Category: Music News and Interviews

Music news, interviews, features and giveaways

Carolina Grown Podcast: Let Feedback Ring on Nov. 1

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date November 14, 2013

First Fridays are a time for Triangle residents to immerse themselves in the rich culture of downtown Raleigh. While the monthly event has swiftly become a hub for art galleries to hold special events, with music occasionally taking the spotlight on certain months, Let Feedback Ring is doing their best to change that. Let Feedback Ring, a project formed by local musician/music journalist Corbie Hill and Negative Fun Records owner Chris DeFusco, are now hosting monthly showcases at Legends Nightclub that bring a bit more variety to the First Friday crowd.

The idea got kickstarted after Let Feedback Ring hosted a massive Hopscotch Day Party at Legends that housed 13 bands throughout the day. While the feat would drive most people to hang it up and accept that they’ve done their duty for the area, Hill and DeFusco craved more, as did Legends. On Nov. 1, Let Feedback Ring hosted the first of their monthly showcases with Ghostt Bllonde, Le Weekend and Corbie’s band Alpha Cop. So the week of the show I was joined by Chris, Corbie and Legends’ representative Matt Causey to talk about how this all came together. While many were probably surprised at the location of this indie rock-based event, listeners will quickly realize just how natural this collaboration can be.

Throughout the hour we talked a bit about the origins of Let Feedback Ring, the intended future of the event, as well as the struggles of maintaining regular events while running a record label or writing for numerous local outlets. As we now know, Let Feedback Ring is certainly continuing as a monthly event, as they recently announced their December event which will feature our November Artist of the Month, Whatever Brains, along with Wool and Goner on Dec. 6. Check out our full conversation to hear the ins and outs of planning these events and the struggle to maintain so many different aspects of the music scene.

Tags Alpha Cop, carolina grown, ghostt bllonde, le weekend, Legends Nightclub, Let Feedback Ring, podcast, wknc interviews podcast

Music News and Interviews

Carolina Grown Podcast: Felix Obelix on Oct. 25

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date November 14, 2013

When I first heard of Felix Obelix’s latest undertaking I kind of scratched my head in bewilderment. When Wendy Spitzer’s Felix Obelix first appeared on the Carolina music scene in 2010 they immediately began to turn heads. Her debut record The Tick of the Clock, The Beat in the Chest was filled intricately woven pieces of art-pop excellence, drawing in listeners with both its rich complexities and simplistic pop structures as well. Nobody could doubt that the classically trained Spitzer was one of the area’s most talented new artists. So when Felix Obelix went through such a long period of stagnation for local artists, many wondered what had happened to the promising act.

Little did we know Spitzer was biding her time by crafting insanely dense, yet brief pieces of vibrant music.

The Ringtone Album is Felix Obelix’s latest offering, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Inspired by the often mundane tones that we become so frequently attached to, Spitzer decided to craft a 30-track album of one minute songs that were intended to be consumed as ringtones. While many may scoff at an idea so far out in left-field, the folks at Potluck Records warmed up to it pretty quickly and agreed to put the album out before even hearing it. When you debut with as strong a record as Tick of the Clock… though, one can understand why.

The Ringtone Album is filled with just over thirty minutes of whimsy, much to my surprise I found myself unable to turn away from these brilliant tunes. I spoke with Wendy on Oct. 25 to find out what her reasoning was behind this concept and found myself pleasantly surprised at the answers. Throughout the thirty minute conversation Wendy disclosed a bit of her inspiration for the idea and how she intends the record to be consumed, but the conversation quickly morphs into the state of the recording industry and how this unique idea fits within that structure.

Check out our full conversation.

Tags carolina grown, Felix Obelix, podcast, The Ringtone Album, wknc interviews podcast

Music News and Interviews

Carolina Grown Podcast: Mipso on Oct. 25

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date November 13, 2013

Mipso Press Photo Source: Leon Godwin

One of the joys of being able to host a weekly music talk show is when I get to have an experience like I did with the burgeoning acoustic trio of Mipso. While the band has been rustling around the state for a few years now, the group recently graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and have finally been able to make the transition into full-time musicians. If you thought the Mipso of old was something to shout about, then you’ll certainly be floored by the concentrated bursts of pop-infused traditional folk that the Mipso crew are currently churning out.

