Category: Music News and Interviews

Music news, interviews, features and giveaways

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Music News and Interviews

JEOPARDY: But Make it Metal

What’s going on Butcher Crew? It’s ya girl, The Saw, and I have a very fun game for us to play! I never liked Jeopardy because I could never get the questions right for the answer that was given. But, this one I WILL be successful at, not only because I am formulating the questions and answers, but because it is about metal!!

Let me first explain how the game will be played:

·      First, I will make a statement and your response will be something along the lines of “Who is _______?”  

·      Second, the correct answers will not be listed below (because I know y’all will be looking for an answer key. The Saw knows all of your moves, because I am, in fact, The Master Butcher. Hehehe). Next week, I will give out the answers to the questions in another blog post.

Let the games begin!!

1.    This band, is originally from Buffalo, New York, but moved to Tampa, Florida to be enveloped in the emerging Death Metal scene.

2.    This band (could it be said) is the RUSH of death metal? (Hint: RUSH is a three-man band).

3.    This band influenced The Saw’s DJ name. (This is easy, if you get this wrong… well… I am disappointed).

4.    This Canadian Death Metal band won a Juno (equivalent to the U.S. Grammy) for best album of the year in the “heavy metal” category in 2015.

5.    This legendary guitarist lost the tips of two fingers in a factory accident.

6.    This band, played one of their final shows at the Carolina Rebellion in 2017.

7.     This band, told you to “Steal This Album!”

8.    This band, created a publicity stunt for their upcoming record back in 2014, where they made it appear that their lead singer was kidnapped and held hostage.

9.    After the death of their original singer, this band got a new singer and released a self-titled album which was not popular amongst fans.

10. This band’s original name was Naked Toddler before they changed it to the name that they currently have now.

How do you think you did on these questions? Would you want more Jeopardy questions?

Stay Metal,

THE SAW

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Music News and Interviews

Black Contributions to Music: Blues

In continuing my Black Contributions to Music series, which explores the many ways Black individuals globally have contributed to different genres of music, I wanted to cover one of the most iconic Black-created genres, blues music. 

Blues first originated in the American Deep South. The genre began with influence from African musical traditions, Black work songs, and spirituals. Blues uses a specific scale and chord progressions and is characterized by the call-and-response pattern. Call-and-response in music can be traced back to African music styles, and blues itself is closely related to spirituals, the religious music of Black Americans. Many early blues songs reflected a narrative on some topic and as blues singer Charlotte Forten is famously quoted, “can’t be sung without a full heart and a troubled spirit.” The genre is diverse and dynamic, able to be appreciated and played by all people of any socio-economic status. Blues is especially important within African-American history because it’s associated with the end of slavery in the United States, the genre is thus bred out of a “celebration of freedom.” The dynamic nature of the genre allowed former slaves to chisel out their own corner of American culture while celebrating their African ancestry. 

The blues genre has evolved to encompass more sound influence and has mixed with other genres to create new styles such as electric blues and blues rock. The genre has continued to influence modern music in America and throughout the world. Blues had a significant impact on early country music and country pop, whose genre’s artists often borrowed the blues scale and tones for their work. The format of most blues music including call-and-response and the blues scale is utilized by and influences jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll genres. Many prominent modern musicians like Louis Armstrong and Bob Dylan  have performed in blues style. 

If you want to learn more about the contributions Black musicians have made to music, please check out the tags below for more posts in the series. 

– Miranda

Sources: I, II

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Music News and Interviews

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame was created in 1994 to “recognize, promote and commemorate the musical heritage of the State of North Carolina.” This organization showcases the artistic talent of N.C. musicians through their Hall of Fame installations, historical exhibitions, and more. The NCMHOF showcases the talents of extraordinary artists like Shirley Reeves and Doris Jackson of The Shirelles, Nina Simone and Ben E. King. When open, the Hall of Fame offers free admission. 

On August 5, 2020, the NCMHOF announced their 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees. The six inductees include The Briarhoppers, Donald Lawrence, Charles Whitfield, The Squirrel Nut Zippers, Jermaine Dupri, and Michael Mauldin. The NCMHOF additionally awarded previous inductees Roberta Flack and Tony Brown Lifetime Achievement Awards for their achievement of lifetime success in the music industry and their impact on American music. The induction ceremony has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is expected to be held in 2021. 

