Voting is easy, just click here, and then play Colossus's The Operative. Colossus's nomination should appear on page 9 or 10 depending on your browser.
Now do your duty and help Colossus represent the Triangle!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Local Metal Act Colossus Needs Your Help!
Check It. WKNC has nominated local metal awesomeness, Colossus, for Song Joust Records' Battle of the Bands. If Colossus wins, then they will receive a sweet record deal.
Voting is easy, just click here, and then play Colossus's The Operative. Colossus's nomination should appear on page 9 or 10 depending on your browser.
Now do your duty and help Colossus represent the Triangle!
Voting is easy, just click here, and then play Colossus's The Operative. Colossus's nomination should appear on page 9 or 10 depending on your browser.
Now do your duty and help Colossus represent the Triangle!
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 27th-May 1st TICKET GIVEAWAYS
Here's the shows featured this week. Be sure to tune in Monday through Friday for chances to win!
Dinosaur Jr playing (TONIGHT) Mon, Apr 27 @ Cat’s Cradle
The Kills playing Tues, Apr 28 @ Cat’s Cradle
Reverend Horton Heat playing Fri, May 1 @ Cat’s Cradle
Friday, April 24, 2009
Editing the Revolution
We at WKNC have a lot to say.
If you get one of our DJs talking about music, be sure you have a lot of time on your hands -- it will most likely be a long conversation.
But our listeners probably wouldn't appreciate lengthy discussions of this type on the air, because that's not what the station is for. You don't tune in for talking, you tune in for music.
That's the beauty of the WKNC Blog. Our DJs have an outlet to fill you in on everything to do with all of our formats -- Daytime Rock, Local Music, Underground Hip-Hop, Chainsaw Rock and specialty shows, along with extras such as multimedia and promotions.
This blog is a relatively new project, and I, Emcee Luck, am serving as its first editor. I'm constantly on the hunt for new ideas for blog posts, and that's where you, the readers come in.
What do you want to see on our blog? More posts like The 88 Hottest Women in Indie Rock? More reviews of local shows and music festivals?
Send me your suggestions for blog content at blog@wknc.org.
If you get one of our DJs talking about music, be sure you have a lot of time on your hands -- it will most likely be a long conversation.
But our listeners probably wouldn't appreciate lengthy discussions of this type on the air, because that's not what the station is for. You don't tune in for talking, you tune in for music.
That's the beauty of the WKNC Blog. Our DJs have an outlet to fill you in on everything to do with all of our formats -- Daytime Rock, Local Music, Underground Hip-Hop, Chainsaw Rock and specialty shows, along with extras such as multimedia and promotions.
This blog is a relatively new project, and I, Emcee Luck, am serving as its first editor. I'm constantly on the hunt for new ideas for blog posts, and that's where you, the readers come in.
What do you want to see on our blog? More posts like The 88 Hottest Women in Indie Rock? More reviews of local shows and music festivals?
Send me your suggestions for blog content at blog@wknc.org.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
88.1 WKNC Pick of the Week 4/22
'Love at the End of the World' is bland in the end
Drew St. Claire
As the tag on this album informed me, "Sam Roberts is from Canada." Now, I have no problems with our neighbors to the north--I'm a huge fan of hockey and I've always adored their delicious syrups. But, I have to concede that Love at the End of the World falls just a bit short of American quality.
The album starts off with its title track, and showcases a lot of the positive aspects Mr. Roberts has going for him and his version of indie rock. The intro has a folksy Western pulse to it, and after Sam's vocals come in, it melts into a rock beat that is reminiscent of the Raconteurs or JET, but a little bit more subdued. His voice is interesting and similar in timbre to John Lennon or Liam Gallagher from Oasis, but with accents of Steely Dan.
"Stripmall Religion" opens up exactly like something from the Coldplay catalogue, but Roberts' voice works well in lieu of Chris Martin. The song then transitions into a simple Pinback-style rhythm and some decent lyrics about isolation and disillusionment in modern American, or I'd suppose Canadian society.
One of Roberts' last good stands on the album is "Them Kids." Opening with a Minus the Bear-type vibe and breaking into a happy danceable tune about nostalgia for a day when kids knew how to rock n' roll, "Them Kids" is an example of where the Canadian's music shines. But, with the small exception of tracks like "Fixed to Ruin" and "Oh Maria", the album doesn't offer much of anything new.
It just sort of fades into the background with a steady melody, only reminding me of its presence ever so often with a jolt from one of the more lively tracks. The softer parts don't have enough to say to make me want listen closer, and most of the louder parts don't offer more than a tempo for clicking my tongue.
