I witnessed Turnonver’s act first during the break when they visited The Mohawk in my hometown of Austin, Texas. Turnover was joined by the opening act and Austin locals Temple of Angels and also by New Orleans’s Video Age. My first impression of the concert stemmed from the look of the crowd. The venue being comfortably small, I was surrounded by a mix of people who were more emo/goth-aligned with darker clothes, various piercings, and makeup typical to their identity. Another part of the audience was the more indie-looking crowd with their vans, loose graphic tees, and beanies/caps donning their heads. Sprinkled about were regular Joe Schmoes like me who didn’t heavily align with the two present groups. Making conversation with another college kid next to me, I asked if he was a fan of Turnover, to which he replied “not yet.” but was telling me about how the openers sounded either post-punk or yacht rock. A bit bewildered, I asked the same to others around me and was surprised to hear many were in fact here for the same band: Turnover. 

Going back to their discography after the concert, I see now that the band constantly changes. Turnover does it so well, genre-hopping from one album to the next, which is either a positive or negative quality depending on your perspective. They came onto the scene with their now-adored album “Peripheral Vision” back in 2015 which has a post-punk, emo sound. Similar to their contemporaries Tigers Jaw and Moose Blood. My introductory album “Good Nature” was in that indie, shoegaze realm. And now, with their latest release “Myself in the Way” they’ve delved into the genres of funk and disco. My songs of choice for this album would be “Myself in the Way”, “Wait Too Long”, and “Stone Station”.

So, making the choice of having Temple of Angels and Video Age open for Turnover was an excellent one. It’s absolutely one of, if not THE highlight of the show. Temple of Angels did a good job warming the crowd up, and singer Bre Morell looked absolutely stunning and passionate belting out to songs like “Cerise Dream” and “Star-Shaped Eyes”. Video Age just blew me away. Complimentary to Turnover’s latest album, Video Age’s synths and guitar riffs bring nothing but a good time. Highly recommend the songs “Shadow on the Wall” and “Blushing” which is a love-filled song that sounds like a warm golden hour.

Following that trend, the opening band for Soccer Mommy, TOPS, was also one of the highlights of Soccer Mommy’s show over at Emo’s Austin. Promoting their new album “I Feel Alive” TOPS gave nothing but a happy, lively performance of their new wave disco-influenced songs. Top choices from the album and the concert would definitely be “Colder & Closer” and “I Feel Alive” to which singer Jane Penny twirled and danced lightheartedly to the song.

As for the main act Soccer Mommy, I was honestly a bit underwhelmed. Much like the Turnover concert, the opening bands came out on top. Which astonished me as both Turnover and Soccer Mommy released strong albums both in product and conception in 2022. “Sometimes, Forever” gives a new side to Soccer Mommy with a gloomier, dark, ambient-heavy, and anti-hero theme throughout the album’s songs. “Myself in the Way” makes me want to drink with friends and dance the night away in some house party. Which makes me ask: “How much should concerts really impact me?” If a concert was great start to finish with an artist I love, that will obviously raise my love, connection, and commitment to that artist. But when it falls short of such, am I then being too touchy if my listening experience is soured whenever Soccer Mommy hops onto my spotify plays? I will say this, both Turnover and Soccer Mommy are musicians true and true, which has its differences from being referred to as a performer. When Soccer Mommy took time in her set to give her backing band a break, and just have it be her and her guitar on stage, that’s when I first felt genuine happiness radiate from her, to the stage, to the audience. So, perhaps even with my fortunate experience of being up close and invited to witness these concerts, the less-than performance from the main acts doesn’t take away the fact respect I have of them as musicians. 

The post Soccer Mommy & Turnover: Figuring Out How Much to Consider Content & Stage Wise appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Stopover is also in need of volunteers at the festival–you can sign up to volunteer here. You can purchase tickets here. You can also follow the Stopover festival on Instagram for updates.

Check out interviews that we’ve done with previous Stopover artists Honey Cutt and Tristen.

The post Savannah Stopover is Back this Year with Amazing Lineup appeared first on SCAD Radio.

For those attending the following 3 full days of music and fun, I’m going to do my best to familiarize you with some headliners and some up-and-comers playing at Atlanta’s 7^th Shaky Knees Festival! The list may be on the longer side, but if you’re not sure exactly where to go when you’re not seeing the 4 bands you came for, keep reading.

