Camren Skelton

A junior studying journalism and music business at the University of Georgia, Camren spends her time procrastinating under the discover tab on Spotify and taking pictures of her dog. After spending the summer abroad, she has a remarkable appreciation for good gelato, cheap wine and British accents. With favorites like Simon and Garfunkel, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay and Moon Taxi, she is open to a variety of musical genres and is a connoisseur of any and all music festivals. In her spare time you can find her binge watching her latest obsession on Netflix or dreaming of ways to meet and marry John Krasinski.

Shaky Knees 2016: Beach Slang X Vinyl Mag

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Camren Skelton

The “rads,” “totally’s” and “dudes” of James Alex’s vocabulary speak entirely to the nature of the band’s unique name. Since 2013, Beach Slang has stolen the hearts of punky indie rock lovers everywhere, earning them a loyal following and huge success on their debut album, The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us. We sat down with Alex prior to this year’s Shaky Knees to discuss an exciting future for the band and learned why their next album might just take you back to the days of your favorite John Hughes 80s flick.

Vinyl Mag: So are you guys getting excited for Shaky Knees?

James Alex: Yeah, Atlanta has been really cool to us. We did that Wrecking Ball thing and that was amazing so yeah can’t wait.

VM: So you started out playing with the band Weston…how does your approach in making music with Beach Slang differ from that experience?

JA: Yeah definitely, because that was the whole figuring it out, kids you know, not really knowing precisely what we were doing, just wanting to be loud and have fun. That whole deal. But we had no blueprint for how the hell to do any of it, we were just flying by the seat of our pants which was fun and rebellious. But now getting into Beach Slang, we’ve kind of been around the block a couple times and I just kind of know how to figure out things a little bit. Still trying to keep some of that rebellion in there, but the chaos is a little more organized I’d say with Beach Slang.

VM: Is there any story behind the name Beach Slang or did you guys just sort of come up with it?

JA: Yeah well it started off as bands do, just making a list of names. And I used to skate with this girl Elizabeth, and I say rad and totally and stuff like that a lot and she kind of lovingly makes fun of that so she called it a language, she called it beach slang. So I added that to the list, and then I read this interview with another band and they said something about ‘if you have beach in your name you can’t be taken seriously’ and as soon as I read that I was like okay, I’m gonna call this thing Beach Slang and I’m gonna make it matter. So inadvertently my childhood friend Elizabeth named this band. But reading that thing from that band really fortified why I thought it was important to keep that name.

VM: Yeah kind of prove them wrong right?

JA: Absolutely, it’s that little punk that’s still hiding out in me. I need some grain to go against.

VM: Love it. Where do you guys draw your inspiration from when writing songs? Do you have any artists you’re influenced by, any particular sounds that you really like?

JA: Yeah for sure. I mean I’ve talked about this before and I feel like I broke it down into a little three-part thing, like how I approach when I’m sitting down to write songs. And the first thing I do is I sort of pretend I’m scoring a John Hughes film, and then I think to myself you know, what kind of melodies would Paul Westerberg put to it and then once I have that, what sort of words would Bukowski put to Westerberg’s melodies. So that’s really lofty ambitions, but those are definitely sort of the holy trinity to me. Sort of John Hughes coming of age films. And then Westerberg and Bukowski. It’s a long list but if I had to really sort of boil it down, like I said, they would be the holy trinity.

VM: Yeah, that’s a cool process. So when you’re playing festivals like Shaky Knees, do you have any pre-show rituals or routines?

JA: Not a whole lot, we sort of drink enough to shake off the nerves, but we really don’t have any ritual. You know things have been going fairly well for us, so I make sure I wear the same belt–sort of the things we do in our work we don’t change those. But I don’t know that we have anything before we go on like we have to do. We don’t have a chant or anything which is sort of like, you know, drink a little bit and go out and have fun. I’m sure at some point we’ll fall into some pre-show ritual but right now we’re into that flying by the seat of our pants, they want us to be kind of reckless and unscripted on all levels.

