Philadelphia

New Track: “2 Years” – Roz

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A bedroom-folk/twee vibe adorns Roz‘s "2 Years". Candid lyricism describes a communicative disconnect and the frustration that results. "Its okay if I walk home in the cold" – the narrator suggests an impasse has been reached. The only question is: What happens next?

Portland

The Inside Scoop on Jeff’s Plasma Blast IV

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Jeff’s Plasma Blast is happening this week! Plasma Blast has been a popular mini-fest ever since its inception in 2016. For a look at what to expect this year, we spoke to founder Rocko Zevenbergen about all the details, and what he hopes people can get out of attending.

The Deli Portland: What can people expect to see when they show up on Thursday?

People can expect a whole lot of ripper groups that have taken the Portland underground by storm! We have an amazingly diverse selection of acts, we’re expecting a vast variety of scenes crossing over at this show. You can also expect plenty of info about Bad Taste Video’s first feature film, "I Need You Dead!" and how the money from the event will be supporting it!

This is the fourth Plasma Blast! How has it evolved over the years?

When we started Plasma Blast it was originally a festival attached to Gage Nelson, Gavin Houck, and I’s previous musical endeavor Skelevision. I did most of the heavy lifting for Jeff’s and so I’ve decided to continue it post-Skelevision. In year’s past we’ve done a pretty heavy focus on indie rock tunage, however I wanted to shake it up this year. This time we have rock accompanied by groups featuring Hip Hop, Neo-Soul, Powerviolence, and more!

You have a really packed lineup. How did you go about deciding which artists would be playing?

Jeff’s is always about who I’ve worked with or noticed since the previous year’s fest. Who are the artists that I’ve seen perform and just been blown away by? This year was especially interesting as the show is a fundraiser for my first feature film, so everyone performing is doing so solely in support of that. It’s truly an honor beyond comprehension.

Is there any particular artist(s) whose sets you’re really looking forward to?

Some groups I’m having on due to the hype I’ve heard around them. I’ve actually yet to see Snake Dance perform but from what I’ve heard I’m very excited. At the end of the night one of my best friend’s labels SWEAM will be featured. They really harness the modern hip hop slap that I love and I’m stoked to see them tear the house down. I’d also really encourage people to get here early as our first three groups, Agricultural Development, Yuvees, and Kno Knuckle (featuring Gavin & Gage of Skelevision!), are easily some of the most enthralling projects in the scene right now.

The American Legion is a great local resource for artists hoping to put on more accessible shows. What relationship does Post 134 have to Jeff’s Plasma Blast?

Every year Jeff’s Plasma Blast has taken place at the Legion (not counting the "fiasco" of Jeff’s II at the Hawthorne Theater). The Legion has always had open arms to us and we appreciate and respect the venue to no end. Just last month I worked with them to throw a fundraiser show for their space and as a result they are letting 100% of all door money go to the film. The Legion has always, and will continue to be, the best spot in Portland for bands to take the stage at any age and at any point in their band’s career. If you haven’t booked with Legion, I’d highly recommend it, they are very flexible and accommodating and have a staff that really care about supporting independent art.

You’re also raising funds for a local feature film called "I Need You Dead!” What are your plans for this project, and how can other artists get involved?

"I Need You Dead!" tells the story of a young punk by the name of DOOD. During a moment of total teenage angst, he births a fleshy hairball of a Creature. It is a manifestation of DOOD’s most self-deprecative thoughts and impulses. He must find some way to rid of this Creature… before it consumes his entire being! Supporting us on this satirical take on depression is President of Troma Entertainment and creator of The Toxic Avenger, Lloyd Kaufman, who is endorsing the film. We also have special effects master Eric Fox down in LA currently creating our practical Creature puppet in his MorbFX Lab! The film is currently in pre-production and is open to anyone who wants to get involved. In Portland, I often don’t see opportunities to get involved in an underground film project such as this, so I’m very excited to be able to offer one to people. If you want to be on our cast or crew simply email me at rocko.badtaste@gmail.com.

Are there any other things you hope will come out of Plasma Blast 4?

