31 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(01/09/20 7:11pm)
With winter break coming to an end, start your year off right with some fresh tunes brought to you by WIUX HQ.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QqdWzDS0p2qUbEdF9O7Ft?si=n3uyPWhlS_iDhZ4aH1feeg
Katie Maher - Vice President of Content and Programming
One of my favorite “holiday” songs is “Driving Under Stars” by Marika Hackman. Something about the composition of this track reminds me of The Cure, but since it’s Christmas-centric, I could totally put it on the family Sonos in the living room without being scolded.
The second one is “Fairytale of New York” by The Pouges. The song is this dialogue between a couple who wake up in the drunk tank on Christmas Eve and just start fighting about all of the false promises and losses from the past year.
I guess I have three(!) but “50 Words For Snow” by Kate Bush. It is exactly what the title suggests - Kate Bush naming 50 different words in an ethereal whisper in 8 minutes and 30 seconds.
Jack Noble - Art Director
"La Meg" - Okay Kaya
With Okay Kaya’s new album coming out soon, I’ve been revisiting her 2018 album Both frequently. The song is in her native language, Norwegian, and although I am not really sure what the song is about I still try my best to sing along to it. It’s a great song to add to your homebody playlist because of its washed-out guitar and pleasant melody.
Kenlynn Albright - Analytics Director
My winter song is “Are You in Love?” by James Blake. This song makes me want to order a weighted blanket. James Blake’s voice makes me MELT. There’s also a gorgeous cover by Yana Perrault linked here.
Hannah Cougill - Vice President of External Affairs
"Caroline Shut Up" by Caroline Polachek
It's the perfect song to listen to in the car, train, and/or plane (and try not to sing along in public) for all of the traveling during the holiday season!
Tanner Chaille - News Director
"I’ll Never Fall in Love Again" by Dionne Warwick
This song is a dreamy easy listening track and a perfect pairing of Burt Bacharach’s writing and Dionne Warwick’s smooth vocals. It’s a great song to get you through the stressful holiday season and to remind you of love’s stresses.
Patrick Casasanta - Special Events Director
"Suddenly" by Drugdealer ft. Weyes Blood
My roommate started playing this song around the end of last semester and I have been coming back to it over and over again during break. The vocals are so mesmerizing and there is a such a cyclical pattern to the song.
Noah Barajas - Visual Content Director
"New Spring" by Speak
It's my favorite over break cuz it's a very "I'm a new me" kind of song, and that's an energy I'm feeling for 2020! Sounds like amateur hip-hop production, with lyrics from Speak that are inspiring and reinvigorating.
Mia Waggoner - Chief Engineer
"Bushwick Blues" by Delta Spirit. It’s a rock song with great instrumentals and builds energy throughout. The song is fast paced and driven by a simple but cool drum beat.
Nick Comer - PR Director
"Bricks" by Charli XCX & Tommy Genesis
The bits of the song that were showcased in Assassination Nation in 2018 have been a bit of a hot commodity amongst Charli’s fan base, often pieced together for a low quality one-minute snippet that we all kept on repeat. But late 2019, Christmas came early with it’s official release and Charli and Tommy proved to be a dream team once again. Finally having the final product (and with such a dope sound) caused me to astral project, so naturally I couldn’t keep it off of repeat. Especially so, the insane final thirty seconds feel like Tommy Guns covered in an iridescent wrap and colorful drugs on a yacht made of money.
Abby Harrison - Vice President of Operations and Infrastructure
I’ve had "Just A Fan" by Roar on repeat because it reminds me of music I used to listen to in middle school like Plushgun and the lyrics are super awesome! No one uses the toy piano anymore :(
Anna Fagin - Radio Production Director
I’ve been listening to this song called “She Don’t See” by Frame Shop a ton over the break. It kind of reminds me of Rex Orange County and Whitney. It’s simple and easy to enjoy while also being kinda sad when you listen to the lyrics, nonetheless a great song.
Coady Raab - 99.1 Programming Director
"Ceremony" - New Order
Following the death of their lead singer Ian Curtis, Joy Division went on hiatus, and eventually reformed as the group New Order. Originally recorded as Joy Division, and re-released as New Order, this fast-paced, guitar-driven track serves not only as an anthem to the post-punk aesthetic but as a tribute to one of its founders.
Joey Conway - B-Side Programming Director
"Robber" by Pinky Pinky
Groovy opening riff that spins into some good old soft punk. Grungy enough for the cold, smooth enough for the sunny weather.
Yeeseon Chae - Web Content Director
"Something Has to Change" - The Japanese House
I'm late to the Japanese House party, but this song is only fitting for the start of the new year. It's catchy and bright and soon enough, the chorus will get stuck in your head like a mantra.
(10/24/19 10:44pm)
Cover Photo by Anna Powell Teeter
Ahead of Amy O's upcoming album release, the indie-pop musician and founder of Girls Rock Bloomington spoke about allowing for surprises in the song creation process, her work in music education, and what advice she'd give her teenage self. Shell comes out tomorrow on Winspear and follows her hit 2017 release of Elastic, and Arrow from 2016.
'Shell' is your third studio album. How did your mindset going into recording this album change for you? Did you have specific goals or expectations you wanted to change or experiment with your own sound?
After releasing my last album ‘Elastic’, I went through a long period of needing to be more internal. A lot of cycles were naturally coming to an end and new ones beginning- resulting in quite a bit of reconfiguration in my life. I was involved in an excavation of sorts and the songs for ‘Shell’ came from that place. There was a lot of parsing through the past, as I was noticing a gap forming between my adult self who was moving forward with her life and parts of my younger self that were stuck behind. The process of writing and recording helped in getting some of those stuck parts of myself caught up and able to join me in the present so that I could move forward in a more fully embodied way.
A goal I had with ‘Shell’ was to make more room for surprises in the recording process. In the past, I’ve gone in with almost everything decided upon beforehand. It’s a tricky balance - having enough worked out that you can make sure the final product is up to par, but at the same time leaving space for studio experimentation - both in performance and mixing.
As far as process, I wanted to be flexible and open to others’ ideas/strengths - but always listen to my intuition when it came to making the final call on something. I also decided to experiment with using electronic drum beats on a few of the songs. I collaborated with Jon Meador on this and he came up with some really great stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UJyD5O4sEc
In the song creation process for your new album, what sounds stood out to you? Was there a particular process, whether in the lyric writing or in the post-production engineering, where you wanted to make sure a sound and a possible mood carried through? How did you know if a harmony or a lyric was right?
I like to use a warm, crunchy guitar track as a building block to my sound when recording. With the vocals, we spent quite a bit of time finding the right mic. I wanted it to have a roomy, breathy quality. In post-production, the biggest thing was probably knowing when to take elements out. We ended up recording more tracks than we needed so we had plenty to work with.
Once we got to mixing there was a lot of sifting through and clearing space so the intended mood of each song was able to shine through. I wanted to bring in some of the elements of my early home recording projects that I felt I had lost a little of in past studio albums. For example, there are parts in the songs “Crushed” and “Shrinking” where the sound kind of devolves into distortion - I really like playing around with that, especially in contrast to the general poppiness of most of my songs. I guess I knew if a harmony, lyric, etc was right if it didn’t make me cringe with embarrassment at the idea of sharing it, haha.
With Girl's Rock, what projects are you most proud of? What vision for the future do you see for Girl's Rock in Bloomington? What kind of local music and arts programming do you wish you'd see more of? Can you speak on your projects with Girl's Rock or music education programming you have planned?
