independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
Whether it’s from the awe-inducing first year at the festival when the true magic and spirit of the experience washes over you for the first time, the memory of a one-of-a-kind show, the gathering of friends old and new, the head-clearing moments of pure musical joy, or the wild combination of all the above, every... Continue Reading →
With the skyline behind the stage and a shimmering oak tree mural backdrop, downtown Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater creates a perfect setting for a night of music. The Revivalists, who headlined the venue recently, had the crowd grooving from the very first guitar riff. This band from New Orleans continues to grow, and with their... Continue Reading →
It’s a family thing y’all--that was the takeaway message from Calexico’s recent performance at Portland’s Revolution Hall. The show was sold out, a formula for some high-level energy. And as Calexico, on tour supporting their latest (and ninth) studio record, played their hearts out, they delivered in spades. Their eclectic style of American pop, mariachi,... Continue Reading →
The shows you attend by chance are usually the ones that leave lasting and indelible impressions--Fleet Foxes’ recent stop at the Ryman Auditorium was definitely one of those shows. Fleet Foxes released one of the 2017’s best records, Crack-Up, and they finally made to Nashville to play two nights at the mother church. To classify... Continue Reading →
Though often obscured by the layers of country, Americana, rock, and more country, there has always been a pop music scene in Nashville. As artists have pushed the boundaries of the genre with bolder offerings that forgo the glitter-tripe frequently associated with “pop music,” indie-pop is undeniably establishing itself as the new cool in Nashville. With... Continue Reading →
As a thaw set in over Knoxville with balmy weather reaching over 50 degrees, there was a fresh energy in the air for the final day of The Rhythm N’ Blooms Music Festival. A quick look at my schedule revealed it was going to be an eclectic day as I had circles around acts with... Continue Reading →
Saturday brought a mix of anticipation and layers (and layers) of clothes as Rhythm N’ Blooms once again was ready to rock the chill off Knoxville’s Old City. It was such a busy day, we needed to just jump right into the music. At every festival, a few acts emerge from their sets leaving a... Continue Reading →
Nestled in Knoxville’s Old City, the annual Rhythm N’ Blooms Music Festival calls one of the Scruffy City’s scruffiest and diverse neighborhoods home. Boasting a diverse lineup mixed with local favorites and national touring acts, it’s a can’t-miss event. I was so excited to get the party started, I left Nashville without putting my suitcase... Continue Reading →
Simplicity can be hard to come by these days, especially when it comes to live shows. Artists fill rooms with artificial fog and multicolored strobe lights, putting on some of the most elaborate live performances you will ever see. Yet when Max Gomez played Nashville’s High Watt on April 3rd, it was like a breath... Continue Reading →
Mo Lowda & The Humble may not have been prepared for the intensity of a Nashville crowd when the trio took the stage at The Basement: “This is the first time we’ve played Nashville on a weekend,” frontman Jordan Caiola noted early on. “This is the largest Nashville crowd we’ve had,” he reflected as the audience... Continue Reading →
