Tag Archives: music

October 27, 2017 · 9:02 am

Check Out the Homoground Podcast

Homoground is a queer (identified & allied) podcast focusing on bands, events, and organizations that often get overlooked by mainstream publications and platforms. Run by Lynn Casper, and based out of Brooklyn, the podcast’s first episode aired in January 2011 and has quickly become a favorite of the queer community.

Casper, who was born in the Philippines, and grew up in North Carolina, became inspired to start the podcast as an outlet for a part of them that had been kept repressed, and as a way to connect with others who were in similar situations. They used the podcast to talk about music they’d discovered and to draw attention to bands that were touring in the area – always making sure to focus on artists who didn’t have easy access to a broad range of exposure otherwise.

“We aren’t blindly picking songs out of a catalog,” Casper says, “Bands seek us out and oftentimes confess their biggest challenges and successes to us. And this shit is real, people dealing with real struggles; with their music, their personal life, their identity/sexuality, mental health. The honesty of the music we feature is incredibly powerful.”

By being accessible online, Homoground is able to reach so many people all over the globe, which is super important. Homoground provides a way for people living in remote areas to feel connected. Casper recently launched a Patreon to help keep Homoground running, which is essential since it’s mostly funded out of pocket, with the help of occasional sponsors. With more funding, they’re looking to bring on more producers & hosts to create consistently better content along the lines of interviews and video series.

“The dream is to become the Queer version of MTV,” Casper says.

The motivation to continue doing Homoground is not only to provide a platform for musicians to get their music out there but to eventually be able to provide financial opportunities to artists and musicians because it’s hard for queers to make a buck these days!

Check out the website here

Listen to the podcast on iTunes here

 

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September 25, 2015 · 4:05 pm

KAABOO Festival 2015

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Last weekend, while I was visiting friends in San Diego, we went to the first ever KAABOO festival at the Racetrack and Fairgrounds at Del Mar.

It. Was. Awesome.

We only went on 1 out of the 3 days; but it was still great. KAABOO was marketed as a classier festival in that there were actual real restrooms, instead of port-a-potties; there was better food and more choices; better beers and even wines, etc.

I thought I had seen the whole grounds, but after checking out some other pictures and articles online, clearly I was mistaken. And now I feel bummed out about it. Waaaaaaah.

Anyways, I got to see Ron Funches (comedian) who plays on the show “Undateable” and is my FAVORITE character in the show; possibly of all time.

So…that was fun. He put on a good show, but I think I was hoping he’d be more like his character “Shelley.” haha

The guy on the right is Ron Funches. Silly bear.

The guy on the right is Ron Funches. Silly bear.

After that, everyone was hungry so we went to the “Posh Nosh” food tent area. It was cooled down in there and a nice break from the heat.

Then we bounced around a bit between Counting Crows and Slightly Stoopid until it was time to see Young the Giant. I like Young the Giant, but they weren’t on my MUST SEE list — however, once I was watching them, I was loving it. Crazy how that happens, huh?

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After that, the people in my company wanted to see Zac Brown Band (I am not really a fan), so we went over there. It killed time until Goldfish was playing anyway. At 10:00, they didn’t have any more bands playing outside because of the noise ordinance, so Goldfish, Big Gigantic and Girl Talk were all playing in a tent at the Encore Stage.

Goldfish was AWESOME. I was super excited to see them, and they did not disappoint. It was an amazing dance party. I posted a short video on YouTube from it — I don’t take many videos because I want to just feel and enjoy the moment fully — but I knew I’d be so upset if I didn’t have just a little bit to look back on! Here’s the video:

After that, I wanted to see Big Gigantic and dance some more, but everyone else wanted to go see Joel McHale at another stage. So — we mosey’d over there, but it was PACKED. The line was super long and then they weren’t letting any more people in, so it was a bust. We got back to the Encore Stage when Girl Talk was getting ready to come on. Now, everyone knows I love me some Girl Talk. Greg Gillis is from Pittsburgh and I’ve seen him 4-5 times here. I was excited to see him in San Diego this time, at this festival. But…I am saddened to say that it was not the hyped up dance party I am used to. It was just not good. We tried to get into it but weren’t able….and ended up leaving to catch an Uber before everyone at Kaaboo wanted one. I mean….it was probably a fluke, I’m sure.

