So Girls was fantastic, and I had no idea Judd Apatow would be there! We previewed the first three episodes of the new HBO series, and I’m already a fan. I am looking forward to seeing the whole first season, and I highly recommend it. Guaranteed to be the next big hit for HBO. After that I went to my cohort and alumni party, which was put together splendidly with food, drinks, and spontaneous dancing. I ventured over to Spaghetti Warehouse to catch Sleigh Bells and Major Lazer, but it was pretty pointless due to the line, so I walked back and continued the private party function. Mohawk never happened, but yesterday rocked nevertheless.
Today, I’m hitting the panel circuit; a lot of the music tech discussions are happening today. Currently I’m sitting in Ballroom E/F, waiting for The Future of Music Consumption panel featuring Ken Parks from Spotify, Bill Werde from Billboard, and….apparently David Draiman from Disturbed. Afterwards I’m looking at the Can Social Music Save the Music Industry? panel. Then it’s The Evolving Role of Radio and the SoundCloud Open House before making a concerted effort to get into Pitchfork’s Interactive Party at Mohawk. Busy day, kids! Stay hydrated!
Interscope’s rap roster just got a lot more awesome: Top Dawg Entertainment has confirmed a joint venture today with Interscope/Aftermath, which features the emerging Black Hippy collective. That crew includes none other than my two new favorite rappers, Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q. This is great news for the up-and-comers, especially Lamar, whose latest upcoming album this summer will be released on the major label. Expect to hear big things from these guys in the months ahead.
This year’s Free Press Summer Fest has been announced, and, wow, I must say I am impressed. Snoop Dogg, The Avett Brothers, Primus, Big Freedia, Danny Brown, Jeff the Brotherhood, Willie Nelson, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Flaming Lips (performing Dark Side of the Moon), Wavves, Diplo, Best Coast, Major Lazer, Turquoise Jeep! I’m gonna have a hard time avoiding the miserable Houston heat this summer!
Every Saturday, I post a 15-20 minute podcast featuring some tracks I’ve been jamming the previous week, as well as some commentary and random musings from yours truly. Enjoy!
Tracklist:
Tanlines – All Of Me
Royal Headache – Girls
Death Grips – Get Got
Roomrunner – Super Vague
Black Mountain – Mary Lou
Hard to believe, but the greatest week-and-a-half of your year, SXSW, is rapidly approaching. And so, as a fellow Austinite, music blogger, and total South-By fanboy, I feel inclined to prepare those of you stepping into the fray for the first, or maybe even twentieth, time. There’s already so much to RSVP for, and new info is leaked every day. And so, every Friday, from now until party time, I’ll be giving my picks for new announced events and providing much-needed RSVP information.
To keep up with the hooplah, I advise you pay close attention to this Google spreadsheet, which is updated regularly. You can also look at my personal Google spreadsheet, which is by no means comprehensive, but might help you with your party planning. Also, this public Twitter list I created is always great to find up-to-the-minute info on just-announced showcases and parties, official or otherwise.
That rock-tastic album cover above is the upcoming third album Rize of the Fenix from Tenacious D, dropping May 15. Kyle Gass and Jack Black are set to reunite with the incomparable Dave Grohl, and, in case you guys haven’t noticed, I’m super mega pumped big time. To gear you up for the onslaught of metal, peep these classic tracks from the D.
Life is crazy busy right now for me, and as SXSW approaches, it only gets busier. Needless to say, this is my favorite time of year: March in Austin is the real New Year’s for me – springtime, warmer weather, and live music galore! I’m starting my SXSW prep tonight at Lambert’s, a venue I’ve never been to, with Pitchfork darlings Grimes and one of my favorite new groups of last year, Born Gold. The show is sold out, so na na na na boo boo. Unless you have tickets. Then, um, see you there!
Azealia Banks has announced her new album, which won’t see release until September, called Broke With Expensive Taste. In the meantime, this spring she’s releasing a 212 EP, which will likely feature this super-hyped up song. Look for her at Coachella and the rest of the festival circuit.
