Posts tagged Lolla Preview 2011

Disappears have one available press shot. Had no choice but to cut off some faces. Apologies to the band.We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: DisappearsLollapalooza Set: Saturday, August 6th @ 12:45 PM at Bud LightProof:This official video for “Superstition,” a genuine rock hit There has to be something redeeming about being a band from a tiny little North Dakota town. Then, whenever some local music journalist who can’t think of what to write in his monthly column decides to do another “Best local bands” piece, you always make the top. When you’re from a big city such as Chicago, in a music scene constantly evolving, when that local music journalist makes this list, first of all that journalist will be someone badass like Greg Kot and second of all, you’ll be competing under sub-headlines that read things like “I guess we’ll leave Kanye out of the running for some fairness.” It’s not easy. But for The Disappears, it’s not hard. They top every list with ease, because, despite this being a big, musically-evolving city, they are one of the best. Their second album Guider out this year proved this is more ways than one. First, when one member left, he was replaced by Sonic Youth’s drummer Steve Shelley. Not too shabby of a replacement. The album was met with rave reviews, and though only a quick six songs, it’s already topping favorite album lists. Plus, I heard when it was first released that all the songs were recorded in one take. Fronted by Chicago rock veteran Brian Case, who completed our interview below in perfect Disappears-esque form, this is a band who has the most exquisite amount of 90s experience mixed with inevitable future success. Disappears is without doubt one of the best Chicago groups, and one of the best acts playing at Lolla. We love supporting the local guys playing Lollapalooza and we appreciate when they make it so freaking easy. Go see this show. You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?I honestly don’t know who’s playing around the time that we are - later that night we’re playing a show with Arctic Monkeys, they’re pretty cool - I’m looking forward to seeing them play. Cubs or Sox?Neither, baseball is the worst sport for me, incredibly boring. My son likes the Sox for some reason, even though we live on the north side of the city. Describe your live act in five words:“Who is this band playing?”  “Not much talking between songs” “Whoa, this is intense bro!” What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?Lower Dens - “Tea Lights” Veronica Falls - “Beachy Head” Wire - “Madman’s Honey” Cass McCombs - “Your Mother and Father” The Clean - “Are You Really On Drugs” How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?I feel ok about it, someone had to take the fall. What will you drink onstage?A bottle of Rosè What is your favorite festival memory?At the second Lollapalooza I saw Lush and Jesus and Mary Chain play, that was really great - I grew up in St. Louis and I’m pretty sure Lush never came back. I know JAMC played with Pixies a few years later but I couldn’t go so that remains the only time I’ve seen those bands. What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Heat irritation, intense thirst, possible buyer remorse 

Disappears have one available press shot. Had no choice but to cut off some faces. Apologies to the band.
We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Disappears
Lollapalooza Set: Saturday, August 6th @ 12:45 PM at Bud Light
Proof:This official video for “Superstition,” a genuine rock hit

There has to be something redeeming about being a band from a tiny little North Dakota town. Then, whenever some local music journalist who can’t think of what to write in his monthly column decides to do another “Best local bands” piece, you always make the top. When you’re from a big city such as Chicago, in a music scene constantly evolving, when that local music journalist makes this list, first of all that journalist will be someone badass like Greg Kot and second of all, you’ll be competing under sub-headlines that read things like “I guess we’ll leave Kanye out of the running for some fairness.” It’s not easy.
But for The Disappears, it’s not hard. They top every list with ease, because, despite this being a big, musically-evolving city, they are one of the best.
Their second album Guider out this year proved this is more ways than one. First, when one member left, he was replaced by Sonic Youth’s drummer Steve Shelley. Not too shabby of a replacement. The album was met with rave reviews, and though only a quick six songs, it’s already topping favorite album lists. Plus, I heard when it was first released that all the songs were recorded in one take.
Fronted by Chicago rock veteran Brian Case, who completed our interview below in perfect Disappears-esque form, this is a band who has the most exquisite amount of 90s experience mixed with inevitable future success.
Disappears is without doubt one of the best Chicago groups, and one of the best acts playing at Lolla. We love supporting the local guys playing Lollapalooza and we appreciate when they make it so freaking easy.

Go see this show.

You’re welcome,

| N

Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
I honestly don’t know who’s playing around the time that we are - later that night we’re playing a show with Arctic Monkeys, they’re pretty cool - I’m looking forward to seeing them play.

Cubs or Sox?
Neither, baseball is the worst sport for me, incredibly boring. My son likes the Sox for some reason, even though we live on the north side of the city.

Describe your live act in five words:
“Who is this band playing?” 
“Not much talking between songs”
“Whoa, this is intense bro!”

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
Lower Dens - “Tea Lights”
Veronica Falls - “Beachy Head”
Wire - “Madman’s Honey”
Cass McCombs - “Your Mother and Father”
The Clean - “Are You Really On Drugs”

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
I feel ok about it, someone had to take the fall.

What will you drink onstage?
A bottle of Rosè

What is your favorite festival memory?
At the second Lollapalooza I saw Lush and Jesus and Mary Chain play, that was really great - I grew up in St. Louis and I’m pretty sure Lush never came back. I know JAMC played with Pixies a few years later but I couldn’t go so that remains the only time I’ve seen those bands.

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Heat irritation, intense thirst, possible buyer remorse 

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: TyphoonLollapalooza Set: Saturday, August 6th @ 1:15 PM at BMIProof: This live video for “White Liars”. Look at that packed stage! I have this weird issue where I want to hate bands more than I want to like them.  You know, instead of being excited to hear the music of a band I’ve never heard of, I just automatically assume that they suck and I should just go back to blasting Vampire Weekend and The Kooks - satisfaction guaranteed.  Does that make me the most ill-suited person to have a music blog?  Um no, it makes me the best.  Music snob is my middle-name.  Well, it would be if my mom hadn’t thought Julianne was a good idea when she was filling out my birth certificate.  Thanks for nothing, Mom.  Apparently I’m NOT more hipster than you.  #TwitterReference Today N told me to write the preview for a band called, Typhoon.  The cynic in me hated them right off the bat.  I knew they would be bad before I even visited their MySpace (speaking of things that suck…).  I took the job though, because everyday I wake up expecting her to fire me, and I just can’t let my fans down like that - all 1 of them - thanks, Mom.  P.S. - I didn’t mean what I said earlier about you ruining my hipster street cred.   And so my research began.  Want to know the first search result when you type “Typhoon” into google?  Hint: it’s not referencing the mature tropical cyclone that can wreak havoc on planet Earth.  Apparently there is a thai restaurant chain called “Typhoon!”  If you’re ever in Oregon or Washington, be sure to stop by!  (cough*I should probably get some comped meals for the little shout out, Typhoon!*cough) But one of the most successful thai restaurant chains in the Pacific Northwest isn’t why we’re all here, is it?  No, what we all want to know is - Typhoon at Lolla - see it, or skip it?  It would be pretty anti-climactic if I said skip it right now…so luckily for all of you who have read this far (congrats, you are a noble and a scholar), I say see it!  With a full indie sound courtesy of their 12 person line-up, they have all the bells and whistles you could ask for, both literally and figuratively.  I’m not even going to try and make a comparison here, because I could end up embarrassing myself.  But if you like trumpets, big bands, indie music with a folk flare, and a lead singer with a voice heavy with emotion, you will like this band.  Apparently they performed at Sasquatch this year and we missed them - I blame N, always blame N.  See them this weekend; learn from our mistakes. You’re welcome, | b Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?Death From Above 1979. and… is Katy Perry playing?  Cubs or Sox?CUBS. Describe your live act in five words:A total tropical mind-fudge.  What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?Katy Perry’s “ET” and various remixes of Katy Perry’s “ET”.  How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?Where’s the beef? What will you drink onstage?Probably beer. Or, can you turn water into wine?  What is your favorite festival memory?Seeing Pete Seeger play Newport Folk Fest.  What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Who knows? But we hope they feel excited and have fun and hopefully Kyle’s lyrics make you think.

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Typhoon
Lollapalooza Set: Saturday, August 6th @ 1:15 PM at BMI
Proof: This live video for “White Liars”. Look at that packed stage!

