It's Festival Time: What To Wear & What To Watch

Finally, summer has begun, and what better way to celebrate in your new sundress than dancing outside to great music? Unfortunately, Bonnaroo isn’t attainable for all of us, so there’s other cheaper (usually free) and closer options.

Websites like Oh My Rockness compile mass lists of shows in the New York, Chicago, and LA areas, from major concert venues to free park festivals. June 18? Ra Ra Riot is playing for free at Make Music Pasadena. June 23rd? We are Scientists are playing a free show at Red Hook Park in Brooklyn.

Stressing about what to wear? Maxi skirts and denim cutoffs still reign supreme as go-to music wear. Straw fedoras are a great way to look effortless and save your skin from harmful UV rays. Keep the jewelry to a minimum, or stick with one major statement piece; you don’t want to sound like Santa’s sleigh when you’re dancing around. Face paint and hallucinogenic drugs optional.

Text Liza Sokol
Source: Oh My Rockness

Style Spotlight: A Lot in Love with Lykke Li

Those Swedes definitely know how to hit the spot. They make my taste buds happy with their delicious meatballs. They provide my home with cheap, exotically named furniture (I love my Javnahker). And for the past couple of days, hours of sitting in rush hour traffic have become a little more bearable as I neck dance listening to Lykke Li's sophomore album, Wounded Rhymes.

This little Swedish delight has been making waves in the music scene for a while now, and her goth meets hippie style only adds to her mystical charm. With her alluring, never boring all-black ensembles, who says you need to dress in animal carcass and incubate in a giant egg to be interesting? More pictures after the jump.

Source: Last.fm

Text Kristina Bravo

Can't Live Without My Radio

Hopefully you didn't blow all your cash on Black Friday treats -- if you've got $1.99 left in the bank account, why don't you snag TuneIn Radio, an app that lets you listen to 40,000 different radio stations on your iPod, iPad, or iWhatever. (Blackberries and Androids too!) Everything from NPR to random European electro-trance to DJs spinning on their college stations are available. After getting TuneIn, you're officially no longer allowed to bemoan the fact that you "haven't listened to anything new lately." Download and crank it up.

Text Molly O'Brien

Villagers

When Conor J O'Brien opens his mouth and sings, time stands still, for a minute ... or three. It is wonderful and it appears so is O'Brien. From the moment he becomes visible he is captivating and it would take a soul a lot stronger than me to resist the pull of his charm. O'Brien also known as Villagers is like a lost storyteller from a different time, layered on beautiful melodies he speaks of ships and the sea and the main streets. He tells intriguing tales, and his words build stories of love lost and found, of lust and hurt, and destruction, and hope, there is, it seems, always a sense in the darkest of rhymes a glimmer of hope. When a stage in London's King Cross met Villagers they were in for a treat, as were the audience. And on a crisp October Tuesday with the first signs of Winter safely in place, not a member of the congregration could have gone home unimpressed, I am sure of this.

By Katriona Flynn

Sufjan Stevens New Album

Sufjan Stevens is releasing his first full length album in 5 years on October 12th. The album entitled The Age of Adz has been said to have more electronics and less banjo. He released a new song yesterday, I walked, and it definitely has the electro-vibe but with the same touching Sufjan lyrics we know and love. This song is actually quite similar to the sound of Dalton M.

Stevens is set to tour on October 12th for two months. If you are interested in seeing him live, you should act fast because some shows are already sold-out.

For tour dates and to download his new song visit his here.

By Michelle Manetti

Mid-Point Music Fest

Cincinnati’s famed Mid-Point Music Fest is scheduled for September 23-25. 250 acts will be performing those three days. Band such as Light Pollution, The Cincy Brass and Oblio will rock crowds from 2:00 in the morning throughout the day and night on that Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

There are a few options for purchasing your tickets. The best bet is the 3 day wristband which gets you entry to all the showcases and waives cover charges. You can also purchase tickets for individual shows, which depending on the venue, will run you $10 or $15 dollars.