I’m most proud of putting on our first Summer Camp this past July. It was at Ivy Tech Main Campus, with a final performance at the Fell Building. There were 20 campers ages 7-14 and about 20 volunteers who took on the roles of Instrument Instructors, Band Coaches, Kid Wranglers and Roadies. It was amazing how much the kids were able to accomplish in only 6 days. Most of them had never even picked up their instruments before. My favorite part was seeing how supportive everyone was of each other - adults and kids alike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjWacVwNaAE
Documentary of Girls Rock Bloomington Summer 2019 Camp & Final Showcase - Eric Ayotte
My vision for the future is eventually expanding to putting on workshops/classes throughout the year, creating a gear loan program for our youth participants, hosting a weekend rock camp for adults and promoting all-ages events in town where more teen bands and people under 21 can perform.
In general, I’d like to see more music and arts programming for young people that just let them do their own unstructured thing. Like gives them the tools but then allows them to dig in as if they were an adult, approaching it with that same kind of independence. Rhino’s Youth Center was amazing in that way. I was the Assistant Director, Visual Art and Zine Making Program Director there from 2013-2018. While there, I co-created a music program called "Make A Band," in which local teens were supplied with instruments, gear, and mentorship in starting their own bands, creating merch and performing at a final concert. It was sort of a prototype for Girls Rock Bloomington. Some of the bands that started there are still going to this day (shout out to Static Rats!)
Before moving to Bloomington, I was the After-school Program Director of the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls in Brooklyn, NY and volunteered with the New York camp as a guitar instructor and band coach. This experience heavily influenced my desire to found a Girls Rock Camp here. I also started teaching a Songwriting Course at Ivy Tech last year and plan to continue with that.
With both "Rest Stop" and the location of the gas station in the "Crushed" music video, it feels like a very specific Midwestern ennui. How has living in Bloomington (as opposed to being in New York) changed your creative process/lifestyle, inspiration, or your relationship with music? Or maybe speaking on what is consistent and has stayed the same?
Living in Bloomington has been a homecoming of sorts to what I’m most familiar with. I grew up in Fayetteville, Arkansas so moving to Bloomington felt like returning to a certain pace of life that I had been missing on the East Coast. I like the unpretentiousness of the scene here and how so many people are deeply engaged with the creative process in quiet, consistent ways- not necessarily making a big deal of it or trying to inflate their self-image. I find that inspiring to be around.
I also get a lot of ideas from being close to nature - I love going for walks in the woods and letting my mind run a million different directions. Also, the relationships I’ve made here have been hugely important. Having access to other musicians to collaborate with (who I also love as people) and an incredible studio that I feel at home in (Russian Recording) has made such a big difference in my development as a musician. People were busier in the city, so there’s a higher chance of someone saying yes to being in my band or playing on my record here than there was in New York.
[gallery columns="2" link="file" size="medium" ids="19211,19212"]
Are there any hopes/changes you wish to see in the Bloomington music scene?
I hope to see more diversity and for anyone who may have reason to feel unwelcome being consciously asked to participate and made to feel at home. It also seems that there are cycles of trendiness where only certain bands will get asked to play shows- but there are so many good people playing music in town, so not getting caught up in the popularity game and remembering to ask a broader spectrum of people to play if you book shows. I’d like to see more established people taking younger musicians under their wing and helping them with booking/general advice - it can be hard to break into the scene! I’d love to see more dance, theater, experimental performance, etc woven into shows too!
Who do you listen to when you're in a creative rut?
I like to listen to music that’s totally different from mine when I’m in a creative rut. Ray Lynch is one of my favorites- especially ‘Deep Breakfast.’ I also love classic country tunes like Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Lucinda Williams. And sometimes I go back to really early influences for me like Heavenly, Liz Phair, Sleater Kinney, Bikini Kill and Mirah.
7. For many Bloomington teens, Rhino's was an institution and an important cultural space to just exist! What kind of advice would you give your teenage self?
Good question! My advice to my teenage self would be: try not to equate self-worth with productivity or validation from others (still working on this one..) Also, you don’t have to work with or be around someone if they make you feel bad about yourself or uncomfortable in any way- no explanation necessary. And this is an important one for young women or other marginalized people in music- there is no right way to do things so don’t let your ingenuity be mansplained away by anybody. If you feel marginalized in any way, that probably means your voice/perspective needs to be heard more than ever!
Amy O's new album, 'Shell,' comes out Friday, October 25th on Winspear. Check out Amy O on tour and also on her upcoming album release show on November 16th at the Blockhouse!
(04/25/19 3:46pm)
Making chips and guac and memories with the boys from Bike Wreck.
(03/23/19 1:37pm)
Culture Shock season is upon us with less than a month away until the glorious one-day fest on Saturday, April 20th. The 33rd annual festival follows last year's lineup including Chicano Batman, milo, and Joy Again. This year, the sun will come out again on the beautiful grass of Dunn Meadow and shine brilliantly over our festivities, so don't forget to bring your sunscreen and read on to learn more about this year's acts!
Saba
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeLs6lfokwQ
Born and raised in Chicago, Saba will headline 2019's Culture Shock. After being recognized for his collaboration on Chance the Rapper’s Acid Rap mixtape in 2013, the 24-year old rapper and producer released Bucket List Project in 2016 and most recently his powerful and most personal album, Care For Me, in April of 2018. Dedicated to Saba’s late cousin, Walter Long Jr., Care For Me details the transformation of Saba’s grief and loneliness into a way of processing through art. As a talented storyteller, Saba is able to create intensely personal experiences with his work and make them universal. Saba, along with his crew Pivot Gang, is paving the future of rap and hip-hop. You can follow Saba on Instagram and Twitter.
SHAED
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h26oYuE2h0
SHAED is the electro-pop trio fronted by lead singer Chelsea Lee and twin brother producers Max and Spencer Ernst. Based in D.C., the group decided on their name in reference to a cloak made of shadow after reading it in Name of the Wind, of the fantasy series The Kingkiller Chronicles. The mysticism extends beyond just their name and into their soulful, yet catchy music that puts you in a sort of trance. Though the band grew up together, they only started collaborating together under the name SHAED with the electro-pop sound a couple of years ago. Their debut EP, Just Wanna See, was released in 2016, followed by MELT which was released last year. You can follow SHAED on their Instagram and Twitter.
Lala Lala
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu9zw0CDtnA
Chicago-based Lala Lala will be joining our illustrious lineup at this year's fest. The indie rock group, fronted by Lillie West, specializes in creating moods of organized frenzy. Lala Lala made their entrance with their first studio album, Sleepyhead, in 2016, showing off West's talent for humor and an ability to make a perfect atmosphere for hanging out with your friends. Following their debut release, Lala Lala released The Lamb, made in response to West's increasing anxiety about social pressures, self-doubt, and how scary it can be just to be alive. On top of it all, Lala Lala also has an amazing presence on Twitter, which is arguably one of the most essential parts of being a modern band. You can follow Lala Lala on Instagram and Twitter.
https://twitter.com/Lalabandlala/status/1100915138998222848
Black Belt Eagle Scout
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di2rv4gmHlo
It's not hard to fall in love with Black Belt Eagle Scout's music. Identifying as a radical indigenous queer feminist, Katherine Paul's musical project explores themes of identity and loss, as well as relearning romance to one's own definition of intimacy. Black Belt Eagle Scout recently released their first studio album, Mother of My Children, in September of last year. Songs like "Soft Stud" and much of Paul's music is quiet, but it always brims with energy and a sharp internal focus. Paul makes it obvious through her music that the biggest impact something can have can appear small at first. The softness contrasts with the two loudest and most confrontational tracks on the record, "Just Lie Down" and "Sam, A Dream," which bring to mind early guitar work from Sleater-Kinney and Riot Grrl. Do yourself a favor and sit down with the album to be truly acquainted with Black Belt Eagle Scout before Culture Shock. Follow Katherine Paul and the band on Instagram and Twitter.
