Tag: 2015
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SXSW 2015: Camilo Lara x Vinyl Mag
Fusion is the name of the game in Camilo Lara (Mexican Institute of Sound) and Toy Selectah’s new powerhouse collaboration record, Compass. The eclectic brainchild of the Mexican DJ/producer duo has been in the works for over a year and will feature unlikely but nonetheless iconic guest performances by artists from all over the world including Boy George, MC Lyte, Eugene Hutz (Gogol Bordello) and Nina Sky – just to name a few. Seriously, there are over 90 incredible collaborations on this album, making it a possible candidate for one of the best dance albums to have come along in a while.
Check out our interview with Camilo below!
Vinyl Mag: What was the inspiration behind this project?
Camilo Lara: Friendship…’compass’ means buddies in Spanish. I always wanted to create an album with Toy [Selectah]. This was a good chance to make it happen.
VM: How many artists were collaborating at one time?
CL: It all depends. There are songs that have nine, and there are others that have two or three. We created the songs before the collaborations, so we just looked for the perfect match for each.
VM: How did so many artists get involved?
CL: We’ve been producing and working with all sorts of artists for many, many years. So when the project was happening either we knew them, or they knew about the project. We sent some emails, made some calls, and suddenly we had 90 collaborators.
VM: What was the hardest trial in making this project?
CL: Well, everything has been a challenge. First, we had to contact the artists and set up recording sessions. There were long days of mixing and editing. Then, there was the legal side. It has been a lot of work. Toy and I (as well as the whole team) experienced a real-life Master’s degree in music business.
VM: What should fans expect when listening to this album?
CL: I guess it has the flavor of Toy and I, with some other spices. We tried to create a truly global album. The dance floor is the same for reggae, cumbia, punk rock, or hip hop.
VM: How many songs are going to be featured?
CL: I guess the album will end up with 15 or so.
VM: What was your favorite city to work in?
CL: We enjoyed LA a lot; it was like recording at home. Tons of people we know live there. Overall, I guess we really loved traveling to Jamaica and recording there. It’s crazy—we have lived with Jamaican music all of our lives, but when you’re actually there, it’s unbelievable.
VM: Could you go siteseeing in between working?
CL: Not really, but we knew most of the cities already.
VM: After seeing so many cultures, what would you say would be one common denominator you noticed across humanity?
CL: Rhythm… it’s in our hearts, and we all live for it. It’s universal, and it does not need explanation.
VM: I saw in the teaser that the artists have to come up with ideas on the spot. How do you guys help each artist behind the creative process?
CL: We have been producers for a long time. Actually, one of our latest productions is the best-selling album in the Mexican market for the last 15 years (Los Angeles Azules, Como te Voy a Olvidar). So we are pretty experienced in that area.
VM: What was the weirdest meal you had on your travels?
CL: Toy is vegetarian, so I guess he didn’t have very many surprises. I would have to say that some of the food in China was pretty wild.
VM: Who are you excited to see at South By?
CL: I really really want to see Centavrvs, which is a band from Mexico City, and Clubz from Monterey—both are kick-ass bands.
VM: Where should fans expect to go in order to purchase this insane album?
CL: We are still figuring that out. All I can say is that the vinyl is beautiful. We teamed up with well-known Mexican artist, Gabriel Kuri, and the fantastic, legendary designer Antonio Chavarin to do the artwork.
VM: What is next for this collaboration? Will you continue working together or keep finding new artists?
CL: Always! This is an ongoing initiative. As soon as we are done with the tour, we will work on volume 2.
Check out Compass at SX!
3/18 SXSW DayTrotter- Session (Compass Full Band)
3/19 SXSW Rhapsody- Do Media ShowCase (Compass Full Band) 6:30PM
3/19 SXSW Remezcla House Party (DJ Set Compass) 10:00
3/19 SXSW SBS- Half Step (Compass Full Band) 12:40AM
3/20 SXSW Latinworks Party (Compass Full Band) 4pm
3/20 SXSW QuantumCollective@Whole Foods (Compass Full Band) 7pm
3/20 SXSW Mad Decent – Iheartxomix Dj Set Compass) 10:00 PM
3/21 SXSW Official Latin Showcase at Lady Bird Lake (Compass Full Band) 6pm
SXSW 2015: ELEL x Vinyl Mag
Depending on what night you catch them, ELEL could have anywhere from six to eight members at a time playing horns, keys, drums, and guitars. This eclectic mix of pop, jazz, and soul that hails from Nashville was born out of true love. With their first EP – self-titled ELEL – dropping just a few days ago, we have a lot to look forward to during their showcases at SXSW 2015.
VM: How do you manage to coordinate schedules to collaborate and play shows with so many members involved with the band?
Ben Elkins: It’s definitely tricky, but it’s just so damn worth it when we get in the van together or hop on stage together. We’re all from very different backgrounds, so every tour is a lesson in flexibility and understanding. But it’s paying off. It’s just such a fun and special crew of people, and I think all of us are very glad we stuck it out through the beginning and now have become a tight knit family.
