Tag: Marlon Williams
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Top 15 Artists to Watch: Shaky Knees 2018
Shaky Knees season is upon us. If you have your tickets and don’t quite know who to go see tomorrow (or if you’re wondering if you’d like to jump on it last-minute) we present to you our 15 picks for emerging artists who we believe are most worth your time (and sweat!) at this wonderful festival:
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
In the mood for danceable garage rock? Melbourne’s Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever‘s nonlinear jangle and driving blend of indie rock will definitely get the pit to a rolling boil. Excuse all the coffee puns, but the energy that this band exudes might perk you up more than any espresso ever could.
Welles
If you’re in the mood for more of a more contemplative set, Welles might be more your speed. Plain spoken, matter of fact lyrics paired with expansive, driving Americana influenced rock all add up to an engrossing show with an emphasis on lyrical content. Read up on our track by track of Welles’ debut EP ‘Codeine’ here.
Marlon Williams
If you want something even quieter, maybe even a show you can sit down at, look out for New Zealand’s Marlon Williams‘ set. Eschewing the country trappings for more lushly orchestrated quietly beautiful folk songs, Williams’ vocals take the forefront. His widely praised distinctive singing voice both calms and enraptures, so if you’re looking to cozy up for a while, you’ll be hard pressed to find somewhere better.
Amasa Hines
Amasa Hines is a band, not a person. Not only are they a band: they’re a tight knit unit drawing on influences ranging from James Brown, TV on the Radio, and DIIV. Being omnivorous with their influence is what gives them an edge: they can ride on waves of feedback but the soulful delivery of the lyrics will ensure that no one is looking at their shoes while the waves of sound hit you from the stage.
Sun Seeker
Now, I was tempted to use the analogy of a bowl of southern-ass grits falling on the band Pavement, but the fact that they’re hot enough to get signed to Jack White‘s label Third Man Records should be enough to entice fans of both the Nashville Sound and slacker rock fans alike.
Charly Bliss
VHS filters are all the rage lately. But. Can they wear it well? With Charly Bliss the answer is a resounding YES! Mining the poppier aspects of ’90s college rock with a millenial sense of irony and purpose, Charly Bliss make throwback rock for folks who know that you need some substance underneath your Instagram filter.
Broncho
When we talk about #clout, sometimes it just means having been at the right place at the right time. Who knows, but Broncho‘s music has been on multiple television shows like Girls and Santa Clarita Diet. Their lightly atmospheric mood music is a great accompaniment to a rose tinted afternoon in the Atlanta heat.
The Voidz
You can’t talk about the Voidz without mentioning that their front man is the one and only Julian Casablancas of Strokes fame (and one-time Shaky Knees headliner). However the Voidz are very much NOT the Strokes. With noisy, dense electronic arrangements, hair metal pastiche, and sheer madness making up their solid as hell second album, their tight live show will definitely be a sight to behold, especially for all those Julian fans out there.
Mt. Joy
Folk rock anyone? Philadelphia’s Mt. Joy deliver in spades. Still riding high on the viral success of their “Deadhead Jesus” song “Astrovan”, deliver slightly jaded, punchdrunk singalong music for those of us who want some rootsy fun, but aren’t shy about dishing the dirt with stories about addiction and growing up.
Wild Reeds
Now, did you think that we’d let the country genre slip through the cracks? Not with Wild Reeds. With rich, diverse instrumentation and beautiful vocal harmonies, their brisk, slightly experimental take on country rock should appeal to both un-ironic and ironic wearers of cowboy boots alike!
Post Animal
Who’s ready to rock out again? Post Animal have you covered. With strains of Thee Oh Sees, Pink Floyd, and King Tuff, the moshers in your friend group are likely to go wild alongside your more psyche tinged folks in the crowd.
Greta Van Fleet
More rock! Here at Vinyl Mag we’re no strangers to Greta Van Fleet‘s similarities to Led Zeppelin. If you’re in the mood for some ’70s throwback you have come to the right place. Bluesy guitars: check. High pitched screamalong vocals: check. Ready to get down in a sweaty mosh pit? You decide.
Frankie Rose
After all of that rock and roll I might need a chill pill. Do you like the Cocteau Twins? In that case look for Frankie Rose‘s set. They’ve got a swirling dream pop vibe that might be just what you need to cool down from some moshing—or coming up on some other stuff. Whatever floats your boat, you’ll definitely feel like you’re floating by the end of Frankie’s set.
