Ahh, today is the day that we must say goodbye. Our long, long thread of blogs on Tumblr are no more! We are now on the lovely WordPress! We have updated WKNC’s website and, y’all, it is so cool. WKNC said: “Glow up!!!!”
We transitioned to our new website, which is still wknc.org, on October 1st and we love our new little baby!! The blogs can now be viewed on the website, and the home screen gives you some sneak peaks of our most recent blogs and content! Our podcasts can also be found here, too! How convenient!
Now, let’s take a walk down memory lane, WKNC first started on Tumblr in January 2014.We have been on Tumblr for a little over 6 years! We have so much content on different bands/artists, albums (new and old), concert and festival reviews, interviews, and short stories on Tumblr that have made our days when we needed them most. All of those blogs will be on WKNC’s new website! YAY!! You can spend hours upon hours just reading the amazing content that. Our DJ’s and staff have created!
The Saw (and her Butcher Shop) has destroyed us in her Meat Grinder and hung us up in the Meat Locker so we had no choice!! We had to switch over, the pain was tremendous in the Butcher Shop!! But we have plenty of room over here at WordPress so we are safe… for now. She might find us, oh no!!
But until then, Tumblr, we love you and WKNC just wants you to know: it’s not you, it’s us. We had to flex on ‘em real quick. Ya feel? So, go on over to our new website and check out all that we have to offer! We got WKNC’s history, HD-1/HD-2 schedule, our playlist so you never miss the name of your favorite songs, our podcasts, our blogs, and many many more!!
Nardwuar is a YouTube personality known for his podcasts, radio show, and interviews of celebrities and musicians. He interviews a huge variety of people including many genres of artists and the interviews are always entertaining to watch. In this article I’ve highlighted my very favorite Nardwuar interviews with a little description of why I enjoy them.
I discussed my love for Japanese girl-band CHAI in my article on Japanese musicians, so I was excited to see this interview. The girls of CHAI showed up in cute matching outfits and dished on Peach Kelli Pop, their favorite foods to eat on tour, and their favorite musicians including the Beastie Boys and N.E.R.D. The band has a high energy sure to serve as a pick me up when you watch.
Not technically an interview of a musician, but this list wouldn’t be complete without it. Both Eric Andre and Nardwuar have bizarre personas and are experienced in leading interviews (if you’ve ever seen Eric Andre’s show, you’ll know what I mean). The two duke it out in a contest of weirdness that’s entertaining, if not edging on uncomfortable, to watch.
This interview is now almost a decade old and shows young Kendrick Lamar being shocked at all the research Nardwuar has done about him. Kendrick’s reactions are insanely funny, but the interview also gives fans glimpses of his childhood and early career.
I love this interview because not only is Brian Imanuel/Rich Brian my favorite Indonesian artist, he’s one of the best and most talented members of the label 88rising. This interview is great because fans get a deeper understanding of the artist’s upbringing and life in Indonesia. Watching this interview made me love Rich Brian even more.
A wholesome interview featuring the best girl, Sophie from Soccer Mommy. This interview is one of the cutest of Nardwuar’s recent ones and I love learning more about Soccer Mommy and front-woman Sophie Allison.
Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe on the cover of "Just Kids"
This book came to me at a very special time in my life, and I will never forget the impact it had on me. When I was 15, I stumbled upon a small bookstore in Asheville. I told the owner about the books I had previously been interested in, (“The Outsiders” and “Palo Alto”) looking for a good reading recommendation and he put “Just Kids” in my hands. Little did I know this book would get me through some of the hardest times of my teen years, provide endless inspiration, and make me fall in love with 70s rock.
“Just Kids” is a memoir written by one of the most notable female rockstars of all time, Patti Smith. It is an exquisite testimony to her talent as a poet, songwriter, and artist. The main focus of the memoir is her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe, the renowned photographer known for his risque black & whites that explored sexuality in never foreseen ways. As another goodie, photographs from their time together are sprinkled throughout the book that give a lovely glimpse into their life.
Having to give up her baby after an unplanned pregnancy at 18, Smith moves to New York looking to immerse herself in the arts and get a new start. There she meets Mapplethorpe, a bohemian wanderer in search of the same thing. They enter a life together, exploring what it means to be young, poor, and in love. The novel continually references the icons she meets along the way, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and the members of Blue Öyster Cult.
It is a poetic novel that tells of the joy and pain of being a starving artist, growing apart, and exploring one’s true identity. Mapplethorpe’s struggle with accepting his sexuality and Patti’s desire to see the world drives them apart and brings them back together over the course of decades. Though their relationship ebbs and flows, their connection is one that transcends distance.
