Check out a new video for RATKING’s track, “So Sick Stories,” which features King Krule. Let the game of thrones begin…
Children of the Stones: ‘The Stars and the Silence’
Extended Play, the first EP released by the collaboration of Mark Van Hoen (of Black Hearted Brother, Seefeel, Locust, Scala) and Martin Maeers, has proved only to be a tease- the best is still yet to come.
Children of the Stones is the new project from Van Hoen and Maeers, and they will release their upcoming LP, The Stars And The Silence, on March 25th. Joining them on this album are Rachel Davies (Esben & The Witch), Neil Halstead (Slowdive, Black Hearted Brother, Mojave 3, solo) and Al Forrester, plus Angus Finlayson, amongst other friends. For over 30 years, Van Hoen has been creating and innovating the electronic music genre. With the help of vocalist Maeers, it seems that The Stars And The Silence is the next step in the right direction and perhaps just what electronic music needs.
Where the EP, Extended Play, displayed a bleak sadness, The Stars And The Silence explores a lightness that can be found within the shadows of love’s darkness. “Love’s Last Loss” is a subdued and humbled testament of what was and a realization of a love and life that will no longer be. The composition of this first track is somewhat a cut and paste of appropriate sound bits, bleak glitchy transitions, oceanic dream, and mournful raw emotion. “Love’s Last Loss” is an appropriate choice as the start of this album as it introduces the listener to Van Hoens’ use of technology as a catalyst for creativity and expression.
The Stars And The Silence takes an upbeat turn with “Out of Reach.” As one of the more uptempo compositions of the album, this track is reminiscent of songs found on The Postal Service’s 2003 album, Give Up. The title track, “The Stars & The Silence” follows and maintains the form of a mystic lullaby that hypnotizes the listener into a dreamlike state which was first introduced on Extended Play.
“Just Like Coming Down” is a seductively somber track with heavier downtempo wobble. It is easy to immerse oneself into this track and, as the title of the song suggests, allow the vibrations to bring the mind, body, and soul completely down. The eight track on the LP, “Every Word You Say,” has similar vocal and musical composition to the song “Guiding Light,” found on Extended Play. Where as “Guiding Light” is disjointed with low monotonous vocals and overpowering electro beats, “Every Word You Say” is is more united and cohesive.
One of my favorite tracks on this album was the triumphantly dark “Toward the Umbra.” Similar to the undertones conceived in many MUSE songs, the composition of this song sets the tone of go forth and conquer, Musically I found this track to be the most commercial of all the tracks found on The Stars And The Silence.
Overall, The Stars And The Silence was a pleasant surprise. The variation and play of technology keeps this LP interesting and entertaining and I look forward to more releases from this collaboration of artists.
The Stars and The Silence will be released on March 25th.
Products for Bright-Hued Hair
As my senior year of college is fast approaching, the little devil on my shoulder keeps whispering into my ear, “Dye your hair pink, Kate. It may be your last chance.” I continue to find myself googling methods to turn my hair a bright, unnatural, entirely obnoxious color, all with a mischievous smile plastered on my face. Thankfully, I’ve learned a lot, and with all the music festivals coming up, this could be your chance to go a little wild too. Whether you want it for a day or a year, we’ve all got some pretty bold options.
Totally Temporary…
Alright, so you’re looking to have some bright streaks in your hair for a couple of days at SXSW. Got it. I recommend Streekers, which come in every shade of the rainbow. Simply use the wand to apply to hair, and when you want to stop looking like you’re of another planet, rinse out. Another good washable option is Kevin.Murphy Color.Bug, which is a chalk that comes in pink, purple, orange, white, neon and shimmery tones.