Bayonne
While Shaky Knees is more rock focused, that doesn’t mean that fans of electronic music need to feel left out. Enter Madrid’s prodigal son Bayonne: electronic wunderkind. With pulsating and dense arrangements, if you don’t feel tempted to dance, just take all the layers in. Bayonne’s ear for samples and texture is bound to engross even the most skeptical listener.
Teenage Wrist
Teenage Wrist‘s name may imply some sort of unlearned youthfulness, but don’t be fooled—these boys make heavy rock that has been polished to a metallic sheen. Makes sense since they’re signed to Epitaph who have handled releases from the likes of Alkaline Trio and A Day to Remember.
No matter who you go see, make sure to take the time to maximize your enjoyment at the festival by staying hydrated and wearing ample UV protection! Happy Shaky Knees season, everyone!
Marlon Williams: ‘Make Way for Love’
Marlon Williams is only 27 years old, but unfailingly keeps proving that his musical maturity is a force to be reckoned with.
With a crooning voice that upon first listen may be mistaken for Elvis’s, Marlon lulls into captivation anyone who’s listening in his second solo album, Make Way for Love, combining the styles of early country with early rock n’ roll to shape a sound that the singer will make you believe has been disgracefully missing from modern music. From the first guitar strums of the title track “Come to Me,” Marlon establishes a lush, vulnerable atmosphere that he adamantly sustains until the final note.
But the native New Zealander is not a one-trick pony; he sprinkles elements of surf rock in “Party Boy” in a way so nuanced that you might not even notice yourself grooving. And smooth synth notes make an appearance in “Love is a Terrible Thing,” a shred of evidence that Marlon is not merely recreating tender music of old but breathing new life into it. Make no mistake: Make Way for Love will transport you into a long-gone era of soothing love ballads strummed into the ether by a handsome heartthrob, but Marlon taps into universal themes of love and all that accompanies it (heartbreak, jealousy, lust, bitterness) in a conceptual and robust exploration that lays enough on the table for anyone to find resonance.
The album floats along from an ode to the innocent joy of love in “Come to Me” to the warm pleas to his lover in “Beautiful Dress” (“let me wear you like a beautiful dress/let me love you”), the undertones of dripping melancholy cluing you into the retrospective nature of the album and preparing you for the descent into heart-wrenching territory. Marlon writes lyrics with the visceral anguish of Nick Cave and sings them with the gentle restraint of Roy Orbison; he sings, “people tell me/‘boy you dodged a bullet’/but if only it had hit me/then I’d know the peace it brings” in “Love is a Terrible Thing” and begins the similarly mournful “I Didn’t Make A Plan” with, “I didn’t make a plan to break your heart/but it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever done” before later belting out apocalyptic “hey-yo”s.
His melodrama is far from tawdry or unrelatable, at once making you feel both profoundly sorry for and profoundly in awe of him, and it all culminates in the penultimate track, “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore.” Hearing Marlon trill “I cannot explain/emotions I can barely afford to contain” in a duet with the subject of the entire album, former girlfriend Aldous Harding (a musical force of her own), suddenly makes everything clearer–and hurt a lot more. No song has better encapsulated Marlon’s talent for baring his soul in a maturely tactful way, serving as a microcosm of the entirety of Make Way for Love. He is even kind enough to alleviate some of the burden of the first 10 tracks with his farewell, “Make Way for Love,” an angelic soft pop track we realized we desperately needed only after listening to it.
Make Way for Love is a rare example of an artistic work crafted so masterfully while feeling so natural and genuine that it is effortless to listen to, swelling with atmospheric emotion and directing all thought to the contemplation of Marlon’s poetic and arresting lyrics. With only his second solo album, Marlon has utilized his timeless voice in the creation of a timeless piece of art, which makes us hopeful that the best is yet to come.
10/10
SXSW 2016: Artists to Watch
With thousands of artists from all over the world traveling to Austin for SXSW, narrowing down who to see can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to make that task a little less daunting. We searched the lineup to find the best up-and-coming artists that could quite possibly be some of your favorite shows of the week.
1. The Accidentals
Billboard’s Breakout Band at SXSW 2015, Winner of the Emerging Artist Series, Winner of WYCE’s Album of the Year 2015—and the list goes on. In just two years, The Accidentals recorded three original albums, scored two films, landed song placements in documentaries, independent films and commercials and played over 700 live shows…and then they graduated high school. The group features an eclectic blend of classical, jazz, bluegrass and indie folk and synthesizes a wide variety of instruments that reflect the group’s impressive orchestral roots.
When to see them:
3/16: 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn (8p.m.)
