Godspeed, the latest offering by NYC indie quartet Shadow Year, is an ode to the fast-changing nature of city living, a collection of vignettes expressed through synth and guitar-centric indie, backed by instrumentation that encapsulates an energy chaotic and wistful. Whether the band is recounting seeing your crush while waiting for the J Train on opener “For The Weekend,” or longing for the unattainable on the release’s title track, the EP is bound together by the quotidian, universal struggles of living in New York, underscored by a swelling, occasionally discordant playing. A healthy dose of contemporary punk, slacker, and post-rock, Godspeed’s sound is expressive and raw, yet never unhinged, a collection of tunes for anyone who’s keeping it together under pressure (which is, to say, most of us). Listen below, and see Shadow Year at Trans Pecos tonight, January 23rd. —Connor Beckett McInerney
Implex Grace
Michael Perry Goodman (aka Implex Grace) has released a new album called Shadows & Wraths. This is ambient drone music that, over two 23 minute tracks, creates a world that fits the title perfectly.
Cam O’bi “Grammy’s Babies”
Cam O’bi recently released a new single called "Grammy’s Babies". Primarily known as a producer for artist like Chance The Rapper, Noname, and other, Cam show he has a strong set of skills all his own on this track.
01.25: Glass Beach raises hell, brings tour to The Echo
To miss Glass Beach‘s show at The Echo on January 25th would add more sorrow to the world. The post-emo indie rockers have set out on their West Coast tour, which will take them up and down the Pacific Coast and into Nevada. The band has just signed with Run For Cover Records for a vinyl re-release of their debut album; since the signing, their following on social media has grown. Michigan-based group Dogleg — another up-and-coming indie punk tour-de-force — and fellow emo-punk rockers Kara’s Walk Home will join Glass Beach for this must-see show. Get yourself ready by listening to the first track on the band’s debut album, "classic j dies and goes to hell part 1", below. – Will Sisskind
OJ in the Yams, donSMITH, Alita Moses play The Revolution Vol. 46 on 1.23
National Sawdust’s The Revolution is a vanguard series of exciting artistry, a monthly performance that highlights New York musicians pushing their respective genre boundaries in new and innovative ways. This month’s show is no exception, featuring sets from NYC’s very own OJ in the Yams, donSMITH, and Alita Moses, three artists who have found their own ways to energize classic sounds in novel fashions.
For instance, while instrumentally-driven hip-hop outfit OJ in the Yams find their footing in lush R&B soundscapes, their implementation of equal parts rap, vocal performance, and improvisational jazz components creates an auditory tapestry of smooth soundscapes.
Likewise, rapper and performer donSMITH’s utilization of classic hip-hop sampling techniques, paired with a gritty vox and contemporary perspective breathes new life into the genre’s earliest formula; his track “Penfeld” carries the torch of NYC’s well-vetted rap history while paying homage to its true roots.
Rounding off the evening’s more visceral performers is Alita Moses, whose own brand of jazz vocal performance feels just at home against a contemporary instrumental backing as it does against a three piece ensemble, always effervescent, occasionally playful, and punctuated by an ever-present range. Get your tickets here, and get down in Brooklyn this Thursday for three tremendous performances.
Let it Rain: A benefit for the Australian wildfires
Australia is currently facing its most devastating fires to date. At least 27 people have died, more than 2,000 structures have burned, and 18 million acres of land have been torched by the wildfires sweeping across the continent. In addition to this, almost a billion animals have died. Various organizations are working 24/7 to provide relief efforts to communities that affected – they need our help!
Join us this Saturday Jan 25th (Australia Day) at Cloud Tree Studios as we raise money for the Australian Red Cross. Enjoy local art collections, a host of musical showcases and some delicious beverages from the The Roadie ATX. Bar & Gallery will open at 2pm with live music from 3pm. Come and celebrate Australia Day with your mates at Cloud Tree Studios, it’ll be great!
Featured musicians include Jake Lloyd, Corbella, Poly Action, Munn & more.
Iconic Austin Collection by local artist @tarahluke & friends.
Any and all are welcome, suggested entry is $10. Food and drinks available for donation.
https://www.facebook.com/events/161758565130361/
Special thanks to our sponsors: Hops & Grain Brewing, Greater Goods Coffee, Austin Eastciders, Dulce Vida, Tito’s Vodka & Kwik Ice.
Division Point “Thirteen”
Indie Rock trio Division Point have released a new single called “Thirteen”. This is the work of Danny Gaytan (Vocals/Bass), Danny Garcia (Guitar), and Segio Apanco (Drums)
You can catch Division Point at Wire on January 26th with Dad Hat, Skylight Cinema, and Background Character.