Sorta Stays…
For all you fearsome colorers that still want a little longevity, I recently discovered a super cool option that’s easy as pie – but only if you’re going for pink. Davines Alchemic Red Conditioner, originally made to enhance shades of red, actually turns blondes and mousy browns into a gorgeous, bold pink, all in the tranquility of your shower. It lasts three to four washes, a good middle ground for those not looking to totally commit. I’m also a big fan of using Kool-Aid for a semi-permanent touch of color. You read that right: Kool-Aid. I’ve used the pink and purple powders to dye my tips and it works like a charm. All you have to do is mix the powder with water, boil, pour into a cup, and dip ends in until the color is satisfactory. Bright hair for less than a dollar? You can thank me when you look like Princess Bubblegum.
…and Perfectly Permanent.
So you’ve decided you want to commit to all the mesmerized, jealous stares of people gaping at your hair. You’ve got a few good products to choose from. Manic Panic is always, always a fantastic option, especially since they have about a million shades in their line. I’ve also been hearing a lot about the brand Special Effects – it’s supposed to be of a tad better quality than Manic Panic, but has less color options. Both will last you three to six weeks before you’ll need to touch up.
Style Steal: Kurt Cobain
Jimi Hendrix rocked Woodstock in the 60s, Led Zeppelin rocked the entire United States in the 70s, and hair band after hair band sold out stadiums throughout the 80s. But the next music genre that swept the nation was something much more subtle than these rock giants. Polished, intense guitar sounds were replaced by raw, grungier music. And that’s how it got its name. “Grunge” music came out of nowhere, or actually, to be more exact, Seattle. And perhaps one of the most influential grunge rock and roll bands was Nirvana, led by front man and style icon Kurt Cobain. From converse, to flannels, to ripped-up jeans and t-shirts, Kurt Cobain changed the game. Now, as we see styles recycled, clothing too is being recycled and this worn out clothing has become the newest thing. We updated Cobain’s raw style to create a look that was both grungy and modern.
For this first look, Will Stewart, avid Nirvana fan and guitar enthusiast, wore a classic 90s style flannel we found at a thrift store layered over a worn out Hard Rock Café t-shirt. Any washed out, old, holy t-shirt fits the grunge style, especially underneath a flannel. Paired with old khaki shorts and worn out worker’s boots, anyone can go from Seattle factory worker to grungy rock star.
For this next outfit, bartender and art student Maggie Adams posed in red converse and another thrift store flannel for this shot. She rocked a striped shirt, a style Kurt basically cherished, that I found at a garage sale. The look is completed with black tights and ripped up jean shorts we made ourselves from old thrift store high rise jeans.
For our last look, Danielle Jordan, who works at American Threads in Athens, wore a fake leather asymmetric skirt from American Threads with knee highs and grungy green shirt, also from American Threads. Paired with another thrift shop flannel, Kurt Cobain is channeled through modern day fashion.
Kurt Cobain was much different than his predecessors. He favored thrift store clothing to elaborate costumes, and flannels to fringe. He favored holes to sequins and stripes to tie-dye. He dressed the way he played: stripped down, raw, and real. Using these qualities, we built modern pieces through which Kurt Cobain and his grunge music can live on in the modern world.
Craig Bicknell: “Hymmmn”
Craig Bicknell’s new single “Hymmmn” is meditative and soothing. The track starts with a simple humming. I wait for lyrics but none come. The track is composed of layers of “hums”, “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” and seamlessly grows.
This is the beginning of Bicknell’s “Hymmmntronica”, a new style composed of intermingling sounds. The track begins to grow with more harmonizing “hum’s” but becomes lighter. Electronics are present, but not to the point of overpowering the main attraction. The piece reaches highs and lows and even combines the two. Bicknell can layer soft on soulful to create a beautiful melody of “hums.”
It’s odd quoting a sound rather than a lyric, but for Bicknell it works. More layers create more depth, and the listener becomes totally relaxed, and I can’t help imagining the movement of mouths. The track carries an airy, southern feel, like a hymn. The track is that of a contemporary composition; it ends with the same, simple humming to complete a piece with an opening and a closing.
Yet, I wish it would go on. In fact, after listening to the track several times, the melody stuck in my head like lyrics, and I continued to repeat the humming cycle even after the track had ended.