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame has also recently launched a new live series called “Listening to Legends,” which interviews Hall of Fame inductees. Anyone is able to share questions and comments for these individuals, and the series is streamed live to the NCMHOF’s Facebook and YouTube pages. I definitely recommend checking the series out, you can find out more about it on their Twitter or website. 

– Miranda

Source: I

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Music News and Interviews

Thirsty Curses Debut Music Video for “Bruises on Your Shoulders”

If you’ve been following WKNC’s coverage of local artists then you’re no stranger to the name Thirsty Curses. This Raleigh rock band has been prominent on the scene since 2017 and has made quite a name for themselves rather quickly. They have received dazzling reviews from Yes! Weekly, Vents Magazine, and many more. These well-documented accolades can be found on the Thirsty Curses website. Among these reviews is a blog post from WKNC Assistant Daytime Music Director Safia Rizwan.

Safia’s review covered Thirsty Curses’ self-titled album which includes their top song, “Bruises on Your Shoulders,” for which a music video was released today. In it, the band performs as a young couple goes through several life changes (i.e. marriage, working and being fired from a corporate job, therapy, drinking problems), ultimately resulting in a failed marriage. The song discusses this concept, as frontman Wilson Getchell sings, “One day you wake up and you’re a completely different person. Same name, same face but it’s like someone else is doing the work.” Though the concept of the video follows the couple’s complicated personal lives, it’s a song to which almost anyone can relate. 

The music video itself is filmed in a single shot– think the style of early 2000s OK GO videos– and pivots between the band themselves performing or the silent reenactments of the actors playing the young couple. For accreditation purposes, the video was filmed and edited by Isaac Anderson at the Boykin Center in Wilson, N.C. (further production details can be found in the description of the video on YouTube). Anderson does a great job of keeping the audience’s attention, relying on feelings of nostalgia and familiarity to engage the viewers. The set, which was a simple construction mimicking that of an old children’s cartoon, was able to be moved and removed as the video was filmed– despite the fact that the entire thing was shot in one room. 

Ultimately, what I perceived as the greatest takeaway of this video was the timing of its release. As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, this same feeling of disassociation and shell shock from rapid changing events is captured by “Bruises on Your Shoulders.” It seems as though Getchell, without even knowing what kind of landscape we’d find ourselves in months later (as this song was written and released in 2019), was able to tune in to exactly what the population was feeling… and needed to hear.

You can connect with Thirsty Curses on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and their music is available on all streaming services. More information about the band can be found on their website, or through their previous Local Beat session podcast. 

– DJ Beowvlf

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Music News and Interviews

Top Choice: Indie Artists

Anyone who knows me or has read my posts knows that I am a big fan of indie artists. I include in my definition of “indie” any artists who are not readily discoverable, artists who are or were unsigned or independent artists, and any artists who heavily influenced modern indie genres. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite indie artists of all time and what work by them I enjoy. 

Sonic Youth 

One of my favorite 80’s bands, Sonic Youth, helped shape a generation of modern indie artists and created some amazing music in the process. Now a very popular band, they extended their influence despite humble beginnings within the American underground, and went on to influence the sound of indie rock for years to come. 

Neutral Milk Hotel 

Jeff Mangum and his band created some of the most interesting albums in this world. “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” is a quintessential indie album. I had the pleasure of seeing NMH on their very last tour and can attest to the raw talent the band has and the amazing experience provided by their artistry. Definitely check them out if you haven’t already. 

Elliott Smith

Smith was a very talented musician and songwriter who also helped shape the sonic environment of indie and related genres. Smith also definitely created some of the most somber and melancholic discography of related artists. I recommend both his “Either/Or” and “Elliott Smith” albums. 

Sufjan Stevens 

Sufjan Stevens is one of the best artists of our time. Much of his discography is entirely produced, written, and played by him solely. His albums typically follow complex concepts, some of the best of which reflect religion, the grieving process, and childhood. The artist began from nothing and has built up enormous success in the indie genre. 

of Montreal 

I have mentioned this band a lot in previous posts but want to ensure that they are recognized. Their music is extremely compelling – emotional lyrics, shifting musical influence, and entertaining media and live performances make the band incredibly unique. Their best album, hands down, is their electronic-based “Innocence Reaches,” but I also really enjoyed their newest release “UR FUN” which has more rock & roll influence. 

