Tag: 2013
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Acapoco: “Yard Rock”
It’s only fitting that the Meansville, Georgia-based psychedelic-rock trio, Acapoco, define their sound as a “powerful backdrop for you summer cookout.” After all, their single is titled “Yard Rock”, their artwork is a photograph of the three blurred in the grass, and their sound mimics the atmospheric nature of a summer night spent chillin’ with friends in the backyard — the familiarity of soft, female vocals atop the utter playfulness of tight guitar work, and intimate repetitive lines like “I can feel it.” It’s got a sense of mystery — before the drums kick in, the track opens with a sound reminiscent of Tool, but by the time the track peaks, it is something else entirely. Check it out, the download is free and the feelin’ is good.
Kitten: Like A Stranger
Unless you’re Lady Gaga, it’s damn near impossible to harken back to early Madonna and 80s glam rock in a totally modern way. Enter Kitten, the youthful, L.A.-based electronic group fronted by 18-year-old Chloe Chaidez. Having already toured with the likes of Paramore and The Joy Formidable, it’s no surprise that Kitten’s new EP, Like A Stranger, is as mature as it is totally addicting to dance to.
The EP’s title track, with an unabashedly Madonna-esque title and “Vogue” kind of vocal interlude, is also reminiscent of modern acts like the Eurythmics and Metric. Booming over old-school electronic beats, Chaidez’s voice shakes you to the core with its indescribable mixture of power and warble. “Yesterday” works in a similar way, but there’s an undeniable hip-hop flair to the glam instrumentals of the track. Clashing with the chorus’s moody, 80s goth air, Kitten successfully incorporates two distinct genres to create one of their very own.
The album slows down a little with “I’ll Be Your Girl”, in which Chaidez exhibits her voice’s adaptability. Truth be told, the instrumentals of the track would be a little cheesy without Chaidez’s bellows and whimpers, something the group is undoubtedly tuned in to – again, this fivesome has mastered the art of toeing genre lines. Next up, “Doubt” has a totally primal, animalistic feel. For the first time on the album, one of the male members of the group takes the mic alongside Chaidez, a fact that doesn’t go unnoticed; right as we were beginning to think the songs on the album were all a bit too similar, that extra voice kicked the EP into a third dimension.
“Graffiti Soul” is one of our favorites, perhaps because it seems like something Marina & The Diamonds would write. It’s catchy and entertaining, and the perfect song to lead into the EP’s more serious, ballad-like final track, “King of Kings”. Kitten cap off the album with each member showing off each of their respective instruments – the track is awash with guitar solos, drum interludes, and Chaidez belting at the top of her lungs. Is it too much? Of course. But does Kitten pull it off? Absolutely.
Check out Kitten’s new album Like A Stranger out today! And be sure to hit her up on her current tour with Charli XCX (dates below)!
KITTEN on TOUR
*8/2 headline dates
8/30-9/29 supporting Charli XCX
8/2 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour*
8/30 – Vancouver, BC @ Venue Nightclub
8/31 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
9/3 – San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s
9/6 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
9/7 – Las Vegas, NV @ Vinyl – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
9/9 – Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
9/12 – Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
9/16 – Toronto, ON @ The Hoxton
9/17 – Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa
9/18 – Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
9/20 – Asbury Park, NJ – Wonder Bar
9/21 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theater
9/23 – Columbus, OH @ The A&R Music Bar
9/24 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
9/25 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
9/28 – Austin, TX @ The Parish
9/29 – Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
Astronautalis covers “Black And Yellow”
Check out our old pool buddy Astronautalis‘ cover of Wiz Khalifa’s “Black And Yellow” here and then go download it FO FREE Y’ALL! Dude’s got skills.
Schooner set to release ‘Neighborhood Veins”
Schooner is set to release Neighborhood Veins, their new album, on September 24, 2013. “It Won’t Matter”, a track from the album, can be streamed via SoundCloud:
“It Won’t Matter”
Schooner Tour Dates:
07 Sep – Deep South – Raleigh, NC (Hopscotch Music Festival)
24 Sep – The Pinhook – Durham, NC (Record Release Show)
25 Sep – Velvet Lounge – Washington, DC
26 Sep – Cameo Gallery – Brooklyn, NY
27 Sep – Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA
28 Sep – Lot 10 – Ithica, NY
29 Sep – Sneaky Dee’s – Toronto, ONT
30 Sep – Tree Bar – Columbus, OH
01 Oct – The Burlington – Chicago, IL
25 Oct – New Brooklyn Tavern – Columbia, SC (w/ Wild Moccasins & Yip Deceiver)
26 Oct – Bottletree – Birmingham, AL (W/ Teen Getaway)
27 Oct – Lagniappe Records – Baton Rouge, LA
28 Oct – Circle Bar – New Orleans, LA
29 Oct – 529 – Atlanta, GA
30 Oct – Little Kings – Athens, GA
Catching Up with Sirah
So you all remember the interview with our girl Sirah back at SXSW in March? Yeah, well…lucky us, we got to catch up with her AGAIN for a quick phone chat to see what she’s been up to since then. Turns out, it’s a lot. Read below to learn about her new EP, her current tour, and her fashion inspiration (she’s a goddess, as we all know).
