The Daily Frequency (6/30/15)

–Written by Kevin Madert

Another day, another deluge of musical happenings. If we missed a piece of music-related news that blew your mind, let us know in the comments!

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1. From the “better late than never” department, technology übercompany Apple threw their hat into the digital streaming ring with the launch of Apple Music. Users are granted unlimited access to the tens of millions of songs in Apple’s formidable library for a monthly fee ($9.99 for individuals, $15.99 for a family account that allows up to six simultaneous users). While we’ll probably be given all sorts of exclusives thanks to Apple’s deep pockets and industry clout – Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, for example, will be available for streaming for the first time ever via Apple Music – the service still lacks in some areas – there’s not much social interaction (a lá Spotify) and the music streams in 256kbps (320kbps is the norm). The company is offering free three month trials for all first-time users, so you can decide for yourself if Apple Music is the next big thing or simply another lackluster wave (*cough* Tidal *cough*). (via Time)

2. If you start your free trial today, you’ll have plenty of brand new music to explore. Multi-faceted electronic guru Bassnectar’s latest full-length Into The Sun hit shelves today, boasting sixteen tracks new (the ethereal “Chasing Heaven,” the trunk-rattling “Speakerbox,” + more) and old (five tunes from Mesmerizing The Ultra are revisited and updated with ear-pleasing results). Kings of no-frills metalcore August Burns Red released Found In Faraway Places, their seventh studio record and their debut on the Fearless Records roster. ABR is a “what you see is what you get” act in the best connotation of the phrase; expect a consistent barrage from the moment “The Wake” kicks off the album in a hail of drums and eco-conscious lyrics. Expect full AltFreq reviews of both albums in the days to come. Other new releases include Refused (Freedom), Man Overboard (Heavy Love), Senses Fail (Pull The Thorns From Your Heart), Matt Pond PA (The State Of Gold), and a re-release of a 2005 disc of ambient bonus material from Moby (Hotel: Ambient).

3. The Grateful Dead’s “Core Four” (that’s Bob Weir on guitar, Phil Lesh on bass, and Bill Kreutzmann & Mickey Hart on drums) are readying for their final shows together. After two successful performances in Santa Clara over the weekend, the foursome – joined for the duration by Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, Ratdog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, and former GD collaborator/pianist Bruce Hornsby – are headed to Chicago for a three night run at Soldier Field over Fourth of July weekend. Having watched both California dates via a surprisingly high-quality pay-per-view live stream, I can say with certainty this weekend falls into can’t-miss territory. On lead guitar, Anastasio seemed to come fully into his comfort zone on night two, and as a whole the seven artists seemed to fall more into sync as the weekend progressed. If so inclined, a plethora of paid viewing options are at your disposal.

4. Closing it out with a little (okay, a lot) more EDM, Belgian transplant festival Tomorrowworld revealed 18 more headliners who will appear at the event’s third iteration in the woods just outside of Atlanta, GA. Bassnectar, Gramatik, Porter Robinson, Rudimental, Seven Lions, and Thomas Jack are among the acts headed to the Chattahoochie Hills September 25-27, joining already announced artists Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Flux Pavilion, Excision, Armin Van Buuren, + more. The lineup thus far can be seen below, and tickets/all pertinent info can be found on the festival’s official site.