Category: Features
Five Artists Who Could be Huge Pop Stars by the End of 2017
Every spring, we see the release of new pop music as the genre awakens from its winter lull. Upcoming and already established artists vie for a coveted spot on Top 40 radio’s regular rotation, hoping to earn themselves a hit that gets airplay well into the summer and potentially leads to a lasting career. Of course, one single on the Hot 100 won’t thrust someone into superstardom, but it’s definitely the first step. Pop is a hostile genre; there are plenty of one-hit-wonders and artists whose careers fizzle out after a couple of singles. While there is no set formula or instruction manual for becoming a pop star, there are certain characteristics all of them share. Each are effortlessly unique and individualistic while simultaneously being marketable to a huge demographic. This dichotomy is a difficult balancing act, but it’s not impossible. We’ve made a list of five artists who we think could pull it off in the very near future.
1) Noah Cyrus
Noah makes following in the footsteps of an older sibling who just happens to be an ex-Disney superstar look exceptionally easy. After the release of her debut single – the vocally impressive Labrinth collab “Make Me (Cry)” – late last year, she’s proving she has what it takes to carve her own path. She’s also lent her voice to an EDM track produced by Marshmello and Ookay, giving us a taste of her own personal style. With her debut album NC-17 set to release sometime this year, we’re excited to see what the youngest Cyrus has in store.
2) Kehlani
Kehlani is the ultimate comeback kid. After some personal issues took the spotlight at the beginning of last year, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter has since reinvented herself, reemerging onto the scene with an air of unstoppable fierceness. Fresh off of the release of her debut album SweetSexySavage, Kehlani has both the momentum and the image to make it in the pop scene. Her single “Distraction” has been on heavy rotation on hip-hop and R&B stations, and it’s only a matter of time before Top 40 takes notice.
3) SZA
While her discography includes a long list of high-profile collaborations with artists like Rihanna, Chance the Rapper and Jill Scott, it’s SZA’s unique vocal and personal style that make her a good candidate for solo mainstream success. Her debut album CTRL, which will be released sometime this year, is one of the most anticipated of 2017. If the rest of the album is as promising as its first single, Top 40 could be welcoming her soon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meka6L6qXzw
4) Tinashe
Multitalented R&B songstress Tinashe has been patiently waiting her turn to take over the Top 40 since 2011. A rare gem of the pop world, she’s been writing and producing her own songs, as well as creating high-energy visuals for her performances, for six years. It seems as if she’s been flirting with megastardom for the duration of her career. Her recent collab with Britney Spears was certainly memorable, but it wasn’t enough to push her over the threshold. We believe that Joyride – the 2017 release that will serve as part two of her 2016 release Nightride – will be the album that brings Tinashe mainstream success.
5) Marian Hill
This funky electronic duo is a force to be reckoned with. Comprised of producer Jeremy Lloyd and vocalist Samantha Gongol, Marian Hill writes music from the perspective a woman who is in control of her sexuality, a theme that couldn’t be more relevant to the zeitgeist. Thanks to the single’s placement in an Apple AirPods commercial that aired during the Super Bowl, they’re current single “Down” is gaining traction on mainstream pop radio. The duo’s collab with Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui was another smart move, drawing in a new demographic of fans outside of their already established fanbase. “Down” shouldn’t be last we see of Marian Hill on the pop charts.
David Barbe Talks February Residency at The World Famous
Leave it to David Barbe, Athens local and University of Georgia professor, to schedule a show on a Super Bowl Sunday.
Beginning a month-long series of intimate sets at the World Famous with his band David Barbe and the Quick Hooks, Barbe played a solo set Sunday, Feb. 5th to a pleasant crowd, which is saying something due to an unpleasant end to a Georgia sporting event (shocker).
Barbe says he didn’t realize his show was scheduled during the game at first, but decided to keep the date once he knew. No one else in his band wanted to play that date, but Barbe liked that it was a strange thing to do, so he decided to play a solo set for his first performance.
“Now I can say I played the Super Bowl,” he jokes.
He began this series of performances with a stripped down, raw compilation of recently written originals. The small venue made for an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Listeners sat either at tables in front of the stage or at the bar, drinking and eating snacks, and chatting quietly while listening to the moving set.
Barbe performed new compositions, one of which he stated was more of a poem than a song, while interacting and speaking with the crowd. His abstract performance created a unique and enjoyable experience for the listeners.
