WKNC 88.1 FM - North Carolina State University Student Radio
Artist Record Label
1 KUBLAI KHAN Absolute Rise
2 GATECREEPER Deserted Relapse
3 SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY The Correlation Between Entrance And Exit Wounds Pure Noise
4 CREEPING DEATH Wretched Illusions eOne
5 MENTAL CRUELTY Inferis Unique Leader
6 UPON A BURNING BODY Southern Hostility Seek & Strike
7 TOXIC HOLOCAUST Primal Future Entertainment One
8 NILE “Vital Nilotic Rites” [Single] Nuclear Blast
9 VATICAN “Sole Impulse” [Single] 1126
10 COUNTERPARTS “Wings of Nightmares” [Single] Pure Noise
WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1/HD-2 is celebrating its fifth annual Radio Ride.
WKNC’s Radio Ride is an alleycat-style bike ride and a scavenger hunt around the NC State campus and downtown Raleigh that will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26 at NC State’s Harris Field, 2810 Cates Ave, in Raleigh. Check-in opens at 12 p.m. and the ride begins at 1 p.m. Vehicle parking is available behind the Student Health Center.
Riders will receive a set of clues for various checkpoints and should expect to bike between 15 and 20 miles, with riders wearing helmets earning a five-minute head start.
Registration is $10 in advance and $15 the day of the event. Those unable to participate can sign up as “virtual riders” for a $10 donation. Pre-registration is available online at wknc.org/swag.
In the event of rain, WKNC’s Radio Ride will be moved to Sunday, Oct. 27.
All participants MUST complete a liability waiver before being allowed to ride. Forms will be available on site. Those under 18 will need signed permission from a parent or guardian.
Proceeds from WKNC’s Radio Ride will benefit the student-run non-commercial radio station. About half of the station’s budget comes from North Carolina State University student fees, with the rest raised through a combination of underwriting, event promotions, sports broadcasts, merchandise sales and fundraisers like the Radio Ride and Double Barrel Benefit concert.
More information about WKNC’s Radio Ride is at wknc.org/radioride.
-Andrew Evans
2k Indie is all about spotlighting new indie music from smaller bands, and last month was full of good new tunes. So as part of a new monthly series, I want to highlight some of these new releases. These tracks all come from late August through September, and a full playlist can be found at the end.
Messing With My Head by Smoothiboi Ezra // This artist has definitely caught my attention in the last few weeks. Her voice is so smooth and her lyrics are interesting to me because she kind of just says what’s on her mind but makes it sound so much smoother than just talking. This song’s theme is definitely something a lot of people can relate to, feeling as if someone’s messing with your head. The guitars in the track are also simple enough to let the lyrics stand out but accompany nice because the tone isn’t quite angry or sad, but somewhere right between.
Gettin’ Older by Balue // Now this track stood out to me at first lesson because the artist has a very unique tang to his voice and he sings as if he’s speaking to someone. But the lyrics get me the most because I think everyone in college can relate to feeling like they’re getting older. The chorus is pretty catchy and the music is interesting throughout, the texture of the piece is pretty full and thick feeling. There is a smooth guitar solo around the end that pushes past all the backing instruments and it really keeps this track flowing. ‘Gettin’ older, still feeling pretty cool’ ヽ(⌐■_■)ノ♪♬
Pheromones by Your Neighbors // The music got me on this one right away, its very funky in a way. The vocals have a nice drag to them and the music isn’t the traditional vibe I get from a lot of indie music (whatever that is). The track is catchy enough to groove along to but it also has a few layers and it’s pretty interesting to listen back and really try and hear everything. The guitars are also light and super catchy, and the electronic elements throw in really keep this piece interesting.
– DJ Psyched
Playlist to More // https://open.spotify.com/playlist/32tELiKlcSGbsrKQsbMyS1?si=DRBsQ4L_TWWHaHSAS114LA
Subjectively speaking, you definitely don’t need music theory to make music. There are a lot of people choose not to learn it because they say they either find it limiting or just tedious. But, it can also be super helpful, especially when you’re starting out or want to do something new and original. I recently read a really interesting reddit post about this ‘debate’ that made me want to learn more about both sides. I’ve been working on music with some friends and, since I only know a little bit about theory and production, it’s been on my mind. Do I need it more?
I’ve been studying music for almost two years now through the music minor program and before I started my music classes I knew absolutely nothing about music theory, but I have been playing guitar for about six years now. I really didn’t understand what it was before or what I would do with it. Then I wanted to start making my own music, so I was excited to start music theory because I was told it would really help me. I’ve only taken Piano, Music Theory 1, and joined the schools Music Theory Club at this point so I’m no expert but I definitely am starting to understand where both sides of the argument comes from.
I have written little pieces before (it’s not a musical genius by any means) but I was able to make something coherent ‘by ear’ as many people say. And I should also mention that there are so many programs these days that are made to help people who don’t understand theory too well or don’t care for it (free loop samples, chord packs, etc.). I personally feel like it’s really up to you and what you want out of your music if theory will matter much to you. If you’re simply doing it for fun or because it’s a good stress reliever, or an outlet for you, etc. then there’s really no right or wrong way to make music. I mean there isn’t either way BUT I do understand the side of the argument that says learning theory, or at least understanding some basic parts of it, will really help out a musician trying to do something new or unique. Having an understanding of how things work in music can help you do more complex things and evoke the emotions/ styles you’re going for. I’ve noticed that the more I learn the more I can break things down and come up with a more complex understanding that I can bring into my music making. It’s hard to put but as one of the Reddit commenters put it ‘if you learn theory you are more likely to do things you wouldn’t otherwise have done’.
