Category: Blog

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Miscellaneous

Special Recognition Local Lunch, May 18

It is with a heavy heart that I relinquish my title as general manager of  WKNC on May 20. My tenure as general manager would not have been made possible without the advice, positive reinforcement, and generosity of my fellow staff members, advisors, and the community at large.  I am certain that DJ Ones, the next general manager at WKNC, will continue to make WKNC the best radio station in the world.

I want to take the last local lunch shift of my time here at WKNC to thank all of the amazing local bands who have helped me and WKNC out throughout this past year.

These are the bands that played shows like Double Barrel Benefit and related Day Party, Fridays on the Lawn, small concerts that may or may not have been successful, and the birthday party. These amazing members of our community donated their time and their talent to WKNC and deserve to be recognized.

This local music scene and related community has made my job worthwhile. There will be airbreaks full of reminiscing, shout outs, and gratitude.

Tune in for the grateful local lunch, Friday May 18 starting early at 11:30 a.m. and going until 1 p.m.

 

Categories
Non-Music News

EOT91 Emergency Responders 5/1/12

As exams bear down upon all of us, sometimes we are our own worst enemy. Grant Buckner went around campus recently to find out what is keeping the Wolfpack from studying.

The lives of emergency workers can be highly stressful. So stressful, in fact, that there has been a recent rise in the number of suicides among emergency service workers. Deondre’ Jones recently sat down with an advocate for preventing suicide among our nation’s emergency responders.

Chris Hughes was at NC State not too long ago, speaking about the rise of social media in a constantly evolving world and the role it plays in the newsroom.

Roller Derby seems to have gotten more popular in the past few years. Jake recently spoke with the Carolina Rollergirls, the Triangle’s very own roller derby team, about the rapidly growing sport.

As the Triangle continues to be one of the most rapidly growing population centers in the United State, some see the need for a more comprehensive public transit system. Nick spoke with an advocate for the Wake COunty transit plan about a possible future with Rapid Mass Transit.

And finally Dave shares what Holidays we should be celebrating this week.

Listen to episode 91.

Categories
DJ Highlights

Local Beat Recap 5/11/12

This evening’s Local Beat was the shortest in awhile due to #13 ranked NC State playing Virginia Tech in baseball at 5:30pm. However, Jack the Radio joined us on the phone for a brief moment to chat about their brand new album, Low Country, and promote the album release party tomorrow afternoon at Big Boss Brewery.

Jack the Radio is a rising band in our state and their sophomore album does not disappoint with keeping true to their self-proclaimed “Southern Indie Rock” sound that touches on a wide variety of influences but leans closest to southern bar rock while teetering the line with indie masters Yo La Tengo or the Extraordinaires.  The show tomorrow is  free event and starts at 3pm with food trucks from Only Burger, Chicken Que, and Sarges. Music starts around 3:30pm and the band will be bringing on some mystery guest musicians to play along. However, I highly recommend dropping in at 2pm for the always popular brewery tour that happens the second Saturday of each month before sticking around for the other festivities.

Take a listen to the very short interview here.

Categories
Music News and Interviews

Acclaimed Cellist Ben Sollee to Interview on WKNC May 10

 

One of my favorite musicians, Ben Sollee, will be coming by the station on May 10  at 1 p.m. for an in-studio performance and interview before his show at Kings Barcade (Cat’s Cradle Presents). Sollee’s music is inspired by his Kentucky roots, but spans genres from folk to jazz, carried by his syncopated rhythms and smooth voice.

You may recognize Ben Sollee from his work with Daniel Martin Moore on Dear Companion, an album speaking out against Mountain Top Removal and preserving their Appalachian homes. This album was produced by Yim Yames of Monsters of Folk and My Morning Jacket.

Sollee joined other acclaimed genre-bending artists Casey Driessen, Bela Fleck, Abigail Washburn to form the Sparrow Quartet. This group was defined by intense instrumentation, worldly themes, and the tenor of Abigail Washburn.

If You’re Going to Lead my Country, Something Worth Keeping, Learning to Bend, and Inclusions are Sollee’s  solo EPs and LPs, respectively. These albums feature his political lyrics, blues-infused voice, and friends joining in on saxophones, percussion, and other instruments on many songs.  This show on May 10 at Kings Barcade marks one year since Inclusions was released.

