Jake describes his experience from the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.
The (mis-)informative nature of campaign ads.
Interview with Jennifer Gilmore and Kevin Howen from University Dining about new food truck program at N.C. State.
Category: Blog
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WKNC’s Guide to Hopscotch
Happy Hopscotch Week! It’s finally (almost) here, and KNC DJs have compiled some advice to make the most of your weekend.
John says:
1. Don’t let it ruin your weekend if for whatever reason, a venue is too packed. Just go to a different one and have fun.
2. Don’t be a douche to door guys. Or anyone in general.
3. See at least one act you don’t know well during the fest.
Don’t Miss: Laurel Halo, Thee Oh Sees, Amen Dunes, Jane Jane Pollock
DJ Ones says:
1. Modestly sized dinners before shows is the best option. That way you reduce your chances of your stomach getting upset during the show, and that’s no fun.
2. Sometimes sticking to one location isn’t such a bad idea. There are more than enough venues where you could stay there all night and have an amazing time.
3. Sitting space is good space. Standing up and running around that much can take its toll, so find decent places to sit down when you can.
Don’t Miss: Wye Oak
Mollypop says:
1. Make friends with a rickshaw biker. They will look out for you!
2. Don’t be afraid to go to a show alone. If it’s something you want to see- go!
3. And tip your bartenders!
Don’t Miss: yo la tengo and the weather station (James from bombadil is playing drums for them)
Sarahnade says:
1. Practice dancing with a beer in your hand beforehand so you don’t spill on your neighbors at a show.
2. Jimmy John’s doesn’t deliver to the front row (yet) so bring snacks if you’ll be up there for hours.
3. Stay hydrated to avoid hangovers – you don’t want to miss the day parties.
Don’t Miss: Shovels and Rope, Dan Deacon, Spider Bags
Kate the LBLB Lady says:
1. DO NOT wear open-toed shoes, unless you enjoy having your toes crushed.
2. Don’t let judgmental looks from "too-cool" hipsters or stiff old white people stop you from dancing your pants off. You’ll be having way more fun than them.
3. If youre not familiar with the venue locations, study your map beforehand so you know where you’re going!
Must-sees: Wye Oak, and the day party @ CAM on Friday
C’est La Bri says:
1. Never spend more than a half hour at any show- unless it’s something you really love. There are too many good acts to get in on, even if you can only see them for a hot minute.
2. Track out the distances between/where are the venues when figuring out your schedule! This is CRUCIAL in not missing a minute of musical glory.
3. If you’re a late riser (like everyone in the world), be sure to set ten thousand alarms for the day parties. There are too many to miss simply by sleeping in.
Must-sees: Zola Jesus
May Day says:
1. Map out where you want to go as well as pit stops (bars) along the way. Also have cash for the Raleigh Rickshaw. Your legs will thank you when you have to get from Tir Na Nog to Lincoln Theatre
2. Along the same lines, don’t be afraid to feel shows out. When Best Coast (whom I loved) sold out for Hopscotch, I went to see Javelin instead (whom I had never listened to). I think I made the better decision.
3. DAY PARTIES. I believe the best thing in life is free, but even the staunchest libertarian will agree: skip work and your philosophy class to go see some performances.
4. Bonus, So what if The Flaming Lips just got out and Future Islands and Toro Y Moi are playing halfway across downtown? Don’t leave your friends behind for shows. Concert karma is a vengeful B.
Don’t Miss: Class Actress and Flosstradamus
Adam says:
1. If there is a band you must see, get there during the set of the band before them. Otherwise you might be disappointed standing in line.
2. If there is a line to a show, skip it and go to the next venue. All the bands are great and you might discover some new bands you had no intention on seeing.
3. TRY to discover new bands. Make a list of five bands you have to see and wing the rest. You’ll have better memories and the surprise of discovering a new group is totally worth it.
Don’t miss: Hiss Golden Messenger
Anastassia says:
1. Avoid the insane traffic, hop on a bicycle and bike around downtown. Another benefit of biking is beating the long lines in front of venues !
2. Go see new bands ! Last year I was bummed that a lot of my favorite bands were playing 21+ venues but I went to alternate shows and discovered new favorite bands.
3. See as much as you can. Go to the day parties, go to the after parties (they exist I’m sure…), see as many artists as possible. You don’t wanna miss anything because Hopscotch is the best event of the year.
