End of semester bike rides, ice cream outings and days at the river

Since my exams have been rather sparsely scheduled this semester, I managed to knock a few UNC-Chapel Hill bucket list items off the list this week with several of my housemates and I certainly know I will return to these places before I graduate. The first adventure, as detailed in Leslie Ann's post, I too traveled to Maple View Farm for some delicious and fresh ice cream, but instead of making the drive, two housemates and I decided to hop on our bikes.  It's about a 14-mile ride round trip from our house in Carrboro, and overall, the hills are minimal (there were maybe three that require some real umpff). We went Sunday evening, when the weather was perfect and arrived well before the sunset.  After enjoying double scoops of chocolate chip cookie dough and Carolina Crunch, we took our turns in the rocking  chairs on the porch, and eventually migrated to the grass before making the trek back home. Before we left, we even managed to play with some adorable little children who were scattered across the grassy hill, inflatable balls and bubbles in hand. For a few slightly stressed out college kids, it was the perfect way to temporarily wind down.

On Tuesday, I decided to continue the relaxing exam week schedule with a trip to Bobbitt's Hole at the Eno River State Park, just about half an hour away.  It was a lovely scene, plenty of rocks to sunbathe on, water that was a little chilly, but still refreshing, picnic lunches and then of course SNAKES.  Naturally, that later portion was not a pleasant sight, in fact it ended up shortening our visit when we realized we couldn't get back into the water with 100% safety.  Instead of giving up, we decided to find the next best watering hole we could think of, and with that were off to Jordan Lake.  The sun was still fairly high in the sky as we arrived to our second destination and although the water was a little too cold to brave, it was nice to continue our adventure. Overall, in a time generally characterized by stress and too much school work, the sunshine on our backs and the time to reflect on a year of friendship and being housemates made the trips to the river (and lake) well worth it.

256 Final: North Carolina's Music Festival Frenzy: A guide to a locally grown and growing creative community

Last September, as I walked around downtown Raleigh during the second annual Hopscotch Music Festival, the very last thing I thought I would find myself doing was meeting and (briefly conversing with) Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips. But during my midday saunter to the City Plaza, where the Lips' big show was set to start in several hours, my assistant editor Allison and I walked up to Coyne, who was surprisingly down-to-earth and friendly, more than a little starstruck.  “Only at Hopscotch,” we reminded ourselves over the next few days. 

But with the continuing growth of music festivals in North Carolina, these encounters are bound to become an exciting trend. 

From the time-honored traditions of Shakori Hills GrassRoots Music Festival, Carrboro Music Festival and MerleFest, to the expansion of the smaller Phuzz Phest and the prominence of Moogfest, North Carolina has established itself as a connoisseur of local, regional and national-caliber festivals.   

Hopscotch has become just one of a handful of North Carolina music festivals that are accessible to the large and growing music community in the state, and this year it is back for round three. As other festivals expand, the state continues to cultivate a unique breed of festival life that maintains a distinctly local feel and reaches out to the community, sometimes through partnering with  up-and-coming local eateries, creative artisans as well as talented musicians.

“The N.C. scene is really nice, because while we have played bigger festivals, there is clearly a lot of community support and involvement in the planning and volunteering here,” said James Phillips, drummer of the Durham band Bombadil. In the past few years, Bombadil has played a variety of festivals including Shakori Hills and Hopscotch, each a different, but enjoyable experience.

Although many festivals structure themselves around a particular genre and geographic focus, many of the newer N.C. festivals are aiming to reach a range of audiences. Phillips believes big festivals like Moogfest and Hopscotch will eventually draw music fans from across the region and potentially the nation. Despite the attractions festivals provide for the audience, it's not only the fans who are treated to an exciting atmosphere. In his experience, Phillips said that performers are taken care of well and are able to further develop their place in the music community through interacting with fellow musicians.

“There is a community of people playing music festivals,” Phillips said. “It's a great way to gain exposure.”