I have this weird issue where I want to hate bands more than I want to like them.  You know, instead of being excited to hear the music of a band I’ve never heard of, I just automatically assume that they suck and I should just go back to blasting Vampire Weekend and The Kooks - satisfaction guaranteed.  Does that make me the most ill-suited person to have a music blog?  Um no, it makes me the best.  Music snob is my middle-name.  Well, it would be if my mom hadn’t thought Julianne was a good idea when she was filling out my birth certificate.  Thanks for nothing, Mom.  Apparently I’m NOT more hipster than you.  #TwitterReference

Today N told me to write the preview for a band called, Typhoon.  The cynic in me hated them right off the bat.  I knew they would be bad before I even visited their MySpace (speaking of things that suck…).  I took the job though, because everyday I wake up expecting her to fire me, and I just can’t let my fans down like that - all 1 of them - thanks, Mom.  P.S. - I didn’t mean what I said earlier about you ruining my hipster street cred.  

And so my research began.  Want to know the first search result when you type “Typhoon” into google?  Hint: it’s not referencing the mature tropical cyclone that can wreak havoc on planet Earth.  Apparently there is a thai restaurant chain called “Typhoon!”  If you’re ever in Oregon or Washington, be sure to stop by!  (cough*I should probably get some comped meals for the little shout out, Typhoon!*cough)

But one of the most successful thai restaurant chains in the Pacific Northwest isn’t why we’re all here, is it?  No, what we all want to know is - Typhoon at Lolla - see it, or skip it?  It would be pretty anti-climactic if I said skip it right now…so luckily for all of you who have read this far (congrats, you are a noble and a scholar), I say see it!  With a full indie sound courtesy of their 12 person line-up, they have all the bells and whistles you could ask for, both literally and figuratively.  I’m not even going to try and make a comparison here, because I could end up embarrassing myself.  But if you like trumpets, big bands, indie music with a folk flare, and a lead singer with a voice heavy with emotion, you will like this band.  Apparently they performed at Sasquatch this year and we missed them - I blame N, always blame N.  See them this weekend; learn from our mistakes.

You’re welcome,

| b


Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
Death From Above 1979. and… is Katy Perry playing? 

Cubs or Sox?
CUBS.

Describe your live act in five words:
A total tropical mind-fudge. 

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
Katy Perry’s “ET” and various remixes of Katy Perry’s “ET”. 

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
Where’s the beef?

What will you drink onstage?
Probably beer. Or, can you turn water into wine? 

What is your favorite festival memory?
Seeing Pete Seeger play Newport Folk Fest. 

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Who knows? But we hope they feel excited and have fun and hopefully Kyle’s lyrics make you think.

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: Lord HuronLollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 12:00 PM at SonyProof: This video of Lord Huron performing “The Stranger” live at Home Slice Pizza. Just sort of a little bit talented, eh? Lord Huron is an elusive one. It’s the project of Michigan native Ben Schneider- that we know. It’s the culmination of more than Ben Schneider live- that has been witnessed. It is the maker of two EPs, released to insanely well received reviews- that there is proof of. Everything else is a bit of a question mark. Lord Huron doesn’t come with a big biography of it’s music-making journey, it’s press photos barely have people in them and here I am referring to Ben Schneider’s (a human, we think) project as “it” because I’m not really sure what’s appropriate. Which raises the commonly debated question: does it matter? Do we need a full background check? Well, I’m not going to get into that because I’m not in the mood for a debate right now but really it doesn’t matter because Lord Huron is good. Really, really good. They’re great. (He’s great? It’s great? I’m going with “they” from here on out. Apologies to Schneider if you hate your band and want all the credit). 2010 was when Lord Huron first came to us: armed with poetic lyrics and eerily beautiful and somehow equally cheerful music. The hit indie single “Mighty” is a worldly, multi-instrument piece with layers upon layers of naturally infused joy and passion. When I first got the EP Mighty I think I played “Son of a Gun” an illegal amount of times. That’s the kind of talent we’re dealing with. Early this year, they were the band everyone wanted to talk about, as proof that they called it, they knew that this band would be huge. Lord Huron’s success is inevitable, people wanted in on the street cred, I totally understand that, which is really the only reason we did this interview with them. In all seriousness, Lord Huron is of my absolute favorite bands of the past year or two and one of my top five shows to see at Lollapalooza. If you like really talented people doing good things, you’re going to want to be at the Sony stage around noon on Sunday. And don’t you ever forget who told you. My interview with Ben Schneider (I think) below. You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?Big Audio Dynamite Cubs or Sox?Being a big Tigers fan, the White Sox have no place in my heart. It’s hard not to sympathize with a 102-year drought. I’ll go Cubs. Describe your live act in five words:Come and find out, folks. What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?“Shadaroba” - Roy Orbison “Lonesome Town” - Ricky Nelson “Strangers” - The Kinks “Last Year’s Man” - Leonard Cohen Paul Simon - “Rewrite” How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?Someone must be held accountable. What will you drink onstage?Well, our sets at 11:45am so whiskey seems the only option. What is your favorite festival memory?I remember chasing a girl around the Cheboygan county fair while some local country act played. That was a good one.  What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?I don’t want to ruin the surprise. 

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Lord Huron
Lollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 12:00 PM at Sony
Proof: This video of Lord Huron performing “The Stranger” live at Home Slice Pizza. Just sort of a little bit talented, eh?

Lord Huron is an elusive one. It’s the project of Michigan native Ben Schneider- that we know. It’s the culmination of more than Ben Schneider live- that has been witnessed. It is the maker of two EPs, released to insanely well received reviews- that there is proof of. Everything else is a bit of a question mark. Lord Huron doesn’t come with a big biography of it’s music-making journey, it’s press photos barely have people in them and here I am referring to Ben Schneider’s (a human, we think) project as “it” because I’m not really sure what’s appropriate.
Which raises the commonly debated question: does it matter? Do we need a full background check? Well, I’m not going to get into that because I’m not in the mood for a debate right now but really it doesn’t matter because Lord Huron is good. Really, really good. They’re great. (He’s great? It’s great? I’m going with “they” from here on out. Apologies to Schneider if you hate your band and want all the credit).
2010 was when Lord Huron first came to us: armed with poetic lyrics and eerily beautiful and somehow equally cheerful music. The hit indie single “Mighty” is a worldly, multi-instrument piece with layers upon layers of naturally infused joy and passion. When I first got the EP Mighty I think I played “Son of a Gun” an illegal amount of times. That’s the kind of talent we’re dealing with.
Early this year, they were the band everyone wanted to talk about, as proof that they called it, they knew that this band would be huge. Lord Huron’s success is inevitable, people wanted in on the street cred, I totally understand that, which is really the only reason we did this interview with them.
In all seriousness, Lord Huron is of my absolute favorite bands of the past year or two and one of my top five shows to see at Lollapalooza. If you like really talented people doing good things, you’re going to want to be at the Sony stage around noon on Sunday. And don’t you ever forget who told you.

My interview with Ben Schneider (I think) below.

You’re welcome,

| N


Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
Big Audio Dynamite

Cubs or Sox?
Being a big Tigers fan, the White Sox have no place in my heart.
It’s hard not to sympathize with a 102-year drought. I’ll go Cubs.

Describe your live act in five words:
Come and find out, folks.

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
“Shadaroba” - Roy Orbison
“Lonesome Town” - Ricky Nelson
“Strangers” - The Kinks
“Last Year’s Man” - Leonard Cohen
Paul Simon - “Rewrite”

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
Someone must be held accountable.

What will you drink onstage?
Well, our sets at 11:45am so whiskey seems the only option.

What is your favorite festival memory?
I remember chasing a girl around the Cheboygan county fair while some local country act played. That was a good one. 

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
I don’t want to ruin the surprise. 