Anyways — my experience was just a short chapter of the book. But, I’d like to go back again! Good times!

Here’s the flyer with the lineups:

kaaboo

 

 

 

 

 

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April 2, 2014 · 10:56 am

Listen: Krishna Das – “Tara’s Mantra”

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Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy Nominee Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling American chant artist of all time.

With the release of his 14th album, Kirtan Wallah—one who sings kirtan, KD offers a westward-leaning album, fully embracing his American roots in rock and country and yet embodying the spirit of deeply devotional Indian chants – the heart of this latest album is still in the Names that he’s singing.

KD spent the late ‘60’s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji.

Given the name Krishna Das, KD began to chant as part of following the path of Bhakti yoga – the yoga of devotion. After two and a half years with Maharaj-ji, returned to USA – alas, six months after his return, word came that Maharaj-ji had died.

He took solace in music, finding peace and strength in both his Bhakti yoga practice as well as in such heroes as Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, and Bruce Springsteen (whom he laughingly calls “the Bodhisattva of New Jersey”). KD also co-founded Triloka Records, a California-based label specializing in world music, releasing such artists as Jai Uttal, sarod virtuoso Ali Akbar Khan, and legendary jazz musician/composer Jackie McLean.

In 1994, KD started leading chant at Jivamukti Yoga Center, NYC, with an ever-growing audience of yoga students that has led him to chant with people all around the world.

In February 2013, Krishna Das performed at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles, CA streamed online to millions of viewers. The award-winning film ‘One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das’ has been in over 100 US cities, over 10 countries worldwide and is available on DVD everywhere, and his album Live Ananda (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.

“The chanting just hits you and you want to be a part of it,” KD promises. “That’s the point of this whole thing. That’ s what cuts through all the ‘stuff’. You get lit up. You don’t have to know what it means.”

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Listen: Krishna Das – “Tara’s Mantra”

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December 20, 2013 · 3:19 pm

Christmas Party Playlist!

And so after a week of carefully picking and choosing songs to suit most everyone, I’m proud to share my personal Christmas Party Playlist. Go ahead and enjoy this 4.5 hour long mix at your holiday party. There’s even some mainstream dance tracks towards the end for some of those rowdy party-goers.

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April 19, 2013 · 2:09 pm

Check ‘Em Out: Mortar & Pestle

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Oakland, California–based trio Mortar & Pestle is set to release its debut EP on May 7th via the local label Post Primal.  They’re the kind of band that makes the kind of “this reminds me of the summer when…” songs that stick. These are tunes which bring up the feelings that make memories, bridging genres and weaving the past and future into a retrospective ride towards tomorrow. The loss, pain, anger and triumph are heard in Lambert’s soulful voice; a voice that gets right to the heart of the matter, and like a female Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode, her pure emotion sits perfectly complimented by her band’s electronics. The arresting first single “U.V.” recently premiered via SPIN.  “‘U.V. is about the effect love has,” says lead singer Janaysa Lambert. “It’s warm at first, and fills us with expansive joy, but not unlike the rays of the sun, it can age us quickly.”

The sounds of a pinball machine in the opening of the tune might say fun, the same way PartyBingo says fun, but make no mistake; the song gives way to a darkness that is real.  Born on the kitchen piano of a studio apartment, days after Lambert and keyboardist Paul Shinichi first met at a mutual friend’s party, the two were joined within the year by drummer Sean Paul Duke. Tragically, the friend who brought them together met with an untimely death shortly after she gave the band its name.

“She wanted to be the one to name us,” says Shinichi. “We were struggling with a name for months, and then she came up with Mortar & Pestle. I think honoring her life is one reason why we are together. This album is really about her.”  The band is also now completing a music video for “U.V.” that is as moving as the song itself.  And, even with the upcoming release of Mortar & Pestle’s debut, the band is already writing its next release.

Listen/download: Mortar & Pestle – “U.V.”

