EMMIE Magazine

We are EMMIE. University of Wisconsin - Madison's student-run music magazine.

[emmiemagazine]

Brand New Draws a Lively Crowd to the Cabooze Plaza

The Cabooze Plaza, an open lot with a stage between a bar and the Cabooze’s indoor venue, was as full as I’ve ever seen it. For one band, the number of dedicated fans packing the area was unbelievable. People were pressed against one another from the stage barricade to the patch of lawn in back across the blocked-off street. Cars flying by on the highway must have thought there to be some sort of festival underway. What band could have drawn such a crowd? Brand New.

Having formed 15 years ago in Long Island, New York, those unfamiliar with band are bound to think Brand New has outlived their glory days. However, the show’s turnout proves this is hardly the case. The band currently consists of Jesse Lacey (lead vocals/guitar), Vincent Accardi (guitar), Garrett Tierney (bass) and Brian Lane (drums), all in their 30s, just like the majority of their fans. With a cult-following who grew up with the band, most members of the audience were at least a decade out of high school, though several groups of younger fans could also be found amongst the crowd.

As the sun began to set, openers Cloakroom started the show as people mingled about, seemingly not paying much attention as the band droned on. Next up, Manchester Orchestra, a band clearly known by many in the crowd,  was met with enormous enthusiasm. Fans joined in to shout lines from “Shake It Out” and “Everything to Nothing,” loud rock songs that livened the audience. By the time their 40-minute set was over, everyone was eager for Brand New, though the buzz began to fade and the crowd grew restless after waiting nearly an hour in the hot sun. After a far-too-long wait, the headlining band appeared on stage and the sun quickly faded. At the sight of the band, the start of the music and relief from the hot sun, the Plaza was filled with a new wave of energy as the band opened with their latest single, “Mene,” followed by the intense cuts “Sink” and “Gasoline” from 2009’s Daisy.

Somewhere between alternative rock and punk, Brand New possesses a sound as heavy and full of angst as their cutting lyrics. With songs that are meant to be quietly sung and then screamed at the top of your lungs, the audience did their part to shout along. The band played a good mix of songs from all four of their albums, each song showcasing frontman Jesse Lacey’s impressive vocals and his sadness, anger or disbelief. “Seventy Times 7” from the band’s first studio album Your Favorite Weapon (2001) was a definite crowd favorite as everyone screamed with Lacey, releasing any and all pent-up anger. The crowd continued to sing along to other old favorites including “I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light” and “Okay I Believe You, but My Tommy Gun Don’t” from 2003’s Déjà Entendu.

During the quieter, yet still incredibly heavy songs like “Jesus Christ,” “Luca,” and “Millstone,” Lacey’s distinct voice crooned the songs’ clever lyrics in a way that felt strangely personal despite the massive crowd. It was during “Luca” when a girl next to me yelled at her drunk and giggling friend, “Shut up, we’re trying to feel something!” And feel something we did. Song after song, Brand New brought back old memories and unveiled long-suppressed emotions amongst the audience members. After “Sic Transit Gloria… Glory Fades,” the group of 30-somethings behind me even laughed about “being brought back to high school.”

Other than the fact that I was finally experiencing one of my favorite band’s live performances and each song was just as good as the last, the highlight of my night was their performance of “Degausser.” The audience swayed slowly to the intro before the guitar melody took over and everyone was jumping and screaming the chorus. The song left me hyped up and ready to scream my way through anything, as I’m sure it did to everyone around me. That is, until the concert wound down to the dark and doleful lyrics of “Jesus Christ” before the band walked off stage.

All bands make their understated exit before returning for an encore – and Brand New was no different. After a few minutes, a buzz of excitement pulsed through the crowd when the band returned on stage, though the mood darkened as soon as the band began “Play Crack the Sky.” The crowd nodded along to the slow melody while contemplating the lyrics “This story’s old (this is the end)/but it goes on and on/until we disappear,” seemingly reflective of the show’s imminent end. For their final song, Brand New built the angst back up by performing “Sowing Season.” With guitar riffs echoing on, the band’s screams melded into those from the crowd and the show came to an ironic end with the song’s final line “It takes a while to grow anything/before it’s coming to the end.”

For such depressing songs, Brand New’s incredible performance made me feel so alive.

lily HANSEN

[emmiemagazine]

Day Two of Rock the Garden Festival Lives Up to Expectations

DAY TWO

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger. "It's John Lennon's son's band!"

This comment, reverberating through the already impressive crowd, must be rather annoying to hear everywhere. It's understandable, to some extent, to spend time searching for John within his son's group. And obviously there are traces, but Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger is not The Beatles. They are their own, awesome entity, with a fantastic psychedelic rock sound. I was disappointed only by the fact that their set was a mere half hour.

JD McPherson. With a 1960s, bluesy feel, JD made a girl want to dance. And not in the way of our generation, but right back to those rock n' roll days of yesteryear. Not "rock". Rock and roll. I may have done the twist at certain points- and I was not alone.

JD is joined by five incredibly talented musicians on stage and jams with only the most eclectic and excellent instruments: A tenor saxophone, standing bass, and even a Leslie cabinet. Although each and every band member was absolutely fantastic, I have to specifically commend the standing bass player. He could slap the bass like no one I've ever seen.

"Let the Good Times Roll" and "Sold Myself" were two of my favorite songs, followed closely by "Head over Heels" and "Little Firebug". Not only was the music incredible, JD's crowd interaction was fantastic. The crowd loved his show and he loved the crowd. As a proud member of the 'head nodding, foot tapping' hipster crowd, I don't typically dance at shows. But give JD's music a listen, and you'll understand why I was a dancing fool.

Seun Kuti and the Egypt 80. This was another surprise. 

An Afrobeat band composed of 13 incredibly talented singers, musicians, and dancers, the entire crowd had a fantastic time dancing along. Even some of the artists joined in (Sean Lennon was on his knees in awe). Not surprising, considering Seun's father, the late Fela Kuti, was highly influential for many bands, including the Talking Heads. Seun certainly follow in his father's footsteps. The brass section was amazing, and tenor and trumpet solos throughout the show were notably excellent. Not to mention Seun's dancing! Seun puts on a high-energy show, perhaps the most upbeat of the entire festival, and that's saying something.

Babes in Toyland. As a music lover of all genres, it can be hard to dole out criticism, especially for a festival as amazing as Rock the Garden. 

But as a music critic, sometimes difficult things must be said. In the case of Babes in Toyland, this is certainly true. Although I give a lot of credit to these three rocking ladies for overcoming hardship (drug abuse, depression, sexual assault), I cannot in good faith recommend their music to anyone with functioning eardrums-who would like their eardrums to continue functioning.