Vinyl Thief x Vinyl Mag
You know a band that spent much of their youth practicing in an old church sanctuary has got to be good. And with Nashville-based Vinyl Thief’s newest release, Stop Motion, they’re out to prove it. A foursome somewhere in the genre of electro-rock with praise from the likes of Paste, Vice, and Nylon, it’s no wonder we were excited to catch up with the crew at SXSW. Read on to hear about their influences, new album, and their SXSW experience.
VM: How would you describe your sound?
We usually call it electro-rock, alternative-pop…genres aren’t as descriptive as they use to be, with so much music out there. We mix synths and guitars with some funk and groove and ambience. I guess?
VM: How did you come up with the band’s name?
We were younger, and we looked at some of our favorite bands and their names. Most of them had just taken two words and put them together. So we wrote a bunch of words on a white board and put two of our favorite together.
VM: Who are your musical influences?
Influences vary greatly between newer stuff, like Active Child, Daft Punk, and Kavinsky, to the classics like The Beatles, The Stones, U2. We all draw from different things.
VM: How does it feel to be returning to SXSW? Who are you looking forward to seeing play?
SXSW is such a fun time. This is our first year to be “official”. Last year out manager just snuck us into a bunch of events. We’re looking forward to being able to relax a bit more this year since we know the drill. We’re really exited to see Damon Albarn, we’re all huge fans. Blur and The Gorillaz are two of my favorites OF ALL TIME. Little Dragon is going to be amazing. St. Vincent. So many to choose from.
VM: How would you compare the Nashville music scene to Austin’s?
I honestly can’t speak to the true “Austin Scene” because we’ve only played there during SXSW, which could be a little deceiving I feel like. Austin is an amazing city though, and a lot of great music has come from there. I love Nashville, but I can’t imagine something as big as SXSW hitting Nashville. I think it would implode. It says a lot for Austin.
VM: What can you tell us about forthcoming album?
IT’S GLORIOUS! HA, no. I mean, I think. Maybe you will too? We put a lot of effort and soul into the record. Every song truly means something to us, I hope that comes across. I hope it’s fun as well. It’ll be out late spring early summer.
VM: For the folks who can’t make it to see you at SXSW, any plans to come back to Austin?
We will absolutely be back. I was born and raised in Texas, the Houston area, and then Lubbock (blah) for a while, so I always enjoy coming back to the homeland.
VM: What showcases can people attending SXSW catch you at this year?
We’ll be playing at the Landshark showcase on Thursday, the Big Picture Media showcase Friday at the Blind Pig Rooftoop, and our official showcase on Saturday at BD Riley’s. Come say hi! You can check out our Facebook for up-to-date info on our showcases!
Awards Season 2014: Top 10 Best-Dressed
What’s awards season without some of the world’s most gorgeous designer gowns? This year, from Lupita to Lady Gaga, celebrities were seriously on their A-game. In a flurry of gorgeous brights and shimmering metallics, I bring you this year’s top 10 of the Grammys and Oscars. The Tony and Emmy Awards have some SERIOUS catching up to do later this year, no?
10. Ariana Grande in Dolce & Gabbana at the Grammys
D&G florals are eternal classics, and I love the retro look of this one in particular. Tea length? Check. Sweetheart neckline? Check. Old school satin? Check. In this gown, Grande emulates a 50s bombshell beautifully.
9. Katy Perry in Valentino at the Grammys
Vinyl featured this gown in our couture show coverage, and I’m just as in love with it as ever. It has a wonderful whimsy to it but also a pop of personality with the musical notes. So Katy Perry, am I right? And what better place to wear it to than the Grammys?
8. Julie Delpy in Jenny Packham at the Oscars
I’m convinced that this is what Janis Joplin would wear to the awards if she were alive today. Love love LOVE the batwing sleeves – they make the deep cleavage totally sophisticated, not trashy. Plus, it incorporates just the right amount of sparkle. Only a frenchie could rock this dress so flawlessly.
