Jai Wolf‘s new album The Cure To Loneliness is the perfect encapsulation of everything this budding star has to offer. Discovered by EDM mainstay Skrillex, the Bangladeshi born Jai Wolf (Sajeeb Saha) created a lot of buzz with his song “Indian Summer”. Raised in Long Island, Jai Wolf has been influenced by the likes of Phoenix and The Strokes, but you can feel the electronic influences most in The Cure To Loneliness.
With features from Day Wave, Robokid, and Mr. Gabriel to name a few, Jai Wolf is setting himself apart and establishing his legitimacy within the industry. You can hear those aforementioned Phoenix influences in the track “Lose My Mind”, but Jai Wolf also has the unique ability to slow it down, which is rare to find in an electronic artist. Almost with a trance like feel, most of the tracks on this album will have you swaying with electronic bliss. “On the new album, sonically all of Sajeeb’s eclectic influences can be heard. Lyrically though, the album is quite personal with themes of searching for connection whether to culture or people, from someone who was not only born in a very foreign land, but once he got to the United States moved around constantly. As a person Sajeeb is extremely bright, very outspoken on the current political situation, especially, as you can imagine, on the subject of immigration.” Jai Wolf has been able to channel his experiences into an art that is not seen from many, let alone electronic artists. Most musicians with Jai Wolfs thoughts and feelings might turn to other genres, but his ability to create an insightful landscape with drum machines is something to behold. The Cure To Loneliness will do exactly what the title entails.
You can check out The Cure To Loneliness now, and keep up with Jai Wolf on his socials listed below.
Electro avant-pop act Strawberry Mountain might be based in New York City, but they are taking over the west coast starting this week! Join this effervescent band on an other-worldly journey at any of the dates listed below. But before you do, give their new track “Racer” a spin (or twelve!). With a blend of nostalgic space-y sounds and their matter-of-fact vocals, the track is definitely an earworm.
Upcoming Shows
January 23rd 2019 // Portland, OR // The Liquor Store
January 24th 2019 // Eugene, OR // Old Nicks Bar
January 25th 2019 // Salem, OR // The Space
January 27th 2019 // San Francisco, CA // Milk Bar
January 28th 2019 // Santa Cruz, CA // Bocci’s Cellar
January 30th 2019 // Los Angeles, CA // Harvard & Stone
January 31st 2019 // Long Beach, CA // Alex’s Bar
February 1st 2019 // San Diego, CA // Til Two Club
February 2nd 2019 // Phoenix, AZ // The Lunchbox
February 3rd 2019 // Las Vegas, NV // Bunkhouse
February 7th 2019 // El Paso, TX // Love Buzz
February 8th 2019 // Tucson, AZ // Cans Deli
Toronto-based punk rock four-piece PUP released the first single off their upcoming full-length Morbid Stuff, a track aptly titled “Kids”. The song is endearing, beginning at the quick clip it exists at, a fun, anthem feel to the vocals between yell-singing in disdain. Our favorite line? “How about some goddam subtlety for a change?” This, perhaps, sums it all up for us. And solidifies “Kids” on our latest soundtrack.
The Morbid Stuff Tour-Pocalypse 2019
3/26/19 – Calgary, AB @ Commonwealth
3/27/19 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite
3/29/19 – Vancouver, BC @ Wise Hall
4/3/19 – London, ON @ Rum Runners
4/9/19 – Bristol, UK @ The Fleece &
4/10/19 – London, UK @ The Garage &
4/11/19 – Leeds, UK @ Community Room at Brudenell Social Club &
4/12/19 – Glasgow, UK @ Cathouse &
4/14/19 – Paris, FR @ La Boule Noire &
4/15/19 – Dunkirk, FR @ Les 4Ecluses &
4/16/19 – Brussels, BE @ AB Club &
4/18/19 – Berlin, DE @ Cassiopeia &
4/19/19 – Hamburg, DE @ Hafenklang &
4/20/19 – Cologne, DE @ MTC Club &
4/21/19 – Amsterdam, NE @ Upstairs @ Paradiso &
4/25/19 – Boston, MA @ Royale # ^
4/26/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel ^
4/29/19 – Philly, PA @ Union Transfer # ^
4/30/19 – Pittsburgh, PA @ REX Theater ^
5/1/19 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom ^
5/3/19 – Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom ^
5/4/19 – Chicago, IL @ Metro ^
5/5/19 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe ^
5/6/19 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theater
5/8/19 – Dallas, TX @ Trees ^
5/9/19 – Austin, TX @ The Mohawk ^
5/10/19 – Houston, TX @ Rockefeller’s ^
5/11/19 – New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks ^
5/13/19 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West ^
5/14/19 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle ^
5/15/19 – Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle ^
5/17/19 – Washington, DC @ The Black Cat ^
6/7/19 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall # ^
6/19/19 – San Diego, CA @ The Irenic ^
6/20/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom ^
6/21/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom ^
6/22/19 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore ^
6/24/19 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge ^
6/25/19 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox ^
6/27/19 – Boise, ID @ The Olympic ^
6/28/19 – Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue ^
6/29/19 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre ^
7/1/19 – Santa Fe, NM @ Meow Wolf ^
7/2/19 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar ^
7/3/19 – Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room ^ # – with support from Diet Cig
^ – with support from Ratboys
& – with Milk Teeth
This year, the Denver metropolitan area introduced Grandoozy Music Festival to its citizens. The show was produced by the co-creators of Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, and its lineup mirrored that tenacity, bringing some insanely talented acts to Overland Park. We had a photographer on the ground for the weekend, and she captured some fun shots of Friday and Sunday at the fest! Here are our Day 1 gems, featuring Miguel, Bishop Briggs, Phoenix, and more!
