Soundwaves Podcast
Episode #143 – SXSW Recap: Polytype & Moneypenny
SXSW has come and gone, leaving a wake of plastic cups, panties and music dreams in the streets of Austin, Texas. Local bands Polytype and Moneypenny were there for the action, so SLUG speaks to them about their time and experiences there. We hear music from Polytpe’s debut album, as well as Moneypenny’s 2013 release.
– Polytype has been through a lot since it’s formation in 2011: releasing a debut album, signing to a label and going through a line-up change all while continuing to play live. Since coming back from the show-ravaged state of Texas, Mason Porter, a member of the local electronic/indie band was able to chat with SLUG about the group’s experience at SXSW. We also listen to “Coinflip” from their debut, Basic // Complex.
– Moneypenny are a pop-punk band based out of both Utah and California. The band has been pumping out positive, upbeat and catchy jams since 2006 and just this year released their newest, a self-titled album. Their song “Below The Surface” is a testament to all that is pop-punk.
– SLUG had the chance to chat with Issac Ellsworth, guitarist and vocalist of Moneypenny, on the phone while they were in Austin, TX at the SXSW Music Festival. Issac discussed band community ethics, the reception of their new album, the message behind Moneypenny and more.
Episode #142 – The Capitol 13, The Femme Medea, Babs De Lay
This week we’re checking out the serious legislative activity that has been going on in Utah and has been receiving nationwide attention. We speak with members of the Capital 13 and LGBT activist, Babs De Lay about the current state of gay rights here in Utah and the effect on the LGBTQ community. We hear music from Salt Lake City’s “freakshow soul-funk” group, La Femme Medea.
– On February 10th 2014, 13 community members supporting senate bill SB-100, blocked entrances to government meetings and demanded that the bill be discussed and voted on, rather than passed off without a second thought. These 13 people were later arrested and taken to jail for their efforts, and we at SLUG needed to know more, so we spoke with three members of the Capital 13 to discuss what happened that day.
– The Femme Medea may only have three members, but what they don’t have in numbers they make up for with their incredible sound: a gender-bending play on epic soul and folk music with beautiful vocals and lyrics backed by a sweeping cello and simple percussion. The group is currently recording a full-length album, but we have their single, “Brave,” to share with you.
– When Utah’s Amendment 3 was overturned and deemed unconstitutional, thousands flocked to courthouses across the state for the chance to finally be married. As quickly as the decision had been made, the Supreme Court put a stay on further marriages and our own Gov. Herpderp (Herbert) said those marriages would not be recognized by the state of Utah. SLUG sat down with LBGTQ activist Babs De Lay about her experience with this ruling and how it has affected her and her marriage.
Episode #141 – Chris Frost, Mkaio, Cathy Foy, SheJumps
With the winter fleeting and seasons beginning to change, SLUG is trying to take advantage of the snow while it’s still here! On this episode of SLUG Soundwaves we sit down with local snowboard pro, Chris Frost and speak with an organization that is dedicated to getting women into skiing and giving them the proper training. We listen to some snow-themed tracks along the way from locals Mkaio and Cathy Foy.
– The mountains of Utah call to the souls of many snowboarders and Chris Frost, a former Minnesota resident and current snowboarding professional, is no exception. SLUG sat down with Frost to discuss his start in the Utah snow industry at Brighton Resort and the future of his career.
– Mkaio began creating soundscapes in 2009 and released his first full-length in 2012. It’s hard to pin down his musical genre as he has dabbled in styles such as shoegaze, chillwave and ambient. Listen to the chill, electronic piece “Snow” from his 2013 release, Stars.
– A veteran of the Salt Lake music scene, Cathy Foy released her debut album in 2013. Quiet as the Hour is a soft working of vocals and instruments combined that is as haunting as it is uplifting and beautiful. We listen to “Long Time Winter Snow” from her solo release.
– SheJumps strives to get women involved in outdoor activities. The organization encourages women to get outside and teaches them the basics of various activities so that they can pass on the knowledge and eventually teach others. SLUG spoke with McKenna Peterson to find out about this amazing opportunity and discover exactly how far across the world the program has reached.
Episode #140 – Joshua James, Desert Noises, Northplatte Records
We can’t rage all the time, so this week we’re going for some easy listening. We speak with local folk musician Joshua James and co-founder of Northplatte Records, McKay Stevens. We hear music from James’ newest studio album and fellow label-mates, Desert Noises.
