WKNC 88.1 FM - North Carolina State University Student RadioGrant Golden interviewed local act See Gulls before they played at the WKNC / WXYC / WXDU / WUAG benefit concert, Play It Safe, at the Pinhook on May 30th.
You can also hear two of their songs, You Can’t See Me and Don’t Write Me Love Songs during the interview.
Whoever does not listen to Dr. Dog is missing out. Dr. Dog’s folky, bluesy grooves speak to everyone. Most people found Dr. Dog after their release of Fate in 2008, but they’re still continuing to astonish people with their relaxing nostalgic melodies, beautiful harmonies, and killer blues ballads.
My evening began with the astonishment of the band The Districts. Also from PA, this band killed with their indie rock. Then, after a few more PBR’s, I dove into the depths of the crowd to find a comfortable spot to groove. And did I groove… Dr. Dog’s silly outfits, their duel frontmen, and their ability to completely change their songs kept everyone in a emotional trance. They played many songs off Be the Void, but my favorite song they played was “Shadow People”, off Shame Shame.
Their latest album B-Room holds some amazing tunes despite not quite living up to their previous album Be the Void. I struggle when I try to answer “Who is your favorite band?” But by Golly Gee Wilikers, I just can’t help saying Dr. Dog is my favorite indie rock band of all time!!
Or at least in my top 3.
-Coyote
WKNC’s DJ DiGiorno interviewed Estrangers, who were our featured Local Artist in March. You can also hear two of their songs, Cape Fear and Dayzd, during the interview.
Read more about Estrangers on our blog and on Estranger’s website.
My top three biggest regrets this last semester:
WHY DID I NOT GO TO THIS SHOW!!! But seriously, Tycho’s last album “Awake” is probably the most inspiring album this year.
Going for a long drive? Listen to “Awake.” Studying? Listen to “Awake.” Crab fishing in Alaska and rough seas got you sea sick? Listen to “Awake." Most electo- trance -(poppy) music like this will be amazing all the time, but what makes the album beautiful is the distinction between all the songs. Each one has a certain mood affiliated with it.
Please download this album as you swim through the introspective heat waves of the summer.
– Coyote
I had high hopes for the Drumstrong Rhythm & Arts Festival this past weekend, and it most definitely did not disappoint. Right from the get go, the music was solid. Starting off running with Modern Primitives on Friday afternoon, and ending with Dom Flemmons Sunday night, everyone’s musical pallets should have been whetted. From indie to bluegrass to electronic and nearly everything in between, Drumstrong definitely covered their bases with this lineup. The shortest setlist award goes to The Mantras, whose 30+ minute jam on Saturday definitely got the crowd’s interest. HRVRD’s creative use of looping and vocal effects was a crowd favorite on Friday night, and Railroad Earth blew the non-existent roof off the festival during their Saturday night headline slot. There were plenty of bands local to the triangle that showed up as well. Lost in the Trees, American Aquarium, Chatham County Line, and The Love Language just to name a few.
Not only was the music fantastic, but the artists and vendors had something to offer people of every taste. Including talented painters like Sarah Goodyear, and even handmade drum vendors, the amount and quality of local crafts was extremely high. Sponsorship from PBR and Starr Hill Brewery in addition to multiple food trucks from the Charlotte area meant that refreshments were of quality and in high supply. All of these elements, along with the pleasant location of Misty Meadows farm set a great backdrop to a great festival that offered much more than great music.
Then there was the drum circle. Starting off at about 3:00 on Saturday afternoon, a huge crowd gathered underneath the tent with drums, tambourines, cowbells, and five gallon buckets in hand. For the next 24 hours, everyone drummed non-stop while the entire event was broadcast worldwide. As people got tired, and as hands got blistered, people would switch off and take breaks. However, there were always a few people always willing to drum through the night, and into the early morning. Catching up on Sunday afternoon, we were able to witness the culmination of this year’s efforts, into an almost deafening roar of percussion as the clock counted down to zero. When the 24 hour mark was reached everyone stopped in unison, which left a strange silence after the constant pulse that had been present. I think that it’s safe to say that this year’s Drumstrong Rhythm & Arts Festival was a big success, and here’s hoping to an even bigger weekend next year.
