Record Store Day Is This Saturday. Here Are Five Awesome Releases You Need To Pick Up.
If you’re not one of the lucky ones going to Coachella, fear not, for Record Store Day 2012 is here. (Now that I think about it, even if you will be in the desert this weekend there’ll be a tent there, too. We just can’t win...) If you aren’t familiar with Record Store Day, it’s an annual event held by independently run records stores around the United States. Basically, a bunch of super cool record stores join forces to help promote their businesses and create awareness of independently owned and operated record stores (as opposed to major commercial outlets, i.e. Best Buy, iTunes, Target) by recruiting artists to record and release exclusive Record Store Day albums and hosting live performances.
With that in mind, here are my top 5 picks (in no particular order) by new bands for Record Store Day releases:
1. Fun.
The Lowdown:
Fun’s first release since their most recent album, Some Nights. This album has 3 tracks from Some Nights—“We Are Young,” “Carry On,” and “Why Am I the One”—but acoustic versions of all three. You can watch the acoustic versions on YouTube, but, it’s hard to compare that to hearing an un-electronically-altered Nate on smoky vinyl. Also, the physical record is shaped like a gear, which is awesome.
DETAILS
Title: The Ghost That You Are To Me
Format: 10" LP
Label: Atlantic
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:
Format: 10" GEAR-SHAPED gold picture disc
Tracks:
1) We Are Young with Janelle Monae (Acoustic)
2) Carry On (Acoustic)
3) Why Am I The One (Acoustic)
The Lowdown:
Personally, since last year’s Torches, I can’t get enough of Foster the People, so naturally I am super stoked for two new tracks, “Broken Jaw” and “Ruby,” to find their place beneath the needle of my record player.
DETAILS
Title: Broken Jaw / Ruby
Format: 7" 45
Label: Columbia
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:
Tracks:
1) Broken Jaw
2) Ruby
The Lowdown:
Now, Now (whose new album, Threads, is due out this spring) and The Lonely Forest, the first two acts signed to Chris Walla’s (of Death Cab for Cutie fame) indie label Trans- Records, are releasing a split 7”. The two tracks featured—“Shifting” (Now, Now) and “Woe Is Me” (The Lonely Forest)—were hand-picked by Walla himself. On a side note, Now, Now will be touring with Fun. in May and June and The Lonely Forest with Portugal. the Man in April and May. The moral of this story is I would highly recommend this 7”.
Now, Now: Shifting by Trans Records
The Lonely Forest - Arrows (90 sec snippets) by Atlantic Records
DETAILS
Title: N/A
Format: 7" 45
Label: Trans- Records
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
More Info:
Tracks:
1) Shifting (Now, Now)
2) Woe Is Me (The Lonely Forest)
4. Ólafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm
The Lowdown:
Olafur Arnalds is an Icelandic neoclassical composer (who recently had a track (below) on The Hunger Games Soundtrack). Nils Frahm is a new age, Berlin-based composer. Both are a fantastic break from the comparatively lo-fi music that saturates the indie scene. Your parents would be proud. Now they’ve collaborated along with cellist Anne Müller to release Stare, a three-track EP recorded for Record Store Day exclusive release. The EP includes a card signed by both artists (as long as stock lasts) plus a digital bonus remix track. Sign me up.
