Posts tagged Lollapalooza Preview

(Photo Credit: Jeff Snow) We’re previewing Lollapalooza’s best + brightest! Get the scoop here! Artist: Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr
Lollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 3:15 PM at Google+
Proof: This video of them live in the KEXP studios performing “Vocal Chords” I typically don’t buy into kitschy aspects of bands, like for example, say I don’t know Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr picking a name such as that one and then performing in race car suits in front of an American Flag-heavy decor. Yet, there is something endearingly different about this choice, it’s obviousness crossing the obnoxious “ironic” post and heading right into charming. And, though, he probably wakes up daily hoping to have a piece written on the band that doesn’t mention this, it feels wrong to not note that half of Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, Daniel Zott is that super captivating front man from Victorious Secrets AKA the FreeCreditScore.com band. But when he’s not encouraging you to check out your credit score, Zott is creating fun, lovable, indie pop songs with Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr partner Joshua Epstein. They didn’t join forces until late 2009 but have hit the ground running since that point, confirming their undeniable musical chemistry. Listed on basically every 2010 “bands to watch” list, June’s release of their first full length, It’s A Corporate World, affirmed that they have the talent- and the hooks- to prove their early fans right. They create the type of easy to listen to music that still feels fulfilling. On the surface, it’s an electronic Beach boys-esque sound, perfect for summer hours. But it’s not all sunshine and fluff: these boys have an incredible knack for songwriting and melody-I can’t get their drippy single “Nothing But Our Love” out of my head- and their live show is supposed to be the best part of what they do. I’ve been hoping to see them for about a year now and I am ecstatic to finally get my chance at Lollapalooza. They are known for their charismatic and passionate live performances, so we’re all in for a treat. Plus, in my interview with Epstein below, he mentions a trip to Lollapalooza in 1995 accompanied by his 6th grade teacher. Think we make this more memorable for him? I’d hope so. Don’t miss it. You’re welcome, | n Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?Probably RaTaTat.  Their new record is wonderful and we hear they put on a hell of a show. Cubs or Sox?Neither. The Cubs just don’t win enough for us and the Sox play in the Tigers’ division. That’s a rock and a hard place. Describe your live act in five words:It’s the people there’s show. What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?The Ronettes “Be My Baby” St Vincent “Actor Out Of Work” Devendra Banhardt “Baby” Bob Dylan “4th Time Around” Paul Simon “Late In The Evening” How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?I’d say Mrs O’leary likely is the one to blame What will you drink onstage?Water.  We ideally like it room temperature, so since it will be so hot we may have to out it on ice. What is your favorite festival memory?Seeing Beck play “Loser” at Lollapalooza ‘95 (where I went with my 6th grade teacher) What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Confusion when we sound not like what they think when they read our name.

(Photo Credit: Jeff Snow)

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

Artist: Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr
Lollapalooza
Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 3:15 PM at Google+

Proof: This video of them live in the KEXP studios performing “Vocal Chords”

I typically don’t buy into kitschy aspects of bands, like for example, say I don’t know Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr picking a name such as that one and then performing in race car suits in front of an American Flag-heavy decor. Yet, there is something endearingly different about this choice, it’s obviousness crossing the obnoxious “ironic” post and heading right into charming.
And, though, he probably wakes up daily hoping to have a piece written on the band that doesn’t mention this, it feels wrong to not note that half of Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr, Daniel Zott is that super captivating front man from Victorious Secrets AKA the FreeCreditScore.com band.
But when he’s not encouraging you to check out your credit score, Zott is creating fun, lovable, indie pop songs with Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr partner Joshua Epstein. They didn’t join forces until late 2009 but have hit the ground running since that point, confirming their undeniable musical chemistry. Listed on basically every 2010 “bands to watch” list, June’s release of their first full length, It’s A Corporate World, affirmed that they have the talent- and the hooks- to prove their early fans right.
They create the type of easy to listen to music that still feels fulfilling. On the surface, it’s an electronic Beach boys-esque sound, perfect for summer hours. But it’s not all sunshine and fluff: these boys have an incredible knack for songwriting and melody-I can’t get their drippy single “Nothing But Our Love” out of my head- and their live show is supposed to be the best part of what they do.
I’ve been hoping to see them for about a year now and I am ecstatic to finally get my chance at Lollapalooza. They are known for their charismatic and passionate live performances, so we’re all in for a treat.
Plus, in my interview with Epstein below, he mentions a trip to Lollapalooza in 1995 accompanied by his 6th grade teacher. Think we make this more memorable for him? I’d hope so.
Don’t miss it.