Ben Sollee is different from many other “green” celebrities in that he lives the lifestyle to the best of his ability, showcased in his “Ditch the Van” Bike Tour.  Strapping the cello and other equipment to a tiny trailer attached to his bike, he has traveled to dozens of shows and thousands of miles with a much smaller carbon footprint than other touring artists.

Sollee is no stranger to the area, opening for The Rosebuds at a Hopscotch 2011 Day Party and an awesome show at Casbah in Durham.  I hope he likes the new bike lanes on Hillsborough Street.

Tune in to hear what I’m sure will be an amazing live in-studio performance and interview. If you have any questions for Ben, leave them as a comment or tweet them at us (@WKNC881) during the interview on May 10 from 1 -1:45 p.m.  Be sure to check out his performance at Kings Barcade May 10.

Listen to Americana Blues and Company on May 5 and the interview May 10 to win tickets to the show!

Categories
Concert Preview

Summertime means outdoor concerts: Mollypop’s guide

Being from Florida, summertime is my favorite time. I love it when it gets so hot and muggy that even the mosquitoes can’t fly and your only refuge is a piece of watermelon, an ice-cold beverage and the music in front of you.

My three favorite outdoor venues in the Triangle allow picnics and sell all of the best local brews. Read on for summer shows to look out for at The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and American Tobacco.

North Carolina Museum of Art:

Located on Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, NCMA has the largest concert arena of any art museum in the country and as such can bring brings some of the best acts around. I had the opportunity to see Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Lucinda Williams, and Gillian Welch there last summer.

Summer 2012, NCMA brings us:

AfroCubism:  June 10

If you like Buena Vista Social Club, Malain music, and awesome beats, check this show out.

Doc Watson and Deep River Rising:  June 30

At 89, Doc Watson can still tear up a guitar. If you haven’t heard of Doc Watson but love old-timey music and all things bluegrassy and folk, don’t miss this chance to see one of the trailblazers of this genre.

Andrew Bird w/ Mavis Staples: July 10

Through a collaboration with Cat’s Cradle, indie folk master Andrew Bird will whistle the night away with rhythm and blues goddess Mavis Staples.

Neko Case: July 14

I’ve never seen this woman perform solo, but I had the chance to see her with The New Pornographers a few summers ago. Her voice is everything female vocals should be.

More shows listed later in the summer and further information is available here. Be sure to listen to WKNC all summer, as we usually do a considerable amount of giveaways for these shows. Tickets for these shows range from $15-35, with a discount for children and a prime seating location for members. Parking can be tough: I suggest either arriving early or parking in one of the administrative buildings slightly up Blue Ridge. Get to these shows early so you can spread out your picnic blanket, grab a bottle of wine (sold at the venue) and enjoy the evening.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens:

Located in the heart of Duke’s West Campus, Duke Gardens is a spectacle in itself. 55-acres of native and non-native plants provide the perfect backdrop (and aroma) for the summer concert series. Doors (gates?) open at 6:30, so be sure to set up early behind the Visitor’s Center. I’ve never had the chance to come to one of these shows, but as I’ll be living less than 3 miles away this summer, they’ll have to pry me away. All of the artists presented here are local indie acts.

The Beast + Big Band: June 6

Local hip-hop infused with jazz.

The Old Ceremony: June 13

Indie rock bordering “dad rock,” but in a good way.

Dex Romweber and the New Romans: June 21

I love this description from Independently Weekly, “noir-tinged Americana”

Bombadil: June 27

Rolling indie rock infused with folk, teddy bears, and a bit of sorrow

Mandolin Orange: July 11

One of the best duos around, keeping traditional folk alive with modern inspiration

Midtown Dickens: July 18

Playful and thoughtful, their music makes you literally sing along “this is the best summer ever”

Megafaun: July 25

Do I need to describe these guys? Experimental folk with deep themes and beards.

More information about the shows and tickets is available here. Tickets are $12, with a $5 discounted price for Duke employees and students. There is a cafe on site selling full meals, snacks, wine, and beer. You’ll find me sneaking in some watermelon slices and lemonade. Parking is available after 5 p.m. for free in the Garden Lots. Be careful with parking outside of the garden; Campus Police will get ya!

American Tobacco

Located next to WUNC in the American Tobacco Campus, this venue is secluded with restaurants and shops on all sides and arranged perfectly for concerts. The audience is separated from the band by a moat, which keeps the ravenous fan girls like me off banjo players like Chatham County Line’s Chandler Holt. It also sets the stage, literally, with the babbling of water and a home-town feel as the band plays under the water tower. Like the other venues presented here, they are very family friendly and allow for picnics and serve all of the best beverages.

