Listen: Diarrhea Planet: “Bamboo Curtain”

Posted on by Vinyl Mag

Earlier this morning, rock band Diarrhea Planet blessed fans’ ears with another single off of their upcoming EP, Aliens in the Outfield. 

Staying true to the ’90s vibe that songs like “Heat Wave”  give off to listeners, the band has returned with “Bamboo Curtain.” The track is Weezer-esque, with drummer Casey Weissbuch taking a jab at lead vocals this go around.

Check it out below. The song is only 1:53 long, but it goes hard the whole time with the DP-typical cheery hooks and deep, contemplative lyrics.

Aliens in the Outfield  release Nov. 18th via Infinity Cat Recordings.

Listen: Taylor Swift: “Out of the Woods”

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

Taylor Swift is holding strong with her musical transition from country to pop with her recent release.

This week, Swift released her new track “Out of the Woods” that was recorded with Fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff.

The single is nothing short of a pop sensation with a beat that – to me, at least – is reminiscent of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.”

The song is destined to be a hit, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it picked scooped up for the next blockbuster soundtrack. Listen for yourself below, and tell us what you think!

 

 

 

Lorde embraces South Park’s version of her

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

Last Wednesday, South Park aired a new episode, and their latest celebrity target was the teen royalty, Lorde. In the episode, Randy Marsh is struggling to keep up his alter-identity as the Kiwi singer (suggesting the idea that Lorde is a transgender man). The episode – of course full of funny jokes – also came full of Marsh/Lorde showcasing his vocal skills in the song, “I am Lorde Ya Ya Ya”.

Today, Lorde took light of the joke and embraced it during an interview with the New Zealand television network, TV3.  When speaking to Spin Magazine, Lorde showed her sense of humor saying:

“I was thinking, ‘Yeah he has a moustache…I mean I have a moustache, but is it that prominent?’ But it was someone’s dad pretending to be me. We actually, in my hotel room, went ‘Ya ya ya ya I am Lorde! Ya ya ya!’ for like an hour, because that’s why [sic] they do on the episode, so…”

Lorde even sang the song to show that she laughed it off as well. Watch it below!

 

CHVRCHES at Buckhead Theatre on October 8

Posted on by Michelle King
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You know you love a band when you have only three songs in the pit to get photos you need for an article, yet you’re still barely able to control yourself from dancing and jumping in front of the stage. I say barely…when the lights would cut out completely for a couple of seconds during CHVRCHES on Wednesday, and I knew I couldn’t shoot, I was definitely not holding still. I honestly don’t even remember what those songs were. I was too caught up in the moment.

I do remember, however, that “Gun” was the fourth song, which was playing as we photographers were being escorted out of the venue. It was then that I realized just how packed the sold-out Buckhead Theatre had gotten, and was able to see the obvious ecstasy and excitement on the faces of so many adoring fans. Lauren Mayberry is a hard one not to fall for.

I am told I missed a beautiful sky-like backdrop for “Night Sky,” but by the time I had dropped my camera in the car and gotten back into the venue, they were well into “Strong Hand,” followed quickly by “Science and Visions” and “Recover,” an epic breakup anthem which was apparently a favorite of many in the room, as the crowd found themselves clapping in unison and singing (screaming?) along, totally enthralled.

Mayberry took a moment to address the audience before moving into the slower paced “Tether,” which seemed to bring a more romantic mood to the room. The lights were dimmed and less spastic, and there was more swaying and less jumping…until the breakdown, when “the sun” came out, not only with the frenetic display of white lights, but also more literally in the form of the lyrics sung in Iain Cook’s backing vocal chant.

Martin Doherty then took center stage for “Under the Tide,” as Mayberry stepped aside to handle his synthesizer. Proving he’s quite the frontman in his own right, Doherty used the whole stage and seemingly the entirety of his energy and emotion to deliver the words that I would have to assume he penned. While I must admit Mayberry’s enchanting vocals are a huge part of my love for CHVRCHES, I might make the argument that Doherty has a more impressive – at least more energetic – stage presence.

The not-so-last song of the night was, appropriately, their epic first single, “The Mother We Share,” but it wasn’t long before the trio was back on stage for an encore starting with Doherty taking lead vocals again on ballad “You Caught the Light,” before they moved into a promising new song entitled “Richard Pryor,” and closing out the evening in earnest with “By the Throat.”

To be honest, I debated even attending this show, citing that I had already seen them perform the same set of material earlier this year. My point being, the next time you think you’ve seen something once, and that’s all you need, you might want to reconsider that thought.  I’m glad I did.

