Wes Parker’s EP ‘fantom’ overflows with sonic nostalgia, lyrical sharpness, and artistic clarity.

      Chicago's Billy Joel Jr. expresses genuine sincerity in their track "Ur a Star," the emotional and tumultuous title song from their forthcoming debut album. This introspective indie rock anthem explores themes of self-worth and vulnerability, featuring a catchy mantra encouraging self-belief before seeking validation from others.

      Listen to: “Ur a Star” – Billy Joel Jr.

      You may click play on Billy Joel Jr. expecting a joke, but it turns out the real humor is on you.

      The Chicago quartet may have chosen a memorable band name, but their music is no laughing matter: it's cathartic, compelling indie rock layered with emotions, driven by overdrive and occasional effects pedals. Their latest single "Ur a Star" is a blend of alternative bliss and heartache—it’s a raw and tender exploration of vulnerability, standing out for its vibrant depth and authenticity. This captivating introduction to a remarkable band shows that their humor is merely a hook, while the real revelation lies in the emotions they evoke.

      “Ur a Star” – Billy Joel Jr.

      I thought that

      We'd come to an understanding

      You’d never speak to me again

      Yet I can’t deny

      You remain on my mind

      You said

      “I’ll despise you for this”

      Girl, you were never wrong

      I’m willing to try again

      But I frequently change my mind

      Atwood Magazine is excited to premiere "Ur a Star," the stirring new single from Chicago's Billy Joel Jr. The title track from their anticipated debut album Ur A Star, set for independent release on December 11th, captures the restless heart and spirit of a band carving their identity. It reflects a group becoming louder, bolder, and more confident while maintaining the scrappy, honest essence that earned them the title of "Best Emerging Band" by the Chicago Reader last year.

      Formed in 2023, Billy Joel Jr. has spent the past two years establishing themselves in Chicago's vibrant indie scene, emerging as one of the city’s most thrilling new bands. What began as a humorous name has evolved into a symbol of identity—a reminder not to take things too seriously while fully committing to their music. Led by Ari Levin and joined by Charlie Dykstal (bass), Nate Dorian (guitar), and Karl El Sokhn (drums), the band channels a slacker charm and sharp intent into impactful songs that resonate well beyond their initial listen. Their debut EP Rubberhose was released in 2024, weaving jagged guitars, heartfelt emotion, and sardonic wit into something both nostalgic and fresh. Following recent tracks "Blue," "Bad Heart," and "Isn’t It Funny?," "Ur a Star" builds on that foundation, heralding an assured new chapter for a band unafraid to embrace deep emotions or laugh—both at themselves and the world.

      Everyone, everyone

      You know just where you're from

      Everyone, everyone knows you’re a star

      You’re a star, you’re a star

      You know exactly who you are

      Everyone, everyone knows you’re a star

      Frontman Ari Levin regards "Ur a Star" as a pivotal moment for Billy Joel Jr., marking the transition from their initial EP to the next phase of their artistry. “'Ur a Star' was the first song that convinced me the band was evolving into its next phase,” he shares with Atwood Magazine. “It guided us towards the direction of our sound, serving as the focal point for every song we've crafted since. It originated as a simple demo I composed in my apartment—part self-reflection, part stream of consciousness—and expanded into this expansive, anthemic ballad… The lyrics may read like a sorrowful breakup song, but the characters are different facets of myself. I aim to write pieces that resonate with me while allowing listeners to project their experiences onto them.”

      “For me, it embodies the internal conflict between self-assurance and insecurity, arrogance and modesty—the tension between self-perception and external perception,” he notes. “The opening lines, ‘I thought that we’d agreed you’d never talk to me,’ resemble a conversation between two individuals in a relationship, but therein lies the trick. The relationship serves merely as a metaphor for my internal struggle to show compassion and understanding towards myself.”

      "Ur a Star" commences in a state of quiet reflection, with Levin’s subdued voice resting over a dreamy, echoing guitar melody that feels more nostalgic than dynamic. It feels as though we are spectators of his private reckoning, with each lyric softly conveyed to himself: “I thought that we’d agree you’d never speak to me, but I can’t deny you’re still on my mind.” His delivery is tentative, paralleling the cautious movement of the guitar. When he confesses, “I’m not afraid to try again but I change my mind all the time,” the song reveals its core—an intricate dance of desire and hesitation, of advancing and retreating.

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