VM: Will all seven members be playing at SX?
BE: There’s gonna be six of us there for most of the shows. We have some horn player friends who might join us for a showcase or two, but mostly just the six of us. Fredrick who plays trumpet for us got scooped up by a fancy cruise ship gig. He’s getting paid really well and traveling around the world. Pretty much what we’re doing without the paid-really-well part! He’ll be back with us soon though, for summer touring thank goodness.
VM: How has coming from rural backgrounds – like Arkansas and Kentucky – combined with living in Nashville influenced your music?
BE: I guess the pace down in the south is just a little slower. People are generally more laid back. I love going to New York and LA as much as the next guy, but they both feel more frantic. Our music, though not at all country or soul music, has been influenced by the ease and slower pace of both those southern musical traditions.
Also, the fact that most of us grew up around hills and trees, playing in creeks, I think makes us very interested in the organic live performance. So much of recorded music is so fit in and perfected now-a-days that it’s got no soul. ELEL struggles to keep humanity in our music even though we all use computers to record. Humanity isn’t perfect, so why should our music be? I’m not saying that we’re messy on purpose; I just know that we prefer things sounding like they do when they’re performed rather than after they’re fixed. We can relate to them more that way.
VM: Why did you choose these four songs for your EP?
BE: So far, all that’s been out and available is our single “40 Watt” which stylistically is one side of ELEL, but definitely not the whole thing. I just wanted to show ELEL’s other side on this EP. The softer vibe of both “Geode” and “Cherokee” introduce that part of ELEL.
VM: Will you be playing other songs like “Eliska” and “Kiss Kiss” during your showcases and SX?
BE: Yes, definitely! Those are probably my two favorite ones to sing in our set. The melodies are both so bouncy and fun.
VM: Speaking of “Eliska,” how does she feel about being the spark that started ELEL?
BE: She loves it! Thankfully, she really likes ELEL’s music. She’s got very good taste in music, so it’d be a real bummer if she wasn’t into the band that she inspired. She helps me a lot behind the scenes when I’m first writing songs. Her influence is probably way stronger than anyone would guess.
VM: Who are you most excited to see while in Austin?
BE: Our good friends, Avers. We just got off tour with them last week and already miss them so much!
VM: Would you say you are barbecue joint or a taco truck person?
BE: Taco truck all the way. We’re staying a few blocks from Torchy’s, oh boy…
VM: Any chance your hit song “40 Watt” has any relation to the beloved music venue here in Athens?
BE: [Laughs] Well, I’ve heard about that venue a lot, but never been. Needless to say, I hope we get to play “40 Watt” at The 40 Watt someday soon. Will rainbows fill the room? Will everyone suddenly stop watching Fox News? I don’t know, but when that goes down, something good and magical will occur.
VM: We see you guys are quite busy touring across country through April. What’s next for ELEL once you return?
BE: We have a lot of work to do here in Nashville. There are some new songs that we want to finish, probably for release in early summer. Also, we need to shoot a bunch of videos. We’re hoping to release our full-length by mid summer, so there’s just a lot of prep for that. We’ll also be doing some touring around the region. Give us a call, 40 Watt. Let’s make the magic happen.
SXSW Schedule:
Wed 3/18 – Palm Door – SXSW Showcase @ 12am
Thurs 3/19 – Off-Site – House Show
Fri 3/20 – Brew Exchange – Beautiful Buzzz x Vitalic Noise Party @ 1pm
Sat 3/21 – Wonderland Austin – BirdDog Presents Party @ 2pm
Sat 3/22 – The Scoot Inn – Wild Honey Pie Party @ 6:15pm
SXSW 2015: Speedy Ortiz x Vinyl Mag
One of Northhampton, Mass. finest, Speedy Ortiz, will be hitting the stage this year at SXSW, giving fans the proper dose of straight American indie rock. Originating in 2011, Sadie Dupuis’s creative brain birthed her solo career at a creative writing camp. With the help of Mike Falcone on drums, Matt Robidoux on guitar, Darl Ferm on bass, and Devin McKnight on guitar, Speedy Ortiz formed.
The sound consists mostly of melodic grunge guitar and bass tones absolutely drenched in feedback and gunshot chords. The drums, on the other hand, are a pop lover’s dream, with tight rolls with every measure. Of course, Dupuis’s vocals are nothing but one-of-a-kind. Very clean with a touch of vibrato, she sings about sarcasm, the best subject around. Best for those who are absolutely bonkers for The Cranberries, Joanna Gruesome, and Parquet Courts. Fans, if you are at South By and miss this band, you truly are missing out.
Vinyl Mag: What does your song-creating process include?
Sadie: Usually, it starts with me playing guitar, or humming out some melodies. Then I’ll make a demo – sometimes just guitar and vocals, sometimes bass and drums and keyboards, too – and then the band will learn from that, adapting my parts or writing their own.