If you're very involved with the indie rock scene, you've probably already bought this album or you know there is no way you would ever buy it. If you are not quite that knowledgeable, I'd recommend a stepping stone or two before you decide on this one. Your money might best be spent on something guaranteed to please, like Pinback or Arcade Fire. Better yet, you could try checking out some of the local bands, like Red Collar and Birds of Avalon.
In short, Love at the End of the World is like the maple syrup they make in Sam Roberts' homeland -- sweet and flavorful at first, but after a while it just gets bland.
Drew St. Claire
As the tag on this album informed me, "Sam Roberts is from Canada." Now, I have no problems with our neighbors to the north--I'm a huge fan of hockey and I've always adored their delicious syrups. But, I have to concede that Love at the End of the World falls just a bit short of American quality.
The album starts off with its title track, and showcases a lot of the positive aspects Mr. Roberts has going for him and his version of indie rock. The intro has a folksy Western pulse to it, and after Sam's vocals come in, it melts into a rock beat that is reminiscent of the Raconteurs or JET, but a little bit more subdued. His voice is interesting and similar in timbre to John Lennon or Liam Gallagher from Oasis, but with accents of Steely Dan.
"Stripmall Religion" opens up exactly like something from the Coldplay catalogue, but Roberts' voice works well in lieu of Chris Martin. The song then transitions into a simple Pinback-style rhythm and some decent lyrics about isolation and disillusionment in modern American, or I'd suppose Canadian society.
One of Roberts' last good stands on the album is "Them Kids." Opening with a Minus the Bear-type vibe and breaking into a happy danceable tune about nostalgia for a day when kids knew how to rock n' roll, "Them Kids" is an example of where the Canadian's music shines. But, with the small exception of tracks like "Fixed to Ruin" and "Oh Maria", the album doesn't offer much of anything new.
It just sort of fades into the background with a steady melody, only reminding me of its presence ever so often with a jolt from one of the more lively tracks. The softer parts don't have enough to say to make me want listen closer, and most of the louder parts don't offer more than a tempo for clicking my tongue.
If you're very involved with the indie rock scene, you've probably already bought this album or you know there is no way you would ever buy it. If you are not quite that knowledgeable, I'd recommend a stepping stone or two before you decide on this one. Your money might best be spent on something guaranteed to please, like Pinback or Arcade Fire. Better yet, you could try checking out some of the local bands, like Red Collar and Birds of Avalon.
In short, Love at the End of the World is like the maple syrup they make in Sam Roberts' homeland -- sweet and flavorful at first, but after a while it just gets bland.
88.1 WKNC DJ Pick of the Week is published in every Tuesday print edition of the Technician, as well as online at technicianonline.com and wknc.org.
4/23 Local Beer Local Band Night – The Proclivities and Becca Stevens
The Proclivities and Becca Stevens will be playing at our weekly event, Local Beer Local Band Night, at Tir Na Nog this Thursday 4/23. It's free to get in and Tir Na Nog has local brew specials. Come out and support your community! See ya there!
Also, the Proclivities will be in the WKNC studio on Thursday for the 5 o'clock shadow! DJ Spaceman Spiff and DJ May Day will be talking to the band and showcasing some of their tunes! Tune in at 5pm.
Also, the Proclivities will be in the WKNC studio on Thursday for the 5 o'clock shadow! DJ Spaceman Spiff and DJ May Day will be talking to the band and showcasing some of their tunes! Tune in at 5pm.
A weekend at Shakori Hills
This past weekend marked the 7th Annual Spring Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance (they also hold one in the fall).
The Shakori family was kind enough to throw some press passes at WKNC so that we could do a little exploring, and we had a great time!
It's four days of camping and music in a very laid back, family atmosphere. When the MC took the stage he made a short announcement to the effect of "We don't care what you drink, just put it in a cup so the kids can't see. Also, we don't care what you smoke, just please don't do it within 25ft of the stage, we have a lot of children up here". Good enough for me!
There were some incredible acts, including the legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley and his Clinch Mountain Boys. The good doctor has been touring since 1946 and won three Grammys for his contributions to the soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?". I was lucky enough to meet the Father of Mountain Soul at a filming of PBS's Mountain Stage in Bristol, TN/VA in 2006 and seeing him again in this personal setting was the highlight of my weekend!
Other acts included folk artist Des Ark, ambient world-grass The Overtakers (another highlight for me), The New Familiars, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Big Fat Gap and of course the festival-founders themselves, Donna the Buffalo. Music of all types was present; folk, bluegrass, jazz, soul, reggae and hip-hop.
The festival had plenty of other activities aside from the concerts as well. A poetry slam, morning yoga classes, and an African drum workshop entertained fans of all ages. Stella and I even got our grooves back at the Elikem African Dance Worshop, (I was definitely the least rythymic person out there).
Overall, a fun time for anyone who had the chance to come out. The perfect weather didn't hurt either.
