North Avenue Studios | Recording. Mixing. Mastering

Andrew — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:49:05 +0000

Kurt Vile released one of, if not, my favorite album of last year. His sound is completely his own so I won’t try to pin point it. Take a listen. Enjoy.

Geek Speak: Tupac Hologram Coachella 2012

vwilliams — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:14:00 +0000

Alright some may be a little bit frightened by this, many may stare in disbelief and others may say that this is the sign of Tupac being alive.But as a tech nerd I must say that the Coachella Tupac hologram was not only innovative but it was pretty darn cool. This hologram has not only taken Cochella by storm but has also gone viral on the internet having over 2 million views on YouTube. The question that I have to pose is not about the buzz that the hologram has created but about what this new technology will do for the entertainment industry. Music tours, movies, maybe even more performances from celebrities from beyond the grave? like Marilyn Monroe or Kurt Cobain? Or maybe Michael Jackson could finish his last tour from the grave? But hey this is just all Geek Speak I guess you can judge for yourself.

New Music Alert!

jkelly — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:45:32 +0000

If you love music you’ve probably listened to the awesome sound of The Morning Benders. Their song Excuses got some virality not only due to what a great song it is but after the band did a full orchestra recording, people listened. Well now the band formerly known as The Morning Benders has redubbed itself Pop Etc and released a free mixtape entitled the Pop Etc Mixtape – and I love the sound.

Sure, it’s entirely, completely, wholly different from their last album at The Morning Benders, Big Echo, but here’s what spurred me to write this post. Driving on the highway today I was thinking how cool it would be if talented musicians had a chance to get airtime on the popular radio waves and actually play what they wanted to. I’m talking about acts like Karmin, the pianist and amazing vocalist who got popular for her YouTube rap covers and now has a record deal. Her music makes my heart hurt to hear because I can’t imagine she chose to create these radio songs (if she did, please, please don’t tell me!).

But YouTube commenters were flaming Pop Etc for the weird noise, the change of sound, and the originality of trying something new. But I think that’s refreshing. Music is supposed to be an extension of yourself. Who cares if people say it’s too interesting and different: the people you want to listen will listen, and I think Pop Etc’s Mixtape is one worth listening to. (You can download the entire thing for free at http://popetcetera.com)

Music for Ear Listening: Real Estate

Andrew — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:38:10 +0000

I just recently started listening to Real Estate and I find myself going back to their album “Days” pretty frequently. Solid indie rock with great guitar work. Check ‘em out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l11CGEqwYoo&feature=related

Music for Ear Listening: Damien Jurado

Andrew — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:16:14 +0000

I was recently recommended Damien Jurado by a friend. I’ve heard his name for years but never took the time to listen. Now, I am quite glad I did. If you’re a folk fan, you’ll probably enjoy him as well. Take a listen.

Neon, Sweat, and Suspended Reality:Ultra Music Fest 2012

vwilliams — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:21:20 +0000

From the electric buzz of the crowd to the flurry of sweat, tears, and neon, Miami is set fire during Ultra weekend. Ultra touts its reputation of being “the world’s premier electronic music festival”(Ultra.com) and the 165,000 individuals in attendance can vouch for that. Aside from Electric Daisy Carnival, which takes place in many cities across the US, Ultra music festival is the premier location for electronic music fans everywhere. Only true Electronic music fans make the pilgrimage to Miami for this event from large crowds to overly priced water bottles (somewhere near $5-$8 a bottle) Ultra is not for those of the faint of heart and only dedicated ravers need apply. But if you do get to be one of the lucky 165,000 fans in attendance Ultra is the experience of a lifetime. From March 22-24 all reality is suspended. For Seventy-two You feel as if you have been transported to another dimension where for three days you are swept away on waves of contagious electronic beats, energy, and many people who are friends with Molly. One friend who attended the festival stated that he “was making up dance moves [he] didn’t even know [he] had.” Aside from the altered sense of reality that one receives from attending Ultra many fans set out to see some of Electronic music’s latest and greatest when asking one friend about her experience she stated “where else could you see Tiesto, Avicii, and Deadmau5 all at the same venue?” Aside from the set list of Amazing Djs many of other celebrities came out to support Ultra music festival. The most infamous being that of Madonna who introduced Avicii’s Saturday show with much controversy attached as she wooed concert goers with her slight drug references. Though Ultra may be clouded by many different views it still promises to be a hop, a skip, and a jump into an alternate reality for Seventy-two hours.

That 2009 Spirit Lives

jkelly — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:20:50 +0000

Keeping up with the idea that 2012 might be a revival of the indie music scene that took over in 2009, Miike Snow’s new album Happy To You dropped this year with this insane single titled Paddling Out. I’m hesitant to post this video – it’s an odd one – but somehow it fits the song well. I’d recommend giving this one a listen without the video to get a feel for it and then with to see where the band went with it. It’s an interesting one, I assure you of that.

New Music Alert!

jkelly — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:15:22 +0000

When the music forecasters said this year was going to be a good one for music, almost a repeat of 2009, that was a bold statement to make. But if some of the music released in the past few weeks is any representation of what to come, then we may actually have another 2009 on our hands. Above is The Temper Trap’s new single and Karate Kid-esque video that’s been on repeat since I heard it for the first time. I guarantee it’s going to take you a few listens, but this one could become a hit. I was iffy at first but now love the noise – let it grow on you.

Music For Ear Listening: The War On Drugs

Andrew — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 22:12:45 +0000

The War On Drugs released one of my favorite albums last year called “Slave Ambient”. It’s spacey, droney, folky, rock music. Give ‘em a try.

Music For Ear Listening: Cursive

Andrew — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:21:42 +0000

I had the pleasure of watching Cursive perform at North Avenue Studios for an Off The Avenue shoot. They have a new record out and are currently touring the states. If they come anywhere near you…go. It’s too good to miss.