Hangout 2016: Artists To Watch

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Camren Skelton

With headlining acts like The Weeknd, Alabama Shakes and Ellie Goulding flocking to the shores of Hangout this year, there’s no doubt that 2016 will be one to remember. But when it comes to festivals, sometimes it’s the artists who are on the verge of becoming household names that will end up being your favorite acts of the weekend. From indie-rock to alternative pop, R&B and folk, this year’s Hangout boasts an eclectic mix of artists. To make sure you catch the best, we compiled a list of 10 acts you won’t want to miss.

Atlas Genius

Australian indie rockers Atlas Genius caught people’s attention when their hit “Trojans” made it’s way into the blogosphere. With their catchy lyrics, dance-infused melodies and two full-length albums under their belt, it’s not hard to see that the young band is on their way to mainstream success.

Bully

The Nashville-based quartet brings a noisy, upbeat sound to the stage that is sure to keep you on your feet. With a sound undeniably influenced by grunge, the band has a unique sound and a raw talent. Their fiery debut album, Feels Like was written, produced and engineered by lead vocalist Alicia Bognanno.

GIVERS

Louisiana-based indie pop outfit has a self-described “afro-beat, dancy pants, indie pop love music” sound. Steeped in the culture and traditions of their native home, the band relies heavily on spirited vocals and has been compared to bands like Vampire Weekend and Dirty Projectors.

Half Moon Run

Known for their expansive, emotional and ethereal lyrics, Canadian rockers Half Moon Run are sure to be a hit at this year’s Hangout. With complex arrangements, inspired by both classical and modern composers, each live show strikingly showcases the band’s raw talent and eclectic musical background.

Kaleo

You won’t want to miss the driving indie folk sound this quartet brings to the stage. Hailing from Iceland, the band started playing together as teenagers, adopting the name “Kaleo”—a Hawaiian word for “the sound.” Inspired by a mix of blues, folk, country and rock, the band’s eclectic sound is one you won’t want to get out of your head.

Magic Man

Synth-heavy beats and mesmerizing vocals are the defining factors of this Boston-based band. After the release of their debut full-length album in 2014, the electronic rockers gained a solid foundation and one can only look forward to what lies ahead in the future.

Muddy Magnolias

The innovative duo is dropping their debut album this summer and one can only guess at the success that is poised to follow. They portray the everyday experience of the 21st century woman through a powerful and mesmerizing sound, and their bluesy, soulful vibe is one you will not want to miss out on.

The Griswolds

These indie rockers are known for their catchy tunes, upbeat lyrics and–staying true to the ways of their Australian home–laidback lifestyle. Since the release of their debut album Be Impressive, they’ve toured with fellow indie rockers Passion Pit and Walk The Moon and they are sure to bring their impressive sound to the beaches of Gulf Shores.

The Revivalists

New Orleans-based rockers The Revivalists fuse an eclectic blend of rock, R&B, soul, folk and funk into a sound that can only be described as unique. Although they were formed from a chance encounter, it is evident that more than just sheer luck has put this band on the radar.

The Struts

The classic rock style and big, bright vocals these English rockers bring to the stage make for a performance you can’t help but sing and dance along to. On the heels of their latest release, Everybody Wants, there’s no doubt that their performance will be unapologetically rock ‘n’ roll.

Shaky Knees 2016: Kaleo X Vinyl Mag

Posted on May 17, 2016May 17, 2016 by Camren Skelton

With their brilliant blend of blues, folk and country, Kaleo took America by storm last year when they arrived on the festival scene. After great success in their native country, the four-piece Icelandic band moved their sound to Austin, TX and was met with an equally receptive audience. Vinyl Mag sat down with Kaleo frontman JJ Julius Son to talk inspiration, audience and an exciting new album coming out next month.

Vinyl Mag: So you guys are from Iceland, and have been a big hit in the U.S. so far, gotten a pretty big following. Are there any key cities you want to hit?

JJ: Good question, I think we have probably played almost every city. I think we played soon, every state pretty much. The past year we’ve really just been touring pretty much. But a lot of great cities that we loved. Nashville is a big favorite. San Diego. New York is always fun. Chicago.

VM: And you guys are living in Austin now, how is that?

JJ: Yeah, Austin’s a great music city. We wish we had more time there, cause we’re constantly on tour so we don’t really spend much time there. But maybe in the future.

VM: So how was the transition from the Icelandic market to the American market?

JJ: It’s a huge transition, cause Iceland is a country of 300,000 people and America is 300 and something million. So it’s very different and you know, long drives. But every state is different, every city is different. And I think that’s one of the qualities we like.

VM: Would you say that your audience is pretty similar in both countries or do you have a different following?

JJ: No I would say they are similar. We see now that it’s more and more people from all ages in the U.S. And that was always the case back home, so we’re delighted it still crosses over to America as well.

