Frequency Of the Week No. 3: Snails
–Written by Kevin Madert
In electronic music, emerging artists are often content with piggybacking onto whatever happens to be the flavor of the week (I’m looking at you, every big room house producer ever). It’s easy to play it safe by downloading familiar sample packs and mimicking popular song structures, especially when you know it works. There’s no risk and no reason you should be lauded. I could rewrite “The Sun Also Rises,” add a few details and throw in a Pryda snare, but that doesn’t put me in the same conversation as Hemingway.
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Weekend Round-Up (8/16-8/17/14)
–Written by Kevin Madert
This is a weekly post we’ll be running to keep you as up-to-date on musical goings-on as we can. We’ll be gathering news tidbits from across the music world and compiling them for you after the weekend concludes. This is not meant to be an all-encompassing source for music news, but rather a collection of news items we found interesting, important, or otherwise necessary to share.
Over the weekend a lot of things happened in the world of music. Here are some of them.
1. Daft Punk who? IDM godfather Aphex Twin seemingly began the rollout for his first album in over a decade on Saturday by floating a blimp over London emblazoned with his unmistakable logo. Reports of sightings outside Radio City Music Hall came in shortly thereafter. I’d try to explain how exciting this news is, but I’m hopeful you already know. Via Pitchfork.
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Weekend Wind-Down No. 3: MelodicDub
–Words and list by Kevin Madert
In the dubstep realm, “filthy drops” and “sick wubs” often overshadow the sonic landscape. EDM buzzwords aside, there are plenty of nooks and crannies at 140 beats per minute, and this week’s wind-down is dedicated to melodies and intricacies. While songs like Enigma Dubz’ “Make Up Your Mind” and Blackmill’s “Let It Be” could serve as definitions for the subgenre, others barely feel like dubstep at all – Phaeleh’s rework of Ludovico Einaudi’s “Walk” is so nuanced you’ll barely notice the sub-bass brush strokes.
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The Daily Frequency (8/15/14)
–Written by Kevin Madert
This is a daily post we’ll be running to keep you as up-to-date on musical goings-on as we can. We’ll be gathering news tidbits from across the music world and compiling them for you towards the end of each day. This is not meant to be an all-encompassing source for music news, but rather a collection of news items we found interesting, important, or otherwise necessary to share.
Today, a lot of things happened in the world of music. Here are some of them.
1. Nightlife-centric clothing line NGHTBRND just released their long-awaited “Owlgang” collection. The LA-based company teased their fans last week with posts giving tiny glimpses at the new line, but none of them could do justice to some of these fresh threads. Check out a few below and hit the link to grab some while they’re around. Via the official NGHTBRND site.
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Weekend Warm-Up No. 3: Punk That Pops
–Words and list by Kevin Madert
Nothing quite compares to the all-around upbeat nature of a well-crafted pop-punk tune. Major chord progressions, scything drum kicks, and positive to a fault lyrics delivered with a boyish (or girlish) smirk. My inner 10th grader couldn’t help but pump his fist and pretend every word was written to describe me. Whether on the heavy side – “Beatdown in the Key of Happy” and “The Downfall of Us All” drip with post-hardcore – or lighter fare – “Everything Is Alright” and “Plays Pretty For Baby” for starters – it’s all nostalgic, and it’s all too damn catchy.
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The Daily Frequency (8/14/14)
–Written by Kevin Madert
This is a daily post we’ll be running to keep you as up-to-date on musical goings-on as we can. We’ll be gathering news tidbits from across the music world and compiling them for you towards the end of each day. This is not meant to be an all-encompassing source for music news, but rather a collection of news items we found interesting, important, or otherwise necessary to share.
Today, a lot of things happened in the world of music. Here are some of them.
1. Chicago’s über-rocking RiotFest just released the schedule of events for their aftershows. Whether eyeing the obvious – Rise Against Thursday and Primus on Saturday probably shouldn’t be missed – or the niche – pop-punk is alive and well at The Get Up Kids and Modern Baseball – there are plenty of options. The best by far? An Andrew W.K. DJ set – unquestionably the most party way to afterparty.
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