Providing the audience with an unhappy glimpse into female punk rock of the 90s, Babes didn't do much for me aside for giving my biceps a workout as I attempted to push off an aggressive mosh-pit to hold my spot in the front row. There were some cool moments, such as the lead singer's shout out to her son for attending the festival. The crowd was very receptive as well, which was a beautiful thing considering these three women are Minneapolis natives. And perhaps certain people take to incoherent screaming, I am just not among this crowd. Shout out, however, to the drummer, for being my favorite band member by far. She kept a permanent smile on her face and destroyed her drum set (in the best way possible). But Modest Mouse was next, so I persevered.

Modest Mouse. There may not be enough words in the English language for me to fully express the pure joy of Modest Mouse live. 

If at any point in this review my writing becomes jolted and strange gaps appear, just assume I'm crying from residual bliss and can not see through these happy tears. As I explained to my fellow concert goers, "Don't worry if I cry or pass out. I'm fully expecting to act like a 12-year-old girl at a One Direction show.

In their 21 years as a band, Modest Mouse has changed quite a bit. Losing and gaining band members, there are now 6 musicians associated with the band. Issac Brock (lead vocals/eccentric lyrical genius/guitarist) and Jereimiah Green (drums, named one of the 50 best of all time) are the only members left from the old days. Despite these changes and a massive rise to fame, Modest Mouse is just as impressive as ever.

Kicking it off with "The World at Large", I knew things were going to be great. And oh my, were they ever. I'd been a little nervous at the onset that the focus would be on Strangers to Ourselves, their latest album. But oh, did they ever prove my worries wrong. "Broke", "Out of Gas", "Dramamine", "A Different City"? Even a snippet of "Life Like Weeds"? AH. The setlist was impressively well rounded and brought me overwhelming amounts of joy. So much nostalgia, so many feelings. SO many songs from the earlier albums- and of course the hits: "Float On" was undeniably a crowd pleaser.

*brief pause to cry* 

And Issac was just as wonderful and eccentric as expected, addressing the crowd throughout the show in his endearing lisp. At one point, he even declared Minneapolis his third favorite city in the U.S. That's saying something from a man who rarely leaves the lonesome, crowded, western portion of the country.

I can think of no band I would rather see to finish out a fantastic weekend of music than my beloved Modest Mouse.

All-in-all, Rock the Garden was a fantastic experience. There's no doubt in my mind that I will be back in future summers, and I would highly recommend to music lovers everywhere.

ali GRIMES

[emmiemagazine]

Day One of Minneapolis’ Rock The Garden Delivers an Impressive Line-Up

Every summer, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden floods with music lovers young and old to celebrate the joy found in music of all genres. Beginning in 2004 as a one-day affair with decent attendance, Rock the Garden has skyrocketed to a two day event, bringing in over 40,000 beautiful human beings. This year, I was among the lucky thousands. I'll be detailing the weekend from start to finish, throwing some recommendations into the mix for those looking to expand their musical horizons.

DAY ONE

the stand4rd. Recommended highly for fans of Earl Sweatshirt. 

This talented group of four, hailing from the nearby St. Paul, has been rising to fame over the last year with slower, 'Earl Sweatshirt'-esque rap. They certainly didn’t disappoint at Rock the Garden, and kicked Saturday off well. This group is incredibly young, one member (Corbin, formerly known as Spooky Black) is only seventeen. But you wouldn't know that from hearing him sing, in a deep, confident King Krule sort of way. It's not just Corbin leading the group though, Allen Kingdom, Psymun, and Bobby Rapps bring huge talent as well. Individually, they each kind of remind you of that kid at your high school who really wanted a rap career... except talented, and well on their way to building such a career.

Lucius. Wow.

To be honest, this was a wild card for me- I had not done my pre-concert research of their music. Dressed to the nines, this fivesome blew me away with powerful stage presence, an impressive percussion section, and the lovely harmonizing of the lead singers, Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig. It's always wonderful to see strong female-led bands, and Lucius struck me as an awesome Florence+the Machines meets Tune-Yards combination. Certain songs even had a slight Arcade Fire feel to them, such as "How Loud Your Heart Gets”. Jess and Holly both play percussion (drums as well as other instruments) on top of vocals, and this has a powerful effect on the music quality. They have a huge following in the Minneapolis area, and it's very well deserved.

Courtney Barnett. If you haven't heard this name yet, please Google it now. 

It's hard to believe three people can create a sound as fantastic as Courtney, Dave Mudie, and Bones Sloane do. It's also hard to believe such incredibly talented musicians can maintain such a down to earth, humble stage presence. For Courtney, the crowd was filled with dedicated fans, including one concert goer repeatedly writing lyrics and messages on balloons to throw in the air, much to the amusement of the band. Even Conor Oberst stood to the side casually dancing along.

Dressed in all black with a well timed smoke machine, Courtney and her bandmates absolutely killed it.

Conor Oberst. Conor holds a special place in my heart. 

You know how everyone goes through a 'sad music' phase in high school? Well, I may have outgrown Dashboard Confessional, but I will never lose my love for Conor's longterm project, Bright Eyes.

Conor is a man of many talents and numerous musical pursuits, but is currently touring as a solo artist, accompanied by The Felice Brothers from New York City. Named Best Songwriter of 2008 by Rolling Stone magazine for his work with Bright Eyes, Conor's songwriting has only improved with time. His solo album, Upside Down Mountain, is a beautiful testament to this: chock full of songs about love and life, loss and pain, crafted in Conor's uniquely eloquent manner.

I'm lucky enough to say I once saw Conor live in his full-blown, alcohol-fueled Bright Eyes state back in 2011. As amazing as that was (political rants and all), it's obvious he's matured quite a bit in the last few years, both musically and in stage presence. His show was very mellow, no yelling about Scott Walker or throwing of guitars.

Connor kicked off his show with "Time Forgot" and "Hundreds of Ways", my two favorites from Upside Down Mountain. More from his solo project would come later, such as "Artifact #1", but aside for these songs, much of the show was dedicated to his other projects: Bright Eyes in particular.

Casadaga was touched on, with "Four Winds" and "Soul Singer in a Session Band" but my favorite moments featured the heart-wrenching angst Bright Eyes is so known for. "Method Acting", "Easy/Lucky/Free", and "Poison Oak" were incredible. Conor can move a crowd emotionally like no one else, and Rock the Garden responded accordingly.

Please check back soon for a recap of Day 2 of Rock the Garden. 

ali GRIMES

[emmiemagazine]

Chevelle and The Used Please Fans, Both Old and New

Madison’s summer concert schedule includes some huge names in the alternative rock scene, including Chevelle and The Used. Trying to catch the ear of new listeners while simultaneously celebrating devoted fans, these two powerhouses are playing shows all around the country. However, before both Chevelle and The Used took the stage at the Orpheum, the Marmozets got everyone pumped for the headlining acts.