VM: Foil Deer, your new album, comes out on April 21; what is the concept behind the album?
Sadie: It’s about self-protection, growth, ditching the haters. And it’s about glitter, too.
VM: I see you guys are also playing Shaky Knees, whose lineup is awesome this year. You guys excited to play that festival as well? Who are you excited to see play?
Sadie: It’s always exciting seeing TV on the Radio live. I’ve seen them a half dozen or more times, and each show has been markedly different, which is something I admire in a band. And it’ll be good to hang out with our buds in Metz, Mitski, and Dr. Dog.
VM: Sadie, I saw the you are the new advice columnist for She Shreds; how has that been?
Sadie: I’ve clocked more hours listening to Dan Savage’s Savage Lovecast than I have listening to some of my favorite bands. And I read Dear Prudy religiously. So I feel like I’ve been training to be an advice columnist for some time. Plus, She Shreds is one of my absolute favorite publications, so I’m honored they tapped me for this column.
VM: You guys really associate with comics. I really liked the comic design Michael DeForge did for you guys on Pitchfork. Is there a comic you guys like the best?
Sadie: The comic I like best is Michael DeForge singing “Flavor of the Weak” at karaoke.
Seriously, though. My all time faves are probably Los Bros Hernandez (duh). Suzy Exposito’s “The Best Song Ever” made my heart swell while she was still publishing it. And Simon Hanselmann is unparalleled at making me LOL IRL.
Darl: I have to give a shout out to Michael DeForge for Ant Colony, but some other favorites include Like A Velvet Glove Cast In Iron by Daniel Clowes, Sleepwalk by Adrian Tomine, and Black Hole by Charles Burns.
VM: On your Facebook page it says you guys are snack rock and “illegally loud” – what does that mean exactly?
Mike: We’re on a mission to increase the snackage of all listeners. Science has proven that certain sounds may affect appetite glands. We have accordingly chosen our effects pedals and chord progressions based on what’s most likely to stimulate the hypothalamus. The sludge band Crowbar is also snack-rock.
We also occasionally overlook noise ordinance. Cops have shown up at shows to tell us something along the lines of “stop playing because you guys are too loud,” which is then sometimes followed by “the music was good though.”
VM: What were your favorite bands growing up?
Mike: A lot of the obvious stuff. The Knack, J. Geils Band, Gerry Rafferty, Gore Beyond Necropsy. And of course P.O.D.
Sadie: No Doubt. Mighty Mighty Bosstones. No Doubt covering The Clash.
VM: How did you guys form?
Darl: Through the dark web.
VM: You guys are from Massachusetts – what’s your favorite thing to do back home?
Mike: Chuggin’ Dunks. Also known as Dunkin D’s. Can’t get enough.
Darl: Listen to the Dropkick Murphys while drinking a seasonal Sam Adams and watching The Departed in picture-in-picture with a Bruins game.
VM: Are there any pre-show rituals you do?
Sadie: Sometimes, we put our hands in the center and shout “cash money” or “camaraderie” or something. Then we dump out a bunch of champagne into a sewer drain. Who drinks champagne anymore?
VM: Who are you excited to see at SXSW?
Sadie: TV on the Radio… Mitski… Metz… all my answers are redundant. Pile. Earl Sweatshirt (tryna wife him, always). Um…Alvvays. Screaming Females. Courtney Barnett. And the queen Brandy. Oh and we’re playing with Failure, which is like, a life goal for all of us. Major bucket list entry.
VM: What is next after SXSW?
Sadie: We’re gonna do a video for “Raising the Skate” and hope not to fall asleep in the middle of it since we have to fly home at like 4 a.m. after playing. It will involve a lot of fake blood.
*Catch Speedy Ortiz all this week at SXSW! Show details below:
3/16: 2:15 pm at Spotify Party, The Spotify House, 901 E. 6th St.
3/17: midnight at Ground Control Touring Showcase, The Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St.
3/18: 1:15 pm at Pitchfork Party, The Mohawk, 912 Red River St.
10:15 pm at FLOOD Magazine Fest, Cedar Street Courtyard, 208 W. 4th St.
3/19: 4:20 pm at BrooklynVegan Showcase, Red 7, 611 E. 7th St.
11:55 pm at Carpark Records Showcase, Swan Dive, 615 Red River St.
3/20: 5:25 pm at Exploding In Sound Records/ Stereogum Party, HOLE IN
THE WALL, 2538 Guadalupe St.
11:20 pm Yahoo Showcase, Brazos Hall, 204 E. 4th St.
SXSW 2015: Amason x Vinyl Mag
With most of its members hailing from some of the best bands Sweden has to offer, it’s no wonder that Amason is becoming a serious act to watch in 2015. Amanda Bergman of Idiot Wind, along with Gustav of Dungen, provide a haunting and downright sultry vocal collaboration, while Pontus Winnberg of Miike Snow conducts a trance-like vibe on keys.