To learn more, peep the site.. http://www.shakorihills.org/
Ol' River Haynes - The Hippie Hour Sundays 2-4
Earth Day Concert This Friday (Students Only!)
As finals rapidly approach, and "Dead Week" proves to be much more lively with work, students are in need of some R&R before hitting the books. Luckily, Earth Day seems to offer some salvation. Starting at 6pm on this Friday (April 24th), Annuals, Lonnie Walker, and Cougar Magnum will be rocking Lee Field (located behind Sullivan and Lee residence halls) to raise awareness for Earth Day.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show is scheduled to last until 11 p.m. This event is only open to N.C. State students and their guests (one guest per student and guests must have a valid student ID). While you wait for the show to start, be sure to check out the WKNC table which will be showcasing awesome merch such as Double Barrel Benefit 6 shirts, WKNC logoed shirts, koozies, and buttons.
For more information about Earth Day, check out the Web site. Also be sure to stop by the Energy Fair which will take place on NC State's Brickyard- Wednesday April 22nd. More than 60 vendors will be taking part in NC State's 2009 Earth Day which will feature the EcoCAR Challenge and the FREEDM Center's hybrid car.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show is scheduled to last until 11 p.m. This event is only open to N.C. State students and their guests (one guest per student and guests must have a valid student ID). While you wait for the show to start, be sure to check out the WKNC table which will be showcasing awesome merch such as Double Barrel Benefit 6 shirts, WKNC logoed shirts, koozies, and buttons.
For more information about Earth Day, check out the Web site. Also be sure to stop by the Energy Fair which will take place on NC State's Brickyard- Wednesday April 22nd. More than 60 vendors will be taking part in NC State's 2009 Earth Day which will feature the EcoCAR Challenge and the FREEDM Center's hybrid car.
Photo Bloggings: Duo-Fest 3 4/18/09
For the last three years, the good people at Bull City Headquarters, Durham's community bicycle co-op/art space/occasional concert venue, has presented the Duo Fest, which showcases a diverse variety of two-person bands. This years Duo Fest was last Saturday, and I must say it was amazing. From the country tinged folk of Sequoya, to the intense sludge metal of Curtains of Night, the one-day festival had a little something for everyone. It was almost too much rock and roll for one day; there were fifteen bands playing for about nine hours. Even though I arrived about an hour late and sadly missed Battle Rockets and most of Sawteeth McTweedy, by the end of this epic day of constant musical stimulation I was totally exhausted. But, it was more than worth it to stick around to the end.
I, not being much of a writer, will not go into great detail on the fantastic show most of you missed, instead I'll just post a bunch of pictures.
Ticket Giveaways This Week! (April 20th-25th)
WKNC has more tickets this week to giveaway. Check out what the deejays will be distributing during the daytime rock formats:
Left Outlet playing @ The Pour House Thursday April 23rd
American Aquarium playing @ The Pour House Saturday April 25th
Toubab Krewe playing @ Lincoln Theatre Saturday April 25th
Listen on 88.1 or streaming online
Sneak Peek for next weeks giveaways:
Dinosaur Jr - Mon, Apr 27 @ Cat's
The Kills - Tues, Apr 28 @ Cat's
Reverend Horton Heat - Fri, May 1 @ Cat's
Kings of Leon & The Walkmen Ticket Giveaways
The Promotions Team here with another chance to win Kings of Leon & The Walkmen tickets. Both bands are making an appearance at the Booth Amphitheatre in Cary on April 28th. WKNC has been approved for 10 pairs of tickets and we’re going to give them away up until Friday April 24th. Stay tuned all week for your chance to win.
Naming their band after their father, Leon, a Pentecostal preacher who instilled the fear of God in parishioners across the heartland, the Kings of Leon began to embrace music after a devastating divorce that split their family. The boys honed their Southern roots towards a more gritty, garage and secular sound, a style that is considered taboo to their religious upbringings. In late 2006, just before release of Kings' third album, Because of the Times, the band opened for Bob Dylan and gained them international popularity.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Local Beat recap 4/10/09
Wow, what a day. We started off the Local Beat with an interview and in-studio performance by one of my favorite bands around, Bombadil. They played previously unreleased "Kate and Kelsey" and were also kind enough to let us spin a few tracks off of their yet-to-be-released album, Tarpits and Canyonlands (see video below)
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/3382352[/vimeo].
We talked about the imminent loss of Stuart, Daniel's injured hand, the NC State Brickyard preachers, and how none of these things will stop the momentum that Bombadil has with new album to be released soon.
Lastly, they provided a hint as to their concert garb for the evening (see pictures below). Check out the interview.
