“An attitude of perseverance and innovation is what continues to fuel the flame for TDK (Two Depressed Kids) as they aspire to change the game of music.” – Sheen Magazine
Lupe Fiasco and his business partner Charles “Chill” Patton founded the label 1st & 15th to spotlight the best musicians in their home city of Chicago, regardless of genre. The two tastemakers’ endorsement of Two Depressed Kids (TDK) reflects the Chicago-based duo’s propensity for probing complex emotions through punchy melodies and indelible hooks. Today, TDK returns with their bouncy heartbreak anthem “Not In Love,” co-produced by 1st & 15th’s own Soundtrakk, and its accompanying music video.
Taking inspiration in equal measure from midwest post-punk and tuneful early ’10s Chicago hip-hop, “Not In Love” starts off strong with crunchy power chords and driving digital drums, providing a canvas for TDK members Jake and Drew to paint their tales of star-crossed romance. The two emcees twirl conversational melodies to deliver lyrics that are romantic (“Even a million miles away I still can see your face”), self-deprecating (“You wanna be like me, I wouldn’t do that”), and sometimes both at once (“You say you couldn’t stay but you never leave/Always gotta say what you never mean”). In the video, directed by DefPopFilmz, Jake and Drew front a live rock band as they reminisce about ones who got away.
“‘Not In Love’ continues the story from our last EP, Miss.Judge,” say Two Depressed Kids. “It was part of a group of songs we wrote about our life as professionals and our relationship with ourselves, the music industry and the highs and lows of the grind. The video is a unique one for us–it’s simpler and more direct than usual. It matched the spirit of the new music we’ve been writing, including “Not In Love,” which is: go with the flow, don’t force anything, trust your first instinct and have fun.”
Signed to 1st & 15th by Lupe, who has brought them as openers on multiple recent tours, Two Depressed Kids have made their name in Chicago with energetic performances and sharp songwriting. The talented duo is currently hard at work at an upcoming EP, the follow-up to their 2022 effort Miss.Judge. With 1st & 15th behind them, TDK plans to bring their hybrid sound to the mainstream. Stay tuned for much more from TDK and 1st & 15th as 2024 moves along.
Watch “Not In Love”: https://youtu.be/r8ywt2-mfUU?si=XnFLhqZQxWk8UsBy
Stream “Not In Love”: https://orcd.co/notinlove
Photo credit: China Ufkes
Please contact Michelle or Kevin for more info.
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“Not In Love”: https://orcd.co/notinlove / https://youtu.be/r8ywt2-mfUU?si=XnFLhqZQxWk8UsBy