VM: yeah I mean that makes for a good love performance anyways, just kind of going with the flow.

JA: Precisely.

VM: So what’s your favorite song to perform live…do you guys have any cool covers you like to play? Or your favorite song of your own to perform live?

JA: Yeah I guess I’ll speak to the covers cause our songs it’s kind of like choosing your favorite kid, you know? But I don’t know, we do like “Bastards of Young” by the Replacements, I always love doing that. “Boxcar” by Jawbreaker. We just started working on “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure, as a band. But I played it by myself a couple shows and it was super fun so the band’s like we should get that together, so we’ve been working on it in sound check and I suppose we’ll be playing that live eventually and that will be cool.

VM: That sounds awesome. So what can we expect next from you guys? Do you have any news on an upcoming album?

JA: Yeah, we just got out of the studio before we left for this tour and the record is done, it just got mastered, it comes out in September. So we get pretty restless when we’re idle so we just try to keep shoving forward. We’re touring Europe, Australia, Canada…like all summer and then September the record comes out and we start the whole cycle back up again.

VM: Sounds like you will stay busy. Does this record have kind of the same sound as your previous work or did you experiment with anything new?

JA: I mean it’s definitely from that world of course, but it definitely evolved a bit, I think a lot more of my loves for shoegaze, and sort of British new wave to this thing. Like a lot of Catherine Wheel and Swervedriver, Chapterhouse and stuff. So it’s still definitely rooted in that 80’s, sort of Minneapolis sound but you know my record collection is bigger than just like The Maps and stuff so I wanted to dive into that a little bit more. I don’t want to become Xeroxed copies of ourselves you know what I mean. So it’s definitely, there’s an evolvement that I hope people will dig and connect with. But it goes without saying that I feel really great about the record and I can’t wait for it to come out.

Artists to Watch: Shaky Knees 2016

Posted on May 5, 2016May 5, 2016 by Camren Skelton

The fourth annual Shaky Knees Music Festival returns to Atlanta May 13-15 with an impressive lineup that is sure to keep you busy bouncing between stages. Headliners include Florence + The Machine, My Morning Jacket and Jane’s Addiction, but the acts that fall in between are sure to be just as exciting. Check out the 10 acts you won’t want to miss in this year’s lineup:

1. The Front Bottoms

Hailing from New Jersey, this indie rock duo brings an eclectic blend of pop, rock and punk sounds to the stage. That, in addition to the witty lyrics that offer a glimpse into the world surrounding them, makes The Front Bottoms an act to catch at this year’s festival.

2. Wolf Alice

An alt-rock outfit hailing from North London, Wolf Alice mixes folk, grunge and electronic elements with vintage ’90s indie rock. The band released their first full-length, My Love Is Cool, last summer. Check them out in this year’s lineup as you eagerly anticipate what they have in store for the future.

3. The Struts

The loud sound these English rockers bring to the stage will be hard to miss at this year’s festival. Their classic rock style and big, bright vocals make for a performance you can’t help but sing and dance along to and the upbeat tempos of their latest release, Everybody Wants, will be more than enough to sweep you off your feet.

4. Beach Slang

This young band’s tireless love for music and life shines through in their part punk, part pop sound. With youth and vulnerability at the core of each intriguing live show, Beach Slang brings a sound that will stay with you long after they leave the stage.

5. Alex G

The multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter started his career through a series of DIY releases on Bandcamp. After the critical acclaim of his sixth album, DSU, a series of re-issues of past albums, and signing with Domino Recording Company, Alex G released his first album with the label, titled Beach Music, in 2015. With an already impressive resume, this young artist is one to catch in this year’s lineup.

6. Barns Courtney

After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Barns Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of U.S. blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable U.S.-British twang. His interesting sound and undeniable catchy melodies make him an act you will want to follow.

7. Son Little

Singer, instrumentalist and songwriter Aaron Livingston—aka Son Little—brings an eclectic sound to the stage with his blend of acoustic blues, vintage soul and hip-hop. His expressive lyrics are refreshingly personal, and give the listener a small glimpse into his perspective on the world around him.

