Published on November 15th, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Porter Block “Cruel World”

These days, there’s no shortage of music fighting for a spot in your playlists. Technology has given the world a recording studio in their pockets, leading to, you could say, a worldwide sonic boom. However, with more bands today than ever before in history, two trends are emerging: Nostalgia is king, which includes the vintage power pop sounds and dialed-in musicianship of the 60s and 70s (think The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, The Monkees)—it feels remarkably refreshing these days—and artists that really know what they’re doing are rising to the top. New York City-based Porter Block is the embodiment of both of these things, and word is spreading fast.

The band, which songwriter-musicians Peter Block and Caleb Sherman founded in 2003, has an undeniable knack for writing catchy songs and a firm commitment to the fundamentals of pop-rock. For nearly two decades, they’ve consistently delivered vibrant, dynamic, and beautifully composed guitar pop songs that evoke the golden age of classic rock, the lively spirit of new wave, and the punchy energy of the power-pop revival. “Cruel World,” their new single and latest offering off their anticipated forthcoming LP, Sometimes Sunshine, is an ode to a past relationship that, despite good intentions, has come undone. It’s a painful and familiar story, but through the band’s delicate, stirring musical arrangement, the song presents itself like a soothing shoulder to cry on. Written by super producer Andy Paley, the band set out to create a more orchestral sound than on previous releases. The music of The Wrecking Crew, a loosely connected group of American session musicians from Los Angeles who played on numerous studio recordings throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including hundreds of chart-topping hits, served as inspiration. Suffice to say, Porter Block nailed it, creating one of the best songs of the year.

The vibes throughout the black-and-white music video are goosebumps-inducing as Porter Block performs in the style of a 1960s variety show. Directed by Caleb Sherman, the setting is a perfect backdrop as viewers witness an absolutely wonderful musical performance. There’s a reason they’ve persevered through the ups and downs of making music with their friends… These guys were clearly born to do this. Porter Block are at the top of their game, and to our delight, the listening experience is undeniably refreshing. Time to add this to your playlist.

What life events inspired you to write a song based on the message in “Cruel World”?

The message in the “cruel world” is a deceiving one. Its hyperbolic title reveals a teenage symphonic love story gone wrong. I think if you go back to the beginning of rock n roll it’s all about teenage angst and romance-thirsty, lonely teenagers trying to figure out life. A lyric like “better find some shade, you’ll melt out in the sun” could be descriptive of a sensitive youth’s physical and mental constitution. It’s not about climate change or anything broadly important to anyone but the song’s narrator.

What parts of your own personality and outlook on life are found in “Cruel World”?

I would say I’ve always identified with the teenager in love cliche. Perhaps that’s why I love early doo wap and of course some of Brian Wilson’s childlike melancholy like “in my room”, where the music and lyrics describe a perspective looking from the outside into the inner world and turmoil of the singer/writer’s landscape.

What do you hope your audience takes away from the “Cruel World” song and video?

We wanted the video to be evocative of the retro orchestral arrangement which was an attempt at the wrecking crew and pop records from the mid-1960s from The Beach Boys to Nancy Sinatra. We liked Roy Orbison’s black and white night which was done in the 1980’s but had that retro feel and look.

What part of music production for the “Cruel World” music video was the most fun? Most challenging?

The video had to be shot with a green screen for budget reasons so it was Caleb who essentially built the stage visually with separate camera elements that made up the band and some strings. It was his vision.

What is the earliest memory you have of wanting to become a musical artist?

It was important to keep things in black and white to put viewers in a space where this kind of pop music isn’t out of place.

Who could you have not done “Cruel World” without?

We co-wrote “Cruel World” with Andy Paley who has worked as a producer and co-writer with Brian Wilson so his input was critical in making the song authentic and moving.

What is your next goal for your career as an artist?

Our next project is something entirely different and more of a live recording of the band playing and singing the songs

What would you tell young, aspiring musical artists looking for advice?

If music is the language you were born to speak, keep talking.

Follow Porter Block

http://porterblockmusic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpaUwKygsOKrLRs7eWIMI0g

https://www.instagram.com/porterblockmusic/

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.