The emerging musical collaboration known as Billboard Style, featuring Ben Guterl of Forth Wanderers and Dan Howard of Victoryland, has released "Dropped," a poignant new single offering the quietest and most emotionally raw preview yet of their highly anticipated debut album, Pull Of The Moon. Slated for release on October 16th under the independent label Good English, the album has been steadily building momentum with previous singles "Billboard Style" and "Meloxicam," which have garnered significant critical attention for their distinctive sound and compelling narratives. "Dropped" deviates from its predecessors, delving into a deeply personal and melancholic territory that underscores the duo’s artistic range and profound lyrical capabilities.
The Genesis of Billboard Style: A Collaborative Fusion
The formation of Billboard Style represents a compelling convergence of two distinct yet complementary musical sensibilities. Ben Guterl, widely recognized for his work as a principal songwriter and guitarist in the critically acclaimed indie rock outfit Forth Wanderers, brings a nuanced approach to lyrical introspection and atmospheric instrumentation. Forth Wanderers, celebrated for their evocative storytelling and emotive soundscapes across releases like Slop (2018) and Forth Wanderers (2016), established Guterl as a formidable voice in contemporary indie music, capable of crafting narratives that resonate deeply with listeners. His contributions often explored themes of youth, vulnerability, and navigating the complexities of personal relationships.
Dan Howard, known for his involvement with Victoryland, contributes a different textural layer to Billboard Style. While Victoryland’s discography and public profile might be less extensive than Forth Wanderers’, Howard’s participation in this new project signifies a fresh creative direction, hinting at a broader sonic palette and experimental inclinations. The collaboration itself speaks to a shared artistic vision, where the individual strengths of Guterl’s lyrical depth and Howard’s musical contributions coalesce into a cohesive and fresh sound. Their decision to form Billboard Style, moving beyond their established projects, suggests a desire to explore new artistic avenues and push the boundaries of their respective creative outputs, offering listeners a fresh perspective on their collective talents. This synergistic pairing has generated considerable buzz within the indie music community, as fans eagerly anticipate the full scope of their combined artistry.
Pull Of The Moon: A Chronology of Anticipation
The journey to Pull Of The Moon has been carefully orchestrated, with Billboard Style strategically unveiling singles that showcase different facets of their musical identity. The initial announcement of the band’s formation and their debut single, "Billboard Style," immediately captured attention. Released earlier this year, the track served as an emphatic introduction, signaling a sound that was both familiar in its indie rock sensibilities and innovative in its execution. Critics and fans alike praised its immediate catchiness and the intricate interplay between Guterl’s vocals and the track’s instrumentation, setting a high bar for what was to follow.
Following this impactful debut, the duo released "Meloxicam," which further solidified their burgeoning reputation. This second single offered a deeper dive into their songwriting prowess, demonstrating a capacity for both melodic hooks and substantive lyrical content. The consistent quality of these initial offerings helped to establish Billboard Style not merely as a side project, but as a serious and dedicated musical endeavor. The strategic release of these singles not only built anticipation for the album but also allowed the band to articulate their evolving sound and thematic concerns gradually. Each release served as a breadcrumb trail, guiding listeners closer to the full narrative arc of Pull Of The Moon. This measured approach has been instrumental in cultivating a dedicated following, eager to experience the album in its entirety.
The impending release of Pull Of The Moon on October 16th, under the auspices of Good English, marks a significant milestone for Billboard Style. Good English, an independent label known for its discerning taste and commitment to nurturing unique artistic voices, provides a fitting home for the duo’s debut. Their track record of supporting artists who prioritize authenticity and creative integrity aligns perfectly with the ethos that Billboard Style appears to embody. The label’s backing further legitimizes the project, signaling to the wider music industry that this collaboration is one to watch closely.
"Dropped": A Deep Dive into Lyrical Vulnerability
"Dropped" distinguishes itself as the most introspective and emotionally resonant track released by Billboard Style to date. Described by Guterl as their "quietest preview yet," the song eschews the more immediate hooks of its predecessors in favor of a raw, unvarnished emotional honesty. The lyrical content of "Dropped" stems from a profoundly personal experience in Guterl’s life, as he openly shared: "My girlfriend and I broke up for a month after being together for 10 years. It was the worst month of my life and I wrote this." This direct confession immediately establishes the song’s emotional core, allowing listeners to connect with the universal pain of loss and separation.
The song serves as Guterl’s deeply personal farewell, an act of musical catharsis following a significant life event. He further elaborates on the track’s concluding moments, stating, "This was my goodbye to her, which I subtly allude to when I say ‘goodbye’ at the end." This specific detail highlights the careful craftsmanship behind the lyrics, where even a seemingly simple word carries immense weight and emotional significance. Guterl also sheds light on a common misinterpretation, noting, "People I share it with think I’m referencing Third Eye Blind in that part, but I was thinking more about ‘So Long, Farewell’ from The Sound Of Music." This clarification is particularly insightful, revealing the unexpected and profound influences that can shape an artist’s work. The reference to The Sound Of Music, a classic musical known for its earnest sentimentality and clear expressions of departure, underscores the sincerity and poignant finality Guterl intended to convey, contrasting sharply with the often more cynical or rock-driven connotations of Third Eye Blind.
The song’s quiet instrumentation likely serves to amplify Guterl’s vulnerable vocals, creating an intimate listening experience that draws the audience directly into his emotional landscape. This stylistic choice is indicative of Billboard Style’s willingness to explore the full spectrum of human emotion, from the melancholic depths of heartbreak to the nuanced complexities of personal farewells. "Dropped" is not just a song; it is a sonic testament to resilience, a musical processing of grief, and an open invitation for listeners to find solace in shared experiences of vulnerability. Its raw honesty is a powerful statement in an era often characterized by curated perfection, reminding us of music’s enduring power to articulate the inarticulable.