– Ben Goodson
The Main Stage at Drumstrong
I spent this past weekend at the Drumstrong Rhythm and Arts Festival. Upon arriving at the festival grounds, I was surprised at how big the stage setup was. There were huge banners in front of the speaker stacks, ample stage lights, and huge soundboards. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect music-wise, having only heard a few songs by the artists on the bill, but I heard a lot of good music that weekend. Here’s a rundown of some of my favorite acts that played.
Jesse Clasen of HRVRD
The first band that threw me for a loop was the Friday night headliner, HRVRD. They’re a Charlotte-based band that plays a darker style of indie rock and alludes to post-hardcore at times (thinking of Circa Survive). The bassist and drummer did a fantastic job of holding down the mood of their songs. Meanwhile, the lead guitarist laid down some gloomy-sounding chords. Awesome set from these guys.
Miami Dice throwing it down
Miami Dice is an electro-pop group that makes reference to the 80’s in both style and sound. They somewhat remind me of CFCF, a band I remember enjoying quite a lot in past years. Miami Dice’s slightly odd stage act is worth mentioning. They come fully equipped with blazers, Ray-bans, and backup dancers. They played a very danceable set on Friday night, and I’m interested in seeing what they’ll do in the future.
The Futurebirds
Futurebirds are a laid-back country rock band off of Fat Possum Records. Their extended song lengths give ample time for vibing out, and it’s hard for me to not imagine their practice space being a big barn somewhere in rural Georgia.
Dave Wilson of Chatham County Line
Chatham County Line are a renowned bluegrass outfit from the Triangle region. Their set Saturday did not disappoint, and it’s clear that they were some of the most skilled musicians at the whole festival. They just released their sixth album this week, entitled “Tightrope”, off of Yep Roc Records.
Joe Pug Trio
Joe Pug is a singer-songwriter currently based out of Austin, TX, and the guy knows his way around a folk song. The first song he played Sunday was “Hymn #35”, a contemplative tune that comes off like a riddle. From that moment I knew I was going to enjoy his set. His music has themes of vagrancy and regret, and his narrative lyric style is reminiscent of Bob Dylan. Pug has also stated literary influences of John Steinbeck and Walt Witman. Definitely check this guy out if you’re looking for some good folk.
I look forward to seeing what the guys over at Drumstrong have in store for next year!
-DJ Nasty Nate
Rank Artist Recording Label
1 DELETED SCENES Lithium Burn Park The Van
2 RAMONA LISA Arcadia Terrible
3 THEE OH SEES Drop Castleface
4 CHAD VANGAALEN Shrink Dust SUB POP
5 EX-CULT Midnight Passenger Goner
6 GHOST OF A SABER TOOTH TIGER Midnight Sun Chimera
7 WHOMADEWHO Dreams Volcano-Darup
8 HONDURAS Morality Cuts EP Black Bell
9 TOBACCO Ultima II Massage Ghostly
10 FEAR OF MEN Loom Kanine
11 YOUNG MAGIC Breathing Statues Carpark
12 FUJIYA AND MIYAGI Artificial Sweeteners Yep Roc
13 WARM SODA Young Reckless Hearts Castleface
14 LYKKE LI I Never Learn Atlantic
15 WILD ONES Keep It Safe Topshelf
16 RAY AND REMORA 1994 Aeronaut
17 PALEHOUND Bent Nail [EP]
18 SUNDOG Space Criminal Community
19 CASKET GIRLS True Love Kills The Fairy Tale Graveface
20 WAR ON DRUGS Lost In The Dream Secretly Canadian
21 GARDENS AND VILLA Dunes Secretly Canadian
22 BEACH PARTY Beach Party
23 SYLVAN ESSO Sylvan Esso Partisan
24 MAC DEMARCO Salad Days Captured Tracks
25 MR LITTLE JEANS Pocketknife Harvest
26 FUTURE ISLANDS Singles 4AD
27 CLOUD NOTHINGS Here And Nowhere Else Carpark-Mom And Pop
28 GUIDED BY VOICES Cool Planet GBV
29 REAL ESTATE Atlas Domino
30 CHROME SPARKS Goddess Future Classic
TOP ADDS:
PAWS Youth Culture Forever Fat Cat
TEEN The Way And Color Carpark
MAKTHAVERSKAN II Run For Cover
SECRET COLOURS Positive Distractions Self-Released
In the last week of March this year, Of Montreal announced the dates of their upcoming US tour. This band performed in 18 states across the nation and at 27 venues. Starting March 29th and concluding May 18th, Cat’s Cradle was the last destination for of Montreal and their opening act, Dream Tiger. As the adage goes, these groups saved the best for last.