2. Barns Courtney
With an almost accidental launch into the global mainstream, modern day voice and guitar man Barns Courtney is on an exciting (unexpected) journey. After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of US blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable US-British twang. Courtney’s first track, “Glitter & Gold” was dropped on Soundcloud in September and quickly racked up over forty thousand plays. Another track—“Fire” made it’s way onto the big screen when it caught the ears of Hollywood mega producer Harvey Weinstein who featured it as the main track on the Bradley Cooper-staring film, “Burnt.” With an already impressive start and a debut EP in the works for early next year, Barns Courtney’s journey is an exciting one to follow.
Where to see him:
3/16: Lamberts (10 p.m.)
3/18: Stubb’s (10:40 p.m.)
3/19: Latitude 30 (11 p.m.)
3. Beach Slang
In just two short years, Beach Slang have proved themselves as a band that can write memorable songs and create a devoted fan base. With the release of their first full-length album, The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us, in November, the band crossed off their only missing element. The group’s tireless love for music and life shines through in the 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.
Where to see them:
3/16: Cheer Up Charlie’s (10:30 p.m)
3/18: The Sidewinder Outside (1 a.m.)
3/18: SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird (6 p.m.)
4. Cicada Rhythm
What happens when you combine articulate guitar picking with Julliard-trained bass lines? Chilling harmonies, unbridled passion and sincere enthusiasm—a sound that basically sums up Cicada Rhythm. The Georgia-raised duo meanders through the fields of folk, rock and Americana, modernizing each to a chilling degree. Reminiscent and filled with imagery, the lyrics this act brings to the stage tell an invigorating story. Cicada Rhythm has the ability to captivate listeners with the first pick of the guitar.
Where to see them:
3/16: The Velveeta Room (10 p.m.)
5. Dilly Dally
Like the eclectic city they live in, Toronto four-piece band Dilly Dally cannot be defined by just one thing. The band has a mutual appreciation for slurred poetry, pop ballads and grunge-heavy guitars, and these elements are evident in each and every song. Dilly Dally has made a name for themselves amongst Toronto’s noise-punk scene and there’s no doubt they will bring the same energy and overall awesomeness to the SXSW stage.
Where to see them:
3/17: Hype Hotel (10 p.m.)
6. DMA’s
On the heels of their debut album, Hills End, DMA’s are only at the beginning of a promising journey. The Australian rockers epitomize the laid-back lifestyle of their home country and have a sound that is too inviting to be ignored. The record combines each individual’s own influences—folk artists like Bob Dylan, American guitar bands from the 90s, and English bands like The Stone Roses and The La’s—into one enormous sound. Although only just beginning, DMA’s are on the brink of a successful journey to success.
Where to see them:
3/17: Radio Day Stage (5 p.m.)
3/17: Parish (1 a.m.)
3/18: Stubb’s (8 p.m.)
7. Japanese Breakfast
A side project from her work as front woman of indie punk band Little Big League, Michelle Zauner released a tape in 2013 under the name Japanese Breakfast. The solo project showcases Zauner’s dark lyrics and unique vocals—a stark contrast to the guitar-based indie rock of Little Big League. Now, Japanese Breakfast is in full-force with the LP and vinyl release of Psychopomp. The album explores new interests, hosts a variety of sounds and chilling new vocals, making it one to watch out for at this year’s festival.
Where to see them:
3/17: Barracuda Backyard (8 p.m.)
8. The Kickback
The modern indie rock group gathered praise from a number of publications including Rolling Stone, SPIN and Chicago Sun Times after the release of a few EPs. With the release of their debut album, Sorry All Over the Place, the group has garnered even more prominence, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW. The band is influenced by a broad array of cultural references, often referencing the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, David Foster Wallace and David Lynch, and their songs are filled with references and revelations. With their focus on contrast and a fascination with juxtaposition, there’s no doubt that The Kickback will put on a raw and memorable performance.
Where to see them:
3/16: Speakeasy (12 a.m.)
9. Marlon Williams
New Zealand solo artist Marlon Williams brings a sound to the stage that combines folk, country, soul, bluegrass and the blues. Williams first made a name for himself as front-man of The Unfaithful Ways, but has started a successful journey with his solo career. Williams brings an upbeat and sincere vibe to the stage earning him a spot as an artist to watch at this year’s festival.
Where to see him:
3/16: 3TEN Austin City Limits Live (9 p.m.)
3/17: Barracuda (11:15 p.m.)
3/18: Central Presbyterian Church (11 p.m.)