When Mipso joined me in the studio they were preparing for their album release show at Haw River Ballroom, a momentous occasion that combines one of the state’s swiftest rising acts with arguably the finest venue in the area. When Joseph, Wood and Jacob joined me to chat about Dark Holler Pop, their sophomore full-length album that was released in late October, the conversation was free-flowing an all-encompassing. Ranging from the differences in life as a full-time student versus a full-time musician to their tour of Asia and their thoughts on the bluegrass uprising, I had a blast chatting with these immensely talented musicians. To top it all off they performed a few tracks in-studio from Dark Holler Pop, giving an intimate portrayal of the band’s calm but robust sound. Croons and hollers line the tracks of Dark Holler Pop, and as they performed these songs in-studio they held nothing back.

If you’re looking for an immersive conversation that delves into the formation and future of this stellar North Carolina act, then look no further than this Carolina Grown session. Though we’re rather early into this show, I must say that this has by far been my segment, so see what you missed or relive the experience.

Tags carolina grown, mipso, podcast, wknc interviews podcast

Music News and Interviews

Giveaways for the Week of 11/11 – 11/17

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date November 12, 2013

Keep it tuned to WKNC all week long for your chance to win tickets to any of these great shows below! Just be the correct caller when the DJ asks for it, and you and a friend could be hitting up some of the coolest local acts around.

Tuesday, November 12th – Kate Nash with La Sera @ Cat’s

Wednesday, November 13th – Cat’s presents: Girl in a Coma with Almost People and Barron @ Cat’s

Thursday, November 14th – Mako Sica with Canine Heart Sounds @ The Pinhook

Friday, November 15th – Small Apartments with Prisms and Goner @ The Pinhook

Friday, November 15th – Basia Bulat with Foreign Fields @ Cat’s (Back Room)

Friday, November 15th – Steep Canyon Rangers with Mipso @ Cat’s

Saturday, November 16th – Deleted Scenes with Grounders @ Kings

Music News and Interviews

Jackson Scott in the WKNC lounge

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date November 5, 2013

Jackson Scott “Sandy” – WKNC’s The Lounge

When Fat Possum artist Jackson Scott came by knc’s studio for an on air interview after his Chapel Hill debut performance at the Cradle with Unknown Mortal Orchestra on Oct 6th, 2013 we felt it more than necessary to stick a couple camera’s in his face and tell him to play.

The psych-rock virtuoso out of Asheville ended up playing a stripped down 3 song set as a part of KNC’s new video series The Lounge.

“Sandy” is just the first installment of the show, be on the look out for more to be premiered soon!

You can also check out our first episode with Daniel Bachman.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

Music News and Interviews

WKNC’s first Lounge!

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date October 25, 2013

Today marks the launch of WKNC’s new and ongoing video series entitled The Lounge.

After having so many great artists from North Carolina and around the country stop by our studio we thought it would be a shame not to share their unique, intimate performances with the our listeners to repeat on their electronic devices over and over again.

This first episode features recently relocated american finger stylist Daniel Bachman, now currently residing in Chapel Hill. His ethereal Hopscotch 2013 performance at the Long View Center and day party collaboration with Pelt at the Raleigh Rose Garden caught our attention–but Bachman had long been catching the attention of others, read what Indy writer Grayson Currin had to say about his music.

You’ll be able to find his and other performances at WKNC’s youtube account. Be on the look out for our next session coming up with Asheville resident and Fat Possum artist Jackson Scott.

~enjoy~

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

Tags cmj, college radio, daniel bachman, dying for bad music, grayson currin, hopscotch, Independent Weekly, indy, jackson scott, jesus im a sinner, live, sarah anne, the lounge, Tompkins square, WKNC

Music News and Interviews

Interview: WOOL

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date October 25, 2013

WOOL is very promising band from Raleigh on the cusp of releasing their first EP, Delta, this Friday, and they stopped by the After Work Special for an in-depth chat with DJ e baby and myself, Spaceman Spiff. We discussed their songwriting process, the happenstance nature of musical discovery on the internet, and their myriad of creative influences.