Barbe played four weeks straight at World Famous, with every show delivering a different sound. He was accompanied by various versions of his band The Quick Hooks, as well as other special guests.
The main group that appeared includes Frank McDonald and Joe Row of The Glands, John Mills of Blood Kin, John Neff and Jay Gonzalez of Drive By Truckers, and Kyle Spence, drummer for Kurt Vile.
Some of the openers include Juan de Fuca, Jay Gonzalez and T. Hardy Morris.
Barbe stated that every show would contain a different combination of players on different instruments with a different setlist. During the show on the 12th, the ensemble didn’t have a drummer, so Barbe jumped on the kit himself while continuing to sing.
Every show contained a lot of freedom for the musicians to change up the setlist and improv. Barbe said he was expecting a lot of creativity and connection from these shows, promising “a lot of creation on the spot.”
Barbe prefers this type of show to a typical, outlined performance. He enjoys freedom to change his sound and be connected to his music in the moment. He stated that he is wary of falling into a routine, as it may dampen creativity.
“When you do something for a long time, you can get into a rut. I don’t like that. I play music for the way it makes me feel. I’m not concerned with being bound by a setlist.”
Barbe is known for shifting from ensemble to ensemble—he says this is healthier for his creativity and forces him to constantly rethink his sound.
Constantly playing with different musicians seems to be a catalyst for his ingenuity. This unique series of shows is definitely a testament to that.
Barbe describes the feel of these performances as “quiet, weird, tripped out and unpredictable.” And they were indeed that.
Some reincarnation of the Quick Hooks has played each Sunday in February. Catch Barbe’s last show of this series tonight, February 26, along with T. Hardy Morris opening.
Morris will begin at 8 p.m. and Barbe’s set will begin at 9.
David Barbe is also in the process of recording a solo album, due to be released this summer.
Camp In 2017: David Lowery x Vinyl Mag
David Lowery, frontman of Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker, professor at the University of Georgia, and general music-business-Renaissance-man, is preparing for the 17th annual Camp In festival taking place at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA.
Although previously located in Pioneertown, California, at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, Camp In has taken place at 40 Watt Club for the past four years.
Lowery claims that this festival is geared specifically toward CVB and Cracker fans; there are multiple sets with different reincarnations of the bands, unique combinations of members, and re-imaginings of original material.
In keeping with the tradition of Camp In, Lowery says that there will be a variety of combinations of musicians playing sets during the festival. Performances will include a solo set with David Lowery (which he excitedly informs me is also a pizza party), a performance by Johnny Hickman at Hendershots, and an acoustic set with Lowery, Johnny Hickman and Peter Case “Pistol” (the “Trippy Trio,” as Lowery calls it) —which plays some reinterpreted, abstract approaches to Cracker songs. There will also be performances by Edward David Anderson of Backyard Tire Fire, The Heap, The Darnell Boys, Ike Reilly, Peter Case, Daisy, Eric Bachman and The Drapes.
When it comes to playing with two bands, Lowery explains that basic differences lie in the songwriting of CVB and Cracker, and therefore in the music itself. CVB, for one, tends to be more instrumental. According to Lowery, CVB began as a side project for the members, so each musician chose an instrument other than their primary one to play. (Lowery switched from bass to guitar/lead vocals.) He adds that their songs began with a simple structure and then gradually became more complex over time.
“When I’m writing, I’ll wake up in the morning, grab some coffee and just go through the lyrics or melody motif over and over until I find something,” says Lowery. Then, with a general idea for the song hashed out, Lowery would meet with the rest of the band to develop the idea by co-writing or recording a demo.
When it comes to Cracker, however, Lowery says the songwriting stays more in that second stage of co-writing with the band. He observes that there tends to be “more formal co-writing,” and he will also occasionally go to Nashville for sessions with songwriters to co-write material with him.
Over the years, Lowery says songwriting with his bands has remained very much the same, although writing his new solo album Conquistador took him on a completely different path. The central concept for the album had been on his mind for around 10 years. “There were lots of false starts. Then one day, I just had a bass drum—a marching band bass drum—and a mic, and it just sort of came together.” With the instrumentation in place, Lowery began reading the lyrics more like poetry or spoken word, and his abstract ideas finally solidified.
It seems nonsensical to talk to David Lowery (someone very outspoken about digital advancements and their relationship with musicians’ rights) and not to touch on streaming, so I asked him about how (and if) it affects his songwriting.