One of the more prominent North Carolina festivals, Hopscotch Music Festival hosted by The Independent Weekly, boasted headliners like Public Enemy and Broken Social Scene in 2010, its first year. Although that first year put them in debt, said co-director Greg Lowenhagen, the reception was huge and they're going to keep building it up each year. Last year saw the addition of a few more venues, an electric Flaming Lips City Plaza performance and an even greater convergence of musical-minded individuals, whether band-specific die-hard fans, supportive fellow musicians or overall music lovers. 

Hopscotch 2011, StudioJ Productions

 “Something like Hopscotch exposes someone who is a music fan to so much music,” Phillips said. “Also, the bands are willing to step it up, energy wise.”

The Hopscotch lineup was released on April 18 and since then, the weekend's supply of VIP passes have already sold out. Yet despite the quick turnaround with ticket sales, the booking of 175 bands in three days and the promise of more surprises, this September's festival has a distinctly different first impression than prior years.

Jordan Lawrence, music editor of Shuffle Magazine writes, “...but with a bevy of top-flight experimental, garage and metal bands on tap, Hopscotch continues to be a festival that seems best suited to a music geek, the kind that has a broad, manically maintained range of interest,” suggesting that the festival may not be as accessible from year to year for a large-scale audience like that of Bonnaroo or Cochella. However, the way in which North Carolina festivals cultivate themselves so as to include local musicians is an important asset of the growing scene. 

Hopscotch 2011, Abby Nardo

This year, The Roots, Jesus and Mary Chain, The dBs, Yo La Tengo and The Mountain Goats number the close to 200 bands that will play one of 15 venues at Hopscotch. The specialization in a few select genres this year might make the festival slightly less accessible, but as a result, it is able to secure a devoted fanbase. Based on this new and lively festival bill and the fact that individuals keep coming back for more, N.C. festivals like Hopscotch are drawing major attention to some of North Carolina's booming regions, and exciting music fans across the nation.

At the other end of the state, Asheville's Moogfest, has surged as a standout electronic music festival that honors the memory of Bob Moog, a pioneer of the genre. During the festival's last two years, it has also drawn performers like the Flaming Lips, St. Vincent, Passion Pit and Moby. Between it and Hopscotch, big names are continuing to find their way to the state, a place that might not be a normal stop on a tour

“That was more of the festival experience. There were tons of people I thought I would never see otherwise — Sigur Rós, that was probably my favorite show experience from Moogfest,” said Chesley Kalnen, a UNC junior who attended Moogfest in 2010.

Larger festivals are also a way for local bands to get their name out, and perhaps earn an endorsement from  nationally-recognized acts. The way in which many of the N.C. festivals draw on the important balance of local and national acts helps to create a well-rounded scene that has a lot of room to grow. 

“It's good for the local bands to meet people they look up to and get influence from,” Kalnen said. “It helps network in the music world and helps expose other people to a band, especially if they have similar music taste.”

Both Moogfest and Hopscotch have also gained national press from the likes of NPR Music and Pitchfork. And based on the positive reactions of these publications, it appears that festival life in North Carolina is here to stay and only further evolve. 


Smaller festivals, large vibes 

Not all music festivals that North Carolina hosts are heavy weights like Hopscotch and Moog. Throughout the past several years, multiple smaller-scaled festivals, at least in terms of production have established themselves across the state. For example, the 2012 Carrboro Music Festival is in its 15th year and since getting started, has managed to host 180 bands in 25 venues in a single day.  

For Gerry Williams, festival coordinator, what started out as a showcase of local musicians has blossomed into one of the town's most popular events. Local businesses partner with the event, as many coffee shops and restaurants host festival's gigs. From midmorning until late at night, there is a band playing at almost every stoop and major establishment in Carrboro.

“Even the first festival was basically the same concept — we wanted to have free music around town in a variety of locations and showcase the local musicians, and that’s what we’re still doing today,” he said.