I’m usually not an autobiography kind of person, but I HIGHLY recommend reading “Just Kids.” It is truly one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I promise you won’t regret it.
Album: “Other Here Comes the Cowboy Demos” (Continuation of “Here Comes the Cowboy” and “Here Comes the Cowboy Demos)”
Artist: Mac DeMarco
Release Date: October 9th, 2020
If one demo album of Mac DeMarco’s “Here Comes the Cowboy” wasn’t enough, the lovable gap-toothed singer released another one merely days ago. Mac truly blessed us with the hidden tracks that didn’t quite make the cut for “Here Comes the Cowboy” OR the “Here Comes the Cowboy Demos.” Unlike his original demo album, this version includes songs that aren’t featured at all on HCTC.
“Other Here Comes the Cowboy Demos” is mostly made up of instrumentals that slightly mimic the sounds of his first release. Mac’s signature acoustic guitar and synth sounds are heavy throughout. Only a couple of songs have actual lyrics to them, but it’s interesting to get a glimpse into Mac’s creative process as he was recording HCTC. Personally, I love it when artists release their previously unheard music. It’s fascinating to connect the scrapped versions of songs to their final form and compare them.
While it’s fun to hear unreleased music from artists that we love, you can see why Mac chose the tracks he did for the finished version. Many of the songs on this demo don’t exactly fit in with the rancher-on-the-prairie vibe of HCTC. Though they have considerable merit, Mac’s decision to keep them separate was a good one.
Hey everyone! Libra season is in full effect (along with midterms) and with that said, here is a playlist of songs that got me through the past week.
Guilty by Lady Wray: Lady Wray, f.k.a Nicole Wray, has reinvented herself as a seasoned soul veteran, and “Guilty” is a testament to just that. Check out my spotlight on her right here!
With A Smile by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: A highlight from GGM’s new album Agüita, one of my most anticipated releases of the past few months. I especially love the outro’s use of acoustic guitar, harp, and vocal harmonies. Look out for my review on the full album!
Ronnie Drake (feat. SZA) by Isaiah Rashad: Rashad’s debut, Cilvia Demo, proved that he could hold his own against his TDE labelmates like Kendrick and ScHoolboy Q. “Ronnie Drake” serves as the perfect example of why. Check out my review of the album here!
Interlude (That’s Love) by Chance the Rapper: Chance’s Acid Rap is the mixtape that got me into hip-hop music. “Interlude (That’s Love)” is a lovely ballad about love that features Chano’s one-of-a-kind storytelling – be sure to check out my review of Acid Rap here!
‘96 Neve Campell (feat. Cam & China) by clipping.: Just in time for spooky season, the title of this track is a reference to Neve Campbell’s “final girl” character in the 1996 film Scream. With their verses, Cam and China prove that a masked killer is no match for them.
Holden by Mista Lyrical: Representing Greensboro, “Holden” chronicles Mista Lyrical’s adolescence in the city’s south side. Check it out!
feel away (feat. James Blake & Mount Kimbie) by slowthai: Tyron dedicated this new track to his late brother who died at a young age. The song is accompanied with an incredible video – check it out here!
RASCAL (feat. Young Thug) by RMR: RMR appeared on the scene back in February of this year with his debut single “RASCAL”, a country/rap cover of the Rascal Flatt’s “Bless the Broken Road”. This remix features a poignant verse from Thugger that compliments RMR’s auto-tune crooning.
ALBUM: Nonagon Infinity by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
RELEASE YEAR: 2016
LABEL: Flightless Records
BEST TRACKS: “Gamma Knife”, “Invisible Face”, “Wah Wah”
FCC: N/A
A perpetual motion machine is one that could, hypothetically, do work indefinitely without an energy source. According to the laws of thermodynamics, such a machine is physically impossible; however, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard have no interest in following the rules.
With nine tracks that transition seamlessly into each other, the sextet from Australia have created the world’s first “infinitely looping album”. Though “Robot Stop” and “Road Train” could be considered bookends of the album, Nonagon Infinity has no definitive start nor end point. Instead, Stu and the crew present us with a prog/psych rock epic that is more like a never-ending jam session than a traditional LP. In that 40 minutes, the band explores dizzying tempo changes, atypical time signatures, and even microtonality.