Boa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJqeXLclcMc
Hailing from Louisville, the psychedelic-rock band Boa will bring their sun-soaked grooves to Culture Shock. The band is comprised of bassist Shane Spader, guitarist Logan Hopkins, and drummer Gaven Hopkins with all three members providing vocals. The bandmates came together following the breakup of their previous prog-rock group, The Formalities, into their new psychedelic and funk-infused sound. Perhaps it's because two-thirds of the band are brothers, but Boa has an easy, synchronized flow about them that just makes you want to dance. Their most recent 7-song EP, No Bad Days, was released in 2017. Before they take the stage at Dunn Meadow, make sure to follow Boa on Instagram and Twitter.
The Slaps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujLwUsQQvcI
Based in Chicago, the indie-rock band The Slaps will be performing at this year's Culture Shock. Self-described as "6 arms, 6 legs, 6 fully-functioning eyeballs," The Slaps will bring their hazy and self-aware charms to the Dunn Meadow stage this April. Their most recent single, "Cheers," was released last week and its slightly nostalgic, slightly lonesome, summery vibes are perfect even in transitional and windy March. The single follows their Singles EP from 2018 and their debut album "Susan's Room," which was released in 2017. Follow The Slaps too see what they get up to on Instagram and Facebook.
Chives
Payasso by Chives
Indianapolis-favorite punk and psychedelic band Chives will perform at this year's Culture Shock. Eclectic and energetic, the band doesn't stay within the labels of either genre and leans instead into a sort of danceable intensity. They most recently released their EP, Payasso, in 2017 following Porcelain from 2016. Follow Chives on Facebook and Bandcamp to find out more!
Willis & Diop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSlKJybnIOk&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR311yIhQs-cL8-CJtgSybxJBYTrW6Klui2sGMHQUUHlSna6cPX9qge-91s
Willis & Diop, both Indianapolis-based hip-hop artists and producers, will be providing a fresh, hip-hop set to highlight their recent collaborations. Diop has been in the Indy hip-hop scene for over a decade and recently released the new album Still Shinin' in 2018. Grounded by his work, the prolific artist wants his music to make an impact and not just sound good, but help build and empower communities. Newer to the scene but still highly impressive is Willis, the 20 year old rapper and producer. A self-taught producer and engineer, his first album "Chasing Daisy" and "Now Leaving District Nine" took off on Soundcloud. Following his debut, his newest album Midwest Neverland was released in 2018. You can follow Diop on Facebook and Soundcloud, and also Facebook and Soundcloud for Willis for their newest updates.
Allison Victoria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySdvQ_0Zmnk&t=247s
Next up on the lineup is Allison Victoria, an Indianapolis-native singer-songwriter who first got her start with open mics around the city. Victoria's voice has been recognized for its magnetism and smoothness by artists and the music community in Indianapolis. Her original work including songs, "Beneath the Dust" and "Let Go," which we will hopefully have the fortune of hearing at Culture Shock, show off her ability to move the audience with her messages of love. You can follow Allison Victoria on Facebook.
ktfaithful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mU8ASs3StQ
The musical project of Katie Faith O'Neill is one of our local acts for this year's lineup. Originally from Indianapolis, the musician and IU media major got her start with music through doing choir in kindergarten. Far from the Catholic school choir now, O'Neill's voice still shines through in her high-energy, indie pop productions, presented with personalized Memojis and snippets of daily life. Her newest EP, In My Head, was released this year. You can follow ktfaithful for new music and more updates on Instagram and Twitter.
(02/19/19 4:40am)
Photography by Brett Gilbert
On the night of February 11th, The Bluebird was packed in anticipation of the New York duo, Brasstracks. The band is headed by Ivan Jackson and Conor Rayne who met while they were students at the Manhattan School of Music. They are currently on the spring leg of The Vibrant tour, visiting across the U.S. to deliver dynamic and danceable brass-driven music, with Kemba and Pell.
Hailing from the Bronx, Kemba opened for Brasstracks with a soulful set. The setting felt immediately more intimate and in the audience, people were swaying back and forth to the feeling of connection in the air. Kemba's efficacy in delivery sounded almost like slam poetry. The hip-hop artist has been making music for almost a decade, and it was clear to see his grown appeal that night.
There was even some glimmering acapella in between tracks as the audience swayed back and forth to the chill, yet serious energy of Kemba. The reflective mood of the night started turning more vibrant when he performed, “Exhale,” one of his most famous songs which features Smino.
After the audience was feeling the energy from Kemba’s set, the crowd started filling with more of a mood for dancing.
Brasstracks is leading the way in making brass cool again. As exemplified by the duo, the brass sound now extends far beyond the halls of high schools and their marching bands, and bands like Brasstracks apply the dynamic sound across genres from electronic pop to hip hop.
[gallery columns="2" size="medium" link="file" ids="17775,17770"]
Brasstracks was infectious on stage as they covered songs that they said influenced their sound, some of which were unexpected. They covered “My Boo,” Tamia’s “Officially Missing You,” Drake’s “In My Feelings,” and Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour Llif3.”
The set was a good mix of originals and covers and halfway through the show, the New Orleans native Pell came onto the stage to make his appearance and bring more positive energy to the stage. The night ended with the crowd-favorite and titular track, “Vibrant,” and everyone in the crowd danced.
[gallery size="medium" columns="2" link="file" ids="17783,17780,17782,17784"]
Brasstracks is on The Vibrant Tour. Check out more info here to catch them live.
(01/25/19 2:00pm)
Cover Photo from Flickr
The skies have cleared, the sun has come out to shine brilliantly over the campus, and Vampire Weekend has released new music. The two singles, "Harmony Hall" and "2021" were released yesterday morning at 8AM sharp and Vampire Weekend fans everywhere crept out of their coffins with weary eyes to unlock their phones and hit play on their respective music streaming platforms. Their fourth studio album, Father of the Bride (originally teased as FOTB) will come out later this year. Singles will come out in pairs, keeping with the wedding theme, until the full album is released.
https://youtu.be/yfGEq0JWxGM
Both singles were produced by Ezra Koenig, lead singer of Vampire Weekend, and Ariel Rechtshaid. "Harmony Hall" begins framed by a contemplative guitar riff, as if you're lying in a hammock and watching the sun filtering in through the leaves in a half-dream. The piano and drums build into a sort of island theme, but it's more pretense of an easy-going spirit. Ezra airs out his worries of passing time and attempts to clarify seemingly contradictory observations, "thought that I was free from all that questioning, but every time a problem ends another one begins."
The title of the song is a reference to the name of a dorm at Columbia University, Vampire Weekend's alma mater. This sentimental connection to how the band started is a melancholic reminder of how much has happened since. Most of the members have embarked on solo careers, some have quite recently started a family, and more specifically, member Rostam Batmanglij left the band in 2016. They have all moved on, but they can't quite bury the memories they had there. With this added layer, "Harmony Hall" makes more sense as a prelude to the whole album and makes a full circle for the band.