Bombadil 4/10 Part 1
Bombadil 4/10 Part 2
Bombadil 4/10 Part 3
As Bombadil was leaving the studio, we were shuffling Double Barrel Benefit 6 band Lost in the Trees (2/13 of them, anyway) into the studio. They also played a previously unreleased track called "A Church that Fits our Needs," a stunningly beautiful song with, as we noted, a touch of folk. We also talked about their upcoming date at the Shakori Hills Festival and some work the band is doing in schools (promoting rock, or pop, or whatever it should be called). Finally, we talked about the band's next album, which should be released sometime this fall (check the Trekky Records website for more info). They also spoke a little about the show that night at the Lincoln Theatre.
Check out the Lost in the Trees interview below.
Lost in the Trees 4/10 Part 1
Lost in the Trees 4/10 Part 2
Lost in the Trees 4/10 Part 3
The lineup for that show was as follows:
Lost in the Trees
Benji Hughes (who put on just about the drunkest, most hilarious act I've seen in a while)
Bombadil
Our last guest of the evening was Ryan Richardson of the Kingsbury Manx, who joined us by phone. We talked about the band's label, Odessa Records (owned and managed by band member Paul Finn). Odessa was having its "label release" party at Cat's Cradle that night, which included all 3 bands on the label:
Americans in France
Impossible Arms
Kingsbury Manx
Check out the interview below.
Kingsbury Manx 4/10 Part 1
Kingsbury Manx 4/10 Part 2
Check out the pictures from the Lincoln Theatre show below and visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/not_a_photographer/ for more of the same.
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/3382352[/vimeo].
We talked about the imminent loss of Stuart, Daniel's injured hand, the NC State Brickyard preachers, and how none of these things will stop the momentum that Bombadil has with new album to be released soon.
Lastly, they provided a hint as to their concert garb for the evening (see pictures below). Check out the interview.
Bombadil 4/10 Part 1
Bombadil 4/10 Part 2
Bombadil 4/10 Part 3
As Bombadil was leaving the studio, we were shuffling Double Barrel Benefit 6 band Lost in the Trees (2/13 of them, anyway) into the studio. They also played a previously unreleased track called "A Church that Fits our Needs," a stunningly beautiful song with, as we noted, a touch of folk. We also talked about their upcoming date at the Shakori Hills Festival and some work the band is doing in schools (promoting rock, or pop, or whatever it should be called). Finally, we talked about the band's next album, which should be released sometime this fall (check the Trekky Records website for more info). They also spoke a little about the show that night at the Lincoln Theatre.
Check out the Lost in the Trees interview below.
Lost in the Trees 4/10 Part 1
Lost in the Trees 4/10 Part 2
Lost in the Trees 4/10 Part 3
The lineup for that show was as follows:
Lost in the Trees
Benji Hughes (who put on just about the drunkest, most hilarious act I've seen in a while)
Bombadil
Our last guest of the evening was Ryan Richardson of the Kingsbury Manx, who joined us by phone. We talked about the band's label, Odessa Records (owned and managed by band member Paul Finn). Odessa was having its "label release" party at Cat's Cradle that night, which included all 3 bands on the label:
Americans in France
Impossible Arms
Kingsbury Manx
Check out the interview below.
Kingsbury Manx 4/10 Part 1
Kingsbury Manx 4/10 Part 2
Check out the pictures from the Lincoln Theatre show below and visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/not_a_photographer/ for more of the same.
'One Day' showcases alumni
Yamil Camacho
Technician Staff Writer
What is one day in the life of a rapper? Mainstream ideas of the life of a rapper show it composed of parties, high-price cars and questionable activities. Napoleon Wright’s documentary, One Day seeks to refute that stereotype. The film follows each member of Kooley High, a local group made up of N.C. State alumni.
One Day will be showing at Witherspoon Cinema on Monday, April 20, starting at 7:30 with DJ sets from DJ J. Wall, DJ Nominal and Kooley High’s own DJ Ill Digitz. The event is a collaboration between WKNC and the UAB. It is free to all students.
Kooley High will open for Wale at the Cat’s Cradle April 16.
For more about the film and quotes from Kooley High's Tab One, check out the full story here.
Technician Staff Writer
What is one day in the life of a rapper? Mainstream ideas of the life of a rapper show it composed of parties, high-price cars and questionable activities. Napoleon Wright’s documentary, One Day seeks to refute that stereotype. The film follows each member of Kooley High, a local group made up of N.C. State alumni.
One Day will be showing at Witherspoon Cinema on Monday, April 20, starting at 7:30 with DJ sets from DJ J. Wall, DJ Nominal and Kooley High’s own DJ Ill Digitz. The event is a collaboration between WKNC and the UAB. It is free to all students.
Kooley High will open for Wale at the Cat’s Cradle April 16.
For more about the film and quotes from Kooley High's Tab One, check out the full story here.
WKNC CHARTS: Top 30 for the week ending 4/13
Enjoy!