8. Diet Cig

This pop rock band from New York has a fun and upbeat sound that captures the innocence of adolescence. While the young duo is relatively new to the music scene, they are already well on their way to a strong track record. Each song is overflowing with an intense and undeniable energy, making Diet Cig an act you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival.

9. Kaleo

You won’t want to miss the driving indie folk sound this quartet brings to the stage. Hailing from Iceland, the band started playing together as teenagers, adopting the name Kaleo—a Hawaiian word for “the sound.” Inspired by a mix of blues, folk, country and rock, the band’s eclectic sound is one you won’t want to get out of your head.

10. The Dear Hunter

Originating in Providence, Rhode Island, The Dear Hunter began as a solo, side project of Casey Crescenzo. Now, the progressive rock band’s sound features a wide variety of instruments and styles, and their eclectic style and energy makes them an artist to watch out for.

Record Store Day 2016: 10 Releases to Look Out For

Posted on April 15, 2016July 6, 2016 by Camren Skelton

On Saturday, April 16, music-lovers everywhere will flood the local record stores to get their hands on a copy of a limited-edition release. Record Store Day 2016 is upon us, and everyone from the likes of the legendary David Bowie to Justin Bieber is in on the action. The full list of RSD releases features hundreds of colorful vinyls, vintage re-releases and inventive remixes, but to make it easy, we compiled a list of 10 coveted titles you’ll definitely want to check out.

1. David Bowie

Limited to 7,500 copies, the exclusive 50^th anniversary release of this vinyl is sure to be one of the most sought after purchases of the day. In addition to the six track EP of I Dig Everything—The Pye Singles 1966, there will be two other Bowie releases this year including a special 7-inch picture disk of TVC15 and a picture disk of the 1970 album, The Man Who Sold the World.

2. BØRNS

Recorded live at KCRW, this Record Store Day release is one you’ll be dying to get your hands on. It features BØRNS performing acoustic versions of songs from the Dopamine album, including “Emerald Pools,” “Past Lives,” and “Electric Love,” on 12” colored vinyl.

3. CHVRCHES

This six track LP features remixes from CHVRCHES latest album, Every Open Eye. The release features three singles: “Leave A Trace,” “Empty Threat,” and “Clearest Blue,” reinterpreted and remixed by some of the hottest producers from around the world, including Four Tet, Goldroom, Big Wild, KDA, Gryffin and Whyt Noyz. Get in line early to get your hands on one of the limited 5,000 copies.

4. Mac DeMarco

This 16-song LP gives listeners an intimate view into the world of Mac DeMarco, and is built upon foundations of infectious pop melodies. The collection of songs showcases the artist at his most vulnerable, and will have fans fighting to get their hands on a copy of one of the limited 1,000 copies.

5. Wolf Alice

Ellie Roswell of Wolf Alice said that the band never had the chance to give Leaving You a physical release, so they chose Record Store Day to make it happen. The release includes the track, “White Leather” and artwork created by Eden Sailor. But get it fast, as it is limited to 1,500 copies.

6. Star Wars

Awaken the force with this limited edition picture disc featuring an image of the iconic spacecraft, The Millennium Falcon, and two of The Force Awakens’ most popular tracks, “March of the Resistance” and “Rey’s Theme.” This release is sure to be a favorite among Star Wars fans and vinyl junkies alike.

7. Twenty-One Pilots

This 7” black vinyl is part of the series of Record Store Day’s “Disquaire Day,” which honors the musical solidarity between the United States and France. The limited edition release contains unreleased live tracks recorded at the Fox Theater and is limited to 7,500 copies.

8. Walk The Moon

Recorded live at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, this release attempts to capture the energy and excitement of a live Walk The Moon concert. Pressed as a double vinyl set, it features the chart-topping single, “Shut Up and Dance,” along with other fan favorites, “Anna Sun,” “Work This Body” and “Different Colors.” Limited to 4,000 copies, the release is sure to be a popular purchase of the day.

