Because alliteration guys! The smells of dating culture are in the air, and ve couldn’t help exercising our poor German accents to make a cool blog post about our collaboration playlist vith The Visconsin Union! Check the Valentine’s Day-themed tracks below, and have a Vonderful Vednesday!
This Saturday, CATCH WRECK affiliates Con Solo and Coby Aships will be performing live beats to round out the second half of a DJ-centric weekend in Union South. Con Solo, for those that know him on Facebook, also goes by the name ‘Brandeaux Calrissian’. Between his spacey sound, an apparent affinity for Star Wars, and an overall mysterious aura, I decided to invite Solo to answer some questions about his music and to get his opinions on arguably the best film series of all time.
Please state your birth name for the record:
Brandon Le Andrew Washington.
Do you identify more closely with Lando Calrissian or Han Solo?
I’d like to think they’re both two aspects of a singular, baller entity.
A Yin and Yang type-thing, or something else?
Like the sun and the moon, occupying the same space, separately. In a state of calm, I lean towards Calrissian in my attempts to always keep a level head. When I perform, more so in favor of Solo. There’s a necessary bravado, and sometimes you have to shoot first.
What is your favorite film of the series so far?
Empire Strikes Back. Its all about that Dagobah force training montage.
Opinion on the prequel trilogy?
While it doesn’t have the nostalgia factor of the original, they made Samuel L. Jackson a Jedi and that’s really all I ever needed.
I’ve always thought Anakin Skywalker acted like a brooding teenager regardless of his age. Which prequel do you think he was the most brooding in?
Probably gotta say Revenge of the Sith, when he starts to turn and has that emo hood on, running around lightsabering kids. It’s especially prominent in the Duel on Mustafar, where he’s all “I HATE YOU DAD” to Obi Wan Kenobi, before the latter ginsu’d his appendages.
Does Jar Jar Binks get the rap he deserves?
Yo, Jar Jar Binks always seemed like a poorly hidden amalgam of black stereotypes.
I wouldn’t disagree with that. He definitely has the distorted version of a Jamaican/Rastafarian accent going on.
Like, come on Lucas. We live in the future, there’s absolutely no reason to have some jabber-jawed minstrel show alien running around getting into sophomoric antics. They should have let me write his character, he’d have been a straight up bad-ass.
Has Star Wars influenced your music in any way?
In a way, it influenced my life at a young age turning me into a lil’ nerd. That eventually took me from sci-fi nerd to space and physics nerd to audio nerd, so hey I guess that works.
As an audio nerd, do you obsess more over the actual quality of the audio you’re producing, or the sonic aesthetic you want to present?
As an artist, no one wants to put out a half-assed product. That being said, I prioritize mood, emotive resonance, and the overall gestalt of each piece before really sitting down to focus on the mixdown. The main goal, always, is to get everyone else to feel what I’m feeling when they hear it.
What is your thought/work process in regards to creating new instrumentals, and how does that differ from your thoughts while performing a live show?
When I’m composing or producing, its more meditative. Zen-like. Alot of time spent in my own worlds, creating. Performing is a different ballgame. Like warring with myself and everyone else for their focus. There’s alot of improvisation that goes into my set, so it all comes down to keeping the crowd (and myself) on their toes and striking the right spots at the right times.
Is there anything special we can expect from the show this Saturday?
I’ve been working on a large amount of new material since I got back from touring and Los Angeles. I’m hoping to bring alot of what I learned along my travels back home for this one. Coby Ashpis and KidA are both very talented artists in their own fields, so I feel like its gonna be generally stellar.
Do you like hard-hitting, loud, bass-in-your-face trap and hip-hop? Then don’t miss out on this Saturday’s show in the Play Circle Theater! This weekend we have DJ Sidereal along with Soundkill3r and Zendro playing a FREE trap show that’s sure to get the whole building crackin’.
At just 18 years old, Minnesota native DJ Sidereal is taking the world of hip-hop by storm. Having survived brain surgery at the age of 11, Sidereal turned to his passion for music and has been relentlessly pursuing his dreams ever since. Opening for rappers Macklemore, B.o.B, Mike Stud, G-Eazy, Waka Flocka Flame and many more has earned him a reputation as one of hip-hop’s most exciting DJs to watch. Sidereal brings a wild energy to every single show; known for crowdsurfing, confetti cannons and spraying champagne on stage. Playing at every major venue in his home town of Minneapolis has given Sidereal the chance to prove himself as a top-notch performer, earning him a spot on the Paid Dues tour and at Rock The Bells in 2012 in San Bernadino, CA. This exposure has earned him sponsorships from both G-Pen and Young & Reckless, along with the release of his clothing line and a number of hit singles that have reached the top 20 on the indie hip-hop charts. Check out his new mini-film about his journey from Tragedy to Triumph:
Don’t forget to arrive at 8pm to catch Soundkill3r and Zendro! Both student artists here at UW, these DJs are bringing their A-game along with sets full of hard-hitting trap to get the crowd turnt up. Soundkill3r has been producing electronic music since his teenage years, earning him opening slots at Segredo for artists like Cedric Gervais as well as a headlining his own club shows. He’s known for expertly mixing various genres of EDM, crafting sets that get crowds off their feet and lost in the music. You don’t want to miss Soundkill3rs live show this weekend! Head over to his facebook page and hit that like button! https://www.facebook.com/Soundkill3r
Zendro will be getting the night started with a set full of heavy trap beats that would make Gucci Mane quiver in fear. Also a student at UW, Zendro has been honing his production skills for a number of years. If you like heavy bass and trap, get to the show at 8pm to catch Zendro! Check out his page here: https://www.facebook.com/Zendro
With Coachella out of the way, festival season is officially now in full bloom. So, why not kick off your summer with UW Madison’s own premiere music and arts festival–Revelry!