Yolanda releases “Sick Pike” with animated video
If you’re feeling stressed out–or feeling anything at all–I suggest plugging into one of Yolanda’s newest jams, “Sick Pike.” The song is dreamy drift into trippy town and the accompany video matches that vibe to a t-shirt. The animated short features a flower-eyed dino-creature mounting a horse and galloping into a forest. Illustrator and guitarist for the group (as well as Bells Atlas, Perhapsy) has really expanded as an illustrator into some fun and elaborate territory and we’re all for it. The single was recorded mostly at home and mixed mostly at Tiny Telephone. We missed their release show but stay tuned more more more and tune into this lovely dreamy find. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor
The Suffers and Big Freedia Take Over Austin
Houston based, R&B and soul group, The Suffers, were the second opener for New Orleans native, Big Freedia, at Emo’s Saturday night. Their self proclaimed, "Gulf Coast Soul" celebrates the melange of different cultures blending together in one of the most diverse cities in the United States.
Their blend of African American soul, Cajun, Caribbean, and Mexican music, lead by the powerhouse vocals of front woman Kam Franklin, gave spiritual energy to an eager audience and turned Emo’s into a house of musical worship.
Franklin emulated some serious Diana Ross vibes, with her signature natural hair and a matching silver sequin outfit. When the horn section wasn’t blasting their instruments, they were backing up their leading lady in true doo-wop fashion, dancing and clapping in synchronized rhythm.
Not only did Franklin give a religious like performance to a congregation ready to receive the spirit, playing songs like "Make Some Room" and "Do Whatever", but she also delivered a powerful sermon, imploring the audience to continue to support live music and the artists who give us so much. She also gave recognition to local Austin artists like The Vapor Caves, Jackie Venson, and Gary Clark Jr.
Her message is a strong reminder of the struggle most local musicians face, especially in a growth explosion city like Austin. As patrons of the arts, she reminded us that it is our responsibility to support and show up for artists whose music we consume.
– Amy Arnold
“Excuse! I don’t mean to be rude, just give me that mic and let me do what I do”
The queen diva had arrived in Austin on Saturday to bring her New Orleans-based, twerk-filled, bounce music to the Central Texas masses. Igniting the dance party with hits like “Louder” and “Ya’ll Get Back Now”, Big Freedia and her troupe of high-energy backup dancers assaulted every part of the audience’s sensory in the best way possible.
A room full of booty-shakers swooned as their iconic orchestrator led them through a series of earth-shattering and dance-inducing hits. Bangers like “Y’tootsay” and “Mo Azz” whipped the crowd into a frenzy while the gravity-defying theatrics of Big Freedia’s stage dancers kept a manic energy at full tilt. A twerk contest for concert-goers culminated in a stage full of local aspiring glute masters showcasing their goods while Big Freedia oversaw their efforts like a drill sergeant on new recruits.
While nearly half of Freedia’s set list comprised of cover songs, it was her original track’s that brought out the diva’s rhapsodic spirit and vim. Ending with tracks like “Rent”, “I Heard” and “Gin In My System” – the audience hit a critical mass of dance exuberance. Even after Big Freedia left the stage, the party continued on into the night with members of the crowd and back up dancers trading dance moves while they basked in the afterglow of raucous yet perfect night of dancing.
-Lee Ackerley
02.28: Split Moon put out intense new record “Slow Satellite”
Those with a vested interest in LA’s shoegaze community shouldn’t sleep on Split Moon, who will release their newest album Slow Satellite on February 28th. The project of singer and guitarist Mark Starr, this rebirth of the band LEAF creates music that sounds like a whole symphony; the wailing of Starr’s guitar layers over and over upon itself, washing you with waves of trance-inducing sound. The group’s first single from Slow Satellite, "Shades", has the post-punk elements of Joy Division and the shoegaze bliss of My Bloody Valentine and Swervedriver; take a listen to it below. – Will Sisskind
Young Sham shines in new EP “Out the Mud”
Roxbury, Massachusetts continues to brew some of the hottest hip-hop talents in New England: often referred to as the "heart of Black culture in Boston” and the “Bronx of greater Boston,” the neighborhood is home to Young Sham. The hip-hop artist known as Young Sham released a sonic three-headed dragon of an EP titled Out the Mud that is equally sharp no matter which of the three tracks you listen to. “BlokBoy” creeps in with a piano lead that provides an ominous mood for Sham’s relaxed-confident flow. “R.I.P” is more atmospheric and sees the artist opening up, discussing his determination and mission of success. “Drug Talk Freestyle” has an infectious rhythm to it, driven by a heart-beat bass drum that outlines Sham’s sharp-shooting rhymes of honesty. Like contemporary Roxbury artists such as Oompa, Sham lifts the neighborhood to a light well-deserved indeed. Stream “Drug Talk Freestyle” below for a taste of raw hip-hop that lingers. – Rene Cobar