Hailing from the U.K., the Marmozets were a very impressive opening band, which can be hard to find. Their frontwoman, Becca Mcintyre, was an energetic singer with great vocals and screams backed by the impressive booming instrumentals of the band. They played singles off their newest release, The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets, which got the audience pumped up for co-headliners The Used and Chevelle.

After the Marmozet’s set, The Used burst onto stage playing hit singles from their self-titled album. They continued with music from their second release, In Love and Death, that filled the room with the cries of hundreds of fans hearing their favorite songs. The Used gave an electric set that included singles from their newest album, Imaginary Enemy. They lit up the room with the amazing opening track off that album, “Revolution”. Their set also included impeccable renditions of hits from Rage Against the Machine and Nirvana. This compilation of covers, originals, and crowd favorites captured every angle of The Used for fans, new and old. Die-hard fans got to experience their favorite songs one after another, and new fans got a taste of their style through covers and their vibrant new singles.

The energy from The Used’s set pulsated to the beginning of Chevelle’s headlining set. Chevelle’s heavy set revolved around their newest album, La Gargola, which seemed to please every hard-rock fan in the audience. Chevelle  performed fan favorites from albums like Wonder What's Next and This Type Of Thinking, creating an unforgettable experience for both old and new fans. Altogether, the concert featured three electric artists whose talents were only augmented when they came together.

john MCCRACKEN

[emmiemagazine]

Surfer Blood Gets Intimate in Minneapolis

On Tuesday, May 26, Surfer Blood returned to Minneapolis to perform at First Avenue’s 7th Street Entry. The venue is a dark albeit cozy hole-in-the-wall that created an atmosphere well-fit for a band like Surfer Blood, who, in fact, have played here before. Lacking a barricade, the stage looks out on a small dance floor tucked down in front of a bar rail, while the bar itself is situated in the room’s far corner. The few early arrivals hung around this upper lounge area as the band members stood behind the tiny merch table chatting with fans.

To start the show, Alex Calder and his band played a short set of mellow alternative rock tracks. The genre and tone of the songs is best comparable to that of Mac Demarco. As it turns out, Calder is actually a former bandmate of DeMarco’s so it’s no wonder they share the same passion for psychedelic garage-rock. The band performed well, getting much of the sprawled-out audience to move down to the dance floor and bob their heads to the beat. Before their set ended, Calder asked the crowd if anyone had a spare couch his band could spend the night on, given that they’re from Canada. With an awkward laugh, Calder reiterated he was serious as several people in the audience hollered responses.

The headliners took to the stage after a rather lengthy set change. Surfer Blood, hailing from Florida, currently consists of John Paul Pitts (lead singer and guitar), Kevin Williams (bass guitar), and Tayler Schwarz (drums) while Thomas Fekete (guitar) has had to forgo the tour due to his recent diagnosis of cancer. On the small, crowded stage, all but Pitts had little room to move around so the band took to bobbing their heads and jamming in place. Nonetheless, the audience enjoyed the show as they sang along to old favorites like “Floating Vibes,” “Swim” and “Take It Easy” from the band’s first album, Astro Coast (2009). At one point, Pitts mentioned it was his bandmate Williams’ birthday, so, of course, the crowd endearingly sang “Happy Birthday” to the guitarist. Surfer Blood also debuted several tracks from their newly released album, 1000 Palms. One track, “Island,” had actually been written and performed several times before the album’s release, as early as 2011, so many in the audience were familiar with the song.

As the band played on, the audience seemed to become entranced by the mellow tunes and their somewhat-sad-and-weirdly-nostalgic vibe. Don’t get me wrong, the music is great, as was the band’s performance; the tracks just have a way of zoning you out, letting you get lost in your head as you float away over the many vocal-less guitar melodies. To liven up the crowd, Pitts climbed off-stage during “Feast - Famine” and wandered around the dance floor, singing directly to several doe-eyed ladies while high-fiving others in the audience. With the audience effectively reenergized, Pitts returned to the stage - though he would wander the crowd several more times throughout the night.

Along with old and new favorites, Surfer Blood played tracks from their 2013 album Pythons. With songs like “Gravity” and “Demon Dance,” the audience was again singing along. The concert definitely seemed like a reunion of friends gathered in someone’s basement to watch an old favorite band perform. With the final strum of the guitar, the band cleared the stage as the audience cheered with enthusiasm for an encore. Eventually, their cheers were met as the band reappeared to perform “Say Yes To Me” and “Anchorage.”

In a well-blended mix of indie and garage-rock, Surfer Blood put on an intimate show and captivated the audience with an array of tunes that transported them to a lazy day at the beach, their heads in clouds.

lily HANSEN

[emmiemagazine]

All Time Low Causes Chaos at The Rave

Hours before the doors were scheduled to open at The Rave on May 29th, an impressive line of skinny jean wearing, hair-dyed teenagers was already stretched around the block in anticipation of the sold out All Time Low concert. The 29th marked All Time Low’s 14th time performing at this venue, and it was actually a make-up show; the band originally was supposed to stop into Milwaukee on the 16th as part of their Future Hearts tour, but had to reschedule. It was clear these fans didn’t mind the slight inconvenience, as they stood outside cheerfully sharing past concert stories or chatting about what was served at their middle school for lunch that day.

However, the sense of camaraderie came to a halt as the openers took the stage and these dedicated die-hards soon let out all their pent-up, preteen aggression. Have you ever watched the Discovery channel and seen a pack of vicious wolves descend on an animal carcass? That’s how a lot of these sweat-soaked little monsters were acting toward the stage. A relentless wave of pushing and shoving from every direction was as impressive as it was ridiculous, given that the crowd consisted mainly of young girls.

At the front of the stage stood a squadron of security guards - who surely do not get paid enough for the incredible work that they do - tasked with taking care of a steady influx of crowd surfers throughout the night, as well as rescuing those unfortunate fangirls who nearly passed out from heat exhaustion before the openers even set foot on stage. For those who didn’t enjoy being repeatedly elbowed in the gut by a 14-year-old who smelled like wet garbage, the outer ring of the audience was the place to be. Away from the dizzying heat, boundless teenage aggression, and the overbearing scent of gym socks mixed with bad weed, it was possible to actually enjoy the show for what it was; a beautiful display of electrifying pop punk music.

The two opening bands each performed vivacious sets that got the already excited crowd even more fired up for the night. First onstage was Chicago-based Knuckle Puck. They played a fiery, spirited set for the group of rowdy youths, and were followed by another Illinois pop punk band; Real Friends. Real Friends also had a fun and lively set, and at one point they gave a shout-out to Wisconsin’s famous cheese, to which the audience responded with enthusiastic cheers.