The Big Names:

Beck

            Since the early 1990s, Beck has been combining diverse genres to create his own unique independent style. He’s got 2 albums listed on Rolling Stone’s “500 greatest albums of all time”,  2015’s Grammy for Album of the Year, and a new single, “Saw Lightning”, co-produced with Pharrell Williams. Look out for his performance this Friday and new album Hyperspace this summer!

Incubus

            Originally from California, this band has been traveling the world since 1991! Famous for their alternative rock music, Incubus is going to be so much fun to see live at Shaky Knees. Their last album, 8, saw a world tour in 2017, and we can’t wait to see them Friday, right here in Georgia.

Cage the Elephant

            There’s just isn’t an alt. rock fan or former emo middle schooler who doesn’t know all the words to Cage the Elephant’s song “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked”. Although they’ve only been around since 2006, Cage the Elephant have made a huge name for themselves. Their latest album Social Cues dropped on April 19^th of this year, and I don’t know about you, but they’re one of the bands I’m most excited to see on Saturday!

Tame Impala

            All the way from Australia and first conceived in 2007, Tame Impala is the youngest headlining band on the Shaky Knees lineup! In 2012, their album Lonerism was nominated for the Grammy’s Best Alternative Music Album, and more recently they’re currently teasing their 4^th album with featured songs “Patience” and “Borderline”. Catch them with us, Sunday Night!

Familiar Artists You’ve Heard Here on SCAD Radio:

We’ve been playing these artists throughout the past few years, so you know they’ve got a special place in our hearts!

Tash Sultana

            This Australian “one-person band” has been active on Bandcamp since 2013 and in 2017, headlined a sold-out world tour! Be sure to check out the 2019 song “Can’t Buy Happiness” this Friday!

Foxing

            In my household, we love a band formed in my Mom’s hometown of St. Louis, Missouri! Foxing gives us plenty to love with their indie rock style and most recent album Nearer My God. Catch them Friday at Shaky Knees Festival!

Interpol

            At SCAD Radio, we’re very excited to see Interpol because their 2019 song “Fine Mess” is playing on our current rotation! You can see them this Saturday, and don’t miss their upcoming EP A Fine Mess, comprised of some songs written and recorded for their previous album, on May 17^th!

Soccer Mommy

            Soccer Mommy, or Sophie Allison, is definitely a recurring artist on SCAD Radio. We love when she releases new music almost as much as we love when she comes to town! You can listen to her newest song “Be Seeing You” when she performs on Saturday, or right here on SCAD Radio.

Maggie Rogers

            I personally love a great pop song and if you do too, Maggie Rogers is your girl. Her latest album Heard It In a Past Life is fantastic and she’s a must-see for me this Sunday!

Phosphorescent

            Matthew Houck has been performing under this name since 2001 and we can’t get enough of him—it’s only partially because he started in Athens, GA. See him back in the area in Atlanta this Sunday!

Deerhunter

            Speaking of locals, Deerhunter formed IN Atlanta and they’re back for Shaky Knees Festival 2019! You can hear quite a few songs from their latest (eighth) album Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared? on SCAD Radio. We’ll be kickin’ it at their Sunday performance, so you should be, too!

Calpurnia

            Known to many people as Finn Wolfhard (of Stranger Things)’s band, Calpurnia is an awesome up-and-coming alt. rock band. They formed recently in 2017, but their 2018 album Scout makes us hope they’ll be around for much longer. Although we can’t wait for new music, we’ll settle for seeing them this Sunday!

The Nude Party

            Perhaps the least well-known of this list, The Nude Party is a North Carolina band with a 60’s vibe and a cheeky, fun rock sound. Don’t miss them this Sunday!

Our must-sees:

I know this list is getting long, so let me wrap it up with a few artists that I personally wouldn’t miss for the world, and you shouldn’t either.

Tears for Fears

            You know them for their Billboard Hot 100  #1 hits “Shout” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, and the nostalgia is still strong with this one. They’ve got almost 4 decades of experience and are playing Friday night at Shaky Knees Festival.

Dashboard Confessional

            Okay, I was emo. I still consider myself emo, on the inside. Dashboard Confessional? Emo. But if you’re at art school with me, you probably had an emo phase yourself so you know Dashboard Confessional is a must-see band. I’ll be there on Friday and let’s face it, so will you.

Peach Pit

            One of the two lesser-known artists on my must-see list, but on here for a reason: their sound and image are unique, and even though they aren’t from around here, y’all know we love peaches in the peach state. Don’t miss them this Friday.

