Bleak // Lesser Life // Trudge // Junior in His – Thursday 3/24 @ Local 506
Aaron Carter – Friday 3/25 @ Cat’s Cradle
Bonus! Thanks to the help of Live Nation, WKNC will also be giving away tickets to Live Nation’s “Locals Only” event on April 3rd ! Be on the listen for the next two weeks to win tickets to this awesome showcase of local music!
And as always keep it locked to 88.1 all week to win tickets to these great shows! Just be the correct caller when the DJ asks for it and you could be a winner!
AUSTIN, TX – Days after President Obama came to Texas to speak at the tech portion of SXSW, Michelle Obama, accompanied by a panel of female superstars led by Queen Latifah, rapper Missy Elliot, songwriter Diane Warren, and actress Sophia Bush; spoke as the keynote to kickoff SXSW Music Week, Wednesday morning.
The focus of Obama’s speech was on her “Let Girls Learn” initiative, a program that aims to help improve education quality for the 62 million girls around the world who aren’t in school for various reasons. The panel also spoke about the new single that was recorded to promote Let Girls Learn, “This is For My Girls,” featuring Zendaya, Kelly Rowland, Lea Michele, Kelly Clarkson, Janelle Monae, and recent Parkwood Entertainment signees Chloe and Halle.
All of the panelists spoke about their experiences as women who never gave up on their goals, but emphasized that men and women should be allies in the effort to help women around the world. “There are a lot of ‘men only’ tables out there,” said Obama, “and if you want to strengthen your organization you have to bring women to the table as well.”
Obama cited economic reasons such as, countries with a larger population of educated women having stronger GDPs; and Queen Latifah pointed out that when women are able to be included in the professional workspace, it creates the ability to handle issues from a broader perspective.
Being that it was a music conference, the ladies also spoke about the artists they listened to growing up. Queen Latifah gave the most detailed response, talking about her experiences as the only girl in her crew as a young rapper and how that was a good experience for her because there was no sexism, just collaboration.
The First Lady wrapped up her speech with a couple questions from the audience, one of which created quite a stir. She was asked whether or not she would run for President. She unfortunately declined the possibility, stating that she’s had a wholesome experience as First Lady, and that it wouldn’t be fair for her family, especially her two daughters that are entering young adulthood. However, she did admit that she’ll miss being in the White House, and that she’ll miss helping and working with young people.
In a political climate where the loudest opinions always seem to be passionately against the Obamas, the First Lady’s discussion in Austin was in front of a friendly crowd that most likely wouldn’t exist outside of the city’s limits. She seemed relaxed and at home, which is fitting for a conference like SXSW where work and fun intersect every day, and stood as a perfect way to usher in the greatest music festival of the year.
Iconic Hip-Hop label, Mass Appeal, held a showcase headlined by Nas on Thursday night at the Austin Music Hall, named after his debut guest feature, Live at the Barbecue. The showcase honored Golden Era Hip-Hop with opening performances by Smif N’ Wessun, Buckshot Shorty, and Freeway; as well as a special dedication to the late rhyme legend Sean Price.
Hype was generated for the event via DJ Khaled, who took to his notorious Snapchat account to let everyone know he was on his way to show some “fan luv” to the festival goers at SXSW. DJ Khaled’s list of famous friends is deeper (and cooler) than Jaden Smith’s raps, so it was a no-brainer that the WTB mastermind would be a ‘major key’to this event.
Khaled did not disappoint. He took the stage in front of an at-capacity audience that lost their minds at his presence. Then the surprises started. One by one, Khaled brought out super stars of the past and present.
First there was Wyclef, who sang his verses for Ready or Not and Fu-gee-la. Then the Texas legend Bun B, who sent the crowd into hysterics with his verses from Big Pimpin and International Player’s Ball. Then 2 Chainz came out to please the crowd.
All of the fanfare was a perfect way to usher in the performance of a legend like Nas, who took to the stage with his mythical hit, New York State of Mind. Nasty kept it classy with the classics, going through Hate Me Now, Made U Look, and the showcase’s namesake, Live at the Barbecue, joined by Large Professor.
This was a Hip-Hop head’s showcase. The most modern rapper on stage was 2 Chainz. But you can’t go wrong with classics no matter the demographic. This kind of sticking-to-the-classics approach is something that Mass Appeal excels at as a company. They stick to what they know, and they know Golden Era Hip-Hop, which made Live at the Barbecue a memorable event for anyone who just loves the culture.
Gather ‘round, everyone, for a sick night of EDM. By that of course, we mean Electronic Dance Music, not Elephants Doing the Moonwalk. We understand that those are easily confused, and would like to clarify that there will be no circus animals present at the event. We know, we were disappointed too. On the plus side, there will be some pretty awesome DJs, and admission is free. Not only are they great DJs, but they’re also local independent artists right here from NC State! What could be better than that? Well, obviously moonwalking elephants, but we don’t have those.