The show last night could be described as “unreal” on many different levels. Before Kevin Barnes and company (of Montreal) took the stage, Dream Tiger started off the night with songs from their two relatively recent EPs: “Soft Skin” and “A Lover’s Request.” Dream Tiger and of Montreal only performed together for the last eight days of the tour. Considering the complementary sounds of the two groups, was unfortunate for the venues played before May 10th.
Of Montreal’s setlist was all over the board, featuring a variety of songs from their most recent albums as well as earlier compilations released in 2007 and earlier. The performance by of Montreal was bizarre yet enjoyable as most of the songs included masquerading, costumed dancers on stage. The feel of the show was animated, carnivalesque, and abstract, providing captivating visuals the entire time. Did I know what was going on during the entirety of the show? Absolutely not. Did I have a great time and enjoy the entertaining artists? Absolutely.
-Submitted by DJ Dilemma
WKNC // WXYC // WXDU // WUAG Present: Play it SAFE a benefit for the Durham Crisis Response Center. The show will be at the Pinhook on May 30th.
This North Carolina college radio collaboration features the excellent grrrl punks that are See Gulls, and our much beloved friend T0W3RS, who you may recognize from DBB11, FOTL, or The Lounge.
WKNC is more than excited to be joined among such great company for such a great cause. Of course we are also more than psyched to be dancing our shoes off to these two great local acts. Let’s throw some french fries!
Angel Olsen performs live at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro. Photo by dJ/dx.
Friday night brought indie folk-rock artist Angel Olsen back to her home state for a performance at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro. The openers, Nashville’s Promised Land Sound, kicked off the night with great energy, backing southern-style harmonies with their country-rock sound. They even brought Olsen and her percussionist on stage for a song that they claimed to have only played together once before.
Olsen and her crew carried the night onward and upward with a shuffled setlist of new and old, alternating between songs from her most recent release Burn Your Fire For No Witness and tracks from older discography. It was difficult to resist swaying along to the Missouri native’s enchanting vocals as the outlined the emotionally charged lyrics that I’ve been humming along to for months. To the crowd’s delight (as indicated by the girly screeches erupting from the house), Angel surprised the crowd with a rendition of Rhiannon by the WKNC-beloved Fleetwood Mac. Closing out the set with a solo performance of White Fire and Iota, Angel continued to hypnotize the audience without the assistance of her bandmates, leaving the crowd with a simple “thanks” and high hopes for an encore. She returned to the stage with her bandmates to close out the night with the high-energy of Forgiven/Forgotten. Overall, it was an impressive performance by a wonderful artist. While many of her shows are selling out around the country, I’m glad I had the chance to see Olsen perform in the Triangle for the first time since last year’s Hopscotch Music Festival. It’s always nice to see talented artists getting the attention they deserve. For more information on Angel Olsen, including tour dates, merch, and news, you can visit her website at angelolsen.com.
– dJ/dx
photo found on NPR
Want tickets to see Of Montreal tonight at Cat’s Cradle? Enter our giveaway!
Simply follow us on tumblr if you haven’t already, and reblog this post with contact info and a haiku about your favorite of Montreal song. Winners will be chosen at 5pm today.
As a reminder, haikus are 3 lines: 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables. Rhyming is not necessary. Good luck!
For more info on the show, click here.