“It definitely makes it more challenging,” he tells me. “In the past, we would get a recording advance. Now, it’s not so much a priority to put out an album. We won’t set aside time to do it. Instead, I just try to squeeze it in the margins.”
Since releasing an album isn’t as lucrative as it once was, Lowery says he doesn’t actively take time off from his responsibilities of teaching or touring for creating an album; instead, he fits in writing when he can or when ideas come to him.
Shifting back to the festival scene, Lowery recalls a favorite memory of Camp In. “I pulled my wife up on stage and played this song ‘Palace Guards’ to her. It was almost like a stand-up comedy routine. I posed it like a love song—the audience loved it and thought it was funny. She had tears in her eyes; it was too funny. Now it’s hard for us to keep playing that song and take it seriously.”
Be sure to catch Camp In featuring Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven in Athens, GA at the 40 Watt Club from today, January 19 through Saturday, January 21. Tickets are available at crackersoul.com and 40watt.com.
15 Irish Bands You’ve Never Heard of But Should Listen to Immediately
From The Cranberries to U2, Ireland has blessed the music world with talented, iconic acts that continue to inspire artists today. In the spirit of keeping the country’s music scene alive, Irish music-lovers throw an annual festival known as Hard Working Class Heroes which gives up-and-coming acts a platform to share their art. The event, described as a “music trail,” is held in Dublin every October, showcasing The Emerald Isle’s freshest faces in spots all throughout the capital. For those of you who didn’t get to attend the event all the way across the pond, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 acts that performed at HWCH that you need to keep your eye on.
1. Chris Kabs
Producer and artist Chris Kabs transcends genre, making music that bridges R&B, soul, and pop. His eclectic arrangements are undeniably cool and advanced, which is expected of someone who has been playing music since he was five years old.
2. New Portals
In the age of CHVRCHES, Shura, and Garden City Movement, crisply-produced beat machines and 80’s synths are the new ultimate combo for electropop. Hailing from Belfast, the duo New Portals have taken advantage of this emerging trend while adding their own flare.
3. Maija Sofia
Maija Sofia’s raw lyricism and overall aesthetic make a great pair to accompany her haunting vocals and lo-fi production. She’s vulnerable, but still adopts a take-no-shit attitude à la Fiona Apple.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgkkCp_quBg
4. Super Silly
Dublin-based four piece Super Silly is possibly the coolest family band ever. Having been raised on the sounds of gospel and R&B classics, this group makes “futuristic sexy music with meticulous joy.”
5. Jafaris
Rapper Jafaris is one of the few hip-hop artists out of Ireland. His style deviates between that of Roy Woods and Cam’ron, bridging the gap between generational hip-hop styles. It wouldn’t be socking to see his name on Drake’s OVO roster sometime soon.
6. Erica-Cody
North Dublin singer-songwriter Erica-Cody is proof that all a good song needs is a soulful female vocal sailing over a dangerously slick beat. Her music strikes the perfect balance; it’s able to mellow you out without putting you to sleep, much like that of her PR&B contemporaries Jhené Aiko and SZA.
7. Loah
Sallay Matu Garnett, whose goes by the stage name of Loah, is heavily influenced by her West African heritage. Her sound is, simply put, unique. While her vocal is tinted with a hint of Sade, the production on each track varies, keeping the listener on their toes.
8. Wyvern Lingo
Even if there were another gospel-infused alternative girl group in Ireland, we’re sure they would be the coolest. The trio has garnered quite a following already, which isn’t hard to imagine considering how impressively catchy their music is.
9. Tebi Rex
This alternative hip-hop duo is making waves with their experimental style. Tebi Rex consists of producer Matt O’Baoill and rapper Max Zanga. Zanga’s raps are slick and melody-infused, reminiscent of Childish Gambino’s “Because the Internet.”
10. AikJ
AikJ doesn’t like to confine his music into a single genre. After a listen, it’s easy to see why. There really is no way to condense even a single song into a specific genre; from spoken word to electronica, AikJ is one of the most versatile artists in the game.
11. Dammy Ari
Carlow singer-songwriter Dammy Ari is a quintessential artist; he makes music as a way of documenting, writing his life story in his work. From rap to soul to jazz, Dammy does it all.
