we’re alright is the Indie Pop Jazz-Rock band that is currently defying internet algorithms and pursuing something greater and truer to their artistic ethos. Being an artist in the current digital landscape is strenuous, because artistic integrity is an afterthought while virality is seen as more valuable. Though I feel this sentiment deep in my bones; I still find myself fully engulfed by the internet – fighting against the algorithm just to be shadow banned by its rigid system. Moreover, I often find myself struggling between two ideals. Embrace my authenticity? Or give into trends for instant gratification. Close to a month ago a doom-scroll quickly turned into a blessing as I stumbled upon a serendipitously intriguing post by ‘we’re alright’ and Echo Records, who produces for them.

The band, alongside Echo Records, had posted an open call in search of visual artists to partake in the set decoration for their latest 3-track live performance video – ‘NO WOOD NO GLASS’. Looking into the details more, I felt myself grow increasingly captivated by their unique idea: they wanted visual artists to come together to paint the inside of a room of a house that was set to be demolished. The room would then be used for their live performance video, showcasing all of the individual artists’ work, like a beautifully cultured, unorthodox mural.

Truthfully, my first impression of we’re alright rendered me mesmerized, even more so because of their objective to uplift other artists that was displayed in the post. Being included in a band’s music video wasn’t how I predicted my weekend would go, but that’s exactly where I found myself that Saturday… 

Walking onto the Constantia-based site, the shine of the sun felt promising, overseeing the trees that reached out to it, tall and dense. Entering the building, the smell of paint laced between the sound of music and chatter hit my senses – immediately I felt like I was right at home. we’re alright’s vocalist and guitarist, Jesse, who was cool and confident in nature. He cheerily greeted me, before leading me to the outside table that was littered with all sorts of paints and brushes. While sifting through the various tools in an almost meticulous manner, I realised that I was overthinking.

It was important to remind myself that it wasn’t about creating a perfect and calculated artwork, but to just have fun and create something beautiful. Before heading back inside to begin painting, my gaze took in the scenic environment once more – it would’ve been a missed opportunity not to, seeing as though my time there was only a one day visit.

What had initially started as small, simple sections of paint eventually morphed into stunning artworks that presented themselves as the morning slipped into noon. The opportunity to connect with other visual artists arose, amidst the images we had painted. After 1PM we exited the paint area, allowing for we’re alright to begin their sound check. Sitting with other creatives we began rehashing our experience. we’re alright and the team at Echo Records had nurtured an environment that was all-inclusive that day, encouraging us to paint the walls whilst utilizing our own individual flares.

Despite the fact that the house would be demolished, the very idea of its memory being captured in the video gave it its novelty – impermanence made the moment special, in contrast to the internet which is ever-changing and fleeting for fickle reasons. We created something dear, whereas the majority of the current musical landscape demands artists contort and accustom themselves to “what is in”, as a way of making money with little meaning and derivative overtones. Twangs of electric sounds and reverberant vocals hung in the afternoon air, as conversations anticipating the band’s new release peaked.

‘NO WOOD NO GLASS’ was eventually released on Youtube, July 2nd, in which we’re alright performs their songs “right on time“, “land or sea”, and “nightmares”. The video encapsulates the band’s raw and daring energy, as the members, Jesse, Ziev, Corey, Jack, Anees, and Benji ready themselves in the sunlight-washed room. Amongst them the vivid paintings are featured, captured by visceral footage, that was led and edited by Rogan Legg. ‘right on time’ begins with melodic guitar picking, followed by Ziev and Jesse’s soulful vocals which set the atmosphere for the rest of the performance.

Close to 3 minutes in, joining the ensemble of electric instruments and jazzy saxophone, Jack’s bass guitar comes to the fore in full effect – making for a rich and rhythmic bassline. At roughly 4:52 minutes the band members perform an instrumental segment that just takes your breath away, vivacious and breezy, before transitioning into their fan favorite – ‘nightmares’. Right off the bat the song starts off with punchy vocals and an upbeat rhythm, throwing you into the musical current.

The chorus is incredibly catchy as it is loaded with fun and smart lyricism that when listening, made me want to start rocking out in front of the invisible audience in my room. Listening, I quickly caught onto why so many fans love this track – the instrumental and vocals hone in on that raw-rock sound, I felt like I just had the power to shake off all of my stressors and jam to the music. The crescendo of the song is smitten with beautiful vocal layering, and a popping ensemble of passionately played sounds that then unwinds, preparing for its transition into the last song, ‘land or sea’.

Ziev’s vocals lead, and backed by Jesse’s, they rock concurrently with the weaving instrumentation, forging an auditory vacuum that shakes up your spirit and ushers you to groove. The bass guitar is powerful, ear-catching and bold – elevated by the smooth sound of the sax, that intermingles with moving electric notes. When I listen to their unique and spunky sound featured in ‘NO WOOD NO GLASS’, I feel myself  submerged by both the live performance and the music. The video’s aesthetic captures the vibes of all three songs really well – raw, exciting and unwavering. It gives you an eye into we’re alright’s ethos through both visual and musical aspects, creating an all-encompassing work of art.

In speaking to Jesse and Christian Wing, the founder of Echo Records, to illuminate their artistic direction; Christian voiced that when networking in the music industry it is very easy to get caught up in seeking validation, which inevitably leads to neglecting your own artistic authenticity. He feels that you should never abandon your ‘real self’, ‘cause that’s where raw artistry is born from.

In a similar vein, Jesse expressed that he wants people to enjoy him for him, and be successful as a musician that values his own identity, rather than portraying himself as a personality that he would not be interested in upholding long-term. I found that the comradery between we’re alright and Echo Records is incredibly evident. Christian and Jesse shared fond characteristics about the band members, conveying that no matter the occasion, they’re ready to throw themselves in there fully and muster up an atmosphere that is electric and jolting. Their cooperation with each other as a band really amplifies that idea, as what you see on stage is true to who they are from before the set starts, to after it ends.

Receiving insight from Christian and Jesse directly, and having experienced their music as a new listener, I’ve come out with not only a new band that will become a staple in my playlists, but also a newfound sense of determination – because being loyal to one’s artistry is not just some throw-away cliché, but a fathomable attitude that more and more artists, like we’re alright are pursuing despite the state of the current digital landscape.

we’re alright sends out the message that their music is meant to relate to those intrinsic emotions we all feel, that are naturally raw and unfiltered – to honor the human experience in its totality. Their exceptionally explosive music challenges your inner critic and makes you want to embrace your entire being without a second thought. This is not just a mark of we’re alright’s extraordinary sound that is crafted upon their musical dexterity and unapologetic vision, but it is undoubtedly a buzz you can experience when you hit play on any one of their songs.