There will be a panel discussion “On Music Journalism” this afternoon at Temple University’s Paley Library (from 3:30pm – 5pm) focusing on “what it takes to run a publication in today’s media environment.” It will be moderated by Alex Mulcahy (Grid, Decibel, Magnet, Cowbell), Eric Miller (Magnet), and George Miller III (JUMP Philly). Afterwards, there will be a magazine release party for JUMP Philly featuring performances (from 5pm – 6:30pm) by Bedroom Problems and Turning Violet Violet. It will be the last show for Bedroom Problems in 2011 as they get ready to head into the studio to record.
There has been a lot of news coming out of the Dr. Dog camp this November. Earlier in the month, they announced that they’ll be releasing a new two-song 7” for Record Store Day’s new celebration of Black Friday (November 25). Yesterday came the word that they’ll be cramming themselves and some lucky fans into Kung Fu Necktie on November 22 for a show in a more intimate setting than you can usually see the band these days. They also scheduled two all ages shows for March 24 and 25 at the Electric Factory. And today comes the announcement of a new twelve-song full-length entitled Be the Void coming out on February 7 via ANTI- Records. The songs on the record were tracked live to try and capture the energy of their live performances. Expect to hear a more rollicking “cathartic rock ‘n’ roll album” this time around. You can check out the LP’s track list below.
Be The Void Track List: 01. Lonesome
02. That Old Black Hole
03. These Days
04. How Long Must I Wait
05. Get Away
06. Do The Trick
07. Vampire
08. Heavy Light
09. Big Girl
10. Over Here, Over There
11. Warrior Man
12. Turning The Century
Check out the new short documentary that chronicles Sun Airway’s recent trip to Stockholm, Sweden during their European tour. It’s called Swallowed by the Night, and was produced by the folks at the 520 Blogg. (Photo by Theodor Wilson)
Below is an in-studio performance of “Waterproof Gold Watch” by Arrah and the Ferns at Love Drunk Studio in Omaha, NE. It was recorded on November 10, 2011 while they are currently on tour in support of the band’s latest EP Soldier Ghost. (You can read our recent interview with Arrah Fisher about the album as well as other things HERE.) Thanks to Philebrity for the heads up about the posting. (Photo by Stephen Hu)
It’s that time of the week again. It’s time for The Roots’ next episode from their four-part video series leading up to the release of the band’s new album undun on Dec. 6. The third music video is for the smokin’, badass track “Stomp” (featuring P.O.R.N.). You can check it out below. And once again, special thanks to Okayplayer for sharing.
Chiddy Bang premiered the first single from their delayed upcoming full-length album Breakfast called “Ray Charles” yesterday via Rolling Stone. According to Chiddy, “The song actually started out as a joke when my brother, Cheeseburger Don, got so high he fell asleep in the studio with his sunglasses on. I looked over and he reminded me of Ray Charles, probably because I was high, too. I started freestyling about him and we laid it down right there.” You can take a listen to the weed-influenced track below.
It’s not hidden at all that I have a lot of love and respect for the work of Power Animal (a.k.a. Keith Hampson). There is simply something about his brand of experimental pop that gets my endorphins flowing and makes me want to share the joy with others. Now, if only Hampson would release his new EP Exorcism already, it was originally scheduled to come out before the end of summer, but as you can tell by the changing climate, that time has come and gone. Hopefully it’s actually a good sign that the delay is because he’s found a record label smart enough to release the album. Well, tonight’s lineup will be a great opportunity for you to experience Power Animal surrounded by other very interesting like-minded artists. Gracie (a.k.a. Andrew Balasia) has only made his presence known on the local music scene since this past summer, but his tranquil soundscapes have already garnered some attention. The Small Plates Records crew are demonstrating the utmost confidence in the young artist by releasing his upcoming album in January 2012. Both acts will be opening for Mechanicsburg’s Balam Acab (a.k.a. Alec Koone) who has been earning plenty of his own deserved praise under the moniker. It should be an evening filled with stone-y jams so smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $12, 21+ – Q.D. Tran
Man Man’s Christopher Powell (a.k.a. Pow Pow) premiered his new intergalactic side project Spaceship Aloha today. You can check out the first landing track “Xenon” from his upcoming debut EP Universe Mahalo below. Special thanks to Prefix for bringing it to our attention.
Kurt Vile & the Violator stopped by La Blogotheque to perform “Baby’s Arms” for their Take Away Show Session. Check it out, and you can also read an interview with Vile via Pitchfork regarding the cover for his recent So Outta Reach EP where fans, friends, and probably some strangers got to take their picture with a passed out long-haired one.
Check out a new meditative track from Gracie that was just posted today called “Quilts” featuring the ethereal vocals of LA’s Steffaloo. It’s “a collab from two earnest friends who did not meet at CMJ this year.” Gracie has an EP coming out next year via Small Plates Records. You can download “Quilts” for free below, and you can also catch him live tomorrow night at Johnny Brenda’s with Power Animal and Balam Acab.
We ran a contest at the end of the summer/earlier this fall to win two days of FREE studio time with Fancy Time Studio’s Kyle “Slick” Johnson (Wavves, Cymbal Eats Guitars, Creepoid, etc.). Michelle Zauner (Post Post) was chosen by the studio’s staff as the winner. She recently entered the recording space with her new project consisting of Kevin O’Halloran (Post Post) on guitar, Deven Craige (Golden Ages, Strand of Oaks) on bass, and Ian Dykstra (Titus Andonicus) on drums. At the time, they were planning to call themselves Hoop Dreams, but unfortunately, there is already a rising band from Blacksburg, VA going by the same name. Well, we are happy to share the final product from their sessions with Johnson and their debut offering under the moniker Little Big League called “Tokyo Drift,” which you can listen to and download for FREE below. Enjoy!
If you’ve been wondering why there has been a lack of shows on the Danger! Danger! Gallery calendar like some of our other readers, fear not because the beloved West Philly DIY space is said to be just on a hiatus for a few months. They plan on fixing up the place, restructuring things, etc. over the break. But if you are jonesin’ for a D!D!G-type lineup, house resident and booker Jeff Blinder will be presenting bills at assorted venues around town under his booking moniker Spazz Presents so look out for those events. You can catch one tonight at PhilaMOCA where he’ll be hosting San Fran’s Thee Oh Sees, Australia’s Total Control, and Philly’s own Pinelands.