12. SOULÉ
SOULÉ is, without a doubt, the dopest artist in Ireland. The music of this urban electronic songstress evokes memories of Vogue-era Madonna. It’s so sleek and catchy that by the end of a track you’re not sure exactly what you just listened to, but you know you want to listen to it again.
13. Le Boom
This duo from Dublin is electropop gold. With seamless production and a distinguishable vocal, Le Boom could very well see mainstream success in the near future.
14. Miles Graham
Backed by a multi-faceted band, Miles Graham delivers soulful songs that sound like they arrived from another time. “She Knows” has a hook that could easily make it a hit on Top 40 radio, taking cues from similar artists like Hozier and James Bay.
15. Samyel
Samyel’s quaint and simple songs belong on the soundtrack of a Wes Anderson film. He also makes music videos featuring his dog, which makes listening to his voice that much more enjoyable.
VM Staff Picks: Favorite Albums of 2016
Emily McBride:
David Bowie – Blackstar
Leonard Cohen – You Want It Darker
Fruit Bats – Absolute Loser
LVL UP – Return to Love
Lemon Twigs – Do Hollywood
Drive-By Truckers – American Band
Whitney – Light Upon the Lake
Margaret Glaspy – Emotions and Math
Marlon Williams – Marlon Williams
Angel Olsen – My Woman
Jackie Citero:
Lady Gaga – Joanne
Sia – This is Acting
Catfish and the Bottlemen – The Ride
Glass Animals – How To Be a Human Being
A Tribe Called Quest – We Got It From Here…Thank You 4 Your Service
Jimmy Eat World – Integrity Blues
Gwen Stefani – This Is What The Truth Feels Like
The Marcus King Band – The Marcus King Band
Flume – Skin
Childish Gambino – “Awaken, My Love!”
The Chainsmokers – Collage
Darby McNally:
Rihanna – ANTI
ZAYN – Mind of Mine
Beyoncé – Lemonade
Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman
Solange – A Seat at the Table
Fifth Harmony – 7/27
TWENTY88 – TWENTY88
The Weeknd – Starboy
Bruno Mars – 24K Magic
Alicia Keys – HERE
Stephanie Alejandro:
Justin Bieber – Purpose
Beyoncé – Lemonade
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
Kanye West – The Life as Pablo
Frank Ocean – Blonde
Sia – This is Acting
Lady Gaga – Joanne
Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman
Drake – Views
The 1975 – I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It
Vinyl Video: Power 96.1 Jingle Ball 2016
What better way to send off 2016 than with a star-studded mega concert? iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball series delivered this year, with a lineup that changed in every city and featured just about every Top 40 artist currently on the charts. We got in on the action at the Atlanta show – hosted by Power 96.1 – and hung out with some of the biggest names in music.
We showed you the artists’ red carpet looks, but most of the noteworthy moments happened onstage and in between sets. We saw Fifth Harmony perform one of their last shows as a five-piece and witnessed Joe Jonas feed someone a hardboiled egg backstage. We also almost physically ran into Ariana Grande, who is stunningly beautiful and moves quietly and quickly, trailing behind her a cloud of Chanel No. 5. The strange environment was a fitting place to close out a strange year.
Check out our video recap featuring clips from the concert, as well as interviews with Jingle Ball artists Lukas Graham and Daya.