Here we are just a couple of months later, and you have your EP release and your currently on tour, Let’s start off by talking about your very recently released EP Inhale… What do you hope listeners of the EP will take away in regards to you as an artist?
I think people shy away from touching on a lot of things [topics], but when it’s [the music] real and to be compelled towards different genres and different subjects, I hope people take away the fact that it is multi faceted. So whether it’s happy music or dark, they aren’t different it all comes from the same place. I think that a lot of the time people limit their selves and artists limit themselves.
I want people to get to know me with Inhale. I have moments where it’s really happy and light and fun, and talking about falling in love and the naivety of being a teenager. There are things like “First Impressions” and you know you want it where there’s true real life situations that are happening there. But basically, the light doesn’t diminish the dark side of a person, it can all come from the same place.
What was the creative process for the EP like, specifically with the writing of songs and recording it?
I think it really depends, I pretty much write everyday and sometimes, “Inhale”, the actual title track to the EP came to me and wrote it in just a few minutes. The same thing with “First Impressions,” there are some pieces where you can just hear what is going on. A lot of those songs come to me. And then there’s songs like “Icarus” that I sat down with this idea that I had and that I wanted to recreate and I try to make it real. If I get stuck somewhere I’ll generally just look at other people’s art or read a book or go out and run into actual human beings.
What are some of your favorite songs off of the EP?
I think it would have to be a toss up between “Inhale” and “Icarus” for me personally. It’s tough, it feels like having kids almost, even though I don’t have kids, I love them all, but you know what I mean. All the songs are pieces of me so it’s kind of hard to be like “This is my favorite and this is why I like it the best”.
Many people, before the release of Inhale, may only know you for your collaborations with Skrillex, can we expect some more collaborations with Sonny in the future or is there anyone else you would love to collaborate with?
I think me and Sonny will definitely work on something in the future. It’s kind of one of those things where when I didn’t expect things to come out it did. When we got into the studio to record things it never comes out the way we want, but when I send it to him from my bedroom or we do it on the USB mic in a hotel that’s something else. I don’t know what will happen with that, but right now we’re working on each others music, so I don’t really know what to expect. There’s definitely things in the works and in terms of collaborations beyond that…
I’m not really sure, I love making music so I get excited about people whether they are big or small, or sometimes I have beats sent my way and after I check them out I’ll end up working with the artist.
You’re currently on tour with Icona Pop & K. Flay- what has life on the road been like with 3 other strong female artists?
It’s awesome, girl power up in here! I love K. Flay and her camp, they are incredible. I think it’s one of those situations where you’re living on a bus together and you can’t really imagine it going that well because it sounds like some Real World type shit, but it’s been awesome and Icona Pop is just so sweet and it’s cool. We’ll all play and then we’ll all end up dancing together through their set, and I crowed surfed the other night in Atlanta- things like that. It’s a lot of fun and it’s a fierce line-up.
We only have a couple minutes left, but your fashion sense is incredible, can you talk about what inspires your outfits and how you go about choosing some of your clothes?
Growing up in poverty will make you mad crafty. I just wear what I like whether it’s high fashion stuff or even, I was getting down in Wal-Mart the other day – they have the whole line-up of Fubu Gear, so it’s real out there. I kind of just pull things I like, and I think that depending on how I’m feeling I wouldn’t wear anything that wouldn’t express what’s going on with me, just like music.