Looks like Robert Schwartzman is keeping the promise he made us last year, when he stopped in Kansas City and said he wants to come out with a new EP every year, and tour based on each new release. So, essentially, he pledged to come back in 2018 a year ago. And we’re all for that, especially since he’s following up on that promise. Rooney is picking up steam again, and the new single is sweet summertime perfection, with a hint of 80’s nostalgia. Check it out below, then prep yourself for a tour date near you! (Seriously, it’s such a fun and incredible experience, and Robert is more than happy to spend time with all of his fans at each date!)
AUGUST
24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
25 – Denver, CO – Levitt Pavilion
26 – Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf
28 – Phoenix, AZ – Rebel Lounge
29 – Las Vegas, NV – The Bunkhouse
30 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent
SEPTEMBER
13 – Kansas City, MO – Recordbar
14 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
15 – Davenport, IA – Daytrottter
16 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
18 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
19 – Albany, NY – The Hollow
20 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
21 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
22 – Washington, DC – Rock & Roll Hotel
A true femme fatale, Jesse Jo Stark, has just dropped a brand new single, “Fire of Love”. Oozing with devil-may-care attitude and old-fashioned appeal, Jesse Jo creates a truly modern take with her music.
The southern California songstress has garnered attention from the likes of Teen Vogue, V Magazine, ElleAmerican Songwriter, Vice, and more. “Fire of Love” will make new listeners realize why she has been so successful. The track is filled with nods to legends of the past while making a unique and authentic sound all Jesse Jo’s own.
Says Jesse Jo of her new music : “It tells the story of lost, but it’s empowering & fearless. The woman knows just what she wants from it. It’s a continuous love story, each one a different feeling, a movement of our hearts. Some are sweeter, and some a bit more grim.” The release of “Fire of Love” follows half a year of writing and production of new music, and it is evident that her hard work has paid off.
We can’t wait to see what is to come, including her upcoming untitled EP, out this summer.
TOUR DATES w/ Sunflower Bean:
6/8 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall Upstairs
6/10 Dallas, TX Club Dada
6/12 Phoenix, AZ Valley Bar
6/13 San Diego, CA Che Café
6/14 Santa Ana, CA Constellation Room
6/15 Los Angeles, CA Teragram Ballroom
Keep an eye out for her upcoming EP, out June 1, 2018. Stay connected with Jesse Jo Stark: Instagram – Twitter– Soundlcoud.
Previously of Victory Records, the four piece hardcore punk band American Standards independently produced, mixed, and released their album, ANTI-MELODY in April of 2017, following a tumultuous time in the lives of the bandmates, losing their founding guitarist to suicide amongst other traumatic events.While much has changed since their founding in 2011, Phoenix, AZ based American Standards have been putting out gritty tracks, always with a drive for authenticity, and ANTI-MELODY is no exception. Currently comprised of Brandon Kellum’s vocals, lead guitarist Corey Skowronski , Steven Mandell on bass, and Mitch Hosier providing drums, American Standards has never been a band to be put in a box. Described as noise/hardcorepunk, mathcore, and/or metal, American Standards makes their own name in the music world.
With explosive vocals and instrumentation to match, ANTI-MELODY not only touches on the band’s personal problems, but also global issues and relevant conversation – all, of course, wrapped up in music.
Coming off of the release of ANTI-MELODY, we had plenty of questions for Americans Standards, so we caught up with American Standards vocalist Brandon Kellum. He decided answer our seven questions about the band in all 90’s references, and we’re here for it.
What’s your favorite snack to eat while making music?
Dunkaroos washed down with an ice cold Fruitopia.
When was the defining moment for you guys to realize, “Wow, music is my life now!”
Somewhere in the 2nd chorus of “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes.
Do you come from musical families, or was your interest in music a deviation from “normal” growing up?
The closest thing I had to a musical family was watching Jesse And The Rippers on Full House.
Favorite track on your latest album, ANTI-MELODY?
The hidden track.
With so much accessibility to all kinds of music today, how do you make yourself stand out in the wide world of music?
