Mason Baker, Author at WKNC 88.1 FM - North Carolina State University Student Radio

Locals Only!, WKNC’s collaboration event with Neptunes, is back and better than ever for its fifth monthly installment on November 14th. Doors open at 8 PM, and remember that if you’re 21+ you get free admission. Otherwise, admission is only $5.

Fake Jr.

As a Raleigh-based power pop artist, Fake Jr. brings peppy and, at times, retro harmonies together with crooning vocals that feel right at home with the greats of the genre.

Their latest EP “Wildflower Blooms” recalls other heavy hitters in pop/rock fusion, such as The Cowboys and Cheap Trick, while still putting an interesting and unique spin on the genre. My personal favorite from the EP, “Altered State of Mind” feels delightfully vintage with the zing of modern instrumentation.

Favorite Track: Altered State of Mind

Boy Named Sue

Keeping with the vintage theme from Fake Jr., Boy Named Sue harkens back to classic Rock ‘n’ roll icons of American history with a modern twist. The group effortlessly blends more traditional elements of the genre with indie and blues sensibilities to create an enticing and fresh take on classic sounds.

Their newest EP, “Finer Things,” doubles down on the rock ‘n’ roll instrumentals with almost grunge-tinged vocal stylings, as encapsulated by my personal favorite song off of the EP, the self-titled “FINER THINGS”

Favorite Track: FINER THINGS

Galloway

Galloway shirks the vintage rock stylings of our previous two artists in exchange for modern alternative pop excellence. With lovingly crafted lyrics and equally intricate instrumentals, Galloway’s breezy sound feels plucked straight from a classic summer coming-of-age film soundtrack.

Although their most recent release, the EP “Attention”, is sonically captivating, I found myself drawn to the lyrical storytelling of their earlier EP “Think It Over.” It calls to mind a certain unexplainable nostalgia while still keeping things fresh and interesting.

Favorite Track: Boys Like You

Closing Thoughts

You can catch all of these bands on Thursday, November 14th at Neptunes in Raleigh. The show begins at 8 PM and ends at 11 PM, so I hope to see you there!

Locals Only! is set to return with a new and spectacular lineup on Oct. 10 at Neptunes. In addition to hosting some amazing artists, this Locals Only! is also in support of Western North Carolina and those affected by Hurricane Helene, with a $5-$10 sliding cover charge depending on how much attendees would like to donate.

QWILT

Qwilt is a self-described supergroup from the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina. The band blends airy dream-pop vocals with plenty of shoegaze and post-rock instrumentation for a wonderfully unique sound.

Although they don’t have many songs out, their first two singles indicate a promising future for the group.

Favorite Song: “Play Dead”

RAVINE

Likewise, Ravine is sure to bring up the energy at this Locals Only! As a pop-rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, their hard-hitting lyricism calls back to mind icons of the genre such as Nightly and The 1975 while still carving out their own special niche.

Favorite Song: “love me / let go”

VERITY DEN

Verity Den, another North Carolina native, comes straight from Carrboro. Much like Qwilt, Verity Den brings some unique shoe-gaze and pop influences with melodies that flow straight off the track and into your hearts.

Although they certainly know how to amp it up, Verity Den is equally talented at stripping the instrumentation back and letting their vocals shine, much like on my personal favorite track of theirs “prudence.” Their versatility will certainly be the perfect way to round out our sets for this upcoming Locals Only!

Favorite Song: “prudence”

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Remember, you can catch all of these wonderful bands at 8 p.m. sharp at Neptunes on Oct. 10. We here at WKNC hope you can come out and support both these artists and those affected by Hurricane Helene.