The band brought their instruments and played gorgeous renditions of “Mountains” and “Stars.” I’ve seen WOOL live several times in the past few months, and I was always struck by the beautiful noise they made: lovely dream pop songs, enveloped in hazy guitars, that build to rapturous crescendos. The acoustic versions they played were intimate and confessional: the pop underbelly of the songs were brought to the foreground. We played their recorded single “Bulletin Air,” and the band debuted their recorded version of “Delta.” If the other two songs on the EP sound this great, we’re truly in for a gem.

WOOL’s EP Release Show is this Friday, October 25 at Kings Barcade with See Gulls and Derek Torres of T0W3RS.

Listen here.

Tags After Work Special, Bulletin Air, Delta, Derek Torres, e baby, interview, Kings, Live Session, local, Mountains, podcast, see gulls, spaceman spiff, Stars, Tow3rs, wknc interviews podcast, wool

Music News and Interviews

Carolina Grown Podcast: Oct. 11 w/ Toon & The Real Laww

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date October 25, 2013

The second week of Carolina Grown was an absurd amount of fun to record, even if there was only one guest on for the show. I was joined in-studio by Professor Toon and The Real Laww of the fantastic hip-hop duo Toon & The Real Laww. The two were preparing for their big EP release show at Kings Barcade with the iconic Cesar Commanche opening up, so naturally we had quite a bit to cover during the hour that these guys were in the studio. While North Carolina is known best for its ever expanding indie rock scene, there are many other facets of this state’s music community that shine just as bright as the college rock crews that started up in Chapel Hill. Actually there’s quite a few more than even I knew! Which is why I chatted with Professor Toon and The Real Laww about what brought them to the state, what keeps them here, and where they think the scene is heading.

We delve into some of the duo’s first interactions with hip-hop, the planning that goes into their ridiculously energetic live shows, and their process behind writing and producing their own tracks. I’ve been addicted to hip-hop since my adolescent self stumbled upon OutKast, Eminem and Busta Rhymes, but even I had no idea about how deep some of hip-hop’s roots extend to North Carolina’s music scene. There’s a lot more than Petey Pablo raising and Little Brother’s total domination of the scene. Check out the full 45 minute interview and learn a bit about North Carolina’s hip-hop community and some of the past and future endeavors that are in store for Toon & The Real Laww.

Tags carolina grown, Hip Hop, local, podcast, toon and the real laww, wknc interviews podcast

Music News and Interviews

Carolina Grown Podcast: Oct. 4 w/ Virgins Family Band & Johnno Potts of Shakori Hills

Post author By WKNC Admin
Post date October 24, 2013

One of the things that I’ve been most excited for about Carolina Grown is finally rearing its head. While I love getting the chance to chat with local artists and community members every week, not everyone gets the chance to plop down by a radio or computer to soak in this music and conversation. Thus, you’ve got to bring the shows to the people! I’ll be archiving every episode of Carolina Grown so that listeners without a constant two-hour block on Fridays can have the same listening experience as those that do. While it’s taken a few weeks to get these archives up and running, they will begin to regularly go up the week after said show has aired.

The first episode of Carolina Grown is one that’s dear to my heart. One of my favorite local acts joined me for an hour filled with fun conversation and incredible live performances, not to mention I got to talk about my favorite festival on the planet for the second hour of the show. The show was Shakori themed, with Virgins Family Band taking over the first hour for some enriching conversation and some dazzling music. The band performed two tracks from their phenomenal album Honeylion and also shared a brand new, untitled track with all of the listeners.

During the second hour I was joined by Johnno Potts of Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance. Throughout the hour I played tracks from Shakori performers and alumni, but most importantly we talked a lot about the inception of the festival, how its grown and all that it takes to put on such an immense festival on a 75-acre farmland. We recount some personal Shakori highlights, geek out about the stellar lineup for the fall festival, and have a whole lot of fun talking about the rich community that surrounds this grassroots event.

Be on the lookout for the rest of October’s shows within the next few days, but for now you can enjoy the very first episode of Carolina Grown at your own convenience!