Category: Band/Artist Profile

An in-depth look at bands and solo artists

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Band/Artist Profile

Pre-Phuzz Artist Highlight: Judy Barnes

I’ll be honest; prior to the Phuzz Phest lineup announcement I knew nothing about Judy Barnes. I’m still unsure of her musical background, but I have come to accept the fact that it doesn’t matter. The songs that Phuzz Phest put up of Judy Barnes from soundcloud captivated me like no music has recently. Barnes is able to blend beautiful piano melodies with jaw dropping vocals to create a sound of her own. Being a native a Winston-Salem, I feel like Barnes will be one of the best up and coming local acts to go see. Barnes will be playing at Krankies on April 6th at 9:00 pm; and even though I have to make the trek back to Raleigh that night, she is making a strong case on why I should stick around in Winston just a little longer. 

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Band/Artist Profile

Pre-Phuzz Artist Highlight: The Sweets

Phuzz Phest is a stellar festival for not only seeing North Carolina artists, but also getting a taste for the local Winston-Salem music scene. With attendees coming from all around the area and the state, Phuzz Phest is a great opportunity for some of these bands to perform.

The Sweets, a four-piece local group, are one of those bands with such an opportunity. Their blend of lo-fi psychedelic garage pop has been a real pleasure to listen to so far online, and I’m looking forward to seeing how their live act holds up.

The Sweets were formed in December of 2012 by Zach and Justin, two brothers from the home of Phuzz Phest, Winston-Salem. With the aid of two more members, Danner and another Justin, they’ve released a few EPs and a couple of split cassettes, and are currently working on releasing their first 7” record on their label, Bleeding Gold Records.

The Sweets will be performing at Krankie’s at 7PM on Sunday, April 6th.

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Band/Artist Profile

Pre-Phuzz Artist Highlight: Diarrhea Planet

I’ve told a lot of people about Nashville’s Diarrhea Planet. Most people shudder at the name, assuming they’re a shock-value powerviolence band. Others simply don’t want to pay any mind to a band not willing to take themselves seriously.

Take a chance on them, however, and you’ll find an act that takes their live show very seriously. The six-piece brings a kind of energy like no other, creating a sound and spirit frequently likened to Andrew W.K. if he was a bit sloppier. These guys have shared bills with the likes of Titus Andronicus and played Jay-Z’s Made In America Festival. They have an uncanny ability to unite a crowd in drunken unison in their anthemic hit “Ghost with a Boner.” They also have four guitarists.

Diarrhea Planet headline The Garage Sunday night at 11:40. You’re probably going to want to read up on some lyrics if you’re going to sing along, though.

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Band/Artist Profile

Pre-Phuzz Artist Highlight: The Tills

“Yeah, we love strokin’ it.”

After coming up to the band after their set at King’s Barcade for Zack Mexico’s Album Release Show to tell them I really liked the song with the upstroke part, that’s the comment I received. Essentially, this band is a bunch of bastards that make some great, sunny 60’s tunes.

What sets them apart from the pack is their ability to execute. Lead singer Harry Harrison has an impeccable belt and this real loose way of strumming chords (probably due to all that masturbation) that pairs well with lead guitarist’ Jesse Meyers deliberate style. Tom and Josh keep the feeling loose but the groove tight on the rhythm side of things. I saw The Tills again at Nice Price Books with Jenny Besetzt, and even though that band now has a machine of a drummer (the dude from The Bronzed Chorus), I remember thinking they held their own when it came to drummer awesomeness.

If you like Harlem, or the amazing new Harlem-derivative Las Rosas, this band will be very appealing. Catch ‘em 9pm Friday at Krankies Coffee during Phuzz Phest.

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Band/Artist Profile

Pre-Phuzz Artist Highlight: Brain F≠

Pre-Phuzz Artist Highlight: Brain F≠

Charlotte’s Brain F≠’s first impression is usually, “How am I supposed to say that out loud?” The answer to that question, oddly, is Brain Flannel. However, upon listening to their release Empty Set, you won’t care about putting the punk band’s name into words as their white-knuckle riffs take hold. They bring the spirit of a poppy garage rock song, then get it into enough bar brawls until it’s a punk’d up mess that knows how to have fun. If you’re looking to spice up your Phuzz Phest schedule with a something to get the blood flowing during the middle of your weekend, look no further. Brain F≠ will take the stage on Saturday, April 5 at 9PM at Krankie’s Coffee. You should probably be ready to get rowdy.

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Band/Artist Profile

Pre-Phuzz Artist Highlight: No Age

After seeing No Age last September at The Pinhook, it was a no-brainer to add them to my list of artists to see at this Phuzz Phest. Seeing them with Spider Bags that night was an awesome experience and I’m really looking forward to the chance to see them again. It was, by far, one of the loudest shows I’ve ever been to, and I’m by no means offering that up as a complaint. The two-piece experimental punk group out of Los Angeles and signed to Sub Pop Records is known for their impressive gritty live performances. With An Object, their fourth full-length album exhibits a clear ability to improve and they have received rave reviews for the raw force behind it.  To experience their incredible live show, be sure to check them out on Saturday night, April 5 at 11 PM at Krankie’s. 