Don’t Miss: Thee Oh Sees at CAM. gonna be amazing.
Lovely Lucia says:
1. Take tons of pictures!
2. Use your map wisely by circling all your 1st 2nd and 3rd choices in case of full venues so you know where to go next! Go see something unexpected!
3. Take advantage of the free public transportation: the R-Line!
Shorty Shorts says:
1. Don’t be afraid to get comfortable at one venue. I know you want to go to 5 different shows at 5 different places, but pick the best spot, grab a beer, and hang out.
2. If you ARE running… and you get to the venue and the line is around the corner, don’t be afraid to look for alternative doors. Efficiency rate, minimal. But it can super payoff.
3. Value your rest – sit down outside, at a bar….downtown.
Don’t miss: Lollipops and The Love Language day party
DJ Smitty says:
1. HAVE A PLAN. There’s no way you can make every show. Prioritize. Be ahead of the game and make sure you don’t end up stuck in the back of the line/venue.
2. Buy some local beer and support some local economy. Don’t just drink the cheap stuff.
3. Bathe. There will be plenty of smelly, sweaty people. You may just end up packed into a venue right next to one. Don’t let that person be you.
Don’t Miss: J Kutchma and the 5 Fifths
Big Fat Sac says:
1. Eat breakfast. I cannot stress this enough. Even if you overdid it the night before, have a granola bar, smoothie, a bowl of Boo Berry, whatever you can get down. Gotta fuel that dancing machine!
2. Stressing over conflicting shows you want to see? I usually go see the out-of-towners, and make a note to catch the local guys next time they play out. This way you are compelled to go out and see MORE music after Hopscotch is over.
3. Be even more polite, courteous and welcoming, than you usually are. This festival is attracting attendees from far-away places, and you will shape their impressions of Raleigh and how dope it is.
Kligz says:
1. Plan on not sleeping much, so pack the 5 hour energy drinks and Red Bull (preferably mixed with vodka). Between day parties and club shows going late, you won’t want to miss a second!
2. See a band you’ve never heard of. It’s usually mind blowing. For example, during Hopscotch 2010 I saw this lady called Sharon Van Etten. Now she is one of my top girl crushes and favorite musicians.
3. See local bands! There are so many to choose from and they all rule. Also, branch out and see bands in different genres. Balance your hard girl rock (Screaming Females) with some rap (Killer Mike) and some hazy dream-pop (Boy Friend).
Don’t Miss: Zola Jesus
DJ Bex says:
1. Make sure you’re around when the promo guys and gals are handing out free loot– apparently there’s lots of it.
2. Bring cash for small buys– t shirts, lighters, rickshaw rides.
3. Wear pants or shorts with pockets so you can stash all the loot.
Don’t Miss: Delicate Steve
Perhaps one of the most influential scientific figures, Neil Armstrong is perhaps best known as the first man on the moon. He died this week at the age of 82.
August 27th marked the first day of the four day long Republican National Convention, the biggest party of the year where Republican leaders from all over the country to get behind their presidential candidate for this year.
As late August creeps into early September, people all around Raleigh look forward to the farmer’s market.
At last week’s Packapalooza, if you were lucky enough to catch it, you probably saw our very own Chancellor Woodson up on stage. Deondre’ was lucky enough to sit down and have a chance to speak with the Chancellor of our fine University.
The Post Rock Block is presenting Goodbye, Titan with No Eyes and The Revolutionary Sweethearts on Saturday, Sept. 8 at DIVEbar at 10PM. This event will not require a Hopscotch wristband, but it’s still close to all the action of downtown being located on Glenwood South – and free.
Goodbye, Titan will also drop by the studio during The Post Rock Block 7-8PM this Sunday, Sept. 2, to speak more on their upcoming show, new songs and Hopscotch festivities.
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Local Beat Preview 8/31/12
It’s that time of the year again. The weather is beginning to cool at night, hurricanes are on our horizon, NC State football is starting up and what is it that I smell? Ah, the fresh scent of one of the greatest music festivals in the nation right here in our own back yard. Hopscotch Music Festival is next week, September 6-8, in downtown Raleigh and everyone around is excited and geared up for this third annual event.