Slothrust

            Although they’re from Boston, a city I admittedly have personal beef with, Slothrust’s grungy alt. rock style is undeniably appealing. Their late-2018 album The Pact is a personal favorite. If you’ve got some spare time on Sunday, head on over to listen to some great alt. rock from this amazingly-named band.

            To conclude our 2019 Shaky Knees Festival Pre-Show Guide, here’s some basic information for your festival adventure:

The festival will be held Friday, May 3^rd to Sunday, May 5^th, at Central Park 400 Merritts Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, with gates opening at 11:30AM each day.

You CAN bring: a small purse, drawstring bag, binoculars, blankets, nonprofessional cameras, empty reusable water bottles/hydration packs.

You CANNOT bring: backpacks, aerosol containers, coolers, professional recording equipment/cameras, drones, glass/metal containers, umbrellas, pets, selfie sticks.

For the FULL list of things you can and can’t bring, as well as answers to questions you didn’t even know you had, head on over to shakykneesfestival.com/information!

The post Shaky Knees Festival 2019 Preview appeared first on SCAD Radio.

Also be sure to check out our Top 10 Songs of 2018.

#10- Clean- Soccer Mommy

Move over, Lana- there’s a new sad queen in town. Sophie Allison’s official debut packs all one could want from a slowcore indie rock stance. Whether the woozying riffs of “Cool” & “Your Dog”, or the melancholy chants of “Still Clean” & “Last Girl”, Clean checks off all the boxes for an indie star on the rise.

#9- Invasion of Privacy- Cardi B

After making landfall in 2017 with “Bodak Yellow”, Belcalis Almánzar’s first full-length follows up on the boisterous nature of the single that made her famous. Aside from her signature swank, Invasion of Privacy keeps on giving thanks to a variety of crowd-pleasing sounds like the latin-infused “I Like It” and the trappy “Drip”. Throw in an A-list cast of features, and the whole thing catapults Bardi far past one-hit wonder status.

Read our review for the album here.

#8- Welcome to the Neighbourhood- Boston Manor

Arcade Fire’s Win Butler described their landmark The Suburbs as neither “a love letter to, nor indictment of”, but a letter from his hometown. Boston Manor, on the other hand, uses this album as a complete criticism of theirs. Henry Cox announces “Welcome To The Neighbourhood/If you could leave you would” on the titular track before the Blackpool-bashing delves into issues that’ve beset the English city, such as a newfound drug haven on “Halo”. The hard rockers pull no punches with harsh yet understandable words and consistently banging riffs.

#7- Bark Your Head Off, Dog- Hop Along

Frances Quinlan’s ever-shifting voice leads the way on the Philadelphia band’s fourth album. Earworm moments like the finale of “How Simple” to the biblical imagery of “Not Abel” weaves variety into the record, but it’s clear the vocal performance makes Bark Your Head Off, Dog the best it can be.

#6- Golden Hour- Kacey Musgraves

For those of you about to skip on this one due to it being a “country” album, let it be known that much of Golden Hour is anything but. What makes Kacey Musgrave’s music so listenable is her ability to appeal to those who’ve never worn a cowboy hat. Her loveable lyrics are often cute in their wordplay, while the production strays from the southern sounds that would otherwise be a turnoff to country-haters.

#5- Sex & Food- Unknown Mortal Orchestra

The New Zealand band dives into a delicate mix of sounds on their fourth LP. The ripping riffs of songs like “Major League Chemicals” and groovy basslines of “Hunnybee” provide something for every listener.

#4- How to Socialize and Make Friends- Camp Cope

2018 introduced a wave of female indie rock with artists like Soccer Mommy and Snail Mail, but it was Australian girl group Camp Cope that won us over with their second LP. The trio tackled subjects like sexism in the music world, entranced with the raging vocals and often sarcastic wit of lead singer Georgia “Maq” McDonald.

#3- Black Panther: The Album- Various Artists

Since DAMN came out last year, it seemed we weren’t getting another Kendrick Lamar album soon. However, we got the next best thing- a giant collaborative release with Kung-Fu Kenny and his friends to pair with the Marvel blockbuster. Blending sounds like African tribal drums with today’s hip-hop and R&B worked like a charm. The soundtrack is just as much of an ode to the continent as its movie, even with that…interesting (and meme-worthy)…Future verse on “King’s Dead”.