DETAILS
Title: Stare
Format: 10”
Label: Erased Tapes
Release Type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:
Tracks:
1) a1
2) a2
3) b1
The Lowdown:
Vintage SoCal R&B crooner Nick Waterhouse and Retro pop outfit The Allah Las both record the song “Don’t You Forget It” and put it on an 8” record (which Brooklyn Vegan’s Bill Pearis hilariously describes as “the vinyl equivalent of ‘this one goes to 11.’”). There’s also a backstory here. According to label Innovative Leisure:
“As Nick Waterhouse explains it, ‘I had a mixtape of a couple of songs that Pedrum (of the Allah-Las) had handed to me. He had a song on there called ‘Don't You Forget It’ and I used the lyrics from his song in the music bed of a song that I was composing.’ What came out was the single ‘Don't You Forget It’ that Waterhouse recorded for his upcoming LP Time's All Gone…”
DETAILS:
Title: N/A
Format: 8” Split
Label: Innovative Leisure
Release Type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:
Tracks:
1) Don't You Forget It (Nick Waterhouse)
2) Don't You Forget It (The Allah Las)
5 More New Bands To Check Out At Coachella
Over the past week, we’ve showcased the best new bands to check out at Coachella. Like last week, we’ve dedicated our Artist of the Week feature will again take a look at some of our favorite new bands to play at the festival that we didn’t have a chance to cover last week. Without rambling anymore, here are some more highlights from our Coachella series.
Neon Indian: Much has been said about Alan Palomo. Since rising from obscurity to bandblog sensation, his group, Neon Indian has become one of the de facto emissaries/new bands for a movement popularly known as “chillwave”—I’m guessing you’re familiar. To be sure, there are plenty of bands out there that draw parallels to Neon Indian, with woozy electronic sounds that melt through vintage synthesizers and echoing vocals taking the form of aural acid hits. What sets Neon Indian apart, however, isn’t the perpetuation of stereotypes, but the quality of their music. Their brand of electro-synth music combined with murky guitar fuzz, is sure to keep the bodies moving on Frida – Zach Klassen
Gary Clark Jr.: Gary Clark Jr. hates the term bluesman. Judging from his brand of music, you would expect this new artist to embrace the label, but being a nasty guitar player is only the tip of the iceberg to this man’s talents. Sort of like a latter day John Mayer, Clark can play many different types of guitar: jazz, blues to straight up balls-to-the wall rock, making it all sound delightfully good in the process. Though he has one of the earliest timeslots on his Friday performance, he may not get the crowds that he deserves. However, the one thing that is certain is that whoever catches this up-and-comer, won’t be disappoint with the music they hear emanating from the stage and who knows, this could be one of those “I remember where I was when” or “I saw Gary Clark Jr. when he was the first act at Coachella” moments that could go down in music folklore. –Daniel Kohn
Grouplove: As our official Best New Band Of 2011, Grouplove are one of the most promising voices to emerge in indie pop. Grouplove produces poppy, twangy, indie rock, which is nothing new in the world of music. What really makes the quintet stand out in a plethora of similar acts is its sincerity. Blaming the band’s chance meeting on fate, each member plays from the heart, creating large, swelling tracks that hit its listeners directly in the soul.
This passion and devotion translates into the five-piece’s live show. Every band member drips with enthusiasm and genuine love for what he or she is playing. This warm energy floats into the crowd, making a Grouplove show feel like a party hosted by familiar friends. It’s amazing how bands can be playing to crowds of 100 people (if they’re lucky) one day and massive theaters the next. This is the exact case with Grouplove. I remember writing a show preview back in January for the band’s free, month-long residency at Bootleg Theater. I had never even heard the music, so I listened to the self-titled EP, and it was pretty good, but I never got the chance to see the indie troupe during that residency…and I am kicking myself for that right now. - Katrina Nattress
The Vaccines: West London’s The Vaccines are one of the hardest new bands to peg at times. On first listen, they’ve totally got one of those late ‘50s, early ‘60s pop revivalist things going, except with a little more reverb and maybe a pinch more aggression. But if you listen a bit more closely, the lines begin to blur. They’re clearly on their way to becoming (or maybe they’ve already become) something far more interesting than just another pop band. The Vaccines music has all the makings of great pop music; simple, catchy, easy to clap along with, but there’s a little something more that’s enough to send a shrill shiver down your spine. It’s 21st century guitar pop for the kids who like to stay out late and wake up to a few bad decisions. –Chris Castro