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: Wye OakLollapalooza Set: Friday, August 5th @ 12:15 PM at SonyProof: This live video of “Civilian”, the title track from the new album which is equally impressive live and acoustic as it is recorded I thought I’d be happy just seeing half of Wye Oak’s set at Sasquatch this year. I wanted to catch some of Jenny and Johnny’s set, and though I love Wye Oak’s albums, I figured they would be sort of a basic festival act- the kind in which you feel the same whether you’ve seen two songs or the entire set. I don’t mean that in an offensive way, Wye Oak is dripping with talent, it’s just sometimes the acts that shine at festivals aren’t even the best acts and almost always they don’t come in a two person package of a boy and girl from Baltimore who named their band after a-yup, you guessed it- a tree. But, as I made my way over to their set to catch the last few songs- coming away from a similar duo like Jenny and Johnny who really work the crowd- I was surprised to find I was wrong about Wye Oak. They were charming, interactive and their sweet indie sound worked shockingly well in a festival setting. They have just enough punk and spunk in their sound to create big, brash, bold endings and appear much more indie rock than indie folk. Which is really the way the newest album Civilian seems to have headed. Wye Oak has always had their guitars amped up, but the new album felt like their way of acknowledging they were ready for the big time. Bigger venues, bigger festivals, bigger everything- and they were prepared with the songs and the performance to blow away these bigger crowds. If you don’t own their albums, you should. Wye Oak is a pair of insatiably talented people making truly stunning music. But you also, really, really shouldn’t miss their set this weekend at Lollapalooza. If you are anything like me (and you probably wish you are) you will be beyond blown away at how impressive and strong their live show is. Don’t miss it, but wait a minute! First, read my interview with Jenn Wasner below. You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?WEEN  Cubs or Sox?MARLINS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fof40yqaW1U Describe your live act in five words:HEY We are a band. What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?Unedited: “Hang With Me”- Robyn “County Line”- Cass McCombs “Tin Man”- Future Islands “My Heart”- DJ Nate “Try Again”- Aaliyah How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?Hamburgers? (I had to google this to find out what you were talking about.) What will you drink onstage?Water. Oh my god. WATER. What is your favorite festival memory?Anything WHARTSCAPE (RIP) What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Shock, Horror, Disgust (in that order)

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Wye Oak
Lollapalooza Set: Friday, August 5th @ 12:15 PM at Sony
Proof: This live video of “Civilian”, the title track from the new album which is equally impressive live and acoustic as it is recorded

I thought I’d be happy just seeing half of Wye Oak’s set at Sasquatch this year. I wanted to catch some of Jenny and Johnny’s set, and though I love Wye Oak’s albums, I figured they would be sort of a basic festival act- the kind in which you feel the same whether you’ve seen two songs or the entire set. I don’t mean that in an offensive way, Wye Oak is dripping with talent, it’s just sometimes the acts that shine at festivals aren’t even the best acts and almost always they don’t come in a two person package of a boy and girl from Baltimore who named their band after a-yup, you guessed it- a tree.
But, as I made my way over to their set to catch the last few songs- coming away from a similar duo like Jenny and Johnny who really work the crowd- I was surprised to find I was wrong about Wye Oak. They were charming, interactive and their sweet indie sound worked shockingly well in a festival setting. They have just enough punk and spunk in their sound to create big, brash, bold endings and appear much more indie rock than indie folk. Which is really the way the newest album Civilian seems to have headed. Wye Oak has always had their guitars amped up, but the new album felt like their way of acknowledging they were ready for the big time. Bigger venues, bigger festivals, bigger everything- and they were prepared with the songs and the performance to blow away these bigger crowds.
If you don’t own their albums, you should. Wye Oak is a pair of insatiably talented people making truly stunning music. But you also, really, really shouldn’t miss their set this weekend at Lollapalooza. If you are anything like me (and you probably wish you are) you will be beyond blown away at how impressive and strong their live show is.
Don’t miss it, but wait a minute! First, read my interview with Jenn Wasner below.

You’re welcome,

| N


Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
WEEN 

Cubs or Sox?
MARLINS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fof40yqaW1U

Describe your live act in five words:
HEY We are a band.

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
Unedited:
“Hang With Me”- Robyn
“County Line”- Cass McCombs
“Tin Man”- Future Islands
“My Heart”- DJ Nate
“Try Again”- Aaliyah

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
Hamburgers? (I had to google this to find out what you were talking about.)

What will you drink onstage?
Water. Oh my god. WATER.

What is your favorite festival memory?
Anything WHARTSCAPE (RIP)

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Shock, Horror, Disgust (in that order)

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: Gold MotelLollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 12:15 PM at PlaystationProof: This acoustic performance of “Summer House” which should be on every summer playlist for reasons beyond the obvious and shows lead singer Morgan’s effortless talent So by now you may have noticed that we really love Lollapalooza around here. You can blame the Chicago bias all you want, but that only goes so far, because here at The FiveThreeSix we don’t honor shitty things even if they come from our own families. So, sure we were ecstatic to see this year’s Lolla lineup include a slew of incredible Chicago bands, but we don’t like them because you’re from Chicago, we like them because they’re good. And Gold Motel is really, really good. Summer deserves bands like Gold Motel. Actually, winter, when we really need them, deserves bands like Gold Motel. The fact that you can be from Chicago, know about the winters and make music like Gold Motel is nothing short of heroic. Their music is a bottled, bluesy, sweet summer night. Lead singer Greta Morgan (formerly of The Hush Sound) shares the talent of the likes of Zooey Dechanel and Jenny Lewis in having a voice that sounds like drippy 60s melancholy pushing through to sunshine. Plus, Morgan is backed by an incredible band, high quality lyrics and bouncing melodies, so it’s basically a no-brainer show. When 2011 turned upon us, Gold Motel made everyone’s “Bands to Watch in 2011” lists. Since then, their star has only risen further, proving them to be of the hottest Chicago talents in a long time. I love the super vintage sounding “Stealing the Moonlight,” the unbelievably catchy “We’re on the Run,” and the ridiculously fun “Make Me Stay”. I should’ve seen this band a year ago, but with all their success they’ve been touring all over so this will be my first Gold Motel show and I cannot wait. They could just stand there and spit out the words and the show would be guaranteed fun. That’s the joy of music so full of, well, joy. Also, special shout out to the band who were the only group to have two band members answer the interview and seemed to spend a bit of time with it. Your attention has not been lost on me! You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?Eric: Friday: The Kills, Cults, Saturday: Black Lips, Fitz & The Tantrums, Lykke Li, Sunday: The Cars, Best Coast, Cold War Kids Greta: The Cars, Lykki Li, OK GO, Black Lips, The Drums, Fitz and the Tantrums, The Smith Westerns, Foster The People, Cold War Kids. Cubs or Sox?Eric: I lived in Wrigleyville for a few years, so I have a love/hate relationship with the Cubs. I love the “national underdog” sentiment that the Cubs carry, and I love the historical ambience of Wrigleyfield. I hate – hate is a strong word – I dislike getting on the Red Line at Addison and having some drunken Cubs fan throw up his past 6 Miller Lites on the seat next to me. Cubs’ fans can be some of the most repugnant people; like a glorified frat-boy who mistakes his obnoxiousness for amusement. I realize this is a gross generalization, but living in the heart of Wrigleyville during Cubs season definitely made me a bitter and jaded Cubs fan. These days, the Kane County Cougars are much more my speed. Greta: Cubs (Purely superficially: I like their uniforms better). Describe your live act in five words:Eric: Arousal. Desire. Stimulation. Obsession. Danger. Greta: Bliss pop with silly banter. What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?Eric: 1. Gerry Rafferty – Right Down The Line 2. Johnny Mathis – Chances Are 3. Depeche Mode – Everything Counts 4. Ambulance LTD – Stay Tuned 5. Fleetwood Mac – The Ledge Greta: This is a new computer, so the top 25 most played only reflects the last 3 months.  1. Jesus Fever - Kurt Vile  2. Change My Life - Spoon  3. Baby’s Arms - Kurt Vile  4. Tyrant Destroyed - Twin Shadow  5. County Line - Cass McCombs  How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?Eric: It’s so easy to blame the cow. The cow’s a sitting duck. Pun intended. But let’s skip the cow and go straight to the true culprit: Mrs. O’Leary. O’Leary – if that’s even her “real name” - was the one who lit the lantern in the barn. Mind you, a barn covered with hay and dry wood. How did the hay and dry wood get there? I bet Mrs. O’Leary could let you know ALL about that. O’Leary was also the one to place it next to the hooves of an innocent cow. Now, a knowledgeable farmer, such as Mrs. O’Leary (she scored exceptionally high on her SAT’s and was affectionately known by friends and family as “Old Brainy O’Leary” – very good at Scrabble. Even better at Jenga.) would haven known better than to place a lit lantern next to the hooves of a cow in a barn covered with potentially flammable material, right? Did Mrs. O’Leary place the lit lantern next to the cow purposely? You tell me. Did she assume the fire would eventually destroy most of Chicago? I rest my case. Greta: Not much point in blame.  What will you drink onstage?Eric: Either an all natural, fresh squeezed, organic smoothie with a B vitamin boost or a 40 of King Cobra. Greta: Well, we play at 12:15, so it’s a wee bit early for alcohol for me. Probably just water. Maybe a little whiskey.  What is your favorite festival memory?Eric: I went to Summerfest in 2004 or 2005 and caught Little Richard’s set. As bedazzled and exaggerated as the set was, it was great to see a living legend live. And that guy can still wail! Greta: My favorite Lollapalooza memory was seeing Phoenix headline on the Saturday evening last year. Thomas Mars said on stage that it was the biggest crowd they’d ever performed in front of and you could feel their excitement and gratefulness.  My favorite other festival memory was playing BFD Festival in San Diego in ‘06. I had barely graduated high school and was all of a sudden sharing the stage with the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and The Sounds. Franz Ferdinand and The Strokes headlined that year, which was pretty wild. Needless to say, I had stars in my eyes that day.   What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Eric: 1. Mania 2. Frenzy 3. Infatuation Greta: Bliss, Fevered, Titillated 

