Everyone’s favorite indie band Hop Along – comprised of Frances Quinlan (vocals, guitar), Mark Quinlan (drums), Tyler Long (bass), and Joe Reinhart (guitar) – is revving up for an exciting autumn as they travel overseas, largely in support of The Decemberists. And, though that means The States won’t get them for a hot second, we are just basking in the glow of the inspired, imaginative new video for their track “Somewhere a Judge”. Travel with the quartet as they adventure on tour, participate in mundane everyday activities, and get sucked into household appliances to experience a wonderland all their own.
Catch them overseas at the upcoming dates below! European Tour Dates * = w/ The Decemberists
9/9: New York, NY @ Pitchfork OctFest
10/30: Paris, France @ Pitchfork Avant-Garde
11/4: Dublin, Ireland @ Vicar Street *
11/5: Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy *
11/7: London, UK @ Eventim Apollo *
11/8: Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy 1 *
11/10: Leeds, UK @ O2 Academy *
11/11: Nottingham, UK @ Rock City *
11/12: Manchester, UK @ Albert Hall *
11/14: Uthrecht, Netherlands @ Grote Zaal TivRe *
11/15: Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso *
11/16: Berlin, Germany @ Asstra *
Are you looking for an up and coming indie pop band to listen to this year? If so, you’ll want to check out band Mini Mansions who will be officially releasing their new EP Works Every Time on September 28th. The title track is both a calm and smooth track with an upbeat tempo so catchy that it will leave you wanting to play it on repeat. You may realize that Mini Mansions have many similar characteristics when compared to alternative/pop band WALK THE MOON, between both vocals and genre. If you enjoy music such as this, then you will want to keep an eye out not only for their EP coming out early fall, but you will also want to be prepared for their new album coming sometime in 2019! Instead of just listening to their music online, it would be even better to see them live on tour this upcoming fall! You will be able to catch Mini Mansions on tour alongside fellow alternative/rock band Arctic Monkeys.
The new visual for “Works Every Time” is dark, theatrical, and endearing. Escape your workday for a few minutes below!
In the meantime, keep up on all of their new music here, and make sure to stay tuned for their EP release on September 28th!
On Friday, Richmond, VA-based indie pop/rock collective Spooky Cool – comprised of Zac Hryciak, Paula Lavalle, Lee Spratley, Sean Williams, and Zavi Harman – is set to release their debut EP Every Thing Ever. But right now, we have a taste of what’s to come in their single “Black Wine”. Hard hitting from the beginning, the mellifluous vocals don’t hit until about the 57 second mark, evening out the rough, electric feel from the beginning. The singer’s vocal range is enticing in its far-reaching capabilities, making us swoon with each new line of lyrics. The instrumental breakdowns are perfect for jam band fans and mellow listeners alike, and we’re inundated with the good feels. (Despite perhaps, at times, the lyrical content itself.)
It’s back. More than 20,000 music and camping lovers from 41 states and 3 countries are expected for the fourth annual Hinterland Music Festival in St. Charles, Iowa, on Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4.
Grammy Award-winning country music and roots rock singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson and South Carolina-based indie-rock band Band of Horses will headline the festival at Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, just 30 miles south of Des Moines.
The 2018 event also features Scottish synth-pop band CHVRCHES, Denver folk artist Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, classic Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke and up-and-coming country star Margo Price. R&B musician Anderson East, independent Melbourne busker turned singer-songwriter Tash Sultana, the energetic, piano-driven roots rock of J Roddy Walston and The Business, country singers Tyler Childers and Joshua Hedley will also perform. Completing the lineup are Iowa acts The Nadas, celebrating their 25th anniversary, and R&B synth gaze group Ancient Posse.
Hinterland enhances the unique atmosphere of Iowa’s beautiful rural landscape with music, camping and activities ranging from children’s crafts to after-hours campfire performances.
Gates open Friday at 3 pm and the music starts at 5:15 pm.On Saturday, gates open at 11 am and music starts at 11:45 am. Tickets run from $49 to $65, depending on the day and whether you get them in advance or day of. Two-day tickets run $95 to $110. Tent camping is available for $25 to $35 per person, and RV camping spots may still be available. Campers get exclusive access to watch more performers at the Campfire Stage both nights after the headliners.