Sleeper Agent: You might've heard of Sleeper Agent from their recent hits, "Get It Daddy" and "Get Burned." "Get It Daddy," an upbeat, dance-around-in-your-room kind of track, was an iTunes free single of the week and was #14 on Rolling Stone's 50 Best Singles of 2011. Furthermore, they were featured on Rolling Stone last summer as a Band to Watch. The band hails from Bowling Green, Kentucky and made their way up through the rankings by playing loud, noticeable sets at SXSW. They eventually caught the attention of Matt & Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant and ended up touring the US with the band (not to mention making some hilarious videos). So, with that kind of publicity, it's safe to say that these Kentucky-bred kids are on their way to rock stardom. And the next stop on that road? Playing Coachella, obviously. Lead singer Alex "Kidd" Kandel is a monster on stage, and her vocals fit the music's youthful grunge perfectly. The album as a whole and the band's presence are so much fun, and I can just imagine how incredible it al will be beneath the daze of the Coachella sun, dancing your ass off before some seriously talented kids. – Claire Gallagher
New Bands To See At Coachella: Grouplove
It’s amazing how bands can be playing to crowds of 100 people (if they’re lucky) one month and massive theaters the next. This is exactly what happened with our best new band of 2011: Grouplove. I remember writing a show preview in January for the band’s free, month-long residency at Bootleg Theater. I had never even heard the music, so I listened to the self-titled EP, and it was pretty good, but I never got the chance to see the indie troupe during that residency…and I am kicking myself for that right now.
The story of the group’s formation is an atypical one. Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi met while living in New York and decided to attend an art residency on the Greek island of Crete. While abroad, the two artists met Sean Gadd, a songwriter and guitarist from London, and Ryan Rabin and Andrew Wessen, both musicians from Los Angeles. The five clicked instantly and began making music together in the small remote mountain village that hosted the residency.
Once the summer fling came to an end, the newfound friends scattered back to their respective spots on the globe, but the passion behind the music the quintet created in Greece could not be extinguished. Eventually, the distance became overwhelming, and every member scrounged up enough change to visit L.A. and record an album in Ryan Rabin’s studio. While recording, the band agreed that the City of Angels was the best place to call home, and the three non-Los Angeles natives packed up their bags and moved out West.
In 2010, Grouplove played its first ever live show in Los Angeles’ small Silverlake club, El Cid. Since then, the five-piece has toured the U.S. with Two Door Cinema Club and Young the Giant, as well as played shows with Florence and the Machine in San Francisco and L.A. before embarking on a UK tour in February of 2011. The indie pop project released its debut full-length, Never Trust a Happy Song, in September of the same year to much praise. The record’s two singles, “Colours,” a twangy, catchy folk-tinged track, and “Tongue Tied,” a pop gem, have garnered the band a healthy fan base and landed it performances on Conan, Late Night with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Every member of Grouplove is spilling with talent, but it’s the creative kinship and overwhelming genuineness that magnetizes its fans. You can connect with this band. It is spilling its guts to you, and that’s a special feeling. Not to mention, the group puts on a killer live show.
Coachella commences Grouplove’s first headlining U.S. tour. The band plays on Friday at 5:05 PM in the Mojave tent.New Bands To See At Coachella: Neon Indian
Much has been said about Alan Palomo. Since rising from obscurity to bandblog sensation, his group, Neon Indian has become one of the de facto emissaries/new bands for a movement popularly known as “chillwave”—I’m guessing you’re familiar. To be sure, there are plenty of bands out there that draw parallels to Neon Indian, with woozy electronic sounds that melt through vintage synthesizers and echoing vocals taking the form of aural acid hits. What sets Neon Indian apart, however, isn’t the perpetuation of stereotypes, but the quality of their music. Of all the bands that get lumped into this cringeworthy subgenre descriptor, Neon Indian are one of the very best.
