The first of July brings with it a new-found hope. That day is the middle of the year, and marks the 6 month mark until 2020 hits us like a ton of bricks. But we like to take it slow around here, and we’re soaking up every moment we can with new music gems cropping up all month. Check out our soundtrack below for incredible newbies from Shayfer James, Maria Usbeck, Mattia Cupelli, Carriers, Feather Weight, Rager, and more! And don’t forget to check back all month long for new jams!
The strong scent of incense wafted over the audio gear. We had been standing in the barricades of the photo pit, anxiously awaiting Carlos Santana, for all of three minutes when I realized the footage being played above stage was from Woodstock fifty years ago. This footage was being played to lull us into a gorgeous start of a wonderful and nostalgic evening with the one and only Carlos Santana, who is taking the time on his tour to acknowledge his 20 year old album — the one I know the best — Supernatural.
He played songs like “Put Your Lights On”, “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen”, “Breaking Down The Door”, “Maria Maria”, and he didn’t leave out fan favorites “Oyo como va” and “Smooth”. And that’s exactly how I would describe his energy on the stage. The performers made it feel as though they were jamming together in someone’s basement or — better yet for a crowd this big and this dedicated to the ambiance (HELLOOOOO 420!) — perhaps a backyard on a warm summer’s night.
The evening was absolutely magical, and of course we credit so many generations of love for Santana on this one. Peep some photos below.
Rock collective Model Citizen released their new album The Next Life this morning. The 18-piece band – under their leader Mark Ciani, with help from Josh Logan, Fernando Lodeiro, Alvaro Kapaz, Matt Musty, and Ryan Gleason – packed this release with as much grit and soul as possible, while injecting their own brand of indie-influenced rock into every track. Songs like “Hell Hath No Fury” and “The Next Life” give us pause to truly appreciate the breadth of the album, which was created to perfectly complement an evening breeze. Don’t believe us? We’re premiering it now, so check it for yourself!
Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Cole Guerra. The brainchild of musical project I Am Casting, his latest release “Carnival Barkers” gained widespread praise. We get to chat a bit about the album and its inspiration, as well as some offbeat topics like what aliens might think of America today. Keep listening for more.
Last week, we prepped for the holiday of lights and showboating with a performance serene and gorgeous as the sound of a flowing stream after a good rain. Allison Gliesman’s voice is one of the most alluring we’ve ever heard, and with both their popular band Mess and their solo project sex ed, we are consistently floored by the quality of songwriting. We urge you to get out to a show, but until then, here are some highlights of one of our favorite performers. Period.
New Orleans-based indie rock quintet Biglemoi – expertly comprised of George Elizondo, Violeta del Rio del Castillo, Matthew Bigelow, Jeremy Marx, and Jonathan Arceneaux – croon their way into your souls with their single “Permanent Vacation”. Today, they add a music video for that track to the world, and we couldn’t be more smitten. As they each enter the frame, there is a sense of excitement. We soon realize we will be getting a simple, beautifully-shot glimpse at their live performance tactics, and immediately we feel like we have been transported to our backyard with close friends.
On June 29th, one of the most extraordinary voices in up-and-coming pop music visited the patio at Riot Room in Westport. Whoa Dakota (Jesse Ott) entertained in some of the sweatiest weather, the lighting and fan giving the tone a Beyonce effect, while the crowd basked in the glow. Photos below!
On Tuesday, July 2nd, Older Brother held its debut public performance at The Rino in Kansas City, with support from Ritt Momney and Sex Ed. The trio – comprised of siblings Jake, Jordan, and Brooke – absolutely stunned with their vocal talents. The music was simple, beautifully composed, and the room was so silent it almost felt too intimate for onlookers. Highlights below.
On Tuesday, July 2nd, Salt Lake City’s up-and-coming indie rock extraordinaire Ritt Momney made an appearance at The Rino in North Kansas City. Sandwiched between two incredible local acts – Sex Ed and Older Brother – Ritt Momney set a tone for excellence. Near the end, Rutter’s girlfriend joined the band on stage to sing, a touching experience as for the majority of the year they are separated because of her studies in another state.