"Harmony Hall" follows the band's talent in making songs that read like short stories, with the dreamy memory at the beginning, but boils it down to a simple mantra of, "I don't wanna live like this, but I don't wanna die." The lyric is borrowed from "Finger Back" of their third studio album Modern Vampires of the City. The new single stay consistent with MVOTC and its fear and eventual acceptance of time. You can take what you need from "Harmony Hall." You can take it just for its cheery, uptempo beat, or you can also take it for its shout into the void of feeling overwhelmed by something you thought you once knew. Shoutout to the Genius intern out there who theorized that the song's actually about rising hate groups in Ivy schools.
https://youtu.be/ZWmnjkZEkiA
"2021" is sparse in length, just under two minutes, and it's calmer than "Harmony Hall." It's a half-meditation, half-lullaby on time and wanting to wait. There's a relaxing synth melody which contrasts the guitars that play a sort of classic rock fanfare, and further interspersed with Jenny Lewis singing in a Siri-like voice to the refrain of "boy." Ezra sings "it's a matter of -" and leaves us to fill in the blanks. Maybe he'll make a twitter poll and have you choose between trust, fact, course, and time, later reveal that the right answer was actually none of those options.
The visual concept of the new album contrasts their previously more collegiate and preppy look of the past three albums. A coiled, green snake is the cover for the two singles. The videos for "Harmony Hall" and "2021" show that Vampire Weekend has chosen a more natural approach for FOTB with a white background and close-ups on a frog's life, caterpillars, blooming flowers, and one mysterious AI. They bring to mind the glossy DK Eyewitness books from elementary school more than the European classics.
It's quite alarming to realize that Modern Vampires of the City was released six (what!) years ago, but in this very special case, absence has definitely made the heart grow fonder.
And now that programming is kicking off soon, I hope everyone's ready to just hear FOTB on WIUX for the rest of 2019...
https://twitter.com/schnennifer/status/936078406411792384
(11/01/18 3:55am)
Spookiness doesn't just have to be for Halloween! As Princess Nokia said, "I'm goth as fuck, even when I’m not in black / Gothic is the pain you feel and not the clothes that’s on your back." The same logic can be applied to whenever you want to feel slightly more hair-raised than usual.
The Web Content Committee has compiled songs to use for when you want to feel a little more like you're emerging out of the ~fog~ and into the dark, dark night.
https://open.spotify.com/user/wiux99.1/playlist/6uR4vHWJydtIkOj63WlZKr
(10/15/18 6:00pm)
Happy WIUX Pledge Drive Week! Show your love for your favorite college radio station by coming out to our first event tonight at 6PM. We made it very easy for you to continue your support with this entire week of beautiful events.
Our first event is tonight and it's a chill night of painting with your favorite Fort Wayne band, Secret Mezzanine. The alternative rock band consists of Cai Caudill, Rob Greene, and Jacob Sherfield. Check out their music video for their previous EP, "Ash to Ash," directed by none other than our Production Director, Abby Harrison!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Xy-7ZALTY
Canvas and painting supplies will be provided with a suggested donation of $5.
Come for:
✅Good Music
✅Support for WIUX
✅The masterpiece you may or may not create tonight!
Click here for more info on the event and band. We hope to see you there!
(09/19/18 4:04am)
WIUX attended the special screening of a new episode from the late-night series with Sarah Silverman, I Love You, America, at the Buskirk-Chumley on September 6th. The event included free popcorn, photo ops, and a live Facebook Q&A with Sarah Silverman immediately after the screening.
Photography by Regan Jones
[gallery columns="2" link="file" size="medium" ids="15831,15829,15834,15836,15835,15833,15832,15844,15843,15847,15846,15842,15837,15849,15848,15845"]
(08/06/18 8:00pm)
Even with tornadoes in the forecast and last-minute lineup changes, Pitchfork Festival turned out to be a glorious event to attend this year. The rain made the festival grounds look more like Glastonbury, but it made the festival community feel more tight-knit. Festival season is always a mix-up of emotions and filled with hunger and achy legs, but if there's any festival that's worth it, it has to be Pitchfork. If you couldn't make it that weekend, here's a snapshot of performances from the weekend of what you missed!
Day 1 - Friday, July 20
The day was rainy, but it didn't dampen people's spirits. The line for the festival was long and stretched around the block. We were a bit nervous about how to get the best content™️, but we figured we should just have a good time! Everyone comes to music festivals to have a heightened concert experience of collective effervescence. A festival experience can be really eye-opening because although you surrender a bit of comfort, you do it to have acceptance amongst other people who share the same passion for music and the arts. We also got some Pitchfork Fest merch which was amazing this year. (The beret is ?)
[gallery size="medium" link="file" ids="15329,15271,15365,15366,15349,15354,15361,15331,15367,15368,15362,15369,15371,15373,15370,15363,15337,15372,15358,15360,15376,15374,15356,15375,15336,15334,15377,15345,15333,15379,15378,15335,15305"]
Day 2 - Saturday, July 21
The ? came out for Saturday! It was a nice day to walk around the festival grounds and see all of the different vendors.We shopped around for vinyl and cassettes from the CHIRP record fair and even got some shirts from the Renegade Craft Fair. We also more than indulged on some great food from The Chicago Diner and BenjYehuda.
[gallery size="medium" link="file" ids="15330,15386,15384,15387,15278,15385,15332,15308,15348,15389,15341,15314,15339,15340,15359,15353,15355,15357,15343,15350,15351"]
Day 3 - Sunday, July 22
For the last day of the fest, the weather was the best it had been and everyone was in a frenzy to see Ms. Lauryn Hill. We got to see her and her band do sound check at the beginning of the day, which was a little crazy for everyone to experience. I also stood in line for Japanese Breakfast's signing and I got to meet her! Someone who was working there said that that line was the longest he'd ever seen for an artist signing at the festival.
[gallery size="medium" link="file" ids="15283,15281,15344,15342,15352,15295,15338,15282,15395,15284,15286,15297,15397,15292,15296"]
(08/06/18 12:05am)
Pitchfork Music Festival had some of the best performances of this festival season. A best performance isn't just about being technically flawless, but also about giving the audience more of a feeling that the recordings couldn't capture. This year's lineup included Tame Impala, Mount Kimbie, Courtney Barnett, Noname, and Ms. Lauryn Hill, just to name a few. We hopped around the Green, Red, and Blue stages at Pitchfork Fest to see the best performances at Union Park.
Blood Orange
Clad in a black jersey and a blue beret, Dev Hynes came out to the Green Stage with his full band to deliver my favorite performance of the festival. He was all smiles and jovial with his band and audience. At one point, he sat down next to his bass player and played his guitar solo which was a joyous sight to behold. He was able to give the feeling of individually being seen by the artist, which can often be left out in festival experiences. This was the first time I saw Blood Orange live so I didn’t know what to expect, but Hynes was generous and just wanted to share his music with us.
He opened with a cover of Sky Ferreira’s “Everything is Embarrassing”, which I later learned that he helped write. I feel like people weren't expecting it but I was VERY much into it. He played all of the hits and wanted us to sing along. Just so you know, “Augustine” is better live and so is “Best To You.” What makes Hynes a great performer wasn't the fact that he hit all the notes, but it genuinely felt special and new to hear him live. His songs, especially "Augustine", were suddenly dancier and little additions like a longer saxophone solo (shoutout to Jason, his saxophonist!) felt so nourishing for the audience. He also played his new song, “Charcoal Baby”, from his upcoming album Negro Swan. While they’re available now, it was incredibly special for us to hear them live. He sang “You’re Not Good Enough" and ended his set with "E.V.P."