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Milky Chance: ‘Sadnecessary’

Posted on by Ross Woomer

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Milky Chance is a project from humble roots, comprised of Philipp Dausch and Clemens Rehbein, two acquaintances that sought to make music throughout their high school career while living in Kassel, Germany. Over the course of two weeks in 2013, they cut their full-length album, Sadnecessary, in their home studio — a culmination of their previous experience performing in a local band before becoming YouTube sensations with their breakthrough single, “Stolen Dance.” As of October 7th, 2014, “Stolen Dance” has been certified gold, having been digitally sold and streamed over 500,000 times in America. Sadnecessary, put out independently in Europe last year via the band’s own Licthdicht Records, is already a holder of a spot in the Top 10 out of 9 countries. Now, the record is geared up for its North American release on October 14th, 2014 (U.S. release through Republic Records).

Milky Chance’s Sadnecessary is a debut of their hallmark style more than anything else; self-described as melancholy with a positive spin (because you can dance to it — and I have been), the downtrodden drawl of Clemens backed by Philipp’s vocal harmonies are a persistent reminder that the up-tempo strumming and dance beats are underlain by personal accounts of lost loves, moments missed, and longings for things that could have been. Whether or not it was intentional, “Stunner” is the name of the first track on the album, and most notably sets the mood for everything that flows out of your speakers from then on out.

The group has been named by Rolling Stone as one of their “10 Artists You Need to Know Now,” and after now knowing them, I can say that they are not far off. There is something channeled in tracks like “Running,” “Fairytale,” and “Down By The River” that smarts of somber reggae and folk popping and reverberating through the concrete halls of a derelict building. What you hear is clearly unassuming, preferring to bounce around the room you are sitting in — the better to let you discover how catchy and mellow the wake of an album like Sadnecessary can be without coming across as needlessly obtrusive.

What is incredible, at least to me, is that this record was brought to life sans producer or large, studio setup. Milky Chance had played two shows prior to laying down Sadnecessary in a way that was free from industry expectation. Fortunately, relatable things catch on, and so, songs like “Feathery” and “Loveland” hit hard enough to sink in.  They are capable of eliciting memories we have all felt in the midst of a blue summer; after drawing to a close, that particular notion about the album demands some reflection. It is no mere chance that Sadnecessary’s accessibility stems from the phenomenon that a good portion of the fabric of influential songwriting is loomed from how despondent and wistful one can get before picking up a guitar, and Milky Chance’s approach to musicianship supports that completely. Bravo!

4/5

Marina and the Diamonds drop a new single

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

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Thank God it’s Friday, and thank God for a new Marina and the Diamonds single!

Earlier today, the bubblegum bitch released a new single titled “Froot.” The track is the first single off of the group’s forthcoming third album of the same title.

The song, so far, is being well received as seen from the over 10k likes on the YouTube video for the single. Following Marina’s 2012 album Electra Heart, the single and album will prove to be more on the softer side of electronica full of beautiful metaphors and funky beats.

“Froot,” the album, has no known release date yet.

 

Monsoon x Vinyl Mag

Posted on by Emily McBride

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In a music town like Athens, GA, with an endless spread of bands accessible for your listening – and viewing – pleasure, it’s rare to find one that can distinguish itself from the pack.  What’s even rarer is doing it before the members even graduate from high school!

Monsoon has done just that.  Started by Sienna Chandler (vocalist/guitarist) and a pick-up band at an Elliot Smith tribute show, Monsoon quickly gained notice and recognition by some of the Athens bigwigs and grew into a full-fledged band, consistently playing shows and major festivals in the town.  I grabbed a few minutes with Chandler to talk about growing up in the Classic City, plans post-graduation, and their big upcoming show.

Vinyl Mag: How did you form? Can you tell us the story of how you started and got on the Wuxtry Record Store Day comp?

Sienna Chandler: I was hanging outside at the 40 Watt after a B-53’s show. Jake Franzen had just made introductions and asked if I’d like to play an Elliot Smith tribute show he was putting together. I didn’t have a band at the time but said yes anyway. Jake is where it all began. He gave me the green light to do something I’d always wanted to do but wasn’t quite sure how to go about. I called up two friends, and we played the show a week or two later. Shortly after that, we were asked to play a show at Flicker – which I played on my 17th birthday – and a house show at the Plush Palace. Unlike the Elliot Smith tribute show, the songs I played at Flicker and at the house show were all my own. Everyone was really great, especially the Plush Palace folks. They were super supportive, super responsive, and we had a really great time. It was then we decided to become an official band.

