SLUG Contributor Limelight
September 3, 2014
Contributor Limelight: Russel Daniels
Russel Daniels has long been a SLUG staple. An incredible, versatile photographer, Daniels got his journalism degree from the University of Montana before working with the AP in Chicago and San Francisco. Daniels has been shooting for SLUG off and on for roughly 15 years, and enjoys shooting documentary projects. When he’s not taking beautiful portraits and environmental shots, Daniels works on remodeling his home, traveling around Utah and recording music with his girlfriend on a 4-track. Check out his photos in this month’s Localized and at russeldaniels.com!
Articles by contributor
Localized: Magic Mint
Magic Mint, the solo-project brainchild of local musician Andrew Shaw, might seem like an axiomatic extension of Shaw’s four-piece band, Color Animal, but it’s not. Self-described as “the marriage of looping and pop music,” Magic Mint presents a psych-pop sound with a few intentional nuances that give Magic Mint its euphorically retroactive sound. … read more
Articles by contributor
Localized: Your Meteor
Incorporating a wide range of influences including Joni Mitchell to ’70s rock, Your Meteor dynamically presents a non-linear indie-rock style that combines elements of jazz, math-rock and character-based storytelling. The result is a singularly unique sound, albeit not without its deviations. … read more
Localized: Forest Feathers
Forest Feathers, a dynamic group that incorporates the dreamy space of prog-rock into the technical elements of math rock, initially started as a solo project by Camron Sackett in 2013. Sackett had no idea that the project would eventually evolve into the atmospheric sounds, sampling and shredding that currently represent the local trio. … read more
Localized: Khensu
Khensu’s beats are down-tempo and enticing, luring the listener in with deep bass lines, unrelenting hi-hats and snare drums. Drawing influence from a wide variety of sources, Khensu has created a sound that is unlike other producers’ in both the electronic music scene and the hip-hop world. … read more
Localized: Dumb Luck
For artists like Dumb Luck, making music is a multifaceted expression of life and experience. There are no set rules for style, no stipulations nor boundaries that an artist has to fit into. Instead, music is a mirror, a vehicle for expressing one’s own life experience, a way to tell a story. … read more
Localized: Zombiecock
Zombiecock will slake your lust for B-movie spatter with their use of ghoulish face paint and a liberal dosage of fake blood for a thorough and, if you will, zombifying performance. … read more
Localized: Goatsifter
It’s evident that Goatsifter are a band who’s not in it for any exposure or any type of income whatsoever—they make it clear that it’s strictly for them and their love of playing music. … read more
Localized: Problem Daughter
This month’s Localized is a cross-section of SLC punk: the visceral, dissonant hardcore punk of Foster Body, the surf-soaked party punk of JAWWZZ!! and the acerbic, bittersweet pop punk of Problem Daughter. These bands have shared bills over the last few years—Foster Body and JAWWZZ!! even share a drummer. They all name each other among
Localized: Fossil Arms
On Friday, Dec. 13, come to Urban Lounge for the warm, emotionally sophisticated dark pop of The Circulars, and get wrecked by Fossil Arms’ articulation of what tape hiss sounds like choking on glass—during shock treatment. Alexander Ortega, of Filth Lords and Editorial Assistant at SLUG, is the opener. Localized is hosted by Ischa B.,
Localized: Soft Limbs
Local trio Soft Limbs doesn’t want to be known for a Salt Lake sound—on the contrary, the psych-rock punk group aims to redefine their place in the local scene. Soft Limbs fuse together instrumentation lifted from garage rock groups of the late ’90s with dynamic, unpredictable psych melodies and art-punk catchiness—but that’s just scratching the surface. … read more
Localized: VINCENT DRAPER AND THE DIRTY THIRTY
This month’s Localized, on April 18, will feature a mysterious hodgepodge of sincerity. Crook and the Bluff will start off the set with western-tinged psych-blues, after which blues crooning, working man rocking, badass motherfuckers Vincent Draper and the Dirty Thirty will sexy your face off. Following, mustachioed and chocolate-voiced singer-songwriter and strum-master Charles Ellsworth will
Localized: DISFORIA