Originally from Denton, Texas, Palomo first broke into the scene with his debut album, Psychic Chasms, released in 2009 on Lefse Records. Propelled by singles “Deadbeat Summer” and “Should Have Taken Acid With You”, he was soon championed by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and Spin, as one of the best new artists, earning spots opening for Massive Attack, Phoenix, The Flaming Lips and Chromeo, among others.
For his full-length sophomore album and most recent effort, Palomo secluded himself in an apartment in Helsinki, Finland during the winter of 2010. The result was Era Extraña, released on Palomo’s Static Tongues imprint the following year. Foregoing the sample-heavy sound of Chasms, Extraña more defines itself with electric guitar. Parts that would have normally been supported by a collection of synthesizer tones are now steeped in shoegaze’s murky guitar fuzz. This isn’t to say that Palomo’s unearthed synth effects didn’t play an integral role in the record; “Polish Girl” pops with beeping electronic sequences, while “Arcade Blues” pays homage to 8-bit video game sounds, backed by classic drum machine beats.
Palomo and his three-strong touring band play Weekend 1: Friday, April 13th and Weekend 2: Friday April 20th at this year’s Coachella Festival. Check below for the group’s post-Coachella show dates:
Apr 22 Mammoth Mountain, Hyde Lounge Mammoth Lakes, CA
Apr 24 The Fillmore San Francisco, CA
Apr 26 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, OR
Apr 27 Neumos Seattle, WA
Apr 28 Venue Vancouver, Canada
Apr 30 Starlite Ballroom Edmonton, Canada
May 01 Republik Calgary, Canada
May 03 Pyramid Cabaret Winnipeg, Canada
May 04 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
May 05 Majestic Theatre Madison, WI
May 06 Magic Stick Detroit, MI
May 08 Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, Canada
May 10 Cabaret Mile End Montreal, Canada
May 11 Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA
May 12 Terminal 5 New York, NY
May 23 Mascotte Zurich, Switzerland
May 24 Hinterhof Basel, Switzerland
May 25 Summer Student Festival Padova, Italy
May 26 Velvet Rimini, Italy
May 28 Circulo Degli Artisti Rome, Italy
May 29 Astoria (Basement) Turin, Italy
May 30 Sallumeria Della Musica Milan, Italy
Jun 01 Burn Selector Festival Krakow, Poland
Jun 02 Primavera Sound Barcelona, Spain
New Bands To See At Coachella: Gary Clark Jr.
Gary Clark Jr. hates the term bluesman. Judging from his brand of music, you would expect this new artist to embrace the label, but being a nasty guitar player is only the tip of the iceberg to this man’s talents. Sort of like a latter day John Mayer, Clark can play many different types of guitar: jazz, blues to straight up balls-to-the wall rock, making it all sound delightfully good in the process.
The Austin-native released a 4-song EP, The Bright Lights EP, last year to much critical acclaim and left many excited about his full-length. Initially slated for release last fall, the rave reviews that accompanied Clark’s EP allowed the label to build upon this success and instead we’re left to wait for the near future to hear what’s to come next.
When we spoke to with the guitarist last year, he was soft-spoken and humble about his early successes. But you can’t judge someone by the way they speak. Clark’s booming, soulful vocals along with a guitar style that’s wowed everyone from Eric Clapton to Alicia Keys show that he’s one of the best gunslingers to play guitar in a while.
“It’s definitely awesome,” he told us last October. “Having all this love is something that’s reassuring.”
In the past, being a guitar virtuoso has appealed to only a small subsection of music fans (think Joe Satriani or Stevie Vai), but Clark’s deft songwriting ability will skyrocket him into the mainstream. Having played Coachella last weekend to rave reviews (which seems to be commonplace these days), he’s slated to play every major festival in the States this summer, including the New Orleans Jazz Fest, Sasquatch and Bonnaroo, all of which ain’t too shabby.
