News: Nero Provide Details On New Album, Release Epic Seven-Minute Title Track
–Written by Kevin Madert
Save the date: Nero’s sophomore album Between Two Worlds is due out August 28 via Cherrytree. The UK electronic outfit made the announcement via a short Facebook video, releasing the sweeping, seven-minute title track simultaneously. There’s a distinct noir feel, with art direction reminiscent of a Scorsese gang biopic or a Sin City spin-off. Other than this, and the text “28.08 #between2worlds” that conclude the video, we’re given little else.
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Better Every Time: The Moon Hooch Effect (Show Review)
–Written by Kevin Madert
I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it until it’s no longer true: There’s nothing like a Moon Hooch show. Wednesday night in Vienna, VA, 200 people bore witness to the trio’s unmatched musical acumen and stage presence within the intimate confines of Jammin’ Java. Wenzl McGowen, Mike Wilbur, and James Muschler steamrolled through an hour and a half with honed precision, interspersing familiar fan favorites with well-received new material and putting on one hell of a show in the process.
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Show Spotlight: Talib Kweli & Immortal Technique @ Baltimore Soundstage, 4/11
–Written by Mike Hogan
Hip-hop really is a remarkable outlet for the spoken word. It has such endless potential of expression, and the stripped down quality of the music itself lends itself to providing a spotlight on the lyrics. And over the years, there have been many that have truly mastered this craft of taking hip hop and turning it into a lyrical weapon; an instrument of social change, a soap box for political agendas, and a voice of entire cultures. And there are very few artists that have harnessed this power so fully and completely than two of most legendary names in New York underground hip hop, Talib Kweli and Immortal Technique.
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AltFreq Weekend Planner (4/9/15-4/11/15)
–Written by Kevin Madert
It’s nearly impossible to keep track of all the events going on in the area, so we’re here to let you know what’s happening in live music over the next few days. Watch out on Sundays for our “Weekly Planner,” where we’ll cover the remaining four days of the week.
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News: Brand New Playing New Music on Tour
–Written by Mike Hogan
Rumors of new music from Brand New have been experiencing a pretty steady ebb and flow since pretty much the day after they released Daisy in 2009. But of course, nothing has ever happened with that, Brand New sort of slinked away for a little while, as fans waited eagerly for even a whisper from the publicist about what was going to happen next. Those rumors have been in full force again for more than a year now, as Brand New has been dropping not-so-subtle hints at studio time and new material being on the way. But of course, we’ve still been waiting
But of course, Brand New has been back, they’ve been touring all over the world, they’ve been doing interviews, updating their website; Jesse Lacey and crew have officially come out of hiding. And now, we have official confirmation of new material. On their current tour, they have been opening their sets with a new song titled, “Don’t Feel Anything”, and now it’s been caught on video. Be sure to check after the jump for the video of their new track.
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News: RJD2 Shares Details On New Hip-Hop Album, Collaboration With STS
–Written by Kevin Madert
Philadelphia-based instrumental hip-hop guru RJD2 is at it again: the long-time DJ/producer confirmed to Rolling Stone yesterday a new album is on the way. Out May 5th, STS x RJD2 will be a collaborative effort featuring rapper and fellow Philadelphian (Philadelphite?) STS. RJD2 describes the album as “soulful, honest hip-hop music,” and lauds STS for having “a way with words, and his own fully developed style…he’s one of my favorite rappers to make waves in the last three to four years.”
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