Because we were unnamed at the time, the videos that my dad shot of the Plush Palace show were loaded onto YouTube by song title (vs. band name). Wuxtry man Mike Turner saw Monsoon (the song) on Facebook, and that’s how we were introduced. He liked the song and asked if he could put it on the compilation album.

VM: So few bands ever get “discovered” anymore. The bands that get recognition these days usually all have hired a publicist to get their name out there. How did it feel to have someone seek you out before you were even fully established?

SC: It’s really nice. I can’t say that we’ll always be able to handle it without a publicist, but for now, I like the fact that we’re out there without a filter. What you see is what you get. There isn’t a go-between. If we’re liked, I love being the one that gets the call to talk about our band, because that person actually wants to hear our story or is interested in our sound. Vinyl Mag for example. Thank you for seeking us out. Nice to meet you.

VM: What are your plans for when you graduate? College? Full-time band?

SC: I’m happy to announce I’m officially a High School graduate. I took the long walk across the stage, dressed in Oconee blue back in June. I hope to start college next semester after we get the album out.

VM: Where are headed for college? Are you going to keep up the band?

SC: Staying local for school and ABSOLUTELY!

VM: You said in an interview with the Flagpole that you “feel more inspired than influenced.” Are there any non-musical inspirations that you draw from when coming up with songs?

SC: Yes. Definitely. A beautiful flower. A child taking his first steps, long walks on the beach (…record screech). Just kidding. I find I work best in chaos. A busy schedule, deadlines, and six too-many-cups of coffee usually kick start the songwriting process.

VM: What are some of your other creative outlets besides music?

SC: The only other outlet, though I wouldn’t call it creative or even an outlet for that matter, is anime. I love anime. Anything Japanese for that matter. I think the culture is beautiful as well as their traditions. Note to reader: Hello? Anyone? !! Monsoon would like to tour Japan!! Hook a sister up.

VM: What is it like to grow up in such a music-minded town like Athens? How has the town influenced your sound?

SC: I wouldn’t trade growing up in Athens, Georgia for anything in the world. On any given night, on any given day, music is always accessible. That’s not the case in most towns. I remember the first time I ever heard The Rodney Kings. I was parked on Clayton and getting ready to drive away, but I heard this crazy awesome whaling coming from the Farm. I felt like Linus in the pumpkin patch: ‘What’s that [hair on end], WHAT’S THAT?’ I raced over, jumped up in front, and danced non-stop until the set was over. It’s still one of the funnest shows I’ve ever been to. I love it here. I love the vibe and the people and the venues and my friends.  I wouldn’t change growing up here for anything in the world.

VM: Do you do all of the writing? What is your writing process?

SC: I do. Very rarely will I tell Scott, ‘hey make this part sound sexy’ or Joey, ‘do a jungle drum right here.’ I write, and Joey and Scott make the songs come full circle in ways I’d never think to route them. They’re excellent musicians. They are incredible at making my mess a fine-tuned piece of chaos.

VM: [We originally chatted about doing an interview around] Dog Daze – how was that?

SC: Great! John Harry does an excellent job putting together bands, and it always brings a fun crowd. There’s the added bonus of working with the 40 Watt to put on a great show. There’s a reason that place makes all the Top Venue lists.

VM: What else have you been up to since then?

SC:  I’ve actually been writing, A LOT. I took this semester off to get the album out and have been working with a small Montessori Daycare program. The kids are amazing. Really cool humans. If I’m working something out lyrically in my head and not able to write it down, I sing it aloud, and the kids pick it up instantly. “Head starts spinnin, head starts spinnin, head starts spinnin….” We dance, we laugh, we sing. It’s been a fun experience.

VM: What is your favorite venue in Athens? Favorite festival?

SC: That would be impossible to answer. Every venue, every festival has been absolutely incredible to us. I’m not trying to sound all PC. I can’t think of a place we’ve played that we haven’t had a great time with great sound, great people, and a great crowd.

VM: What are some other local bands you are into?

SC: I currently have a huge music crush on Cottonmouth. Jacob is such a sweetheart off-stage, but when he performs, watch out. He fires out rhyme like machine gun fire, and it really sticks to the listener. It’s great. Then there’s Strays and Sad Dads – they’re my go to bands.

VM: Do you have any advice for young bands trying to get the word out?

SC: Just play. Keep it fun. That’s what it’s all about.

VM: What is next for Monsoon?