9. Outkast

With 2016 marking the 20^th anniversary of Outkast’s platinum selling album, ATLines, Outkast is making a comeback with this Record Store Day release of the first single, “Elevators (Me & You).” The 10” alien-green, glow-in-the-dark vinyl is one you’ll have to see to believe, but getting in line early will be well worth it to get your hands on one of the limited 5,000 copies.

10. The Weeknd

If you love a good remix, then The Weeknd’s Record Store day release is for you. Pressed on a 12” vinyl and limited to 4,000 copies, the release features remixes of the track, “The Hills” by Eminem and Nicki Minaj.

Introducing Bear Creek Bayou Music Festival

Posted on April 12, 2016April 12, 2016 by Camren Skelton

Laissez les bons temps rouler! The producers of Bear Creek Music & Arts Festival have announced the inaugural Bear Creek Bayou Music Festival taking place Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The two-day festival will take place in the heart of New Orleans’ Warehouse District at Mardi Gras World. Enjoy an eclectic mix of artists including powerful big bands, live electronica, rock, genre-defining performers in world and roots music and, of course, the traditional New Orleans funk-filled vibe.

Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River and surrounded by views of the New Orleans skyline, the music won’t be the only thing for you to enjoy.

For more details, check out the Bear Creek Bayou Music Festival Links:

www.bearcreekbayou.com

www.facebook.com/BearCreekFest

Twitter + Instagram: @BearCreekFest (#BearCreekBayou)

Album Review: Hospital Ships ‘The Past Is Not A Flood’

Posted on March 29, 2016March 29, 2016 by Camren Skelton

In his fourth album under the Hospital Ships moniker, Jordan Geiger takes listeners on a meditative journey that explores some heavy themes. The Past Is Not A Flood features production from John Congleton (St. Vincent, Modest Mouse, Chelsea Wolfe) and is a collab with Swans percussionist, Thor Harris.

Although it is only a six-song record, almost every track spans beyond the five-minute mark, giving you plenty of time to reflect on the nature of depression, anxiety, loneliness and obsession that each song explores so openly. Atmospheric keyboards, layered synths, and wispy, fragile vocals are the foundation of the album, and serve as a stark contrast to the mournful and confessional nature of the lyrics.

Despite the heavy themes, however, Geiger finds a way to string in little doses of optimism throughout. While most of the songs trudge along at a leisurely pace, the tempo picks up with the livelier beats of “All In Time.” Although the song ends in a chant of “we’re all going to die,” one can’t help but appreciate the reality that Geiger meditates on in his lyrics. The acoustic piano of “Little Flower” also stands out as a bright spot in the album. While the majority of the tracks are a blend of acoustic and electric sounds, “Little Flower” is the most stripped-down of them all, and is successful in accentuating the delicate nature of Geiger’s vocals. As the album comes to a close, the dense instrumental layers pick up once again, making for a robust and memorable finale.

The Past Is Not A Flood is the record you want to play on repeat on those rainy days spent in bed. While there are brighter moments, the underlying theme is that sadness is a part of life—a necessary part of everyone’s life—that you have to learn to face. Sometimes it feels good to hurt, sometimes it feels good to cry. And that is just the reality that Geiger explores in this record.

SXSW 2016: Artists to Watch

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Camren Skelton

With thousands of artists from all over the world traveling to Austin for SXSW, narrowing down who to see can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to make that task a little less daunting. We searched the lineup to find the best up-and-coming artists that could quite possibly be some of your favorite shows of the week.

1. The Accidentals

Billboard’s Breakout Band at SXSW 2015, Winner of the Emerging Artist Series, Winner of WYCE’s Album of the Year 2015—and the list goes on. In just two years, The Accidentals recorded three original albums, scored two films, landed song placements in documentaries, independent films and commercials and played over 700 live shows…and then they graduated high school. The group features an eclectic blend of classical, jazz, bluegrass and indie folk and synthesizes a wide variety of instruments that reflect the group’s impressive orchestral roots.