This week on the Local Beat I am going to be joined once again by Grayson Currin and Greg Lowenhagen, Co-Director and Director of Hopscotch Music Fest, for the first hour of the Local Beat. Grayson and Greg have been hard at work for the past year and we are going to take a behind the scenes look at what they have been up to and talk about this massive festival that is about to hit our streets. Over 250 bands playing the official Hopscotch and unofficial day parties and tons of other exciting events all jam packed into 3 days. Tune in at 5pm to hear some great conversation with the minds behind the music and madness.
At 6pm I am introducing a new(ish) group to my listeners: The Toddlers. The Toddlers have actually been around for a couple of years, on and off, but did not solidify a lineup until about a year ago. With that momentum they have been playing shows around the state and are currently scheduled to play a show Saturday night in Winston-Salem at Krankies with Birds of Avalon, a Hopscotch day party next Friday at Deep South, and an official Hopscotch show at the Hive. Also, check out their Kickstarter campaign that is up and running to support their new album.
For the final hour of the program I am welcoming back a dear friend, James Phillips, drummer for Durham based band Bombadil. Aside from being a fantastic musician and lyricist and working with groups between here and Portland, James has taken the leap from folk music into electronica for a new solo album, 29 Days, under the alias Sumner James. In support of the release that happened this past Tuesday Bombadil is playing a show Saturday evening at the Cats Cradle with Massachusetts band You Won’t.
As always, the fun starts at 5 p.m. and will last until 8 p.m.! Be sure to follow the Local Beat on Twitter or Facebook and download tons of free local music on our ReverbNation page!
Each week, the WKNC music directors tally up spins for new releases and submit their top charts to CMJ.
Radio 200 Adds
1 DEEP SEA ARCADE Outlands Ivy League
2 WIZARDS OF TIME Will The Soft Curse Plague On? Hidden Shoal
3 WALKMEN Heaven Fat Possum
4 ALLEN STONE Allen Stone ATO
5 DIRTY PROJECTORS Swing Lo Magellan Domino
6 AESOP ROCK Skelethon Rhymesayers
7 JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD Hypnotic Nights Warner Brothers-Infinity Cat
8 BARCELONA Not Quite Yours NBD
9 ANTLERS Undersea Anti
10 BEACH HOUSE Bloom SUB POP
11 DIIV Oshin Captured Tracks
12 FLAMING LIPS The Flaming Lips And Heady Fwends Warner Brothers
13 SLEEPMAKESWAVES …And So We Destroyed Everything Bird’s Robe
14 MICACHU AND THE SHAPES Never Rough Trade
15 GRASS WIDOW Internal Logic HLR
16 HUMANS Traps Hybridity
17 SKIPPING GIRL VINEGAR Chase The Sun [EP] Secret Fox
18 ALBERTA CROSS Songs Of Patience ATO
19 JUNK CULTURE Wild Quiet Illegal Art
20 TWIN SHADOW Confess 4AD
21 DELETED SCENES Young People’s Church Of The Air Park The Van
22 DAN DEACON America Domino
23 THE YOUNG Dub Egg Matador
24 TALLEST MAN ON EARTH There’s No Leaving Now Dead Oceans
25 LOST SOUNDS Lost Lost Goner
26 NED COLLETTE AND WIREWALKER 2 Fire
27 ANTIBALAS Antibalas Daptone
28 GRIZZLY BEAR "Yet Again" [Single] Warp
29 TANGO IN THE ATTIC Sellotape Domicile Crocodile
30 JAPANDROIDS Celebration Rock Polyvinyl
Top 5 Adds
1 MISTER LOVELESS Grow Up Shady Glen
2 FIERCE CREATURES Catacomb Party Paper Garden
3 KENDRA MORRIS Banshee
4 WHITE IRIS NO Self Released
5 FIREWATER International Orange Bloodshot Records
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Eye on the Triangle Tonight!
Hey everyone,
We’ve got some great segments tonight about Neil Armstrong, the Republican National Convention and the Farmer’s Market on campus. Also, we have a very cool interview with the Chancellor airing tonight! Check us out in 5 minutes!