Mortar & Pestle Live

 05/10 Oakland, CA @ The Uptown Record Release Show

05/12 Portland, OR @ The Lovecraft w/ Not from Brooklyn

05/15 Seattle, WA @ The Redezvous/Jewelbox Theatre w/ Not from Brooklyn

mortarpestle

Track Listing:

01. U.V.

02. Pristine Dream

03. Lady 7

04. Lighthouse

05. Switchblade Bandita

06. Electric Angel

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February 19, 2012 · 9:34 pm

Gordon Voidwell: Whitney Houston Tribute Video

Gordon Voidwell teamed up with NYC’s Kids Table production crew for his new track “XO Boyfriend” to create a music video that draws from Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” video.  The styling, choreography, set design, and photography all take cues from Whitney’s mid-80’s classic.  The homage was filmed in a hot Brooklyn warehouse in the summer of 2011, but GV had been keeping it under wraps until the right moment, which unfortunately arose this week with the untimely passing of the legendary singer.

In regards to the concept of the video, director Steve Pristin says “Gordon Voidwell’s music and style is often compared to artists of the 80’s — rather than fight that notion I wanted to fully embrace it, while paying homage to one of the most iconic musicians and music videos of the 1980’s. Growing up, in my home, Whitney Houston was viewed with a reverence unmatched – she will be deeply missed.”

Gordon Voidwell, who just this past week released his brand new MalcolmXXXMclaren mixtape added, “It’s amazing to think that in 48 short years, Whitney Houston covered the entire range of human emotion through music. From epic love ballads to 808-driven synthpop to gospel music, her voice spoke the complexity and depth of being human. On a selfish level, I’m saddened to think there will never be any new Whitney Houston music. She’s inspired a lot of what i do.”

Free Download: MalcolmXXXMclaren Mixtape

 

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November 10, 2011 · 12:42 pm

New Video: Outasight – “Tonight is the Night” (+ free mixtape download)

The video for Outasight‘s track “Tonight is the Night” has been released! Check it out! I don’t know about you, but it makes me wanna parrrrrrr-ty…and ride bikes through the city at night.

Things are really taking off for Outasight. He’s just taped a performance for an episode of 90210 that will air in December and appeared on VH1’s Big Morning Buzz Live yesterday. “Tonight Is The Night” is one of the hottest songs in the country right now as the song has starting burning up the radio charts. In its first week at radio, “Tonight Is The Night” was the #1 most added song on Top 40 radio.

Billboard recently ran a story where Outasight reflects on the sudden exposure. “There are so many ways to distinguish yourself, doing shows, doing mixtapes, or doing videos, and the label has been extremely supportive in all that process,” Outasight says. “Things are really starting to whirl now. It’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point, but it’s fun. It’s real. I’ve enjoyed it and I’m taking it all in.”

Free Download: Outasight and DJ Benzi’s “Get It Together” mixtape

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July 27, 2011 · 10:13 am

Free Download: Rubblebucket – “Silly Fathers” (RAC Remix)

Download: Rubblebucket – “Silly Fathers” (RAC Remix)

Here’s the vid for the original “Silly Fathers” track.

Tour:

07/28: Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java
07/29: Floyd, VA @ Floyd Fest
07/30: Floyd, VA @ Floyd Fest
08/13: Burlington, VT @ Grand Point North
08/18: Stephentown, NY @ Bella Terra
08/19: Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
08/20: Sheldon, VT @ Liberate Festival
09/03: Chicago, IL @ North Coast Festival
09/04: Mohawk, NY @ Moe.Down
09/10: Peru, NY @ Backwoods Pondfest
10/08: Roseland, VA @ The Festy
11/11: Live Oak, FL @ Bear Creek Music & Arts Fest

 

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July 13, 2011 · 10:43 am

IDENTITY Festival: $20 Tickets TODAY only

Skullcandy is bringing you $20 General Admission tickets to ANY of the IDentity Festival shows for 20 Hours this Wednesday, July 13th only!

Starting at 9am local time, you have only 20 hours to grab a ticket to any IDENTITY Festival show to see Kaskade, Pretty Lights, Steve Aoki, DJ Shadow, Avicii, Afrojack, Rusko, the Crystal Method, the Disco Biscuits, Steve Lawler and TONS MORE!

Go to the website for all the info you need

Cities where IDentity Fest is coming

 

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March 24, 2011 · 10:09 am

Newest Love: Rubblebucket

Click image to listen/download "Silly Fathers"

On June 7th, Rubblebucket will release their latest full-length, Omega La La. The album was recorded at Plantain/DFA Studios and finds the band collaborating for the first time with legendary producer/mixer Eric Broucek (LCD Soundsystem, Cut Copy, Hercules and Love Affair) for the Brooklyn eight piece’s most adventurous record yet. In honor of the band’s new album, Rubblebucket has made “Silly Fathers” available for free download HERE. The band is also heading out on an extensive North American spring tour, including performances at the Joshua Tree Music Festival and Floyd Fest. 