Similarly, Winston-Salem's Phuzz Phest got it's start with Philip Pledger, a UNC alumni and leader of the band Estrangers, because he wanted to showcase his town's talent. This year's festival was the second installment and Pledger worked on bringing in a variety of musicians that were representative of his immediate community but also the evolving N.C. music scene.

“I tried to set up the bills really intentionally, to have a solid foundation with Winston bands, but exposing people to stuff that is like the headliner,” Pledger said.

Pledger notes that finding funding becomes one of the biggest challenges for festivals when first starting up.  Phuzz Phest was by no means intended to be the same size as Moog and Hopscotch, Pledger added, and for a second-year festival, he was able to book over 40 bands from a variety of genres, such as the folk-inclined Hiss Golden Messenger and the garage punk rockers Paint Fumes.

Despite the smaller-scale of these festivals, they manage to draw hundreds of attendees and a variety of musicians. For Pledger, a bigger budget will be a huge asset, but already the festival was able to bring in a number of willing musicians.

“The goal for this was to get the best bands in North Carolina that I could come play and not have to pay them exorbitant amounts of money,” he said.“I think the value on the whole festival is through the roof. There are so many amazing bands that in two years or five or 10, will be pretty notable bands.”

Basking in the outdoors

Two long-standing annual festivals, Shakori Hills GrassRoots Music and Festival for the Eno, are events that are perfect for individuals of all ages. Considering the array of food vendors, local arts and crafts that are offered in addition to the days of music, both festivals are great family options.  And as long as it doesn't rain, the outdoor location of these festivals enhances the experience even more.

At the biannual Shakori Hills, which is hosted every September and April, the festival organizers offer camping as a way to spend the night at the four-day festival. At a relatively cheap price, this option allows individuals to explore the other aspects of the event without having to spend time traveling to and from. Shakori Hills is remotely located outside of Pittsboro, so camping is the perfect festival component. 

Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Fall 2010, Kevin M. James

“We've always had a nice time playing at Shakori Hills  It's a really great time and the fact it is integrated into a farm makes it really comfortable,” Phillips said.

Another warm weather festival, Festival for the Eno, is held every July 4 and often maintains a vibe similar to Shakori Hills. Vendors, families, dogs and musicians spread themselves across the West Point on the Eno at the Durham City Park, and with the inviting river just a few feet away, swimming is always option for dealing with the summer heat.

“The music experience was an all around fun environment because there was a large group of musicians from an array of genres and backgrounds,” said Andrew Byrum, who attended last year's Eno Festival. “It was an enjoyable day because of the eats, the fact that it was outdoors and the music was great.”

For Byrum and others less familiar with the local music community, festivals like Shakori Hills and Festival for the Eno provide a relaxed introduction to the music of N.C., while also showcasing cultural opportunities in the form of food, crafts and dance that might be overlooked away from the festival environment.

And at a relatively fair price, these are festivals that can be well-worth the expense for anyone. With so much to offer, the music community can expect to find a few if not several (or all) things to enjoy. 

Festival for the Eno, http://enoriver.org/Festival/

A future of festivals 

With so many already to choose from, the music festival scene in North Carolina looks promising for anyone who enjoys a good time and a variety of music. Whether it's hip-hop, sweet indie folk, thrashing metal or energetic pop, the Triangle's bands and the national ones the festivals pull in create a well-rounded scene where everyone is sure to find something that pleases the ear. 

“I hope that the festivals will continue to grow,” Phillips said. “It seems like there is a number and people are going.  Hopscotch, Moogfest, the music and arts we already have has a lot of different varieties. And there's something different about a touring band playing Saturday at Hopscotch than a Monday night at the Nightlight.”

Kalnen agrees, adding that there is already a great deal of variety and the foundation these music festivals have created is strong.

And in the long run, the success of the state's music festivals is most easily evaluated by their continuation. For the local community, the presence of these festivals has already increased the impact of the local music scene.The N.C. music festival trend is something to be excited about, as it places the state in the similar competition with other music-festival hosting states.