“The Strand” by Daniel Feinberg was released right on time for summer seeing as it is the perfect song for a nice summer drive. This song embodies the elements of indie music mixed with a smooth blend of classic folk vocals. The lyric video is being released today, and we have the exclusive premiere of the beautiful, cloud-filled visual so that you and your friends can learn all the fun lyrics to your new favorite song!
You can find more of his music with similar sounds throughout multiple music streaming softwares which will get you prepared for his new single officially being released on July 27th! Songs such as “Elegy For My Band In An Antique Store”‘ and “Summer on the West Coast” have even more of an alternative rock sound to them so you can enjoy any song no matter what genre of music you prefer.
There are more than a few reasons to partake in Lawrence Field Day Festival this coming weekend. Now in its seventh installment, the 3-day annual event in Lawrence, Kansas continues to feature great live music from dozens of bands at a very affordable ticket price. The festival runs Thursday through Saturday.
Started by Cameron Hawk and Quinton Cheney in 2012, LFDF was envisioned as a live music showcase for Lawrence residents while University of Kansas was on summer break. Of course, students are welcome at LFDF, but the environment on Mass Avenue is different, in a good way, when there are about twenty-thousand fewer people clogging up the joint.
And, fewer students is the first reason you should attend. If you’ve had prior experiences in downtown Lawrence in which it took you five minutes to drive one block, or you’ve ended up parking 4 streets over, or you’ve had your shoes puked on by a drunken frat boy celebrating his 21st, then you really need to come to LFDF. You will finally be able to devote your attention to music.
Another perfect reason to attend is the cost. It sounds almost unbelievable, but you can get a wristband with 3-day access to five venues and sixty bands for only $15. So far this summer, I’ve heard of no festival offering so much music for such a low price. And the great music is the other best reason to attend.
Lawrence Field Day Fest has featured several genres of music, but there is an undeniable focus on rock, and secondarily on hip-hop. Although Lawrence and Kansas City are well-represented, this year’s fest is pulling in talent from Denver, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and other cities. Let’s do a look and listen on some of this year’s bands.
Truck Stop Love will make a visit from the past. The early-90s rockers are back after a 25-year hiatus and a couple of personnel changes. Known for their county fuzz rock, the Manhattan, KS band hits the Bottleneck for the Black Site Records Showcase on Saturday at 11 pm.
If you missed Bruiser Queen when they played the Riot Room in Kansas City back in March, you’ll have an opportunity to take in some good indie garage pop from the St. Louis two-piece. Just show up at Jackpot Music Hall at 9:15 pm on Friday.
The Ghoulies want to show you punk rock with a bluesy, garage feel. Adding an organ to the mix only amps up the excitement for this Denver band that’s been busy touring all summer. See them at the Replay Lounge on Saturday at 11:45 pm.
The Bottleneck has been involved in LFDF since the inception, and will have about 20 acts during the Fest. Don’t miss metal rockers Hyborian of Kansas City at 12:15 am Friday night. Bringing a mystical and sci-fi vibe to metal, Hyborian built their own studio in the West Bottoms.
The immutable laws of physics will prevent you from seeing the complete sets of all 60+ bands at LFDF, but some of the other acts that I’ll make a point to see this weekend are The Uncouth, Westerners, Momma’s Boy, Headlight Rivals, The Sluts, The Goodbye Sort, Vigil and Thieves, and Stiff Middle Fingers.
On July 12th, Austin-based indie pop act Carry Illinois – comprised of Lizzy Lehman (Lead Singer/ Rhythm Guitar), Andrew Pressman (Bass), Rudy Villarreal (Drums), Darwin Smith (Guitar), and Benjamin Rowe Violet (Keys) – will make a much anticipated appearance The Rino in Kansas City, MO. But before we head out to celebrate the summertime with this impressive quintet, we wanted to ask brainchild and front woman Lizzy Lehman some questions. Below, she delves into her inspiration and the development of the band.
What was your first musical memory? Do you think that memory has any bearing on how you create music now?
My first musical memories are of watching The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” and Maurice Sendak’s cartoon musical “Really Rosie” (with music sung by Carole King). Hearing the music from both artists absolutely inspired my love of singing and a deep desire to create truthful, emotional, and relatable music that reflects the journey of navigating the challenges and triumphs of life.
What unique flare do you think performing and creating in Austin, TX has given to your music?