Then, greeted by deafening screams and applause, All Time Low took the stage, opening with the song “Satellite” from their latest album Future Hearts. Like magic (or because they were simply exhausted at this point) the unruly youths in the crowd seemed to end their crazy jostling and unite together, still remaining boisterous and dancey yet in a much more tame manner. The band launched straight into a fun-filled show for their adoring, screeching fans. The term “crowd-pleaser” could sincerely be applied to every song on the band’s high-tempo setlist. All Time Low’s infectious energy kept the crowd dancing, screaming, and grinning from ear-to-ear song after song after song. They seemed to really enjoy being on stage, and even their expletive-laden, innuendo-filled between song banter was somehow charming. A few highlights of the night were “Weightless”, an upbeat track from their album Nothing Personal, and “The Reckless and The Brave” off of their album Don’t Panic. “Missing You”, the sweet, heartfelt tune from Future Hearts, was also one of the more outstanding points of the night. Throughout the night, there was just the right mix of new and old songs, as the band blended their classics in with their newer work.

As an added bonus just for Milwaukee fans, All Time Low put on a short acoustic performance during their set, which was meant as a consolation for having to reschedule the concert. In a drastic change of pace, fans stood almost completely still, as if mesmerized by the performance, during the emotional songs “Remembering Sunday” and “Therapy”. The band also played an acoustic version of their songs “Jasey Rae” and “Coffeeshop Soundtrack”, which made all the diehards who were packed into The Rave absolutely ecstatic. They ended their acoustic interlude with a cover of Sia’s “Elastic Heart”, then brought back out the electric guitars for a few more songs. By the time All Time Low closed their set with the explosive hit “Dear Maria Count Me In”, there had been three separate confetti cannons. The colorful bits of paper rained on the jubilant pop punk fans, sticking to their sweaty, smiling faces. 

As everyone filed out of the venue, it was clear that the band’s high energy and positive vibes had had a great impact on their mood. If there’s one thing that All Time Low proved that night, it’s that they know how to put on an incredible show.

becca MELDMAN

[emmiemagazine]

Tame Impala Takes the Riverside

It was a rainy, cold Thursday night in Milwaukee- sounds like the start to fairly depressing story, right? Well, when you throw Tame Impala into the equation, ‘depressing’ is not really an option.

Considering the fact that Tame’s Riverside appearance coincided exactly with final exam week, the show definitely snuck up on a girl. After a last minute scramble to arrange a ride and accommodations, I was hoping Tame would live up to the hype I’d heard from friends who’ve attended shows in the past. As far as ticket sales go, they did- the show was sold out and packed to the max. To secure a good spot, we made sure to arrive a bit after the doors opened, and it was already fairly packed. As we walked in, the wristband distributor said, “standing room is filling up fast!” We booked it down the aisle to push our way to standing room about five rows from the stage. Unfortunately, venturing close to the stage meant finding ourselves in the midst of a “high schoolers at their first concert ever” sort of crowd. But we persevered.

The opener, Mini Mansions, took the stage around 8. Having looked up a few of their songs prior to the show, I was definitely looking forward to them. They have a crazy talented bassist (formerly of Queens of the Stone Age) and two talented singers/multi-instrumentalists, who, altogether, create an Arctic Monkeys meets psych-pop vibe. It was an excellent choice for Tame’s opener. Their music is somehow both upbeat and just a little bit dark, and they have an excellent stage presence. They’re definitely not as psychedelic and ethereal as Tame, but Mini Mansion’s energy brought an awesome, unique feel to the Riverside to kick off the show.

When Tame took the stage, the crowd went wild. Kicking it off with an introductory jam session and their new single “Let it Happen”, the band took a great approach to introducing the crowd to their amazing light show. Syncing their instruments to the backdrop and utilizing perfectly timed spotlights, Tame made it clear that creating an amazing show experience for their fans is a priority.

There were many things I loved about the show, and there were a few things I found a bit less thrilling. As far as the things I loved, definitely the syncing of the music to the lights. Many artists have amazing light shows, but I’ve never before experienced a show that bridged the sensory gap between sound and sight so well, save for maybe Animal Collective.

Musically, I loved what were *probably* the songs everyone else loved the most- the songs I knew quite well, “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”, “Be Above It”, “Elephant” and “Why Won’t They Talk to Me”.

Finally, since Tame is a huge fan of The Flaming Lips (and has even collaborated with them on musical endeavors), I must give a shout out to the fan who brought balloons for the standing crowd to volley around. At one point, Tame’s lead singer, Kevin Parker, even pointed it out from stage, saying “It’s like The Flaming Lips ran out of money.” On the note of crowd interaction, Tame was excellent and seemed incredibly grateful for the turn out. Later Kevin commented, “At one point we were touring with MGMT, and it feels amazing to have come this far!”

Onto the things I liked a bit less. Tame Impala, although very musically talented, has a tendency to go on somewhat indulgent psychedelic jam sessions that overextend their welcome a bit. The light show helps lessen the slight sense of ‘when will this end?”, but only to a certain extent. And of course, the aforementioned crowd of kids who really didn’t know how to interact in a concert setting were a bit irritating as well. But all in all, Tame puts on an amazing show, and the passion they have for both their music and their fans shines through in a live setting.

ali GRIMES

[emmiemagazine]

REVELRY PREVIEW #6: CHANCE THE RAPPER

At last, Revelry is tomorrow and this leaves one artist left to preview, Chance The Rapper. There is no question that Chance is going to be the highlight of Saturday, so you won’t want to miss him and his “Cocoa Butter Kisses” lighting up the Main Stage at 9pm! 

The city of Chicago is known for many things. Its delectable food, beautiful views, gusty winds, eclectic styles, and prime shopping have put it on the map as one of the best cities in America. What many people forget to thank Chicago for is its incredible music scene and the artists it has given us—the likes of Kanye, Lupe Fiasco, and R. Kelly have been born from the city’s streets. The newest hit from the area, however, is taking over the industry by storm with his original mixtapes. Chancelor Bennett, better known as Chance The Rapper, is a 22-year-old rapper from the South Side who is the epitome of style, art, wit, and creativity all wrapped into one.

Chance capitalizes on his diverse musical influences that he grew up with and incorporates them into his music in a variety of ways. He is known for fusing together a mix of rapped and sung vocals, while cleverly twisting his lyrics into humorous digs or deep thoughts. On one of his most recent singles, “Baby Blue,” (featured with Action Bronson, yes, everyone’s favorite chubby rapper), Chance croons, “I hope you never get off Fridays and you work at a Friday’s that’s always busy on Fridays/I hope the zipper on your jacket gets stuck/and your headphones short/and your charger don’t work…” Essentially, he verbalizes every minuscule bad event you’ve been wishing upon someone who’s hurt you, all with a catchy twist.