SC: Pump out this album and get the release underway! Just between me, you, and the reader, I’m pretty excited about the album release show….It’s gonna be a banger. Date TBA.

VM: Do you have any shows coming up?

SC: We do! If you find yourself in the Atlanta area on October 25th, swing by Terminal West – we’re opening for OF MONTREAL! We confirmed last night, and you’re the first to know.

Poliça at Terminal West on Oct. 6

Posted on by Michelle King
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In this environment of musical over-saturation, and after many years of heavy concert-going, it has become a (maybe) sad truth that it’s now quite difficult for me to be truly interested or impressed with a live performance. A band has to possess a truly distinguishing factor. An element of surprise, if you will, in the live show. Just something freaking different, please. Poliça fit that bill, and proved it Monday night at Terminal West.

On-stage, you see two drummers, a bassist, and vocalist. A curious line-up, one would think. Okay. I’m interested. The attentive viewer will find hidden off-stage near the sound booth, one Ryan Olsen, who, contrary to his lack of visibility, is arguably the most important member of the group. Founding the band in 2011 with vocalist Channy Leaneagh, Olsen is responsible for everything you’re hearing outside of the bass and drums (obviously), and also handles the majority of the distortion on Leaneagh’s vocals.

The dual-drummers and heavy bass make for a deep, full-body experience and, along with the overwhelming use of red lighting, the “brutal” feel that it seems the band are embracing translates perfectly to the live show. Leaneagh’s presence and delivery are naturally what draw your eye, but her vocals almost swirl around you like a specter, while the music itself crawls in and makes itself a cozy home inside your gut, creating an experience that is much more than visual.

Leaneagh explained in an interview with Vice that she’s actually a very introverted person, saying,”That show, that performance is the most extroverted performance I will do all day.”

Her stage presence wouldn’t exactly suggest an introverted personality, as she certainly doesn’t reserve any emotion, but you can tell it’s more of an internal episode than an act adopted purely for performance or entertainment. You can feel the pain in the songs without even distinguishing the lyrics, which happen to all be depressing as hell.

So there you have it. Thank you, Poliça.  Your show was something different. Something that made an impact. Something with purpose, honesty, and distinction.

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Charli XCX performed ‘Fancy’ last night and KILLED IT

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

British songstress Charli XCX launched her tour with a great start last night at the Webster Hall in New York.

And when I say great start, I mean she slayed it.

During the encore of the artist’s show, she performed the Iggy Azalea hit “Fancy” on which she was featured and received writing credit. Except this time, she decided to take over and do the whole thing solo.

Caught on tape (thanks, Random Fan), XCX sang her usual verses and did some of Iggy’s raps as well. Over a techno beat and packed with confetti, the rendition was a set favorite.

Earlier in the show, she also played Icona Pop’s “I Love It” (on which she is also featured) and multiple songs from her new album, Sucker, which drops Dec. 16.

 

Childish Gambino is baaaack

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

Earlier this week, our favorite actor/comedian/rapper/singer Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) dropped a dual mixtape and EP called STN MTN/KAUAI, proving that time and time again we never know what to expect from Donald. Following him during his dream, STN MTN gives fans a taste of Childish Gambino’s Atlanta blood, while KAUAI represents Gambino’s calmer side once he wakes up from his dreams.

The mixtape, STN MTN, is a Gangsta Grillz project. For those that don’t know, Gangsta Grillz is a series of mixtapes produced by Atlanta’s DJ Drama, where artists rap their own verses over other popular songs beats/mixes for promotional reasons.  The tape is Gambino’s homage to his hometown of Stone Mountain, Georgia and presents Gambino in a new light outside of the typical “white rapper” image that most attribute to him. The music on STN MTN is hype, bumping, and meant for a car with a system. As Gambino channels his “dirty South” Atlanta side on this tape, we will have to see what fans think. I, for one, feel that true fans of Gambino will be in love with STN MTN and play it non-stop.

But, of course, Donald wasn’t going to forget his fans who have fallen in love with his pop influences since “Heartbeat.” After jamming out to the beats of STN MTN, the calm and peaceful EP, KAUAI, rears its beautiful head. The EP is named after the Hawaiian island and features laid back beats and easy lyrics. Putting you in the mind of laying on the beach, KAUAI features “3005 (Beach Picnic Version)” – a revamp of the because the internet hit. Not just a new EP for Childish Gambino, the project also introduces Jaden Smith as The Boy.

STN MTN the mixtape is available for download here! The EP is available for streaming on Spotify and on iTunes for $6.99!