In Case You Missed It: Sun:Monx Shine Bright On “Power Salad”
–Written by Kevin Madert
One of the strongest driving factors in my endless musical pursuits is interconnections. The always expanding universe of music and the musicians who inhabit it is like a four dimensional puzzle, each figurative piece interwoven with tens, hundreds, even thousands of others by myriad aural tendrils. More simply, music is a sprawling game of “Six Degrees,” – although I’d wager almost everything under the umbrella could be linked in far fewer steps.
Your move, Mr. Bacon
The Daily Frequency (6/30/15)
–Written by Kevin Madert
Another day, another deluge of musical happenings. If we missed a piece of music-related news that blew your mind, let us know in the comments!
1. From the “better late than never” department, technology übercompany Apple threw their hat into the digital streaming ring with the launch of Apple Music. Users are granted unlimited access to the tens of millions of songs in Apple’s formidable library for a monthly fee ($9.99 for individuals, $15.99 for a family account that allows up to six simultaneous users). While we’ll probably be given all sorts of exclusives thanks to Apple’s deep pockets and industry clout – Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, for example, will be available for streaming for the first time ever via Apple Music – the service still lacks in some areas – there’s not much social interaction (a lá Spotify) and the music streams in 256kbps (320kbps is the norm). The company is offering free three month trials for all first-time users, so you can decide for yourself if Apple Music is the next big thing or simply another lackluster wave (*cough* Tidal *cough*). (via Time)
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News: Deadmau5 in the Studio with Feed Me
According to Feed Me’s Facebook page, the electro alter-ego of Jon Gooch has entered the studio with Deadmau5. Both Gooch and Joel Zimmerman are incredibly talented musicians, and revolutionaries in their respective genres. Over the past few years, the two producers styles have become more developed and more unique, which gave way to more experimental, yet refined tunes, such as those found on Feed Me’s newest EP A Warrior Descends on Tokyo. Of course, this means their studio session together can is sure to produce something epic, this is definitely a collab to keep an eye on.
We’ll be sure to provide updates as they become available.
Image Credit: Rukes.com
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New Tune Tuesday (6/9/15)
–Written by Kevin Madert
The Front Bottoms – West Virginia
A surprise single from one of my favorite bands is the stuff Tuesdays are made of. “West Virginia” is The Front Bottoms in quintessence: one part catchy, straightforward instrumentation, one part complex & quirky – yet equally catchy – lyrics, coalesced into a faux-lo-fi package and thrown at you with every ounce of emotive heft lead singer Brian Sella and company can push through their mics and amps. Like much of TFB’s catalog, the wordsmithery on display here is relatable in overarching emotional brushstrokes rather than specifics. You may never have experienced a conversation like the one Sella opens this song with (“Is it raining where you are? / The only thing I could think to ask. / But nothing ever hurt so bad / as the ‘no’ that you said back”) but dammit if those lines don’t hit you in the chest like a two-ton weight. You can download the new tune for free by joining The Front Bottoms Motorcycle Club on the band’s official site. The music video is a perfect visual compliment; you can see it below.
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News: The Get Up Kids & Saves the Day Release Split Children’s EP
Want to feel old in the strangest way possible today? Then have I got news for you.
The Get Up Kids and Saves the Day have released a split EP, where they reworked two of their classic songs into children’s songs under the names The Get Up Dads and Saves the Daycare. The Get Up Kids reworked “10 Minutes to Downtown” into “10 Minutes to Bedtime”, and Saves the Day took “Hold” and made “How to Spell (ABC’s)”.
As odd as this news may sound, it’s for a good cause. All proceeds from the Bandcamp page will be donated to Little Kids Rock, a charity that helps bring music programs to schools.
Check out the album here, and be sure to donate for a good cause.
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