Amason also includes Nils Törnqvist of Little Majorette on Drums and Petter Winnberg on Bass. The supergroup’s freshly released full-length album Sky City is filled with vibrant yet tranquil melodies that take you on a sort of excursion of the senses; a staycation for the mind. Be sure to catch their NINE performances at SXSW this week. Details below.
Vinyl Mag: You just released your debut album Sky City – how has response been?
Nils Törnqvist: It’s been great! We have got much more attention than we thought, and not only from the hipster kids. Last week I got stopped in the supermarket by a old lady who said that she’s listening a lot to the album. Really fun!
VM: Can you tell me a little bit about the writing process for the album?
NT: We put up the instruments in the studio and see where it takes us.
Sometimes someone have a riff that we start with, sometimes a lyric, sometimes a rhythm. It’s a very loose and democratic process.
No egos.
VM: Who does the writing, or is it all collaborative?
NT: The lyrics mostly come from the one who’s going to sing it and the music from everyone.
VM: Do you have a favorite track on the album, or a favorite track to play live?
NT: My favourite on the album is “Moon as a Kite” but that changes all the time.
Live I will go for “Elefanten.” We have had guest guitarist friends who’s been helping us out with a never ending solo in the end of the song. It’s been fantastic!
VM: For having just released your debut album, you’re already lining up major shows at South by Southwest this year, including the Spotify House, Hype Hotel, and Blackheart. How did this come about?
NT: We have great people working with us! Management, Booking agency and record company. They are doing a fantastic job!
VM: NPR also included you on their Austin100 SXSW Preview (!) – how did that feel?
NT: We are very honoured!! Feels great!
VM: How many shows are you playing at SXSW this year/what are they?
NT: We are playing 9 or so, the ones that have been announced can be found at amasonband.com.
VM: Is it your first year at SX?
NT: With Amason yes, but we have been there a couple of times with other bands and artists.
VM: Who are you looking forward to seeing most at the festival?
NT: Looking forward to see a lot of good bands.
I don’t want to miss another Swedish artist that I’ve never seen live. Seinabo Sey. Love her music.
VM: Are you food truck people or barbecue joint people?
NT: Food truck lunch and barbecue dinner.
VM: What is next for Amason after SX?
NT: Gigs in Scandinavia and we will hopefully be back soon in the US.
Top 5 Shows at Savannah Stopover 2015
In our Stopover preview, we highlighted a bunch of locals acts worth making a point to check out. A number of them managed to stand out from the pack, even within the mix of touring acts. Cusses, Crazy Bag Lady, and Boy Harsher all pulled decidedly large crowds and delivered truly epic performances. The Furious Hooves label showcase was a hit as well, with fantastic performances from the likes of Black Water Choir, Heavy Boots, and Blackrune. But discounting those acts we’ve already spoken about, here are our top five picks from the weekend… some more expected than others.
The Prettiots
NYC-based all-girl trio The Prettiots play sweet and innocent-sounding art pop tunes about boys and heartbreak. With a drummer that looks straight-up like a baby doll and lead singer Kay Goldberg crooning away with her ukelele, it couldn’t get much sugary and cute, but they do it so damn well. All the members are under 25, and that may account for why Goldberg has such a fresh memory of all the boys that she dated in high school. They played an early evening set at Hang Fire Bar on Friday to a modest crowd, but no doubt these girls have bigger crowds and bigger stages in the near future.
Penicillin Baby
There will always be something to be said for some good rock music. And people will always appreciate it. Take note of Penicillin Baby, an up and coming group out of Nashville that push the boundaries of rock n roll with their fuzzed out psych pop tunes. Their energetic performance at Ampersand Friday evening was as crowded as I’ve ever seen the place, and speaks to the truth of my earlier statement. Grunge rock, surf rock, cosmic rock… call it what you will. We’ll just call it good.
Generationals
With arguably the most hype leading into Stopover weekend, New Orleans electopop duo Generationals put on a fitting showing late Friday night at Club One. The perfect spot for a dance party, this venue is a gay club every other weekend of the year, and boasts an impressive light rig, massive disco ball, and sizeable dance floor to hold the feet of a bunch of jazzed up festival attendees enjoying the hits like “Gold Silver Diamond”. Generationals put out their fourth LP on Polyvinyl last fall to a wave of success and they’re not ready to slow down just yet.
San Fermin
San Fermin’s performance in Trinity United Methodist Church Saturday evening was both energetic and serene. With a big stage and an even bigger arena to fill, the Brooklyn-based chamber pop group brought out all the horns, strings, and sireny vocals to have folks both glued to their seats in the pews and dancing dancing in front of the altar. The group is helmed by classically trained composer Ellis Ludwig-Leone but the impressive vocals of Allen Tate and Charlene Kay take center stage in beautiful ballads like the glorious cut “Sonsick” off their debut self-titled album. We eagerly await the follow-up.
