Illuminati Hotties - Paying Off the Happiness

Song of the Day
Hosted by Kevin Cole
Today’s song of the day, featured on The Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is "Paying Off the Happiness" by Illuminati Hotties, from the 2018 album Kiss Yr Frenemies on Tiny Engines
WRITTEN BY JASMINE ALBERTSON
PHOTO BY Alexis Bonin

Los Angeles self-described “tenderpunk” band Illuminati Hotties are gearing up to release their debut album, Kiss Yr Frenemies, next month. Our song of the day is the third single shared from the forthcoming album, “Paying Off the Happiness.” The track delves into the various debts that are accrued going through life - financial, spiritual, emotional etc. Bandleader Sarah Tudzin, who plays with a rotating lineup of friends, said this about the song: "[The song] is about stumbling through the financial and emotional cost of keeping up during your early 20s. A lot pieces of this song came together at the very last minute; the second verse was written in the studio as I was tracking final vocals, and the group of people singing at the end of the track was recorded in my friends' living room during an incredibly crowded and sweaty Fourth of July party. Everyone singing shared this rather cathartic moment with me, shouting about our looming debts." Kiss Yr Frenemies is out May 11 on Tiny Engines. Below is the official video for lead single, "(You're Better) Than Ever."

 

 

Introducing

In-Our-Headphones-Graphic-1080x1080.jpg

In Our Headphones

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

A-Deeper-Listen-Graphic-FINAL-1080x1080.jpg

A Deeper Listen

Host Emily Fox and KEXP’s editorial team talk with artists about the stories behind their songs and the experiences that inform their work. Through each conversation, we uncover the humanity behind the music, allowing us to hear it in a whole new way.

Latest Episodes

On the show this time, it’s Canadian artist Rochelle Jordan, blending 90s pop, vintage UK house and garage, electronic, and progressive hip-hop.

Exploring some of the women-led bands on Kurt's list, Kurt's feminism, and the very notion of grouping bands together based on gender identity

Exploramos el legado femenino en el punk a través de los álbumes 'Dry' de PJ Harvey, 'Cut' de The Slits y el debut homónimo de The Raincoats.

Award-Winning Podcasts

Named one of the "Best New Podcasts of 2022" by Spotify, and a 2023 Webby Award Honoree

2024 Winner "Best Entertainment Podcast" in the Webbys, 2023 Best Work in Music Journalism Award from the Reeperbahn Festival, 2023 Nominee for "Best Music Pod…


More From Song of the Day

Today's Song of the Day, as chosen by DJ Morgan, host of the Variety Mix on Saturday afternoons, is "Asking" by Chalk, from the 2023 Conditions EP on Dutch Til…

Today's Song of the Day, as chosen by DJ Morgan, host of the Variety Mix on Saturday afternoons, is "Bantu Cakes" by Bantu Spaceship, from the 2023 album Bantu…

Today's Song of the Day, as chosen by DJ Morgan, host of the Variety Mix on Saturday afternoons, is "Deixem O Morto Morrer" by Ana Lua Caiano, from the 2024 al…