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Gold Motel
Lollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 12:15 PM at Playstation
Proof: This acoustic performance of “Summer House” which should be on every summer playlist for reasons beyond the obvious and shows lead singer Morgan’s effortless talent

So by now you may have noticed that we really love Lollapalooza around here. You can blame the Chicago bias all you want, but that only goes so far, because here at The FiveThreeSix we don’t honor shitty things even if they come from our own families. So, sure we were ecstatic to see this year’s Lolla lineup include a slew of incredible Chicago bands, but we don’t like them because you’re from Chicago, we like them because they’re good. And Gold Motel is really, really good.
Summer deserves bands like Gold Motel. Actually, winter, when we really need them, deserves bands like Gold Motel. The fact that you can be from Chicago, know about the winters and make music like Gold Motel is nothing short of heroic. Their music is a bottled, bluesy, sweet summer night.
Lead singer Greta Morgan (formerly of The Hush Sound) shares the talent of the likes of Zooey Dechanel and Jenny Lewis in having a voice that sounds like drippy 60s melancholy pushing through to sunshine. Plus, Morgan is backed by an incredible band, high quality lyrics and bouncing melodies, so it’s basically a no-brainer show.
When 2011 turned upon us, Gold Motel made everyone’s “Bands to Watch in 2011” lists. Since then, their star has only risen further, proving them to be of the hottest Chicago talents in a long time.
I love the super vintage sounding “Stealing the Moonlight,” the unbelievably catchy “We’re on the Run,” and the ridiculously fun “Make Me Stay”.
I should’ve seen this band a year ago, but with all their success they’ve been touring all over so this will be my first Gold Motel show and I cannot wait. They could just stand there and spit out the words and the show would be guaranteed fun. That’s the joy of music so full of, well, joy.

Also, special shout out to the band who were the only group to have two band members answer the interview and seemed to spend a bit of time with it. Your attention has not been lost on me!


You’re welcome,

| N


Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
Eric: Friday: The Kills, Cults, Saturday: Black Lips, Fitz & The Tantrums, Lykke Li, Sunday: The Cars, Best Coast, Cold War Kids

Greta: The Cars, Lykki Li, OK GO, Black Lips, The Drums, Fitz and the Tantrums, The Smith Westerns, Foster The People, Cold War Kids.

Cubs or Sox?
Eric: I lived in Wrigleyville for a few years, so I have a love/hate relationship with the Cubs. I love the “national underdog” sentiment that the Cubs carry, and I love the historical ambience of Wrigleyfield. I hate – hate is a strong word – I dislike getting on the Red Line at Addison and having some drunken Cubs fan throw up his past 6 Miller Lites on the seat next to me. Cubs’ fans can be some of the most repugnant people; like a glorified frat-boy who mistakes his obnoxiousness for amusement. I realize this is a gross generalization, but living in the heart of Wrigleyville during Cubs season definitely made me a bitter and jaded Cubs fan. These days, the Kane County Cougars are much more my speed.

Greta: Cubs (Purely superficially: I like their uniforms better).

Describe your live act in five words:
Eric: Arousal. Desire. Stimulation. Obsession. Danger.

Greta: Bliss pop with silly banter.

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
Eric: 1. Gerry Rafferty – Right Down The Line
2. Johnny Mathis – Chances Are
3. Depeche Mode – Everything Counts
4. Ambulance LTD – Stay Tuned
5. Fleetwood Mac – The Ledge

Greta: This is a new computer, so the top 25 most played only reflects the last 3 months. 

1. Jesus Fever - Kurt Vile 
2. Change My Life - Spoon 
3. Baby’s Arms - Kurt Vile 
4. Tyrant Destroyed - Twin Shadow 
5. County Line - Cass McCombs 

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
Eric: It’s so easy to blame the cow. The cow’s a sitting duck. Pun intended. But let’s skip the cow and go straight to the true culprit: Mrs. O’Leary. O’Leary – if that’s even her “real name” - was the one who lit the lantern in the barn. Mind you, a barn covered with hay and dry wood. How did the hay and dry wood get there? I bet Mrs. O’Leary could let you know ALL about that. O’Leary was also the one to place it next to the hooves of an innocent cow. Now, a knowledgeable farmer, such as Mrs. O’Leary (she scored exceptionally high on her SAT’s and was affectionately known by friends and family as “Old Brainy O’Leary” – very good at Scrabble. Even better at Jenga.) would haven known better than to place a lit lantern next to the hooves of a cow in a barn covered with potentially flammable material, right? Did Mrs. O’Leary place the lit lantern next to the cow purposely? You tell me. Did she assume the fire would eventually destroy most of Chicago? I rest my case.

Greta: Not much point in blame. 

What will you drink onstage?
Eric: Either an all natural, fresh squeezed, organic smoothie with a B vitamin boost or a 40 of King Cobra.

Greta: Well, we play at 12:15, so it’s a wee bit early for alcohol for me. Probably just water. Maybe a little whiskey. 

What is your favorite festival memory?
Eric: I went to Summerfest in 2004 or 2005 and caught Little Richard’s set. As bedazzled and exaggerated as the set was, it was great to see a living legend live. And that guy can still wail!

Greta: My favorite Lollapalooza memory was seeing Phoenix headline on the Saturday evening last year. Thomas Mars said on stage that it was the biggest crowd they’d ever performed in front of and you could feel their excitement and gratefulness. 

My favorite other festival memory was playing BFD Festival in San Diego in ‘06. I had barely graduated high school and was all of a sudden sharing the stage with the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and The Sounds. Franz Ferdinand and The Strokes headlined that year, which was pretty wild. Needless to say, I had stars in my eyes that day.
 

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Eric:
1. Mania
2. Frenzy
3. Infatuation