10. Mothers
Originating from Athens, GA as the solo project of Kristine Leschper, Mothers quickly emerged into a full-fledged band, on tour alongside of Montreal, and supporting Unknown Mortal Orchestra. They made the leap to headlining sets in a matter of months and in February, released their debut album, When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired, with Drew Vandenberg (of Montreal, Deerhunter). Now, the indie-folk outfit is taking on SXSW. If the vulnerability and raw emotion displayed in their album are any indication of their performance, then Mothers are definitely an act to watch out for.
Where to see them:
3/16: Clive Bar (9 p.m.)
3/18: Mohawk Outdoor (10 p.m.)
11. Moving Panoramas
Hailing from Austin, the all-girl trio that makes up Moving Panoramas will return to their hometown roots for SXSW. The name itself paints a perfect picture of the band’s sound—it’s indie guitar music at its’ finest, and the vocals have a dreamy, ethereal air about them. Each heartfelt lyric envelopes you into the songwriter’s story, making them one you will not want to miss at this year’s festival.
Where to see them:
3/15: The Sidewinder Inside (12 a.m.)
3/16: ScratcHouse Backyard (11 p.m.)
12. Roomsounds
Self-described as a “modern day Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers,” Roomsounds bring an eclectic mix of genres to the stage, making them an act to add to your list. Combine vivid song writing with versatile vocals and you have a group that gets as much out of playing a live show as they do creating a brilliant song. If you don’t know much about the band before seeing them live, you will leave eager to find out more.
Where to see them:
3/17: Lucky Lounge (9 p.m.)
13. Sunflower Bean
What do you get when you channel a passion for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Velvets? The sweet sound that is Sunflower Bean. The indie trio hailing from NYC is sure to take the SXSW stage by storm with their rock-influenced vocals and sweet riffs. Their debut album, Human Ceremony, is self-described as a “conflicting interest”—a mixture of dream pop and rock ‘n’ roll. The diversity this group brings to the stage makes them a must-see.
Where to see them:
3/17: Radio Day Stage (3 p.m.)
3/17: Stubb’s (9:25 p.m.)
3/18: Parish (1 a.m.)
3/19: Hype Hotel (8 p.m.)
14. Sweet Spirit
The country/rock band hailing from Austin brings a different, but nonetheless charismatic and vibrant energy to the stage. Ironically, the nine-piece act started as the solo project of Sabrina Ellis, but new members were quickly added. The group began putting out songs at a breakneck speed, and the confident blend of genres that defines Sweet Spirit was born.
Where to see them:
3/19: Parish (10 p.m.)
15. Saint Pé
After 10 years of recording and touring with Black Lips, Ian Saint Pé decided it was time for a change. His solo act—Saint Pé—was born. If you love Black Lips, then hopping on board with Saint Pé will be an easy feat. It has the same garage flavor and rock ‘n’ roll sound but with a sunnier, more pop-influenced side. Saint Pé brings a sound to the stage that is refreshingly upbeat and will leave you wanting more.
Where to see him:
3/18: Valhalla (1 a.m.)
16. Spookyland
The 4-piece act from Sydney received both local and international praise from the likes of NME, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork with their debut EP, ‘Rock and Roll Weakling.’ In 2015, an appearance at Lollapolooza landed them a spot in Consequence of Sound’s Top Ten acts not to miss. The band has a knack for delivering raw, emotional music that sticks with you long after they leave the stage. With their debut album, Beauty Already Beautiful, set to release in May 2016, Spookyland is well on their way to garnering even more prominence and prestige, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW.
Where to see them:
3/16: Buffalo Billiards (9 p.m.)
3/17: Latitude 30 (12 a.m.)
17. T. Hardy Morris
For 10 years, T. Hardy Morris has explored the parallels between grunge and Southern rock with his band Dead Confederate. His first solo effort was 2013’s Audition Tapes, a relatively melancholy, confessional work likes so many of the records out of Nashville. His latest release, Drownin on a Mountaintop, is the complete opposite. Unsentimental, enthusiastic and rowdy, the album gives Morris’s voice ample space to roam and cut loose. Although Morris is not new to the music scene, his work as a solo act is well worth talking about.
Where to see him:
3/19: Parish (12 a.m.)
18. Tedo Stone
Garage/psych-rocker Tedo Stone forged a love for music at an early age, forming his first band at the age of 12. While living in the musically rich town of Athens, GA, Stone dove further into the music scene and his sound took on a noisier, carefree character that caught the attention of producer Drew Vandenberg (Deerhunter, of Montreal). After pairing up with him, Stone released a follow-up to his 2013 debut. 2015’s Marshes is decidedly grittier in comparison to his debut, Good Go Bad, and is definitely one to watch out for as it garners a larger fan base.
Where to see him:
3/17: Yard Dog (1 p.m.)