Authors: Justin Gallegos
RJD2 @ The Depot 11.15 with Blockhead
RJD2 takes the stage. He has three turntables, a sample pad and a crate full of vinyl. Yes, the original, non-digital vinyl. RJ humbly introduces himself and begins his set with electronic sounds behind a Gang Starr verse. It’s the most OG way to start a party—I look at the balcony on the second floor covered with ladies moving and guys bobbing their heads and waving their arms in the air. The Depot is at its full potential and the audience is just as live as any rap concert as I’ve ever been to. … read more
Uncovering Sincere Psychedelic Rock n’ Roll
“It’s two parts of life that I’ve come to associate with over time,” says Asbury. “My dad passed away about five years ago, and we found a book of poetry that he had put together. The last poem that he put in that book is called Axxa … The second part comes from Hermann Hesse, my favorite author. In his book, Demian, they talk about Abraxas, which is supposed to be some gnostic god, both good and evil.” … read more
Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: An Interview with Stones Throw...
Last year, director Jeff Broadway released a documentary called Our Vinyl Weighs A Ton: This is Stones Throw. Having received a lot of positive feedback at festivals, the film is going on a North American tour this year, stopping at SXSW. … read more
San Fermin, Son Lux, L’Anarchiste @ Kilby Court 02.26
There was a lot of anticipation surrounding this show. That notion was clear when I arrived to a line of 50 or more people outside of Kilby Court waiting for the doors to open. As I waited in line, I looked a little closer at the venue that was on a “50 Best Concert Venues in America” list, last year. … read more
St. Vincent @ The Depot 03.28 with Noveller
I remember seeing her frail body bouncing on the floor in front of green flashing lights. Being shocked again, I asked myself, “Who’s brave enough to close their set with a cover of the rowdiest punk song?” St. Vincent was—she does what she wants. … read more
Donovan Blanc: Taking the Tongue-In-Cheek out of Pop Music
“We wanted to be as sincere as we possibly could. Everything seems to be a nod to something, or a joke, in music these days. Everything has to be a thing from some kind of era. Writers are always comparing this band or singer to that guy. That sort of culture has robbed new music of any genuine identity.” … read more
tUnE-yArDs @ Urban Lounge 05.27 with Sylvan Esso
Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs can do it all. She loops vocal harmonies and noises on the spot, drums and plays an electric ukulele. The latter instrument is unique, but it’s nothing compared to her strongest instrument—her voice. … read more
Guantanamo Baywatch @ Kilby Court 07.16 with Breakers, Chalk
The moment their set began, it was as if a tsunami washed over Kilby Court. Their drumming pounded against the walls—hitting home the idea that waves of twangy, guitar riffs were just around the corner. … read more
TRUST @ Urban Lounge 09.25 with Crater
As Alfons grasped the microphone, while bubbling synths ignited all around him, and people lost themselves to the power of dance, he seemed as the Wizard of Oz, operating only to give people a feeling of freedom they couldn’t create on their own. … read more
An Observation of Earth: Interview with THEESatisfaction
Seattle is fostering a new wave of progressive music, built on jazz, soul and hip-hop, led by THEESatisfaction and Shabazz Palaces. THEESatisfaction got their break when Sub Pop signed the duo after hearing their contributions to Shabazz Palace’s 2011 album, Black Up. … read more