Lollapalooza!

Explosions in the Sky At Lolla

Lollapalooza is an amazing music festival located in Grant Park in Chicago, IL. It is known for being one of the largest music festivals hosting over 160,000 people over the course of 3 days! It definitely stands out from the rest of the music festivals and if you can go, you should!

I went last year with my girlfriend(awe!) and her family and had an absolute blast. I saw countless bands I had on my list of bands to see with the most memorable being Coldplay and Manchester Orchestra. It stands out to me for a couple reasons.

1. Lineup. There are handfuls of music festivals all over the map ranging from pop artists to bluegrass. For me Lolla had the best lineup. (2012 Lineup)
2. Cleanliness! This is a big one for me. Grant Park is gorgeous and it was squeaky clean. I've never been to Bonaroo or some of the others but I have heard horror stories about the bathrooms, dust, and smell. Lolla truly does a great job of keeping the park clean for having so many guests.
3. City! Chicago is an amazing city that can also claim the cleanliness award. It was a short walk from our hotel to the park and I can't explain how awesome it was to walk through the city and be able to go back to our hotel rooms to shower. The main stage at Lolla sits right under the skyline of Chicago and the shows here at night are an experience. 

I saw so many bands I had dreamed of seeing last year. I was running around form stage to stage to get a good spot for the next band I wanted to see. To name a few: Coldplay, Manchester Orchestra, My Morning Jacket, Delta Spirit, Local Natives, Noah and the Whale, Foster the People. Seriously though this list is awesome. And it's not even all of them. I swear I'm not being paid to do this post (although that'd be nice!) but you really do need to consider this festival. 

I will be attending again this year but as a music fan you are hopefully planning your annual music festival trip. I wanted to share my experience of Lollapalooza and hopefully convert you! Being in Tennessee many of my friends go to Bonaroo, which is no doubt a sweet festival and I've heard awesome stories. But if you're in the mood to get out of the state, head north to Chicago and I promise you won't regret it!

Here's a recap video of last year to give you a small taste!

Indie Wensdee // Kye Kye

Today I want to share a band called Kye Kye. They are a new band catching lots of attention in the christian music scene. I just saw them this past Sunday with John Mark Mcmillan and they were dope. Super great live and love what they're doing.

They are definitely an electronic band with lots of loops, tracks, and midi keyboards filling the space. The vocals come from the lead female singer Olga Yagolnikov and they are beautiful yet haunting. The band is made up of three Yagolnikov siblings and Olga's husband Tommy. So the chemistry is definitely there and their music reflects that.

You definitely don't wanna miss this band. They have an awesome sound and are creating a big buzz in the scene right now. Read this sweet interview at Relevant to find some more out about them but pick up their latest album Young Love and you won't be disappointed.

AWESOME U2 cover!

My Favorite Entertainer

I have a hard time saying I have one favorite entertainer. To pin it down to just one actor, comedian or artist is seriously impossible. So since I want to get a good grade on this assignment I will choose one of my favorite entertainers who does it all...Donald Glover.

Donald Glover is an actor, writer, comedian and musician. He's truly talented at all of these and it explains why he has become so successful. Being a music lover, I first fell in love with his hip-hop music. I first heard his music when my friend Jay shared his Adele sampled song "Do Ya Like" at poker night. He was giving away his album "Culdesac" and "Fall" E.P. at the time and I downloaded them immediately. I previously had not really been into hip-hop but his music and lyrics are so creative it was hard not to appreciate.


 He raps under the name Childish Gambino and you can hear his music in the video below or on soundcloud. I definitely recommend buying his latest album "Camp" even if rap and hip-hop isn't your thing.  
He was a writer for The Daily Show in 2005 and the NBC series 30 Rock from 2006 to 2009, where he also had an occasional cameo appearance. He began acting with these cameos but his current role is Troy on the NBC comedy series "Community." Glover also performed for a Comedy Central Presents where he did his hilarious stand up. 