7. Lady Gaga in Versace at the Oscars
Alright, I’ve got to admit it: this gown was featured on dozens of worst-dressed lists. But I’m totally lost as to why. Donatella’s favorite pop star looks absolutely stunning in this textural, lilac dress, and honestly, it’s so much tamer than, say, a meat dress. Do what you please, Gaga. Apparently they’re going to judge you either way.
Beyoncé in Michael Costello at the Grammys
Can Beyoncé do anything wrong? No? Okay, glad we’re all agreed. She absolutely shines in this sheer number and somehow manages to make it look totally classy. And, best of all, it hugs her curves in all the right places before ending in a mermaid-y train at the floor. Jay-Z is a lucky man.
5. Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani at the Oscars
I’m in disbelief that this woman is 44. I mean, this looks like something T-Swift would wear – but we’ll get to her later. It seems like we’ve seen a million sheer gowns, but this one is different somehow. Maybe it’s the way the flowers pop off of the dress so perfectly, or the bedazzled details. Either way, I’m sold.
4. Kristin Chenoweth in Cavalli at the Oscars
I’ll spare you the joke about Chenoweth looking like the Oscars trophy in this gown, and instead opt to gush about the fact that she looks like a work of art. That texture! That glitter! I also love that the gown almost has a punk flair with the subtle plaid below the hips. This dress is everything I’ve dreamed of and more.
3. Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab at the Oscars
I’m definitely an Angelina fan, but here I’ve got to give most of the credit to Elie Saab. The sparkle at the bust looks almost like a cityscape, reflecting flawlessly at the collarbone. It’s sexy and flattering with a nipped-in waist. If I keep typing about how perfect this gown is, maybe Saab will send me one? A girl can dream.
2. Taylor Swift in Gucci at the Grammys
Just as everyone was getting a little sick of Swift’s good girl display, she whipped out this chainmail-esque stunner. The mixed metals are so now, especially with the silver detailing just her neck and waist. No wonder T-Swift topped a dozen other best-dressed lists.
1. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada
Guys, I am actually gasping for air right now. Nyong’o couldn’t have looked more gorgeous for her win – the pale blue shines against her dark skin, making her look like a goddess when paired with the cleavage and drapery of the gown. And now I’ve realized the bottom is shimmery, too. Someone call me an ambulance, please?
NGHBRS x Vinyl Mag
Propelled into the public eye thanks to their Instagram video for “Hold Up Girl,” NGHBRS plans to bring their energetic Rock & Roll show to SXSW 2014. Hailing from Long Island, these rockers boast a sound that is both punchy, smooth, and melodic. We got the chance to talk with Ian Kenny of NGHBRS about their iconic Instagram video, their 2013 album, Twenty One Rooms, and their beef with vowels.
VM: It seems like you guys have blown up overnight. Does it seem that way to you?
Ian Kenny: Haha, it definitely does not seem that way to us. We have been working hard for about four years and counting, and have endless goals as a band, but we are insanely grateful, and will always be, for our current successes.
VM: What made you guys decide to go with the Instagram medium for your “Hold Up Girl” video?
IK: We wanted to do something completely out of the box and share-worthy. Instagram is a great platform for being creative and unique, and it is built on the idea of sharing. So, with that being so readily available, it was easy to conceptualize the video. The hard part was actually doing all of the work.
VM: You guys basically posted the coolest selfie ever. How does it feel to be the Kings of Instagram Rock & Roll?
IK: It feels great to have our mark on the rock, social media duo. We could not be more proud of our release.
VM: Ever had any good app ideas? I promise I won’t Zuckerberg you…
IK: Haha, we actually have a running app idea list on our white board in our practice studio. One of our favorites is Find-A-Sh*tter (Yelp for public bathrooms), We were pretty stoked on that one – would be great for touring bands.
VM: I saw on FUSE that you guys recorded Twenty One Rooms in an old mansion that William Cullen Bryant (the late American poet and journalist) used to live in. How do you feel like that environment helped shape the record’s sound?
IK: The mansion was the life force of Twenty One Rooms, and I believe it would sound completely different recorded anywhere else. We had such a beautiful and life changing experience living in that house and on those grounds, it was definitely the fifth member of the band on that record.