Though Nonagon Infinity is best experienced in its entirety, its individual tracks can still be enjoyed on their own. “Robot Stop” introduces the refrain of “Nonagon Infinity opens the door” that repeats throughout the album, and “Road Train” serves as an on-ramp of sorts to restart it. Other highlights include “Gamma Knife”, a blistering affair in 3/4 time, and “Invisible Face”, which offers a brief reprieve from Nonagon’s auditory onslaught with its jazz sensibilities. My favorite track is “Wah Wah”, which puts a Gizzard spin on 5/4 time.
Nonagon Infinity is an album that quite literally doesn’t know when to quit. It’s 40-minute runtime is merely a suggestion as its nine tracks loop into each other to form a perfect nonagon. Even if you aren’t a fan of rock music, this one is definitely worth checking out!
My favorites: Modus, Sanctuary, Reanimator, Like You Do
Listen if you like: 88Rising, Jaden, Kevin Abstract
Joji’s third project, Nectar, was released in late September. The ambitious 18-track album was highly sought after based upon his earlier releases, including tracks like “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” and “YEAH RIGHT” which helped the artist gain over 3 billion streams and the #1 spot on Billboard’s R&B Hip Hop Chart (the first Asian-American to do so). George Miller, known by pseudonyms Filthy Frank, Pink Guy, and Joji; first became noticed in the digital age through his Internet personality. He was known for years for his production of comic YouTube videos and comedy hip hop, but in late 2017 Miller switched gears to focus on music full-time and adopted the stage name Joji. Instead of playing a character as he did in years prior, Miller considers his Joji persona as being his true self. Joji released his first full album, Ballads 1, with Asian music label 88Rising. The music Joji produces and writes is often characterized under R&B or Hip Hop, but many fans consider his music to be genreless and unlike any other modern artists.
Nectar throws the listener into a whirlwind, self-described by the artist as “explor[ing] what every living being is innately drawn to and the ends they’ll go to reach it.” Like his previous work, the album defies a genre label. Joji explores a wealth of sound, utilizing synth-heavy backgrounds, light ukulele and piano melodies, and popular hip-hop baselines. The album’s ability to explore different themes, emotions, and influences adds a unique layer to it. Certain gems include loved-up ballad “Sanctuary,” melancholic track “MODUS,” and experimental electronic “Reanimator” featuring Yves Tumor. There is a lot to like within this album and I found while listening that each track appeals to a different audience type. The experimentation done by Joji on this album is indicative of a bright future for the musician, and certainly this album is continuing to propel his success in the industry. However, Joji may have had a little too much ambition when trying to create a coherent tracklist among the 18 very different tracks. While some of the songs have stellar production, vocals, and melodies; others falter slightly. Certain tracks are clunky and needed more development. Despite this, Joji has proven that within less than five years, he can continue to develop a coveted sound and loyal fanbase. The album was not perfect but is definitely worth listening for anyone interested in R&B, trip-hop, or anti-pop. I look forward to all that Joji has to offer in the future. Seeing his talent evolve and bloom is always a treat.
Album art is a non-musical component of musical expression that can significantly add to the experience of the listener and allow the artist themself to further express themselves. Not only does this visual add to the overall mood of the album, the art often corresponds to the wider meaning and emotion of the album itself and showcase another side of the musician. Certain album covers
This Is All Yours by alt-J
An abstract art piece as wild and unpredictable as the different twists and turns the album goes through. A perfect visual reflection of the most soft, indie-folk influenced album by the band.
Mala by Devendra Banhart
It’s a simple piece of art, but definitely has visual interest. I love the different shades of pink that give depth to the image, with simple strokes of black, red, and blue ink that add a uniqueness complementary to the overall album.
Days of Abandon by The Pains of Being Pure At Heart
This album’s artwork is beautifully minimalistic. It looks straight out of the portfolio of a young art student, which is perfect for the overall message of the album. This band’s albums vary greatly in style, all are very interesting but this one is my favorite.
6 Feet Beneath The Moon by King Krule
Another beautiful abstract cover, which reminds me of a work by Dali with more geometric elements and darker colors. Absolutely love both the sonic and visual components of this album.
We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic by Foxygen
Simple, clean design that is unique enough to be instantly recognized without being busy. A design I’ve seen imitated by other musicians since, but Foxygen did it best.
Melophobia by Cage The Elephant
Weird and visually alluring, this work of art encapsulates the mood of the album and the creativity of its creation. The linework and alternating colors of the album’s text make the letters pop out to ensure the listener never forgets.
Shrines by Purity Ring
I love the dark background of the cover of this album contrasted with the lighter pastel-stroke imagery. Certainly unique and adds a depth to the album, showcasing the naturalistic and ethereal elements present throughout the tracks.