Glover is a talented entertainer who hasn't disappointed me yet. I've enjoyed his music, stand-up, writing and acting. I can guarantee you will be seeing his name.

Cool Video!

Pretty sweet little video I thought I'd share. Enjoy!

Indie Wensdee // Of Monsters and Men

It's Wensdee (Wednesday!) which means I shall share another band I'm listening to and see if you enjoy it as well. So let's cut to the chase...

Today I'm sharing a band called Of Monsters and Men. They are an indie folk/pop band from Iceland who are starting to quickly grab everyone's attention. I first heard their song "Little Talks" while looking around on Paste but the song quickly grabbed me and I think I even got it from their free download.

One of the reasons I wanted to share them today is because of their growing popularity and wonderful sound. According to Billboard, their first E.P. Into the Woods is number 9 this week which is somewhat surprising coming from this genre. Their sound is very unique and you'll catch this from the first listen. The contrasting vocals of co-singer/guitarist Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and co-singer/guitarist Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson creates a wonderful tone. The backing music is all very full and using catch melodies. 


This band will probably only get more and more popular and I can see them as a post-mumford and sons. What I mean is when mumford caught so much attention it was surprising to me (but made me happy) to see a band of their genre and sound reach the top billboards. Of Monsters and Men comes from a somewhat similar genre while integrating other great instruments and it won't surprise me to hear them all over the radio soon.

The first video below is the official music video for their song "Little Talks" and sorry if you have to suffer through the stupid vevo advertisements (which also means this video will probably be down from my page within a day but oh well). It must've been made by one of their Iceland friends for it is definitely of a unique taste and uses elements of nordic or Iceland cultures. The second one is a radio performance which I enjoyed very much.


So I hope you enjoy these guys. Buy their album from me for only $5 (a steal, and yes this is a promotional plug:]). Keep your eye on this group for I'm sure you will be seeing and hearing more of them in the future!

What about that SOPA/PIPA thing?

If you woke up from your New Year's Eve partying, then you most likely heard about the SOPA/PIPA bills. If you don't know much about it, you should watch this video:






For those of you who didn't want to watch the video or didn't have enough time, in short the SOPA/PIPA bills are proposed legislature that enforces protection and action against illegal pirating and downloading. Wikipedia explains both SOPA and PIPA well.

Both bills received tremendous opposition from all over the internet. Sites like Wikiepedia, Reddit and 7,000 other sites all blacked out for 24 hours on January 18th. At americancensorship.org you were able to write to congress in opposition. And apparently the internet strike worked because the bills did not pass. 


I participated in the write to congress campaign and encouraged my friends and roommates to do so also. I personally felt that the internet is something that shouldn't be controlled by the government. Trying to censor everything over the internet would be impossible and the government would have to take drastic measures to do so. Attacking individuals who have illegally downloaded would mean punishing millions. A free nation means a free internet and unless we want to follow our communist brother in China, these bills should be stopped from being proposed again.


I wanted to bring this subject back up again for a couple reasons. One, it is still important and we shouldn't forget about it just because it has left the front page of the media. Two because with this being a music blog, let's just face it, many music lovers today are downloading their music via torrents, rar files, etc.


My "solution" is to leave it alone. The world's technology is rapidly growing and new media is updated daily. My solution for bands is to live in it and work in it. Accept that many listeners may be illegally downloading their music and work with this. Offer songs and albums for free. Then how would they make any money? Utilize other methods like tours, tickets, merchandise, fund raising or getting your song on television/film.


Now this may not be enough to sustain and if this is the case, then accept the world it is. Do your best to promote your music and encourage people to buy. But getting pissed off that someone may have stolen your music because they wanted to listen to YOU should not be a reason to make it impossible to hear your music. So live with it, accept the environment and make it work!

New Song Premiere // mewithouYou "February 1878"

This is one of my favorite bands and I'm not incorporating them into Indie Wensdee just because they've been around for awhile and I've been listening to them for awhile and hopefully you have been too! They are releasing a new album called Ten Stories on May 15th and I can't express how excited I am!