Sometimes, one must sit back and marvel at the variety of music—especially metal—that exists in SLC. SLUG is proud to tap two bands who represent different faces of metal: power-proggers Disforia and Western thrashers Dead Revelator. Come see them and Founders of Ruin at June’s Localized showcase at Urban Lounge on Friday the 13th for
Localized: Super 78
Set aside your best $5 bill so you don’t miss this month’s Localized, featuring the American rock of Bronco, the ’60s sound of Super 78 and opener Green River Blues at Urban Lounge. It’s sponsored by Uinta Brewing Co., KRCL 90.9FM and Spilt Ink SLC. Doors open at 9 p.m. on Nov. 14. … read more
Localized: Book on Tape Worm
“This kind of started as an accident,” vocalist/guitarist Scott Shepard says. “I used to play in a lot of rock bands. Then I started writing a bunch of sad songs and didn’t really plan on playing them for anybody.” The group gained attention from local music venue Velour, and acquired cellist Ciera Black after an
Localized: Larusso
This month’s Localized will feature the heavy-hitting, poetic antics of Sights, followed by the addictive melodies of Larusso and Heartless Breakers headlining the show. If you miss the angsty days of the mid ’00s when Brand New and Taking Back Sunday dominated the airwaves, you better be at Urban Lounge on Thursday, July 16 at
Localized: Static Waves
Feel-good indie rock and hip-hop are going to be filling the Urban Lounge as they once again host some of the Beehive State’s finest musicians for Localized, brought to you by Uinta Brewing Co., KRCL 90.9 FM and Spilt Ink SLC. The event will be held Aug. 20 at 8 p.m., and with the affordable
Localized: The Nods
The Nods’ sound invokes the raw sensibilities heard on a Back From The Grave compilation that is mixed with a touch of psychedelia and topped with the raw power of ’70s Detroit punk. … read more
Jim Williams’ Smiling Faces: Exploring The Idea of Home As...
From the street, the 130-year-old, (rumored) former polygamist house belonging to the artist, architect and all-around creative beacon, Jim Williams, is fairly unassuming. … read more
Localized: Jail City Rockers
The sincerity of Jail City Rockers stands out because they are approachable and always humble—traits one should expect from true punk rock n’ rollers. Jail City Rockers are the brothers Andrew and Gabe Bonilla, Aron Mikkelsen and the newly joined Gabey Spent, formerly of Duane Peters Gunfight. … read more
Localized: RS2090
Shrouded in layers of intricate mystery, Sean Ivins (RS2090) is unquestionably an enigma. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him one evening, but the more I focused on him, the harder he deflected my questioning and turned everything back to focus on the music. … read more
Localized: Swell Merchants
The trio has been rising quickly in the past few months, dropping roughly 20 singles on SoundCloud and a demo project (aptly named Demo) before actually putting an official album into their discography. “Last year, we picked up the pace,” says Nico. … read more
Localized: Crook & The Bluff
After a recent reordering of their lineup, Crook have surged the local scene with their thunderous, psychedelic-blues styling. Kirk Dath is the mainstay as vocalist, joined by Sarah Degraw, who learned how to play drums for the group. Ryan Arnold has joined as a second guitarist, and Kevin Schultz slays the bass. Their updated approach provides their followers with a new, exciting twist on their rough and sexy sound. … read more
Localized: June Brothers
June Brothers’ music is emotionally charged, and lyrical focus is essential. “In order to know where the song is going, you need to have a distinct direction from the lyrics,” Riding says. Their singer-songwriter perspective has given them a playful view of their music. “ … read more
Sisyphean Art: David Brothers’ Rolithica
David Brothers is a local multimedia artist best known for film sets built for directors of both local and national renown. This commercial scenographic work, though frequently seen by many, hardly represents the full range of his talents. … read more
Artes de México: The Art of Creating Community
Artes de México isn’t just for the Latino community or just about art—Artes is for our entire community. … read more
Localized: Herban Empire
Homegrown alt-reggae group Herban Empire have been a part of the local circuit for almost 10 years, as they are the product of good friends with a shared love for music. The interest in the same kind of bands, such as 311 and Sublime, fed into their style, and soon they were creating their own take on the genre. … read more