Music Maker Relief Foundation Blues Revue: May 11

I saw these guys at Shakori Hills and it was like watching the history of Blues before your eyes.

Tony Rice Unit: May 18

Traditional bluegrass, performed immaculately.

Adam Hurt, Stephanie Coleman, and Beth Williams Hartness

Bluegrass trio, with bits of loose mountain music

Pops for Pops: June 17

What better way to celebrate Father’s day than with jazz of all kinds. Durham Jazz Orchestra and Durham Community Concert Band will play all night.

Lizzy Ross Band: June 22

This girl can sing. She is a cute, young musician who can belt out some of jazziest, smoothest music out there. Her band provides a full Americana, folk rock inspired set.

John Brown and the Groove Shop Band: July 4

A 13-piece band full of funk, rhythm, and blues.

Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes: July 27

Don’t expect Carolina Chocolate Drops sound. Former Drop, Robinson, is experimenting with his musical style with this ethereal genre-break band.

John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff: August 10

Honky-tonk Americana with an occasional rock-kick.outdoor

For show listings after August 10 and more information, go here. Sponsored in part of by Back Porch Music, all of these shows are family friendly acts with their mind to roots music. All of these shows, unless otherwise noted, are free. There are great restaurants surround the venue and Whole Foods usually sets up a table selling fresh dinners. I usually end up bringing my own snacks, but end up buying a locopop.

 

Phew. There is a lot going on this summer and I hope that this has helped you formulate a plan of action for shows to see. Did I miss any awesome outdoor venues? Comment with your favorites and maybe I’ll blog about those shows as well!

Categories
Concert Preview

My Morning Jacket makes summer stop in Raleigh

My Morning Jacket will team up with Band of Horses this summer for a month-long tour culminating with a Sunday, Aug. 26 performance at the downtown Raleigh Amphitheater. Thanks to our friends at Live Nation, lucky WKNC listeners have a chance to win tickets before they go on sale this Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m.

For those without fast fingers or who don’t have 860-0881 and 515-2400 on speed dial (remember to add the 919!), lawn tickets will run $36.50 each (fees included), while reserved seating tops out at $57.85 a ticket (again, fees included). A dollar of the ticket price will be donated to the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation. My Morning Jacket and Band of Horses will also perform Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre in Charlotte. The Charlotte Public Tree Fund will receive a $1 for each ticket sold to the Charlotte show.

Categories
Non-Music News

Last Show of the Year!

As the 2012 year draws to a close, we hope you will enjoy our last show for the school year. This week we bring you stories of the Carolina RollerGirls, the live of Emergency Service Workers, and Chris Hughe’s visit to N.C. State. In addition, Nick Savage spoke with advocates for the Wake County Transit Plan. This is also his last show, and we wish him the best of luck in Europe next year! Tune in!

 

Categories
Concert Review

Whatever Brains LP Release Party with Burglar Fucker, King’s Barcade, 4/26/2012

I thought I’d preface this recap by letting you know that I’ve recently been inundated by a certain musical-consumption plateau known as expectation.

Burglar Fucker met my expectations.  When I saw a drum set forgoing the stage for the crowd-floor, a bass cab directly facing the audience, and an electronic rig that features, at its helm, a miniscule Theremin, I thought sloppy.  I thought loud.  I thought attempts at experimenting that would probably be somewhat interesting but not really cause for contemplation.  And that’s what I got.

Anthony Petrovic, self-proclaimed “baritone guitar attempt and vomit,” plugged up his Danelectro into that bass cab and proceeded to wail some simple drop-tuned chords—the kind where he only had to put his index down to get the jettisoned-via-distortion sound-fill he desired.

His real talent was finding a way to create stage presence while not on stage.  Disappearing from the crowd for a good minute in an alcove, pulling his guitar around the semi-circle that had been formed around him, and screaming some reverbed-to-oblivion lyrical ideas that may or may not have been comprised of logical dialogue, he pushed to the audience the weird and blown-out punk-meets-stoner-metal they were expecting.

I couldn’t gauge if the audience really cared or not, nor could I decide if the electronics guy was really adding anything concrete to the music, or just fucking with it cause he could.  He deep throated that Theremin, so I’m assuming the latter.