If you’re into any type of psychedelic surf rock, you’ve got to check out La Luz. The all-girl quartet makes a great contribution to the modern psych-rock genre. Their music is a delightful mixture of fun and deep feeling. In a genre that tends to be dominated by men, it’s refreshing to hear female voices on the mic playing along to heavy guitar and garage keyboard.
La Luz has been on the scene since 2012 when Shana Cleveland, who was originally a part of both Curious Mystery and Shana Cleveland & the Sandcastles, formed the band in Seattle. Inspired by the sounds of 60s rock, girl pop, and surf music, the band set out to create a playful yet intriguing sound. Their first EP, called “Damp Face,” was released in 2013, closely followed by their first album, “It’s Alive.”
After hitting some bumps in the road, including a car wreck that destroyed all their instruments and bassist Abbey Blackwell leaving the band, La Luz emerged stronger than ever in 2015 when they began producing another album, “Weirdo Shrine,” with Ty Segall. Lena Simon took up their bassist position, and they went on to create their newest album, “Floating Features,” produced by the Black Keys vocalist and guitarist Dan Auerbach.
I am absolutely in love with this band. It’s amazing to see other women represented in one of my favorite genres. I 10/10 recommend giving them a listen. Here are some more key facts about the band:
Within the realm of popular music, few songs have the staying power remain in our collective consciousness for more than a moment. There are protest songs like “A Change is Gonna Come” and arena anthems like “We Will Rock You”, but no song that has captured the cultural zeitgeist has a story behind it quite like “Hallelujah”.
Hallelujah was originally written by Leonard Cohen in 1984 and has since been covered more than a hundred times over. As a singer, songwriter and novelist, Cohen was best known for his sublime poetry and baritone vocal range. The song was written during the early 80s, a period in his career that was creatively stagnant. As a meticulous writer who was always revising material, he wrote more than 50 verses for the song over the span of 5 years – at one point, Cohen found himself banging his head on the floor of a hotel room because he just couldn’t finish the song.
So, given how long Cohen slaved over the song, Hallelujah was sure to be an instant hit – right?
Well, not quite. Leonard Cohen recorded his Hallelujah for the 1984 album Various Positions, but when he brought his project to his record label they rejected it. But he didn’t give up there – instead, he took the record to an independent label that agreed to release it.
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen – the original version of the song
So, was this when Hallelujah hit the charts?
Well, again, no – Various Positions was a commercial failure, but it was at this point that the song took on a life of its own. Among the first to pick up the song was the Velvet Underground’s own John Cale, who was inspired to record his own version after attending a live performance of it. Cale’s Hallelujah landed on a Leonard Cohen tribute album called I’m Your Fan, released in 1991.
Hallelujah by John Cale – the first cover of the song
So, was this where the song gained traction, capturing the hearts of millions?
Not yet. Like Various Positions, I’m Your Fan was largely ignored by the public and, seven years after its initial release, Hallelujah remained in obscurity. This is where the story gets really remarkable: one of the few people to purchase I’m Your Fan was a woman named Janine. Janine, who lived in New York, happened to be friends with a certain up-and-coming musician named Jeff Buckley, who decided to add Hallelujah to his live setlist. This landed him a deal with Columbia, and his version of the song landed on his 1994 debut Grace.
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley – the most popular version of the song
So, after 10 years on the sidelines, was this when Hallelujah finally entered the spotlight?
Once, again, no – despite the critical praise Grace received, it was a commercial flop like the previous iterations of Hallelujah. It wasn’t until 1997 when Jeff Buckley accidently drowned in the Wolf River that his only studio album saw commercial success, bringing his music – and Hallelujah – to a mainstream audience. More than 15 years after it was conceived, this tragedy is what thrusted Cohen’s 5-year labor of love into the spotlight.
Once Hallelujah hit the mainstream, it spread like wildfire. The song was introduced to a younger audience with its inclusion in 2001’s Shrek, and has appeared in numerous TV shows such as the OC, the X Factor, and the West Wing. At this point, it’s safe to say that Hallelujah has been cemented into our collective consciousness.
There you have it: the unlikely success story of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. Let’s take a second to reflect on the contingencies that made such an event possible. If Cohen hadn’t been rejected by his record label, John Cale may have never heard the song, and it may have never ended up on a tribute album. If Jeff Buckley never heard that album, the song never would have ended up on Grace. And if Buckley had not tragically drowned, his work may have never reached the masses – and Hallelujah as we know it may have never happened.
