Category: Blog

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DJ Highlights

WKNC names employees of the year

WKNC honored three staff members with employee of the year awards as part of the annual Student Media End of Year BBQ April 29.

Damian Maddalena, a doctoral student in forestry and host of the Saturday morning program “Mystery Roach,” was honored in part for his work on WKNC’s adaptation of War of the Worlds, which aired live on Halloween 2009. Maddalena’s contributions to that project included working to rewrite the original script, recruiting actors and leading regular rehearsals, securing appropriate copyrights, and executing the live broadcast.

According to Mike Alston, a senior in civil engineering and WKNC’s 2009-2010 general manager, Maddalena was chosen for his “groundbreaking innovation and execution with the War of the Worlds adaptation. Damian continues to have one of the most popular shows on WKNC with ‘Mystery Roach’ and has been great representative and promoter of the station in Raleigh community.”

Maddalena has hosted “Mystery Roach,” a collection of progressive, fusion, psychedelic, garage and noise from the 1960s and 1970s, Saturdays from 8-10 a.m. since he joined the staff in fall 2007.

Alston also selected Eric Scholz, a junior in mechanical engineering and coordinator of WKNC’s Sessions@KNC recording project, as one of WKNC’s employees of the year. “Eric has done some outstanding work with Sessions@KNC, helping local bands with free recording sessions,” Alston said. He also labeled Scholz the “all around go-to-guy with the new concert series Fridays on the Lawn.”

Scholz came to WKNC during the spring 2009 semester and his first recording session of Chapel Hill’s Simple was released by the band as a five song EP, “WKNC Sessions Live.” Scholz has also recorded local bands including Aminal, North Elementary and Death to the Details.

Tommy Anderson, a senior in political science who took over as WKNC general manager on April 1, then honored Alston as the third WKNC employee of the year. “I am fairly certain that everyone knows what a great job Mike did in his year as our general manager,” Anderson said. “We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”

Under Alston’s leadership, WKNC launched the on-campus concert series Fridays on the Lawn, partnered with local record label Terpsikhore and recording studio Flying Tiger Sound to produce the “Hear Here” local music compilation, hosted four sold-out concerts, expanded the station’s promotions department and revised its new DJ hiring process.

Categories
Non-Music News

Tagging to take us with you….

As the semester winds down and students begin embarking off on their individual lives outside of school, we here at WKNC would like to remind you that you can take us with you anywhere you go.  Whether you’re staying in the area (a very wide area in WKNC’s case, since we now broadcast in 25,000 watts!) and still tuning in the old-fashioned way at 88.1FM, or if you’re heading out of the area you can tune in from anywhere online at www.wknc.org/listen.

And, if you have a smart phone, you can even get on the internet that way to listen.  Just in case you forget about all I’ve just said, the street team here at WKNC spent the morning Monday tagging the Free Expression Tunnel on NC State’s campus as a friendly reminder.  So take a stroll, have a listen, and keep us with you all summer long!

Categories
Music News and Interviews

SoundOff5 The New Pornographers- Together

This week we talk about Record Store Day sales, Xiu Xiu’s latest experiment, and Colin McCoy’s book deal. This week we reviewed The New Pornographer’s Together.

Listen to episode 5.

Categories
Non-Music News

EOT30 Technician Troubles 5/3/10

This week’s Eye on the Triangle goes in depth with the issues that have surrounded the student newspaper, Technician, over the past couple of months.

Listen to episode 30.

Categories
Concert Review

My Morning Jacket makes My Friday Night

Friday night I had the pleasure, nay the privilege, of seeing My Morning Jacket in concert at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre.  I had never been to the amphitheater before and had heard mixed reviews about the acoustics and general atmosphere of the place, but upon arrival I found the woodsy setting to be quite appropriate for the show.  It was hot, and it didn’t get any cooler when the sun went down since the lawn was completely amass with people.  Fortunately, I had a spot saved for me by some people who had gotten there earlier and was able to grab a seat at the very front of the lawn seating, stage left.

The hush and then the screams when the band took the stage were reminiscent of so many major concerts I had been to, and unfortunately, so was the performance.  Everything seemed sort of quiet and lacking energy.  I kept waiting for the emotionally electrifying display of musicianship I had seen on a DVD of My Morning Jacket performances, but it didn’t arrive – at least not until about three or four songs from the end of their set.  Finally, things seemed to blow up but I was so tired and hot by that point that it was difficult to enjoy.  Don’t get me wrong.  I had a great time and the music was good.  Maybe next time I’ll try to catch the boys from Kentucky in a smaller venue.

Categories
Music News and Interviews

The Great Don’t-Do-Your-Laundry Giveaway!