VM: Do you have a favorite song from the album? Favorite to play live?
IK: Twenty One Rooms is both my favorite song on the record and to play live. It is such a vibey tune, and I believe it says a lot about the barebones of the NGHBRS sound. Emotively, it really transports me to a special place every time were playing the bridge.
VM: The album has a really pure Rock & Roll sound. Who in the band is the most Rock & Roll?
IK: One hundred percent Tommy Fleischmann is the most Rock & Roll NGHBRS member. The dude has so much talent, has not let technology dilute his brain, and sometimes he wears cut off sleeve shirts. That’s ROCK.
VM: You guys are from Long Island. Do you feel like New York has influenced you as musicians; if so, how?
IK: Completely; living so close to a melting pot of music and the most toured-through city in the world has given us the chance to see so many incredible bands live. As well as growing up in such a historically praised place for alternative music, like Long Island, really has shaped our sound and influences.
VM: If you could play a show with any rock band past or present, who would it be?
IK: I’m going to be specific here and just say Nirvana, 1992.
VM: What did vowels ever do to you guys? Or what favors did consonants do?
IK: Vowels aren’t not for everybody; we like to trim the fat.
VM: You guys are playing at SXSW 2014. What are you most looking forward to about the festival?
IK: Just the ability to see so many awesome bands working hard and playing hard in one place is going to be awesome. We’re stoked to play four showcases and show Austin how we roll. We definitely intend on leaving our mark this year.
VM: Do you think this will be the coolest place you’ve yet to play? Or do you have a particular venue from the past that holds the number one spot in your hearts?
IK: I’d say nothing really beats playing Irving Plaza. We played to a sold out room, and it was our seventh show as a band. In the moment, we knew we were doing something special.
VM: Any chance there will be a Twitter-themed sequel to “Hold Up Girl?”
IK: Haha, definitely not. We definitely are not going to put out the same thing twice. All I have to say is be prepared for the next one; it’s going to be insane.
SXSW Showcases:
TUES. MARCH 11TH –
9 PM – Third String Productions Showcase – The Aquarium – 403 E 6th St.WED. MARCH
WED. MARCH 12TH –
5PM – Red Gorilla Showcase– Bourbon Girl (The Alex And Ani Stage) – 212 E. 6TH STREETTHURS. MARCH
THURS. MARCH 13th –
5:25PM – Set.FM Showcase @ Hyde Park Bar and Grill – 4206 Duval St.
FRI. MARCH 14TH –
TBD – Charlie Says Fest @ 2336 E Cesar Chavez St.
FRI. MARCH 14th –
4:40pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Blind Pig Rooftop – 317 E. 6th St.
Michael Chugg, Executive Chairman of Chugg Entertainment x Vinyl Mag
Michael Chugg has been called many things. Some of his most flattering titles portray him as a pioneer in the Australian music industry. He is admired, loathed, feared, and respected. One thing Chugg cannot be called is boring.
As Executive Chairman for Chugg Entertainment, he has toured such acts as Elton John, Keith Urban, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, St. Lucia, and countless others. Chugg’s musical career began back in the 1960’s. At age 15, he organized a dance in Tasmania. 300 people showed up, and he made a profit.
Today, Chugg is one of the most powerful men in the music industry, and a lot more than 300 people are dancing to the tunes he enlists for the stage. We recently got the incredible opportunity to talk with him about his upcoming showcase at SXSW 2014 and his illustrious career in the music industry.
VM: What can we expect from Chugg Music’s Official SX Showcase?
Michael Chugg: Some great music from Oz, Canada and Vegas, and lots of partying to celebrate my 50 years in Rock and Roll and the launch of our US label.
VM: Other than your showcase, what are you most excited for at SXSW 2014?
>MC: Seeing the thousands of people who I have gotten to know over the years and finding some hot new bands to take down under.
VM: You’ve coordinated a lot of festivals. What’s that like?
