Artist Record Label 1 CARACH ANGREN Franckensteina Strataemontanus Season Of Mist 2 BURY TOMORROW Cannibal Sony 3 THE ACACIA STRAIN Slow Decay Rise 4 GULCH Impenetrable Cerebral Fortress Closed Casket Activities 5 DEE SNIDER For The Love Of Metal (Live) Napalm 6 SUNAMI Sunami [EP] Creator Destructor 7 AVERSIONS CROWN Hell Will Come For Us All Nuclear Blast 8 BEHEMOTH A Forest [EP] Metal Blade 9 CATTLE DECAPITATION Death Atlas Metal Blade 10 UPON A BURNING BODY"Extermination" [Single] Seek & Strike
ALBUM REVIEW: Dougie Poole – The Freelancer’s Blues
BEST TRACKS: Claire, The Who’s Who of Who Cares, Natural Touch, These Drugs Aren’t Working
FCC clean
If you’ve been a long-time listener, you might have heard Dougie Poole playing on WKNC sometime around the end of the year in 2017, which is when Dougie Poole released his first album, Wideass Highway. The album was a huge success among a diverse range of people, from fans of country to fans of lofi hip-hop. This is because Dougie Poole makes a sound that is like no other, incorporating core elements of good ole country, but playing guitar in a very unmistakable heavy psychedelic rock style. I’m happy to report that Dougie Poole’s newest album, The Freelancer’s Blues, is just as signature and unique, though maybe with a twinge more country influence.
The only other time I’ve ever seen psychedelic folk rock even remotely alike is in the self-titled Devarrow album, and even so, the guitar comes nowhere close to matching the hazy, faded ambience that Dougie Poole’s guitar creates. The reverberations consitenty coursing through every song on The Freelancer’s Blues are so strong that your sense of what’s really here and what’s not might get shaken up a little.
Another thing that makes Dougie Poole so incomparable to any other regular country artist is the lyrics. While these songs often tell a story like a country ballad, the lyrical themes stray far from country norms. Dougie Poole often sings about topics relatable to angsty metropolitan youth, like hard party drugs, having a laptop as a best friend, vaping on the job, and failed attempts at becoming a Buddhist. Listen to this album if you’re a broke, romantically alienated 20-something year old living in Raleigh’s urban decay, and you sometimes secretly wish you could live on a ranch in Houston with horses and fields of potatoes, but you know you could never give up Chinese fast food and nightclubs.
One of the best part about a road trip is that you can listen to excellent music while traveling. I recently got home from a 7000 mile road trip from North Carolina to Washington and back*, and suffice to say the 80 hours in the car required a lot of good music to keep me entertained. I decided to compile my best road trip tracks to share with all of my friends and blog readers, I hope you enjoy!
America – Simon & Garfunkel
I love Simon & Garfunkel, this song and also many in Paul Simon’s wheelhouse are perfect for a long road trip. Think old subaru outback, stale cigarette smells, and cinnamon coffee.
Coming Home – Leon Bridges
A really pretty track which I especially appreciate after an incredible journey. Nothing like coming home.
Nara – alt-J
This song and the “This Is All Yours” album are all really relaxed, pretty songs with appealing electronic tones to add a perfect depth.
Santa Fe – Beirut
I love hearing songs about the places I’m visiting, which is why many of the songs in the playlist reflect state or city names. Beirut’s “The Rip Tide” is really appealing to me for this reason.
This Must Be The Place – Iron & Wine
Iron & Wine makes some great road trip songs. I love their covers which bring a new, usually acoustic and gentle, sound into the nostalgic tracks we all grew up loving.
*To preemptively address concerns about my trip – I am relocating to Washington after graduation and went up to begin the moving process, as well as get engaged to my now-fiancé. We took social distancing precautions and wore PPE in public, and I quarantined for two weeks before and after my travels. I recommend anyone planning a road trip to consider postponing until U.S. COVID-19 cases are significantly reduced, especially because many of the cities I visited still do not have mandates about masks or social distancing. If you must travel, please pack plenty of masks, sanitizer, and gloves, and use common sense. Be safe.
If anyone ever asks me what my favorite part of going to NC State was, the answer is my time at WKNC. I’m here to share the highlights of my time at WKNC. All the opportunities I was given, the skills I gained, and the unforgettable moments along the way.
I became a DJ at WKNC during the Summer of 2018. Near the end of my training course the GM told us that the position for Social Media director was open. We were told we could apply before we were DJs, and as an eager bean who really wanted to work for the station, I applied shortly before finishing the training. That’s how I became the Social Media Director and a new DJ at the same time.