You’re welcome,

| n

Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
Probably RaTaTat.  Their new record is wonderful and we hear they put on a hell of a show.

Cubs or Sox?
Neither. The Cubs just don’t win enough for us and the Sox play in the Tigers’ division. That’s a rock and a hard place.

Describe your live act in five words:
It’s the people there’s show.

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
The Ronettes “Be My Baby”
St Vincent “Actor Out Of Work”
Devendra Banhardt “Baby”
Bob Dylan “4th Time Around”
Paul Simon “Late In The Evening”

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
I’d say Mrs O’leary likely is the one to blame

What will you drink onstage?
Water.  We ideally like it room temperature, so since it will be so hot we may have to out it on ice.

What is your favorite festival memory?
Seeing Beck play “Loser” at Lollapalooza ‘95 (where I went with my 6th grade teacher)

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your
show?
Confusion when we sound not like what they think when they read our name.

Photo Credit: Emily Dyan Ibarra We’re previewing the best + brightest Lollapalooza acts. Get the scoop here! Artist: Portugal. The ManLollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 5:00 PM at SonyProof: This 13-minute video combines two of In The Mountain In The Cloud’s most delightful tracks, “Sleep Forever” and “Got It All (This Can’t Be Living Now)” It feels like the perfect time to talk about another favorite Lollapalooza act, Portugal, The Man, because I’ve just finished listening to their new album In the Mountain In The Cloud (you can too via Paste here), which is due out July 19th. This album joins five other albums released since 2006 but we all know quantity does not equal quality, especially in music. However, this is a band that is just as talented as they are busy. Their drippy, dreamy rock sound led by lead singer John Gourley leaves little to be desired. They are a sweet, easy treat to listen to in almost any setting and also put on an unbelievable live show. Their set at Bonnaroo was spectacular: the kind of show that even in 100 degree heat (with minor sound issues), you feel like you could happily watch another five hours of it. Gourley is often cited as the enigmatic front man, but it’s really the honest on stage connection and charm of the entire group that makes this band so special. Though a recognizable name, Portugal. The Man hasn’t quite reached the amount of indie success their music garners. They are the type of group that I’m often surprised to learn people don’t know much about. But then again, people do seem to know a lot about girls who are 16 & Pregnant so perhaps Portugal. The Man is just doing something right. Either way, if you are going to be at Lollapalooza, this is a set not to miss. It’s inevitable that this lingering middle lane success will explode to world domination soon enough and it very likely may happen with next week’s release. And as always, I only ask one thing in return for this generous sharing of my fabulous music tastes: money. Access my paypal account here. Just kidding. Apparently that’s of “poor taste”. So just email me a compliment or something. Stream the album from the link above, be sure to watch the beautiful posted video and check my interview with drummer Jason Sechrist below. You’re welcome, | N Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?I am excited to see Ween, Phantogram, and Lykke Li  Cubs or Sox?Honestly I am into The Bulls,  Basketball is our game. But if I had to say it i would pick Sox because you can color in part of the O and make it say sex. Describe your live act in five words:Who, What, When, Where, Why?    What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?Dandy Warhols ”Sleep,” DJ Shadow Blood ”On The Motorway,” AIR ”Universal Traveler,” The Knife From ”Off To On,” Pixies ”River Euphrates“  How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?Response:  www.coasttocoastam.com  What will you drink onstage?Water with a vitamin packet inside, and hopefully an ice cold beer next to it.  I hear Duvel is the beer on tap at this thing…?  What is your favorite festival memory?Bonnaroo 2009,  We had our show in That tent and the sky dropped and the thunder and lightning moved in over the festival on everyone, some people took shelter from the storm there and we plugged in and went for it.  What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Anxiety, Understanding, Community.  

Photo Credit: Emily Dyan Ibarra

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

Artist: Portugal. The Man
Lollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 5:00 PM at Sony
Proof: This 13-minute video combines two of In The Mountain In The Cloud’s most delightful tracks, “Sleep Forever” and “Got It All (This Can’t Be Living Now)”