Localized: Tribe of I
Since forming in 2012, Tribe of I have been a group that thrives on live performances and improvisation. The positive vibes that Tribe of I emanate come from a unique mix of alternative, reggae and hip-hop. It’s a combination that has garnered the attention of the larger, national acts that Tribe of I have opened for, as well as earning them a solid and loyal fanbase within the Salt Lake reggae scene. … read more
Beehive Distilling: Out of the Bathtub, Into the Barrel
Beehive Distilling has been slinging their aptly named Jack Rabbit Gin and its barrel-aged variant in Utah’s burgeoning booze scene since 2014. … read more
Salt City Vodka: Not Your Average Distillery
Salt City Vodka is a vodka so smooth that one can drink it without adding the frills of a fancy cocktail. … read more
The Art of Safe Sex: Planned Parenthood
There’s been ample precedent for an art-and–Planned Parenthood alliance, what with runway shows featuring dresses fashioned out of condoms, IUDs-turned-jewelry and condom packages touting designs by famous artists. This month, the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah is forging its own art-making, action-taking collaboration for its upcoming signature fundraising event: The Art of Safe Sex. The
Tusk Sculpture: A Welcome Challenge
Currently, Tusk Sculpture is winding up the finer details on Kesler’s most massive sculpture to date: mother and calf humpback whales, both built to scale and clocking in at 50 feet long and 20 feet long, respectively. … read more
Localized: Temples and The Salt, The Sea and The Sun...
This month’s Localized features the spastic math-pop of Provo’s The Salt, The Sea, and The Sun God, headliner Temples’ sprawling post-rock, and openers Tavaputs. If you have a taste for the slightly obtuse or like to get lost in a wave of sonic overload, then this one is probably for you. The show is Thursday,
Localized: Mimi Knowles
Feel-good indie rock and hip-hop are going to be filling the Urban Lounge as they once again host some of the Beehive State’s finest musicians for Localized, brought to you by Uinta Brewing Co., KRCL 90.9 FM and Spilt Ink SLC. The event will be held Aug. 20 at 8 p.m., and with the affordable
Anthony Lucero: Feeding the Art Monster
When the last bell rang at Valley Christian School in Kearns, 8-year-old Anthony Lucero gathered his things just like the rest of the students. Only instead of heading for the door to be free until the next morning, Lucero headed to another part of the building. Lucero and his friend Garritt Tucker, whose mom was also a teacher at the school, needed a way to pass the time each day. The two of them would unfold sheets of computer paper—the kind that was attached together with feed strips down each side—lay them out and just draw.
… read more
Sumo Bots: Robot Fanatics Unite
Whether you’ll admit it or not, you’ve walked the city wondering why giant robots aren’t pouring out of alleyways battling to save the galaxy. Sumo Bots at Craft Lake City DIY Festival are giving you the opportunity to witness this on the miniature scale. Contestants who have constructed their own miniature monsters will drop them in a ring with the goal of pushing the enemy out of the circle, for all of the cyber glory this city has to offer. … read more
Somebody Else’s Baby: Understanding the Mechanics of Andy Farnsworth
Andy wanted to do a show here in SLC that granted comics the same opportunity to perform a set-list style of comedy. Since the idea is actually somebody else’s baby, he named the show just that: Somebody Else’s Baby. Farnsworth says, “Each time, we feature a picture of a new baby on the screen. Sometimes I steal the pictures from the photography studio on South Temple, the giant babies with the hoods.” … read more
Localized: The Circulars
On Friday, Dec. 13, come to Urban Lounge for the warm, emotionally sophisticated dark pop of The Circulars, and get wrecked by Fossil Arms’ articulation of what tape hiss sounds like choking on glass—during shock treatment. Alexander Ortega, of Filth Lords and Editorial Assistant at SLUG, is the opener. Localized is hosted by Ischa B., tickets are $5 and the show is 21+. It begins at 9 p.m. and is brought to you by Bohemian Brewery. If you are unable to attend, are underage or on house arrest, catch the show on gigviz.com. … read more
Localized: JAWWZZ!!