“It seems like more festivals are popping up and as our culture is moving toward focusing on local music,” Phillips said. “I lived in Portland, Ore. and they have a big festival too. But the caliber of talent and the general excitement is very similar at ours.”

So watch out  Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and South by Southwest, because between the new and old festivals that number this state and a successful track record, it's time that North Carolina's music festivals come out and play in the same big-time leagues.
   

Recent and Upcoming  N.C. Music Festivals:

April 4-6      Phuzz Phest, Winston-Salem
April 19-22  Shakori Hills Grassroots, Pittsboro
April 26-29  MerleFest, Wilkesboro
July 4, 7-8   Festival for the Eno, Durham
Aug. TBD   TRKFest, Pittsboro
Sept. 6-8     Hopscotch Music Festival, Raleigh
Sept. 30      Carrboro Music Festival, Carrboro
Oct. TBD   Moogfest, Asheville                              

                    

 

A tale of two local bands: T0W3RS and Lilac Shadows

T0W3RS and Lilac Shadows are the newest sisters in the local music scene. And yes they are basically sisters. Comprised of the same crew of Triangle twentysomethings, Derek Torres fronts T0W3RS while Sam Logan takes the lead with Lilac Shadows. But like sunshine and darkness, these bands are distinctly different in sound, perfect compliments for the approaching summer season. Check out my reviews of each band's newest album and immediately put them on your summer playlist.

T0W3RS
IF 4LL WE H4VE IS T1ME
Indie pop/rock

With classes winding down, graduation impending and the sun constantly shining, summer is just out of reach. These three months of freedom generally yield limited obligations and provide days of infinite adventures. With summer, it seems all we have to be preoccupied with is time and how to best let it pass.

From the watery opening notes to the album’s funky final moments, IF 4LL WE H4VE IS T1ME seeps with warmth and extends summer’s sweet invitation. The slow, evocative swirls of sound fluctuate between short bursts of synth and lazy yet thoughtful guitar. It’s rock ‘n’ roll that maintains an experimental edge, a realm where songs come to fruition as they may, and without the pretense of fitting of a specific genre mold. 

On “Scout/,” there’s something fleeting about the way leader Derek Torres’ vocals seem to float through waves of somber instrumentation and find a way to grab the listener. In a similar vein to the fading of the season, the song effortlessly dissolves into the next track, “The Cardinal/The Finch.”

Whether it’s the members’ layered vocals, Karen Blanco’s poignant keys or the nearly perfect transitions between songs, Towers finds a way to capture meaningful experiences in just a few minutes. 

But the back-and-forth pacing of the album might leave the listener with some residual whiplash, as songs jump from just longer than one minute to nearly five. The album is imbalanced in that respect, but even this is partially excusable considering the already wavering and unchained nature of the songs. 

In the end, this is the music that accompanies sticky summer evening drives, when the windows are rolled down and your hair has taken its own course blowing in the wind. Or perhaps this is the album that best reflects the transient period of life that young 20-somethings have a hard time escaping and/or comprehending. 

With relevant and personal songs (not to mention well-crafted), Towers are endearingly empathetic to these notions. This summer, whateverbecomes for you, let it be known that you can find someone who knows exactly how you feel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lilac Shadows
Shallow Madness EP

Psych pop

Bright. Dark. Quiet. Loud.

Carrboro’s Lilac Shadows chooses these simple, juxtaposed adjectives to describe the swirl of sound that comprises the Shallow Madness EP. And when considering the record’s pleasantly conflicting composition, these words encompass the band’s satisfyingly intense spirit. 

The band is led by Sam Logan and rounded out by Derek Torres, Karen Blanco and Annuals’ Zack Oden. Considered the sister band of fellow locals T0W3RS, Lilac Shadows strays away from the more bubbling synth of the latter, injecting a little bit of darkness into the musical realm. Shallow Madness requires intense broodingas it provokes, reaches deep and remains difficult to sum up.

