Each week, WKNC compiles a list of charts and adds.

Top:

Each week, WKNC compiles a list of charts and adds.

Each week, WKNC compiles a list of charts and adds.

Top 10 Charts:

Each week, WKNC compiles a list of charts and adds.

Each week, the WKNC music directors tally up spins for new releases and submit their top charts to CMJ.

Update: The lineup for this year’s MoogFest will be released on Monday, August 6.

The lineup for the 2012 edition of MoogFest was originally due out mid-July. It’s almost August, however, and the lineup is still yet to be released. That should change in the coming weeks, as the festival announced via it’s Facebook page, “The wait is nearly over…the Moogfest 2012 line up and details are in the final stages of being locked down. We can’t wait to share it with you, so just a little more patience and all will be revealed.” Although the lineup release date has been pushed back, the festival seems to be dropping hints of some of the acts that might play the festival. So far, they have posted videos and music from Squarepusher, Richie Hawtin, Pantha du Prince, Julia Holter, and Orbital. In addition, Prefuse 73 mastermind Scott Herren hinted on his Facebook page that he’ll “be somewhere in: Asheville, N.C., with Teebs on: Oct.25/26.2k12.” Thomas Dolby and Primus have also independently confirmed they will be performing at the festival. While it originally seemed that New Order (sans Peter Hook) might be on the bill, with a U.S. tour ending just days before the festival, the fest’s organizers unfortunately announced that “they seem to insisting (sic) on going home a few days before Moogfest.”

For up-to-date information on this year’s festival, check out the official MoogFest website, it’s Facebook page, and Twitter account. Music blog Consequence of Sound has also been keeping track of hints and rumors via the MoogFest page in it’s Festival Outlook section.

MoogFest, the Asheville music festival that celebrates the life and legacy of Bob Moog, has announced the dates for this year’s festivities. The third iteration of the festival will be slimmed down to two days, Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27. The full lineup is set to be released mid-July. According to a statement on the fest’s website, “the festival will be a little different this year.” It is yet to be announced when tickets will go on sale.

A pre-festival show featuring Justice will take place on Thursday, October 25 at the U.S. Cellular Center (formerly the Asheville Civic Center Arena). The show will require a separate ticket. More info can be found here.

On Friday, April 6, Duke University Ph.D. candidate Alex Kotch presented his dissertation in music composition, a 30-minute instrumental-electronic dance work with a live, eight-piece ensemble and laptop DJ, embedded within a longer set of original dance music from the composer-DJ.

Starting off the night was a violinist who played a fascinatingly odd piece. The performer played a rather minimalist piece of music while a computer gradually sampled his performance and looped the samples in the background. This made the music increasingly dissonant and strange, but oddly intriguing.

After this performance came another avant garde piece performed by an ensemble. This ensemble consisted of an odd collection of instruments such as the previous violinist, a saxophone, flute, propane tanks, wood blocks, a soprano vocalist,  and an instrument that seemed to resemble a huge bassoon. They played possibly the most frightening piece I have ever heard live. The composer used this combination of instruments to their full potential to create a shocking blend of ups and downs of dissonance.

Alex Kotch controls the digital sounds as his ensemble plays to his left.

After this ensemble of beautiful horror, the floor was cleared of all chairs to be made into a dance floor. After a huge set change, Kotch took the stage to open with a thank-you speech before diving into an hour of Intelligent Dance Music, often referred to as IDM. Half-way through this set an ensemble took the stage, consisting of a couple members of the previous ensemble. The combination of samples and drum loops intertwined with live trumpets, french horns, and vocals amounted to a gorgeous blend of digital and acoustic. Most everyone in the audience found themselves moving to the syncopated drum beats while Alex live mixed on his laptop, probably using Abelton.

The atmosphere and sets created an intriguing and inspiring blend. Kotch did an excellent job bringing together the old and the new.

On Oct. 28, Moogfest 2011 will officially begin in beautiful Asheville, N.C. The festival, now in its second year, brings together artists from across the electronic and experimental music spectrum to celebrate the legacy of synth pioneer and music technology visionary Bob Moog. From musical legends such as Suicide, Tangerine Dream, and Terry Riley to up-and-comers CANT, Oneohtrix Point Never, and araabMUZIK to Amon Tobin‘s elaborate and visually stunning ISAM show, the three-day festival truly provides something for every ear. In the days leading up to, during, and after the festival check back regularly to the WKNC Blog for various Road To Moog features, including interviews with artists playing the festival and reviews and photos from the festival.

I was so excited when I heard Bassnectar was planning to come to Raleigh. I saw Bassnectar at Bonnaroo this summer, and it was one of the best performances I saw all weekend. There were the “classic” Bassnectar songs, like “Basshead” and “Magical World,” along with remixes of everything from punk music to pop. The light show was mind blowing – it just perpetuated the crowd’s energy. Long story short, this is a show not to miss (unless you have an exam Friday morning, like me).

Bassnectar will play the Ritz Theatre @ Disco Rodeo on Thursday, September 22nd. Two Fresh and DJ Laura will be opening.

Bassnectar Crowd

Tune in during Afterhours this week to win a pair of tickets to the show. Request lines are (919) 860-0881 and (919) 515-2400. Just be the correct caller when the DJ asks for it.

1. Zomby – Dedication

2. SBTRKT – SBTRKT

3. Yacht – Shangri-La

4. Thievery Corporation – Culture of Fear

5. Com Truise – Galactic Melt

6. Wallpaper - #STUPiDFACEDD

7. Magnetic Man – Magnetic Man

8. Crookers - Dr. Gonzo: Bust Em Up

9. Borgore – Delicious

10. Glitch Mob - We Can Make the World Stop

Live Nation’s Skullcandy Identity Festival kicked off its American tour on August 11, which has electronica lovers nationwide all hyped up.  With three stages and numerous acts,  it promises to be a rowdy dance party.  It might be overwhelming for some, but it will definitely be a great end to your summer (which ever date you make it to).

The festival is hitting North Carolina on Tuesday, August 16, and Charlotte’s Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre is  set for an amazing lineup! The quality and amount of artists booked for the show has me incredibly excited about an adventure to the Queen City. I’m most excited about Rusko, Nero, and Steve Aoki, but the rest of it will be great as well. Datsik, Chuckie, and DJ Shadow are also at the top of my to-do list.

As far as safety & fun goes:

1. STAY HYDRATED!
2. Take a map & event lineup
3. Be open to new music
4. Only take permitted items (see official site for details)

Each week, the WKNC music directors tally up spins for new releases and submit their top charts to CMJ.

CMJ Loud Rock from WKNC’s Chainsaw Rock

CMJ RPM from WKNC’s Afterhours

CMJ Hip-Hop from WKNC’s Underground

CMJ Radio 200 from WKNC’s Daytime Rock

(click for top 30)

Here are the top ten albums in Afterhours.