When to see them:

3/16: 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn (8p.m.)

2. Barns Courtney

With an almost accidental launch into the global mainstream, modern day voice and guitar man Barns Courtney is on an exciting (unexpected) journey. After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of US blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable US-British twang. Courtney’s first track, “Glitter & Gold” was dropped on Soundcloud in September and quickly racked up over forty thousand plays. Another track—“Fire” made it’s way onto the big screen when it caught the ears of Hollywood mega producer Harvey Weinstein who featured it as the main track on the Bradley Cooper-staring film, “Burnt.” With an already impressive start and a debut EP in the works for early next year, Barns Courtney’s journey is an exciting one to follow.

Where to see him:

3/16: Lamberts (10 p.m.)

3/18: Stubb’s (10:40 p.m.)

3/19: Latitude 30 (11 p.m.)

3. Beach Slang

In just two short years, Beach Slang have proved themselves as a band that can write memorable songs and create a devoted fan base. With the release of their first full-length album, The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us, in November, the band crossed off their only missing element. The group’s tireless love for music and life shines through in the part punk, part pop sound. With youth and vulnerability at the core of each intriguing live show, Beach Slang brings a sound that will stay with you long after they leave the stage.

Where to see them:

3/16: Cheer Up Charlie’s (10:30 p.m)

3/18: The Sidewinder Outside (1 a.m.)

3/18: SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird (6 p.m.)

4. Cicada Rhythm

What happens when you combine articulate guitar picking with Julliard-trained bass lines? Chilling harmonies, unbridled passion and sincere enthusiasm—a sound that basically sums up Cicada Rhythm. The Georgia-raised duo meanders through the fields of folk, rock and Americana, modernizing each to a chilling degree. Reminiscent and filled with imagery, the lyrics this act brings to the stage tell an invigorating story. Cicada Rhythm has the ability to captivate listeners with the first pick of the guitar.

Where to see them:

3/16: The Velveeta Room (10 p.m.)

5. Dilly Dally

Like the eclectic city they live in, Toronto four-piece band Dilly Dally cannot be defined by just one thing. The band has a mutual appreciation for slurred poetry, pop ballads and grunge-heavy guitars, and these elements are evident in each and every song. Dilly Dally has made a name for themselves amongst Toronto’s noise-punk scene and there’s no doubt they will bring the same energy and overall awesomeness to the SXSW stage.

Where to see them:

3/17: Hype Hotel (10 p.m.)

6. DMA’s

On the heels of their debut album, Hills End, DMA’s are only at the beginning of a promising journey. The Australian rockers epitomize the laid-back lifestyle of their home country and have a sound that is too inviting to be ignored. The record combines each individual’s own influences—folk artists like Bob Dylan, American guitar bands from the 90s, and English bands like The Stone Roses and The La’s—into one enormous sound. Although only just beginning, DMA’s are on the brink of a successful journey to success.

Where to see them:

3/17: Radio Day Stage (5 p.m.)

3/17: Parish (1 a.m.)

3/18: Stubb’s (8 p.m.)

7. Japanese Breakfast

A side project from her work as front woman of indie punk band Little Big League, Michelle Zauner released a tape in 2013 under the name Japanese Breakfast. The solo project showcases Zauner’s dark lyrics and unique vocals—a stark contrast to the guitar-based indie rock of Little Big League. Now, Japanese Breakfast is in full-force with the LP and vinyl release of Psychopomp. The album explores new interests, hosts a variety of sounds and chilling new vocals, making it one to watch out for at this year’s festival.

Where to see them:

3/17: Barracuda Backyard (8 p.m.)