After a fairly-standard break, Whatever Brains started off their set with a half-sung scream that wavered in and out of tune.  Actually, it may have not had a tune at all.  It was setting me up for an expectedly similar experience to Burglar Fucker, where everything would fit into a homely little alcove of booming punk and garage.  And the set did start out as a sort of homage to aggressive, bar rock, affirming my personal sentiment all-the-more.

But by the second-or-third song, the lead singer had popped the cable out of his hissy P-90-fitted Strat (interestingly, an entry-level Squier) and into some sort of synth-box from the Technological Hell of Unmarked Knobs and Switches.  What came out was a gritty and uncomfortable sense of spastic movement that was amazing well-developed and seemed sincere.

And not what I was expecting.

A short-while later, the band played a slew of songs fitted with instrumentation that could have fit right in with the best of Shellac or Don Caballero.

My expectations were gone.

Directly after the mathy rhythm-based songs, the band went into a psychedelic lunge for what seemed like a solid 10 minutes.

My expectations had pulled in on themselves, forming some sort of geometric pattern that was both laughable and depressing.  Kind of like this.

In a nutshell, Whatever Brains was aggressive and noisy, but also tight and focused—interested in trying new things, but also desiring to revel with some of their obviously-revered influences.

I would like to think the audience felt as confused and appreciative as I was.  In what may be one of the weirdest displays of affection ever, the crowd started throwing empty cans of beer on to the stage, hitting the band’s front man who had just walked out announcing an encore.

(I don’t want to weigh out the possibly this display could have been fueled by drunkenness or participation in some inside joke unbeknownst to myself.  I could be pulling the whole atypical homage thing out of my ass to prove a point, just wanted throw that out there.)

With what was quite the risk, the set ended with an impressively-cohesive piece that incorporated the various styles they had taken on throughout their time on stage, ending in a slide-equipped riff that was elongated and weird, yet surprisingly conclusive.

Whenever you get to see Whatever Brains in the future, check your expectations at the door.  Even if it seems like nothing can really be unexpected.

-John

Categories
Non-Music News

EOT90 Earth Day 4/24/12

The Hunger Games took the world by storm when it was released not too long ago. The movie adaptation of the enormously popular book was filmed right here in the mountains of North Carolina. Grant Buckner sat down with someone who had the opportunity to play an extra.

April 20th was Earth Day. A day set aside to remind us all to take care of our Mother Earth. Deondre’ Jones recently spoke with a member of the office Sustainability at N.C. State.

Dave once agains tells us about the different Holidays that fall upon this week.

Listen to episode 90.

Categories
Weekly Charts

Top 30—WKNC’s Top Albums of the Week 4/24/12

1. Tanlines – Mixed Emotions (True Panther)

2. The Men – Open Your Heart (Sacred Bones)

3. M Ward – A Wasteland Companion (Merge)

4. Emily Wells – Mama (Partisan)

5. Zammuto – Zammuto (Temporary Residence)

6. La Sera – Sees The Light (Hardly Art)

7. Oberhofer – Time Capsules II (Glassnote)

8. Maps and Atlases – Beware and Be Grateful (Barsuk)

9. Vacationer – Gone (Downtown)

10. Zambri – House of Baasa (Kanine)

11. Yppah – Eighty One (Ninja Tune)

12. Motel Beds – Sunfried Dreams/Tango Boys (No More Fake Labels)

13. Bear in Heaven – I Love You, It’s Cool (Hometapes-Dead Oceans)

14. Xiu Xiu – Always (Polyvinyl)

15. Little Barrie – King of the Waves (Tummy Touch)

16. Grimes – Visions (4AD)

17. Coke Weed – Nice Dreams (Self-Released)

18. Trampled By Turtles – Stars and Satellites (Thirty Tigers)

19. Air – Le Voyage Dans La Lune (EMI)

20. Lost in the Trees – A Church That Fits Our Needs (Anti)

21. Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light (Fat Possum)

22. Yukon Blonde – Tiger Talk (dine alone)

23. Nite Jewel – One Second of Love (Secretly Canadian)

24. Chairlift – Something (Columbia)

25. Hunx – Hairdresser Blues (Hardly Art)

26. Trust – TRST (Arts and Crafts)

27. Delta Spirit – Delta Spirit (Rounder)

28. Young Prisms – In Between (Kanine)

29. Black Dice – Mr. Impossible (Ribbon)

30. Evan Voytas – Feel Me (Dovecote)