1 AMADOU AND MARIAM Welcome To Mali (Nonesuch)
2 TELEKINESIS Telekinesis! (Merge)
3 MIRAH (A)spera (K)
4 WHITE LIES To Lose My Life (Interscope)
5 SOFT TAGS Blue House (Self-Released)
6 BURNING HEARTS Aboa Sleeping (Shelflife)
7 AMERICANS IN FRANCE Pretzelvania (ODESSA)
8 KINETIC STEREOKIDS Kid Moves (Overdraft)
9 POMEGRANATES Everybody Come Outside (Lujo)
10 GRANDCHILDREN Cold Warrior (Self-Released)
11 DEAD HEART BLOOM In Chains (KEI)
12 YEAH YEAH YEAHS It's Blitz (Interscope)
13 IT HUGS BACK Inside Your Guitar (4AD)
14 GRAY YOUNG Firmament
15 HAMMER NO MORE THE FINGERS Looking For Bruce (Churchkey)
16 DAN DEACON Bromst (Carpark)
17 OBITS I Blame You (SUB POP)
18 THOUGHTS Consider The Bear (Brass Tax Collective)
19 MAX INDIAN You Can Go Anywhere, Do Anything (Self-Released)
20 SHOLI Sholi (Quarterstick)
21 BEN KWELLER Changing Horses (ATO Records)
22 LOVE LANGUAGE The Love Language (Bladen County)
23 SUPERCHUNK Leaves In The Gutter [EP] (Merge)
24 RED RED MEAT Bunny Gets Paid (SUB POP)
25 ROBYN HITCHCOCK AND THE VENUS 3 Goodnight Oslo (Yep Roc)
26 HANDSOME FURS Face Control (Sub Pop)
27 ELVIS PERKINS IN DEARLAND Elvis Perkins In Dearland (XL)
28 VEILS Sun Gangs (Rough Trade)
29 GLISS Devotion Implosion (Rykodisc)
30 THIEVES LIKE US Play Music (Shelflife
Radio Adds:
1 SCREAMING FEMALES Power Move (Don Giovanni)
2 KINGSBURY MANX Ascenseur Ouvert! (ODESSA)
3 HARLEM SHAKES Technicolor Health (Gigantic)
4 METRIC Fantasies (Self Released)
Word up.
1 AMADOU AND MARIAM Welcome To Mali (Nonesuch)
2 TELEKINESIS Telekinesis! (Merge)
3 MIRAH (A)spera (K)
4 WHITE LIES To Lose My Life (Interscope)
5 SOFT TAGS Blue House (Self-Released)
6 BURNING HEARTS Aboa Sleeping (Shelflife)
7 AMERICANS IN FRANCE Pretzelvania (ODESSA)
8 KINETIC STEREOKIDS Kid Moves (Overdraft)
9 POMEGRANATES Everybody Come Outside (Lujo)
10 GRANDCHILDREN Cold Warrior (Self-Released)
11 DEAD HEART BLOOM In Chains (KEI)
12 YEAH YEAH YEAHS It's Blitz (Interscope)
13 IT HUGS BACK Inside Your Guitar (4AD)
14 GRAY YOUNG Firmament
15 HAMMER NO MORE THE FINGERS Looking For Bruce (Churchkey)
16 DAN DEACON Bromst (Carpark)
17 OBITS I Blame You (SUB POP)
18 THOUGHTS Consider The Bear (Brass Tax Collective)
19 MAX INDIAN You Can Go Anywhere, Do Anything (Self-Released)
20 SHOLI Sholi (Quarterstick)
21 BEN KWELLER Changing Horses (ATO Records)
22 LOVE LANGUAGE The Love Language (Bladen County)
23 SUPERCHUNK Leaves In The Gutter [EP] (Merge)
24 RED RED MEAT Bunny Gets Paid (SUB POP)
25 ROBYN HITCHCOCK AND THE VENUS 3 Goodnight Oslo (Yep Roc)
26 HANDSOME FURS Face Control (Sub Pop)
27 ELVIS PERKINS IN DEARLAND Elvis Perkins In Dearland (XL)
28 VEILS Sun Gangs (Rough Trade)
29 GLISS Devotion Implosion (Rykodisc)
30 THIEVES LIKE US Play Music (Shelflife
Radio Adds:
1 SCREAMING FEMALES Power Move (Don Giovanni)
2 KINGSBURY MANX Ascenseur Ouvert! (ODESSA)
3 HARLEM SHAKES Technicolor Health (Gigantic)
4 METRIC Fantasies (Self Released)
Word up.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Dave Matthews Band & Avett Brothers Giveaways! (April 13th-17th)
That's right. We worked our WKNC magic and managed to score extra ticket giveaways for the Dave Matthews Band and Avett Brothers show at Time Warner Cable Pavilion at Walnut Creek April 22nd.