French Horn Rebellion
French Horn Rebellion’s set at Hang Fire Bar was perfectly placed and timed for a dance party, and that’s just how it turned out. Where the “cool kids” would hang out on a Saturday night anyway, and being one of the last shows of the weekend, out-of-towners and locals alike were able to let loose, down maybe one too many drinks, and soak in the lush and danceable tunes coming from the tiny stage in the corner. The NYC-based duo have been cranking out remixes for the likes of Beyonce, Savoir Adore, and Sleigh Bells while collaborating on original tracks with Haerts, JD Samson, Ghost Beach, and plenty more. According to their Twitter, “We used to play French horn. Now we make hot dance beats.”
Top 20 Acts to see at South by Southwest 2015
Running around Austin at hyper speed while trying to scarf down a taco can be daunting at best, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite acts you should take care not to miss this year. Happy Hunting!
20. Hey Marseilles
Hey Marseilles is a 7-piece orchestral band with folk elements not unlike that of The Decemberists. With a propensity for story telling through melody, Hey Marseilles could be perfect for those looking for adventure.
See them at Parish on Friday, March 20.
19. Thee Oh Sees
Less than a year after they released their album Drop, Thee Oh Sees have announced that they have another on the way. Mutilator Defeated At Last is not coming out until May, but surely we will be able to preview some of it at one of their many shows in Austin this year.
18. Gringo Star
Siblings Nick and Peter Furgiuele have earned the right to call themselves tenacious. Having appeared alongside acts like Best Coast and The Black Lips, Gringo Star has been creating indie melodies for years and is a fixture in the Atlanta community.
Check them out at The Pizza Loft (301 Chicon St.), March 20.
17. DeLorean
The feel good beats of DeLorean hail from Barcelona, Spain where, let’s be honest, they know a thing or two about dance music. Named after the time machine in Back to the Future, DeLorean has an uncanny ability to persuade everyone in the room to move their bodies. Unfortunately their shows haven’t been announced but no worries; where we’re going we don’t need roads!
16. Angus and Julia Stone
This brother and sister duo hit it big with their song “Big Jet Plane.” Their self-titled album Angus and Julia Stone is an elegant example of folk rock’s simplicity and candor. Catch them at various venues in Austin.
15. La Luz
Surf rock with an edge and a message. That’s what you get with La Luz, featuring vocals that channel Nico and an ominous organ.
Check them out at Hotel Vegas Patio (1500 E 6th St) Friday, March 20.
14. Ballet School
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why we love Ballet School so much. Perhaps it’s because they use the dreamiest elements of 80’s synth pop to transport us to a simpler time of trapper keepers and neon leg warmers. I digress. Be sure to check out their album The Dew Lasts an Hour and keep a lookout for them in Austin.
13. Charlotte OC
Charlotte OC’s vocals are haunting account of heartbreak similar yet unique to that of Banks or Kimbra.
We think this incredible artist is going places fast, so do yourself a favor and check her out at Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto) Friday, March 20. RSVP here.
12. Kelela
Kelela’s smooth vocals paired with interesting synth layers make for a unique ebb and flow sure to make for a great performance. She just announced the release of her new EP Hallucinogen in May so maybe we will get to hear a few tidbits in Austin.
11. Surfer Blood
Surfer Blood is everything you’ve ever wanted on that summertime mix tape you’ve been meaning to make.
Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll get a sneak peak of their new album 1000 Palms, due out in May, at their show at Lamberts (401 W 2nd St) on March 18.
10. Lois & the Love
Lois & the Love have been tempting us with singles for years but they are finally set to release in their first album this summer, aptly named Love is Louder. We suggest you take the opportunity to see their powerhouse performance before they really blow up.
9. Dry The River
Sure, Dry The River made waves with their 2012 LP Shallow Bed but an obvious shift to edgier lyrics and melodies can be heard in their newest album Alarms in the Heart.
But don’t take our word for it; see for yourselves at Buffalo Billiards (201 E 6th St) Tuesday, March 17.
8. Alvvays
What better way to celebrate the fresh spring Austin air than to let Alvvays’ sun drenched rock & roll wash over you like a rogue wave.
Molly Rankin infectious stage presence is not to be missed this year at Cheer Up Charlie’s (900 Red River St) March 19.
7. Palma Violets
If you happen to be the kind of person always looking for an album you can listen to all the way through without skipping a song, look no further than Palma Violet’s 180.
The Londoner’s psychedelic, garage-rock vibes will be on display at Parish Thursday, March 19.
6. Twin Shadow
Florida native George Lewis Jr. is bringing back 80’s inspired chillwave in a big way. His unique electronic melodies and his smooth vocals are the perfect way to unwind after a long day of show hopping.
His third album Eclipse drops right before his performances at Stubb’s BBQ March 20.
5. Courtney Barnett
Australian artist Courtney Barnett’s deadpan vocal delivery mixed with her folky-garage rock style is refreshing and just fun to listen to.