It is hard to fit mewithoutYou into a specific genre but you will hear big drums and guitars with interesting melodies and spoken word lyrics. MewithoutYou is an amazing band that has a pretty strong following and they've been doing it for quite awhile. Along their journey they seem to have picked up different styles of music along the way and each album can really sort of be set apart. There seems to be a common scenario when discussing mewithoutYou and their fans can kinda fall into a few categories. Many loved A to B: Life (2002), their first full length, which is by far the heaviest. They then put out with Catch for Us the Foxes (2004) and Brother, Sister (2006) which could probably, maybe, sort of be grouped together as they weren't as heavy and more melodic and catchy. Their most recent work came in the form of It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All a Dream! It's Alright! (2009) a neo-folk sound with Aaron Weiss's (lead vocalist) incorporating a lot more singing.

Many fans have been dreaming of another heavy A to B: Life record while most listeners could probably find it easier to get into It's All Crazy! or the previous two. From this song below, I can definitely hear a combination of both that creates an incredible song. The opening bass riff drives it right from the beginning but as the song progresses you can hear the soft, relaxing breakdown's mewithoutYou does so well.

Either way give it a listen and if you haven't listenend to mewithoutYou before pick up some old album's and start wherever you like. To read more about Ten Stories check out this awesome interview their drummer Rickie Mazzotta did over at Paste.

Indie Wensdee // Hawkboy

So upon suggestion, I have changed the name from it's previous domain (Intro Wednesday) to Indie Wensdee(it's Indie as in indie music and wensdee as in Wednesday pronounced with an e sound). It was a suggestion of my friend (Chandler Baldwin) and it has grown on me so I am going to keep it for now:) If you hate it you can go to Chandler's Apartment and throw eggs at his door.

(Source: Hawkboy Facebook)

Now that that's settled. The artist I am going to share today is called Hawkboy. Hawkboy consists of Cody Bonnette and Aaron Lunsford. Cody is the guitarist and singer and Aaron plays drums. You may recognize their name for they are both former members of the excellent band As Cities Burn. If you don't know As Cities Burn, you need to. They are no longer a band but are still doing mini tours and shows, mostly in the southeast (ya i don't know how that works either, "We're done BUT not really!"). I am attending the Nashville date next week and am super amped.

Hawkboy is a totally separate entity though and some of the sounds of As Cities Burn do gleam through but you definitely have to chew on Hawkboy for what it is in itself.  Amazing guitar work from Cody is always present. They truly to have a pretty great sound considering it is only a guitarist and drummer. Think of an indie Black Keys. Crunchy, raw guitars with delicate drum beats and parts that you can just jam your head to.

Either way give them a listen. Do it for free because you can stream their whole latest E.P. on soundcloud. Below is the title track off their latest E.P. King Folly (I love the guitar work about 2 mins. in). But definitely don't skip over the first E.P. self-titled Hawkboy and if you're into vinyl they just released some dope looking vinyls which I plan to be purchasing soon. Go to their facebook, download their music for they won't disappoint.

My Death Exaggerated...

A small plane making an emergency landing killed Andrew Dibb April 7, 2046. He was at Cherokee Lake on his fishing boat. He was born on April 29, 1991, in Modesto, Cali. He was the son of Douglas and Cynthia Dibb and was a 2013 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. 

He resided in New York City for the past five years. He worked at an advertising firm in Manhattan and was very successful. Dibb was visiting home in Morristown, Tenn. when he went for the dangerous, nostalgic run.

He is survived by his wife, Carey of New York City; sister, Morgan (Tom) Jennings; and many dear friends and extended family members.