Here's the catch:
At some point during this week, the daytime deejays will say the lyrics to an Avett Brothers' or DMB's song and you must complete the phrase.
Know the rights words, be the first caller, and you'll find yourself on your way to a great show!
Here's the catch:
At some point during this week, the daytime deejays will say the lyrics to an Avett Brothers' or DMB's song and you must complete the phrase.
Know the rights words, be the first caller, and you'll find yourself on your way to a great show!
4/16 Local Beer Local Band Night – The Magic Babies and The Huguenots
The Magic Babies and The Huguenots will be playing at WKNC's and Tir Na Nog's Local Beer Local Band Night this Thursday night at Tir Na Nog. It's free! See you there!
Friday, April 10, 2009
State of State #8: Finish the Bell Tower
On this edition of State of State M.C. talks with N.C. State graduate student Matt Robbins, chairman of the Traditions Commission, about Finish the Bell Tower, a student-initiated movement to raise money for a 54-bell carillon for the campus's famous bell tower.State of State #8: Finish the Bell Tower
Local Beat preview 4/10/09
So I've been busy / lazy this week, and this post is about 24 hours overdue.
But either way, we have a hell of a show for you tonight:
At 5:00, Bombadil will be in studio, with instruments.
Lost in the Trees will be joining us after that.
At 6:15, we'll have the Kingsbury Manx on for a phone interview.
And, as usual, we'll be going over some of the (amazing) shows on tap for this weekend.
Tune in at 88.1 FM or online!
But either way, we have a hell of a show for you tonight:
At 5:00, Bombadil will be in studio, with instruments.
Lost in the Trees will be joining us after that.
At 6:15, we'll have the Kingsbury Manx on for a phone interview.
And, as usual, we'll be going over some of the (amazing) shows on tap for this weekend.
Tune in at 88.1 FM or online!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
88.1 WKNC Pick of the Week 4/7
'Homesick' bridges gap for fans
Brian Dimsdale
A Day to Remember has been around for a while. The band, whose humble beginnings date back to 2003, has put out three albums, including the band's latest, Homesick. They have toured relentlessly, creating a major following and making them a heavy contender in the alternative music scene. Over the years ADTR has tweaked their sound in order to combine catchy guitar riffs and an overall pop-punk sound with the signature metalcore voice of lead singer Jeremy McKinnon. Homesick proves that ADTR have finally reached the pinnacle of the pop-punk/hardcore sound that they have been striving for.
From the get go, Homesick grabs hold of your eardrums and doesn't let go. Consisting of amazing vocals, heart throbbing beats and a number of vocal guests including Mike Hranica from The Devil Wears Prada and Sierra Kusterbeck from Versa Emerge, this album keeps you hooked throughout the entire 40 minutes. The first track, "The Downfall of us All", sets the overall mood for this album with gang vocals followed by McKinnon screaming "Let's go!"‚ and a guitar riff that gets your blood flowing and adrenaline pumping. From that moment on, the album takes you through twelve tracks dealing with the band's inner turmoil of life on the road while missing their loved ones and the town they grew up in.
The album presses on with melodic tracks that have a catchy and pop-punk sound, such as "My Life for Hire"‚ and "I'm Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made of?", all the while intermingling McKinnon's powerful voice and the ear-busting guitar riffs that the band is known for. From there the album transitions straight into the track "Mr. Highway's Thinking About the End", which has a sound reminiscent to the likes of Underoath's Define The Great Line.
Midway through Homesick, the track "Have Faith in Me", a song about never wanting to leave a loved one, starts off to a beautiful guitar solo helping to slow down the tempo. McKinnon's soothing voice helps to bring the listener back out of the trance as the beat picks up with the lyrics "I said I'd never let you go, and I never did/I said I'd never let you fall, and I always meant it." Just as you think the album is going in one direction, the next track "Welcome to My Family" hits you like a ton of bricks. It wakes you up and shows that ADTR has gotten transitioning from pop-punk to metalcore down to a science.
Homesick is A Day to Remember's best album to date, intermingling what normally would be considered conflicting sounds into an alternative rock masterpiece. The band has bridged the gap for listeners on either side of the music spectrum and will continue to rule the pop-punk/hardcore scene, until they truly do become homesick, which hopefully won't be any time soon.
Brian Dimsdale
A Day to Remember has been around for a while. The band, whose humble beginnings date back to 2003, has put out three albums, including the band's latest, Homesick. They have toured relentlessly, creating a major following and making them a heavy contender in the alternative music scene. Over the years ADTR has tweaked their sound in order to combine catchy guitar riffs and an overall pop-punk sound with the signature metalcore voice of lead singer Jeremy McKinnon. Homesick proves that ADTR have finally reached the pinnacle of the pop-punk/hardcore sound that they have been striving for.