The visual background for Blood Orange's performance included early 2000s era music videos, skating, and car drifting videos. The footage of black culture reminded me of Arthur Jafa’s Love is the message, the message is death which is most likely intentional, because Hynes has said his newest album is an exploration of black existence. He has discussed black life and black pain in his work before, for example his song from Freetown Sound, “Hands Up.”
Kelela
Kelela came back for her second Pitchfork performance since she blessed the Blue Stage in 2014. Dressed in an all-white ensemble with a silky gown and large puffy sleeves, Kelela sauntered onto the stage slightly hidden in fog, making it appear like she came out on a cloud. Kelela's stage presence was impeccable and surreal, to say the least, but what leaves such an impression is the control and power Kelela exuded. Kelela and her singers and DJ were all dressed in white, making the lights change the color to have angelic hues of soft orange and purple and blue. Kelela can make the crowd swoon, and she knows it.
At the beginning of the set, Kelela came out with her two singers posing like Egyptian hieroglyphics to present Kelela like the goddess she is. The audience was all in awe of her and I found a description I'd written down in my Notes app as her being like "a river torrent, so smooth and then it hits you all at once." She introduced “Frontline” as a song about a “sorry ass” she used to know. Her music, especially from her 2017 album Take Me Apart, has a futuristic, almost space-like element that remained in her live performance. Kelela had a shorter set due to a later start, and included "LMK", "Take Me Apart", "Frontline" and "Rewind" which everyone danced so hard to.
Fleet Foxes
It wouldn’t be a Pitchfork 2018 review without talking about Saturday's headline act, Fleet Foxes. The band that was so very of its time (aka 2011) brought back a nostalgic energy for the festival audience on Saturday night. They felt very familiar and the audience experience was that of a reunion with everyone in relatively mellow spirits.
The band even wished someone happy birthday before playing “White Winter Hymnal.” They played “Ragged Wood”, “Your Protector”, “Fools Errand”, "Mykonos", and “Blue Ridge Mountains”, which we all somehow remembered every single word of. The crowd was just one big chorus. The background visuals for Fleet Foxes were beautiful and fitting scenes of nature in chaos and rest, with thunderstorms and waterfalls. It was like an indie spa and we were all better for it.
Japanese Breakfast
I cannot believe I thought I could skip out on Japanese Breakfast’s set because I’d seen them already. What a fool! Michelle Zauner is a national treasure and everyone should respect her as such! Zauner came out in a racing jersey and a glittery black skirt, to the adoring Blue Stage where the weather had cleared. It was one of the biggest crowds I'd ever seen at the Blue Stage with young and old hipsters alike.
The set included songs from their most recent album, Soft Sounds From Another Planet with “Diving Woman”, "Boyish", and also from their 2016 release, Psychopomp, including “Everyone Wants To Love You." They had a fun and playful energy live, with a heavier grit to their pop sound. The best part of their set was when they covered The Cranberries’ song, “Dreams", which was so good live! Everyone sang along (and quietly wept) to Zauner's smiling face as she sang "So understanding and so kind/You're everything to me" to the beaming and validated crowd.
Big Thief
Before they came on stage, Big Thief huddled together into a group and gave each other a bit of a pep-up cheer. Everyone was excited for them and the person I stood behind knew all of the words. The band that felt like family came out to a feeling of camaraderie and friendship in the crowd.
They played a new song, “The Toy”, while also playing old favorites of “Mary” and “Real Love.” I don’t think I was ready for them to rock out as hard as they did, but they delivered! Big Thief was blasting through the speakers and had a punchier sound than on the album, but don’t think that their songs had any less emotion. This web content director found herself in tears during “Mary." That intro, when Lenker sings into the mic with only a single chord in the background was too beautiful! This performance proved that Big Thief can give an intimate concert experience to the big festival crowd as much as at a smaller venue. I tend to relate more to their softer sound, but blasting Big Thief at the festival sounded cathartic.
Courtney Barnett
Courtney Barnett was not only one of the best performances of the week, but I think it’s safe to say that she’s one of the best performers of our time! She performed at the Red Stage with a regular black backdrop in an all-black outfit, but it was still fascinating to watch her on stage. She rarely looks away from the crowd to play guitar and even with a massive crowd, Courtney Barnett makes every person feel the energy from her music.
Barnett has been on a long tour for Tell Me How You Really Feel, but it didn't take away from her performance. My favorites of Courtney Barnett's set were “Charity”, “Small Poppies,” and “Depreston.” In "Small Poppies" she screamed, "I dreamed I stabbed you with a coat hanger wire", and wailed on the guitar until people started chanting her name. Everyone sang along to "Depreston" and had one long, collective sigh. Also, no big deal, but she did look right at me during "City Looks Pretty" with a wink and smiled. I haven’t recovered since! She has massive stage presence and no one else rocked harder.
Tame Impala
In one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend, Tame Impala set off their confetti cannon to the surprise and pleasure of many people. Tame Impala knows how to make the crowd move already with their music, but their concert experience only heightens their music through the background visuals. It starts off with a spiral, as many die-hard Tame Impala fans will already know, and have a confetti cannon that goes off right after the long buildup in “Let It Happen”. They played most of Currents and my favorite was “Yes I’m Changing.” I was far away from the stage, but it felt like Kevin Parker’s voice was transporting my soul to the front. That song is deeply spiritual already, but it’s even better in person. The fact that they're so good live even with so much instrumentation involved only goes to support their massive talent.
Berhana
This was my most surprising set of the week. Berhana was positive and incredibly charismatic on stage. Kathryn had talked up Berhana quite a bit and she was right! He played “Wildin’”, “Janet,” and ended with “Grey Luh." There wasn’t anyone in the crowd without a smile. He even covered Whitney Houston’s “One Minute In Time”, highlighting the line, “I’m only one but not alone, the finest day is yet unknown.” The sets earlier in the day shouldn't be overlooked at Pitchfork, because you can have a concert experience of a lifetime from an artist you weren't even familiar with. I now have “Brooklyn Drugs” on repeat and I only wish I’d listened to him sooner so I could’ve sung along with him!
Nilüfer Yanya
Saturday was blessed with good weather and good music, including Nilufer Yanya who performed at the Red Stage. Nilüfer Yanya came out to a full audience in a black mesh top with a blue skirt, not unlike the outfits worn by the audience. She exuded the same kind of mysterious confidence on stage as she does in her music videos. She didn't say much and only introduced herself and thanked the audience. Her stage persona was the most interesting because she was still trying to figure out how to present herself as many of her songs are already quite personal.
Still, the crowd was leaning in the entire time and she played “Baby Luv” and “Florist” which remained in its silently brimming energy at the festival as on the singles. It was so cool to hear quite solemn songs echo through Union Park.
D.R.A.M.
D.R.A.M. literally brought the sunshine on Sunday after a whole day of cloudy skies. D.R.A.M. knew we loved him because he loved us back. He kept interacting with the audience and asking us if we wanted to spread love and if we loved our moms.
