WKNC 88.1 FM - North Carolina State University Student RadioThe “New Artist Spotlight” of the week is Seattle’s own Che Blaq. The singer/writer/producer has brought a new innovative sound to the genre of R&B by combining the sounds of Electro-pop, Hip-Hop, and Vintage Soul to the world of music. Check out an interview and new music from Che Saturday, May 16 from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday Night Soul and R&B.
Hear Che Blaq’s music on his Myspace
In less than a week, I will be going on a long trip. When I say long, I mean that I will be flying from Raleigh to Chicago, from there to Frankfurt, Germany and finally to Prague, Czech Republic. Needless to say, I’ll be riding in planes for multiple hours. Although I’ll be staying in Prague for about six weeks, I’m more concerned at the moment with making a monster playlist to sustain me during these ridiculously long flights than with packing clothes for the trip.
I know I’ll have the chance to finally listen to the The Decemberists’ April release, “Hazards of Love,” all the way through, which I have heard good things about. Also, I just got “Telekinesis!” by, of course, Telekinesis, which was released in April as well and seems highly upbeat at first listen.
As for the rest of my million-hour playlist, I’m not sure. If you know of any good traveling music, post it, or shoot me an email at blog@wknc.org. Suggestions would be much appreciated!
On this wonderful afternoon, a few short hours after Love Language does their thing with Mz Kelly, The Local Beat (as usual, the abbreviated summer version ) will commence.
This week, right at 5:00, we’re having the Battle Rockets come in to talk about their show tonight at Slim’s Downtown. Shortly thereafter (~5:30), our good friends Gray Young will come hang out, because they’re playing Slim’s tonight too (along with the Proclivities).
As you may recall, Gray Young graced us with their presence back on March 20th. It was then that they proliferated the rumour that they’ll be opening for U2 this fall, so we’ll be giving them the polygraph test this evening.
And we may just have a pair of tickets to give away for that show tonight…
The Wolfpack will then be taking on Carolina in baseball at 6:30, which means we’ll be getting the boot.
The Love Language will be in the studio today at 2pm to do an interview and a few live songs. They are playing in Raleigh tomorrow, Saturday May 9, at The Pour House along with other Raleigh bands Whatever Brains and Gross Ghost. The line-up features a lo-fi cloud of Raleigh, audible debauchery.
Quick facts about each act:
Gross Ghost- This is Mike Dillon’s new project. If you live in Raleigh or Chapel Hill you likely know who he is.
Whatever Brains- These guys recently played WKNC’s Local Beer Local Band in March and were recently, as I like to say, “shopped,” or as others, including The Indy, say kind of “picked up” by Matador Records.
The Love Languge- Remember the band The Capulets who graced Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill with their infectious pop lyrics and handsome faces about four summers ago? I do (eek, for being older than most other DJs). Stu McLamb, a Capulet, went on to form The Love Language with two other Capulets and now, well now The Love Language is infecting the music scene on a national level, including a bit in Spin magazine.
-hearts and guitars-
Summer is upon the students of NC State, which means some of us are graduating or going away ‘til the fall.
But don’t worry, Local Lunch will still be going strong all summer. We’ve gotten our hands on some awesome new releases from local favorites, and I personally look forward to exploring local hip hop and hard rock/metal acts.
So to all of us that call the Triangle home 365 days a year: Life doesn’t end in May and start up again in August, so why should our music?
As a precursor to what will be an awesome version of Local Beer Local Band tonight (Thursday, 5/7), we will be interviewing both Embarrassing Fruits and Prabir and the Substitutes today!
Embarrassing Fruits will be on air around 1:00 for a phone interview with the infamous Mikey P (our Local Beer, Local Band Coordinator) .
Then, during the 5 o’clock Shadow (not coincidentally, at 5:00 PM), DJs Spaceman Spiff and May Day will be interivewing Prabir and the Substitutes in studio. As per usual, the FREE show will get started at Tir Na Nog around 10:00 tonight! These you don’t wanna miss.
It was a full studio for this edition of State of State on WKNC. M.C.’s first guest was N.C. State junior Christy Booth and kids from the Brentwood Boys and Girls Club. Christy is an art program coordinator for the club. M.C. also chatted with representatives from the Carolina RailHawks, a Cary-based professional soccer organization that works with the Brentwood Boys and Girls Club.
Bands Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos, The Swingin’ Johnsons, The Soulless Dogs, Will McBride Group, and The Scarlet Divide will battle tonight at Tir Na Nog starting at 7 p.m. for the chance to open for Buckwheat Zydeco at the Artsplosure spring arts festival on May 16. Admission is free.
Embarrassing Fruits and Prabir and The Substitutes will be rocking out at WKNC’s and Tir Na Nog’s Local Beer Local Band Night this Thursday night (5/7). It is FREEEEEE to get in, and Tir Na Nog has local brew specials. Mmm I can’t wait for some Aviator in my belly! Tir Na Nog is located at 218 S. Blount Street in Downtown Raleigh!
Come out and support your community!
Check It. WKNC has nominated local metal awesomeness, Colossus, for Song Joust Records’ Battle of the Bands. If Colossus wins, then they will receive a sweet record deal.
Voting is easy, just click here, and then play Colossus’s The Operative. Colossus’s nomination should appear on page 9 or 10 depending on your browser.
Now do your duty and help Colossus represent the Triangle!