Free shows on Fountain Square have been scheduled every Friday until the main event.

Visit mpmf.com for all information regarding this indie-music event.


By Michelle Manetti

Florence and The Machine

It’s that time of the year again, the MTV Music Awards are upon us.

For most people seeing Kanye diss little Taylor Swift or listening to Beyonce (who is married) sing about single ladies is great. This year however, there will be something different for the viewers to enjoy.

UK’s famed indie rocker Florence and the Machine will be performing. Florence and the Machine is composed of Florence Welch and a variety of other artists who play backup for her. Her 2009 album “Lungs” has won critical acclaim. Many may know her for the track “Heavy in Your Arms” which is featured on The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack. That song in particular is one of her best.

The MTV Music Awards premieres on Sunday September 12th at 9PM ET.

By Michelle Manetti

David Bailey 'Then'

In June the Hamiltons presented a collection of work entitled 'David Bailey, NOW'. Just over a month later 13 Carlos Place is now housing another sensational, the David Bailey showcase, this time simply titled 'THEN'. Whilst it almost seems bazaar that the present has taken residency before the past. You could easily imagine that by placing the exhibitions in such a format that Bailey has something to say or prove, and perhaps he does. Although I imagine, taking my clues from the title that the point of this collection isn't to present something new. There are a few well known images like the iconic Mick Jagger in his fur lined hoodie, but mainly they are well less known. The true beauty of Baileys 'THEN' is that this is a collection of contact sheets,and with these shots you get to observe not only the versatility of the master that is David Bailey, but also the versatility and character of the sitter. 'NOW','THEN' and obviously for the 'yet to come' David Bailey.

Text Katriona Flynn

Wolf Parade

After the release of their third album Expo 86, Wolf Parade announced yesterday that they will be hitting the United States during their new tour. The tour will begin in Europe on September 3rd and on November 3rd they will kick-off the American part of the tour in New Jersey. The tour also will end with a single show in Toronto. The band just finished up a North American tour on July 31st, but fans are pleased that more shows have been added for the fall.

If you haven’t heard of Wolf Parade, they have been compared to likes of Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene. The Canadian band has always been the underdog but Expo 86 has gotten nothing but good reviews and is considered to be the bands best album yet. Check out their myspace for more information.

By Michelle Manetti

Jenny Lewis and Johnny Rice

Love is a wonderful thing, music is a wonderful thing and when these two combine it is a wonderful thing. We all can look forward to couple Jenny Lewis and Johnny Rice’s new album I’m Having Fun Now, as well as their tour.

The album will be released on August 31st and the couple’s biography describes the album as “The exuberance of love songs like Scissor Runner mask some of the record’s darkness, with Lewis chronicling the economic demise of her beloved California in Big Wave, Rice’s haunting vocal on Animal, and both songwriters raising a middle-finger kiss off in the acerbic My Pet Snakes. The overall result is genuine and original pop music for Right Now. This is not a Rilo Kiley record, a Jenny Lewis record, or a Johnathan Rice record. This is Jenny and Johnny. They’re having fun now, and they want you to, too.” You can go to their website and download ‘Scissor Runner’ for a free preview.

They will also be touring this fall starting September 1st. They will have a single show in the United Kingdom in December. For tour dates and pre-order packages check out jennyandjohnnymusic.com.


By Michelle Manetti

Nicole Atkins

Unfortunately much of the music industry, especially indie-rock is dominated by male artist. There are a select few female singers who can hold their own and make an impact in scene. There are also female performers who are hidden treasures, such as Nicole Atkins.

Atkins has actually been around for a while, since 2002 to be exact. Though it wasn’t until 2005 when she and her band: Nicole Atkins and The Sea (now re-named Nicole Atkins and The Black Sea) were noticed.

Her music is known as “pop-noir” and she has been compared to Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis. She has a very seductive voice and most of the time you envision her in a 1920’s lounge singing on a piano. However, the great thing about her is her ability to change that like with the song “Brooklyn’s On Fire” which instantly puts you in a feel good kind of mood.