Before “Sweet VA Breeze”, he said that the song changed his life and career forever. I did not expect his set to have a lot of life advice involved, but to be honest I think we all needed it. He sang "Cute" and many people in the audience turned and sang to each other, "I think you're cute." My favorite part of his set was when he said that everyone was special before singing "D.R.A.M. Sings Special", his feature on Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book. The stage background turned into twinkling stars and for about two minutes, the audience was calmed. He didn’t leave without performing “Broccoli” to which the crowd started a polite mosh and dance circle to. After asking us to remember when we first heard it, maybe “at a party while you’re studying", he came down into the crowd and the audience swarmed towards him. We were only feet (!) away from him and though he was eventually pulled back on stage by security, it really felt like he connected with us.
Special Kathryn Appearance On Saba!
“Saba was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. Everything he did was personal and really connected the audience to his music. He was also just a great performer. Very genuine.”
(08/04/18 2:50am)
Pitchfork Festival is a great place to see your favorite artists directly respond to their audience. You get to see them standing just feet away from you and what? Kevin Parker is drinking the same water as you? Even the smallest or most mundane murmurs can bring you closer to the artist and change what you think of the artist and their work. The artists at this year's fest were in good spirits and feeling chatty. If Pitchfork Music Festival 2018 were to turn into a movie, this would be the dialogue!
Julie Byrne to the audience about the rain:
"I wish you could come under here with me. To those of you who stay, I love you. And to those of you who need to leave, I’d probably go with you."
An intimate moment with Julien Baker:
"Are you guys ever just in the middle of things and then drastically have to change course? That's not me right now, but..."
Big Thief's First Remarks:
"The most beautiful crowd I've ever seen!"
Zola Jesus as she's carried down to the crowd by security:
"I love burly men for this reason."
Blood Orange in response to children with acute music tastes:
"That baby's hella cute." - Blood Orange
Ravyn Lenae making the audience promise to be good:
"Move your body, sing the lyrics."
Kweku Collins loves Chicago:
"You are so loved. Have one, mother****ing, helluva day."
In response to the front of house engineer:
"We love him more than Alex G does!" - Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast
D.R.A.M. asking the real question:
"Do we love sentimental, Pitchfork?"
Answer: Yes, we do!
(08/03/18 7:20pm)
Pitchfork Festival is like the runway of music festivals. You can come to the festival not caring about how you look, but don't expect everyone else to do the same! The style at this year's festival was impeccable and everyone wore their Friday to Sunday best for their favorite artists. If you're stumped on what to wear for festival season or even in life, look no further than these looks worn by the beauteous Pitchfork attendees!
Look #1 - Red, White, and Blue
If you're going to the festival as a duo, it doesn't hurt to have great matching outfits to a theme. This couple reinvented a patriotic theme with a color palette of red, white and blue, and a focus on stars. Their accent with elevator shoes and small sunglasses heighten the look (quite literally!) and are also very practical if you want to see the stage from afar and keep the sun out of your eyes.
Look #2 - Statement Everything
Statement Tee?✅ Statement Pants?✅ Statement Silver Boots?✅
If minimalism has never been your thing, you can always count on glittery pants to bring the party with you.
Look #3 - Vive La Resistance
Take note that you can be a watchdog for democracy while also being stylish.
Combine your love for Nouvelle Vague with your love of Radio Dept, and you've got a memorable look! And don't forget to bring a jacket!
Look #4 - Flowers Blooming In this World and Land of Pitchfork
For this look, Kathryn and I sprinted out of the media tent to take a picture of these two who look like they came out of a Takashi Murakami print.
Their outfits are both distinct, with the yellow mesh dress and the pink psychedelic prints. The duo is brought in harmony with the similarly styled flower headband and earrings.
Look #5 - Mindfully Chic
This matching set is made to calm the mind with a color scheme of pastel blue, green, and pink. It looks comfy enough to sleep in, but also cute enough to go to Pitchfork in!
Look #6 - Bubblegum Pink
Whoever said matching colors was old-fashioned is seriously mistaken. If choosing an outfit with different prints is too much for you, you can still stand out by coordinating your outfit to one color.
Look #7 - Black & White
A black and white look does not have to be boring, in the case of this fun jumpsuit! Your net grocery bag can also serve as an accent when carrying your bright raincoats. For extra credit, you can match your drink to your sunglasses.
Look #8 - 80s Anime Heroine
Be ready for any crisis, style-related or not, with a checkerboard leather jacket and Doc Martens. You can also wear the all-black outfit with a fun patterned shirt to bring it all together.
Look #9 - Bee Your Fave
Bright colors are especially good for festivals, especially when you're trying to spot your friends from a crowd.
Look #10 - Mix & Match
Pitchfork Festival attendees are not afraid of prints! Mix the plaid pants trend with a floral top and Lizzie McGuire platforms for an unexpectedly fun look.
Look # 11 - In Sync
White sneakers is already a brave choice when festival grounds are muddy, but paired with a glittery silver top or striped track pants and you've got a look!
Remember that Pitchfork Festival is for everyone and whether or not you want to dress in sweats is totally up to you. Wear what makes you comfortable and feel good and it'll show!
(07/31/18 5:00pm)
As we all know too well, the days following a great festival weekend can have us feeling down in the dumps. The sociological phenomenon has been coined as post-festival depression and may be caused by the experience of collective effervescence and pushing your extreme emotional and physical limits during a festival. In all seriousness, let yourself feel for all of the new and exciting experiences you had during those few, but full days. However, know that you will have similar and maybe even better experiences, possibly as soon as next year's Forecastle.
Here's a playlist curated around the 2018 Forecastle lineup to rejuvenate you until next year's fest!
https://open.spotify.com/user/owensm42/playlist/4amnm1AKSMfhtSisKgmysj?si=N31-dvX4TBStm0gZwq5AdQ
(07/28/18 2:40pm)
The alumni of our proud radio station will be hosting their reunion weekend this weekend!
In addition to hosting events, they will also be hosting a WIUS Alumni Saturday Night All-Request Oldies Spectacular! Join us from 8PM until Midnight on Saturday, July 28th for an evening of fun and prizes as we play your requests via phone, text and email. This year’s show theme will be “Songs We Love to Hate” and we want to know what you think are the worst, most awful, completely irredeemable tunes from the 1960s and 1970s. We promise not to play 'em (all the way through).
To request songs, you can email them at wiusrequest@gmail.com or call/text the request line at (812) 361-0151 (that’s a burner phone so don’t call before the show). When you send in your request, let us know about a song you fervently hope to never hear again, and briefly tell us why! That's two songs - one you love and one you hate!
For the contest, three times each hour from 8:00 until 11:30, we’ll play you a sample of our “bottom dwellers” ?? All you need to do is send us an entry to WIUSRequest@gmail.com and identify the title and artist of each song you hear in the clip! ?? The first prize is a $25 Amazon gift card which will go to the first person to correctly identify via email all titles and artists. If nobody gets them all correct, the winner will be the entrant with the most correct answers. You’re sure to recognize these real "crappers" for what they are, so just be listening and enter to win. We’ll announce the Grand Prize winner at 11:30, so get a good afternoon nap so you can stay up late and join the fun!
And, you can win a bonus prize just by sending in your request! Even if you’re stumped by the contest titles, you can still be a winner! We’ll also be awarding additional prizes of tshirts, coffee mugs, bobbleheads, and other stuff we can dig up for listeners who demonstrate the most originality, creativity and good humor in their requests. Here’s all you gotta do: When you call, text or email your request of a song you really do want to hear, just include a title that you’d as soon never hear again, and tell us why!