She’ll be playing her entire debut full-length album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit at Stubb’s BBQ on Wednesday, March 18.
4. Run The Jewels
Run The Jewels is the incredible brainchild of rappers Killer Mike and El-P. From their first self-titled album Run The Jewels to the sequel Run The Jewels 2, these guys don’t hold back and continue to blow us away.
See them at Stubb’s BBQ on Friday, March 20.
3. Odesza
Consisting of Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, this electronic duo is sure to put on a good show. Their hit song “Say My Name” featuring Zyra is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
If it’s dancing you want, it’s dancing you’ll get at their show at Parish, Wednesday, March 18. RSVP here.
2. BØRNS
Garret Borns’ sweet falsetto croons are just what you need to get you into the SX spirit. It’s pretty difficult to listen to his EP Candy without getting inspired so we dare you to try it.
Catch him at Parish (214C E 6th St) Wednesday March 18. RSVP here.
1. Stromae
It’s fitting that Paul Van Haver chose to be known as Stromae, which means “maestro” in French vernacular. He’s been conducting entire nations to get out of their seats and dance to his hit song “Papaoutai”. Up until now it’s been pretty hard to catch him live in the States so we suggest you take advantage of this awesome opportunity.
Playing at Stubb’s BBQ (801 Red River St) Wednesday, March 18.
SXSW 2015: Lenka x Vinyl Mag
Despite what you think you know about SXSW, we’re guessing Lenka could teach you a thing or two. She has been a fixture of the festival for years and has a special connection with Austin that was written in the stars. That, plus her new single “Blue Skies” off her upcoming album, The Bright Side, has us anticipating just how crazy awesome her showcase this year will probably be.
VM: How many shows will you be playing at South by, and which ones are they?
Lenka Kripac: I’m playing two shows. The Aussie BBQ and ASCAP Presents, both on March 20.
VM: What is the general theme of your new single, “Blue Skies?”
LK: Optimism that things will be better. And um, the weather?
VM: Can we expect the same sentiments to be repeated in your upcoming album, The Bright Side?
LK: Yes, it’s a super optimistic album. I feel like that’s my biggest strength as a songwriter and communicator. Imparting a feeling of hope and happiness in our lives.
VM: You’ve had such an interesting and colorful career. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve experienced creatively as an artist between now and when you were in Decoder Ring?
LK: Not being in a band, means always having to form a band. I’ve employed so so many awesome musicians over the years. It’s a rotating roster, depending on people’s other projects and availability. It can be quite stressful making it all work. But creatively, of course, I’m free to explore whatever I feel, so that’s liberating.
VM: Who are you most excited to see play this year at South by?
LK: Marina and The Diamonds! I’ve always been a fan but never seen her live. Hope I can get to a show!
VM: You’ve said in previous interviews an astrologer once told you that Austin was the perfect city for you to live in. What attributes do you think you share with the city that people are trying so hard to “keep weird?”
LK: Well, I do like to surround myself with wonderful weirdos. I guess there’s something in my stars! Freedom to be weird is very important to me.
VM: Are you a barbeque joint or a food truck kind of gal?
LK: Both, either – I’m gonna eat it all. But I need a lot of veggies on the side, too, please!
VM: In your opinion, what are the biggest differences between making music in the U.S. and Australia?
LK: It’s very S L O W in Aus, I find. People are too wrapped up in living the good life maybe. My experience in the U.S., though sometimes still complicated, has been much faster. People are always ready and excited to work.
VM: The Bright Side is set to release in June. Will you be releasing any more singles before then?
LK: Yes, I hope so! Not sure which song though…
VM: Will you be playing any other songs from your new album during SXSW?
LK: Yep, a few more for sure!
SXSW 2015: The Knocks x Vinyl Mag
From New York City, The Knocks started in their own apartment in a homemade studio. Eventually they made it to Chinatown, and now they’re taking over. These two are dedicated and continually growing and improving. Ben “DJ B-Roc” Ruttner and James “JPatt” Patterson came together in 2009, making their own hip-hop beats as roommates. Now, their love of disco, funk, and hip-hop have come together to land their music in the Will Smith box office hit, Focus. Vinyl Mag got a chance to interview the two friends about their unique sound, their origins, and their future. We look forward to catching them at SXSW, where they will be DJ-ing several showcases. Their music is catchy, feel-good, and dance-worthy – definitely two guys you should be listening to.
Vinyl Mag: Your single “Comfortable” was in the new Will Smith movie, Focus. Did you see the movie?
Ben Ruttner: No, I haven’t seen it. I’ve been getting a lot of texts from my friends when they’re in the movie theater.
VM: That’s exciting! How did you find out about it?
BR: Yeah, it’s one of those things where you hear about, and you kind of forget that it actually happened, which is cool. It’s number one at the box office right now, which is cool.
VM: That’s awesome! Do you plan on seeing it?
BR: I’m going to wait for On Demand.