VM Staff Picks: Favorite Songs of 2016
Emily McBride:
Whitney – “No Woman”
Fruit Bats – “None Of Us”
Lemon Twigs – “These Words”
Bon Iver – “33 ‘GOD'”
Angel Olsen – “Shut Up Kiss Me”
Tennis – “In The Morning I’ll Be Better”
Palmas – “Flowers”
Frances Cone – “Arizona”
Maggie Rogers – “Alaska”
Jimmy Eat World – “Get Right”
Jackie Citero:
FRENSHIP – “Capsize”
The String Cheese Incident – “Believe”
The Chainsmokers – “Don’t Let Me Down”
Lady Gaga – “Diamond Heart”
Catfish and the Bottlemen – “7”
Glass Animals – “Life Itself”
Sia – “Alive”
Phantogram – “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore”
Panic! At The Disco – “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time”
Børns – “American Money”
Gwen Stefani – “Used to Love You”
Darby McNally:
Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $ign – “Work from Home”
Beyoncé ft. The Weeknd – “6 Inch”
ZAYN – “Borderz”
Rihanna – “Yeah, I Said It”
The Weeknd ft. Lana Del Rey – “Stargirl Interlude”
Bruno Mars – “Versace On the Floor”
TWENTY88 ft. K-Ci & JoJo & Detail – “2 Minute Warning”
Solange – “Don’t Wish Me Well”
Ariana Grande – “Touch It”
Alicia Keys – “Where Do We Begin Now”
Stephanie Alejandro:
The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey – “Closer”
Justin Bieber – “Love Yourself”
Ariana Grande – “Side to side”
The Chainsmokers – “Don’t Let Me Down”
Rihanna ft. Drake – “Work”
Drake – “One Dance”
DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber – “Let Me Love You”
ZAYN – “Pillowtalk”
Gnash ft. Olivia O’ Brien – “I hate you, I love you”
Ariana Grande – “Dangerous Woman”
VM Staff Picks: Favorite Festivals, Tours, Concerts of 2016
Festivals
Emily McBride:
1. Pickathon
2. Forecastle
3. Hangout Fest
4. FYF
5. SXSW
Jackie Citero:
1. Electric Forest
2. Hulaween
3. Hangout Fest
4. Bonnaroo
5. SXSW
Stephanie Alejandro:
1. Lollapalooza
2. Hangout Fest
Tours and Concerts
Emily McBride:
1. The Cure – North American Tour (This was such a ridiculously long-time coming for me. Highlight of my year.)
2. Jenny Lewis Rabbit Fur Coat Anniversary Tour at Beacon Theatre with M. Ward and The Watson Twins
3. Charles Bradley at Radio City Music Hall
4. Grimes at pretty much every festival ever
5. Nice As F*#k at Webster Hall
Jackie Citero:
1. The Floozies – Summer Fling, But Like In The Fall Tour
2. The String Cheese Incident – Summer Tour
3. Widespread Panic – Summer Tour
Darby McNally:
1. Beyoncé – The Formation World Tour
2. Rihanna – ANTI World Tour
3. Fifth Harmony – The 7/27 World Tour
4. The Weeknd – The Madness World Tour
5. Justin Bieber – Purpose World Tour
6. Britney Spears – Piece of Me (Vegas Residency)
7. One Direction – On the Road Again Tour
8. Drake and Future – Summer Sixteen Tour
9. Shawn Mendes – The Shawn Mendes World Tour
10. Alessia Cara – The Know-It-All Tour
Stephanie Alejandro:
1. Twenty One Pilots – Emotional Roadshow Tour
“Emotional Roadshow in Duluth was my favorite concert of 2016. I’ve seen the band eight times over the course of the last 3 ½ years though, so I may be biased…but the production was so good, and they were interactive with the crowd as always. But what I loved most was that they had a B-stage at every show; it made the show feel a lot more intimate like old times, even though it was an arena show.”
2. Justin Bieber – Purpose Tour
3. Halsey – Badlands Tour
4. Kanye – Saint Pablo Tour
5. Adele – Adele Live Tour
6. Rihanna – ANTI World Tour
7. The 1975 -The North American Tour (I heard they had different variations of their setlist each night so that no show was the exact same, so that’s cool.)
Artist to Watch: The Vinyl Suns
On a rainy November night in Athens, Ga., a muffled, distorted guitar can be heard through the walls of a home off of South Milledge Avenue.
The distinguishable sound is the work of fresh-faced Athens darlings The Vinyl Suns.
Formed just recently in August of 2015, the four-piece has established themselves as one of the most prominent bands in the city, playing blues, rock, and “a hint of everything.” To prepare for their upcoming gig at the local 40 Watt Club, the band is holding a practice to work on finalizing their set list.
The practice is held in a rustic room that has been gutted and stripped down to accommodate instruments and other musical gear; equipment is strewn about the garage-like space, furnished with a couple of sofas, an oriental rug in the center of the cement floor, a large Walter White poster filling one of the walls and a cooler with a lid that features the album artwork for Chance the Rapper’s Acid Rap.
Lead guitarist Chris Callahan explains that they are guests in the home and that the owner works at the Georgia Theatre. “We put up an ad saying we needed a place to practice, and he answered,” he recalls.
In the college town that produced R.E.M. and The B-52’s, it’s not at all odd for music lovers to lend each other a helping hand. In one corner of the room, a stack of old posters for Georgia Theatre shows that have come and gone serve as mementos for the homeowner and more décor for the practice space.