Two songs: One Good, one Awful.
The main thing: Join in the fun. Send as many requests as you like, and enter the contest as often as you like! To tune in, the show will be on air at WITT 91.9 FM in the Zionsville-Indianapolis area. The show will also be live on the world wide web so click here or here to listen!
(07/19/18 8:37pm)
Photo Credit: Pitchfork
Nothing less than a music lover’s dream come true, Pitchfork Music Festival has some of the best in the genre of indie, rap, and R&B. In case you didn’t know, this year’s fest is headlined by Ms. Lauryn Hill, Tame Impala, and Fleet Foxes. These are only three out of the many diversely talented acts scheduled this weekend, so here are 8 must-see acts who may just turn out to have the best performances at the festival.
Day 1 - Friday, July 20
Julie Byrne - 2:45-3:30 - Blue Stage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-6UIDHoIGc
Nomadic, folk singer songwriter Julie Byrne will be kicking the fest off on Friday at the Blue Stage. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she began playing music in tribute to her father who was a wedding singer but had to stop playing due to complications with MS. Her music, composed of enchanting guitar strums with soft, poetic lyrics, feels ethereal and reassuring. She released her second studio album, Not Even Happiness, in 2017 to critical acclaim after her 2014 release of Rooms With Walls and Windows. Her sound is familiar, but no less special, and fans have likened her to a brunette Joni Mitchell. Byrne's performance will likely feel like a still point in the turning Pitchfork world.
Tierra Whack - 4:15-5:10 - Green Stage
https://youtu.be/EOTebhPy04g
It was announced just Monday that Tierra Whack is to replace Earl Sweatshirt at the Green Stage. Earl Sweatshirt’s performance has been long-awaited, but it is no loss to have Tierra Whack perform instead. She is currently Ms. Lauryn Hill's opening act for her tour surrounding the anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Whack's recent album, Whack World, is only 15 minutes long and encompasses a whole world in each one-minute song. Every song has a unique sound that it truly is difficult the classify the album as a single genre. Her wordplay is so clever whether it's regarding the meaning of monetary success or even her dog. My favorite is “Fruit Salad”, a proclamation of self-definition and the importance of eating your veggies. After watching the album's visual presentation, I'm curious to see if she'll bring any of these personas to Pitchfork.
Julien Baker - 5:15-6:00 - Blue Stage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdBu21i9aEE
Hailing from Memphis, indie rock singer Julien Baker will be performing at the Blue Stage on Friday (for what I predict will be a very emotional day). Her sound is cathartic and thoughtful, and each song lingers a little longer to tug on your heart strings. Baker is dynamic as a songwriter and writes to openly deal with mental illness and substance abuse. I was surprised to find that Julien Baker is a member of alternative rock band, Forrister, because her solo act is so dynamic! Her music makes you want to invest in yourself, your feelings, and fears without shame.
Big Thief 6:30-7:15 Blue Stage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX9TUpQoCos
Indie rock favorite, Big Thief, will perform on Day 1 of Pitchfork at the Blue Stage. Big Thief released their sophomore album, Capacity, in June 2017 after Masterpiece in 2016. Many of their song titles are names making the listener believe that these people are real and the relationships with them are embodied in these songs. In actuality, Adrianne Lenker, the lead singer and songwriter, often writes the songs about herself and the relationship she has with herself. Expansive and warm, expect Big Thief to have a grounding and groundbreaking performance at the fest.
Day 2 - Saturday, July 21
Nilüfer Yanya - 3:20-4:10 - Red Stage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmmQuNl_8xc
I first played "Baby Luv" by Nilüfer Yanya because of the cover art. With white squares on the border, lilac tiles spread out into a square with random spots spelling out "BABY LUV." It looks like candy wrappers over a game of Scrabble and has a nostalgic and home-made feel. These two moods are how I'd best describe the R&B pop style of the 22-year old West Londoner. Yanya grew up with artist parents in a house listening to Amy Winehouse and The Strokes, which you can definitely hear the influences of in her music. Nilüfer Yanya has been one to watch ever since the 2016 release of her first single, "Small Crimes." Her sound in "Baby Luv" evokes a slightly goth, '90s pop soundtrack as she chants "again, again, again, again", after asking do you like pain? Expect only the continual rise of Nilüfer Yanya after she performs at Pitchfork this Saturday.
Day 3 - Sunday, July 22
Ravyn Lenae - 3:20-4:10 - Red Stage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLoRVs0zluE
Ravyn Lenae, Chicago native, will be performing at the Red Stage on Sunday. The prolific 19-year old R&B singer songwriter released her first two EPs, Moon Shoes and Midnight Moonlight, in 2016 and 2017 which were produced by Monte Booker. She was also featured on Noname's Telefone on the track, "Forever", and toured with Noname and SZA. You can't deny Lenae's abilities to make a track (unless you're jealous) from her most recent Crush EP in which she creates so many different moods, whether it's with the high-pitched hoots on "Sticky" or the ascending lilts in "Computer Luv."
Japanese Breakfast - 4-4:45 - Blue Stage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3bjPGUDl1k
Ever since the release of Japanese Breakfast's first album, Psychopomp in 2016, my life has not been the same (case 1 & 2). Honestly, I should write a guide about the life changing magic of Japanese Breakfast because that's just what her music does. Each song in her discography has so much style and range, that you can lament your unrequited love and also scream about how you're too good. Just listen to "Boyish" and try not to sing along about how you're that girl in a tux playing guitar in the middle of the football field. Her performance in Pitchfork will no doubt be emotional, but also very spirited.
Follow WIUX on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as we cover Pitchfork for live updates and recaps!
(07/18/18 3:59am)
Art by WIUX Art Director, Jack Noble
Pitchfork Music Festival takes place this weekend, June 20th to 22nd, at Union Park in Chicago! This is the perfect time to break out your most adventurous 'fits, dance your heart out, and maybe even meet your summer cutie. WIUX wants to make sure you have the ideal time, so here are 8 of our best tips for enjoying Pitchfork.
[gallery size="medium" columns="2" ids="15042,15041,15040,15039,15037,15036,15035,15038"]
Some Helpful Links ( I got you ;) )
The Pitchfork Festival App:
iTunes: http://p4k.in/6Tknc4l
Google Play: http://p4k.in/a0hGpsu
Reserving a locker
Chirp Radio Record Fair
The Book Fort
(07/17/18 5:30pm)
Photo Credit: Pitchfork
WIUX is going to Pitchfork Music Festival this weekend in the Windy City! This year's festival is headlined by Ms. Lauryn Hill, Tame Impala, Courtney Barnett, Fleet Foxes, and so many more but I cannot list them all here! Check out the lineup and then come back to listen to our curated, four hour-long playlist to keep you company until this weekend (just three more days!). If this playlist makes you decide that you must see this for yourself (which you should!), get the tickets here and join us for what will be a most memorable weekend.
https://open.spotify.com/user/wiux99.1/playlist/6GBmyKXAsV4LCwzH6tdoqu
Yeeseon's Picks
"Black Diamonds" - Big Thief
https://open.spotify.com/track/1wMzaoWNOMUVxOHQUqfNU0
I listened to this song off of Big Thief’s 2017 album, Capacity, on repeat all throughout the dreary winter months. Big Thief has a big, comforting sound that embraces vulnerability as a strength and the whole album has songs steeped in contemplation and longing. “Black Diamonds” is the last song on the album and feels brighter in comparison to the rest. It sounds like Adrianne Lenker, the lead singer, is patting you on the back for making it this far, in the album and also in life. Listen when you’re walking home alone at night and thinking about devotion.