This month’s Localized is a cross-section of SLC punk: the visceral, dissonant hardcore punk of openers Foster Body, the surf-soaked party punk of JAWWZZ!! and the acerbic, bittersweet pop punk of Problem Daughter. The convergence of punk dexterity happens Nov. 8 at the Urban Lounge at 9 p.m., emceed by Ischa B. and sponsored by Bohemian Brewery. It’s $5 to get in if you’re 21+. If you’re not, watch it online at gigviz.com. … read more
Localized: The Weekenders and The North Valley
Salt Lake City is set to soar through space and time on Sept. 20 with this month’s Localized, featuring the psychedelic sludge of The Weekenders combined with the classic blues rock quintet of The North Valley, alt-indie rockers The National Parks opening at 9 p.m. … read more
A Shipping Crate Full of Record Crates at Diabolical Records
Adam Tye and Alana Boscan opened Diabolical Records this past July 5 in the new Granary Row. In a short time, they’ve already established a good following among local vinyl enthusiasts and people eager to support any shop adding to Utah’s relatively scarce options for places to buy albums. They’re dedicated to creating a homey environment for those interested in discovering new music and obscure bands, or having a good conversation about records and Tommy Lasorda. … read more
Mason Guitars and the Physics of Music
“If there’s one thing I’m gifted with, it’s working with my hands,” says Mike Mason, local craftsman and guitarist of Cult Leader. Mason comes from a family of builders and mechanics and learned the value of understanding the way things work.
Midnight Records at Counterpoint Studios: The Biggest Donation to the...
As of this past January, Counterpoint Studios is the official studio space for Midnight Records (MRP) and Utah Arts Alliance’s (UAA) Recording Arts Program. MRP are dedicated to making high-quality recording at Counterpoint Studios affordable for local musicians, where every aspect of Counterpoint’s construction was built to revolve around sound.
Hex Cabs: Heavy Metal
The duo of Tyler Smith and Gentry Densley are known for bone-shaking performances, melding deafening doom metal with improvisation, brutality with artistry. When you’ve seen, heard and felt Eagle Twin, you’ve probably also seen, heard and felt the unique guitar cabinets flanking Densley and Smith onstage.
Ned Clayton: Creative Music Electronics with Hex Amps
Initially, before Densley and Smith started Hex Cabs, Clayton says he worked at modifying old amps they’d find. “Gentry was always bringing me crazy, junked amps to try and make something cool out of,” he says. “We would take old Peaveys and weird amps, and gut them and rewire them for his own use. Eventually, we were like, ‘Let’s make our own amps!’”
Monument Cabs: Small Beginnings, Big Sounds
Dave Jones and Max Johnson, bandmates in Oldtimer and owners of Monument Cabs, have been friends for over 15 years. They officially started their company just five years ago, but their experience with DIY craftsmanship goes further back than even their friendship.
Localized: Six Feet in the Pine
This month’s Localized is going to be one hell of a musical showdown. Porch to Porch will heat up the stage with their wild riffs, foot-tapping harmonica and bending elbows. The night will end in a Western frenzy by Six Feet in the Pine, who aren’t your average church-goin’ folk, though they’re serious cowboys, strummers and pluckers. Stop by Urban Lounge May 15 at 10 p.m. for just $5.
Localized: Mooninite
This month’s Localized is going to be an auditory treat. Starting off the night, Blade will open with some killer ambient improv soundscapes. Expect to get groovy with the chiptune, foot-working sounds of RS2090. The night will end in a crescendo of intricate loops and craftily selected samples by master of sound Mooninite. Stop by Urban Lounge March 13 at 10 p.m. for just $5, sponsored by Uinta Brewing Co., KRCL 90.9FM and Spilt Ink SLC.
Localized: Merchant Royal and Big Wild Wings
January’s Localized starts our new year off with the classic rock lineup of Merchant Royal and Big Wild Wings, two of our fair town’s lovely femme-fronted projects. The evening gets an extra dash of feminine mystique with Night Wings opening the night.