With each of its four songs stretching to at least five minutes, the soundscapes Shadows paints are lush and intricate, a combination of psychedelic-pop crescendos and gentle waves of synth. The soundtrack of twisted whimsical fairytale, this record loops and sharply changes course time again, washing over the airwaves with an innocuous, enchanting haze. 

The genre-bending song “A Shallow Madness” delicately launches the album, as Logan’s vocals are gently accompanied by soft and bouncing synth. But it’s when the growing sound transitions to “What Dreams” that the listener becomes fully engulfed. 

Full of eerie guitar and pensive pauses, it’s this song that invites us to crawl under the rippled blanket of sound the band has orchestrated. Once hooked, there isn’t any turning back. 

Shallow Madness can require some time as each track is initially quite a labor. But although Shallow Madness is loosely defined, it doesn’t completely lack cohesion. There’s no doubt this is one multitude of musical layering that’s not for the background.

It’s the tasteful nuances and labored listening that make an album that flourishes and rewards with anticipation of what’s to come. Choose this darkly-tinged elixir of a record and prepare to find out exactly what lurks behind the shadows.

Music that sticks to your bones

Although it has been a few weekends since Winston-Salem's Phuzz Phest, I have yet to shake the incredible performance of folk artist Hiss Golden Messenger, or the project of Durhamite MC Taylor. On the covered porch of Krankie's coffee shop sat 20 or so festival attendees, ready and waiting with their ears, hearts open. In fact, it was Taylor who suggested that his set be moved to the porch, unplugged, as the sun set over the outskirts of downtown Winston. What unfolded next is one of those performances I feel privileged to have been present for, even when the rest of the show hasn't been my absolute favorite. His music draws on traditional folk stylings and he manages to work some intriguing Christian allusion in his work. It's accessible and tangible, and each time I put his latest album, Poor Moon, on the record player for a spin, I find myself finding something else excellent that I like love about it.As I continue to explore the music journalism world I find myself in, I realize that discovering gems like these are why I love what I do some of the time (most of the time?). Since my first semester here, local music has opened a door that I'm so glad I decided to walk through, not having looked backwards since.

Here's a listen similar to what my experience was like

Finding success on Record Store Day

Last Saturday, April 21, was the fifth annual national Record Store Day, a goldmine of an event for vinyl record aficionados. The Triangle and its various record stores made sure to cater to these record buying needs and planned a day full of events that were perfect for anyone on the music spectrum. As I embarked on a RSD adventure that included stops at Bull City Records in Durham, All Day Records in Carrboro and CD Alley in Chapel Hill, as well as lunch from a taco truck and a refreshing Locopop to finish it all off, I found a surprisingly large turn out. But the most important thing Record Store Day 2012 did for me was remind me how marvelous and robust the Triangle's music community truly is in these parts. 

From the lines of dedicated fans winding outside the doors of the compact stores to the special offers and familiar faces inside, Record Store Day 2012 was a success in my book, especially when considering that many stores sold out of the special releases. In some ways, it's a musical treasure hunt, like those who plan their wish lists well in advance and make sure to be first in line. I've never had the opportunity to participate in the event before, but found it to be a great experience and fun for growing my newly started record collection. And when you throw in the food treats I had throughout the day like tacos de pastor, a pomegranate-tangerine Locopop and a mini-cupcake with cream cheese frosting, my stomach and my ears found happiness on this adventure. 

Here is the final list of the records I snagged up include:


*Bowerbirds' 7" In The Yard/Always an Ear to Bend

*Gross Ghost Brer Rabbit 

Fleetwood Mac, Fleetwood Mac

*Lilac Shadows' A Shallow Madness EP cassette

*Lonnie Walker/Future Islands 7" Love Turn/The Ink Well

The Tallest Man on Earth 12" King of Spain


*denotes local band

Revisiting the classics

Although I have quite a hunger for keeping tabs on the newest music, particularly with the local Triangle music scene, I've got an enormous space in my soul for the music of a much older generation.

