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Bloggers and Labels Talk Business
In light of yesterday’s discussion concerning the future of music labels, and blogs potentially path towards becoming a label, I stumbled upon this relevant panel discussion with bloggers and label executives. This discussion consists of notable bloggers Daily Swarm, DiscoBelle, and label representatives from Fool’s Gold and True Panther. Talking like this makes you think the whole world is listening. Outkast: “The Whole Wor…
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Kate Nash Interview: A Woman’s Way
Like, don’t judge me if my writing is like, not your fancy because I’m just being me. Granted, British pop singer Kate Nash doesn’t use “like” that egregiously, but for all the banter about her diction, Nash is highly intelligent, an active feminist, maturing quickly into a well respected musician, while using the word “like” a lot less. After surviving an almost tumultuous tour that ended in an emotional breakdown, she’s taken a year to recoup…
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[Featured Artist] G-Eazy and Doo-Wop Music
Earlier this month, Bay Area rapper and producer, G-Eazy submitted to SF Critic his video “Runaround Sue.” Many of the tracks in his library and on The Endless Summer (download), like ”Runarround Sue,” sample 50s and 60s era doo-wop, circa the Motown and Stax label era. It’s hard not to reflect on the 60s era doo-wop. The original sample by Dion & The Belmonts, the cheesy video, and its old school aesthetics…
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No Sleep at SXSW 2010
Photos by Victoria Smith Gavin Glass flew twenty-two hours from his home in Ireland to perform at South By South West (SXSW). He brought two guitars, a suitcase full of foot pedals and equipment–but not enough clothes. This was his second time performing at the festival. Jet-lag set in early for him. Each night he struggled to stay awake, but as he moaned he would always finish by saying “Kick me in the face if I fall asleep,” …
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Just a Name: Interview with Akron/Family
Photo of Seth Olinksy by Victoria Smith The musical process is unique for every band. As a journalist, often we’re asked to explain, or conceptualize a band’s sound within a context (genre, comparison, etc). In truth, there is nothing worse, because no artist strives to make music like someone else. When speaking with Seth Olinsky of Akron/Family, this couldn’t be more true. Seth told me when people ask about his style of music…
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Elzhi – The Elmatic Story [Interview]
People have doubted Elzhi since he started rapping. His family wanted him to get a “stable” job. After eight years as a member of Slum Village, rapper T3, the group leader, left Elzhi out of the group’s music video for “Reunion 2.” When he decided to go solo, his label said he wouldn’t make it. For years, Elzhi discussed remaking Nas’ album Illmatic, and calling it Elmatic. Naysayers said it would never come. They questioned how he could improv…
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Kid Sister-Daydreaming (Helsinki 78-82 Remix)
Finnish spinmaster production geeks Helsinki 78-82 released a Nordic remix of Chicago native Kid Sister‘s hot jam “Daydreaming” through their label, Top Billin Music, a European DJ heavy label that releases dope and sometimes free remixes or wholly new songs almost daily. You may or may not have heard the original jam recently on a Bud Light Lime commercial. I’ve had this song for a while but feel like you cats deserve a…
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Pharoahe Monch [Interview and Playlist] W.A.R.
Between points Pharoahe Monch took deep breaths, in part due to his asthma, but like his lyrics, it was clear he wanted to carefully think through each point. Pharoahe Monch has always been creatively thoughtful with his lyrics, once rapping from the prospective of a bullet to elicit the history of gun violence. After over twenty years in hip hop, first making a name for himself as one half of Organized Konfusion, one might expect Pharoahe Monc…
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Listen To Bands I Loved and Hated @ [SXSW 2011]
Looking the part for SXSW South by South West (SXSW) 25th Anniversary was a shit show of music, fans, and characters. Forgive me if we spare you the details, and decide instead to cut the filler and get into the meat. These are the bands we heard, even for a moment, with a short reaction. Daedelus Reaction: Daedelus, born Alfred, continues to wear button down clothes that are far too hot for the occasion. We realize that regal and sweaty is a l…
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[Interview With] Del The Funky Homosapien
When major label A&R reps initially threw money at Del The Funky Homosapien, they expected him to follow in the footsteps of his cousin Ice Cube. Little did they know that Del the Funky Homosapien would venture in a totally different direction as one of the pioneers of West Coast hip hop’s creative lyricist style. As a member of Oakland crew, Hieroglyphics, as a solo-artist, and later, crafting science-fiction raps with the moniker De…
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