I had that position for the remainder of the summer and the following semester, and picked up my first DJ shift that Fall. At the time my show didn’t have a title, but on September 1, 2018 from 2pm-4pm 2k Indie went live for the first time. The show might not have had a name, but I was already DJ Psyched at this time. I remember asking family, friends, making polls on social media, and even using random name generators when I was looking for my DJ name. In the end I went with ‘Psyched’ because I am a psychology major and I couldn’t think of anything else. At this point the idea of the ‘Get Psyched’ image did not exist at all. I had no plans to turn the name into a whole persona, but it worked out amazingly (so I’m glad I didn’t go with ‘DJ Snuggles’).
The first semester was amazing. I was getting the hang of running my show, meeting other DJs, and learning to manage the station’s social media platforms. I also started to get some cool opportunities like getting paid to DJ live near Carter Finley before a football game with Laura (our current GM). I jumped on every opportunity I could. I went to just about every volunteer activity, every concert on the lawn, and any concerts I could get a DJ pass to.
I did this for the rest of my time at WKNC, doing as much as possible and having the best moments of my college life. Some of the things I got to do include DJing for: pack disco, the target run, the honors village silent disco, and hopscotch. I also got to go to a bunch of neat events including: the Radio Disco Prom, Double Barrel Benefit, and two DJ and staff social events. I also attended some more unforgettable concerts, thanks to WKNC, and saw artists that include: Flo Rida, TLC, Nelly, Omni, Soccer Mommy, Joy Again, 311, and Dirty Heads (just to name a few).
In my last year I was also given the opportunity to be Daytime Music Director and create content as a blogger and pod-caster. This is when things went from amazing to dream-like, I hardly have words for how much this last year has meant to me.
The ‘Get Psyched’ image was born alongside my podcast. I found my mission and had the best time meeting up with different artists, fellow creators, and friends to talk about things we were passionate about. I found a passion in getting psyched about reading, health, DIY work, and music: and it motivated me to create a YouTube channel. ‘Get Psyched’ isn’t just a slogan or job to me, it’s my passion and it has made me more determined than ever to always stay psyched about the things I love.
It’s hard to imagine my time at WKNC coming to an end now that I’ve finished school, but I will cherish these memories and moments for the rest of my life. The ‘Get Psyched’ mission doesn’t end here, and I’m grateful for all the ways WKNC has shaped me as a creator and person.
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.
Before I took the WKNC DJ training course I was a little nervous about the term ‘DJ’. I didn’t know much about being a DJ and I was pretty new to the local music scene, I wondered if I was ready to take on DJ training. I’m writing this for anyone who might be wondering the same thing, or is just curious about what the WKNC training course is all about.
Two and a half years ago I took my shot and went to the station to see what it was like, and if I was a good fit for me. As soon as I walked in I knew I had found something special on campus. Everyone was really cool and chill, the vibe was positive and relaxing, and when I asked if there was anything I could do to get involved I was given some options about how I could connect and work with the station.
I was given the opportunity to review music for the station. I went in about once a week to pick up a new album and give back the ones I had reviewed. A few months later I started the DJ training course in the summer.
I went to the interest meeting (flyer above, link below) and realized that it wasn’t as nerve wrecking as it seemed. I learned that just about anyone with a love for music, video, audio, and writing could find a place at WKNC. If you vibe with the station, agree with the mission, and are inclusive and friendly yourself, WKNC could be for you. We do our work professionally, but it’s certainly not a scary place. The training course is there to teach future DJs how we operate and give insight into what being apart of WKNC is like.
My advice, if you are interested, is to go to the meeting and learn about all the different ways you can get connected. If you go to the interest meeting you can learn more about what the station does and see if it’s right for you.
My time at WKNC was my favorite part of my college experience, and I know it will be special for many future DJs too.
As a frequent traveler, I spend a lot of my time traveling by car or plane, often alone. Traveling is exciting but the journey is not always entertaining – but one of the greatest modern inventions is the podcast, which can keep you company wherever you are. Hopefully this list will help you find your new favorite podcast.
My Favorite Murder
This podcast really introduced me into the world of podcasts and helped me discover other great ones. The show is a national phenomenon covering true crime murder cases. It’s a very casual show and you can definitely jump right in to any episode and find some interesting stories. The hosts are excellent storytellers and are very likable.
Ear Biscuits
This podcast is hosted by Rhett and Link, both former NC State students and creators of the “Good Mythical Morning” YouTube show. Their Ear Biscuits podcasts mainly consists of the pair discussing their interesting lives and past experiences. Lots of great stories and one of the funniest podcasts out there.