At the end of the day I throw shows because I love seeing the new faces. When some high-school kid wanders into a space like this and gets their mind blown by local music, a supportive kind scene, and a safe space where one can express themselves to the fullest degree, I bask in that. I also hope the more seasoned artists of our scene get a chance to meet the other groups I’ve paired them with! I like mixing my bills up and introducing new groups to others. It wasn’t too long ago I started booking one of my best friend’s, rapper Este, with a bunch of my rock friends and now I swear he’s performing at every rock house show in Portland (and killing it too might I add)! Lastly, my own solo musical endeavor Rocko N’ Roll will be playing, it’s our second show and I’m excited to play in front of Jeff’s notoriously amped-up crowd. It should be one hell of a Plasma Blast!

Jeff’s Plasma Blast is this Thursday, March 14th. Doors open at 5, and it’s $5-10 to get in. Check out the promo video for "I Need You Dead" below.

 

 -By Avril Carrillo

NYC

Upright Man bring their psych rock to BK Bazaar on 03.15

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Channeling a sound reminiscent of forward looking artists like Radiohead and Pink Floyd, NYC-based band Upright Man molds a signature psych-rock style propelled by a traditional guitar, bass, and drums set up. In their 2017 debut self-titled album, the trio consisting of Aidan Dolan (guitar/vocals), Nick Katz (bass/vocals), and Max Yassky (drums/vocals) flaunts  an assortment of openings for each song that range from punchy and overdriven basslines to swiftly picked guitar riffs. Songs like "Ecstacy" and "Agorognostic" soothe with ambient verses and then explode into hard-charging choruses that show off the band’s authentic sound. In songs like "Say What You Mean" you can hear the folk influences of Led Zeppelin’s groundbreaking second album, and yet, through all these changes the three New Yorkers remain themselves. The album’s title track (which double as the band’s names, since the record is self-titled) is a hard-hitting classic rock ode that truly crystallizes the group’s versatility. Upright Man will be taking the stage at Brooklyn Bazaar on March 15th. – Rene Cobar

Nashville

Hailey Whitters releases video for new single “Ten Year Town”

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The music industry can tear you up. If it does, you either get out, or you go all in. (In some cases, you throw caution to the wind, start your own label, and send hundreds of emails a day booking shows or hawking albums.) Hailey Whitters knows this all too well, as she chronicles in her new single "Ten Year Town". The song, which comes from her upcoming self-financed album The Dream, talks about her life in Nashville over the past decade as she’s tried to make it in the music world, with every failed single, radio station rejection letter, and empty venue giving her the drive to keep going. "Ten Year Town" is a stripped-down and honest song about how raw trying to live creatively can make a person, but it also explores the idea that no matter how hard it gets, there’s always a little bit of hope left over. Take a look at the video for "Ten Year Town" below, and stay tuned for the release of The Dream later this year. – Will Sisskind

Chicago

Whitney Announce Fall U.S. Headline Tour

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Whitney has announced a Fall U.S. headlining tour last week that will kick off in Austin, TX on September 13th. This is their first U.S. since 2017 which followed the release of their debut album, Light Upon The Lake.

Whitney is lead Vocalist/Drummer Julien Ehrlich and guitarist Max Kakacek and is currently in the studio finishing up their sophomore album which should be released later this year to coincide with their tour.

You can catch Whitney at Pitchfork Music Festival, July 19th to 21st, at Union Park.

Chicago

Push To Shove

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Push To Shove is planning to release their debut EP later this month, but you can currently stream the EP’s first single, “Judgment”, below. This is the Alt Rock sound of Thomas Cothran (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Ethan Johnson (Bass/Vocals), Heathen (Drums), and Erick Zuniga (Lead Guitar).

You can help Push to Shove celebrate the release of their debut EP on March 23rd at The Store with ChinaRose and Beastii.