It feels like the perfect time to talk about another favorite Lollapalooza act, Portugal, The Man, because I’ve just finished listening to their new album In the Mountain In The Cloud (you can too via Paste here), which is due out July 19th. This album joins five other albums released since 2006 but we all know quantity does not equal quality, especially in music.
However, this is a band that is just as talented as they are busy. Their drippy, dreamy rock sound led by lead singer John Gourley leaves little to be desired. They are a sweet, easy treat to listen to in almost any setting and also put on an unbelievable live show. Their set at Bonnaroo was spectacular: the kind of show that even in 100 degree heat (with minor sound issues), you feel like you could happily watch another five hours of it. Gourley is often cited as the enigmatic front man, but it’s really the honest on stage connection and charm of the entire group that makes this band so special.
Though a recognizable name, Portugal. The Man hasn’t quite reached the amount of indie success their music garners. They are the type of group that I’m often surprised to learn people don’t know much about. But then again, people do seem to know a lot about girls who are 16 & Pregnant so perhaps Portugal. The Man is just doing something right. Either way, if you are going to be at Lollapalooza, this is a set not to miss. It’s inevitable that this lingering middle lane success will explode to world domination soon enough and it very likely may happen with next week’s release. And as always, I only ask one thing in return for this generous sharing of my fabulous music tastes: money. Access my paypal account here.
Just kidding. Apparently that’s of “poor taste”. So just email me a compliment or something.
Stream the album from the link above, be sure to watch the beautiful posted video and check my interview with drummer Jason Sechrist below.

You’re welcome,

| N

Which Lollapalooza act are you most looking forward to seeing?
I am excited to see Ween, Phantogram, and Lykke Li 

Cubs or Sox?
Honestly I am into The Bulls,  Basketball is our game. But if I had to say it i would pick Sox because you can color in part of the O and make it say sex.

Describe your live act in five words:
Who, What, When, Where, Why?   

What are the top five songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
Dandy Warhols ”Sleep,” DJ Shadow Blood ”On The Motorway,” AIR ”Universal Traveler,” The Knife From ”Off To On,” Pixies ”River Euphrates“ 

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
Response:  www.coasttocoastam.com
 
What will you drink onstage?
Water with a vitamin packet inside, and hopefully an ice cold beer next to it.  I hear Duvel is the beer on tap at this thing…? 

What is your favorite festival memory?
Bonnaroo 2009,  We had our show in That tent and the sky dropped and the thunder and lightning moved in over the festival on everyone, some people took shelter from the storm there and we plugged in and went for it. 

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Anxiety, Understanding, Community.  

Photo credit: Valerie Phillips We’re previewing the best + brightest Lollapalooza acts. Get the scoop here! Artist: LissieLollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 3:30 PM at GroveProof: This video cover of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” is a pretty good example of her live show I’ve wanted to sing for as long as I can remember. I’ve also lacked the ability to sing for as long as I can remember. But alas, my dream resides in the form of a small glimmer of hope that one day I will be cast in a movie-musical and they will bring in 80 fabulous coaches to make my voice soundtrack-bearable (a la Renee Zellweger in Chicago). While my pipe dream lingers, I often think about whether or not I’d prefer a raspy, interesting voice like Stevie Nicks or an untouchable belter like Celine Dion’s. Even in my daydreams, I won’t allow myself something so crazily impossible like the combination of both voices. Well, at least I didn’t allow myself that when I thought it was impossible. Then one January night I discovered that it did in fact exist, this voice was possible and real and it came in the form of a whiskey drinking, guitar strumming, no-makeup wearing blonde girl named Lissie. I had heard Lissie’s name a million times before I saw her this past winter, but never really listened to her music. I had seen her Black Cab Sessions in which she slayed Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and I appreciated the sweet crack in her voice but I didn’t get it until I saw her live: this girl had the most unbelievably voice I had ever heard. She opened her show with a cover of Hank William’s “Wedding Bells” which felt like a personal attempt to win me over (it wasn’t…so they say….) and it was clear this wasn’t just another girl with a guitar: she was fresh, raw and spirited. Lissie is Taylor Swift for the uber-snobby. She’s a pop artist-no doubt- but even in her cheesiest moments, like on the upbeat “Cuckoo,” there’s genuineness to her music that, simply put, just makes it cool. Seeing her live was the first time in a long time that I saw someone onstage that felt completely and utterly real. She told awkward stories about high school, sipped whiskey and segued into songs by simply laughing and saying “alright”. She shines on songs like the gorgeous “Everywhere I Go” and the sultry “When I’m Alone”. Plus, she ended her encore with Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” which I now prefer to the original. And if I haven’t emphasized this enough, you will never hear another voice like hers. It was equally charming as it was flawless. Why should you see Lissie’s set at Lolla? Because it would be like chilling out and taking shots with your high school pal who is also the most talented person in the world. I’ll be there, picturing my face in place of hers and marking down August 7th as another successful day as a voice-less dreamer. You’re welcome, | N Cubs or Sox?Go Cubs!! Describe your live act in five words:Energetic. Raw. Emotional. Fun. Heartfelt. What are the top 5 songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?It sounds weird but I haven’t been listening to recorded music…Spending time in England and at festivals I’ve come to like Ellie Goulding, Mumford and Sons, The Hurts, The Pierces, Everything Everything, Laura Marling, and Katy B. How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?I’m from Illinois actually and we learned about that in school! Wasn’t a lot of the city made of wood then? Accidents happen, it was probably inevitable…I’m sure Bessie meant no harm! (Was that her name?) What will you drink onstage?Sometimes 100% agave tequila, but these days I’m happy with plain old water! What is your favorite festival memory?Glastonbury 2010…it was my band’s and my first big festival, my album had just come out in the UK, and the energy and the crowd was so exciting and moving! What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?Happiness, surprise and satisfaction.