8. The Kickback

The modern indie rock group gathered praise from a number of publications including Rolling Stone, SPIN and Chicago Sun Times after the release of a few EPs. With the release of their debut album, Sorry All Over the Place, the group has garnered even more prominence, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW. The band is influenced by a broad array of cultural references, often referencing the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, David Foster Wallace and David Lynch, and their songs are filled with references and revelations. With their focus on contrast and a fascination with juxtaposition, there’s no doubt that The Kickback will put on a raw and memorable performance.

Where to see them:

3/16: Speakeasy (12 a.m.)

9. Marlon Williams

New Zealand solo artist Marlon Williams brings a sound to the stage that combines folk, country, soul, bluegrass and the blues. Williams first made a name for himself as front-man of The Unfaithful Ways, but has started a successful journey with his solo career. Williams brings an upbeat and sincere vibe to the stage earning him a spot as an artist to watch at this year’s festival.

Where to see him:

3/16: 3TEN Austin City Limits Live (9 p.m.)

3/17: Barracuda (11:15 p.m.)

3/18: Central Presbyterian Church (11 p.m.)

10. Mothers

Originating from Athens, GA as the solo project of Kristine Leschper, Mothers quickly emerged into a full-fledged band, on tour alongside of Montreal, and supporting Unknown Mortal Orchestra. They made the leap to headlining sets in a matter of months and in February, released their debut album, When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired, with Drew Vandenberg (of Montreal, Deerhunter). Now, the indie-folk outfit is taking on SXSW. If the vulnerability and raw emotion displayed in their album are any indication of their performance, then Mothers are definitely an act to watch out for.

Where to see them:

3/16: Clive Bar (9 p.m.)

3/18: Mohawk Outdoor (10 p.m.)

11. Moving Panoramas

Hailing from Austin, the all-girl trio that makes up Moving Panoramas will return to their hometown roots for SXSW. The name itself paints a perfect picture of the band’s sound—it’s indie guitar music at its’ finest, and the vocals have a dreamy, ethereal air about them. Each heartfelt lyric envelopes you into the songwriter’s story, making them one you will not want to miss at this year’s festival.

Where to see them:

3/15: The Sidewinder Inside (12 a.m.)

3/16: ScratcHouse Backyard (11 p.m.)

12. Roomsounds

Self-described as a “modern day Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers,” Roomsounds bring an eclectic mix of genres to the stage, making them an act to add to your list. Combine vivid song writing with versatile vocals and you have a group that gets as much out of playing a live show as they do creating a brilliant song. If you don’t know much about the band before seeing them live, you will leave eager to find out more.

Where to see them:

3/17: Lucky Lounge (9 p.m.)

13. Sunflower Bean

What do you get when you channel a passion for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Velvets? The sweet sound that is Sunflower Bean. The indie trio hailing from NYC is sure to take the SXSW stage by storm with their rock-influenced vocals and sweet riffs. Their debut album, Human Ceremony, is self-described as a “conflicting interest”—a mixture of dream pop and rock ‘n’ roll. The diversity this group brings to the stage makes them a must-see.

Where to see them:

3/17: Radio Day Stage (3 p.m.)

3/17: Stubb’s (9:25 p.m.)

3/18: Parish (1 a.m.)

3/19: Hype Hotel (8 p.m.)

14. Sweet Spirit

The country/rock band hailing from Austin brings a different, but nonetheless charismatic and vibrant energy to the stage. Ironically, the nine-piece act started as the solo project of Sabrina Ellis, but new members were quickly added. The group began putting out songs at a breakneck speed, and the confident blend of genres that defines Sweet Spirit was born.

Where to see them:

3/19: Parish (10 p.m.)

15. Saint Pé

After 10 years of recording and touring with Black Lips, Ian Saint Pé decided it was time for a change. His solo act—Saint Pé—was born. If you love Black Lips, then hopping on board with Saint Pé will be an easy feat. It has the same garage flavor and rock ‘n’ roll sound but with a sunnier, more pop-influenced side. Saint Pé brings a sound to the stage that is refreshingly upbeat and will leave you wanting more.

Where to see him:

3/18: Valhalla (1 a.m.)