Thank you so much for your time and we all at Vinyl Mag wish nothing but the best and success for you!
of Montreal shares new single “She Ain’t Speakin’ Now”
Of Montreal shares their new single “She Ain’t Speakin’ Now”:
TOUR DATES
10/18/13 @ 40 Watt Club – Athens, GA
10/22/13 @ Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC
10/23/13 @ U Street Music Hall – Washington, DC
10/24/13 @ U Street Music Hall – Washington, DC
10/25/13 @ Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
10/26/13 @ Middle East – Cambridge, MA
10/27/13 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
10/28/13 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY*
10/29/13 @ Beachland – Cleveland, OH*
10/30/13 @ Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL*
10/31/13 @ Majestic Theatre – Madison, WI*
11/01/13 @ Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN*
11/02/13 @ Waiting Room – Omaha, NE*
11/03/13 @ Marquis Theater – Denver, CO*
11/04/13 @ Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT*
11/05/13 @ Korah Shrine – Boise, ID*
11/06/13 @ Neomos – Seattle, WA*
11/07/13 @ Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR*
11/08/13 @ Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA*
11/09/13 @ Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA*
11/10/13 @ Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA*
11/11/13 @ Largo at The Coronet – Los Angeles, CA*
11/12/13 @ Club Congress – Tucson, AZ*
11/14/13 @ Trees – Dallas, TX*
11/15/13 @ Mohawk – Austin, TX*
11/16/13 @ Howlin’ Wolf – New Orleans, LA*
11/17/13 @ Terminal West – Atlanta, GA*
* = w/ La Luz
Sirah: Inhale
You’re gonna love Sirah.
It’s not that her new EP, Inhale, is all that groundbreaking in a technical sense. It’s not because her five-foot frame and candy-colored hair make the guttural raps emerging from her throat even more shocking. It’s not even the fact that she shares a Grammy with Skrillex for “Bangarang”, a collaboration between the two.
It’s because her music – notably the tracks on Inhale – makes you feel like you really can drop everything and just dance.
Take the EP’s title track. If M.I.A., Santigold, and Nicki Minaj collaborated for a day (a girl can dream, right?), this is what they’d come up with. My only question? Why, oh why, wasn’t this song released at the beginning of the summer? Heavy pop beats pair with lyrics that are already making me nostalgic for flirty summer nights. And there’s no way to talk about this track without mentioning that voice – it’s primal, deep, and powerful, a welcome change in her genre.
“On To The Next” is the standout track in my eyes. It’s catchy and danceable, but in less of a Miley Cyrus, Top 40 radio kind of way. It’s slower, which I prefer, but I can easily envision the hundreds of remixes that will warp this track through and through. Mark my words: the rave kids are gonna eat this one up.
A few more tracks follow in a similar way, but I’m more interested in the EP’s final two songs: “You Know You Want It” and “First Impressions”. Here, Sirah sheds her fairly obvious desire for pop fame and bares her rap skins. Between slow, electronic piano riffs, Sirah croons lines like, “I’m not the prettiest but I do spit pretty hard.” Sirah, I can’t say I disagree.
*Be sure to snag yourself a copy of this EP, out now!
Barrence Whitfield and the Savages: Thy Savage Soul
Discovered by the famous guitarist Peter Lynch at the Nugget record store in 1980’s Boston, Barrence Whitfield and the Savages have combined the essence of rock n’ roll with the soul of blues into their own unique albums that everyone can enjoy. Having had the privilege to listen to their newest album, Thy Savage Soul – debuting this summer on August 13th – let me just say…get ready to be transported back into rock n’ roll prime.
The fusion on rock n’ roll and blues elements are woven through out the entire album, creating a fun, energetic summer album. Each song in the album is unique and speaks volumes to anyone willing to go on a journey to the 1950’s. With both fast and slow tempo songs, there is a tune to fit everyone’s fancy.
The album opens with “ The Corner Man”, an upbeat song reminiscing of Ray Charles and Little Richard. However, it would not be a Barrence Whitfield song with out a twist. This song has the beat to make you want to get up and dance and let’s not forget the infamous vocals of Mr. Whitfield.
Although the album transports you to a different time, there is no way today’s listeners would not enjoy this album. In fact, with the combination of rock and blues elements, these songs can comfortably fit into anyone’s summer playlist. It goes with out saying but Barrence Whitfield and the Savages are back with force and get ready for the inner savage of the soul to be reawakened. Thy Savage Soul will be released August 13 through Bloodshot Records. Get it.
of Montreal announces new tour
of Montreal have announced new tour dates in support of their forthcoming album, lousy with sylvianbriar. “fugitive air “is now available for streaming.