It’s surprising to hear that a musician like Clark has captured the hearts and minds of music critics and fans alike. Though he has one of the earliest timeslots on his Friday performance, he may not get the crowds that he deserves. However, the one thing that is certain is that whoever catches this up-and-comer, won’t be disappoint with the music they hear emanating from the stage and who knows, this could be one of those “I remember where I was when” or “I saw Gary Clark Jr. when he was the first act at Coachella” moments that could go down in music folklore.
New Bands To See At Coachella: The Vaccines
West London’s The Vaccines are one of the hardest new bands to peg at times. On first listen, they’ve totally got one of those late ‘50s, early ‘60s pop revivalist things going, except with a little more reverb and maybe a pinch more aggression. But if you listen a bit more closely, the lines begin to blur. They’re clearly on their way to becoming (or maybe they’ve already become) something far more interesting than just another pop band.
Formed in 2010, the band consists of four members: guitarist/vocalist Justin Young, bassist Arni Hjorvar, guitarist Freddie Cowan (younger brother of Tom Cowan from The Horrrors) and drummer Peter Robertson. The fresh-faced quarter uploaded a demo of the single “If You Wanna” to YouTube in August 2010, and the track immediately exploded. One UK tour, a Jools Holland performance and several starry-eyed reviews later, the band released their debut album What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? to widespread praise and criticism in March 2011.
Even when the The Vaccines’s music was littler more than whisper rumbling through the blogosphere, they had an ability passionately divide the British press. Some loved them (NME called them “The Return of the Great British Guitar Band”), while others hated their guts, as most critics inevitably will when any baby band fresh off the blogosphere seems over-hyped (it’s a habit the industry is making no effort to break).
A star-stuck mix between 50s classic rock n’ roll, 1980s American hardcore, post-punk and so much more owing equally to The Ramones, Jesus and Mary Chain and The Strokes, What Did You Expect From the Vaccines? entered the UK Album Chart at #4 and went on to become the bestselling debut of 2011 in their native land. The band released six singles from the album.
The Vaccines music has all the makings of great pop music; simple, catchy, easy to clap along with, but there’s a little something more that’s enough to send a shrill shiver down your spine. The album is heavy laden with reverb and echo, a cavernous mine of punk rock crescendos with the sparkling diamonds of synth pop strewn about the cave walls. Justin Young’s baritone bark bites from the beyond while the drums pound guitars chime. It’s 21st century guitar pop for the kids who like to stay out late and wake up to a few bad decisions.
The Vaccines will be appearing at Coachella on Saturday April 14 and Saturday April 21. For more information visit www.thevaccines.co.uk.
5 New Bands To See At Coachella
Over the past week, we’ve showcased the best new bands to check out at Coachella. Instead of our usual Artist of the Week, we’ve decided to mix it up a bit in honor of one of the biggest festivals in the world. With the festival rapidly approaching (this weekend and next to be exact), here are some highlights from our running series. Stay tuned, over the next week, there will be more pieces to come.
tUnE-yArDs: Merrill Garbus is both powerful and adorable, relatable and admirable. In her songs, she finds a way to keep it real while being strong and encouraging. Watching her live looping and seeing exactly how she creates these innovative musical puzzles is part of the fun, but there’s just something in her delivery of it all that communicates a genuine, pure joy to be doing what she’s doing. She continuously exchanges glances of glee with bassist Nate Brenner, and the two of them are so in sync it’s enviable.
This is music perfectly conducive to the essential rock concert experience: being surrounded by strangers, but when you look at the person next to you, you have this shared understanding that you are having the same kick ass experience. – Kelly Knapp
Dawes: When I see Dawes on a list of new bands to check out, I chuckle and have to remind myself that they haven't been a band for all that long, even if they seem like they've been part of my life for years. I remember listening to their debut album, North Hills, on vinyl with a couple friends a few days after I had seem them live for the first time at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. Seeing them perform in all different sorts of venues, I can say that the band excels in any surrounding and will undoubtedly command attention at this festival.