On Omega La La, Rubblebucket takes a dramatic step forward with their sound, grafting their afrobeat rhythms with a creative take on dancey indie pop. Listening to the crystal-clear, minimalist production of the album, DFA veteran Eric Broucek’s influence is apparent. The album opens with “Down in the Yards,” a track that builds off the ebb and flow of a droning, two-note guitar riff, only to explode into a triumphant chorus anchored by the band’s horn section. That track is followed up by the bouncy, Afro-Cuban-inspired rhythms of “L’homme,” a buoyant psych-pop gem. “Silly Fathers” and a reworked version of “Came Out of a Lady” show off the band’s penchant for creating pop songs that stick in your head. “Raining” is a tender ballad built around the subtle interplay between Kalmia’s plaintive saxophone and Ian Hersey’s cascading guitars.
 
For Rubblebucket, it’s been a long journey to make Omega La La. Led by the musical couple of bandleader/trumpeter Alex Toth and frontwoman/saxophonist Kalmia Traver, Rubblebucket has spent the last four years building a reputation as a band that blurs the lines between psychedelic indie rock, upbeat dance, and Afro-Cuban-influenced jazz. 

The band released their debut album, Rose’s Dream, in 2008. The following year proved to be an important one for the band, with Rubblebucket releasing their self-titled sophomore album. SPIN hailed the band as a “must-hear artist from the CMJ Festival” in 2009 and the band won that year’s Boston Music Award for Live Act of the Year. The band then relocated to Brooklyn and released the Triangular Daises EP in 2010. A stylistic precursor to Omega La La, the Triangular Daises EP was hailed by The Wall Street Journal, NYLON, Paste, and a host of others.

Rubblebucket Spring/Summer Tour Dates:
03/23: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland
03/24: Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre  *
03/25: Chicago, IL @ Martyr’s  *
03/26: Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Co. *
03/27: Bloomington, IL @ Bluebird Nightclub *
03/28: Iowa City, IA @ Mission Creek Music Fest: Gabes
03/29: Kalamazoo, MI @ The Strutt
04/03: Kerhonkson, NY @ Rock and Roll Resort
04/07: Boone, NC @ Legends *
04/08: Chattanooga, TN @ Rhythm & Brews *
04/09: Athens, GA @ New Earth Music Hall  *
04/10: Asheville, NC @ Emerald Lounge
04/14: Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall **
04/15: Woodstock, NY @ Bearsville Theater **
04/16: Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street Ballroom **
04/20: New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge **
04/21: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall **
04/22: Ithaca, NY @ Castaways **
04/23: Syracuse, NY @ Westcott Theater
04/27: Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
04/28: Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live **
04/29: Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom  **
05/01: Phoenix, AZ @ McDowell Mountain Music Festival #
05/04: Boise, ID @ Reef
05/05: Bend, OR @ Cinco De Mayo Street Fair ##
05/06: Seattle, WA @ Nectar
05/07: Portland, OR @ Mt. Tabor
05/10: Eureka, CA @ Red Fox Tavern
05/11: Sebastopol, CA @ Hopmunk Tavern
05/13: San Francisco, CA @ Boom Boom Room
05/14: Los Angeles, CA @ The Mint
05/15: Joshua Tree, CA @ Joshua Tree Music Festival
05/19: Denver, CO @ Cervantes
05/21: Chicago, IL @ Martyrs
06/18: Grand Rapids, MI @ Founders Fest ###
06/30 – 07/03: Rothbury, MI @ Electric Forest Festival  %
07/09: Schuylkill, PA @ Midsummer Meltdown
07/16: Greenfield, MA @ Green River Fest
07/29: Floyd, VA @ Floyd Fest %%
07/30: Floyd, VA @ Floyd Fest %%
 
* = w/ Toubab Krewe
** = Million Young opens
# = w/ Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, Black Joe Lewis & more
## = w/ Ozomatli
### = w/ Galactic
% = w/ String Cheese,  Tiësto,  Pretty Lights, Bassnectar,  Edward Sharpe & more
%% = w/ Grace Potter, Robert Randolph, Old Crow Medicine Show & more

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