For some reason, every year when spring rolls around, I find myself revisiting the songs that comprised the soundtrack of my parents' coming-of-age years. However, these songs and albums also found their way into my own childhood musical education. And now, as I am listening to the NPR Fresh Air interview with Carole King, I found it the perfect time to reflect on how these classic albums have been integral in my musical development and have served as personal reminders of poignant times and individuals.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

-Carole King's Tapestry and Joni Mitchell's Blue

I wanted to group these albums together because they serve very similar roles for me. Carole King is a discovery I 100% attribute to my mother, in fact, I see a lot of parallels between this singer-songwriter and the wonderful woman who raised me. "Too Late," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "Beautiful" are just a few of the gems woven into Tapestry and after listening to the Fresh Air interview with King, it was a wonderful reminder of this genuine contribution to music.

Joni Mitchell's Blue seems to strike a nerve in me every time and I simply can't get enough. On those days when things just don't seem right, I find myself returning to this album and transporting myself back to the era of the strong, female singer-songwriter. Don't be surprised if you hear me belting out "All I Want" or "Carey," its just me channeling my inner-Joni.

-Fleetwood Mac's Rumours

I found this particular album on vinyl for $4 a few weeks ago at the Carrboro record sale and I couldn't have been happier. Maybe it's the fact they are my favorite band, they have contributed songs to one of my favorite movies, Forrest Gump, or that this particular brand of 70s pop is irresistibly delectable. From "The Chain," "Dreams" and "Go Your Own Way," there are so many memories buried in each of these tracks. If I ever do a karaoke night, you can bet that there will be numerous Fleetwood tracks.

-Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's Deja Vu and Neil Young's Everybody Knows This is Nowhere

It might be safe to say that I have a thing for Canadian musicians, as Neil Young is the second on this list (Joni Mitchell being the first). While it is Neil that really gets to me, especially with his album, Everybody Knows This is Nowhere, I can't forget the mystical and infectious production he was a part of with Crosby, Stills and Nash. Deja Vu would definitely be considered a soundtrack of my father's era, a self-proclaimed hippie/rocker/folkie of sorts who romped around on this very campus for a few years in the 1960s. Deja Vu and the rest of Young's early catalog of work is evidence of solid songwriting, incredibly talented instrumentation and of course a penchant for honing in on the times. These are the albums that really make you think.

-The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds

This is another album that runs through me with nostalgia upon listening. When we took our family beach trips during my childhood, I'm pretty sure the only cassettes in rotation the entire journey were The Beach Boys and the Lion King soundtrack. There was also the point at which my younger brother proclaimed at age three, that he "wants to be a Beach Boy" when he grows up. Enough said. With summer approaching fast, I always turn back to this album, with classic hits like "God Only Knows" and "Sloop John B," this like any other Beach Boys album is an essential for any record collection.

How to break the blog slump

I've been holding on to this article link for a while and have not found a way to best post about it, but perhaps that is precisely the essence of this particular link from ProBlogger.

I know I'm not the first to admit that being consistent with a blog is sometimes quite the challenge. What usually happens to me is that I have several grand ideas for posts, but when time becomes tight, the posts sit in my edit queue and wait to be written. I think this article from ProBlogger is a great way to re-energize your blogging spirit, as it encourages writers to branch out in the way they post. Just because blogging has become quite a standard practice does not mean that it doesn't have its own helpful and creative tweaks.

In particular, I think that number two, "encouraging the reader to take action" can be an attractive way to blog. It directly involves the reader and can be a great way to gain feedback, especially when combined with number 5, asking questions. For me, I think a big downside of blogging sometimes is the notion that no one is actually reading my posts. Perhaps for my next few posts, I will begin incorporating some more of these tips.

What are some other ways that readers are drawn to blogs?