ANTI-MELODY was birthed from what sounds to be a very emotional time. Do you consider writing/creating or performing music live to be more therapeutic?
It’s a nice distraction and more then anything, a vessel to connect with others. It allows us to start a conversation with people we may not have met otherwise, in a place we likely wouldn’t have gone. So out and create something and revel in the experience it brings you.
I had the opportunity to chat with Matt from Violent Revolution, a metal band based out of Phoenix, Arizona. While I am a little biased having liked a band he was in locally around 2001, I find it more inspiring to be able to pick the brain of a musician I respect. Matt is well known in this area. A scene veteran if you will. With Violent Revolution he has teamed up with some other tight players and together they have unleashed a brand of metal that not only has listeners asking “how did they do that” but keeps the mosh pit rotating like a ceiling fan.
Your name and role in the band?
Matt Ward, Lead Guitar and Vocals
What motivated you to play/create music?
Honestly, a big part of it was growing up kinda poor. My friends and I never had money to do pretty much anything so in my juvenile brain I thought shooting for the occupation of “Rock Star” would bring some cash and travel into my life… oops. Not quite the case. But also there are allot of musicians in my family and it seems to just be genetic. My Grandad was a guitar player who worked in Vaudeville and taught guitar and even worked with Les Paul for a time. Sadly he died before I could meet him so I’ve always kinda wanted to pay tribute to his memory. That and Jimmy Page.
Who are your influences?
That answer changes every few years it seems. Early days it was Zeppelin, AC/DC, Iron Maiden… Twisted Sister was actually my first favorite rock band and they brought me into the whole cosmos of metal. Over the years I have been influenced by so many things a competent list would be all but impossible. But lately I am very into Meshuggah, Aesop Rock, Opeth, Maximum the Hormone, Belphegor… and of course… a constant stream of Tom Waits flowing! He’s my god!
Describe the sound of Violent Revolution for a new listener.
That would depend on whether you hear the new stuff or the old stuff. Our Debut disc “State of Unrest” is pretty straight up Thrash/Punk kind of stuff. There has been some line up changes since then and nowadays we are quite a bit more adventurous. Imagine Nuclear Assault meets Lamb of God and The Haunted… maybe… this question I always suck at haha.
What sets Violent Revolution apart?
Another hard question to answer. I guess that may ride in the hands of the listener. It’s hard to be objective about that answer from the inside. I don’t wanna sound braggadocious or off base.
What is the story behind the name Violent Revolution?
It’s from a Kreator song. That’s really the whole story haha. Nothing too deep behind it. Just fit music that is fast and angry and somewhat politically charged.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being in Violent Revolution?
I think as of now the most rewarding thing is the new line up. We are just in a good groove with each other and the writing is flying. We all get along and we all keep each other on our toes but most importantly we all agree on pretty much everything. No bitching and moaning at each other EVER! If anyone complains it’s always me but never about them haha. It’s just actually fun playing in this band. I have been in plenty that were very far from fun.
What’s next for Violent Revolution?
We are shooting for finishing up all the new writing that is underway and then getting an EP together so we can get this stuff out to everyone. I don’t think enough people have had a chance to check out the new direction. Plus we have a ton of merch to make! It’s gonna be a busy spring for us. But we will be coming out swinging by summer. It seems as though we are on track for a really good year! Let’s hope that is the case.
Frigs. A dirty, grungy, punk sounding band from Toronto Canada that has applied the perfect amount of monotone “don’t care” attitude with catchy choral melodies. The music itself is a little hard to define or pigeonhole into a specific genre. So those of you who when asked, “What kind of music do you listen to?” and refrain from spewing out genre after sub-genre after made-up genre, and respond by saying, “everything”, this is for you.
The subtle amount of heated amplifier tubes follows suit with my description of sounding dirty and grungy, however, there is a subtle aspect of experimental musicianship that demands respect. I doubt it’s accidental talent that there are overtones applied to this track that isn’t taught in music theory but should be. Leonard Bernstein stated that a single pitch contains an infinite number of pitches. Within those pitches lay a hidden key that allows music to convey emotion.
Frigs has hit that key allowing them to not only capture a distinct sound but create an atmosphere for the listener. “Talking pictures” starts dark and dreary yet the chorus has that steady hi-hat tapping that you will find your head bobbing in sync with.
For those of us who were waiting for Courtney Love to learn how to sing (still waiting), we can now give up and turn our focus to Bria. She goes right where Love fell flat. The best part is when you think this girl just sings, you get a guttural scream, “Do you see it?” It doesn’t make this track heavy, it is what is, a boldly stated question. Here Frigshas laid out a soundscape and painted a mental picture. I saw it. “Do you see it?”
Side Note – According to their website Frigs will be on tour starting March 2018 in Canada and some states in the U.S. My only complaint is this, there is no stop in Phoenix, Arizona.
However their album Basic Behaviour comes out Feb 23, 2018. Keep up with Frigs here.
