Music
▼ Interview
Mariachi El Bronx: A Cleverly Disguised Rock Band
When it comes to long-running bands, side projects are an inevitability. But sometimes, a side project can take on a life of its own. Such is the case with Mariachi El Bronx. The offshoot of the LA punk band, The Bronx, initially began when the group was asked to perform a song acoustically for a TV appearance. Rather than taking the easy route, they came up with a mariachi arrangement of the song and unwittingly began the next chapter of the band’s existence. … read more
Leave No Cross Unturned: An Interview with Fenriz of Darkthrone
Though many metal fans say the direction Darkthrone have taken is trash, this hasn’t fazed the band and their musical progression. Darkthrone’s new studio offering, The Underground Resistance, is available now from Peaceville Records. The album is a nod to the past of metal, specifically the ’80s. It’s a metal journey that sees new territory for Darkthrone, and SLUG discussed it with Fenriz in an email interview. … read more
Today’s Supernatural: An Interview with Geologist from Animal Collective
For over a decade now, Animal Collective have consistently delivered to their fans high-energy, intensely weird music, with occasional, equally weird visuals to accompany their sounds. SLUG spoke with Brian Weitz, aka “Geologist,” about their new album and what life is like outside of the band. … read more
Bile Oasis: White Lung
White Lung’s Mish Way was running on four hours of sleep. “I just spent the last four days with porn stars in Las Vegas for a story, and I’ve barely slept, so my head is crushed,” she says. In the midst of her freelance journalism career, Way fronts Vancouver’s White Lung, who play fast-paced punk and deliver vitriol, yet incorporate virtuosic musicianship. Way adds grime to the band, and also conjures a squalid sort of glamour. … read more
Lightning Strikes in Salt Lake: An Interview with Joey Arias
New York City cabaret/performance art/drag icon Joey Arias is performing in town with fellow East Village art scene veteran Kristian Hoffman as part of a West Coast tour called “Lightning Strikes.” I spoke with Joey about trending performance art, Z chromosomes and alien pop stars. … read more
Between the Buried and Me Interview
Since 2000, Between The Buried And Me has been pushing the limits, generating a unique metal-influenced progressive rock sound that has inspired countless imitators and gained them an international fan base. In 2005, they aquired one of the most talented and forward-thinking bassists in the business, Dan Briggs. I had the pleasure of chatting with Briggs before the beginning of their latest tour supporting Coheed and Cambria, which is stopping in Salt Lake this Friday, February 15. … read more
Interview with Frankie Palmeri of Emmure
Emmure frontman Frankie Palmeri is a poster boy of controversy, long trotted out as the whipping boy for the angry masses that are put off by his brutal and unfiltered honesty and opinions. SLUG got to sit down with Palmeri before Emmure’s set on the Brothers of Brutality Tour and get some actual, firsthand insight and answers about this polarizing band, and how he’s dealt with a decade under a microscope. … read more
Spreading Hope in Finding Help: To Write Love On Her...
Jamie Tworkowski is the founder of non-profit organization To Write Love On Her Arms, which helps people dealing with addiction, depression, self injury and suicide, as well as other issues, find the courage and the resources to get the help they need. … read more
Russian Circles: Louder Than Words
Sprawling. Swirling. Ominous. Auspicious. Any number of multisyllabic words can be used to describe the music of Russian Circles, who have been creating dynamic instrumental music since 2004. In anticipation of their performance at The Great Saltair on Feb. 15, SLUG spoke with bassist Brian Cook about the upcoming tour and what Russian Circles have in store for 2013. … read more
Unified Psalms: OM
In a simple sense, OM is a band that makes and plays music. A straight dissection of the band’s musical elements may mislead the interpreter. The subject matter isn’t direct and the music fits into realms from traditional rock to experimental, drone and world music. “Things in my life are incredibly inspiring. They’re a hundred times more powerful than some shitty album from some shitty band,” says Al Cisneros. … read more