So why should you go? With five days remaining till the event, here are five reasons why:
1. You’re already a fan of the free shows WUD Music puts on every weekend in the Sett and Rathskeller. But do you realize that Revelry doesn’t last a mere three hours but rather is a rockin’ all-day-and-all-night festival?!**
*12:00PM-10:00PM to be precise
**Who says the party stops at 10? It’s Saturday night people!
3… And if you have no idea who any of those people are, you should definitely come because you’ll discover new music! Not to mention you’ll gain some street cred with all the hipsters in your bio class
4. You’re broke or your friends are too cheap? Student tickets are $5. You paid $250 for Lollapalooza. Do I need to haggle you more?!
5. If you really need a better reason, then think about how epic it is spending the entire day parting with your fellow badgers?! Food, Music, Drinks, and Art?!
*5.5 And for those of you worried about the chance of rain on Saturday, all I have to say is: 1. It’s April.. 2. Put on your wellies and rain slickers and pretend like you’re at Britain’s coolest festival, Glastonbury (where it rains like every freaking year).
We’ll see you kids this Saturday at Revelry! Get ready to “revel on their level.” More info can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and their site.
Their music has been described as “a mixture of EDM, instrumental music, house, trip-hop and more.” So if you want to hear something new, stop by The Sett this Friday.
Red Rose, a local Madison group (click for their website), will be performing for free in Union South at 9:30pm on Friday.
“But it’s finals time; I should study,” you say. What better way to study than to escape the monotony of college library for a little ambiance and environment? You can even reward yourself with a pitcher of your favorite tap beer (emphasis on “reward”. You should probably write a substantial amount of your paper before imbibing.)
The group’s live show is notable; combining a well executed mix of improvisation and live compositions, the performance is incredibly unique.
This free concert is open to UW-Madison students and their friends and families. For more information on upcoming concerts, be sure to sign up for our mailing list!
“Come and see why the Terrace is our absolute FAVORITE place to play in the whole wide world.” We couldn’t have pitched it better than Steez already did on their Facebook earlier this week. Let’s return the support by getting funky with their “creepfunk” music this Saturday night.
Steez has been gaining recognition through competitions that land them stages such as the 2008 Summer Camp and Rothbury Festival. They have even performed at the Mifflin Street Block Party of 2011, where saxophonist Andrzej Benkowski covered “Like a Prayer” by Madonna. Their debut album has also been recently nominated for Home Grown Music Network’s album of the year. With all of this praise, the music behind it must be worthy of a performance on The Terrace.
Certainly their sound is full of funk, but with the addition of electronic instruments, their music has a psychedelic twist. This intriguing combination can be heard in songs “Three Man Weave” or “Brown Lights.” To add to their great music, they also have quirky personalities which are interwined into their songs. For instance, the first video that pops up on their website is “S my D” (Scott Walker remix). It’s a protest song with a groove.
When seen live, Steez has moments where the band is purely enjoying the music they are creating- especially when each instrument goes solo. Witness their tantalizing, funky beats this Saturday starting at 9:30. I’ll leave you with a fun fact: The word “Steez” is defined as the combination of style & ease by Urbandictionary. What a perfect description of the band themselves.
Download or preview Steez’s “Three Man Weave” below. It comes from their latest album KRONOS, which you can download for the price of your choosing over at their bandcamp.
Tonight the Terrace features three relatively local acts, including a recent expatriate of Madison, Jeremiah Nelson.
In 2008, Jeremiah’s band The Achilles Heel put out the album Take Me Down the Interstate. After the band split up, Nelson followed up with a well-accepted solo EP, Drugs to Make You Sober With a raw, honky tonk sound, Nelson definitely brings a unique sound to the Madison music scene. In its year-end Best of Madison Records list, A.V. Club called the title track to Drugs to Make You Sober “stunning,” with a “clickety-clack percussion leading listeners through the wandering intro and into perhaps the most powerful, arresting chorus you’re likely to hear this year.” Check out that title track and download the album for the price of your choice at Nelson’s bandcamp. Nelson recently relocated to Minnesota, so tonight’s show will be a great (and free) homecoming.