Honorable mentions include: They Might Be Giants, Toro y Moi, King Krule, Angel Olsen, and Soccer Mommy. 

– Miranda

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Music News and Interviews

Black Contributions to Music: Pop

As a continuation of my series of Black Contributions to Music, this week I am discussing the influence of Black artists on the pop genre. It’s important to recognize musicians of color and their contributions to music, as they are often overlooked or ignored.  

Black artists began transforming the pop mainstream in America with great popularity by the 1950s and 1960s. Pop origination from rock and roll, folk, and other styles into a genre of its own. Artists like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown helped bring R&B, funk, and soul to the forefront of pop culture and mainstream music. Their contributions have continued to shape music today and helped give pop music a wider breadth of sound. 

Artists like the Jackson 5 continued to impact pop music in the 1970s with singles that become extremely popular like “I Want You Back” and “ABC.” Michael Jackson’s influence continued with his hits like “Thriller.” Whitney Houston was one of the greatest pop artists to ever live, her version of “I Will Always Love You” becoming iconic and recognizable throughout the country, and her album being a top bestseller of all time. Iconic artists like Jackson, Houston, and Prince helped define and influence the genre. 

The 2000s gave rise to hip-hop and R&B-influenced pop music, exemplified by the popularity of Rihanna’s unique sound. The Pulitzer prize in music was given to a pop artist, rather than the typical classical, for the first time in 2018 to Kendrick Lamar for his album DAMN. Black artists continuously make an impact to the pop genre and create boundary-breaking mainstream music. 

Check out these amazing Black artists: Ciara, Jill Scott, Santigold

Sources: I, II 

 – Miranda

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Music News and Interviews

Música de Indie

 

As I said before, a part of the reason I started doing Musica de Indie was to get closer to the Spanish language since I’m trying to learn right now. So I just wanted to give another little tip that I found useful, find artists you like and follow them online. The more you read, write, and listen to the language the easier it gets~ And the music is amazing, so it’s a win win. This week on Música de Indie we’re talking about…

  • Yemayá by Mexican Institute Of Sound – This track has more of an ‘indie electronic’ vibe to it. There are more layers of background instruments including more electric guitars and synths. The vocals blend amazing with the music. This track became an instant favorite of mine. The hook ‘Ye-ma-yá carino’ really highlights the extremely catchy track and makes it irresistible.

  • Volcanes by Pilar Cabrera, Ceci Juno, Juliana Velasquez- Juliana and Ceci work the vocals on this track. The track uses volcanoes as a metaphor for understanding the strength of humans and our vulnerability. We learn to take breathes even through the ashes, but sometimes we explode. This track is a very slow and soothing one, with an acoustic guitar taking lead. The swap of vocals between the two women adds a ‘back and forth’ dialogue sound. The singing is carefully paced, and when it picks up in the chorus it’s hard not to sing along.

  • Entre Mis Venas by Ceci Juno – The title translates to ‘Between my veins’, and in the track the artist talks about ‘carrying songs for every flag’ and keeping ‘postcards for each moment’. The artist brings up themes of embracing her culture and that of others. She also talks about being a ‘non-conforming’ artist, and expresses her thoughts that not everyone has the same luck in life. She is one of the singers from the above track and her work is just as amazing as that collaborative piece.

Thanks for tuning in to Música de Indie today, what are your favorite songs from the last two weeks?

Until next time

Let’s Stay Psyched,

DJ Psyched

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Music News and Interviews

Baby Saw’s ABCs

What’s going on Butcher Crew? It’s ya girl, your Master Butcher, The Saw and I am back with another fun blog post! Today we are going to learn our ABC’s, but with metal!! I thought it would be fun to see what the first 4 bands that come to mind when thinking on the alphabet. I know my ABCs!!!