Greta: Bliss, Fevered, Titillated 

Photo Credit: Dove Shore We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: The Naked and FamousLollapalooza Set: Friday, August 5th @ 1:00 PM at SonyProof: This video recorded for The Daily Habit of a live performance of the unbelievably catchy “Young Blood” I’d like to hipsterize an old adage: “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” should become “don’t judge a band by it’s Lollapalooza set time”. The Friday 1 PM slot time basically screams “I’m unimportant”, but that couldn’t be further from the case with The Naked and Famous. The New Zealand group smashed onto the scene with their indie hit “Young Blood” when their album Passive Me, Aggressive You debuted in the US in March. Since then it’s been tour, tour, tour- an easy expansion of the overwhelmingly positive response they’ve received all throughout Europe and the States. They appropriately joined forces with two other acts who blew up the scene this past year: Foals and Freelance Whales. All three of these groups would fall into the “major success story” category- they’re selling out venues, racing up the charts and gaining exposure at all the big festivals. This band is very important. They are one of the best groups to come out of New Zealand in a long time, well, except Flight of the Conchords but to them really no one can compare so I’ll count that out for fairness. They are for the Passion Pit loving kids. Actually, they sound so much like Passion Pit on some songs, I would think that Passion Pit fans dislike them. You know, like when you were a kid and you felt the need to make an allegiance towards Backstreet Boys because N’Sync was TOO similar and therefore you had to pick only one band even though they made the same songs? Just me? Ok. Moving on. Anyway, I personally find The Naked and Famous to be a bit more psychedelic/eerie than Passion Pit, with a splash of MGMT and Hot Chip. This band is for your neon bandeau bra wearing, Nylon toting, sober dancing friend. Basically the person we all are when we’re alone in our bedrooms. Their energetic groove slashed with a chilled out vibe is the perfect mix of high and low that you need in the hot drippy heat of Lollapalooza. So, whatever reason you’ve given yourself to not be there Friday at 1, change your plans, this is a band you do not want to miss. As a related note, I had a hard time picking my favorite response of the interview done with founding member Aaron Short, but I think it’s to question #5 about the cow. See below. You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?Staring at amazing festival line-ups gets us really upset because we’re often in and out so fast that we don’t get to enjoy it all. Instead we wait till we’re there on the day and ONLY look at the acts we’re around for, then scribble with vivid all over the rest of the schedule.  Cubs or Sox?You’re asking musicians about sport. Triangle wave or sine wave oscillator? Describe your live act in five words:The Naked And Fame Iss. What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?1. Caribou - “Hannibal” 2. Kura - “Gogo” (Lulu Rouge Remix) 3.Matthew Dear - “More Surgery” 4. Holy Fuck - “Stilettos” 5. The Kills - “Pots And Pans” How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?Did you know NZ has more sheep than people? I’ve lived there my whole life and only found this out a month ago. What will you drink onstage?Water. Chilled, and for me, sparkling. But that never happens. We do get the lids unscrewed for us though. What is your favorite festival memory?It was our first time at Glastonbury this year, and we got to witness the Radiohead secret show, followed by seeing Caribou live for the first time which completely blew us away. We were also covered in mud with rain pouring down on us I should add. What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Guarantee? We don’t do guarantees or contracts without a manager present, and right now its midnight and we’re sitting in a studio with nothing but cables, gear and chocolate around us.

Photo Credit: Dove Shore

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: The Naked and Famous
Lollapalooza Set: Friday, August 5th @ 1:00 PM at Sony
Proof: This video recorded for The Daily Habit of a live performance of the unbelievably catchy “Young Blood”

I’d like to hipsterize an old adage: “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” should become “don’t judge a band by it’s Lollapalooza set time”. The Friday 1 PM slot time basically screams “I’m unimportant”, but that couldn’t be further from the case with The Naked and Famous. The New Zealand group smashed onto the scene with their indie hit “Young Blood” when their album Passive Me, Aggressive You debuted in the US in March. Since then it’s been tour, tour, tour- an easy expansion of the overwhelmingly positive response they’ve received all throughout Europe and the States. They appropriately joined forces with two other acts who blew up the scene this past year: Foals and Freelance Whales. All three of these groups would fall into the “major success story” category- they’re selling out venues, racing up the charts and gaining exposure at all the big festivals.
This band is very important.
They are one of the best groups to come out of New Zealand in a long time, well, except Flight of the Conchords but to them really no one can compare so I’ll count that out for fairness.
They are for the Passion Pit loving kids. Actually, they sound so much like Passion Pit on some songs, I would think that Passion Pit fans dislike them. You know, like when you were a kid and you felt the need to make an allegiance towards Backstreet Boys because N’Sync was TOO similar and therefore you had to pick only one band even though they made the same songs? Just me? Ok. Moving on.
Anyway, I personally find The Naked and Famous to be a bit more psychedelic/eerie than Passion Pit, with a splash of MGMT and Hot Chip. This band is for your neon bandeau bra wearing, Nylon toting, sober dancing friend. Basically the person we all are when we’re alone in our bedrooms.
Their energetic groove slashed with a chilled out vibe is the perfect mix of high and low that you need in the hot drippy heat of Lollapalooza.
So, whatever reason you’ve given yourself to not be there Friday at 1, change your plans, this is a band you do not want to miss.

As a related note, I had a hard time picking my favorite response of the interview done with founding member Aaron Short, but I think it’s to question #5 about the cow. See below.

You’re welcome,

| N


Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
Staring at amazing festival line-ups gets us really upset because we’re often in and out so fast that we don’t get to enjoy it all. Instead we wait till we’re there on the day and ONLY look at the acts we’re around for, then scribble with vivid all over the rest of the schedule. 

Cubs or Sox?
You’re asking musicians about sport. Triangle wave or sine wave oscillator?

Describe your live act in five words:
The Naked And Fame Iss.

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
1. Caribou - “Hannibal”
2. Kura - “Gogo” (Lulu Rouge Remix)
3.Matthew Dear - “More Surgery”
4. Holy Fuck - “Stilettos”
5. The Kills - “Pots And Pans”

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
Did you know NZ has more sheep than people? I’ve lived there my whole life and only found this out a month ago.

What will you drink onstage?
Water. Chilled, and for me, sparkling. But that never happens. We do get the lids unscrewed for us though.

What is your favorite festival memory?
It was our first time at Glastonbury this year, and we got to witness the Radiohead secret show, followed by seeing Caribou live for the first time which completely blew us away. We were also covered in mud with rain pouring down on us I should add.

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Guarantee? We don’t do guarantees or contracts without a manager present, and right now its midnight and we’re sitting in a studio with nothing but cables, gear and chocolate around us.

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: Ellie GouldingLollapalooza Set: Saturday, August 6th @ 6:00 PM at Google+Proof: May feel like a cop-out choice but this official video for “Lights” sends the pretty clear message that Ellie is a superstar and I hope this song makes you an instant super fan like it did for me the first time I heard it I am obsessed with Ellie Goulding. I feel comfortable announcing this publicly because it took me awhile to get on the Ellie Goulding train, and now out of pure feelings of foolishness, I feel the least Ellie deserves is my full fledged honesty. When people began obsessing over her last year, I paid little attention. Another British songstress was not what I felt this world needed. It wasn’t actually until about six months ago when “Lights” started playing in a bar and I felt overcome with joy and happiness and I could deny Ellie no longer. I went home, bought the album, put it on repeat and blasted her at every possible chance. I have officially become that person at a party that lurks by the iPod waiting for a chance to subtly add Ellie’s entire album Lights into the mix. What I love about Ellie is similar to what I love about one of my all time favorites, Robyn: she’s smart, fascinating, talented and proves that pop music can be better than computer-generated beats. She makes the most lush, addicting and charming pop songs, infused with insightful lyrics and a more realistic approach to life so often dismissed in pop music. Ellie, like Robyn, or La Roux or okay fine, Lady Gaga, is really just a singer-songwriter behind an electro-pop curtain and in a world of label churned club hits, people like Ellie deserve the upmost respect. She comes from humble London beginnings and made herself one of the best solo female success stories to come out of the UK in years. America is treating Ellie like we treat all the incredibly talented UK artists: we may be a bit delayed in discovering but once we do, you’ll be a superstar overnight. Her rare all-happy song “Starry Eyed”- a huge US hit is one of the best feel-good songs of the last year. And we all know how I feel about “Lights”- I’m not going to get into numbers but let’s just say I should be VERY sick of it and well, I’m simply not. And just try to not get totally addicted to “Guns and Horses”. Oh and god, the storytelling in “The Writer” is basic perfection. And her cover of “Your Song”? Well, that one was so good, Prince William and Kate Middleton invited her to perform that song and others at their wedding (remember that little event?) making her the only live performer there. Not a bad day at the office. I’m not going to pretend that this is a professionally written post. I understand that I’ve gone completely, utterly fan-girl right now and I’m not ashamed. Though B will probably tell me to “cool it” later. I can’t hide it: I love Ellie Goulding and I could not be more elated to see her live (for the first time eek!) this weekend. Her 6 PM set on Saturday falls at the most perfect time. Just when you think you’re getting tired, its been two long days and you’re not sure you can do another (and seriously, have I had ANY water?), Ellie will launch you into a state of pure bliss and energy. As someone who has stalked her YouTube videos plenty, I feel totally confident in telling you that her live performance will leave you in the most illuminated form of natural ecstasy. Because, if you haven’t gathered this yet (because you’re a moron), Ellie is perfect. Check out my adorable interview with her below in which my insistence of asking Chicago-based questions backfires (again) with all the out-of-countryers. Plus, based on a lot of shared interests (Noah and the Whale, Wild Beasts, vodka) I think Ellie and I are destined to be BFFs. See you soon, girlfriend! You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?Friendly Fires, Foster the People, Lissie, Tinie Tempah, Coldplay. Cubs or Sox?No idea what this question means!! Is that bad? Describe your live act in five words:Energetic, ethereal, intense, heart Wrenching, LOUD. What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?“Albatross”- Wild Beasts The Middle East- “Darkest side” “My broken Heart”- Noah and the Whale MIA- “XXO” Crystal Castles- “Not in Love” How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?Erm, again, I think I need to be American to understand this…. What will you drink onstage?Vodka tonic with lemon. What is your favorite festival memory?Having my friend, My manager and my boyfriend dance in a circle on stage at a festival during my final song. Dressed as a banana, an ape and a musketeer, it looked kind of odd. I couldn’t stop laughing and could barely sing.  What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Sadness, happiness, joy.