16. Spookyland

The 4-piece act from Sydney received both local and international praise from the likes of NME, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork with their debut EP, ‘Rock and Roll Weakling.’ In 2015, an appearance at Lollapolooza landed them a spot in Consequence of Sound’s Top Ten acts not to miss. The band has a knack for delivering raw, emotional music that sticks with you long after they leave the stage. With their debut album, Beauty Already Beautiful, set to release in May 2016, Spookyland is well on their way to garnering even more prominence and prestige, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW.

Where to see them:

3/16: Buffalo Billiards (9 p.m.)

3/17: Latitude 30 (12 a.m.)

17. T. Hardy Morris

For 10 years, T. Hardy Morris has explored the parallels between grunge and Southern rock with his band Dead Confederate. His first solo effort was 2013’s Audition Tapes, a relatively melancholy, confessional work likes so many of the records out of Nashville. His latest release, Drownin on a Mountaintop, is the complete opposite. Unsentimental, enthusiastic and rowdy, the album gives Morris’s voice ample space to roam and cut loose. Although Morris is not new to the music scene, his work as a solo act is well worth talking about.

Where to see him:

3/19: Parish (12 a.m.)

18. Tedo Stone

Garage/psych-rocker Tedo Stone forged a love for music at an early age, forming his first band at the age of 12. While living in the musically rich town of Athens, GA, Stone dove further into the music scene and his sound took on a noisier, carefree character that caught the attention of producer Drew Vandenberg (Deerhunter, of Montreal). After pairing up with him, Stone released a follow-up to his 2013 debut. 2015’s Marshes is decidedly grittier in comparison to his debut, Good Go Bad, and is definitely one to watch out for as it garners a larger fan base.

Where to see him:

3/17: Yard Dog (1 p.m.)

Cage The Elephant: “Trouble”

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Camren Skelton

On December 18th, Cage The Elephant will return with their fourth album, Tell Me I’m Pretty. This follows the Kentucky rockers’ Grammy-nominated Melophobia in 2013.

Last month, the band unveiled the lead single, “Mess Around.” Now, they are back with another preview of Tell Me I’m Pretty with “Trouble.” Although the cheerful melodies intertwined throughout give the song a light-hearted feel, the lyrics “Trouble on my left, trouble on my right/ I’ve been facing trouble almost all my life,” seem to tell a more sorrowful story.

Listen to “Trouble” below.

Coldplay: “Adventure Of A Lifetime”

Posted on November 6, 2015November 11, 2015 by Camren Skelton

After teasing fans with a mysterious poster in the London Underground, Coldplay is back with the official announcement of their new album, A Head Full Of Dreams.

The record, out Dec. 4, will be the band’s seventh and possibly last–a bittersweet release for Coldplay fans. In an interview last year, Chris Martin said: “It’s our seventh thing, and the way we look at it, it’s like the last Harry Potter book or something like that.”

The album will feature several guests including Beyoncé, Tove Lo, Noel Gallagher and Merry Clayton. Listen to the album’s first release, “Adventure Of A Lifetime,” below.

Cardiknox x Vinyl Mag

Posted on November 2, 2015November 3, 2015 by Camren Skelton

New York electro-pop duo Lonnie Angle and Thomas Dutton got their start in a pretty unusual way—they met while working on a musical. After dabbling with their sound in the studio on the side, they decided to really put all their effort into making music, and Cardiknox was born. We sat down with the duo as they returned to NYC to talk inspiration, songwriting and plans for the future.

Vinyl Mag: Tell us about your single, “Doors.” Where did you get the inspiration for this song?

Lonnie Angle: “Doors” actually started as a dream. All songwriters have had this happen. They wake up in the middle of the night after dreaming of what seems like the world’s greatest melody. They fumble for their iPhone and record a sleepy, mumbled version of the melody, and go back to sleep. Usually, though, when you listen back in the morning, it’s a horrible melody that makes no sense. Not with “Doors,” though!