Dibb loved his wife and his work. He will be remembered for his strong opinions, physical attributes, sense of humor, work ethic and lively personality. He will be truly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m.  Monday, April 10, 2018, at Jones’s Memorial Chapel in Morristown, Tenn. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 11, 2018, at Jones’s with Pastor Ben Shoun officiating.  Graveside services will follow at West End Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will include his best friends, Taylor Riden, James Elliott, Stewart Doka, Daniel Williams, Tyler Ham, Jameson Mcgregor , Eric Steedly; and brother-in-law Tom Jennings.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dibb’s memory may be sent to Jones’s Memorial Chapel by April, 10, 2018.

**Obviously I did not really die like this. This is one of those assignment we are required to post. I hope I don't go out like this but it would be in honorable fashion in my opinion**

Making A Big Decision // Transferring Schools

Transferring schools is a huge decision that many struggle to make for quite some time. It can be a life-changing choice affecting your family, life and finances. It may be an easy decision for you or an extremely time-consuming, stressful process. Either way there are a few things to consider.

By no means do I consider myself an expert advice giver. I CAN claim the title of having gone through this experience. If you do not know, I transferred schools from King College in Bristol, Tenn. to the big university of Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

I made the big decision in the spring of 2011 but it was long, enduring process in my case. I arrived at King College in the fall of 2009, ready to take over the world. I had received a cross-country and track scholarship and was truly amped about running for a collegiate team (new shoes, new jerseys, etc). King College is a small school with only about 1,000 students and I struggled with the small mass of students and lack of diversity. I began to entertain the thought of transferring my very first semester. Not a good sign!!

It was the first week of the 2011 spring semester when I had finally arrived upon a conclusion. I withdrew on the following monday from King College and enrolled in my local community college that same day. Many factors went into my decision to finally transfer. Myself, my coach and my friends were quite shocked that I actually did it!

But the most assuring thing, was the feeling of relief I got driving down I-81 realizing I had really done it. I was excited for the future.

I wanted to share my story of transferring and my decision process. I also wanted to share some tips, in case you are considering this process. So I hope they help or give you some direction.

1. Make the Decision for YOU
 -many people will be sharing their opinion on what you should or shouldn't do. Opinions will by flying at your from all directions. Don't simply ignore this advice but when you're lying in your bed at night, know that you made the decision for YOU. You will be much happier and content.

             

Money is a big factor

 2. Consider Options
-this is a more obvious tip but an important one. What are the big advantages and disadvantages of leaving and thoroughly think about each one (Finances is a big one, books are expensive!). I made a list of the pro's and con's of transferring and considered both sides.

3. Plan
-the decision to transfer brings a lot of thought and work and you don't want to be sitting around in the fall realizing you're back at your parents house eating mom's food. Know the deadlines. Know the time you have to withdrawal by, the application process, the registration dates, etc. Plan your visits and be on the ball with forms and transcripts to avoid a stressful process.

And here's a song to serenade you as you ponder on your decision.

Red Bus Project // On the Move for Orphans

Today I thought I'd post on a really cool thing going on at my campus today (and many others. I had to write an article for class on the same subject so I thought I would just share it. If you'd rather not read all my nonsense just watch the video!! I interviewed their lead guitar player below and make sure and scroll down to the end to get the FREE download.

  

Red Bus Project is a unique charity concept that is touring universities all across the southeast. It is a double decker bus-turned-mobile thrift store that tours from college to college, spreading awareness about the needs of orphans and raising money for orphan care.

 It is the brainchild of Caleb Chapman, of the band CALEB, and Chris Wheeler, director of Student Initiatives, at Show Hope Ministries. Caleb and Chris worked together wondering how students could assemble their stuff (clothes, shoes, accessories) to help support orphans. They loved the idea of mobilizing and bringing an opportunity to for college students to participate in. They eventually landed on the dream of using a double-decker bus.

The dream came alive this spring and they were able to buy a double-decker bus and have it shipped over from England. After converting it into a mobile thrift store, they were off to tour the southeast. The tour started on March 12 at Martin Methodist College and ends on April 16 at University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. They will be in Murfreesboro at MTSU on April 2nd parked by the knoll.