Thanks,
EOT
It is a common belief that the more people you have on stage, the better the performance will be. Dash’s performance at Kings on Friday was probably a testament to that statement, in that upwards of a dozen performers were playing at Kings, complete with instruments of all varieties– but all in the sake of solid tunes. The Wilmington-based group, fueled by support from friends, had a packed show with wholesome fun. Hey Roccio and Rio Brave were great openers to the show, as they provided enough zeal to keep listeners wanting more.
The electronic pop, jumpy rock band had at least five violinists on stage. I was slowly reminiscent of Ra Ra Riot’s temperance to include classical strings to indie favors. Dash’s performance was rife with catchy melodies that had everyone in the audience dancing along, in a crowd where the typical representative only gets “jiggy wit it” at weddings and maybe private indoor functions. “Into the Sounds” the group’s most popular hit (and incidentally one that receives quite some airplay on WKNC) flickered with a slow start, and ignited the whole venue.
In between songs, DASH peppered their set with covers of Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead” and Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks”. It is always refreshing to see bands, especially ones that are locally based, to diversify their playlist from things that aren’t exclusively on their set. With only a minor hiccups due to audio capabilities (forgivable for a band that large on stage), DASH were able to recapture the attention and fervor left by their other songs with a classical quartet performance in-waiting. Lead singer David Garcia smirked his way through his set, engaging and captivating as all performers are wont to be. A few head-nods and raised fist-pumps later, concertgo-ers were able to acclaim, that they too, were “into the sounds”.
Raleigh’s Annuals started off the night. With three different kinds of percussion going on all at once, it was immediately an interesting show. They played some new songs and old, each loved just as much by their fans. The coolest part was when the lights would dim almost to blackness and the main drum kit, clear under normal lights, would glow with a green laser pointer. It would go in unison with the beat and created a really awesome effect. The left wall of the Cradle lit up with spirals and the band was illuminated by the main source of sound at this point. Kudos.
I’d only ever seen Holy Ghost Tent Revival at Shakori. Each time they’d been incredible, inviting people up on stage to dance and just looking like they were having in the world. I wondered if playing indoors – away from the mud, grass, ..“grass”.., and hula hoopers – would affect the performance any. Of course, it didn’t.
A guitar string broke during the first song. Instead of having to endure an awkward lull until the guitarist fixed this, the band started to jam and told the crowd to dance until they had it under control. This little jam session was funky – all I could think was how fun their band practices must be. Once the string was replaced, the guitarist just joined back in and started singing “There ain’t no party like a Holy Ghost Tent Revival party cause aHoly Ghost Tent Revival party don’t stop!” That themed continued through the entire show. The band was excited and happy to be there, and that was mirrored by the crowd.
This show was in support of their upcoming release “Sweat Like The Old Days,” out Sept. 4th. The new tracks that they played definitely won’t disappoint. I’m looking forward to hearing the album as a whole. If you did miss this show, the band will play Grey Eagle in Asheville on Aug. 31 and The Whiskey in Wilmington on Sept. 20.
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WKNC Sticker Photography Contest!
Do you love listening to WKNC? Do you like going to cool places? Do you have a knack for photography? If you answered yes to any, all, or none of those questions, WKNC is hosting a social media contest for listeners to take a cool picture with an 88.1 WKNC sticker at a awesome location to win some sweet merchandise. Maybe take a picture of your sticker at a music festival, a cool spot in downtown Raleigh, or even on top of Mount Mitchell; get as creative as you can!
To register yourself to be included in the contest, and receive a free WKNC sticker to compete, send an email with “STICKER” somewhere in the subject line and with your name and mailing address to promotions@wknc.org, then we will send you a sticker via the mail. After taking your photo, you can send your photograph in via Twitter, Facebook, or to promotions@wknc.org. When taking your photos, make sure there is no profane, explicit, or illegal material in the photograph, WKNC holds the right to refuse unsuitable images. The contest runs from today and ends on October 24th. On that day, the WKNC staff with narrow the selection down to 10 finalists, post them to a Facebook album, and the contestant whose photo receives the most “likes” will win the 1st place prize of a WKNC t-shirt AND Double Barrel Benefit CD and the 2nd place winner will receive a Double Barrel Benefit CD which can be mailed to the provided addresses.
Feel free to get as creative as you want and remember to have fun! If you have and questions feel free to ask us on Facebook, or direct them to promotions@wknc.org.
This WKNC t-shirt could be yours if you enter the contest.