From the get go, Homesick grabs hold of your eardrums and doesn't let go. Consisting of amazing vocals, heart throbbing beats and a number of vocal guests including Mike Hranica from The Devil Wears Prada and Sierra Kusterbeck from Versa Emerge, this album keeps you hooked throughout the entire 40 minutes. The first track, "The Downfall of us All", sets the overall mood for this album with gang vocals followed by McKinnon screaming "Let's go!"‚ and a guitar riff that gets your blood flowing and adrenaline pumping. From that moment on, the album takes you through twelve tracks dealing with the band's inner turmoil of life on the road while missing their loved ones and the town they grew up in.
The album presses on with melodic tracks that have a catchy and pop-punk sound, such as "My Life for Hire"‚ and "I'm Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made of?", all the while intermingling McKinnon's powerful voice and the ear-busting guitar riffs that the band is known for. From there the album transitions straight into the track "Mr. Highway's Thinking About the End", which has a sound reminiscent to the likes of Underoath's Define The Great Line.
Midway through Homesick, the track "Have Faith in Me", a song about never wanting to leave a loved one, starts off to a beautiful guitar solo helping to slow down the tempo. McKinnon's soothing voice helps to bring the listener back out of the trance as the beat picks up with the lyrics "I said I'd never let you go, and I never did/I said I'd never let you fall, and I always meant it." Just as you think the album is going in one direction, the next track "Welcome to My Family" hits you like a ton of bricks. It wakes you up and shows that ADTR has gotten transitioning from pop-punk to metalcore down to a science.
Homesick is A Day to Remember's best album to date, intermingling what normally would be considered conflicting sounds into an alternative rock masterpiece. The band has bridged the gap for listeners on either side of the music spectrum and will continue to rule the pop-punk/hardcore scene, until they truly do become homesick, which hopefully won't be any time soon.
88.1 WKNC DJ Pick of the Week is published in every Tuesday print edition of the Technician, as well as online at technicianonline.com and wknc.org.
Monday, April 6, 2009
More Ticket Giveaways This Week (April 6th-April 12th)
In addition to the Shakori Hills giveaways this week, we have other shows we're giving free passes to that you might want to check out:
The Design w/ Sun Domingo playing @ Lincoln Theatre Thursday April 9th
Bombadil w/ Benji Hughes and Lost in the Trees playing @ Lincoln Theatre Friday April 10th
Urban Sophisticates w/ O Period playing @ Lincoln Theatre Saturday April 11th
Nappy Luv 7.5 Hosted by Amanda Diva featuring 9th Wonder playing @ Lincoln Theatre Sunday April 12th
4/9 LOCAL BEER LOCAL BAND – The Magpies and On Photon
On Photon and The Magpies will be playing at Local Beer Local Band Night at Tir Na Nog this Thursday, April 9. For those that don't know, Local Beer Local Band Night is WKNC's and Tir Na Nog's weekly event showcasing the best local bands with local beer specials! So come out and support your community!! You can write off the money you spend on beer on your taxes! Oh yeah, it's FREE to get in!Tune in on Wednesday at 1pm as DJ Chuck will be interviewing On Photon!
Shakori Hills: Band Interviews & Ticket Giveaways (all this week)
Break out your chain belts, leather vests, and peace symbols and join WKNC at the Shakori Hills Grassroots music festival on Saturday April 18th. We'll be broadcasting live all day and to celebrate, we're giving away 5 pairs of day passes for the festival this week. Make sure to tune in for your chances to win and don't forget to check out the live interviews with some of the performing bands.
The Line Up:
Wednesday April 8th, DJ Chuck will be kickin' it with Holy Ghost Tent Revivial from 1-3pm
Monday April 13th, DJ Special K will be hanging with the guys from Butterflies from 4-5pm
Interviews with Lost in the Trees, New Familars, and The Old Ceremony are TBA
The Line Up:
Wednesday April 8th, DJ Chuck will be kickin' it with Holy Ghost Tent Revivial from 1-3pm
Monday April 13th, DJ Special K will be hanging with the guys from Butterflies from 4-5pm
Interviews with Lost in the Trees, New Familars, and The Old Ceremony are TBA
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Local Beat recap 4/3/09
While it was a beautiful day in Raleigh, NC (and a perfect day for First Friday), the rain seemed to follow our baseball team all the way to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It's been a rough year for the Pack, and the constant rain delays turned into double headers can't have helped their focus or consistency.
While it might have been frustrating for baseball fans, it did mean that the Local Beat received an impromptu extra hour--back to the 5-8 timeblock! A little before the 6:00 hour, Brian Walsby, drummer of Double Negative and renowned comic artist, and Charles Cardello, co-founder of Bifocal Media, joined us in the studio. We talked a little bit about the Manchild 4 comic and Melvins CD release party. Walsby described Double Negative as a cross between Cat Stevens and Bread.