– Since his first release in 2006, Joshua James has been swooning people all over the country with his take on Americana. With five full-length albums under his belt, this juggernaut of folk doesn’t show any signs of retiring his voice or instruments anytime soon. SLUG recently spoke with James to pick his brain and find out what he has in the works.
– Subtle, soft and quiet only scratch the surface when describing the musical stylings of American Fork-based artist Joshua James. Check out the track “Styrofoam Boots” from his newest release, Well, Then, I’ll Go To Hell.
– Hailing from Provo, Desert Noises are an indie rock band who have been very busy since releasing their full-length album, Mountain Sea, back in 2011. Most recently, the group finished up a tour promoting their newest album which is due to be out this March. Listen to the song “Out Of My Head” from their upcoming release, 27 Ways.
– Northplatte Records has become a staple of Utah County musicians, with groups and artists like The Vibrant Sound, Sayde Price, Isaac Russell and Desert Noises calling the label home. SLUG sat down with co-founder McKay Stevens to find out more about this local record label.
Episode #139 – Yelp – Dinner & A Movie, The Hung Ups, S.L.F.M., Spring Movies with Jimmy Martin
On episode 139 of SLUG Soundwaves, Jeffrey from Yelp digs up the best places to get dinner and what movies to see after. We also hear from local bands The Hung Ups and S.L.F.M.
– Yelp’s, Jeffrey Steadman, has more tricks up his sleeve for Soundwaves listeners. Host Dan Nailen chats with the internet-knowledge guru and finds out the best places to grab satisfying and delicious local dinner fare.
– Fast and furious, The Hung Ups are a three-piece punk band who have been releasing music every year since forming in 2009. Digging into their anthology, we listen to the track “Crisis At The Pizza Store” off of their 2010 self-titled album.
– Dreamy, whimsical and gentle are only a few words that describe the ukulele punk/pop that is S.L.F.M. Jessica Davis, the voice and mind behind the music project, is currently wowing audiences on her nation wide tour to promote her latest album. We listen to “If We Died In The Movies” off of her 2011 release, The Kissing Party.
– SLUG’s film expert, Jimmy Martin gives Dan Nailen the lowdown on this Spring’s upcoming movie releases. Jimmy shares what he’s hopeful for as well as letting us know what movies to take heed of this upcoming season.
Episode #138 – Jay Whittaker, Chance Lewis, Jonny Brandin
At SLUG we try not to take things too seriously, so on this episode of Soundwaves we speak with stand up comedians Jay Whittaker and Jonny Brandin about their careers and the comedy scene in SLC. Along the way we hear music from Provo-based hip hop artist, Chance Lewis.
– Inspired by the loss of a close friend, Jay Whittaker took up stand up comedy using Salt Lake City as his home base. Our host Dan Nailen chats with Jay about his history with comedy and show business, daily inspirations and the budding comic scene here in Utah.
– Uplifting and honest, Chance Lewis challenges the norm with careful use of his words and a firm grip on the craft of sarcasm. His track “Life’s A Joke” reminds us that maybe we shouldn’t take our everyday bullshit so seriously.
– Starting his career in Las Vegas as a street performer, Jonny Brandin most recently made Salt Lake City his home. Jonny’s shows are often wild and unpredictable and in his interview with our host, divulges that he would “rather trick people into laughing” than use conventional means.
Episode #137 – Ruth Lewandowski WInes, The North Valley, Golden Sun, Yelp – Wines
We seem to be running with a liquor theme here on Soundwaves, but we’re sure you don’t mind. On Episode 137 we chat with a local wine maker, listen to some boozy tunes and find out the best places to buy and indulge in fermented grape beverage here in Salt Lake City.
– When he isn’t serving the patrons of Pago, Evan Lewandowski is hard at work perfecting the craft of winemaking. Evan tells us about his effort to keep natural ingredients a part of his blends and even has plans to start his own vineyard here in Utah.
– With southern twangs and heartfelt lyrics, The North Valley paint a picture of hard times and perseverance in modern times. Listen to the their track “Drink Alone” on this episode of Soundwaves.