Also playing this Thursday night is Cedarwell, a band from Sheboygan. With his Iron & Wine appearance and Justin Vernon aura, Erik Neave has surely attracted a strong Wisconsin following. Cedarwell is a perfect example of a great Wisconsin folk act. “We’re starting to believe that there really is something lurking over the grassy hills and slipping through the tree trunks and foliage of rural Wisconsin that unhinges a man’s soul, just a little bit more than other hills, tree trunks and foliage,” Daytrotter said in their description that accompanied Cedarwell’s session. Traditionally, Cedarwell is a three-man band, but Neave will often fly solo, and even put out his own self-titled album in 2003. The band’s recent 2010 album, A Stone, A Leaf, A Door, (also available for preview at bandcamp)was received well by the alt-folk community. We can only hope that Cedarwell will obtain the same success that Bon Iver has.
Last but not least is Chants. The solo project of Mama Digdown’s Brass Band’s bass drummer, Jordan Cohen, you’d never guess this talented artist was in a funk-and-jazz outfit by hearing Chants’ music. The title track from the May-released Night After EP draws comparisons to James Blake and Jamie Lidell. Check it out at Chants’ bandcamp. It’s definitely worth your time.
Come on down to the Terrace for great music tonight. Check out Nelson’s “Nothing to Lose” video below.
Steez, by definition, means style with ease. Is there a better way to describe Madison’s very own self-defined Creepfunk band? I think not. Steez started up in 2003 and consists of five members: Matt Williams (keyboards/ synthesizers/ accordion), Steve Neary (guitar and vocals), Rob Bessert (drums), Chris Sell (bass), and Andrzej Benkowski (sax, oboe, and violion). Over the past few years, the band has gained national recognition, having performed at some of the finest music festivals in the country, such as Summer Camp, Summerfest, Electric Forest, and we can’t forget Mifflin last spring, where they played a most excellent cover of Madonna’s Like a Prayer (now that’s pretty steezy!). If you haven’t had a chance to hear them play yet, the quintet is a combination jam-dance-funk band (with a twang of something unearthly) that bleeds both personality and originality… So, they’re pretty much nothing short of mind-blowing.
Oh, and guess what? In an effort to spread their lovely music to the masses, the band is touring the Midwest this winter and spring in their exquisite bus “Big Brown” (you can’t miss it) and is offering free electronic copies of their albums released this year, including KRONOS- their first new album in three years- due in the spring.
So, come check them out in our DTF (Dance This Friday) series at midnight at Union South fo’ free, because opportunities like this are just too good to pass up!
Download a live version of Steez’s “Duderfunk” below as a preview of what you’re in for tomorrow!
It may be hard to believe after this last week of sub-freezing temperatures, but Terrace season is just around the corner. We’re excited to announce that one of the first events of 2012 to happen outdoors will bring two indie heavy-hitters to Madison. 2011 Polaris Prize nominee Dirty Beaches and dramatic synth-poppers Xiu Xiu will share the stage – and a Lake Mendota backdrop – on May 18th.
2011 was a breakout year for Vancouver-via-Taiwan artist Alex Zhang Hungtai, known by his stage name of Dirty Beaches. After a series of buzz-creating EP’s, he put out Badlands, his first full-length. Its lo-fi alternation between haunting (See: “Sweet 17”) and sullen (“Lord Knows Best” video below) grabbed the attention and superlatives of fans and critics alike. It earned an 8.2 and Best New Music from Pitchfork, landed Dirty Beaches a spot on Stereogum’s 40 Best New Artists, and (as previously mentioned) achieved a rare feat of being nominated for a Polaris Prize as a debut album. Dirty Beaches is definitely an artist to watch in 2012, and your chance to do the watching is May 18th.
As if that’s not enough, indie legends Xiu Xiu will play them in. Led by Jamie Stewart, 2012’s Always is definitely not their debut. In ten years the project’s produced 11 full length albums (not to mention just as many EP’s and 7″), all of them fantastic, known for their raw emotion and outside-the-box style. “Hi,” the first single and video from Always (See video below), shows that the quality of Xiu Xiu’s releases are not affected by their frequency, pairing Stewart’s pained vocals with intense electronic sounds and beats. Always comes out March 6th in the U.S., but is streaming over at Spin or available for immediate download with all pre-orders of CD or vinyl.
Openers Father Murphy will bring intensity themselves through their own brand of doom pop. “In Their Graves” from 2009’s …And He Told Us to Turn to the Sun displays just how well the Venice, Italy-based trio complement the styles of the headliners. It goes without saying that Father Murphy’s music is meant to be a spiritual experience. You’ll have to show up for their set on May 18th to see whether it achieves its goal.
Check out videos from Dirty Beaches and Xiu Xiu below and keep your eyes peeled for the Facebook event for more details. Head over to the calendar to see other upcoming dates.
WUD Music 