The skilled lyricism of Chance, able to both story tell personal experiences and criticize social and political norms, is what has extended him beyond the reach of mainstream hip hop. His acid jazz, soul, blues, and hip hop influences give him a wide range of talent, all apparent on his latest mixtape, Acid Rap. The mixtape was certified double platinum after being downloaded more than 900,000 times, unheard of in the online realm. Featuring Vic Mensa, Ab-Soul, Childish Gambino, and more, Chance has proved to keep good company and mix some solid beats too. His highly anticipated new album, SURF, is expected to make waves (no pun intended) very soon on the music scene, as he’s been collaborating with the likes of Frank Ocean and J. Cole to create an unbelievable listening experience. Did we mention it will be free?

Bennett’s shows are always a wild hit and his crowd interaction is projected to be fantastic. Chance may even bring out a guest or two, as he has been known to do so in the past. His band, The Social Experiment, will be joining him at Revelry for what is sure to be one of the most exhilarating live shows Madison has ever seen. Their logo, SoX, is an apparent acronym for The Social Experiment but it also may be an attempt by Chance to pay homage to his hometown and the Chicago White Sox. Through all the hype and anticipation however, one thing is for sure—Madison is ready for Chicago’s best.

 -lauren CHOJNACKI

[emmiemagazine]

REVELRY PREVIEW#5: MICK JENKINS

Get ready for one of our two Chicago-based rappers gracing the Revelry stage this Saturday, Mick Jenkins. His hard hitting lyrics and unique style are sure to steal the show this weekend! 

Mick Jenkins is the MC who made “Thrift Shop” before Macklemore made “Thrift Shop”.  Check out Jenkins music video “Value Village” and experience the uncanny similarities for yourself.

However, this will not phase the Chicago-based rapper as he owns a myriad of other quality pieces to represent his highly respected name. Jenkins maintains the values that are so commonly forgotten with today’s artists. He is often compared to Chance the Rapper, another Revelry performer, however he is certainly a unique artist with sound and words of his own. Jenkins’ music constantly questions what society has become today and his words ring with emotion as he discusses religion and his core values.

“Water is the most important natural component that we have today/It makes up our world, our bodies/It has the ability to destroy, and create/It is the healing component, THC”

These words, the bridge from the second track “THC”, on his latest album The Water(s), begin to describe how important this liquid is to Jenkins. Before you listen to an hour of his music on May 2nd, you should be familiar with his concept of water, as it is the central theme of his music. Water is a healing property, and he consistently discusses its importance and how it can help make sense of life. Jenkins wants you to listen to his music, however he holds higher importance in having you identify with it. He wants to keep you thinking about it long after to figure out it’s meaning.

That being said, you can certainly head to his stage at Library Mall and enjoy his music without having to think too much. Jenkins’ music possesses an incredible beat and sound that will have the crowd craving more music, without having heard it before.

Jenkins has been gaining a lot of attention for the single that he recently released “Alchemy” which is the first single from his new album Wave(s). This is considered some of his greatest work, giving promise to his new EP that will be released this year.

So when you wake up Saturday morning, take time out of your swamped Mifflin/Revelry schedules and plan on being at the main stage at 5:15 to soak up Mick Jenkins epic performance.

-lee MILNE

[emmiemagazine]

REVELRY PREVIEW #4: ALUNAGEORGE

And on the fourth day of the Revelry countdown, we present AlunaGeorge: the electronic/synth duo that has a jam for everyone. Don’t miss them on the Main Stage at 6:15 on Saturday! 

Almost 2 years since their splash of a debut, Body Music, British electronic duo AlunaGeorge are making fast strides from the underground music blog scene into the mainstream industry and even onto worldwide airwaves. Released earlier this year is the DJ Snake remix of their hit song, "You Know You Like It": and it's rapidly climbing the charts - you may have heard it, you likely will hear it if not, and you certainly will hear it if you see them at Revelry! Aside from this dancefloor ready collaboration, the duo has collaborated with Disclosure on European hit "White Noise", and most recently following their debut have offered their boiling party starter "Supernatural". 

Although versatile, AlunaGeorge stays friendly with electronica and delves into R&B and Pop on their own material: jittery synths, polished distortions and squeaky tics galore. As far as who's involved in this project: George Reid, the production counterpart, slews out a signature frothy and shiny sort of instrumentation to compliment the soft, signature crispness of Aluna Francis' vocals. Together, they make up one of the most dynamic duos in music currently, and are sure to light it up increasingly as they slowly move on up. 

Check them out if you like high energy electronica, but don't shy away in favor of down-tempo foot-tappers: AlunaGeorge has something for any mood, moment and taste. Fans of cheeky wordplay and witty lyricism are also welcome into the empire of AlunaGeorge. Although their anticipated second studio album is yet to be released, it's expected fairly soon - and with the help of powerful banger "You Know You Like It", it may be here relatively quickly! Until then, their debut album has aged masterfully and is calling your name.

-collin KIRK

[emmiemagazine]

REVELRY PREVIEW #3: THE CHAINSMOKERS

Get ready to #selfie with The Chainsmokers, the next artist in our countdown. While they are sure to take #selfies and sing about Kanye, their set will undoubtedly be the most memorable of Miffelry 2015!

Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, better known by their stage name The Chainsmokers, are headed to Madison as one of the Revelry Music and Arts Festival headliners. Quickly rising to mainstream fame for their 2014 single “#Selfie,” this dynamic DJ-ing duo from New York has been creating EDM club hits and remixing tracks from the likes of Bastille, Tove Lo, Two Door Cinema Club, Daughter, and Icona Pop since 2012. Here’s what you need to know to be ready for their performance this Saturday, May 2nd!

1. While rarely talked about, The Chainsmokers was actually started by Pall and an un-named partner who left to pursue a solo career. Pall was solo for a few months before his manager found Taggart and introduced the two who immediately hit it off. 

2. The band also hardly ever talks about the meaning behind the name, though they have mentioned in several interviews that it actually has nothing to do with smoking and that neither of them smoke anymore... how mysterious.  

3. Taggart studied music business at Syracuse and interned at Interscope Records where he gained production experience and also realized he actually hated working for agents. Meanwhile, Pall went to New York University where he studied art. Both recognized their love of EDM while at foreign clubs (in Bristol, England for Pall and Argentina for Taggart).

4. Pall and Taggart have alter egos: Martin Hard and Timothy Deep. While they’ve only created one silly YouTube video for their secret personas, the “show” demonstrates their silly side and proves they’re just as weird as all of us.

5. They love Taylor Swift, cheeseburgers, and girls in yoga pants. Between comments in interviews, tweets, and their website bio literally declaring “They like hot chicks in yoga pants,” these guys have no shame admitting any of these could-be fetishes. (Pro-tip: if you’re trying to catch their attention during Revelry, try donning a blonde wig, bright red lipstick and tight yoga pants while chowin’ down on a juicey burger).  