The event will be held March 22nd in the Talley Coastal Ballroom on NC State’s main campus. Doors and show are at 8pm. Our artists include:
After a brief foray into the oxymoron of corporately sponsored independent rock. I set off for 6th St., the main drag for SXSW, in search of club Barcelona or as referred to by LA’s DJ Flinch “The Bass Cave.” And that it was indeed. I could feel the beats surging up from the basement dance floor when I arrived courtesy of Gino Cochino, a native of The Los Angeles Dubstep scene. For all those who complain (including me on occasion) that Dubstep isn’t danceable, this DJ may just change your mind. He brings the driving bass drops from Dn’B together with the grinding syncopated distortion of Dub all set to wicked beats of which no one on the dance floor seems to be able to get enough.
The next set and the night belonged to the Austin’s very own Wolf-E-Wolf. Another DJ who has successfully taken Dubstep back to it’s basics and created music with an actual beat to dance to instead of just admire for it’s technical proficiency. Hip-hop, Trap, and even Jungle aspects were all present in Wolf-E-Wolf’s set, and the whole club was moving as was yours truly. If the east coast is drum and bass then it seems the Midwest and West Coast are definitely dubstep.
Back out on 6th Street, the crowd was just as packed as in the bar. I was beat and planned to head back to my room to sleep off the nights festivities, but it seemed that SXSW had other plans for me.
WKNC’s Fridays on the Lawn is a free concert, usually held on Harris Field in front of Witherspoon Student Center, but this week it will be inside Witherspoon in room 126. The event is a great way for students to get exposure to some up-and-coming artists in the North Carolina music scene. This week’s lineup is unique. It will feature all electronic artists and DJs: AWAY MSG, Oak City Slums, Drozy, and speedating.
AWAY MSG, Oak City Slums, and Drozy are part of Mega Monolith, a North Carolina art collective and electronic music label. AWAY MSG creates glitch pop with chiptune influence and relaxing sound collages. Oak City Slums’ music is sample-based and often hip-hop influenced, and recently he dropped a teaser for his forthcoming debut album, “Don’t Sleep Get Hype.” Drozy, from Durham, released their album “Gang Death” this year, which is synth-based, downtempo and also has some hip-hop influence. Speedating is a heavily-percussive electronic act that recently relocated to Raleigh from Boone, NC, and as a note of interest, a few years ago he performed at NC State College of Design’s annual bash alongside DJ Paypal.
Be sure to stop by Witherspoon Student Center room 126 tomorrow at 6pm for Fridays on the Lawn, and don’t miss WKNC’s next two Fridays on the Lawn on April 8th and 15th. Although this week’s concert is indoors, the next two will be out in front of the building, actually on the lawn! Don’t forget to tune into Afterhours on WKNC 88.1FM Tuesday and Wednesday nights for more new and noteworthy electronic music.
It’s that time of year again, boys and girls! That magical week where the entire music industry converges in one city and rocks out for all to enjoy, SXSW. Whether you’re a true blue hip hop head or a staunch punk, there is something for you and everyone else in between. On top of that, it’s the 30 year anniversary of the festival, so it’s sure to be on another level.
We’re especially proud of the local artists that have made it to SXSW’s lineup! Boulevards, GRRL, Mikal kHill, Summer Wars, and more, are representing NC’s under-the-radar music scene for the whole world to see, and it will be glorious.
To add to the excitement, SXSW attendees will be graced by the presence of our First Lady, Michelle Obama on March 16. She will be speaking about the Let Girls Learn initiative, and will be joined by Missy Elliot, Queen Latifah, Diane Warren, and Sophia Bush.
That’s only the beginning of it folks. SXSW is filled with surprises! Will Beyonce walk around on 6th Street disguised as a commoner again? Will Mylie Cyrus crash another stage? There are rumors of a hologram guest appearance. The only way to know is by staying tuned on our Instagram and Twitter pages @WKNC881.
*image hanging out with all these cool people and listening to great music (only inside)
Come stop by Witherspoon 126 this Friday to here some sick local electronic artist! AWAY MSG // Oak City Slums // Drozy // speedating will be performing. For more info check out our facebook event page right here! https://www.facebook.com/events/855237287956505/
“Bad-boy” Cameron Carter will be coming to NCSU this Saturday to play a live concert on his personally designed International Touring Organ. Carter has been critically acclaimed as one of the most talented and unique modern performers bringing originality and raw technique to every show. Be sure to catch him this Saturday at the Stewart Theater in the Talley Student union on NCSU’s campus @ 8pm. For tickets, prices, and more information visit https://live.arts.ncsu.edu/events/current-season/cameron-carpenter/
1 PROFESSOR TOON – Take Notes – Cardigan 2 NAPPY ROOTS – The 40 Akerz Project – Nappy Roots Entertainment 3 LIZZO – Big Grrrl Small World – Self-Released 4 VINCE STAPLES – Summertime ‘06 – Def Jam 5 JR AND PH7 – Noir 6 GANGRENE – You Disgust Me – Mass Appeal 7 MAGNIF – “The Last” [Single] 8 CONSTANT DEVIANTS – Avant Garde – Six2Six 9 KING MAGNETIC – Timing Is Everything 10 KIRK KNIGHT – Late Knight Special – Pro Era
Top 5 Adds
1 KONCEPT AND J57 – The Fuel [EP] – KON57 2 TORAE – “Clap Shit Up” [Single] – Internal Affairs 3 ROYCE 5’9" – “Tabernacle” [Single] – InGrooves-Bad Half 4 TRUTH – “New Type Of Something” [Single]
