independent thoughts on indie rock, alternative, and indie pop music
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 →
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 →
Frequently I try to use million-dollar words to bring the concert experience to life. However, this time I’m going to keep it simple—Fruition’s recent concert at Nashville’s 3rd and Lindsley Music Club was downright fun. Please don’t get me wrong, the band brought plenty of musical fire and lyrical flare, but blended in a dose... Continue Reading →
It’s no secret that They Might Be Giants put on an unparalleled performance--rowdy, ravenous and raucous fans packed the Crystal Ballroom to see their beloved band whose songs are so deeply embedded into their psyche it was hard to tell where the band started and fans ended. Established in 1982, TMBG, as they are affectionately known,... Continue Reading →
If you want to melt into your seat at a concert, Lucy Rose can make that happen. The British singer/songwriter slid on stage and right into our collective heart at her recent show in Portland, wowing us with her beautiful vocals. Her partly acoustic set showcased her hauntingly sweet lyrics and her strength as a songwriter, taking us on... Continue Reading →
