Allen Condes’ music is truly hard to describe. One second, he’s crafting an indie-rock scorcher with burning chords and heartfelt vocals (“Idol”); and the next, he’s jumping to groovy, funky pop (“mismatch”) or to hype hip hop (“paralysis”). His debut album, Front, released on Dec. 17, features more of this stylistic mixing, including the psychedelic trap combo “Bait,” the video-game, synthy experience “LEFTRIGHT” and the poppy, dancy “Crystal.” For more information, visit instagram.com/allencondes.
What was the first concert you attended?
I don’t go to as many concerts as I think I should! I believe the first concert I attended was when I was really young, and I saw the Blue Man Group! Other than that, I’ve recently gone to see Chicago, and Earth, Wind and Fire.
What was the first album you owned?
The first album that I really paid attention to was the Voicenotes album by Charlie Puth. As a kid, I was drawn to addictive melodies, and was interested in how these pop records were able to get them stuck in the listeners’ head so easily.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I find myself drawn to experimental/alternative artists like redveil, Matt Champion, Portraits of Tracy, Kevin Abstract, Mk.gee, and Dijon, to name a few!
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I think the way that more artists are quick to hop on trends, or sell their personality rather than focus on the art, solely to cater toward an audience is cowardly. If you spend your whole time as an artist trying to appease people, your art won’t have an impact or be remembered.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I would love to see Tyler, the Creator, live. I believe he has the best stage presence of any performer at the moment. If I had to choose someone who wasn’t as mainstream, I feel like I need to see Mk.gee or Dijon; their live performances look otherworldly.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I don’t know if I have anything I’m guilty about, but I had a phase where I was really into a cappella groups and vocal ranges. Pentatonix, Home Free and Voiceplay were significant ones for me when I was young!
What’s your favorite music venue?
I’m not sure if I have a favorite, but I love how Lincoln Hall (in Chicago) looks whenever I see artists perform there. Anytime I see an artist perform in an intimate venue, it feels like you can take more from the experience than from a larger venue.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“I still wear the T-shirt that you gave me. So what are you so ashamed of? Rodeo could kill ya. I just wanna kiss ya. But you won’t let me near ya. But I’m here all the same,” from “Rodeo Clown” by Dijon. The lyrics from this song ooze a wistful feeling, and when put into context, a lot of the writing on this record, accompanied by his stellar vocal performance, was heart-wrenching for me to listen to.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Quadeca’s album I Didn’t Mean to Haunt You changed the way that I looked at artistry. Experiencing the way the storyline came together, the grimy visuals and production, and the commitment he put toward the art was incredibly inspiring, and opened my eyes to what being a true artist meant. Side note: That Danny Brown feature is incredible.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would love to ask Kendrick Lamar for any life advice or wisdom. I feel as if he’s one of those artists where you can see how he’s matured through his musical progression, especially with his writing on his most recent album.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
On the topic of Kendrick, “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” comes to mind, strictly because of how powerful that message is. I think this song perfectly encapsulates the similar struggles I, and many others, face with legacy, as well as a visceral reminder that life is limited. I would love for everyone to use their time wisely.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
It changes from day to day, and this might be a common answer, but I would have to choose Blonde (by Frank Ocean) at the moment. I come back to this album the most, and the music is timeless.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
People should listen to any song by Stevie Wonder, but if I had to choose one, it would be “All I Do.” From the criminally underrated vocal performance, to the saxophones and the instrumental arrangement, this song stands out for me as one of my favorites in Stevie Wonder’s legendary discography.