From joking about meeting on Chatroulette (which a surprising amount of people believe is how the duo started) to their alto-ego YouTube personas, it’s pretty clear that these guys are all about having fun and being weird. You can bet that their performance this Saturday is going to be just as high-energy as their quirky personalities.

-lily HANSEN

[emmiemagazine]

REVELRY PREVIEW #2: NICK HAKIM

The wait for Revelry 2015 is almost over! Next up in our previews is the Bon Iver-esque Nick Hakim. While he is no electronic artist, his sweet soulful music will be sure to make his Saturday set unforgettable! 

Revelers, get ready to fall in love on May 2nd. If it’s not with Nick Hakim himself, then be prepared to fall for the tender, soulful noises he graces the world with. Born to Chilean and Peruvian parents and raised in Washington D.C., 23-year-old Hakim now calls Brooklyn his home, and recently completed a lengthy residency at Williamsburg’s Baby’s All Right.

Hakim broke into the music scene in 2014 with the release of two 5-track EPs, Where Will We Go, Pt.1 in July and Where Will We Go, Pt.2 in September.  With the dream-like overtone of Bon Iver, jazzy hints of John Mayer’s Continuum, a little bit of inspiration from Marvin Gaye, plus the voice of Mike Posner if Mike Posner was good, Hakim may melt everyone into a puddle as he begins to sing. His songs range from topics late night brooding to the perfect breakup music, with lyrics that speak to everyone -- “Deep as the ocean / Cold as the sea / I’m lost in your storm / You poured it out on me”. 

Although the majority of his music can be defined as “old” soul, he is set to bring a very new and different sound to Revelry. You can currently listen to both of his EPs on Soundcloud, which we highly recommend doing now before he takes over the indie rock scene.  If you’re looking for an artist that is the opposite of Chance the Rapper, head over to Nick Hakim at the Main Stage and show him some love.

-abbey SCHNEIDER

[emmiemagazine]

REVELRY PREVIEW #1: UNTIL THE RIBBON BREAKS

Revelry is coming, Madison music enthusiasts and EMMIE Magazine is here to help bring you up to the big day next SATURDAY, MAY 2nd. We are kicking off our countdown with the genre-bending British trio, Until the Ribbon Breaks. 

Get ready to get weird to some good beats from across the pond. Until the Ribbon Breaks (UTRB) is a group categorized as electronic-pop, but their music goes beyond that. With their chill soul-y electronic sound, Until the Ribbon Breaks will be a must-see no matter how familiar (or unfamiliar) you are with them. 

Their premier album A Lesson Unlearnt, released this past January, is loaded with beats that are catchy enough to get you moving, but innovative enough to keep your ears on their toes. A delicate balance between melancholic soulful vocals and (forward moving) beats keeps their music easy to love without being generic or familiar. 

Even more impressive than their album are their remixes and mixtapes. Their remixes include The Weeknd, London Grammar, Lorde, Blondie to name a few, and their mixtapes cover such a wide range of genres and sounds, there’s undoubtedly something for everyone. All the while, there maintains a sound unique to UTRB. 

So if you’re looking for something to listen to while pumping out a paper at 3AM, listen to UTRB. If you’re looking for something to get down to, listen to UTRB. If you’re at Revelry this weekend, go see UTRB (Main stage, 4:15). Whether you’re there to bust out and rage or chill in between your choice shows, you won’t be disappointed with what you hear.

-molly GILBERTSON

[emmiemagazine]

Mat Kearney -- “Just Kids”

8800/10000

Mat Kearney’s music is heard in “Soul Surfer,” episodes of popular nighttime drama series, and on Top 40 radio stations. He’s loved by all types of people, to say the least. An artist of both singer/songwriter and hip-hop talent, he pairs instrument and synthetic beat in perfect manner. With three successful albums behind him, the Oregon-born musician had a lot at stake when recording Just Kids, his latest album.

Just Kids was created in Kearney’s self-made portable studio in his tour bus while traveling the world. If that doesn’t set him apart as one of the more ambitious artists in the industry, I’m not sure what does. Kearney is a self-producing artist, but MDL (Maroon 5, Justin Bieber) gave him a little help along the way when recording Just Kids. Regardless, the album represents Kearney in all the best ways.  

 Pure, personal, and reminiscent are words that come to mind when listening to Just Kids. It showcases Mat Kearney’s artistic ability to sync different genres of music: rap, electro-pop, and rock. In “Heartbeat,” his first pre-released song from the new album, Kearney plays around with different sounds and melodies that give off a contagiously happy vibe. Lyrically, the album reflects on the moments when he realized what he was meant to do: create music. It also describes the personal struggles with faith that Kearney overcame in his youth by turning to music (“It was smoking mirrors, running down through my veins/ I kept on running downtown, running from God's grace/ Every morning I'd climb back through, those window panes/ And try my best to ride it out over instrumental tapes.”). Mat Kearney knows what it’s like to start from nothing and work your way to the top, considering that he started out doing gigs in small coffee shops for anyone who would care to listen. “Black Sheep,” a coming of age song, depicts this, and is one of the more resonating songs on the album. Mat Kearney explains how he knew that being a musician was his calling (“But at night I dreamed of Graceland/ Stealing my friend Kyle's guitar”) and that music was his way of connecting with people (“On the racquetball courts playing/ Songs for homeless broken hearts.”). Just Kids reflects the journey he embarked on so many years ago as a new artist, as heard in “Heartbreak Dreamer” when he sings “And as I pack my bags and headed to a foreign land/ One way ticket on a one way plane/ Laying my head down alone each night.” It’s pretty obvious that Mat Kearney wants the world to know where he began, and where he’s ended up. By the sound of Just Kids, he wouldn’t change a thing.

 Just Kids tells a story, and shows listeners how Mat Kearney has matured. It’s incredible to see how his artistic style has developed, and there aren’t many weaknesses when it comes to this album. Conjoining his musical and vocal talent with different genres (hip-hop and rock) makes Kearney unique, and Just Kids is a perfect example of this. Because the album appeals to such a wide range of fans, it’s a strong candidate for being Kearney’s most memorable album yet. Mat Kearney has never been mainstream or commercialized, and Just Kids positively stands out within 2015’s music scene, which is (so far) a lot of common pop songs and sexually driven albums (50 Shades of Grey, anyone?). That being said, oldies are back in style, and much of 2015’s music has incorporated older music styles into modern hits. Just Kids follows suit, and gives off an 80’s/90’s vibe in a handful of songs across the album.