“Jimmy Fallon Big” - Japanese Breakfast
https://open.spotify.com/track/5veLhf4p6vyoIB71TSpTDI
I’m curious to see if Michelle Zauner will play this at the festival because it has a more explicitly personal and rawer feel than the other songs on Soft Sounds From Another Planet. If she does, we all know we’ll cry. This song specifically is about how the bass player from Zauner’s previous band, Little Big League, had to quit because they were off to do bigger and Jimmy Fallon-ier things. The most cutting line is the one she wails, “Why walk when you can show up on time?” It sounds like a cry of self-affirmation when everyone else is being too silent.
Kathryn's Picks
“Rewind” - Kelela
https://open.spotify.com/track/0cjvRZVV217eDcZXXTHxBl
My girl Kelela has gotten me through many events in my life, particularly this song that talks about how you can become stuck thinking about someone but you can’t rewind that feeling. Add in the Miami bass sound and some neat snare, and you have a hot track that she will definitely be playing at Pitchfork.
“let gO Of my egO” - Nnamdi Ogbonnaya
https://open.spotify.com/track/2vMqCpWoYPzRlDBnhAAc08
Not only are his lyrics quick and upbeat, but each of his songs are melodically diverse and great to play loudly in the car. Seriously, blast this song while you drive and wait for that subtle, sweet bass drop.
Be prepared for #P4K by reading all of our preview coverage to be released throughout this week before the fest! All Thursday, WIUX will also be having our very own curated Pitchfork mix broadcast live on 99.1FM. Catch us at Union Park dancing to these songs and follow on our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for live updates!
(06/08/18 9:15pm)
Photo by Mamby On The Beach - React Presents Media
In case you haven't heard, we're big fans of the lineup for Mamby On The Beach this year! The lineup includes established acts and up-and-comers alike to give you a festival experience of a lifetime on Oakwood Beach. Not only can you listen to Jamila Woods and Snakehips perform in the same day, you can also take a yoga class, get your future predicted by a palm reader, and even take part in a water balloon fight reminiscent of ol' summer fun as a child. To help you imagine what this highly anticipated weekend will be like, here is a playlist to get you acquainted with the artists performing at Mamby on June 23rd and 24th.
https://open.spotify.com/user/wiux99.1/playlist/4cYyo9j2S17FdIK2vdiZWD
(05/25/18 10:08pm)
Summer is a blessed time where it seems like anything is possible. You have the entire season to have the summer romance of a lifetime, learn how to hand embroider a picture of your cat, or even stay up the entire night watching blooper reels of comedy shows! All summer experiences are valid and here at WIUX, we want you to fill all those sweet and sweaty memories with some good music. Here are some beautiful tunes to welcome summer and the new WIUX Board of Directors!
https://open.spotify.com/user/wiux99.1/playlist/5bZQjL38W5CK6se2CNEAOf
Joey Miller, President
"4 bit 9d api+e+6 [126.26]" by Aphex Twin
My favorite part is the plucks that start around 2:08, and for about a minute leading up to it is a section with some cool sounding chords along with the moving bassline.
Mitchell Banks, Vice President of Content and Programming
"Total Football" by Parquet Courts
Parquet Courts’ Human Performance was a definitive album for my senior year of high school and the best show I’ve ever seen at The Bishop. They’re America’s best punk boys and their new album Wide Awake! is another worthy testament to their creative and outstanding rock songwriting with Danger Mouse’s incomparable production to boot.
Nick Quigley, 99.1 Programming Director
"In My View" by Young Fathers
It’s hard to pin down what Young Fathers sounds like: it has elements of R&B, rap, even a little Broadway if you ask me. No matter what it is, I can’t stop listening.
Naari Jeong, B-Side Programming Director
"WHY DO FUCKBOIS HANG OUT ON THE NET" - Kid Milli and "Nice Boys" by Temporex
"WHY DO FUCKBOIS HANG OUT ON THE NET" is the perfect summer bop by Korean rapper, Kid Milli. I think I’ve already burned at least 1,000 collective calories raving to this song this summer.
Special mention: "Nice Boys" - Temporex. This song makes me want to sit in a meadow soaking up that good Vitamin D with a sketchbook, box of Crayolas, and an icy glass of orange juice.
Katie Maher, Music Director
"Hey! How Does Everybody Know?" by Arthur Russell
If there was a cheesy montage of my summer, this song would be playing during it.
Abby Harrison, Production Director
"Nothing From Nothing" by Billy Preston
I’m listening to "Nothing From Nothing" by Billy Preston because it’s a feel-good song that has a great beat and a classic oldie.
Jack Ritter, Chief Engineer
"I Know You Know" by Esperanza Spalding
I love this song because of how hard it grooves, and because it was so well recorded/produced. It sounds so big and vibrant!
Yeeseon Chae, Web Content Director
"Trust Me Baby" by Empress Of
I first heard this song off of Japanese Breakfast's playlist and now I'm convinced I could trust Lorely Rodriguez of Empress Of with my life! It's just upbeat and dreamy enough to be the perfect antidote to summertime ennui.
Kathryn Jankowski, Visual Content Director
"Te Dejaste Amar" by Messiah
Latin-pop music is my summer jam. It makes me feel like I am in a tropical place relaxing even though I am still in Bloomington dying from heat stroke.
Jilly Rafalski, Special Events Director
"Summertime" by The Head and the Heart
Clearly by the title, it gives me the summer feels and reminds me of past warm memories. The Head and The Heart is one of those bands that all my friends and family like so their music brings us all together!!
Michaela Dumesny, Public Relations Director
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves
I’ve been listening to a lot of older music that has a great get up and go morning vibe on Spotify, called Have a Great Day! I’m doing an internship with IndyCar Radio and this month has been awesomely crazy, so this music has been awesome to get up and go to and commute back and forth from Indy to Bloomington. This song/playlist reflects my mood here at my exciting internship.
Patrick CasaSanta, Outreach and Alumni Relations Director
"1922" by Phil Cook
"1922" is an ideal summer song. Although it’s not a summertime smash hit like Omi’s “Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix)”, Phil Cook is able to put you in a similar disposition with his bluegrass influenced “Dad Rock”. This track is from his debut 2015 album Southland Mission. His sophomore album is out soon!
Hannah Cougill, Business Director
"Geyser" by Mitski
I’m going with Geyser by Mitski for my song because it’s perfect for blasting in the car and almost blowing out the speakers. :-)
Arty Derkach, Social Media Director
"Up (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)" by Young Thug and Lil Uzi Vert
I like how Young Thug plays with the English language and Lil Uzi is one of the greatest artists, in my position.
Jack Noble, Art Director
"Tell Me Texas" by True Blue
I chose this song because it reminds me of summer weather and is a certified bop.
Zach Thielemann, Event DJ Director
"Jaded" by EDX
This is my favorite summer jam right now due to its versatility as a dance track. EDX has always championed a "summer" house sound, and "Jaded" is just the most recent example of this sound being updated for 2018.
Kenlynn Albright, Analytics Director
"Weekend Special" by Brenda & The Big Dudes
This is the song that makes me think of waking up in a good mood on summer mornings. I also feel like it’s the South African 80’s pop precursor to SZA’s “The Weekend” so that’s a pretty nice concept.