Interview: PONY on the making of "Velveteen"

+ 2000s Alternaitve: Hits & Deep Cuts playlist

In the latest episode of Carefully Curated, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with the talented duo, Sam Bielanski and Matty Morand, from the glitter power pop band PONY. The discussion centered around their latest album Velveteen which is one of my favorite albums from 2023 so far!

Sam and Matty shared insights into the making of Velveteen, revealing some of their musical influences, which range from classics like The Cure and The Smiths to modern favorites like Paramore and Poppy. They spoke about how their love for joyful, melodic guitar pop inspired their sound and the delightful moments of collaboration that breathed new life into the songs. The duo also reflected on the challenges and triumphs of releasing their debut album TV Baby during the pandemic, finding solace and inspiration in music during uncertain times.

Not only will you get an exclusive glimpse into the making of Velveteen but we also have exciting insights into the making of the new Pretty Matty record Heavenly Sweetheart - a power pop gem that was released in June.

For anyone who hasn't yet experienced the wonder of Velveteen this interview is a perfect introduction to the album's lush melodies, catchy hooks, and heartfelt lyrics. We play several tracks from the record including “Who’s Calling” which landed on my 2023: 50 Favorite Songs playlist (Note: 10 more songs are being added to this playlist tomorrow!)

Be sure to follow the Carefully Curated podcast page on Spotify. I’ve got another great episode coming out tomorrow with an artist who has a wonderful new album out this Friday!

Playlist: 2000s Alternative Rock & Indie: Hits & Deep Cuts

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this new pressing of Is This It by The Strokes from Vinyl Me, Please. This record turned 22 years old yesterday. It’s been said this is the very first pressing to include New York City Cops & When It Started, so that’s rad. It also includes a nice book of words about the album written by Erica Campbell. I didn’t have this record in my collection (shocker) and this was a good excuse to pick it up! I listened to some of the people who work for Vinyl Me, Please discuss this project when it was announced on their Discord. They mentioned that they worked with The Strokes directly & that they prefer the US album cover (pictured above) to the UK one (not pictured). That was news to me!

As with any album anniversary, I use it as an excuse to plug a playlist! I added “New York City Cops” to the top of my 2000s Alternative Rock & Indie: Hits & Deep Cuts playlist. I started this playlist back in 2013. It features over 2000 songs from 2000 to 2009 with hits, b-sides, album finales, you name it.

For every “Seven Nation Army” there’s a “Hypnotize”.
For every “Help I’m Alive” a “Blindness”.
For every “Mr. Brightside” a “Change Your Mind”.
You get what I’m saying.

Get nostalgic & press play above.
Did I miss an essential track? Let me know in the comments.
More decade playlists like that one can be found in my profile.
That’s all I got!
- Patrick