The bassist has yet to arrive, so the three present band members are not in full practice mode. Classically trained drummer Jack Lloyd strings Christmas lights around the floor and his drum set, while Paxton McClelland, guitarist and lead singer, is tuning his electric with his shoes off. Chris is working on a riff, and Paxton joins.
“Give me the freshest thing on your head. Besides your hair,” Paxton quips.
Chris’ strumming slows and his mouth gapes as he loses focus: “I don’t work good on the spot.”
When left to his own devices, his fingers move up and down the frets like the strings are laced with butter; the more complex the movements, the tighter his eyes squeeze shut.
Just as Chris and Paxton get into their groove, bassist Trae Berry arrives, sneaking in the door with his bass and a Wendy’s bag in tow, a hoodie protecting his long hair from the rain outside. He finds his way to an office chair and plugs his bass into an amp, merging seamlessly into the current jam session that has broken out.
The topic of today’s practice is deciding what song they’ll mesh into the end of one of their originals at their gig at the 40 Watt.
“I think we should do ‘Seven Nation Army,’” says Trae, earning the approval of Paxton.
Chris is on the fence, and Jack isn’t shy about his dislike for the track, “I hate that song. It sucks. It’s just so simple.” While seemingly harsh, the playful bickering is how the band comes to reach an agreement on artistic decisions.
“Well, Bo Diddley only knew how to play one thing. That’s why everybody loved his shit,” Chris retorts in a voice mimicking that of the blues legend. He starts improvising melodies on his electric as Jack and Paxton catch up.
Trae stands up and observes the three of them from the middle of the room with his arms crossed, intently watching and analyzing, evoking an image of an ingenious mad scientist. As the only member of The Vinyl Suns who doesn’t attend the University of Georgia, Trae gives music lessons in his hometown about an hour away from Athens. When the improvised jam session is over, and the group returns to debating their cover song, Trae has some more input, “I don’t want to just play song after song on our set list. I want it to be a memorable experience.”
After a few more moments of deliberating, they decide to take a break. Chris and Paxton both walk outside with unlit cigarettes hanging from their lips.
“I’ve been playing guitar since forever. I couldn’t even tell you when I started playing. My dad played in a band and got me into it when I was really young,” says Chris.
When Jack and Trae eventually make their way outside, they all begin reminiscing about their formation while Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” blares from inside the practice room, courtesy of Jack.
“We lived right next to each other,” says Paxton, pointing at Trae, “And he was always playing guitar. And I played guitar but I kind of sucked.”
The lessons turned into jam sessions with Chris, who they knew from high school, and they became a more serious group. But, they were still in need of a drummer. They knew Jack as one of their friend’s new “random roommates,” and happened to be there on the day he moved in.
Jack cuts in, wanting to tell the story from his perspective, “Within two hours of me moving to Athens – my mom hadn’t even left yet –somehow the news came around that I played drums. Chris was like, as he was walking out, ‘Hey, I heard you play drums.’ So, the day I came to Athens, I joined a band.”
“I think we should play ‘Time’ all the way through,” interjects Trae, shifting gears.
Chris asks for clarification, “Pink Floyd’s ‘Time’ or our ‘Time?’”
The “Time” Trae is referring to is shorthand for the band’s original, “Time Keeps Slippin.’”
The track embodies the band’s collective persona, clever and cheeky with “a hint of everything.” As they practice the song they’ve played at least a hundred times before in the empty practice room, they perform with an energy that would suggest they were standing in front of a packed house at the Bowery. This is the passion that they bring to their art. It’s in the contortion of Chris’ face when he slides his fingers over the neck of the guitar and the power of Jack’s drum hits. It’s in the gruffness of Paxton’s vocal and the rhythm of Trae’s bass. Music is not just their craft; it’s part of them.
Listen to The Vinyl Suns
The Splendor & Spectacle of Hulaween 2016
It almost goes without saying: Hulaween was the best festival we have seen this year. In its fourth year at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, the magic of Hulaween has grown, and the splendor and spectacle of this festival has exceeded any and all expectations.
While we are still riding that Hula high, and probably will be for quite some time, we’re taking a look at some highlights that make this esteemed festival top-notch.