VM: Right, appeals across the spectrum. So to someone who has never heard your music before, how would you describe your sound?

JJ: I would describe it as diverse, dynamic, soulful.

VM: And you guys have a new album coming out next month?

JJ: Yes, June 10 – very excited.

VM: What can fans expect to hear?

JJ: I would say it’s very much, to kind of go with the vision that I had which is diverse, and you’ll hear that. It’s a kind of concept album. It’s called A/B, so side A, think of it as a vinyl, side A is very much rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and then side B has more balance and softer stuff, like folky. And you can label these things into all kinds of genres and stuff, but yeah it’s gonna be diverse, definitely.

VM: So this is your debut album for the U.S.

JJ: So we did release an album back in Iceland that was only released in Iceland, so you can call it a debut album, well outside of Iceland. I think they are calling it a debut album in the U.S.

VM: And after Shaky Knees, what are your plans?

JJ: I have to catch a flight I think in an hour, but we have a festival in Austin and then we have a show in Houston, and then we have Hangout Fest.

VM: Staying busy! Have you ever done Hangout before?

JJ: We did last year, lots of fun. Right now it’s obviously festival season which is fun. And then this summer we’ll be mostly touring, and then we go back to Iceland for a few weeks, which will be nice. See some family. And yeah, that’s kind of the summer.

VM: Do you play any shows when you go back to Iceland?

JJ: Yeah, we’re planning on doing one concert when we go back.

VM: Well I don’t have anything else for you, but is there anything else you want to share with Vinyl readers?

JJ: Yeah, check out the album. It’s a vinyl concept, A and B.

VM: So great excuse to buy it on vinyl, right?

JJ: Always, yes.

Artists to Watch: Shaky Knees 2016

Posted on May 5, 2016May 5, 2016 by Camren Skelton

The fourth annual Shaky Knees Music Festival returns to Atlanta May 13-15 with an impressive lineup that is sure to keep you busy bouncing between stages. Headliners include Florence + The Machine, My Morning Jacket and Jane’s Addiction, but the acts that fall in between are sure to be just as exciting. Check out the 10 acts you won’t want to miss in this year’s lineup:

1. The Front Bottoms

Hailing from New Jersey, this indie rock duo brings an eclectic blend of pop, rock and punk sounds to the stage. That, in addition to the witty lyrics that offer a glimpse into the world surrounding them, makes The Front Bottoms an act to catch at this year’s festival.

2. Wolf Alice

An alt-rock outfit hailing from North London, Wolf Alice mixes folk, grunge and electronic elements with vintage ’90s indie rock. The band released their first full-length, My Love Is Cool, last summer. Check them out in this year’s lineup as you eagerly anticipate what they have in store for the future.

3. The Struts

The loud sound these English rockers bring to the stage will be hard to miss at this year’s festival. Their classic rock style and big, bright vocals make for a performance you can’t help but sing and dance along to and the upbeat tempos of their latest release, Everybody Wants, will be more than enough to sweep you off your feet.

4. Beach Slang

This young band’s tireless love for music and life shines through in their part punk, part pop sound. With youth and vulnerability at the core of each intriguing live show, Beach Slang brings a sound that will stay with you long after they leave the stage.

5. Alex G

The multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter started his career through a series of DIY releases on Bandcamp. After the critical acclaim of his sixth album, DSU, a series of re-issues of past albums, and signing with Domino Recording Company, Alex G released his first album with the label, titled Beach Music, in 2015. With an already impressive resume, this young artist is one to catch in this year’s lineup.

6. Barns Courtney

After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Barns Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of U.S. blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable U.S.-British twang. His interesting sound and undeniable catchy melodies make him an act you will want to follow.

7. Son Little

Singer, instrumentalist and songwriter Aaron Livingston—aka Son Little—brings an eclectic sound to the stage with his blend of acoustic blues, vintage soul and hip-hop. His expressive lyrics are refreshingly personal, and give the listener a small glimpse into his perspective on the world around him.

8. Diet Cig

This pop rock band from New York has a fun and upbeat sound that captures the innocence of adolescence. While the young duo is relatively new to the music scene, they are already well on their way to a strong track record. Each song is overflowing with an intense and undeniable energy, making Diet Cig an act you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival.

9. Kaleo

You won’t want to miss the driving indie folk sound this quartet brings to the stage. Hailing from Iceland, the band started playing together as teenagers, adopting the name Kaleo—a Hawaiian word for “the sound.” Inspired by a mix of blues, folk, country and rock, the band’s eclectic sound is one you won’t want to get out of your head.

10. The Dear Hunter

Originating in Providence, Rhode Island, The Dear Hunter began as a solo, side project of Casey Crescenzo. Now, the progressive rock band’s sound features a wide variety of instruments and styles, and their eclectic style and energy makes them an artist to watch out for.