MC: We are lucky that we have involvement in some great festivals: Laneway, West Coast Blues n Roots and CMC Rocks the Hunter; it’s an intense experience covering all the bases and making sure both the fans and the bands have a great time with no stress.
VM: If you could do a festival right now with any artists living or dead, what three artists top your headliner list?
MC: Jimi Henrix, Janise Joplin and Nirvana.
VM: What’s your most memorable live performance experience?
MC: Too may to name one – Coldplay’s last stadium tour, ACDC last Australian tour, Robbie Williams in Sydney 2006, Bob Dylan Byron Bay Bluesfest.
VM: Can you tell me a little bit about your label expansion into the United States?
MC: We started Chugg Music two years ago and have had great success with Sheppard, The Griswolds, both of whom have just finished recording their first albums and will be around the Northern Hemisphere this summer; with Lime Cordiale, we decided to release the record ourselves, as we have built a great team of people who love working with us in the States, and the record is getting great reaction; they are wonderful live and should cause a stir at SXSW.
VM: You seem to have worked with every aspect of the music industry, from representation to promotion. What job was hardest? What was most fulfilling?
MC: Growing up doing something that is not a job far outweighs some of the downers you receive; my message is learn about every facet and then do what you love to do.
VM: Do you have a current touring act that most excites you?
MC: Lots. John Mayer is coming down to OZ soon, Robbie Williams is coming in September, Keith Urban this year…looking forward to some of the young acts we are bringing…Kodaline, the Temples, St Lucia.
VM: What genre of music tends to draw in the most crowds in Australia?
MC: All genres do well on varying levels in a market of 22,000,000.
VM: What’s the biggest difference in the music industry in Australia compared to the United States?
MCL It’s at the bottom of the earth, but the internet has really put us in real time; Australia is a great place to hone your trade.
VM: What excites you and keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
MC: Being alive and being part of an industry that continues to amaze.
VM: You’re a veteran in the music industry. What are your opinions on Spotify and some of the new ways music is now being consumed?
MC: I think any way you can get music to the people so the bands get known and get paid is a grand thing.
VM: Where do you see the industry in ten years?
MC: God knows, everything is moving so fast I don’t even know where it will be next year, but wherever it goes, we will be there.
of Montreal shares new track, announces Record Store Day releases + tour
of Montreal are making my day today. They’ve shared a new track, announced a Record Store Day release, and given us some tour dates. Enjoy.
Today, oM is sharing “Jigsaw Puzzle,” a track recorded during the same sessions that produced Lousy with Sylvianbriar. To be released as a limited edition 7″ on Record Store Day, “Jigsaw Puzzle” will be backed by alternate version of Lousy cut “Triumph of Disintegration.”
TOUR DATES
03/22 Natchitoches, LA @ DemonFest @ Northwestern State University
3/25 – Zapopan, Mexico @ Teatro Estudio Caveret
03/27 Mexico City, MX @ Vive Latino Festival
03/29 Athens, GA @ Velena’s Birthday Party @ The 40 Watt Club
03/31 Greensboro, NC @ The Blind Tiger
04/01 Lexington, KY @ Cosmic Charlie’s
04/02 St Louis, MO @ The Ready Room
04/03 Iowa City, IA @ Mission Creek Festival @ The Blue Moose Tap House
04/04 Wichita, KS @ The Crown Uptown
04/06 Memphis, TN @ The Hi Tone
4/17 – Columbia, SC @ Columbia Museum of Art (Indie Grits Festival)
05/02 Little Rock, AR @ Revolution Music Room
05/03 Austin, TX @ Austin Psych Fest
05/04 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
05/05 Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
05/06 St Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre
05/07 Miami, FL @ Grand Central
05/08 Orlando, FL @ The Social
05/09 Charlotte, NC @ Chop Shop
05/10 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
05/11 New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
05/12 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
05/13 Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
05/14 Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom
05/15 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Pyramid Scheme
05/16 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
05/17 Cincinnati, OH @ The Taft Ballroom
05/18 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
7/4 – 7/6 – George, WA @ Sasquatch Festival