Mat Kearney’s past albums are phenomenal, but Just Kids highlights his talents even more so than before. City of Black and White (2009), Young Love (2011), and Nothing Left to Lose (2006) each expose Kearney’s past, but Just Kids is more mature in that it reflects deeper upon all that he has experienced in his life thus far-the traveling, the love, and the self-growth. The album is that of a personal message to his listeners about where his journey began, and where it has taken him.

It’s no exaggeration that Just Kids may be one of Mat Kearney’s most profound albums yet. He’s developed a huge fan base over the years, and this album has only caused him to gain more recognition for his raw talent. Us listeners can hear his growth as an artist across all of his albums. It’s rare to find a musician as honest and open as Mat Kearney, and Just Kids highlights these characteristics and more.

 -sarah LODUHA

[emmiemagazine]

The Maine -- “American Candy”

9050/10000

On March 31, 2015, The Maine finally released their highly anticipated album American Candy, and let me tell you, it was well worth the wait. Formed in 2007 by five Arizona natives, John O'Callaghan (Lead Vocals), Kennedy Brock (Guitar/Backing vocals), Jared Monaco (Guitar), Garrett Nickelsen (Bass), and Pat Kirch (Drums), The Maine’s fifth full-length album brings back the high-energy, carefree sound of 2007’s The Way We Talk – EP and 2008's Can't Stop Won't Stop. But that’s not to say the band hasn’t matured since their early days. After eight years in the industry, O'Callaghan's voice is surely deeper – though just as husky as always – making his croons seem even more authentic and full of raw emotion than in past albums, and beneath the surface, the band’s lyrics hold deeper meanings about growing up and standing out from the mainstream.

Quite the transition from the brooding, alternative rock melodies of 2011’s Pioneer and 2013’s Forever Halloween, American Candy is a sweet surprise. In a video on the band’s YouTube channel, O’Callaghan declares “I didn’t want things to be so heavy this time around… I wanted to keep things mostly light and groovy.” The first singles off the album, "English Girls," and “Miles Away” do just that with catchy choruses, and that classic pop-rock sound you'd expect from The Maine.

Behind the power-pop melodies of “Diet Soda Society,” featuring catchy whistling and harmonized vocals, and “Am I Pretty,” definitely the most pop-sounding track on the album, you may miss the sarcastic societal commentary. In “Diet Soda Society” the band mocks our superficiality with lyrics like “To be honest, I am full of sh*t/ But that’s alright/ Because everyone else that I know is,” while “Am I Pretty?” hints at society’s nature of letting someone’s physical appearance determine our acceptance of them. The band’s distaste for appeasing others at the cost of individuality and integrity is also apparent in the title track “American Candy,” which features more rock-style guitar rhythms.

While you might assume “My Hair” is just a tongue-in-cheek ode to John’s recently-cut, used-to-be-long locks, the song is really a big “F.U.” to the music industry for trying to force artists to conform and change their sound – a struggle The Maine themselves faced with their sophomore album. Using hair as a metaphor for youthfulness and individuality, lyrics like “Nobody’s gonna tell me how to wear my hair/ Not my mother or a big-wig millionaire,” make clear that The Maine holds their own.

Although full of feel-good songs, the album also emphasizes that life isn’t always so joyful. With its slow, somber tone and dark melody, “24 Floors” may have seemed more fitting for Forever Halloween, nonetheless, the song is an important addition to American Candy. Be prepared for this song to hit hard as O’Callaghan croons in a breathy, half-whisper, “you don’t wanna die tonight/ take one more breath to clear your mind/ every moment’s relevant, bittersweet, and delicate.” It’s clear the band is telling listeners that despite some bad times, life is something worth hanging onto. The track “(Un)Lost” continues this theme with lyrics like “I’m not looking to be found/ Just want to feel unlost,” expressing how everyone faces confusion in life and it’s OK to accept that. In an album of upbeat songs, these tracks stand out as reminders that there’ll always be times you feel down, but you’ll get through it.

All in all, American Candy conveys important messages within its upbeat tracks while providing a welcome return to The Maine’s pop-rock roots. For an album retaliating against society’s stereotypical nature and conveying the importance of individuality, “Same Suit Different Tie” is the perfect song to sum it all up. Featuring distinct guitar riffs and backbeats reminiscent of a 2000s pop punk anthem, this song about accepting yourself and finding happiness in what you have is the highlight of the album. Coming to a close with “Another Night on Mars,” a cheery track about appreciating your best friends, we’re all reminded that the good times are waiting.

-lily HANSEN

[emmiemagazine]

Local Artist Alert: Dolores

Have you ever had a conversation so entertaining, you kind of wish you’d brought a tape recorder along just to document the hilarity? No? Well if not, sit down and have a chat with Dolores sometime… or just read this article! Delivering excellent psychedelic jams and an amazing, high-energy live show, this up-and-coming band has captured the attention of local fans and established musicians (PHOX!) alike.

 EMMIE: First things first, and I’m sure you guys get this a lot... What made you choose the name Dolores?

Javi: Well, it just kind of came up… and no one had a problem with it. There were a few other options that just did not fly. We briefly considered “Mom” and “Thumper”.... not okay. *collective laughter*

 Dolores is definitely a catchy choice. Going into your music, your EP, Nectar Fields, is super impressive for a first album. I understand you guys are self-produced, and the sound you have definitely doesn’t make that evident. Who is the main force behind song writing and production? As far as songs go, do any have a particular personal meaning?

Adam: Javi is the one behind the lyrics.

Javi: They all have loose meanings. The lyrics themselves may not seem to make sense, but there’s a general feeling or sense that each one gets at. They’re all very open ended and open to interpretation.

 And as far as production goes?

Adam: I do a lot of it.

Javi/Willie/Teddy: It’s all Adam. 

Adam: Haha, alright. Mostly.

 What would you say is the hardest aspect of finding success as an up-and-coming band? Any major frustrations?

Willie: Definitely finding time, especially time that works for all of us to meet up.

Teddy: Balancing the band with work and school! And nerves, at first.

Javi: It’s also kind of difficult to find shows to play in the first place. We got incredibly lucky with our first show at the High Noon back in October. They had an opening at the last minute.

Adam: Well, a few weeks in advance… which is still relatively last minute. It was a Monday show, so not really a big night, and we were playing with two other bands… but it was an amazing opportunity for us.

 I was lucky enough to see that show, it was such a great time! That leads me to my next question… for such a new band, you guys seem to be having fantastic success! What do you attribute to this?

Teddy: Lots of practice!

Javi: Stunning good looks….

*laughter*

Javi: Don’t write that! No, in all honesty it’s been a lot of hard work and we’ve been incredibly lucky to have had awesome opportunities.

Willie: We definitely have a great comfort level with our songs too, which has come through by playing them a lot. And we try to bring a smiley vibe to everything we do! 

Javi: We laugh a lot, even laughing at each other or ourselves. We just try not to be assholes.