Are you tired of doing laundry on-campus?  Are you too busy with finals to do laundry?  Are you just too lazy to do laundry?  Well, WKNC’s here to help you out!  All week during finals we’ll be giving away band and movie t-shirts to help keep you clothed during these stressful times.  Here’s what’s up for grabs:

Annuals, red, women’s XL (7)
Annuals, black, men’s XL (1)
Annuals, black, women’s L (2)
Skullbuckle, black, men’s L (1)
Skullbuckle, black, men’s S (1)
Skullbuckle, black, youth S (1)
Blister, olive, men’s L (1)
Blister, dark olive, men’s XL (1)
Cobalt and the Hired Guns, tan, men’s L (1)
Legion movie, white, men’s L (1)
Legion movie, white, men’s XL (5)
Angels & Demons movie, white, men’s S (1)

Tune in and when the DJ asks for it, be the correct caller to win one of these fabulous fashions for your wardrobe!

Categories
Music News and Interviews

Local Beat Exclusive: Luego 5/3/10

Earlier this afternoon on WKNC Patrick Phelan from Durham based Luego dropped by to debut the band’s newest album, Ocho, which is scheduled to be released June 1st.  Patrick and I played several tracks off of the album and chatted about a variety of things related to the band and the album. Ocho is being released a mere eight months after the debut LP of Taped-Together Stories but the two seem hardly related.  Ocho relies much more heavily on background harmonies and a thicker and deeper sound that is stacked with layer upon layer of grooviness and cool.  The bluesy ruggedness and heartfelt emotion of Phelan’s voice is still present but the album seems to be much more of a family affair and holds a certain friendly attire about it.  Jeff Crawford produced the album at his own Arbor Ridge Studios.  Take a listen to this first sample of the songs anywhere:
Local Beat Exclusive with Luego 5/3/10

The album has an album release party May 29th at the Nightlight in Chapel Hill. The Tomahawks, who share several band members with Luego, will be playing first and afterwards a “soulful themed” dance party will commence.  Needless to say, this album will continue to be played on WKNC as often as possible from here on out.

Categories
Music News and Interviews

Luego’s “Ocho” to be leaked on WKNC Monday

Eight months ago a relatively unheard of band in the area released one of the best albums from the Triangle in quite a long time.  I was so impressed I even listed it as my #3 album of 2009.  As is typical with most groups, a turnaround and rebound from such a great record is generally slow and and .  However, this is no typical band.

With just eight months passing since Taped-Together Stories was released, Durham band Luego is already setting to drop another full length album, Ocho. With quite a bit of hype and publicity garnering attention to this local music supergroup (read: Patrick Phelan, Jeff Crawford, Peter Holsapple, Nick Jaeger, Rob DiMauro, Cameron Lee, and Charles Cleaver among others) one would expect Ocho to be another milestone record for the area.

With that said the first time you will be able to head the record will be tomorrow at 1pm on WKNC.  I will be sitting down with band leader Patrick Phelan to discuss the quickness of the release, the recording process of the album, touring plans, and of course listen to the album itself.

Ocho is set to hit the streets June 1st following an album release party on May 29 at the Nightlight with The Tomahawks and a dance party afterward.  So be sure to listen in tomorrow at 1 p.m. for a listen on whats to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IARQ-30rQa0

Categories
New Album Review

Now Playing 4/30

The Tallest Man on Earth – The Wild Hunt

This is one of my favorite releases so far this year, a folk record of warm, intimate intensity and raw, earnest emotion.  You’ll positively get lost in this record. It’s impossible to talk about this record without referencing Bob Dylan, both in Kristian Matsson’s effortless, poetic wordplay and his ragged, commanding voice.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qdM8WdTfH4

Nada Surf- If I Had a Hi-Fi

In this album of covers, Nada Surf is able to execute on almost every level imaginable. They are able to take great songs and add their own high energy sound to each one in a way that respects the original and brings it a whole new life.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7npwari81xQ

Walter Schreifels- An Open Letter to the Scene

Simple lyrics with one guy harmonies that create a sweet rock album from a guy who wouldn’t normally be associated with sweet rock. Heartfelt ballads that will appeal to people looking for a good laid back album with some kick to it.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vioMLy9MoZ8

Medications-Completely Removed

Pop/rock that isn’t overly compelling but keeps the pace up enough to keep one interested. It’s the kind of music that people enjoy could enjoy because it’s easy to listen to but the kind that critics tear apart as well.

First Aid Kit- The Big Black & the Blue

Imagine Swedish female Fleet Foxes No lie that’s what this sounds like and it’s totally awesome. These girls emphasize long lost love and it’s heart wrenching to get through the entire album.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uap_-wP4lfw

Avi Buffalo- Avi Buffalo

With vocals that seem lonely on top of romantic lyrics, Avi Buffalo present sweet harmonies on top of the dysfunction between vocals and lyrics. Guitars punctuate and compliment vocal heavy songs and add elaborate elements to the tracks.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNaSEQERGz0

The Kissaway Trail- Sleep Mountain

Bombastic, almost dreamy pop (ie Pains of being Pure at Heart) that creates rather large sounds. Although there isn’t much here distinctively unique, the formula they stick with works for the most part.