VM: Your music is an interesting combination of hip-hop and contemporary classic. How do you find a balance between the two genres?
BR: I think it just happens naturally; we just pull from all of our influences. When we first started, we made a lot of “poppy” stuff with a more hard-hitting, almost urban influence. Then, we started to stray away from it towards more of this straight dance stuff. Since then, our new album is definitely going back to that original sound of ours, more influenced by early Gorillaz, Fatboy Slim, kind of 90’s pop but more credible trip “poppy” bass stuff, but it all has that kind of funk, disco influence to it, which is the thing that brings it all together.
VM: I can definitely hear that in your music. You guys started in New York?
BR: Yeah, we met in New York. I was born in Vermont; James was born here in New York. We met here, and we were roommates first, and we used to make hip hop beats together, and then we started making more and more music.
VM: How has your life in New York influenced your music?
James Patterson: We’re both DJ’s, so we like to test music out on different kinds of crowds, and if it doesn’t work, there’s a bunch of different scenes. We really have to be on our toes when we get to a gig and want to play different kinds of music – that way we can see what works, and when we get back into the studio we can incorporate different techniques.
VM: Do you think that your different backgrounds influence the music at all?
JP: Definitely. Sometimes, we listen to more rock or more funk and gospel, but we both listen to hip-hop. We take that into consideration when we’re making music.
VM: Do you think your music has evolved since your start in 2009? How so?
JP: Definitely; it’s just better in every way. Our equipment is better, and the sound is better; we’re going through a lot of different influences, just being here [in New York]. We’re trying to be relevant and stay relevant while keeping our own sound.
VM: When you first started, did you do a lot of your own recording, or did you have your own studio?
JP: We had a studio in our bedroom, and then we got a studio in Chinatown that we built. We’ve always had our own space.
VM: Is there a particular sound that you guys are going for in your latest tracks and for the future?
BR: We really like to use classic influences and have stuff that sounds like it could be retro and give it a future element. We call it “future retro” – no, “future classic,” “retro futurism” – but that’s basically the whole vibe. We try to keep with a feel-good sound; we have a couple of somber songs, but it’s very much so upbeat, feel-good music. We try to keep it organic and try to have a cool edge to it but keep it super accessible. We don’t think of ourselves as a super-indie band; we definitely make pop music. We’re trying to bring back that whole vibe, when Moby dominated the airwaves, Fatboy Slim, and Gorillaz – that really cool pop music that has something different you can put your finger on.
VM: A lot of artists remix your songs. What is that process like?
BR: We have so many friends who are producers and DJ’s that we’ll just reach out with a trade – we’ll remix their song, and they’ll remix ours. If it’s a bigger artist, they have to go through the label, and we’ll get them paid and do it. The ones that come out the best I think are the ones we get for free from friends, because they care a little bit more than trying to get some money.
VM: You guys will be making your way to Austin, Texas for South by Southwest this year? What are you most excited about?
BR: We’re headlining the Neon Gold showcase on the last night, which is going to be fun, because it’s a really great venue, Empire Garage. We’re playing with some friends, Alex Winston and Marina Diamond [Marina and the Diamonds], so it’ll be like a family affair because we’ve been friends for years.
VM: Do you think you’ll have to explore at all, or will you be hitting the road?
BR: Oh yeah – we’re there for the whole week, because we’re playing a bunch of stuff for interactive, and then we’re basically stuck there for the whole week. We’ll definitely be walking around, and we go every year.
VM: Who are you looking forward to seeing at SXSW?
BR: I don’t know; I’ve kind of been out of the loop. I like to go see artists I’ve never heard of before; I feel like that’s what it’s all about. Some people treat it like Coachella, where you go see these huge artists, but it’s such a shit show trying to get into all these parties. You have to be on the list, and you’re there with all of your friends, and you can’t get in. I like to go to the weird, off-the-beaten-path shows and see some band I’ve never heard of.
VM: What shows are you playing this year at SXSW?
BR: We’re actually just doing the Neon Gold showcase and the Atlantic showcase; those are our live shows. Then we have a couple DJ sets; I think we’re DJ’ing a Nylon party and the Crazy Heart party.
VM: Are you a taco truck or a barbecue joint person?
BR: Taco truck is me.
JP: I’d probably go for taco truck too; BBQ is pretty heavy.
VM: You guys don’t have a lot of BBQ up north, do you?
JP: No, we have lots of taco trucks.
VM: Well maybe you should try some BBQ in Texas – I hear it’s pretty good.
JP: Definitely.
UPDATE 3.10.15 11:00 a.m. –
The Knocks announce the release of their forthcoming So Classic EP on April 7 via Big Beat/Neon Gold. Check out their new video for “Dancing With Myself” below!
2015 Grammy Predictions
The most important night in music is this coming Sunday, February 8. The purpose of the awards is to honor excellence in the music industry. While some of the nominations across several categories this year have notable snubs, here are our predictions for this year’s winners.