Walsby Interview 4/3 1 of 5
A little later on, Scott Phillips of Goner, Scott Williams (also of Double Negative) and Chris Jones (of The Loners) stopped in. We talked about party/show events as well as the growth of Raleigh as it relates to the cultural scene, and the unofficial pre-party dining location, The Remedy. But mostly, we chewed the fat.
Walsby Interview 4/3, Part 2 of 5
Walsby Interview 4/3, Part 3 of 5
Walsby Interview 4/3, Part 4 of 5
Walsby Interview 4/3, Part 5 of 5
So once again, the party is at Tir Na Nog tonight (Saturday the 4th) and will feature the following lineup:
Des Ark
The Loners
Goner
Double Negative
With the $10 price of admission comes food, a copy of the 4th installment in Walsby's Manchild comic series, and a previously unreleased Melvins CD entitled Pick Your Battles, which features live music from two shows: one in Berkeley, Ca, in 1989, and the other in Boston, Ma, in 2008.
After the crew left, we played "Automobiles," a cut off of the new Hammer No More the Fingers album Looking for Bruce. They are releasing the album tonight at the Duke Coffeehouse alongside the Dry Heathens, the Future Kings of Nowhere, Deleted Scenes, and The Beast. This is all part of what they're calling "Viking Storm."
So whether you're in Raleigh or Durham tonight, you have a pretty epic event to attend. Decisions, decisions.
While it might have been frustrating for baseball fans, it did mean that the Local Beat received an impromptu extra hour--back to the 5-8 timeblock! A little before the 6:00 hour, Brian Walsby, drummer of Double Negative and renowned comic artist, and Charles Cardello, co-founder of Bifocal Media, joined us in the studio. We talked a little bit about the Manchild 4 comic and Melvins CD release party. Walsby described Double Negative as a cross between Cat Stevens and Bread.
Walsby Interview 4/3 1 of 5
A little later on, Scott Phillips of Goner, Scott Williams (also of Double Negative) and Chris Jones (of The Loners) stopped in. We talked about party/show events as well as the growth of Raleigh as it relates to the cultural scene, and the unofficial pre-party dining location, The Remedy. But mostly, we chewed the fat.
Walsby Interview 4/3, Part 2 of 5
Walsby Interview 4/3, Part 3 of 5
Walsby Interview 4/3, Part 4 of 5
Walsby Interview 4/3, Part 5 of 5
So once again, the party is at Tir Na Nog tonight (Saturday the 4th) and will feature the following lineup:
Des Ark
The Loners
Goner
Double Negative
With the $10 price of admission comes food, a copy of the 4th installment in Walsby's Manchild comic series, and a previously unreleased Melvins CD entitled Pick Your Battles, which features live music from two shows: one in Berkeley, Ca, in 1989, and the other in Boston, Ma, in 2008.
After the crew left, we played "Automobiles," a cut off of the new Hammer No More the Fingers album Looking for Bruce. They are releasing the album tonight at the Duke Coffeehouse alongside the Dry Heathens, the Future Kings of Nowhere, Deleted Scenes, and The Beast. This is all part of what they're calling "Viking Storm."
So whether you're in Raleigh or Durham tonight, you have a pretty epic event to attend. Decisions, decisions.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
First Friday Scavenger Hunt
Our good friends with The North Carolina Museum of Art Contemporaries and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance present the second annual First Friday Scavenger Hunt this Friday, April 3rd. It's a race to discover the abundance of art in downtown Raleigh with a $1,000 cash prize to the top team. If you missed the pre-registation deadline, you can show up for on-site registration at the City Market between 5 and 6 p.m. Yours truly The Revolution will be on hand, so be sure to stop by our table, say hey and pick up a new WKNC T-shirt.
Local Beat preview 4/3/09
On a baseball-shortened (6pm - 8pm) Local Beat tomorrow (Friday the 3rd), we will be having Scott Phillips from Goner and Chris Jones from the Loners.
Goner and the Loners represent two of four bands that will be rocking Tir Na Nog Saturday night for the Brian Walsby Comic / Melvins CD Release party. If you want more info, check here.
We'll be talking about the release party and local music in general. If you have any questions to ask the bands, shoot them to me here or call in during the show at 919-515-2400 or 919-860-0881.
See you out on the airwaves!
Goner and the Loners represent two of four bands that will be rocking Tir Na Nog Saturday night for the Brian Walsby Comic / Melvins CD Release party. If you want more info, check here.
We'll be talking about the release party and local music in general. If you have any questions to ask the bands, shoot them to me here or call in during the show at 919-515-2400 or 919-860-0881.
See you out on the airwaves!
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