[youtube width=“425” height=“25”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLSUY1zagck

Male Bonding- Nothing Hurts

Psychedelic laced west coast punk rock similar to Vivian Girls. Heavy 80s sounds with fuzzy vocals and heavy drums that carry a fast pace.

The Sadies- Dark Circles

Traditional rock and roll with a bit of a southern twist. Slower burning songs get topped off nicely with guitar solos and generally have darker undertones. The faster stuff sounds like something from the 70s.

The Hold Steady- Heaven is Whenever

Nostalgic storytelling that stick alongside anthemic choruses standard rock sounds. However, they do make attempts at diversifying the soundscape and this adds another layer to the album’s tone, but it’s still pretty similar in terms of sound of past Hold Steady albums.

Annuals- Sweet Sister EP

Annuals experiment with a wide variety of non traditional rock percussion to add a whole new level to their sound. They bring a quirky pop mentality that justifies these upbeat, sun-soaked tunes that are easy and fun to listen to. Good warm weather album.

Sugar & Gold- Get Wet

Think flamboyant 80’s new wave mixed with a little bit of disco. These boys know how to get you moving with feel-good tunes that will make you want sashay all the way home.

Frog Eyes- Paul’s Tomb: A Triumph

Gritty, fuzzy, full of depth and bombastic rock that seriously tugs at all of your emotions. Signature howls echoes throught the whole album. This shit is amazing. Play if you enjoy Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, and Tapes ‘N Tapes.

Living Sisters- Love to Live

This band combines the female singers from The Bird and the Bee and Lavander Diamond to create another great retro 60’s girl group. Mixing together a little bit of doo-woop, country, and pop, this will bring joy to your life.

Fol Chen- In Ruins

Reminds me of a more experimental old-skool Madonna with lots of synth beats in the background. This EP  includes a bunch of great remixes of this song that can be played to spice any radio show.

Flugente- 2

Lo-fi Bob Dylan. I mean, this is pretty good.

The Consulate General- Person Number

Remember Postal Service and Her Space Holiday? Well, this guy is pretty much like that BUT BETTER. Multi-instrumentalists guy blends all forms of music to make a dreamy electronic soundscape. Enjoy

Blunt Mechanic-World Record

The guy from Kind of Like Spitting comes out with his debut solo album. Sounds like 70’s sunshine pop mixed with 90’s grunge rock. Super addicting and catchy.

Lali Puna- Our Inventions

Absolutely beautiful electronic album from members of The Notwist and other notable electronic bands. Mixing laptop beats with real instruments creates an atmospheric circle jerk for the masses. I am really into this album.

Caribou- Swim

IF you didn’t already realize it now that we have the new Caribou, well know you know for sure. This album is probably in my top 3 greatest albums of the year. Absolutely amazing experimental rock/electronic music.

The Knew- Pulperia

Looking at these guys I would have passed on this album immediately. However, the music was pretty catchy and decent. It is a perfect blend of grungy garage rock and southern rock.

Lou Rhodes- One Good Thing

The singer from the band Lamb comes out with a folk inspired album. Pretty much a replication of Joni Mitchel, Joanna Newsom, and Nico. Still pretty decent.

Horse Feathers- Thisled Spring

Gorgeous folk arrangement from this Portland band. If you like Iron and Wine or Andrew Bird you are totally going to dig this!

Dosh-Tommy

Dosh is absolutely amazing. Chaotic, intense, and charming electronic fused post-rock sort of deal.

Unnatural Helpers- Cracked Love & Other Drugs

Pretty much another garage rock band with half shouting, half singing/welping vocals and a bass that drives most of the songs.

Categories
Music News and Interviews

American Aquarium Interview 5/1/10

This morning on Americana Blues & Co BJ Barham from Raleigh band American Aquarium came in for about 20 minutes to chat about the band’s fifth album release in four years.  The album is titled Small Town Hymns and is a much slower down and less rock n roll album than their last release from a year ago, Dances for the Lonely. BJ played some live tunes for us as we talked about the recording of the album, the band’s hectic tour schedule, and the album release party which is going on tonight at the Pour House Music Hall.  Jamie McClean and Sons of Bill are also sharing the stage.  In addition, the first 50 people to get inside will be given a free pint glass courtesy of Big Boss Brewing Company who created a special brew for the band called American Aquarium Ale.  Take a listen to the interview below:
American Aquarium Live on Americana Blues & Co. 5/1/10