She’s definitely an artist to follow and she is coming out with a new album in January, 2011. She's also currently on tour and will be visiting California, New York and Washington, among other places. Visit her website for more information.

Text Michelle Manetti

Tim Kasher's Solo Album

Mostly any music put out under Saddle Creek records is good. From Bright Eyes to Azure Ray, the label has given many of us bands and artists who help get us through the day.

It has been announced that Tim Kasher, the frontman for Cursive is getting ready to release his first solo album. “The Name of Monogamy” has been written, recorded and produced by Kasher. His facebook page describes the album as “more of an arranged record than any of Kasher’s past releases, filled with theatrical arrangements and lush instrumentation to create his own blend of classic pop.” We can assume from the title that is about love and relationships.

Kasher previewed his album on July 27th in Chicago but if you weren’t able to make it to that show the album is due to be released October 5th of this year. For more information visit Saddle Creek

 Text Michelle Manetti

Keep Your Ears To The Streets

If you commute in the city then you know the biggest statement you can make on the streets are your headphones. I’ve been a fan of over-the-ear headphones for a while because of their subway sound-resistant quality and their ability to serve as musical earmuffs in the winter. After my last pair broke I’ve been on a web-wide search for the perfect new set, but with little luck. I needed something easily portable and with great sound quality, but without compromising style.

That was until I ran across Urbanears.com, a Scandinavian company with the coolest headphones on the market. They are solid and simple headphones but with colors and sound that reach far beyond mono. Urbanears come in three different styles for those of you who prefer something a little more discreet and 13 different colors ranging from chocolate, white, ocean, navy, and salad green. They also have a hands-free mic on the cord so you can listen to music on your iPhone/Blackberry without missing a call. Now the only problem is choosing which color suits you best. Now worries if you can't decide, at only 60 bucks a pop why not buy a color for everyday of the week?

Photo: Garret Hurley
By Carly Roye

Tokyo Police Club's Summer Tour

Not two years after releasing their debut album “Elephant Shell” Tokyo Police Club released a new album in June, 2010 entitled “Champ” and are getting ready to hit the road.

Tokyo Police Club started their U.S. tour off on July 24th in Columbus, OH and will continue touring until early October. Their website reveals that the July 25th show in Buffalo, NY is already sold out. However, that is not surprising considering the staple they have become in the indie-music realm.

If you haven’t heard the new album you should check it out. Some would argue that the sound is typical for an indie-band, however others would say that it’s classic. Either way most of the reviews have stated that “Champ” is definitely worth the listen.

For all Tokyo Police Club information including new music and tour dates visit their website.

By Michelle Manetti

Broken Bells

If you haven’t heard of Broken Bells yet, here's the scoop:

Broken Bells is a rock band that consists of famous producer Brian Burton aka Danger Mouse and The Shins lead singer and guitarist James Mercer. The two have collaborated after a few years of knowing each other and have produced a wonder in this new project.

Mercer’s smooth vocals combined with Burton’s producing expertise has brought us the best of both worlds. “The High Road” is their most popular song at the moment and they just made a music video for “The Ghost Inside” (both songs are worth checking out).

Their self-titled album was released March 9th, 2010 and is gaining popularity. Broken Bells will be going on a world-wide tour starting at the end of July and will hit up major American cities such as: LA, Austin and New York.

To hear their latest hits and for more information visit their website.

By Michelle Manetti

The Avett Brothers Live C.D/DVD

On top of the very hefty tour which began yesterday and will continue until the end of October, The Avett Brothers are releasing a new album and DVD.

The live album and DVD entitled: Live Volume 3, was recorded during a Charlotte, NC concert last August. Songs from all previous albums are featured, including the hit “I and Love and You.” The DVD will have extras including interviews with the band.