Austin is a very accepting and supportive city where it is ok, and even encouraged, to be different and loud and proud about being yourself. Performing and creating here has made it possible for my music to fully represent my awkward, wonderful, painful, scary, and hopeful personal experience without fear of being judged.
Music lovers in Austin want to see artists expressing themselves in the most authentic way possible. My music has been embraced by people from all walks of life, even by those I would never expect to connect to it, and that is truly rewarding and validating.
What’s the story of how the musical project started and expanded? Was it a meet cute?
After the break up of a previous band, I knew I did not want to go back to playing solo. I had grown to love the power that comes with having a full band behind me. I set to work recruiting some of my favorite musicians- some old friends, and some new friends of friends. Darwin and Rudy have been with me from the beginning, through all the experiments, and the ups and downs. I am so grateful for their love and support. Following the painful loss of our bass player and dear friend John, we brought on Andrew, who has been a good friend and part of my chosen family for a long time. We lost our former keys player to the domestic life, but it made us think more about the sounds we want to hear, and we were very lucky to find Benjamin. He has added depth and sparkle to our sound in all the right places, with his array of synths and keys. We’ve made some changes to our sound over the years, with me “going electric” and accepting my love of pop and rock music. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive and creative group of guys. It wasn’t exactly a meet cute but the love is strong!
Your new EP Work in Progress is so vulnerable and honestly provides such a kaleidoscope soundscape. What was it like, making that EP?
Making the new EP was a highly creative, visceral, and fully collaborative experience. It was amazing to have several days to build up the instrumentation, allow my band members to flex their creative muscles by experimenting with different sounds, and then record my vocals with a fully realized and rich musical context already in place. I was able to engage my emotions in a much deeper and connected manner while recording this EP because I was singing my most revealing and brutally honest lyrics to date.
How do you feel your music has progressed since you started?
My music has become much more personal, honest, and revealing. It has also gone from having a very rootsy/folk feel to fully embracing my unabashed love for pop music. While the subject matter of the songs has become more earnest, the music itself has gained a more driving, catchy, and relatable feel. I have gone from making up songs about things I have never experienced, to confronting my most painful insecurities and challenging life experiences. I have become a truth-teller who is no longer afraid to tell my story.
What is your favorite part about live performance?
I love getting to belt my heart out, and in doing so I am able to share my true voice with the audience. Singing is my first instrument and my greatest musical passion. When I sing live I feel alive, and it is extremely fulfilling to see people engage in both the intimate and dramatic moments throughout our set.
What do you hope people take away from your music, and from seeing you live?
I want people to know that we are all connected by a need for love, support, and understanding. I want them to know that it is ok to feel their feelings and process their own pain. I hope that they feel comfortable enough to come up to me and let me know that they share a common experience, and that my music helps them to not feel alone in the struggle for self-acceptance.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?
I would be Wonder Woman because she is strong, powerful, confident, and can face any challenge that comes her way! I would love to be able to stand tall even when I am having a difficult time maintaining stamina to get through my toughest moments.
Anything else?
I’m looking forward to meeting you in Kansas City! Please come say hello!
Have you ever been through a breakup, riddled with fresh feelings and not wanting the relationship to end, necessarily? Ambient indie trio Lydia – comprised of Leighton Antelman, Matt Keller, and Shawn Strader – and rock ‘n’ roll musician Lauren Ruth Ward have teamed up to create a soundscape filled with both parties’ tumultuous thoughts from a last night together. Is it the right thing to do? Are the emotions raw enough to make you want to keep that person with you? Was it all bad?
Relationships are complicated, and Lydia and Lauren Ruth Ward address that fact in a seemingly upbeat, but equally tortured, single filled with hope and anticipation for the future. It will be available on Lydia’s upcoming album Liquor.
Liquor will be available July 13th. Keep up with Lydia here.
While Colorado-based indie/blues rock group Dream Feed – comprised of Miguel Dakota (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Ryan Wagner (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Will Gaines (Bass), and Brian Nolan (Drums) – is busy crushing it, they’ve somehow found time to create a playlist just for Imperfect Fifth. We’re digging the vibes, and hope you integrate this one into your “must listen” list.
“These are songs that inspire us to be more creative writers, performers, and musicians. And they‘re just straight up jams!” – Miguel Dakota