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Ellie Goulding
Lollapalooza Set: Saturday, August 6th @ 6:00 PM at Google+
Proof: May feel like a cop-out choice but this official video for “Lights” sends the pretty clear message that Ellie is a superstar and I hope this song makes you an instant super fan like it did for me the first time I heard it

I am obsessed with Ellie Goulding. I feel comfortable announcing this publicly because it took me awhile to get on the Ellie Goulding train, and now out of pure feelings of foolishness, I feel the least Ellie deserves is my full fledged honesty.
When people began obsessing over her last year, I paid little attention. Another British songstress was not what I felt this world needed. It wasn’t actually until about six months ago when “Lights” started playing in a bar and I felt overcome with joy and happiness and I could deny Ellie no longer. I went home, bought the album, put it on repeat and blasted her at every possible chance. I have officially become that person at a party that lurks by the iPod waiting for a chance to subtly add Ellie’s entire album Lights into the mix.
What I love about Ellie is similar to what I love about one of my all time favorites, Robyn: she’s smart, fascinating, talented and proves that pop music can be better than computer-generated beats. She makes the most lush, addicting and charming pop songs, infused with insightful lyrics and a more realistic approach to life so often dismissed in pop music. Ellie, like Robyn, or La Roux or okay fine, Lady Gaga, is really just a singer-songwriter behind an electro-pop curtain and in a world of label churned club hits, people like Ellie deserve the upmost respect. She comes from humble London beginnings and made herself one of the best solo female success stories to come out of the UK in years. America is treating Ellie like we treat all the incredibly talented UK artists: we may be a bit delayed in discovering but once we do, you’ll be a superstar overnight.
Her rare all-happy song “Starry Eyed”- a huge US hit is one of the best feel-good songs of the last year. And we all know how I feel about “Lights”- I’m not going to get into numbers but let’s just say I should be VERY sick of it and well, I’m simply not. And just try to not get totally addicted to “Guns and Horses”. Oh and god, the storytelling in “The Writer” is basic perfection. And her cover of “Your Song”? Well, that one was so good, Prince William and Kate Middleton invited her to perform that song and others at their wedding (remember that little event?) making her the only live performer there. Not a bad day at the office.

I’m not going to pretend that this is a professionally written post. I understand that I’ve gone completely, utterly fan-girl right now and I’m not ashamed. Though B will probably tell me to “cool it” later.
I can’t hide it: I love Ellie Goulding and I could not be more elated to see her live (for the first time eek!) this weekend. Her 6 PM set on Saturday falls at the most perfect time. Just when you think you’re getting tired, its been two long days and you’re not sure you can do another (and seriously, have I had ANY water?), Ellie will launch you into a state of pure bliss and energy. As someone who has stalked her YouTube videos plenty, I feel totally confident in telling you that her live performance will leave you in the most illuminated form of natural ecstasy. Because, if you haven’t gathered this yet (because you’re a moron), Ellie is perfect.

Check out my adorable interview with her below in which my insistence of asking Chicago-based questions backfires (again) with all the out-of-countryers. Plus, based on a lot of shared interests (Noah and the Whale, Wild Beasts, vodka) I think Ellie and I are destined to be BFFs. See you soon, girlfriend!

You’re welcome,

| N


Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
Friendly Fires, Foster the People, Lissie, Tinie Tempah, Coldplay.

Cubs or Sox?
No idea what this question means!! Is that bad?

Describe your live act in five words:
Energetic, ethereal, intense, heart Wrenching, LOUD.

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
“Albatross”- Wild Beasts
The Middle East- “Darkest side”
“My broken Heart”- Noah and the Whale
MIA- “XXO”
Crystal Castles- “Not in Love”

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
Erm, again, I think I need to be American to understand this….

What will you drink onstage?
Vodka tonic with lemon.

What is your favorite festival memory?
Having my friend, My manager and my boyfriend dance in a circle on stage at a festival during my final song. Dressed as a banana, an ape and a musketeer, it looked kind of odd. I couldn’t stop laughing and could barely sing. 

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Sadness, happiness, joy.

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: DelukaLollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 1:15 PM at BMIProof: This video for “Cascade” which will introduce you to both their rocking sound and eclectic and alluring lineup, especially front rock wonder woman Ellie Innocenti Remember in the Boy & Bear preview where I mentioned publicists asking us to cover bands outside of our original list? Well, because of time limitations because we’re super exclusive, we only took on two groups not on our original list. Boy & Bear was one, Deluka was the other. Any of you who read this site regularly or know me at all will think this decision is a bizarre one. Deluka is not the type of band I would typically suggest. Their sound, though really good, is not my first choice of listening. But when you dive into a festival preview, you’re bound to come across bands outside your normal earbud comfort zone and when Deluka was presented to me, I really wanted to share them with you guys. Not to say that this isn’t a band I would enjoy listening to, but I played their album hesitantly, put the speakers down low and basically just tried to get to the point in which I could sufficiently preview the act, but at a point way past sufficient, I realized this band was more than a glitzed out group of people remixing songs under an album called “OMFG.” And, unless you are Sigur Ros, there is ALWAYS a time in your life that requires amped up, fun, catchy, well-done electronic party music. And, despite what the radio wants you to believe, you deserve to have talent-filled, rocking, amazing music during that time. Well, Deluka is your band for that time. I love the dark and upbeat “Mean Streak” and “Cascade” and cannot wait to introduce them to my party playlist and impress all my friends with my fabulous taste. Their lyrics are extremely well-written, laced with sexy subtleties and intriguing imagery. Plus the remix the band did of Britney Spears’ “I Wanna Go” is definitely better than the original. It’s truly a shame they are playing in the afternoon, because I can imagine a nighttime show would blow everyone away. Although, around 1 PM, you really need a pick up anyway, so here it is. Also I should note that my interview with guitarist Kris Kovacs below is one of my favorites, perhaps for its sweet, smart, quick-witted honesty. So all I ask this weekend is that you keep in mind that festivals are made for discovery and stepping out of the ol’ box. I’ve got the perfect band for you to take a chance on. Can you guess who? Seriously? DELUKA, foo. Don’t miss it, I’ll be there getting my midday dance on in the front row! You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?There are quite a few actually, I think The Kills and White Lies are at the topper most of my list. Muse should be amazing to watch too.  Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkey, Death From a Above, yeah it’s a good lineup. Cubs or Sox?I’ve not seen either play to be honest. But don’t the Cubbies have the longest streak of NOT wining the World Series? Hmm….  Describe your live act in five words:Epic, Frenetic, Unifying, Honest and Heartfelt. What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?Unsurprisingly to me, 1st place goes to the MP3 I made for my own reference of the Britney Spears ‘I Wanna Go’ remix I did recently is at the top.  ‘2 Heats’ by Digitalim, ‘Punching In a Dream’ by The Naked and Famous, ‘I Think Im Paranoid’ by Garbage and ‘Is Love’ by White Lies. How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?I think it’s justified, in fact, I think if we look closely at other great fires in history such at the Great Fire of London, or San Francisco in 1906, we’ll see a pattern of Bovine-based anarchic behavior.  What will you drink onstage?I think the usual array of beverages can be expected, I’m sure Jack or Jim will be present. Some cheep larger, we’re not fussy, RedBulls, and a token water. What is your favorite festival memory?I remember seeing Kasabian at the V Festival at like 10.30 in the morning. There was a huge turn out for them because, I guess in the time between being booked to play they’d become really big. It was the biggest 10.30 crowd I’d even seen at a festival for a band.  What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Angst, elation and excitement. Although I’m not sure any of those are ‘actual’ emotions!