The initial dream also saw the song as more of a hip-hop song. On the production side, Thomas is hugely inspired by the simplistic power carried by a Drake or Kanye beat. So we tried to keep the music really simple and anthemic. Lyrically, it’s all about perseverance. Not losing self-confidence in the face of adversity. Believing in the outcome.

VM: What is your greatest accomplishment as a band so far?

LA: We just finished a few weeks of touring in Europe, which was a dream come true. Belgium, Amsterdam, Paris, and all over England. We didn’t know quite was to expect, but the shows were incredible. The kids at these festivals go nuts! It was so fun to play for crowds who have so much energy. It makes the performance so easy, because you’re just feeding off them.

VM: How was playing a festival like CMJ different than playing small clubs on a regular night?

LA: CMJ is always a whirlwind. In the best possible way. As long as you go in knowing that everything is going to be a bit of a mess, then you’ll be fine! There’s always twice as many bands on the bills, and there isn’t always a strong connection in the overall sound of the lineup — it’s a bit more random. But unlike playing a normal show, the whole city feels alive and electric (even more than normal). There’s this buzzing in the air, and you’re running around from show to show, not getting any sleep. It’s the best! Though I’m glad it’s only a few days every year…

VM: What was your favorite moment of your CMJ week?

LA: We haven’t played NYC in a hot second, so seeing all the familiar faces and all our friends come out was pure joy for us. We got to play some of our favorite spots, too — Webster and Brooklyn Bowl. Mmm their fried chicken… so good. Honestly I don’t know if there’s one singular moment that sticks out. It was just so great to be back in NYC, in full swing. Such a magical place.

VM: Any upcoming releases?

LA: Yes! Our next single, “On My Way” … [released October 30!] We’re really excited about releasing this song. We’re shooting the music video for it in a few weeks, too. We’ve been putting a ton of work and energy into the video, so we’re really stoked for that as well.

VM: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be?

LA: Well, a few months ago I would have said The Gorge, up in Washington, but we got to play there at Sasquatch Festival. On second thought, that’s definitely up there on our list of biggest accomplishments. Thomas and I grew up in Seattle, so playing The Gorge has always been a dream.

Other venues on our bucket list are Red Rocks and Madison Square Garden. Hopefully someday soon!

VM: What is your songwriting process like? Do you draw inspiration from any other artists?

LA: We normally start with a certain lyric or concept that we want to write about. That’s often the hook and we’ll build a simple progression around it on the guitar. From there, sometimes we write the verse or pre-chorus and create a full skeleton of the song. Once the song is written, Thomas builds a beat around it, and starts creating the soundscape. Obviously it’s not always that linear. You never know when or where inspiration is going to strike.

VM: Do you prefer to play live shows or be in the studio working on something new?

LA: I love performing. It makes me feel completely alive and uninhibited. There’s something magic that happens when I step on stage—all my fears and anxieties about the world … all of the noise and chaos just falls away and it’s a kind of bliss.

VM: What artist would you most like to collaborate with?

LA: Thomas would probably say Drake. I’m pretty obsessed with Christine and the Queens. I’d love to collab with her in some way.

VM: If you could describe your sound in a single catchphrase, what would it be?

LA: As addictive as truffle fries.

VM: Do you have any pre-show routines or rituals?

LA: I always have a whiskey and jump up and down for about five minutes to get the blood moving. Thomas gets quiet and introspective … mapping out the show in his head.

VM: What is next for Cardiknox?

LA: World domination. J

VM: Anything else you want Vinyl Mag readers to know?

LA: We <3 u!

St. Lucia: ‘Dancing on Glass’

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Camren Skelton

We haven’t heard much from St. Lucia since the release of their debut album, When the Night, in 2013. Now, the Brooklyn-based, South African band is breaking back into the scene with the euphoric new track, “Dancing on Glass.” The song boasts the shimmery, synth-pop sound St. Lucia fans are familiar with and catchy, live-in-the-moment lyrics. Although there is no word on when the sophomore album will be released, it’s nice to see the band break their two-year silence with this addictive new track.