Watching them perform at Lollapalooza and witnessing fellow concert-goers stop in their tracks and instantly become fans is a great indicator of what is sure to be just as amazing performances to come at this years Coachella. I am deeply jealous of anyone that gets to see them at this amazing venue in all their rocking glory. – Daniela Montelongo
Miike Snow: Miike Snow may have fooled you the way they fooled me when I first laid my ears on that catchy electro-pop number Animal back in 2009. I was hooked that very first time. The song’s choruses trance my brain the way their mysterious identity seemed to appeal to me and perhaps others too. It was only after non-stop rotation of their eponymous debut album and a chance to see the band live for the first time in 2010 that made me realize this one fact about Miike Snow has been quite misleading on a first impression basis: Miike Snow is not a person.
If you’re heading to the festival on either weekend, Miike Snow will be performing on 14th and 21st of April (that is on a Saturday) alongside Radiohead, Bon Iver, St. Vincent, just to name a few.Expect an intricate stage set up, a dance party where you’ll be singing along to their catchy numbers (and do cross your fingers for them to play a number or two from the debut. – Nazirah Ashari
Childish Gambino: "Childish Gambino" is a silly name created by a Wu-Tang Clan name generator website. The name itself speaks to Glover's seemingly cavalier approach to the rap game while simultaneously belying the underlying efforts and serious work that he’s been putting in to becoming a solid hip-hop artist. Childish Gambino doesn't really make pop music although his flow is peppered with more pop culture references than a SportsCenter marathon. He makes rap music. His songs aren't radio friendly. They don't have super-catchy hooks. Many don't even have hooks at all. They just have verse after verse of Glover's wit, bite and some very well founded swagger. – Adam Ward
Gotye: If you have not heard “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, you must live under a rock. It’s the only explanation, really, considering that track transcends genres, making it accessible to alternative rock, pop, and even hip-hop radio stations, which have all given it monstrous airtime. The Australian-based indie outfit has been one of the most talked about new bands this year.
Although it was singer Wouter De Backer’s determination that initially sparked his success, it is his unique brand of experimental yet accessible atmospheric indie rock that propelled it and his breathtaking live show (with a complete band) that will cause it to continue growing. I was lucky enough to attend Gotye’s American television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February of this year and can say, without a doubt, his performance is a must see at Coachella. – Katrina Nattress
New Bands To See At Coachella: Gotye
De Backer took up music at an early age, experimenting with drums and piano in his adolescence. During high school, the young musician formed a band called Downstares with three of his buddies, including Lucas Taranto, who still accompanies De Backer during Gotye’s live sets. Though the group was short-lived, disbanding when the members went separate ways after graduation, the seed was planted and music continued to act as a regular part of De Backer’s life.
In 2001, De Backer recorded his first solo tracks primarily using samples. He compiled a four track CD, printed a mere 50 copies, and set out to distribute them to every radio station and record industry contact he could possibly find. He decided to name his project Gotye, a spelling variation on “Gaultier,” the French translation of “Wouter” and pet name given to him by his mother. The DIY collection garnered a positive response, allowing the ambitious singer-songwriter to continue releasing self-made compilations. In 2003, Gotye released his first full-length, Boardface, which comprised his earlier recordings.
Success came for Gotye in 2006, with the release of his sophomore effort, Like Drawing Blood. The record reached Platinum in Australia and its singles, “Learnalilgivinanlovin,” and “Hearts a Mess,” landed on both the Aussie and European charts.
Five years later, De Backer released his third (and most successful) album, Making Mirrors, which shot him into International stardom. Not only did the record itself make the charts, but its second single “Somebody That I Used to Know,” hit 8x Platinum (560,000 units sold) in Australia, as well as charting in the top 20 in 10 different countries.
