Junk Journaling: The Underrated Restorative Trend of 2024
The Rise of Junk Journaling
In 2024, one of the most underrated restorative trends that emerged was junk journaling. This creative practice is more freeform than traditional scrapbooking and less goal-oriented than collaging. It involves repurposing everyday items—like to-go bags, stickers, and receipts—into a low-stakes visual diary. The popularity of junk journaling has surged on platforms like TikTok, where users share inspiration spreads and invite others to local meetups. Crafters are discovering the beauty of transforming the debris and imperfections of their lives into art. This ethos embodies the spirit of DIY culture.
Pigeon Pit: A Folk-Punk Reflection on Life
For over a decade, Olympia folk-punk band Pigeon Pit has embraced this DIY attitude. Frontwoman Lomes Oleander began the project as a solo venture, and over time, it has grown into a collective expression of navigating life’s messiness. Their fifth album, crazy arms, serves as a poignant reminder that creating art and fostering community amidst chaos is essential for survival.
A Raw and Honest Sound
Oleander openly shares her current mindset: one shaped by post-optimism, disillusionment, and the challenges of life. She acknowledges that both she and her friends are a mess, yet they persist. The members of Pigeon Pit channel their emotions into crazy arms, an album that radiates vulnerability through the blend of acoustic guitar, fiddle, and banjo. The sound evokes the atmosphere of a honky-tonk gathering in a creaky living room, characterized by its rawness and ragged charm.
Vocal Comparisons and Influences
Oleander’s vocal delivery draws parallels to various artists, capturing the panic reminiscent of Bright Eyes in “Bad Advice,” the romanticism of Radiator Hospital in “Apple,” and the jittery energy of Violent Femmes in “Keys to the City.” The instrumentation swirls around her urgent sincerity, creating an experience akin to a performance on If You Make It’s iconic pink couch, filtered through a folk-punk lens.
Finding Joy in the Everyday
As Pigeon Pit delves into the weight, stress, and grief of daily life on crazy arms, they uncover unexpected moments of joy. Their music features poignant snapshots, whether it be a cover of Japanther or a clever twist on Semisonic lyrics. These bittersweet reflections linger long after listening, such as the memory of a friend’s Levi’s jeans leaving an imprint on Oleander’s skin or the haunting familiarity of hearing a deceased friend’s band on the radio. Songs like “Happy birthday, birthright enemy!” encapsulate Oleander’s emotional honesty, exploring themes of elation and anguish through her casually poetic observations of the world around her.
The Poetic Lens of Oleander
Oleander’s ability to translate her feelings into vivid imagery resonates strongly. She presents everyday objects—like the keys to the city represented by a pair of bolt cutters or the sirens wailing near a burning apartment, crying “like they knew what that meant”—creating a relatable narrative that captures the essence of life’s complexities.
Conclusion
In a world that often feels overwhelming, junk journaling and the music of Pigeon Pit remind us of the importance of embracing our messiness. Through creative expression and community, we can find beauty and meaning amid the chaos. crazy arms stands as a testament to the power of vulnerability and the joy that can be discovered in the everyday.
FAQs
What is junk journaling?
Junk journaling is a creative practice that involves repurposing everyday items into a visual diary. It allows for freeform expression and creativity without the pressure of specific goals.
What themes are explored in Pigeon Pit’s album crazy arms?
The album explores themes of vulnerability, the complexities of daily life, emotional honesty, and the beauty found in imperfections.
How does Lomes Oleander’s vocal style compare to other artists?
Oleander’s vocal style combines elements of panic, romanticism, and urgency, drawing comparisons to artists like Bright Eyes, Radiator Hospital, and Violent Femmes.
What is the significance of DIY culture in junk journaling and Pigeon Pit’s music?
DIY culture emphasizes creativity, resourcefulness, and community. Both junk journaling and Pigeon Pit’s music reflect this ethos by encouraging individuals to find meaning and expression in their personal experiences and surroundings.