Greensky Bluegrass Thursday Pre-Party Set
The party got started a day early, as it has in years past, with Hulaween’s not-to-miss Thursday Pre-Party. This year’s pre-party lineup was incomparable to previous Thursdays at Hulaween, as it boasted one of the best lineups to date. Umphrey’s McGee, Greensky Bluegrass, EOTO & Friends, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Marco Benevento, Fruition, and The Werks were among the artists who kicked off the weekend.
The Spirit Lake Stage was adorned with towering amethyst cathedrals and ornate wooden cutouts on each side. As the starburst lights began to shine and the visual effects started to transform the stage into a pirate ship, Greenksky took to the Spirit Lake Stage for the last slot of the night. The mournfully beautiful “Windshield” was the first song of the set, and the band’s performance seemed to send a wave of enchantment and emotion through the crowd. Also known for their outlandish covers, Greensky later delighted with Juvenile’s 1998 hit, “Back That Ass Up.”
Something was in the air that night while Greensky played on. You could feel the energy pulsating. The atmosphere was electric, and Greensky provided a soundtrack that matched the smiling crowd’s anticipation and excitement for the weekend ahead.
The String Cheese Incident’s Halloween ’80s Cover Set
One of the most highly anticipated String Cheese Incident sets of the year happens every Hulaween. On Saturday, SCI played three sets, with the second set themed “Stringier Things” (a play on the recent Netflix hit Stranger Things) and was comprised of all ’80s covers. The String Cheese Incident was joined on stage by the Antibalas horns as well as vocalists Rhonda Thomas and Tony White.
When it comes to Cheese and their spectacle sets, it’s always a party and a unique experience you do not want to miss. From the Rubik’s Cube inflatables to the looming Stay Puft Marshmallow Man flying overhead, the ‘80s rocker acrobats swinging high above the crowd to the sensual grinder/spark dancers on stage, the confetti and heart shaped balloons during “Love Shack” to the fireworks display during “Burning Down The House,” this year’s special Hulaween set was no exception.
Stringier Things ‘80s Set:
Would I Lie To You?, Should I Stay Or Should I Go, Upside Down, She Blinded Me With Science, Let’s Groove Tonight, White Wedding, Sweet Child O’ Mine, Love Shack, MEDLEY: Another One Bites The Dust > White Lines > The Safety Dance > Come On Eileen > Relax > Thriller > Never Gonna Give You Up > Don’t You Want Me, Burning Down The House
Spirit Lake
Remember when the entrance to Spirit Lake looked like this?….We do.
Each year, mastermind Andy Carroll curates Spirit Lake working alongside artists and multi-media designers from around the globe to create a living, breathing space that is full of surprises and jaw-dropping interactive art. For 2016, Spirit Lake was bigger and better than ever before.
Around every corner of Spirit Lake there was something new to look at and installations that were enticing to play with. During the day, a plethora of workshops and yoga classes were available, but at night, Spirit Lake transformed into a mesmerizing playground.
When the sun went down, the trees, art, and lake were all illuminated by lighting designer John Hollingshead’s mind-blowing-and-bending projections. The light show that danced across the lake hypnotize audiences into the early morning hours with technology comparable to that found at, shall we say, Disney World.
Community
“The thing that is unbelievably special about the Hulaween fan base, compared to other festivals, is that it is one of the most understanding, welcoming, and forgiving fan bases that we have ever been blessed with working with,” stated Michael Berg in an earlier interview with us. And we have to agree.
We have seen strong communities at other festivals, especially Electric Forest, but there is just something so incredibly unique and special about the Hula Fam/Hula Crew. This community is family. Attendee camaraderie is strongly rooted within and projected by the largely present String Cheese Incident fanbase at Hulaween. But beyond the droves of Cheese fans, it seems that all who enter The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park are touched by the magic and love of this festival.
“It is just unprecedented the amount of positivity and acceptance that is generated by this fan base. It is unheard of, compared to anything I have ever been a part of as an event producer promoter,” Berg concluded.
The Venue
Adorned with Spanish moss-draped oak trees and nestled on the shady banks of the black Suwannee River, The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park (SOSMP) is naturally the ideal setting for a Halloween weekend extravaganza. For the past four years, the 800-acre venue transforms into a festive playground.
Spirit of Suwannee feels like home. Fortunately for the Hula Fam, Hulaween won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Confirmed by Berg in our pre-Hula chat, he reassured us that after the past successful years, Hulaween has found a permanent stable home at SOSMP and is here to stay (hopefully) for a really long time.