Nashville has a new indie-pop tune on its hands. But not just any indie-pop tune. Kellen of Troy‘s latest single, So You Found Yourself A Rockstar, speaks out for men who find themselves in a tough spot when their girlfriends turn out to be materialistic, money-grubbing women who leave them for men with a cooler, higher "status" — rockstars! Notwithstanding the heart breaking topic, Kellen Wenrich’s nonchalant vocals express a calm acceptance, and his lively music video does too. Throughout the entire video, the camera pans around the room, introducing new people as they play instruments, chat about, and have a grand ol’ time. Meanwhile, Kellen spontaneously appears in and out of each corner singing his tune. Everyone gets it: some people only care about one thing, so why not just let it go and party? Check out the video for "So You Found Yourself A Rockstar" down below. – Ashley Muniz
Buzz Alert! Adiós Ghost plays Pianos residency on October 12,19 and 26
Pianos is one of the few NYC venues left that still dares to host emerging artist residencies (they actually do that in two rooms). We always pay attention to these bands, because the fact they were invited means they have a good live show and an expanding fan base, which are important factors for any band. Adiós Ghost is an adventurous Brooklyn band that plays an intricate brand of avant-pop that will excite the aural canals of those of you into Yeasayer and Animal Collective. Their recent EP ‘Endless Return‘ is their first release since 2014, and it’s a very interesting record. Employing electric and electronic instruments, and also saxophones at times, the band’s arrangements shine for their transparent quality, and very processed references to African melodies and rhythms. Each song seems to be built on musical blocks that support and complement each other, resulting in airy and flickery compositions. Check out opening single ‘Tension’ below and don’t miss one of their upcoming Pianos shows on October 12,19 and 26.
The Deli Philly’s Anniversary Bash w/Suburban Living, LOUDS & The Retinas at PhilaMOCA This Saturday!
Krust Toons: “Handicap Parking” by Teddy Hazard
Krust Toons: "Handicap Parking" by Teddy Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.
PREMIERE: Forest Veil – “Bitter Root”
A dark and dreary style of acoustics, Forest Veil‘s take on "doom folk" has reached new creative and emotive heights with Zoolights. Monica Metzler, the multi-instrumentalist and producer behind the venture, drew on the cathartic release of a grief based project and the transformation of that into auditory expression.
Following the passing of Metzler’s father, she received texts from his phone number containing the word "zoolights." Taking that as a sign of his continual guidance from the cosmos, Metzler embarked on an adventure around the world called ‘Death Ritual’ where she researched the death rituals of numerous cultures. Much of that made its way onto Zoolights as field recordings, molding the album into a collection where research and intimate healing intertwine in a personal journey through despaired loss.
Zoolight‘s ten tracks encompass a wealth of history in emotion. Even the audio ("Mitla," "Forever There," "Spirit Realm") and instrumental ("Flute Interlude i, ii") interludes call for attention, but it’s Forest Veil’s original songs like the one we’re premiering today that show Metzler’s true sentiment.
"Bitter Root," much like the album’s first track "Harem" and the others, shows a certain vulnerability in Metzler through her smokey, grieved vocals and vibrating psych-like riffing. It’s a hauntingly bleary tune with a heartfelt meaning.
Zoolights is due out October 14th via Spirit House Records, with the release show Sunday, the 16th at Rontoms.
Ticket Giveaway: Cass McCombs & Delicate Steve at Underground Arts This Friday
Singer-songwriter Cass McCombs has a new record out, titled Mangy Love, which is available via ANTI-. He’ll be coming to Philly this Friday, October 14 at Underground Arts with Delicate Steve, in support of his eighth album, and we’d like you to join them. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "Hey Mang". Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!
Brooklyn post-punkers Tammy about to release 4 song EP
Brooklyn’s Tammy is a fiery female fronted band we stumbled upon that – we predict – will change their name within a year. Their only single available for streaming, ‘The Fortress,’ is a lo-fi, but perfectly orchestrated homage to the early post punk years (late ’70s/early ’80s), with authentic semi-atonal vocals and an angularity reminiscent of a rougher, fuzzier version of the early Stranglers. The scores of New Yorkers who are anxious about the dystopian future should check them out.
Ttotals tour the west coast
Nashville’s psychedelic trio Ttotals might have not released any new material in two years, but that’s not preventing them from going on tour – maybe becuse their 2014 record ‘Let Everything Come Through‘ is an drone rock gem that deserves to be brought to the genre’s fans one at a time. The group leftr on October 7 for Charlotte, NC, and will drive north and then south again to hit NYC, Boston and then Philly and Harrisbourrg, VA, with a final date in Lexington, KY on October 14. Fans of Jesus & Mary Chain and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are advised.
New Track: “Saturday (Umm)” – Fossil Jane
Olivia Price, a.k.a. Fossil Jane, recently shared a new track, “Saturday (Umm)”. The initial start of a synth beat is rounded into form by keys and guitar as the softly delivered vocals swim overtop. Sorting through a series of thoughts, it seems to capture a waking dream state. (Photo by Brian Walker)
RIP NYC Indie Hip Hop pillar Majesty
We learned that MC Majesty passed away this past week. Along with Dayv “Mental” Cino, Majesty helped found Legendary Cyphers, a weekly free all-ages event every summer Friday in Union Square park since August 2013. Majesty was family to many in the scene, known to be supportive, positive, and an embodiment of everything that is Hip Hop culture. The NYC Hip Hop community mourns the loss of his vibrant energy today, but his spirit still resonates in the beats and the concrete, in the hearts and elevated minds he helped cultivate. Catch him spark off this promo for the first season:
New The Fantastic Imagination Album Available for Streaming & Purchase
The Fantastic Imagination (featuring members of A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Valley Exit, This Radiant Boy, and Faux Slang) create an epic prog/psych musical adventure with the release of Good Knight, Sweet Dreams. Available on golden cassette, the fantastical collection of songs is a triumphant escape from the norm with its playful, grandiose compositions. Way to keep Philly happily weird, lady and gents!
Zone out with WL’s “Disintegrate”
Beautifully tackling loss and acceptance in a nutshell, WL‘s newest tune and accompanying visuals have the power to bring on mental calm and necessary contemplation. It’s soothing reel of waves pairs perfectly with Misty Mary’s ethereal vocals, creating a layers of hazy, intrinsic texture.
"Disintegrate" comes off of WL’s sophomore album titled Light Years, due out on the 28th of this month on XRAY Records. The composition of the album is a point of interest, as it was originally intented to be performed live alongside ‘Gandahar,’ a French surrealist animation by Rene Laloux. WL decided to team up with various local artists in creating their own visual element to Light Years, using stop motion animation, stereoscopic photography and 3D point cloud scanning as some of the mediums and techniques.
A screening of Light Years the film will be at Laurelhurst Theater on October 26th, with their album release show taking place on November 11th at the Spare Room.
Guitarist and keyboardist Michael Yun spoke on "Disintegrate" to the Grey Estates, who premiered the track just last week:
‘Disintegrate’ is a song about loss. It’s a goodbye with no goodbye, it’s a possibility that becomes impossible. It’s when the weight of the ocean is over you and you give in to it. The video is a simple meditation on the movement of waves. It’s a single shot, from a single point with altered time. We filmed hours of footage in both slow motion and time lapse, but this continuous shot just fit the feeling perfectly.