Coffee + Jams

Mostly coffee and music.

[slowmassmusic]

ANOTHER song, “Bruce Lee”, premiering on NPR Music right now.

[coffeejams]

This band is good. Listen to their music.

[frankocean]

[coffeejams]

A singular artist and a true inspiration. I won’t listen to what anyone says or writes about this album for a very long time. Thanks, Frank. 

[coffeejams]

Xenia Rubinos: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

“What kind of music is it?” This is usually the question people first ask upon having a music artist mentioned or recommended to them. It’s a convenient way to determine if this may be music worth pursuing.

Xenia Rubinos makes this question impossible to answer, and it’s one of the many reasons I am so drawn to her music. Rubinos’ music is not even worth trying to explain, because no journalist or reporter could ever do it proper justice. It stands completely alone sonically, lyrically, and artistically. 

Experiencing her music without explaining it brings a tremendous amount of joy back into music for me.The musical landscape, with the advancement of online streaming technologies, is wider than ever. Listening to a new artist is an extremely low-stakes venture in 2016, you can do it anytime, anywhere. Be less hesitant to dismiss artists based on genre. And then translate this into the ‘real’ world, and embrace the power of human experience to expand your world view. And if you haven’t yet, click the video above, and just experience Xenia Rubinos without worrying about what “is it?”

Her latest album, Black Terry Cat, is available now. 

[coffeejams]

Le Six La Croix Questions;  with Erik Hunter Czaja

Our team of highly regarded and excessively good looking reporters has been noticing an uptick in La Croix consumption in the punk community. Since our brand is all about “investigative, hard-hitting af journalism”, we were determined to get to the bottom of this.

As part of an ongoing (?) series, we asked a few questions of Erik Hunter Czaja (Dowsing, Kittyhawk, Pet Symmetry) to crack the top on this La Mystery.

What is your favorite sparkling water and what, if anything, does it say about you?

My favorite sparkling water is Mango La Croix, and it says that I am a “La Croix Boy” (trademarked term (Not by me)).

Do you think sparkling water has become more prevalent in your respective music scene? If so, why?

I feel as though sparkling water has become more prevalent as more musicians/people start to realize drinking alcohol and soda all day makes you feel like crap.  Touring is hard on the body and La Croix keeps you hydrated.  Having something to hold in your hand that you can slam real fast and not feel bad afterwards/the next day. Stay hydrated. Drink La Croix (please hire me to be your spokesperson La Croix).

I have heard some people including sparkling waters in cocktails. Do you have any cocktail recipes that you enjoy?

I make “Virgin La mosa’s” for Brunch.  It’s a Mimosa, but I cut the drink half La Croix, half Orange Juice.  La Croix of your choice, but I usually use Orange La Croix.

Please provide any commentary you would like on Topo Chico Lime.

One time my bandmate gave me a Topo Chico Lime and I knocked it over and spilled a little bit on the ground and he said that I wasted about $2 worth. I haven’t had one since. Stuff must be distilled Gold.

Pretend you meet someone on the street who says “nice (drink you said was your favorite in question #2) you got there! I’ve never had the stuff myself, why should I drink it”. What are the first 9 words you say to this person?

Drink La Croix, you’ll never die or have regrets.

Dowsing’s (really great) album “OKAY” is available through Asian Man Records or digitially through Bandcamp. Dates for their upcoming summer tour are available on their website.

[coffeejams]

Who doesn’t love mathy punk where every song title is a Vin Diesel movie quote?

[deerleap]

Our new album is streaming at punktastic.com! So excited for you all to finally hear the songs we’ve been working on for so long.

[coffeejams]

I am very, very excited this album is being released and a tour is happening. So soon. Support these dudes, they are the jammiest jammers. 

[coffeejams]

One of the most impressive mixtapes from Chicago in a good while. Hailing from the Save Money crew (Chance, Vic Mensa, Mick Jenkins, Saba), this is Joey Purp’s first project in 3 years. 

Their is a totally obscene amount of hip-hop from this city, and iiiDrops certainly stands out lyrically, sonically, and “holy shit this guy can spit bars”ly. Rife with bangers and conscious raps, this tape spans genres, while he maintains a singular voice throughout. 

I love this city, and it’s hard to live here sometimes with the pervasive violence and poverty. But man, this tape kicks ass and makes me so proud to be a resident of Chicago. 

[coffeejams]

First Listen: Xenia Rubinos, 'Black Terry Cat'

Rubinos returns fully formed, with her musical vision still finding ways to meld the unexpected, the familiar and, in songs like "Mexican Chef," the fiercely political.

I am very excited about this album. Her first album, Magic Trix, sounded like something I had never heard before. It’s latinx, jazz, electronic, and a whole mess of other wonderful things. See her live if you have the opportunity.  

[coffeejams]

This is definitely good. Rod makes the typically mundane Audiotree banter great. 

[coffeejams]

Now, something meets Boy, and something meets Girl They both look the same They're overjoyed in this world

[coffeejams]

Hello and thank you. 

[coffeejams]

What a good music video

[coffeejams]

I highly, highly recommend listen to this band.

[coffeejams]

Been watching a ton of Pac interviews recently. This is probably the best as it applies to 2016. He is a genius. 

[coffeejams]

This album shreds in the best way possible. 

They are on tour with Nothing this summer, and I am excited to continue the deterioration of my hearing by seeing them live. 

[coffeejams]

One of Pitt/Semple Street/DC’s own, Nick Anway, with an excellent solo project out on Odessa Madre.  It’s like Mac Demarco meets a rad guy without cigarettes and with a soul. 

His tape is out today, get it and talk about how your ordered a cassette, because that is the cool thing to do. 

[coffeejams]

Japanese Breakfast - Psychopomp: Exclusive Album Premiere on Hype Machine

Japanese Breakfast - Psychopomp: Exclusive Album Premiere on Hype Machine