Album of the Year: Sam Smith In the Lonely Hour
While all the nominees for this category had a phenomenal year, from Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran’s colossal success stateside to Beyoncé’s near implosion of the Internet, the winner of AOTY will most likely be Sam Smith’s “In the Lonely Hour,” and here’s why: Smith’s “Stay With Me” was the most improbable hit in 2014 in a radio landscape filled with disposable dance tracks. Both his singing voice and the lyrical narratives he crafts are the results of intense emotion with which the Recording Academy can easily identify.
Record of the Year: Sia Furler “Chandelier”
This category is a potential landmine for controversy. However, Sia’s “Chandelier” manages to be the most technically challenging piece of recorded music out of all the nominees, which include Meghan Trainor, Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, and Iggy Azalea. The video inspired countless parodies for its erratic dancing, and the song is vocally difficult in its powerhouse chorus as it switches back and forth between her chest voice and head voice effortlessly.
Song of the Year: Hozier “Take Me to Church”
Awarded to what’s considered lyrically the best track of the year, Hozier seems like a shoe-in. It’s no coincidence that this song is nearing the pinnacle of the Billboard chart at press time. The use of religion as a metaphor is always a risky move in mainstream music, but this song is a poetic commentary on sexuality and humanity. It is also the only nominee with Hozier as the sole songwriter compared to the four cowriters on “Stay With Me.”
Best New Artist: Sam Smith
This one goes without explanation. Sam had the biggest year out of all the artists that were nominated, and his staying power is demonstrated in his consistent album sales and ability to sell out bigger and bigger venues on each tour.
Best Pop Solo Performance: Sia Furler “Chandelier”
One of the newer categories in the Grammy’s, this award has historically gone to only female artists, and this year may not be any different. After lending her vocals to songs like David Guetta’s “Titanium” and Flo Rida’s “Wild Ones,” Furler had her shot at pop fame with her first new release in years in 2014, and this song will be remembered for years to come for the immediate gut punch of its vocals.
Pop Vocal Album: Ariana Grande My Everything
This category will be a tight race given the presence of Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, AND Miley Cyrus. However, this award is from a vocal perspective, which is why Ariana Grande should have the edge. Grande is in total control of her tone from the softer notes of “Love Me Harder,” to the soaring vocals in “One Last Time” and can demonstrate her genre versatility as heard in the Zedd-produced “Break Free.”
Rock Performance: Arctic Monkeys “Do I Wanna Know?”
This is another newer category in which the most recent recipients may not have had the most technically impressive recording, but rather the most mainstream. If the Arctic Monkeys take this award, it would feel like a more even split between the two. The moment you hear the guitar in “Do I Wanna Know?,” resisting the urge to hum the melody is near impossible. It’s also the one of the group’s most successful singles so far in the United States and led them to a summer full of festival performances.
Best Alternative Music Album: St. Vincent St. Vincent
St. Vincent is the closest Annie Clark will get to being deemed “mainstream pop,” but the technical proficiencies in the album shall not go without merit. In a polarizing SNL performance last year, many viewers were shocked that a woman could play the guitar and keep an audience entertained without the help of nudity or provocative choreography. The melding of the urgency in Clark’s vocals coupled with the spring-like elasticity of the instrumental tracks far surpasses the work of nominees like Jack White, Arcade Fire, and alt-J that continue to release albums that don’t display much artistic growth.
Urban Contemporary Album: Beyoncé Beyoncé
A cursory glance at the list of nominees reveals that the urban music scene might be struggling. Pharrell Williams’ G I R L seems laughably out of place. Bey’s only competition in this category might actually be Chris Brown’s X, but the cultural and musical impact of songs like “Drunk in Love”, “Partition” and “Flawless” should not go unnoticed by the industry voters that were just as surprised by the release of the album as they were by its feminist contents.
Rap Album: Childish Gambino Because the Internet
This is going to be a difficult decision to make simply because none of the nominees are that great, or maybe the releases just weren’t that impressive in 2014. Eminem will likely be favored to win over the underdogs that were nominated, although after recognizing the Marshall Mathers LP 2 was not his best work perhaps the award will go to someone who is less controversial and more towards someone like Childish that has spent years exacting his flow and lyrics into a masterwork of an album.
Shaky Knees 2015 lineup announced
Over the past few weeks the buzz has surrounded the headlining acts at Coachella, Governor’s Ball, Bonnaroo and now, SHAKY KNEES!
The lineup for Shaky Knees 2015 was dropped today, and the acts are impressive to say the least. We’re sort of flipping out over here – this might be the best fest lineup so far.
Taking place May 8-10 in Atlanta, Georgia at Central Park, the festival will feature The Strokes, Pixies, Brand New, Tame Impala, Dr. Dog, Best Coast, American Football, Neutral Milk Hotel, Wavves, Best Coast, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave., Interpol, and the Avett Brothers.
Tickets can be found here and will go on sale Jan. 16, 2015 at 10 a.m.