So if you don’t get a chance to see The Avett Brothers on tour this year, you can at least encounter the magic with the live CD and DVD. Both are to be released on October 5th, 2010. You can pre-order your copy of both here

For more information about the tour check out their website: www.theavettbrothers.com

By Michelle Manetti

Coney Island's Siren Music Festival

Coney Island is famous for many things such as its hot dogs, beach, and amusement park. However, Coney Island is also famous for holding one of the biggest summer music festivals: Siren Music Festival.

Siren Fest is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year with a line-up that is sure to please. Bands such as: Matt and Kim, Harlem and Ponytail along with eleven others will perform. There is also a after party held at the Music Hall of Williamsburg which We Are Scientists is headlining.

Bands as: The Killers, Morningwood, and Death Cab For Cutie have all played Siren Fest in the past. There is food, as well as local bars right near the stages.

The festival is taking place on July 17th in Coney Island, Brooklyn. It starts at noon and ends around 9:00 p.m. It usually attracts about 100,000 fans a year, so get there early to hold a sweet spot by the two stages, oh and don't forget to bring water!

For more information visit: this website.

By: Michelle Manetti

Concert For Equality by Conor Oberst

The Arizona SB 1070 act is the strictest anti-illegal immigration legislation act in the United States at the moment. It has been the cause of a lot of controversy and Conor Oberst has joined a number of artists who are boycotting the act.

In attempt to gain more supporters for the boycott, he along with his band Bright Eyes have organized a block-party style concert: Concert For Equality in Benson, Nebraska. The concert will be held on July 31 and all proceeds will benefit the American Civil Liberties Union’s fight against fining employers and landlords who employ and rent to illegal immigrants in the state of Nebraska.

Even if you don't agree with his political views, it should be a good show. A number of bands have already signed up for the concert including: Cursive and Lullaby for the Working class. Oberst will also reunite with his band Desaparecidos.

Tickets go on sale through this website, Saturday the 10th of July for $20 and due to the venue's size, will likely sell out quickly. Click here to learn more about the cause.

By Michelle Manetti

Arcade Fire's New Album and Tour

Some would argue that Canadian based band Arcade Fire had giving birth to the indie-pop scene years ago, but whether you agree with that statement or not, it’s undeniable that the band has a great sound and charisma. Which is why it’s exciting to learn of the bands up coming album release and tour.

On May 27, 2010 the band released the double a-side 12 inch singles: “The Suburbs” and “Month of May.” These two singles are in anticipation of their upcoming album “The Suburbs” which is due to come into this world on August 2, 2010. The single “The Suburbs” has a relaxing yet catchy beat with thoughtful lyrics, while “Month of May” is much faster, has a harder beat with a definite touch of punk. Both songs are featured on the album and if they’re any indication of what the whole album will be like, then it should be just as good, or even better than Arcade Fire’s past two albums.

Arcade Fire begin their world tour on July 4th in Belgium and make stops throughout the United States with the band Spoon starting August 1st. Click here to listen to the new singles and to check out tour dates.


By Michelle Manetti

Dalton M.

The synthesizer has had an increase in popularity during the 21st century. It can, at times, be overused and the instrument can loose its unique ability. However, when done properly it can produce wonders such as Dalton M.

A musician from the Connecticut area, Dalton M. brings a sound similar to that of The Magnetic Fields, but with more of an electro vibe. Songs such as Goodbye 50’s (inspired by rock‘n’roll from the era) and Such Fools So Cruel bring a rare combination to the table of honest lyrics and whimsical melodies. What may be even more impressive than the songs themselves, is that only one man is responsible for this indie/soulful sound: Alex Marans.

Alex Marans, as they say, is Dalton M. After splitting from well known Connecticut band The Smyrk, Marans has been working on his EP, entitled: The Flashlight, EP which is in its final stages. Every rhythm, melody and chord is produce from the hands, lungs and imagination of Marans solely. His surrealist sound screams individuality and is something worth checking-out. You can listen to all of Dalton M’s latest musical endeavors, as well as keep up with his EP release and tour dates at Myspace.com/thedaltonm or follow him: Twitter.com/hidaltonmhere.

By Michelle Manetti