Although it was the singer's determination that initially sparked his success, it is his unique brand of experimental yet accessible atmospheric indie rock that propelled it and his breathtaking live show (with a complete band) that will cause it to continue growing. I was lucky enough to attend Gotye’s American television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February of this year and can say, without a doubt, his performance is a must see at Coachella.New Bands To See At Coachella: Childish Gambino
Somewhere in North Hollywood right now, there is a failed actor in his 50s wearing loose-fitting pants, shoes only available at Samuel French, and a faded salmon tank top. He's standing in front of a group of hapless "actors" who have foolishly signed up for his class, because "it was a good deal," and "Well, you gotta be in class."
At some point between his incredibly affected monologues and "industry advice" he will undoubtedly say something like, "to make it in this industry you've got to be a Triple Threat!" He'll then strike poses to accentuate each threat–gross. The term triple threat has been around as long as bad acting teachers and typically means, acting, singing & dancing–three skills every true "actor" should possess, because these are the tools of trade. But maybe this term is a bit outdated.
Perhaps what he should really be telling these attractive waiters is, to make it in this industry, you've got to be a Donald Glover. The actor known musically as Childish Gambino is freakishly (and geekishly) multi-talented. He wrote for 30 Rock right out of college and stayed with the show for two of its Emmy-winning seasons. He's a hilarious as Troy Barnes on NBC's Community and when he takes to the stage as Childish Gambino, he doesn't come across as a comedian doing a hip-hop comedy act, or an actor giving rapping a shot. He comes across as a sick emcee with solid production, a ferocious cadence and enough clever wordplay to make even the most seasoned hip-hop snobs at least pay attention.
"Childish Gambino" is a silly name created by a Wu-Tang Clan name generator website. The name itself speaks to Glover's seemingly cavalier approach to the rap game while simultaneously belying the underlying efforts and serious work that he’s been putting in to becoming a solid hip-hop artist.
Childish Gambino doesn't really make pop music although his flow is peppered with more pop culture references than a SportsCenter marathon. He makes rap music. His songs aren't radio friendly. They don't have super-catchy hooks. Many don't even have hooks at all. They just have verse after verse of Glover's wit, bite and some very well founded swagger.
The lack of commercial appeal in his music isn't unique in itself. After all, there are loads of underground rappers that don't pander to the masses. But typically when an actor, NBA player, or someone else who is already famous crosses over into music, they're doing it for more money and more fame. Glover seems to just be doing it because he loves rapping. Gambino comes across as a kid who grew up on hip-hop, and yet his flow seems far more influenced by current rappers than the dominant forces of the 80s & 90s. Lots of critics hear some Kanye and Lil' Wayne in his delivery, but those aren't a bad pair to channel into your work.
While Gambino will never catapult to the level of those two, at least in the rap world, he's still a heavy weight talent and his show deserves your eyes and ears. He even dances a little bit too–truly a triple threat.
You can catch Childish Gambino on both Saturdays of Coachella.
New Bands To See At Coachella: Sleeper Agent
Ok, I'll be honest. I'm a little bitter about not going to Coachella this year. Having gone the past two years, I'm no stranger to that pre-Coachella feeling: in a few weekends I'll be yearning for the desert sun, the overpriced food, the kick-ass people, and, most importantly, the kick-ass music. So, while I'm busy resenting enthusiastic Facebook status updates and you're busy galavanting about the Empire Polo Grounds, I ask of you only one favor: go see Sleeper Agent.
You might've heard of Sleeper Agent from their recent hits, "Get It Daddy" and "Get Burned." "Get It Daddy," an upbeat, dance-around-in-your-room kind of track, was an iTunes free single of the week and was #14 on Rolling Stone's 50 Best Singles of 2011. Furthermore, they were featured on Rolling Stone last summer as a Band to Watch. The band hails from Bowling Green, Kentucky and made their way up through the rankings by playing loud, noticeable sets at SXSW. They eventually caught the attention of Matt & Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant and ended up touring the US with the band (not to mention making some hilarious videos). So, with that kind of publicity, it's safe to say that these Kentucky-bred kids are on their way to rock stardom. And the next stop on that road? Playing Coachella, obviously.