Photo taken from RBP Facebok

The Red Bus Project is unique for many reasons. The obvious being it is a big red double-decker bus turned thrift store but also the awesome opportunity. It is easy and simple for students to participate. The organization comes to them and it can cost you nothing to share and give. Redbusproject.org explains how by using the motto “Give. Buy. Show Hope.” They say to, “Donate your best clothes, buy clothes on the bus and invite all your friends to join the Red Bus Project. The funds raised by the thrift store will go toward providing forever families to orphans.” 

After shopping on the bus and donating your old clothes there is a night of music from local band CALEB. CALEB consists of lead singer Caleb Chapman, drummer Will Chapman and lead guitarist Scott Mills. Caleb and Will’s dad, Steven Curtis Chapman was early involved with Show Hope ministries and their family has three adopted children from Asia. I emailed back and forth with Scott Mills and asked a few questions about the RBP. 

611:  What is your favorite thing about playing on the RBP?

Scott:  My favorite thing about being on tour with the Red Bus Project is the perfect marriage of music and cause. We are getting to go to colleges all over the southeast (and soon other regions) playing our songs for people and at the same time encouraging people to lock arms with us and The Red Bus Project to raise awareness about the world's orphan crisis.

611: How long has Show Hope and Caleb been preparing/planning the RBP?

Scott: This tour and concept that is now the Red Bus Project has been a dream for about a year. In December we officially presented the idea to the board of directors at the non-profit Show Hope and got the tour approved. So starting at the beginning of 2012 we got a double decker bus from London, got it retro fitted into a rolling thrift store, started rehearsing and hiring a crew and hit the road on March 12.

611: What is life like on the road with RBP? Are you on the bus? Do you get to shower?

Scott: We, the band, are traveling in our van, Big Roon, for all the dates of the Red Bus Project. The staff of the RBP ride from city to city on the top floor of the Red Bus. Typically we all stay in a hotel in the city the show is in and then wake up early (5-6am) to drive to the next city and set up. The way the tour is routed right now we don't have to drive through the night so we can shower, get some rest, and make it to each campus by 9am.

611: You recently released the CALEB E.P. in November of 2011 but what’s the future for CALEB right now? New music soon?

Scott: We released our 3rd independent EP called "To The Ends Of The World" on November 22. We got to see it make it all the way up to #14 on the Alternative iTunes chart and sit between The Black Keys and Florence and the Machine for a few days. For now our plans are to stay independent and let our music grow organically. We love having the freedom to do what we feel we need to do in these early and formative days of our band. We've decided to turn down several deals with management and record companies until the right thing comes along. It may be harder in the beginning but we feel like in the end it will help us establish a real and honest fan base that listens to us because they want to not because we are the "next cool thing."

611: Lastly, for any gear techies, what is your gear setup right now?

Scott: Currently, CALEB is a 3 piece band with Caleb and I tag teaming the electric guitar and him playing acoustic and me playing bass on a given song. For our guitar set up we are using a VOX AC-30 H2L. Its got the original handwired VOX EF86 tube circuit with Alnico Blue Speakers housed inside of an all wood mahogany 2x12 cabinet. Its a 50th anniversary so there were only 500 made worldwide. As far as guitars go we love hollowbody electrics. We have two ES 335's (Cherry Red 1978 and Natural FInish 1991) we've used until we recently received an endorsement with Epiphone guitars. Caleb now plays a Sheraton II and I play a Casino. We also have a Pedal Train 3 loaded with a Boss Giga Delay, Boss RV-5 Rever, Empress Tremolo, Jekyl and Hyde overdrive from Visual Sound, Strymon Brigadier Analog Delay, AC Booster, and Keely modded Katana clear boost. That array of pedals lets us create about any sound we could ever want.

*For more information and a complete tour listing visit: http://www.redbusproject.org

*To hear CALEB's music or check them out go here or visit their website for a free download right now.