Photo credit: Valerie Phillips

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

Artist: Lissie
Lollapalooza Set: Sunday, August 7th @ 3:30 PM at Grove
Proof: This video cover of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” is a pretty good example of her live show

I’ve wanted to sing for as long as I can remember. I’ve also lacked the ability to sing for as long as I can remember. But alas, my dream resides in the form of a small glimmer of hope that one day I will be cast in a movie-musical and they will bring in 80 fabulous coaches to make my voice soundtrack-bearable (a la Renee Zellweger in Chicago).
While my pipe dream lingers, I often think about whether or not I’d prefer a raspy, interesting voice like Stevie Nicks or an untouchable belter like Celine Dion’s. Even in my daydreams, I won’t allow myself something so crazily impossible like the combination of both voices.
Well, at least I didn’t allow myself that when I thought it was impossible. Then one January night I discovered that it did in fact exist, this voice was possible and real and it came in the form of a whiskey drinking, guitar strumming, no-makeup wearing blonde girl named Lissie.
I had heard Lissie’s name a million times before I saw her this past winter, but never really listened to her music. I had seen her Black Cab Sessions in which she slayed Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and I appreciated the sweet crack in her voice but I didn’t get it until I saw her live: this girl had the most unbelievably voice I had ever heard.
She opened her show with a cover of Hank William’s “Wedding Bells” which felt like a personal attempt to win me over (it wasn’t…so they say….) and it was clear this wasn’t just another girl with a guitar: she was fresh, raw and spirited.
Lissie is Taylor Swift for the uber-snobby. She’s a pop artist-no doubt- but even in her cheesiest moments, like on the upbeat “Cuckoo,” there’s genuineness to her music that, simply put, just makes it cool. Seeing her live was the first time in a long time that I saw someone onstage that felt completely and utterly real. She told awkward stories about high school, sipped whiskey and segued into songs by simply laughing and saying “alright”.
She shines on songs like the gorgeous “Everywhere I Go” and the sultry “When I’m Alone”. Plus, she ended her encore with Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” which I now prefer to the original. And if I haven’t emphasized this enough, you will never hear another voice like hers. It was equally charming as it was flawless.
Why should you see Lissie’s set at Lolla? Because it would be like chilling out and taking shots with your high school pal who is also the most talented person in the world. I’ll be there, picturing my face in place of hers and marking down August 7th as another successful day as a voice-less dreamer.

You’re welcome,

| N

Cubs or Sox?
Go Cubs!!

Describe your live act in five words:
Energetic. Raw. Emotional. Fun. Heartfelt.

What are the top 5 songs in your current iTunes 25 most played list?
It sounds weird but I haven’t been listening to recorded music…Spending time in England and at festivals I’ve come to like Ellie Goulding, Mumford and Sons, The Hurts, The Pierces, Everything Everything, Laura Marling, and Katy B.

How do you feel about blaming the O’Leary cow for the Chicago fire?
I’m from Illinois actually and we learned about that in school! Wasn’t a lot of the city made of wood then? Accidents happen, it was probably inevitable…I’m sure Bessie meant no harm! (Was that her name?)

What will you drink onstage?
Sometimes 100% agave tequila, but these days I’m happy with plain old water!

What is your favorite festival memory?
Glastonbury 2010…it was my band’s and my first big festival, my album had just come out in the UK, and the energy and the crowd was so exciting and moving!

What three emotions are the audience members guaranteed to feel at your show?
Happiness, surprise and satisfaction.