10/18/13 @ 40 Watt Club – Athens, GA
10/22/13 @ Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC
10/23/13 @ U Street Music Hall – Washington, DC
10/24/13 @ U Street Music Hall – Washington, DC
10/25/13 @ Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
10/26/13 @ Middle East – Cambridge, MA
10/27/13 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
10/28/13 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY*
10/29/13 @ Beachland – Cleveland, OH*
10/30/13 @ Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL*
10/31/13 @ Majestic Theatre – Madison, WI*
11/01/13 @ Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN*
11/02/13 @ Waiting Room – Omaha, NE*
11/03/13 @ Marquis Theater – Denver, CO*
11/04/13 @ Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT*
11/05/13 @ Korah Shrine – Boise, ID*
11/06/13 @ Neomos – Seattle, WA*
11/07/13 @ Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR*
11/08/13 @ Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA*
11/09/13 @ Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA*
11/10/13 @ Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA*
11/11/13 @ Largo at The Coronet – Los Angeles, CA*
11/12/13 @ Club Congress – Tucson, AZ*
11/14/13 @ Trees – Dallas, TX*
11/15/13 @ Mohawk – Austin, TX*
11/16/13 @ Howlin’ Wolf – New Orleans, LA*
11/17/13 @ Terminal West – Atlanta, GA*
* = w/ La Luz
REVIEW: Forecastle Festival Day Three
The last day of Forecastle was sweltering, and inclement weather loomed for later in the day. Waking up that morning, we were in for a bit of an unpleasant surprise. We had been made aware of Animal Collective’s cancellation days prior to the festival, but it seemed that Dan Deacon suddenly just disappeared off of the schedule. Besides these disappointments, there was much to look forward to including Toro Y Moi, The Forecastle Incident, Purity Ring, and the legend Robert Plant.
Toro Y Moi
I first saw Toro Y Moi during his SXSW set this year where I thoroughly enjoyed his set of chill pop, and sounds of R&B, jazz and funk. His Forecastle set was no different. Walking up to the main stage there was a decent crowd gathered who were getting down to his music in the late afternoon. He set the tone and was an appropriate act to be placed before Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
Greensky Bluegrass
Greensky Bluegrass was the optimum choice as opener for The Forecastle Incident on that afternoon. Fast-paced blue grass with hints of rock and roll amped up the crowed, if you couldn’t tell already by their name for what you would be in for. A cover of Prince’s “When the Doves Cry” was a pleasant surprise.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Leaving Greensky Bluegrass and walking over to the main stage to catch Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, the noise overlap from stages was incredibly evident. All weekend the overlap had been bad, and is one of my biggest complaints about this festival, but for some reason Sunday during the late afternoon it was just the worst. Making my way halfway down the Grace Potter crowd to the soundboard, sound overlap from the Red Bull Ocean Stage was intense. Every word coming from El-P & Killer Mike could be heard crystal clear- annoying is an understatement.
But knowing how Grace Potter brings it to the stage, either way, noise overlap or not, this audience was about to get a real afternoon treat. Her stage presence is always amazing and on point. Her energy is incredible as she dances around on stage in a sparkling ensemble, killing it on her guitar, laying on the ground to flick off her shoes, and her piano skills are addicting. It’s hard to be in the audience at a Grace Potter show and not be drawn into her music and lyrics by her genuine emotion, it’s quite addicting.
The Forecastle Incident
After an absolute high was implanted in the audience from Greensky Bluegrass, there was an overall feeling that anyone at the Boom Stage for The Forecastle Incident was about to be treated to something special that afternoon. How could this set not be special when you have The String Cheese Incident, Sam Bush, Ronnie McCoury, Jason Carter, and Andy Thorn all on one stage. The set was a mix of Cheese and bluegrass favorites, completely instrumental. With so much talent packed on the stage, the music that was produced that afternoon was memorable and impeccable. At the end of the set I left feeling absolutely content and fulfilled, but also unsure of when, and if ever, I will be treated to something like that for awhile, or ever again.
Set 1: Blackberry Blossom > Rivertrance > Quicksburg Rendezvous, Blue Moon of Kentucky, MLT, Bollymuster, Stingray, Birdland > Wheel Hoss > Birdland
Robert Plant presents The Sensational Space Shifters
He’s a legend, what else can I say? Black clouds loomed in the distance and it was only a matter of time before the skies opened up and torrential rain, accompanied by thunder and lightening, would cut Plant’s set short. Songs included, “ Tin Pan Valley,” “Black Dog,” “Going to California,” and “What Is and What Should Never Be.” Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and there were a lot of wide eyes as this was a first time for seeing Robert Plant for many. When the rain came there was no stopping it, “Upon us all, upon us all a little rain must fall…It’s just a little rain.” (Led Zeppelin)
Overall the festival was jam packed with incredible music, (for the most part) some beautiful weather, and it just was a memorable experience. The pros defiantly outweighed the cons this weekend, and if the 2014 lineup looks promising, I wouldn’t mind making the trek all the way back to Louisville.