– Brothers Jantzen, Chase and Weston make up the group Golden Sun, whose blend of alternative rock has been creeping its way into some big places the passed few years. Featured on this episode of Soundwaves is the title track from their 2011 release, “Wine Country.”
– Jeffery Steadman is back once again to bestow Yelp knowledge upon Soundwaves listeners and this time around he shares the best places to purchase/taste/enjoy wine here in Salt Lake City.
Episode #136 – Sean Hennefer, Visigoth, The Obliterate Plague, Making Fuck
On this episode of Soundwaves we speak with the local artist responsible for the cover of this month’s issue, chat with a member of MakingFuck about music and hear tunes from local bands that will be playing SLUG’s 25th Anniversary Party.
– Sean Hennefer is a local musician turned artist whose creativity produced the cover for SLUG’s 25th Anniversary Issue. He discusses the inspiration behind his oil painting “The Great Catsby” and the blossoming art scene here in Salt Lake City. Check out Sean’s work by picking up the newest issue of SLUG any place cool!
– Visigoth are a local, 5-piece band of epic proportions whose brand of heavy metal is fast, loud and reminiscent of power ballads from the 1980s. “Creature Of Desire” is sure to have you headbanging and hairi-caining.
– Like a shotgun blast to the face, The Obliterate Plague has been splattering skull fragments and brain matter with heavy blastbeats, unrelenting guitar riffs and satanic vocals since 1999. Their “Summoning Of The Dark Lords” is nothing short of terrifying.
– MakingFuck’s music doesn’t follow conventional means. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Kory Quist, speaks on casting music theory and timing aside and why pairing a cello with heavy guitar and slow, hardhitting drums makes their take on sludge metal a dark and chilling trip
Episode #135 – Slamdance, The Devil Makes Three, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Sundance 2014
Film Festival season has already come and gone. Were you lucky enough to make it to a premiere? If you missed out it’s okay, SLUG was at both Slamdance and Sundance to give you scathing opinions on upcoming films and educated insight into what was worth a damn on episode 135 of Soundwaves.
– Slamdance is a smaller festival with an intimate feel, providing independent filmmakers the chance premiere their work to other independent filmmakers. SLUG Editorial Assistant Alexander Ortega and Senior Writer John Ford discuss their favorites from the weeklong film gala.
– The Devil Makes Three recently passed through to play shows in Salt Lake and the Sundance Film Festival. Check out their song “Worse or Better” on this episode of Soundwaves!
– 20,000 Days on Earth gives you a look into a day of the iconic alternative rock star, Nick Cave. Using voice-overs, live performances and sessions from his home, filmmakers were able to create a story about Cave’s creative process. Listen to the title track for the film, “Push The Sky Away” on episode 135 of Soundwaves.
– Managing Editor Esther Meroño, Film Critic Jimmy Martin and Digital Content Coordinator Cody Kirkland were on hand to give exclusive SLUG coverage of the Sundance Film Festival. Our host Dan Nailen, chats with fellow SLUGgers about memorable, and forgettable, films at the popular festival.
Episode #134 – Liz Prince, Colossus, Dave Chisholm, Derek Hunter
On episode 134 of Soundwaves from the Underground, SLUG chats with local and distant illustrators to find out exactly what inspires them and what kind of careers are available to cartoonists.
– Often dealing with romance and bad luck, Liz Prince has a way of relating to readers through her comics. Her newest book, Alone Forever, deals with love, relationships, their eventual demise and the other problems that we, as humans, are bound to face.
– Dave Chisholm is both a comic book artist and an experienced musician. He was the mind behind “Let’s Go To Utah,” and since leaving the Beehive State to pursue higher education in New York, has collaborated with several groups. Last year Dave released an album with his jazz band, Colossus. Check out the track “Science Adventure” from their self-titled release on this episode of Soundwaves.
– Never one to limit himself to only a single form of expression, Dave Chisholm also releases music as a self-titled composer. This blend of jazz is more subtle and ethereal than his other projects, but is just as gripping. “Whisper,” from his 2011 release, Calligraphy, is a chilling walk through an array of sorrowful and wounded instrumentals.
– Derek Hunter, another cartoonist/musician from the valley, has found a career in cartoon illustration. His most current work includes backgrounds for Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time and various other creations for companies like Mattel, Disney and MTV Films. Despite keeping busy with his career, Derek also finds time to create original pieces for his website, PirateClub.com.