National Sawdust is highlighting three up-and-coming local acts for the 28th, Deli sponsored installment of “THE REVOLUTION”. For the month of June, artists from jazz and hip-hop to rock n’ roll are being presented on the venue’s stage for their contribution to local music and for pushing their respective genres forward. This month’s three artist are FKAjazz, JSWISS and Vick & the Velvicks. JSWISS is a rapper and lyricist whose focus on positivity and overcoming obstacles is paired with lively jazz and soul influences, creating an assured and bright sound. Vick & the Velvicks’ blend of hard rock hooks and energetic songwriting have transformed New York’s most intimate venues into stadium shows. FKAjazz marries a new vision and old school precision to create an exciting new take on jazz. National Sawdust hopes these three artists will be the benchmarks for local music and will highlight their talents this Saturday on June 23. – Tucker Pennington
New Music Video: “Casablanco” (Feat. Sango) – Armani White
Edited by Jared Marston, the new video for Armani White‘s single, “Casablanco” (featuring Sango), is sure to catch your eye. Seamless, rapid-fire transitions sync with the sharp lyrical turns of his phrasings. The emcee/director serves as the focal point across an ever-morphing backdrop. Infected with exuberant energy, the video toes the line between intensity and the absurd, continuously pivoting. Armani White is slated to hit the stage of Made In America in September.
Within – “Young” EP and Music Video
Within is an alt/indie folk trio out of Toronto. Or “freak folk” as they say. They play dark, stripped down folk tunes. Definitely leaving plenty of space on the canvas which is a pleasant change to what we are probably used to hearing on a regular basis. The vocalist is rather enchanting with a trippiness to her voice that reminds me of Grace Slick or Dolores O’Riordan. They recently released an EP “Young” and below is the title track first single. – Kris Gies
Palberta release 22 track twee-punk album on 06.22 at Mercury
Spanning 22 tracks, Palberta’s Roach Goin’ Down, released on June 15, is a practice in invention and freedom. Ideas are crumpled up, unfolded, cut apart, and pasted somewhere else. With the anyone-can-do-it attitude of K Records and the inverted instrumentals of early post-punk Palberta makes songs that feel simultaneously whimsical, challenging, and distraught. There’s a lo-fi a cappella intro to “Momentous Space-Up,” chaotic dissonance on “I Have Found The Ego,” and almost ordinary twee-punk on “Sound of the Beat.” Palberta will play Mercury Lounge on June 22 for an album release show. – Cameron Carr
Makaya McCraven Where We Come From (CHICAGOxLONDON Mixtape)
Makaya McCraven and International Anthem announced last week that he will be releasing a new mixtape on June 29th called Where We Came From (CHICAGOxLONDON Mixtape) via Apple Music. The mixtape features the following musicians Makaya McCraven (drums), Soweto Kinch (saxophone, vocals), Theon Cross (tuba), Joe Armon-Jones (keys), Nubya Garcia (saxophone), and Kamaal Williams (keys).
Below is the first part of a well-shot documentary on the recording process of this album from International Anthem. You can find all four episodes of the series here.
On July 1st at the Apple Store on Michigan Ave. McCraven and Sons of Kemet will be performing and will host a discussion panel after the performance.
Nylon Smile releases blissful debut single, “Dust”
Nylon Smile, the nom de plume of Nikolas Soelter, is taking a new, more reflective direction on his new single "Dust." Soelter, formerly of post-punk band Never Young, explores a brighter indie rock sound with a duskily invigorating focus. Under the helm of Melina Duterte of Jay Som, Soelter utilizes chilly textures set against a dainty guitar lead with an all-around blissful coating.
"Dust" is the first reveal off of Soelter’s debut EP, Angel of Doubt, which is out in August via Citrus City records. Juan Rodríguez
The Classic Punk of Planet Damn
Since its beginnings in the late 60s, punk has evolved to encompass a wide variety of subgenres. However, that doesn’t mean a modern day punk band can’t make classic punk revival, CGBG-style! Such can be said about Planet Damn. Their music is fast and grating. The lead vocalist jumps into each song with the same vigor and energy, with zero hesitation – a conviction that is required for any good punk band. Planet Damn’s lyrics are simple and catchy without ever falling into the traps of cliche’. With their aggressive and blunt guitar riffs, this a band refreshingly reminiscent of popular 70s acts like the Dead Boys and the Dictators – keep an ear on them! – Avril Carrillo
By Avril Carrillo, Photo by Corbin Corbiin
New New Speedway LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Total Babe is the latest album from Philly six-piece New Speedway, arriving via Time Castle Recordings. Peering through the static of fuzz-reverberating rock, the vocals console in a tranquilizing, dream state. Basking in that pleasant trance, one sheds worry. However, amid those sunny ventures, there is an underlying propensity to zoom through the skies, flexing riff-charged afterburners.
Solomon Kimrey
Electronic music producer and multi-instrumentalist Solomon Kimrey released a new single last week called ”Landing”. Kimrey has released a string of singles this year in follow-up to his debut album, A Place to Be, which came out back in February.
New Track: “I’d Like to Thank The Academy” – Hafsol
“I’d Like to Thank The Academy,” the new single from Hafsol, a.k.a. Dylan Penna-Powell, develops an airy pensive setting before a percussive beat propels it into motion. Poetic lines flow at a laidback pace. The steer of the groove and the gradual fade of backing vocals washes over in a pleasant drift, intertwined with its hip-hop cadence. Lyrically, this feels layered with significance, while simultaneously retaining free association.
The Block Party returns in Bushwick on 06.23 with Vol.3 of Hip Hop and DJ performances
Back for its third run, In Plain Sight NYC and Korg are teaming up to bring a day of hip hop and DJs back to the streets of Brooklyn. 20 artists will be featured at The Block Party Vol. 3, in this full day of live performances on Wyckoff Street (between Bond & Nevins Street) on Saturday, June 23rd. In addition to the lineup of talented hip hop, electronic, and neo-soul acts including Tuamie, eu-IV, Zoomo, and Nothing Neue, Korg will have some of their popular synthesizers on display available for demonstrations. The Block Party Vol.3 will be a unique opportunity to see terrific artists and check out some gear, and you don’t want to miss out on it. Check out a playlist of the performing artists, streaming below – Lily Crandall
Bouncy new wave punk on Flasher’s “Constant Image”
Steering clear of layered, feedback heavy chords, DC’s Flasher draws on the bouncier side of 80s post-punk to create a commendable, distinctly 21st century indie sound. Chord tones, as opposed to triads, are the preferred method of harmonic progression here, with the guitars playing an ancillary role to the hi-hat heavy drum beat backbone.
The result is an optimistic groove, but behind it all lies some surprisingly dark lyrics. Lines like “No Future, no faith”, and “listless entropy lull me fast asleep” back the otherwise upbeat single “Skim Milk”. This standout track maintains its commitment to chord tones instead of triads until the very end when the full chords burst through to full effect in an exciting finale. Catch Flasher at Black Cat this Saturday, June 23rd.
-Mike Dranove