NYC

Cassandra Jenkins releases acoustic version of “Hotel Lullaby”

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Cassandra Jenkins released her debut album Play Till You Win in 2017, but her songs from that record continue to enchant new listeners in different ways. The songwriter released an acoustic version of her cosmic track "Hotel Lullaby" on March 8th, in which she strips the song of everything but her hushed voice, her guitar, and a symphonic string quartet. The track takes on greater intimacy this way, making you feel like you’re getting a listen into its inner workings. This version of "Hotel Lullaby" got some recent publicity when ABC’s Musicland — a show on their online channel ABC Localish — premiered it in a video, showing Jenkins performing the song at the Plaza Hotel where her father used to play piano. Take a listen to the acoustic version of "Hotel Lullaby" below. – Will Sisskind

Austin

Ten Bands Keeping Rock Alive at SXSW 2019

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 Hundreds of rocks bands are disembarking at Bergstrom airport, and like the huddled masses at Ellis Island, they are yearning to breathe the air that is a non-existent SXSW record deal. As a rock fan, it’s a bit overwhelming to know that there are so many bands in town that you know nothing about, but still hold the possibility that one could be your new favorite band – the FOMO is strong in this regard. Luckily, we’ve gone ahead and sifted through the sands for you, so that you can enjoy these gems we’ve found without the audial self-flagellation that we’ve inflicted on ourselves.  Here are ten rock bands that are worth a trip into Downtown Austin for.

 

Mute Swan 

 

 Swirling guitar hooks, off-kilter drumming, Yo La Tengo-y backing vocals, Mute Swan feels like a less jittery Of Montreal or an extension of Soft Bulletin-era Flaming Lips. Their up-to-the-moment, artful psych lifts you to a dream-space desert and wraps you up in reverb and reassurances.

 

Stuyedeyed 

 

Irrepressible, loud, direct, fuzzed out — Stuyedeyed are an unhinged skull rattling atop a spine, snapping to intensity and directing your attention to our reality, right now.

 

Dan Luke & The Raid 


 

Though the four members all hail from the same scene and town, they bring diverse influences to Dan Luke’s sound. Shultz’s roots are primarily in foundational rock and punk—"things like the Velvet Underground and Jefferson Airplane and the Mamas and the Papas,” he says, “and then Television and Talking Heads and the Germs and the Dead Boys, all the way up to the Strokes.” 

  

Bizou 

 

Bizou is the sum of it’s parts: propulsive post-punk bass + wall of sheeny shoegaze guitars + shifting scales of synths + the propulsive rhythms of darkwave — all fused together with dreamy vocals ala’ Curve, Cranes, Garbage or PJ Harvey.



Giungla 

 

Giungla is Italian artist Ema Drei. Bringing together atmospheric electronics with Ema’s guitar work, in turns artfully angular then brashly anthemic and with her passionate vocals – her music is riotous exuberant indie-pop. as dazzling, tricky and bursting with life as the ‘Jungle’ she named herself after.

 

Morabeza Tobacco 

 

Gustav and Vanilla met when he saw her DJing at an underground club in Norrköping and was blown away by her set. Introductions were made, songs were swapped online and they decided that their shared musical taste made collaboration seem a worthwhile endeavor.

 

Beshken 

 

Beshken effortlessly coalesces elements of indie, experimental dance, ambient, psychedelia and dream-pop. 

 

Rev Rev Rev 

 

Rev Rev Rev remetabolize shoegaze and psych rock elements in a loud, woozy, fuzz-driven sound. 

 

 

Saint Pe 

 

After 10 years of touring the world in Atlanta’s legendary Black Lips,  guitarist and vocalist Ian Saint Pé needed a change. As he put it, “The only thing you can’t change is time, So it was time that changed me. I loved the Black Lips, but I needed to enjoy new environments. So I got a brand new bag: Saint Pé.“

 

Warmduscher 

 

Warmduscher are a group of miscreants, known only by aliases, but we know Saul Adamczewski (Fat White Family) is the main instigator. Ardent fans, Iggy Pop and Marc Riley have only gleaming praise to heap on the band, and in return, Warmduscher have blessed them both with immortality. 

Chicago

Affluent Bums

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Skate Punk trio Affluent Bums have released their self-titled debut EP. This is the work of Pat Buckley (Buck), Ethan Kukulski (Trash Can), and James Page (Dirty Jim). Anytime you kick off an album with a track called “Vegan BBQ” you will find a place in our hearts, but from start to finish this EP is a great deal of fun.