 All of the hard work and smiles definitely come across! But now, going back a bit, how did Dolores begin?

Javi: Well, way at the start, we just kind of started recording for fun… when we heard ourselves on tape we were all really happy with the sound!

Willie: We were just three guys who wanted to play music and it was fun to collaborate with each other and make something that sounded great.

Adam: It didn’t necessarily feel like an actual “attempt” to break into the music scene at first, it was all for fun.

 And when did Teddy join up?

Javi: Well, we were searching for a drummer back in August when Willie was still playing the drums… and we just couldn’t find a good fit. Then Teddy came along, through a mutual friend!

Willie: The first time he played with us, he asked, “So… what are your goals?”

Javi: It just felt funny to hear that since none of us were really in that mindset at the time.

 Once you guys were a fully formed band, how would you say you found your sound? Any particular musical inspirations?

Willie: Well, we all listen to very different stuff and we’re all willing to listen to each other’s ideas.

Javi: Yeah, we like what everyone’s bringing enough to push the various influences together, kind of combine everyone’s preferences.

 What artists in particular do you each take inspiration from?

Javi: I love the Beatles, Ty Segall, Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala…

Teddy: I’m a big Unknown Mortal Orchestra fan.

Willie: Bluegrass is a huge inspiration to me.

Adam: Weird stuff…. *laughter*...Styx, CCR, Herbie Hancock…

 Continuing on inspirations… You guys put on an amazing live show and have such an awesome energy! How do you bring such consistent energy to the stage- what inspires that?

Javi: Seeing everyone’s reactions!

Willie: Practicing a ton and just having a good time on stage.

Adam: Stupid inside jokes *laughter*... we just laugh a ton on stage.

Javi: We all get the giggles.

Adam: It’s also great to watch Willie; he brings such a genuine energy of his own. 

Teddy: Also since we’re not really actively touring, we aren’t crazy stressed all the time. It allows us to be energized for shows!

 How do you get ready for shows? Any weird habits/ techniques?

Javi: Well, we’ve been doing “Oh Fo REALZ” before the show… *laughter*. Really though, we just say “oh fo realz” to each other and laugh about it and that psyches us up. 

Adam: Javi really spread the “get hyped idea”.

Javi: It’s fun to get in a huddle and get excited!

Willie: Sometimes we sing R. Kelly!

Javi: We just keep it really present and remind each other we’re in it all together.

 Moving on to Madison’s music scene… it’s been pretty excellent in recent years. What’s the best part of being involved in it? Any downsides?

Teddy: Everyone’s just really, really nice!

Javi: It’s not a cool contest

Adam: It’s full of supportive people, fun audiences…

Willie: And it’s just a young culture.

Adam: It’s helped us a ton to be around such open minds and supportive musicians. 

Willie: Hopefully we’re helping shape the local sound a bit… gee, that would be awesome! *laughter*

 Well I’d say so! On that note though, is there anything you’d to do improve Madison’s music scene?

Javi: More venues, especially on State Street. For the longest time I thought City Bar was a venue, it just looks like one. It should be one!

Adam: It would be great if the general population saw music as a more critical component of our culture! We’re considered a capital city, a college town… Music would maybe be 11th or 12th on the list. I’d love it if it rose a few pegs in how people think of us- if we could be an Austin or a Minneapolis. It’ll take time but that would be ideal.

 What’s your favorite venue so far… Madison or anywhere!

Collective answer: The Pabst! It was so fun and a sold out show! 7th street entry was kind of fun too. As far as Madison goes, the High Noon is amazing! There’s also something so awesome about playing the Majestic.

Willie: It’s amazing to go from seeing shows at Majestic to be on stage, playing the show… it’s such a cool feeling.

 Thank you guys so much for taking the time to talk with me, it’s been great.

 -ali GRIMES

[emmiemagazine]

Father John Misty -- “I Love You, Honeybear”

7350/10000

Who is J. Tillman, really, and is he… for real? The former Fleet Foxes drummer, now performing under the moniker Father John Misty, has recently left behind a trail of peculiar antics. He opened his performance on Letterman sitting solemnly at a grand piano, a spotlight bathing his seemingly heartbroken face. A minute into the song—lead single “Bored in the USA”—Tillman swings around on the bench, the camera revealing he wasn’t playing the piano at all. He jaunts up onto the piano and lounges for a moment, streams a fake audience laugh track between lyrics like, “They gave me a useless education / a sub-prime loan on a craftsman home,” all while maintaining the dramatic façade of nihilist who’s just realized the myth of the American Dream. The album art for Honeybear features a hilarious doodle of his face replacing the infant Jesus Christ in a colorful recreation of the Virgin Mary and Child. When the first pressing of his LP was noticed to be defective from the pop-up art in the sleeve, he “[promised] to be less ambitious in the future.” He also asked Marilyn Manson, “How long have you been in the gay Navy?” when he was wearing “sideswept bangs and this pea-coat thing.” These things all add to the enigmatic, comical figure that Father John Misty has evolved into in recent months.

Following Tillman’s debut as Father John Misty with 2012’s Fear Fun, this new release surely sends listeners more than a few mixed signals. Having an extremely Christian upbringing that he has since renounced, even his stage name brings to question Tillman’s sincerity. Dripping his lyrics with self-aware irony, it’s difficult to pinpoint how much of I Love You, Honeybear is meant to move listeners, and how much is just Tillman playing along with the image and narrative he envisioned; after all, he himself has described the work as a concept album.

Whatever his intention behind the sometimes-misleading lyrics, Honeybear shows musical and artistic growth from Fear Fun. In “True Affection,” an electronic leaning jab at having to interact through modern technology rather than face-to-face, Tillman finds the happy medium of wit and sincerity—“When can we talk with the face / Instead of using all these strange devices?” he sings over a twinkling downpour of sound, all birthed by the very technology we all admittedly wish we didn’t rely on sometimes. It’s complicated.

When he recounts meeting his new wife Emma for the first time and goes on to imagine the rest of their lives spent together on “I Went to the Store One Day,” listeners are left with yet another aspect of the artist to sort through. Is this Tillman speaking honestly, or just another part of the “concept”?

Somehow, despite the sarcasm, the laugh tracks, and the previous comparison of his wife to a blow up doll, when Tillman sings, “For love to find us of all people / I never thought it’d be so simple,” you believe him, consider that all this might be just another way for a person to process a life that has surely had its ups and downs, just like most of ours. Music, in the end, is a thought process just as it is an art, and if life imitates art, then how fitting that I Love You, Honeybear is a contradiction, indescribably raw, a product of adoration and confusion and honest-to-God trying. Trying to live freely, love honestly, sometimes to just survive. Moments like these bring Father John Misty closer to listeners; you can’t help but identify with him, whoever he really is.

-mia SATO