Last Podcast On The Left
This series covers “all the horrors our world has to offer.” The episodes are always interesting and cover topics ranging from UFO sightings to true crime to cults. The hosts give informative accounts on a lot of cool topics and it makes for easy listening.
Science Vs
This great podcast compares common ideas about topics against actual data, science, and interviews. Often the actual data conflicts with common thought and the podcast helps bring out direct facts backed by scientists and legitimate experiments. My favorite episodes are the two on immigration and guns, which really challenge American perceptions about the topics.
Hoodrat to Headwrap
This podcast is relaxed and playful but discusses extremely important topics like misogyny, queerness and white supremacy, but also dive deep into pop culture. The podcast is great for deepening your knowledge about social issues while enjoying casual conversation about a wide range of interesting topics.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you think.
I honestly don’t know how the seasons work outside of the context of school, but given the second summer session at NC State is about to come to an end I thought I’d share some of my favorite tunes from this summer. Thanks to WKNC, and my Daytime Music Director position, my listening has diversified a lot lately, so here are some songs I found very enjoyable over the last two months. I hope you enjoy the variety of this playlist:
Zeros by Declan McKenna – Declan has been releasing tracks over the last few months for the record ‘Zeros’ that will be released August 21st. The original release had to be pushed back, given current events in the world, but I couldn’t be more excited that it’ll be out just next month.’ The Key to Life on Earth’ is my favorite track of the three singles so far, do you have a favorite?
Dance Alone by Blanks – This track feels like summer with it’s up beat rhythm and catchy chorus, it just makes me want to dance alone. Blanks has also had a few releases this summer, but if you need a quick pick-me-up I recommend starting with this track.
I Wish I Missed My Ex by Mahalia – This song is a vibe with it’s R&B and Soul sound, and it’s also incredibly catchy. The lyrics are funny and it’s easy to get into.
Social Drinker by Ballyhoo! – This is an incredibly relatable track I’ve mentioned on the blog before. It’s also really catchy with it’s surfer rock vibes and the hook is hard not to sing along to.
Eat Your Heart by Steam Powered Giraffe – I have not heard from this group in years and I was extremely excited when I heard this one, it’s an extremely catchy and beautifully dark track. It’s a love song for people who don’t like typical love songs. This band always stands out for their steam punk influence and it makes this song perfect for anyone who likes the style.
Easy by Justin Starling – This track is lyrically empowering and the beat paired with Justin’s raping is easy to get into. The chorus is also nearly impossible not to sing along to, a characteristic of any good summer tune.
Sick of Feeling Useless by Neon Dreams – I’ve talked about this track a lot on the blog but that’s just because I love it a lot. It also happens to have the perfect summer vibe, so it fits this list perfectly.
Was It Something I Said MyKey ft. Cavetown – This song is a bit less like the rest on the list. It has an interesting ‘old school’ sound, but it’s still extremely catchy. The lyrics are a bit ‘darker’ then the music lets on. It’s a really easy track to sing along to without realizing what you’re saying, and McKey and Cavetown vocals sound amazing together.
House by Baba Ali – This is another one I’ve mentioned on the blog before, so all I’ll say this time is it hasn’t gotten old and the genre bending sound makes it a stand out on any playlist.
If you are looking for some softer sounding tracks this summer I recommend Nothing by Bruno Major and Black Dog by Alo Parks.
Artist Record Label 1 EARTHGANG Mirrorland Dreamville/Interscope 2 YOUNG RJ AND MEGA RAN 2HANDSUP Ne’Astra 3 CASHINOVA Big Dragon Stophouse 4 SHIVUM SHARMA"Diamond" [Single] Self-Released 5 KING GINO Infinity Tapes, Vol. 1 Callisto 6 YOUNG FLETCHER" Energy" [Single] Stack Dollars Empire 7 OHAJIJ East Manhattan Project More Valid Decisions/Hustleward 8 FELIXX “My Baby” [Single] Loud N Klear 9B IG SEAN"Berzerk" [Single ]aftermath 10 MARMAR OSO Love Don’t Cost A Thing Free The Lost/EMPIRE
Artist Record Label 1 BUSCABULLA Regresa Ribbon 2 COWGIRL CLUE Icebreaker Vada Vada 3 JESSY LANZA All The Time Hyperdub 4 CARIBOU Suddenly Merge 5 DEATON CHRIS ANTHONY BO Y Self-Released 6 CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS La Vita Nuova [EP] Because/Capitol 7 HOT CHIPA Bath Full of Ecstasy (Remixes) Domino 8 JAMES MASSIAH Natural Born Killers (Ride for Me) [EP] Levels 9 GRIMES Miss Anthropocene 4AD/Beggars Group 10 SASSY 009 KILL SASSY 009 Luft