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Band/Artist Profile

Pre-Phuzz Artist Highlight: Jessica Lea Mayfield

After making some changes to her look and modifying her music a little bit, Jessica Lea Mayfield is definitely on my chart of must-see artists for this year’s Phuzz Phest. From growing up listening to her hypnotizing acoustic sets to hearing her equally as talented brother cover her songs, the lyrics of Jessica’s songs are always something that have seemed to captivate and keep my ears perked. On top of the lyrics, Jessica’s soft and sweet vocals are able to contribute even further to her fairy-like presence. Now, I’m not one to say if her current look/sound is here to stay, but I know for a fact that it has not changed my outlook and appreciation for her artistic talents. Be it in acoustic version or soft rock form, I’ll be eager to get the front row of any Jessica Lea Mayfield show that is in the North Carolina area.

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Band/Artist Profile Local Music

Estrangers

Estrangers is a five-piece hailing from Winston-Salem, NC consisting of Philip Pledger on vocals and guitar, Mike Wallace on Guitar, David-Todd Murray on keyboards, Nathan H. Bedsole on bass, and Drew Braden on drums.  The fuzz-pop quintet formed in the summer of 2011.  By November, they had released their debut effort Black Ballroom and had opened for Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Titus Andronicus.  Their bright, washed-out pop was reminiscent of older days.  After a period of indecision and a few lineup changes, they were back with their follow-up Sunmelt EP.  This effort found them exploring more into a psychedelic side of their lo-fi pop sound.

Their latest LP, Season of 1000 Colors, was released last summer as their first release of their newly founded label Phuzz Records.  This album really finds Estrangers nailing down their sound.  Season features more polished production then their last two outings, but still maintains their earnest, fuzzy pysch-pop tunes.  The album is a melodic wash of bright pop comprised of huge melodies, complimented by fuzzy guitars and synths grounded by thundering drums and bass.  Through and through, their first full-length is a brilliant album that picks you up on the first listen and has enough layers to keep bringing you back.

Philip Pledger not only serves as the singer and guitarist of Estrangers but also as the founder and co-director of Phuzz Phest.  Phuzz Phest is an annual music festival that is now in its 4th year that takes place in downtown Winston-Salem.  The festival works to bring some of the best local acts as well as some great local acts in for a weekend long festival.  This year during the first weekend in April, Phuzz Phest brings No Age, Kool Keith, Jessica Lea Mayfield, White Fence, Diarrhea Planet, Mount Moriah, Ex Hex, The Love Language and over 40 more incredible acts to Winston-Salem for an insane weekend that will now also feature a coffee conference and afterparties. Check out their website for the full schedule and more information.

With Phuzz Phest right around the corner, Estrangers is hitting the road again with some new songs before they return home to play Phuzz Phest.  Tune in to WKNC at 7pm on Wednesday March 12th to hear an interview with the band before their show at Kings that night!

Check out their video for “Cape Fear" here!

3/12 Kings Barcade (Raleigh) with Eston & The Outs, Flash Car

3/13 The Gold Bar (Baltimore) with Infinite Honey, Joy Classic

3/14 The Gutter (Brooklyn) with IYEZ

4/04 Phuzz Phest (Winston-Salem)

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Band/Artist Profile

Double Barrel Benefit 11 // Mount Moriah

Mount Moriah burst onto the triangle scene just a few years ago, and have been asserting themselves as one of the best Americana groups in the scene and beyond ever since. Lead by the soulful crooning of Heather McEntire, the band made a splash in 2013 with their release of their critically lauded record Miracle Temple. Praised for its blend of fundamental country elements with refreshing songwriting and energy, the Merge Records release was recognized by outlets such as Pitchfork and Paste as a standout of the year.

Mount Moriah is known for its emotionally driven and sentimental performances that feel like something from the past. This year at Hopscotch 2013, they hosted one of the most extravagant performances of the festival with a set made up of their discography in full, wowing Fletcher Opera Theater.

This February 14th, Mount Moriah takes the stage of Lincoln Theater on the second and final night of WKNC’s Double Barrel Benefit 11. Bring a loved one and be prepared to dance for what’s sure to be a landmark show in the event’s history.

-Walt Lilly, Production Manager

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Band/Artist Profile

Double Barrel Benefit 11 // Bombadil

Bombadil are an eclectic chamber folk-pop band out of Durham, North Carolina. Their name is derived from the J.R.R. Tolkien character Tom Bombadil from the Lord of the Rings. Tom Bombadil is a witty, peculiar character who speaks and sings in playful rhymes. The name “Bombadil” encompasses the quartet perfectly as they deliver their sophisticated pop feel of a bygone era in their eccentric suits.

The band began back in 2006 when the head of Ramseur Records stumbled upon a few demos and immediately signed them. Since then they have released an EP and four incredible full-length studio albums. Bombadil have been WKNC favorites since their very first release. With each subsequent release, Bombadil have found new ways to expand and develop their sound. Each member of the band is a multi-instrumentalist in addition to being a vocalist and songwriter. Each song is testament to each member’s ability to craft truly brilliant pop songs.

After a brief hiatus a couple years back, it is safe to say that Bombadil are back and better than ever. Their most recent effort, Metrics of Affection, earned them a spot as our Local Artist of the Month back in July. This year, we could not be more excited to have one of our long-time favorites on stage for Double Barrel at last.

-Michael D’Argenio, Program Manager