The Evolution of Sound: From Indie Mainstays to New Horizons
The musical trajectories of Ben Guterl and Dan Howard leading up to Billboard Style provide crucial context for understanding their current artistic direction. Forth Wanderers, Guterl’s previous band, carved out a significant niche in the indie rock scene with their distinctive blend of introspective lyrics, shimmering guitar textures, and the compelling vocal delivery of Ava Trilling. Their albums were often lauded for capturing the zeitgeist of youthful angst and nascent self-discovery, establishing a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Guterl’s songwriting in Forth Wanderers was characterized by its delicate balance of vulnerability and resilience, often set against a backdrop of lo-fi aesthetics and dynamic arrangements. This foundation of thoughtful lyricism and melodic sophistication is clearly carried over into Billboard Style.
While less publicly detailed, Dan Howard’s contributions to Victoryland and his broader musical background likely bring a fresh perspective to the duo. Collaborations often thrive on the interplay of differing creative approaches, and it is plausible that Howard’s stylistic inclinations provide a valuable counterpoint or complementary force to Guterl’s established songwriting voice. This partnership allows both artists to explore territories perhaps not fully accessible within the confines of their previous projects. For Guterl, Billboard Style could represent an opportunity to strip back some of the sonic layers of Forth Wanderers, focusing on a more direct, perhaps even more pop-oriented, melodic sensibility while retaining his signature lyrical depth. For Howard, it offers a platform to contribute to a project with a broader reach and a distinct artistic vision.
The formation of Billboard Style therefore signifies more than just a new band; it represents an evolution. It’s a testament to artists continually seeking new avenues for expression, challenging their own creative boundaries, and finding new collaborative chemistry. This artistic pivot allows them to build upon their past successes while forging a new identity, appealing to both existing fans of Forth Wanderers and Victoryland, as well as new listeners drawn to the fresh sound of Billboard Style.
The Independent Music Landscape and Good English Records
The role of independent record labels like Good English cannot be overstated in today’s dynamic music industry. In an era dominated by streaming platforms and major label consolidation, independent imprints serve as vital incubators for artistic innovation and diverse musical expression. Good English, by signing Billboard Style and supporting the release of Pull Of The Moon, exemplifies this crucial function. These labels often operate with a greater focus on artistic integrity and long-term artist development, providing a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish free from the commercial pressures that sometimes dictate output on larger labels.
For a new project like Billboard Style, aligning with an independent label offers distinct advantages. It provides the necessary infrastructure for distribution, promotion, and marketing, while often affording artists more creative control over their work. This autonomy is particularly important for a duo like Guterl and Howard, whose music is deeply personal and carefully crafted. Good English’s commitment to a curated roster of artists suggests a shared ethos, valuing authentic storytelling and unique sonic identities over fleeting trends. The success of Pull Of The Moon will not only elevate Billboard Style but also further solidify Good English’s reputation as a tastemaker in the indie music scene, demonstrating their ability to identify and champion impactful new talent. The ongoing challenges of breaking through in a saturated market make the strategic partnership between artists and discerning independent labels more critical than ever.
The Creative Process and Artistic Expression
"Dropped" stands as a powerful example of how deeply personal experiences can serve as the crucible for profound artistic creation. Guterl’s willingness to transform his "worst month" into a public, accessible piece of music speaks volumes about the therapeutic power of artistic expression. Music, in this context, becomes a vessel for processing trauma, grief, and emotional upheaval, allowing the artist to channel intense feelings into something beautiful and resonant. This act of vulnerability not only provides catharsis for the creator but also offers solace and recognition for listeners who may have experienced similar heartbreaks.
The decision to release such a raw and exposed track like "Dropped" as a prelude to their debut album is a bold artistic statement. It signals that Billboard Style is not afraid to explore the uncomfortable truths of human emotion, positioning them as artists committed to authenticity rather than mere entertainment. This level of honesty fosters a deeper connection with the audience, inviting them into the emotional landscape of the album as a whole. It underscores the belief that music is not just about catchy melodies, but about shared human experience, empathy, and the enduring power of narrative. The careful construction of the "goodbye" allusion, contrasting with popular culture references, further illustrates the thoughtfulness embedded in Guterl’s creative process, demonstrating how personal history, cultural touchstones, and artistic intention intertwine to create meaningful art.
Looking Ahead: The Anticipation for Pull Of The Moon
As the release date for Pull Of The Moon approaches on October 16th, the anticipation surrounding Billboard Style’s debut continues to grow. The trio of singles—"Billboard Style," "Meloxicam," and now the deeply affecting "Dropped"—has meticulously painted a picture of an album rich in emotional depth, melodic complexity, and lyrical candor. From the initial energetic introduction to the melancholic introspection, the previews suggest a cohesive yet diverse body of work that will showcase the full breadth of Guterl and Howard’s collaborative genius.
Listeners can expect Pull Of The Moon to be an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of meaning and sonic detail with each engagement. It promises to be a significant addition to the indie music landscape, offering both a continuation of the members’ respected legacies and a bold new chapter in their artistic journeys. The album is poised to be more than just a collection of songs; it is shaping up to be a deeply personal narrative, a testament to the power of collaboration, and an essential listen for anyone seeking music that speaks directly to the human condition. The full scope of Billboard Style’s vision will soon be unveiled, and the indie world waits with bated breath.