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Deluka
Lollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 1:15 PM at BMI
Proof: This video for “Cascade” which will introduce you to both their rocking sound and eclectic and alluring lineup, especially front rock wonder woman Ellie Innocenti

Remember in the Boy & Bear preview where I mentioned publicists asking us to cover bands outside of our original list? Well, because of time limitations because we’re super exclusive, we only took on two groups not on our original list. Boy & Bear was one, Deluka was the other. Any of you who read this site regularly or know me at all will think this decision is a bizarre one. Deluka is not the type of band I would typically suggest. Their sound, though really good, is not my first choice of listening. But when you dive into a festival preview, you’re bound to come across bands outside your normal earbud comfort zone and when Deluka was presented to me, I really wanted to share them with you guys.
Not to say that this isn’t a band I would enjoy listening to, but I played their album hesitantly, put the speakers down low and basically just tried to get to the point in which I could sufficiently preview the act, but at a point way past sufficient, I realized this band was more than a glitzed out group of people remixing songs under an album called “OMFG.” And, unless you are Sigur Ros, there is ALWAYS a time in your life that requires amped up, fun, catchy, well-done electronic party music. And, despite what the radio wants you to believe, you deserve to have talent-filled, rocking, amazing music during that time. Well, Deluka is your band for that time.
I love the dark and upbeat “Mean Streak” and “Cascade” and cannot wait to introduce them to my party playlist and impress all my friends with my fabulous taste. Their lyrics are extremely well-written, laced with sexy subtleties and intriguing imagery. Plus the remix the band did of Britney Spears’ “I Wanna Go” is definitely better than the original. It’s truly a shame they are playing in the afternoon, because I can imagine a nighttime show would blow everyone away. Although, around 1 PM, you really need a pick up anyway, so here it is. Also I should note that my interview with guitarist Kris Kovacs below is one of my favorites, perhaps for its sweet, smart, quick-witted honesty.
So all I ask this weekend is that you keep in mind that festivals are made for discovery and stepping out of the ol’ box. I’ve got the perfect band for you to take a chance on. Can you guess who? Seriously? DELUKA, foo.

Don’t miss it, I’ll be there getting my midday dance on in the front row!

You’re welcome,

| N


Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
There are quite a few actually, I think The Kills and White Lies are at the topper most of my list. Muse should be amazing to watch too.  Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkey, Death From a Above, yeah it’s a good lineup.

Cubs or Sox?
I’ve not seen either play to be honest. But don’t the Cubbies have the longest streak of NOT wining the World Series? Hmm…. 

Describe your live act in five words:
Epic, Frenetic, Unifying, Honest and Heartfelt.

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
Unsurprisingly to me, 1st place goes to the MP3 I made for my own reference of the Britney Spears ‘I Wanna Go’ remix I did recently is at the top. 
‘2 Heats’ by Digitalim, ‘Punching In a Dream’ by The Naked and Famous, ‘I Think Im Paranoid’ by Garbage and ‘Is Love’ by White Lies.

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
I think it’s justified, in fact, I think if we look closely at other great fires in history such at the Great Fire of London, or San Francisco in 1906, we’ll see a pattern of Bovine-based anarchic behavior. 

What will you drink onstage?
I think the usual array of beverages can be expected, I’m sure Jack or Jim will be present. Some cheep larger, we’re not fussy, RedBulls, and a token water.

What is your favorite festival memory?
I remember seeing Kasabian at the V Festival at like 10.30 in the morning. There was a huge turn out for them because, I guess in the time between being booked to play they’d become really big. It was the biggest 10.30 crowd I’d even seen at a festival for a band. 

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Angst, elation and excitement. Although I’m not sure any of those are ‘actual’ emotions!

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: Boy & BearLollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 5:00 PM at BMIProof: This acoustic video recording with Big Ugly Yellow Couch of “The Storm” It’s a tricky thing to pick and interview your favorite 20-25 acts from a lineup of 100+. Outside of this being a really swoon-worthy lineup, it gets tricky because this year we decided to honor the “middle tier.” I felt very strongly that Lollapalooza’s organizers picked a fabulous lineup- from the bottom line to the headliners, but that the power and value of this lineup fell into this middle tier. I’ve never seen a more solid lineup of “on-the-brink” bands to “2013’s headliners”. It’s awesome. But that’s not what’s tricky. See, once we got down to it and finalized our list of 20-25, we had to get in touch with their publicists. Nope, not at the tricky part yet. The tricky thing is that if you inquire about one of a publicist’s artists, they want you to interview all of their Lollapalooza-playing artists. And then word spreads throughout their firm that we’re doing a preview feature. Then their colleagues are emailing us about THEIR Lollapalooza-playing clients. Which would be great, except we simply don’t have the time to interview and preview every band in the lineup. And let’s be clear, these people weren’t heckling us about sitting down with Chris Martin. One of the bands sent my way via this process was Boy & Bear. I had never heard of Boy & Bear, I knew nothing about them, I pictured a weird Owl City-esque kid performing on stage in a costume bear head. But I listened the music and within minutes, I felt foolish. HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT BOY & BEAR? It was very clear that I had to include them in this preview, if for no other reason than as an act of a selfless hero. See, YOU need to know about Boy & Bear, because truly, out of all the unbelievable bands playing, I think Boy & Bear may be one of the most important. Their Local Natives meets Fleet Foxes sound essentially makes them the perfect band. Plus, they’re Australian. As we Americans so charmingly over-say, this band is “winning.” It’s been a while since I’ve felt so captivated and excited over a new band, whose first EP won them fans in the form of Laura Marling, Marcus Mumford and Angus and Julia Stone. The group even spent some time touring with Ms. Marling, who most of you know is one The FiveThreeSix’s idols. Their debut album Moonfire is due next week and I’ve been fortunate to have a sneak peak and, well, it’s pretty much flawless. If you’re bummed about the heat, freaking out about what to wear, or experiencing any other Lollapalooza blues, this is the reason to shake those: this band is one of the best emerging groups thrown our way this year and they, alone, will make your experience worth it. All of our preview featured artists are amazing. All of them are unmissable. There are LOTS of other people on the lineup who are unmissable. Boy & Bear is absolutely, no question, undoubtedly unmissable. Want to see the biggest rising star on this lineup? SEE. THIS. SHOW. Interview with Jon Hart below. You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?It’d have to be My Morning Jacket, I’ve been listening to their first album a lot recently. Cubs or Sox?Sox Describe your live act in five words:Honest, understated, powerful, compelling and warm. What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list? I must have just recently somehow reset the itunes “clock” because our Boy & Bear demos are all at the top - but we did just record an album recently, so maybe that’s fair enough. Behind that is “Re: Stacks” by Bon Iver (I am obsessed with that song) and then the first 4 tracks of Feists, The Reminder. I still love that album! What will you drink onstage?Scotch whisky or red wine, depending on my mood and then water. What is your favorite festival memory?Seeing the Strokes play at a festival last year inAustralia called Splendour in the Grass - it was the best rock show I’ve ever seen. They were so tight and their attitude and vibe still translated even though it was an outdoor stage and 30,000 people watching.  What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Intrigue, happiness and amusement.