Localized: L’anarchiste
This month’s Localized features a super-sweet holiday treat! Showcasing an uncommon four-band lineup, we’ll be kicking the night off with the twangy post-rock of The Awful Truth, then progressing to the ethereal dream world of Loud Harp. After a short break, we’ll hear the quietly contemplative stylings of Book on Tape Worm and finish out the evening with the pastoral musical experimentation of L’anarchiste. … read more
Localized: Bronco
Set aside your best $5 bill so you don’t miss this month’s Localized, featuring the American rock of Bronco, the ’60s sound of Super 78 and opener Green River Blues at Urban Lounge. It’s sponsored by Uinta Brewing Co., KRCL 90.9FM and Spilt Ink SLC. Doors open at 9 p.m. on Nov. 14. … read more
An Education From The Trans* Community
In recognition of Transgender Awareness Month, SLUG spoke with four members of Salt Lake City’s trans* and genderqueer community, who are in their early 20s, to find out about their experiences and extend knowledge through dialogue. … read more
The Tide Will Swallow And Consume Us All: A Conversation...
For their second full-length album, and fourth release overall, Huldra have turned their eyes to the ocean—using it to channel emotions of loss and grief, filtered through the spectrum of a man lost at sea. In the weeks leading up to the album’s release on Oct. 11, SLUG met up with the local post-metal group to discuss their upcoming album, Black Tides. … read more
Craft Lake City Artisan Profiles
In preparation for the 6th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival, SLUG sat down with seven wildly different artisans. On Aug. 8 and 9, join us in celebrating these and many other artists at The Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City for Craft Lake City’s DIY Fest. … read more
Localized: Great Interstate and Strong Words
Urban Lounge will be hosting some of our salty city’s finest musicians on Oct. 10 for Localized, sponsored by Uinta Brewing Co., KRCL 90.9FM and Spilt Ink SLC. The evening will be kicking off with indie jams from Grass, followed by the dreamy, thoughtful rock of Strong Words and the introspective, spacey songs of Great Interstate. It’s only $5, so flip off your Netflix and head on over. … read more
Localized: Deathblow
On September 12, at 9 p.m. sharp, Urban Lounge will host a night of metal might where hot-rockin’ thrashers Deathblow and symphonic steel forgers Sonic Prophecy will be inducted into the SLUG Localized hall of fame, and Mister Richter will open. The show is made possible by sponsors Fat Tire, Spilt Ink SLC and KRCL 90.9FM, and by readers not unlike yourself. … read more
Localized: Dead Revelator
Sometimes, one must sit back and marvel at the variety of music—especially metal—that exists in SLC. SLUG is proud to tap two bands who represent different faces of metal: power-proggers Disforia and Western thrashers Dead Revelator. Come see them and Founders of Ruin at June’s Localized showcase at Urban Lounge on Friday the 13th for a measly $5! The show is 21+ and sponsored by Fat Tire, Spilt Ink and KRCL 90.9 FM.
… read more
Localized: Famous Relatives and Conquer Monster
Utah is home to a sea of great talent in just about any electronic subgenre. This month’s Localized show on May 10 will provide a wide and refreshing variety of electronic music. Starting at 9 p.m. for just $5, the show at Urban Lounge will feature a few aesthetically pleasing electronic acts. Ischa B. will emcee the show, which starts with the haunting, space-like sounds of Mkaio before heading into the relaxed yet energetic live instrumental set provided by Famous Relatives with a backing band. The night will end with the glitchy, homemade 8-bit sounds of Conquer Monster, Salt Lake’s favorite chiptune group. The show is 21+ and sponsored by Budweiser, Spilt Ink and KRCL 90.9 FM. … read more
Localized: Charles Ellsworth
This month’s Localized, on April 18, will feature a mysterious hodgepodge of sincerity. Crook and the Bluff will start off the set with western-tinged psych-blues, after which blues crooning, working man rocking, badass motherfuckers Vincent Draper and the Dirty Thirty will sexy your face off. Following, mustachioed and chocolate-voiced singer-songwriter and strum-master Charles Ellsworth will finish things off. This delicious treat begins at 10 p.m. at Urban Lounge, $5 for those 21+. The night is hosted by Ischa B. and sponsored by Budweiser, Spilt Ink and KRCL 90.9FM. … read more
The Dying Art of Light
Walking up the steps to the projection booths of the Salt Lake Film Society’s Broadway Theatre, I imagine what it would’ve been like, watching that scene from Fight Club when it showed in theaters in 1999, from a projection booth—like looking at a reflection, perhaps. Lance Walker, SLFS Head Projectionist, has been working in the booth since 2001, just before the Salt Lake Film Society came into fruition to save the Tower Theatre from demise … … read more