressed. “We didn’t want to play it safe. Fuck it. We’ve come this far.”
Not A Toy plays with various distorted, electric guitar and melodic piano elements, yet also introduces nodes of acoustic southern-grit on tracks like “J Cash” and “Antidote.” The duality of hip-hop and western saloon ultimately reiterates Not A Toy’s unparalleled risk-taking mantra to experiment and make music that is not safe but instead wild and all-encompassing. On the other end of the spectrum, songs like “Quit Quitting” glitter with dreamy California vibes and ethereal synths while questioning all the directions one can take in life. A raw and real track that emphasizes the journey of exploration, contemplating where you are in life and where you want to go.
Because of their experimental triumph, there is something in store for everyone. By parading the shared human experience in their music, everyone feels included. Track after track, each song has something important to say and a beat that either has you shouting along or quietly nodding to yourself. The earnest vocals and high octane rock give a sense of we are all in this together, touching on camaraderie in a time we need it most. With references to self-doubt, anxiety, and other struggles, Not a Toy is bordering on the growing pains of life, especially those experienced by young adults. The lyrics hit as hard as the music. No fluff. All truth. Adulting is tough. Change is scary. And life can be overwhelming. But when listening and singing along, one cannot help getting honest and face the music. Through it all, there is a sense that we will overcome all our fears and struggles together.
“We all experience personal struggles and heartbreak, and I think our music really speaks to that,” Branson declared. “And sometimes knowing others experience similar things is comforting...and ultimately, our music comes from us.”
As the name indicates, Not A Toy is not playing around. Devoted to every element of the music-making process, from wardrobe to artwork to lyrics, they view music as a vital and empowering art form. The goal is simple, never stop creating and crafting, better and better, more and more, each and every day with the hope that art will touch others, especially this current make-it-happen generation.
Not A Toy is a powerful force with unmatched dexterity and energy. A boundless feat in creative craftsmanship and complex expression, Not A Toy is not afraid to explore new territories and be their authentic selves both sonically and artistically. When people are in desperate need of some cheering up, Not A Toy encourages them to find creativity and inspiration anywhere and everywhere. And if Not A Toy has taught their fans anything, it is to continually push, learn, and create art that is courageously idiosyncratic and resonates with others regardless of outside forces or the convoluted state of the world.
“Keep trying to find a way to create something original, music that hasn’t been done before. Keep pushing music as an art form and try to find new ways to push this amazing art form we’re so passionate about,” Branson requested. “Everyone making music right now is a snapshot of the 2020 generation of musicians.”
“Hone your own craft...work as hard as you can as far as music goes, dialing in on your own practice and making as much music as you can,” Benji pledged.
One thing for sure, you do not need to know the lyrics or understand the sound to enjoy the music wholeheartedly. Trust me, after you hear Not A Toy, you are going to want to turn it up and take on the world. Never wanting to be boxed in and maintaining such bold and daring ambitions, there is nothing Not A Toy cannot tackle.
Not A Toy is on all major streaming platforms and across social media.