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Boy & Bear
Lollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 5:00 PM at BMI
Proof: This acoustic video recording with Big Ugly Yellow Couch of “The Storm”

It’s a tricky thing to pick and interview your favorite 20-25 acts from a lineup of 100+. Outside of this being a really swoon-worthy lineup, it gets tricky because this year we decided to honor the “middle tier.” I felt very strongly that Lollapalooza’s organizers picked a fabulous lineup- from the bottom line to the headliners, but that the power and value of this lineup fell into this middle tier. I’ve never seen a more solid lineup of “on-the-brink” bands to “2013’s headliners”. It’s awesome. But that’s not what’s tricky. See, once we got down to it and finalized our list of 20-25, we had to get in touch with their publicists. Nope, not at the tricky part yet. The tricky thing is that if you inquire about one of a publicist’s artists, they want you to interview all of their Lollapalooza-playing artists. And then word spreads throughout their firm that we’re doing a preview feature. Then their colleagues are emailing us about THEIR Lollapalooza-playing clients. Which would be great, except we simply don’t have the time to interview and preview every band in the lineup. And let’s be clear, these people weren’t heckling us about sitting down with Chris Martin.
One of the bands sent my way via this process was Boy & Bear. I had never heard of Boy & Bear, I knew nothing about them, I pictured a weird Owl City-esque kid performing on stage in a costume bear head. But I listened the music and within minutes, I felt foolish. HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT BOY & BEAR?
It was very clear that I had to include them in this preview, if for no other reason than as an act of a selfless hero. See, YOU need to know about Boy & Bear, because truly, out of all the unbelievable bands playing, I think Boy & Bear may be one of the most important.
Their Local Natives meets Fleet Foxes sound essentially makes them the perfect band. Plus, they’re Australian. As we Americans so charmingly over-say, this band is “winning.”
It’s been a while since I’ve felt so captivated and excited over a new band, whose first EP won them fans in the form of Laura Marling, Marcus Mumford and Angus and Julia Stone. The group even spent some time touring with Ms. Marling, who most of you know is one The FiveThreeSix’s idols. Their debut album Moonfire is due next week and I’ve been fortunate to have a sneak peak and, well, it’s pretty much flawless.
If you’re bummed about the heat, freaking out about what to wear, or experiencing any other Lollapalooza blues, this is the reason to shake those: this band is one of the best emerging groups thrown our way this year and they, alone, will make your experience worth it.

All of our preview featured artists are amazing. All of them are unmissable. There are LOTS of other people on the lineup who are unmissable. Boy & Bear is absolutely, no question, undoubtedly unmissable. Want to see the biggest rising star on this lineup? SEE. THIS. SHOW.

Interview with Jon Hart below.

You’re welcome,

| N


Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
It’d have to be My Morning Jacket, I’ve been listening to their first album a lot recently.

Cubs or Sox?
Sox

Describe your live act in five words:
Honest, understated, powerful, compelling and warm.

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
I must have just recently somehow reset the itunes “clock” because our Boy & Bear demos are all at the top - but we did just record an album recently, so maybe that’s fair enough. Behind that is “Re: Stacks” by Bon Iver (I am obsessed with that song) and then the first 4 tracks of Feists, The Reminder. I still love that album!

What will you drink onstage?
Scotch whisky or red wine, depending on my mood and then water.

What is your favorite festival memory?
Seeing the Strokes play at a festival last year inAustralia called Splendour in the Grass - it was the best rock show I’ve ever seen. They were so tight and their attitude and vibe still translated even though it was an outdoor stage and 30,000 people watching. 

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Intrigue, happiness and amusement.

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: Young the GiantLollapalooza Set: Friday, August 5th @ 1:00 PM at Bud LightProof:This video of the guys performing “Apartment” live at Dickies which shows their uncanny ability to make melodies and harmonies worthy of love Perhaps this is a shitty argument, but there’s really nothing to dislike about Young the Giant. I’m going to lay this one out for you in a nice, orderly fashion. 1. They are the most diverse band in music. Sure, I can’t really prove that but their lineup includes the following ethnicities: Indian, French-Canadian, Persian and British. And we were impressed when The Postal Service were from different spots on the West Coast. Psh. 2. They were booked on the MAIN STAGE at Lollapalooza this year the same night C3 (Lolla promotion team) saw them play a show in April. Look, I’ve never booked a festival, but that sounds pretty freaking rare. 3. They are young. When a band is doing really well and all the members are basically all 22-years-old, it is really exciting. You can’t help but wonder how incredible they will be when they are 30. They will likely be making world-shattering tunes in a few years (or they will be uber hipster, retire at the peak of their success to live in a commune away from all the media and “harsh glares of society”…it’s really hard to say.) Either way, I think the moral of the story is to get in on it now. 4. Morrissey likes them. I’m sorry, Morrissey loves them. He said “Every three thousand years, a band comes along who restore that precious component of faith.” Um. Can this post be over? 5. They’re really, very good looking. Oh really, you’re going to judge me for that? What are you, my boyfriend? 6. Oh, right, they make music. I may have left this minor detail to the last, but they make really good music. And I don’t think anyone in the world could dislike it. It’s warm, sunny, sexy, rocking pop. On hits such as “My Body” they master the hook and “Cough Syrup” couldn’t be more radio ready. But they really shine on darker tracks such as “Apartment” and “Your Body”- still upbeat and filled with joy but revealing their ability to make compelling, interesting, quality-filled anthems. Need anything else? Good, so we’re done here? My god I’m good at my job. Oh, also, don’t be shy, read my interview with lead singer Sameer below. You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?I am very interested in seeing My Morning Jacket recreate “Circuital” Cubs or Sox?Neither Describe your live act in five words:Unconscious. Whirling-dervishes. Baby making. What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?Little Dragon-“Constant Surprises” Paul McCartney-“Every Night” Junip-“Rope and Summit” James Blake-“I Never Learnt To Share” Radiohead-“Bloom” How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?Daisy acted alone, fully realizing the mayhem she would create.  What will you drink onstage?Perhaps a mint tea with honey, and a shot of Jack on the side, for the mid-set pick up. What is your favorite festival memory?Wilco the last night of Sasquatch ‘11.  What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Love, Calm, Party-ness.

We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here!

Artist: Young the Giant
Lollapalooza Set: Friday, August 5th @ 1:00 PM at Bud Light
Proof:This video of the guys performing “Apartment” live at Dickies which shows their uncanny ability to make melodies and harmonies worthy of love

Perhaps this is a shitty argument, but there’s really nothing to dislike about Young the Giant. I’m going to lay this one out for you in a nice, orderly fashion.
1. They are the most diverse band in music. Sure, I can’t really prove that but their lineup includes the following ethnicities: Indian, French-Canadian, Persian and British. And we were impressed when The Postal Service were from different spots on the West Coast. Psh.
2. They were booked on the MAIN STAGE at Lollapalooza this year the same night C3 (Lolla promotion team) saw them play a show in April. Look, I’ve never booked a festival, but that sounds pretty freaking rare.
3. They are young. When a band is doing really well and all the members are basically all 22-years-old, it is really exciting. You can’t help but wonder how incredible they will be when they are 30. They will likely be making world-shattering tunes in a few years (or they will be uber hipster, retire at the peak of their success to live in a commune away from all the media and “harsh glares of society”…it’s really hard to say.) Either way, I think the moral of the story is to get in on it now.
4. Morrissey likes them. I’m sorry, Morrissey loves them. He said “Every three thousand years, a band comes along who restore that precious component of faith.” Um. Can this post be over?
5. They’re really, very good looking. Oh really, you’re going to judge me for that? What are you, my boyfriend?
6. Oh, right, they make music. I may have left this minor detail to the last, but they make really good music. And I don’t think anyone in the world could dislike it. It’s warm, sunny, sexy, rocking pop. On hits such as “My Body” they master the hook and “Cough Syrup” couldn’t be more radio ready. But they really shine on darker tracks such as “Apartment” and “Your Body”- still upbeat and filled with joy but revealing their ability to make compelling, interesting, quality-filled anthems.

Need anything else? Good, so we’re done here? My god I’m good at my job.
Oh, also, don’t be shy, read my interview with lead singer Sameer below.

You’re welcome,

| N


Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
I am very interested in seeing My Morning Jacket recreate “Circuital”

Cubs or Sox?
Neither

Describe your live act in five words:
Unconscious. Whirling-dervishes. Baby making.

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
Little Dragon-“Constant Surprises”
Paul McCartney-“Every Night”
Junip-“Rope and Summit”
James Blake-“I Never Learnt To Share”
Radiohead-“Bloom”

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
Daisy acted alone, fully realizing the mayhem she would create. 

What will you drink onstage?
Perhaps a mint tea with honey, and a shot of Jack on the side, for the mid-set pick up.

What is your favorite festival memory?
Wilco the last night of Sasquatch ‘11. 

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Love, Calm, Party-ness.