Heath Jansen released a new single today called “Maybe Everything Will Be Alright” b/w “Conversation”. Both tracks feature Tom McCarthy on lead guitar and Jansen on everything else. This is Jansen’s second single of 2018 leading up to a forthcoming EP.
NYC
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Miss Grit’s “Talk Talk” is a Masterclass in Quiet Rage
“Talk Talk,” the new single from NYC-based outfit Miss Grit, was devised in an empty dorm room as frontwoman Margaret Sohn pined over the fatal idealism of modern romances, and this mis-en-scene that informs the track’s creation is immediately apparent in her powerful-yet-restrained vocal delivery. While the track is bolstered by analog synth arpeggios that crescendo at the chorus, the strength of “Talk Talk” is built upon Sohn’s halted lyricism, a performance that carries a palpable, visceral frustration at “the unrealistic view of love that society and movies ingrain into girls’ minds.” Sohn’s quiet-storm vox against cataclysmic synthesizers creates a soundscape that is both emotionally raw and dynamically energizing, a perfect blend of introspection and catharsis; here’s hoping the rest of Miss Grit’s forthcoming Talk Talk EP maintains the same balancing act.
Miss Grit’s debut extended play drops January 11th. Until then, stream their new single below.
Austin
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Christian Sparks and the Beatnik Bandits Give Folk A Gritty Edge
A folk-rock trio from San Marcos who are a self-described as a ‘new breed of classic American musician’, Christian Sparks and the Beatnik Bandits have had success constructing roots-styled storytelling with a gritty rock patina. The band released their debut self-titled EP in March and have ridden those five songs through a Southern state tour to reach the choir most receptive to their gospel. While their songs typically begin with an ambling, folksy vibe – the rowdiness creeps up through the chorus and ultimately transforms into a good ol’ fashioned ‘rock out’. While folk and rock music have tried to coexist, ever since Bob Dylan went electric, it has been a tenuous relationship where purists hold their ground by passing judgement. Many musicians have since made their bones trying to bridge the two styles and exploring the grey area between the two, but its the journey to and from the two genres that we get to see the brilliance of Christian Sparks songwriting. While the band is in its nascent stages, and is yet to release a full album, there are harbingers of future success that avail themselves through strong songwriting and a good performance work ethic.
Chicago
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Lili K “Joy To The World”
Lili K has released a festive new single called “Joy To The World”. This is here and her band’s take on this Christmas classic. This is the jazz vocalist’s second single of 2018, following-up “Best Friends” which was released earlier this year. Lili is preparing to release her sophomore album, Planet of Flowers, in the coming months.
NYC
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Fresh Buzz: Barrie tour with Miya Frolick
In the the beginning of 2018, Dream-pop five-piece Barrie put out shimmering singles, “Canyons,” and “Tal Uno,” before releasing a 12” in October aptly titled Singles. The Brooklyn-based band hail from all over the country (and world), but have recently converged in New York to collaborate and write songs together. Their dreamy sound puts an ambient spin on retro synth pop, which makes for ultra gorgeous tracks that swirl in a neon glow. In 2019, they’ll be hitting the road in support of Miya Frolick in a US and Canada tour. Listen to "Michigan" below. Sara Nuta
Portland
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Plastic Weather’s New Music Video
Plastic Weather just dropped a music video for their song "Doppelgänger." Filmed entirely on an iPhone, the video is fast and chaotic. It shows the members wandering around the Enchanted Forest theme park, wearing a variety of crazy, menacing, ridiculous masks. It’s enchantingly creepy. If Alice in Wonderland was a synth-based musical, it would look a lot like this music video. The goofy, gothic aesthetic fits the mood of the song quite well. As the band dances around the park, their playfulness not only highlights the chemistry the members have with each other, but with their audience as well. Watching them makes you feel like you’re one of the gang, in on whatever prank it is they’re playing. Give it a watch below!
By Avril Carrillo, Photo by Corbin Corbiin
Chicago
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Free Snacks @ Empty Bottle (1/15)
Hip Hop duo Free Snacks is the work Joshua Virtue and Ruby Watson. They released their debut mixtape, Eat Good Tape, earlier this month. The duo talk about living life, drinking, and of course eating good. The album features contributions from Blunt Corner and Davis Blackwell.
You can catch Free Snacks at Empty Bottle on Jan. 15th with Malci and Sex No Babies.
NYC
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Mass Gothic talk about gear on Delicious Audio
Noel Heroux and Jessica Zambri, active in the NYC scene since the mid aughts, released music separately through Hooray for Earth (Noel’s first breakout project, disbanded in 2014) and Zambri (the electronic band Jessica still plays in with sister Cristi Jo) and became the two creative forces behind Mass Gothic. The two musicians share an interest for dark atmospheres and edgy arrangements. They found themselves involved in a romantic relationship that soon developed in an involved artistic collaboration, which fully bloomed in Mass Gothic’s sophomore album, entitled "I’ve Tortured You Long Enough," released earlier this year through Sub Pop records. Our sister blog Delicious Audio asked Noel to share some thoughts about the creative experience and the gear behind it, read his answers here. – Photo by Sammy Goldfien
Philadelphia
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Krust Toons: “Local Music Group on Facebook” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "Local Music Group on Facebook" by Tedd 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.
Chicago
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Interview with 80 Foots
Our local artist of the Month, 80 Foots, are celebrating the release of their debut album And That Will Be How It Will Be on December 21st at The Hideout. We recently had the privilege of asking Chris Schoen of 80 Foots a few questions about the album, their new video for “Mariah’s Gone”, and their upcoming show. You can read our full interview here, and watch “Mariah’s Gone” below.
Nashville
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“Best of Nashville” winners Sad Baxter play Drkmttr Collective on 01.13
It’s the holidays, which means the release calendar has wound down and any shows you might want to see have something to do with either Christmas cheer or the bombastic observation of another passing year. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start filling your calendar with shows to see in 2019, though. Sludge pop masters Deezy and Alex of Sad Baxter will play Drkmttr Collective on January 13th, bringing their grunge-tinged sound to the all-ages DIY venue. Their latest EP So Happy showed up on Bandcamp’s Best Albums of 2018 list, along releases by The Beths, Car Seat Headrest, Camp Cope, and Let’s Eat Grandma. Plus, Nashville Scene handed Sad Baxter the Best Band of 2018 Award. Regardless of their winnings, Sad Baxter will play you their heavy tracks with the usual angst live at Drkmttr Collective on January 13th, so head down there and ring in — belatedly — a new year with them. Take a listen to So Happy below. – Will Sisskind
Chicago
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Jonnycatland “A Perfect Nothing”
Jonnycatland recently released a new album called A Perfect Nothing. This is work of Max DiFrisco, Joe Merkle, Landon Kerouac, Gina Passaro, and Ellie Traczyk.
You can catch Jonnycatland on Jan. 3rd at Subterranean with Steel, Gal Gun, and Sunday Cruise.