Theory isn’t the easiest thing to understand but if you are interested in seeing what it can do for you, there are lots of videos online that can help and there is also a music theory club on campus. But again it’s totally up to you how you feel about this, you can definitely get into music without it. And you definitely don’t have to be an expert to try anything you want in music. So my question for you is, do you think music theory is fundamental for making music?
– DJ Psyched
Unpopular Opinion 1:
Kanye West’s production is unmatched and influential; the hate he receives eclipses his artistry. I get it, Kanye is sometimes an egotistical, spotlight-stealing, hot-take-making, Trump-supporting ass. I’m asking you to simply separate the music from the artist here. He’s a phenomenal beat maker, sampler and rapper. He wrote songs that defined a lot of the 2000s and he can bring a lot of emotion to his music (see 808’s and Heartbreak or ye). I’m not saying the hate he gets is completely undeserved, but I think he is lacking the respect he has earned with his art.
Unpopular Opinion 2:
Trap music is today’s pop. Trap is everywhere, this one doesn’t need much explaining. Trap went from putting a lot of white America off, to putting a lot of white America on. Trap’s close association and origin in black culture is of course conducive to its major success in popular culture in America. Pop and rock just aren’t dominating like they used to, even though trap music holds a lot of similar qualities like catchy hooks, memorable, creative beats and ease of replication.
Unpopular Opinion 3:
Bhad Bhabie is GOOD ok?! This is one I don’t like to admit, I’ll be honest. “Gucci Flip Flops” and “Hi Bich” will be played at my wedding reception. Do I like Danielle Bregoli? No. Is Bhad Bhabie all bhad? Also no.
Unpopular Opinion 4:
Solange is Beyonce but for edgy girls. In terms of their voices, Solange’s and Beyonce’s are very similar. Of course, being their own persons, they make very different music. To me, Solange makes music for people who don’t like Beyonce’s songs, but still love her voice. Solange is good at targeting the younger crowd of people who relate more to experimental music. Beyonce is too cookie cutter for the average (I HATE this word) “hipster.” Both women have incredible stage presences, sex appeal and extreme talent, but Solange seems to be leaning toward the “edgier” side of things.
Unpopular Opinion 5:
Tyler, the Creator’s past homophobia should not go unnoticed. If you’re a Tyler fan like me, your middle school days consisted of scream shouting Tyler, the Creator and Odd Future lyrics to get rid of pent up angst. For me, there was nothing like being a 14 year old walking around the hallways with your headphones in listening to Tyler repeat “kill people, burn shit, f*** school.” I also lacked any knowledge on how damaging slurs being used inappropriately could be. I barely batted an eyelash when Tyler used the word “f*g,” but it only took a few short years to understand why it was horrible. I soon stopped listening to Tyler’s old stuff with such enthusiasm. Now, knowing that Tyler is a member of the LGBT community, doesn’t mean what he said in the past was entirely the right thing to do. I believe that members of an oppressed group are allowed to use the slurs used against them without consequence, but Tyler’s fans who are majority straight males may have seen this as an invitation to spread hate and vitriol. He was young like I was, and using the word in all the wrong ways, but I think people like to brush off his past behaviors because he is such a lovable character and most of all because he’s a man, someone society allows to get away with a lot.
That’s just my take,
-cellar door xxx
Aw. It’s nice. More like pop, with very sweet and gentle vibes. I probably would not put Huld’s Synchronised Swimmers (she spells it that way idk) on at a party, but I could appreciate it playing at my local bookstore. Perhaps it might do well in a quaint coffee shop as well. It definitely doesn’t rock, but Hafdís Huld’s talent is undeniable, so I’m not mad about.
All of these tracks sound nice. That’s really the best way I can describe them. Each track is cute and sweet and kind of makes me picture bunnies in the grass. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of my day could be backed by this type of music. It’s just soft. As I said, though, Huld pulls it off. The vocals really are beautiful, and you can hear the raw talent. The lyrics are also gentle on the ears and the mind. It’s hard to screw up soft words sung by a soft voice. Again – it’s NICE. Like I would maybe be friends with it, but Synchronised Swimmers is not marriage material. I wouldn’t be excited to commit to this album.
I think what brings it down for me is the way this entire album is produced. The finishing touches seem heavy-handed. Huld DOES have a beautiful voice, but these songs seem too polished. Gentle guitar with occasional piano and very soft percussion is basically Huld’s voice in instrument form. They clash. What I would really love to hear is Huld uncut backed by some soft acoustic sound – something not as shiny.
Basically – fine album with fine tracks. Maybe play it for your grandma while she sips some tea and you help her organize her file cabinet. Synchronised Swimmers is mild and unoffensive. Not mad about it, just underwhelmed. Ending this review with a shrug.
xoxo
your trusty music librarian