Skateland’s latest EP, Joyce Howell, How Are You?, is a deeply personal and introspective collection that masterfully blends bedroom pop with indie rock. Across five tracks, Dorian Williams II—known professionally as Skateland—invites listeners into a world of vivid vignettes, each one a window into the complexities of the human experience. Drawing inspiration from his own reflections over the past year, Williams describes the EP as his version of a New Yorker column, weaving together themes of love, loss, growth, jealousy, nostalgia, and the struggles of navigating one’s own identity in an ever-changing world.
From the opening notes, it’s clear that Joyce Howell, How Are You? is both raw and meticulously crafted. Skateland’s melancholy lyricism and intricate instrumentation shine, combining nostalgic new wave textures with modern pop production. The result is a soundscape that feels timeless yet forward-thinking, encapsulating a broad spectrum of emotions with a delicate balance of vulnerability and artistry. Each track stands as a self-contained narrative, yet they’re connected by the universal threads of human longing and resilience.
The EP is another milestone for Skateland, whose ascent in the indie-pop scene has been nothing short of remarkable. Following standout performances at SXSW 2024, opening slots for Foster the People and Two Door Cinema Club, and the success of previous singles like “Autobahn!” and “Postcards!,” Skateland continues to prove his versatility as a songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
At its heart, Joyce Howell, How Are You? is a collection of deeply relatable musings—each lyric feels like a quiet conversation with a close friend, offering a blend of comfort and introspection. Whether you’re drawn to its introspective themes or its lush, genre-defying sound, this EP cements Skateland as a vital voice in contemporary indie music.