A: Alice in Chains, Abbath, Abdominal Putridity, Amon Amarth  

B: Behemoth, Beartooth, Boundaries, Bent Life

C: Cannibal Corpse, Cattle Decapitation, Chelsea Grin, Cryptopsy

D: Death, Dying Fetus, Debauchery, Devourment

E: Electric Wizard, Emmure, Emperor, Elysian

F: Fit For An Autopsy, Fit For A King, Fallujah, Facebreaker

G: Godsmack, Ghost, Genocide, Gwar

H: Hollow Point, Hands of God, Hypocrisy, Harms Way

I: I Am, I Declare War, I Prevail, Iced Earth

J: Jungle Rot, Judiciary, Justice For The Damned, Judas Priest

K: Kairos, Kamelot, Kataklysm, King Diamond

L: Laceration, Lamb of God, Led Zeppelin, Left Behind

M: Miss May I, Machine Head, Megadeath, Metallica

N: Necrot, Nile, Napalm Death, Nuclear Assault

O: Obituary, Opeth, Overkill, Omen

P: Parkway Drive, Pantera, Papa Roach, Pathology

Q: Queensway, Quiet Riot, Queen, Queensryche

R: Rage Against The Machine, Radiohead, Ratt, Rammstein

S: Six Feet Under, Slayer, Slipknot, Suffocation

T: Thy Art Is Murder, Testament, Typecaste, Type O Negative

U: Upon A Burning Body, Uriah Heep, Under Oath, UFO

V: Vader, Van Halen, Venom, Violence

W: Whitechapel, Wasp, While She Sleeps, White Zombie

X: Xray, Xenobiotic, X-Caliber, Xecutioner

Y: Y&T, Yngwie Malmsteen, Your God is Dead,

Z: ZZ Top, Zakk Wylde, Zao, Zealotry

Your turn!! What bands did you come up with?

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW

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Music News and Interviews

Black Contributions to Music: Jazz

We cannot continue to discuss the Black contributions to music without acknowledging jazz music. 

Jazz originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was created within the Black communities of New Orleans, influenced by blues and ragtime. Like many modern genres, jazz has roots in West African musical tradition and slave folk songs, it also is influenced by European classical music. 

Jazz and its creators also influenced music in general; the drum set was created by jazz musicians and jazz has influenced genres like R&B, rap, and classical music. Jazz has also influenced and been adopted by other cultures, resulting in new musical genres like CuBop, a form of Latin jazz invented by Cuban musician Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillepsie. It has been absorbed into many different genres, exemplified by singers like Beyoncé compiling elements of jazz within their pop style. 

The jazz genre is influential to our society not only for its contributions to other genres, but the incredible influence it has had on Americans. Jazz is instantly recognizable, but unique. The creativity of the genre and its nuanced features is known to help with focus, especially while studying. The genre also helped bring forward African-American influence to music, especially important in the polarized mid-1900s. Jazz music helped Americans across the board recognize Black history and culture as important and desirable, and furthered the position of female musicians as female jazz artists gained prominence in popular culture. 

Check out some of the best Black jazz musicians like Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. 

Hope you enjoyed! 

– Miranda

Sources: I, II

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Music News and Interviews

Black Contributions to Music: Bluegrass

Continuing with my series about Black contributions to music, I am highlighting a genre especially important to those of us who are Southerners: bluegrass. This genre of music is another that is often dominated by White men, but it has been influenced by Black musicians who are typically not recognized for their achievements. 

Many features of Appalachian bluegrass were influenced by or originated from African musical traditions, brought to America by African slaves. A key feature of bluegrass music is its instrumentation, including the fiddle, banjo, guitar, and more. The four-stringed banjo actually originated in Africa, most likely West Africa. In the 18th century the banjo and music inspired with themes of freedom and religion contributed to the spread of African-American music like gospels and spirituals, which was especially influential to the sound of music in the South. Black people in America were the first to learn and perform with the banjo. Another facet of bluegrass, “thumbpicking” or “thumb style” of guitar, popular in the bluegrass genre, is credited to Black instrumentalist Arnold Schultz. Schultz influenced both the bluegrass genre and many white guitarists. Another influence to bluegrass is the vocal tradition and tunes. Much of the powerful, emotive lyricism and vocal traits originate from African musical influence, and the dance tunes famous in bluegrass are very similar to those of the African musical tradition. There are also many European contributions to the genre, but the African, particularly West African, influences on bluegrass are just as essential. 

Bluegrass is such a unique genre of music and is especially important for Southerners and the Appalachian region. It’s important to recognize its roots and the incredible influence of Black musicians and African musical traditions which have shaped the genre. 

To further your understanding, check out these quintessential Black bluegrass artists: Joe Thompson, Victor Wooten, Kaia Kater, and Rhiannon Giddens. 

Miranda

Sources: I, II