#2- Be the Cowboy- Mitski

Zany instrumentation accompanies witty writing on the songwriter’s most recent offering. Most of the tracks don’t reach the 3-minute mark, staging Be the Cowboy more as a collection of anecdotes from Mitski’s mind. Some songs are won over by the exuberant sounds, others by the poetic lyrics. Though anchored by the pounding “Nobody”, the album contains plenty of treats like the melancholy “Lonesome Love” and the flamboyant “Why Didn’t You Stop Me?”

#1- Dirty Computer- Janelle Monáe

A “visual album” that packs a 46-minute short film for good measure is still a fantastic listen by itself. The robotic flow of the ingenious artist (and now pansexual icon) dishes out identity, feminism, and lust all in one dazzling LP. Politically intelligent on “Screwed” and “Django Jane”, while shamelessly craving same-sex love on “Make Me Feel” and “PYNK”, Dirty Computer is a relevant plea for a better tomorrow, as well as an LGBT pride album for a generation.

SCAD Radio has to choose it as the best album of 2018.

Read our review for the album here.

The post Top 10 Albums of 2018 appeared first on SCAD Radio.

As with the conclusion of any Earth cycle, it’s time for SCAD Radio’s favorite tracks that made 2018 suck less. After rigorous debate and a sophisticated voting process, we have rounded out our overall choices for the 10 best songs of the year.

Also be sure to check out our top 10 albums of 2018.

#10- Nice for What- Drake

For the most part, it seemed fans loved Scorpion “only partly”. While much of the LP fell flat, “Nice For What” brought more of the upbeat and fun music Drake has become a household name for. Taking a bite from Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor”, the Canadian rapper constructs a women’s empowerment tune complete with a star-studded music video of famous females.

Listen here.

#9- Tints- Anderson .Paak feat. Kendrick Lamar

The funkiest man in music right now teams up with rap’s reigning king for a nostalgic bop. Fans anticipating the lead single for .Paak’s third album, Oxnard, got what they wanted. “Tints” begins with a delicious ‘70s-centric disco beat as the Dr. Dre. prodigy and Lamar dive into their distaste for the paparazzi. Channeling his inner James Brown, Anderson .Paak summons perhaps his flashiest tune to date.

Listen here.

#8- Make Me Feel- Janelle Monáe

Bubbly, catchy, and clearly Prince-inspired, the single to Dirty Computer warps the pop & R&B styles the electric lady is known for mixing. With that finger-snap bassline to the “bass drop” chorus of sorts, “Make Me Feel” made us feel “so f*ckin’ real”.

Listen here.

#7- Fists of Fury- Kamasi Washington

Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, the opening to Kamasi Washington’s Heaven and Earth is nothing short of epic. A fight song at heart, but a jazzy ballad for the ages nonetheless, the saxophonist’s combination of roaring brass and racing drums ensure that listening to “Fists of Fury” only through headphones limits the thunderous experience.

The full track isn’t available on YouTube, but you can listen to a live version here.

#6- Cool- Soccer Mommy

A ringing yet soft guitar carries us into the underdog world of one of indie rock’s most promising stars. “Cool” details the girl who’s too good for you through the eyes of the girl on the sidelines, Soccer Mommy. Capitalized with a simple chorus that’ll have you belting out “you-ou-ou-ou”s of your own, one of 2018’s best breakouts finishes the track with a nicely done slow fade-out.

Listen here.

#5- High Horse- Kacey Musgraves

The disco-pop glitz of “High Horse” would never leave a first-time listener to guess Musgraves is a country artist. The songwriter ventures further and further away from the genre she once called home, and in all the right ways. The danciest track from the terrific Golden Hour wonderfully displays the Texan evolving far beyond her comfort zone.

Listen here.

#4- All the Stars- Kendrick Lamar & SZA

The end-credit tune from Marvel’s groundbreaking Black Panther movie shines thanks to two of Top Dawg Entertainment’s finest hitmakers. Kendrick Lamar’s motivational verses in the guise of T’Challa complement the superhero’s story, and SZA’s powerful vocals anchor the uplifting chorus. Wakanda forever indeed.

Listen here.

#3- This Is America- Childish Gambino

When Donald Glover and his stage name Childish Gambino were announced to be the host and musical guest for Saturday Night Live, it served as a conformation of new music. The same night Gambino performed at the New York venue, the music video for the America-criticizing song was unleashed for the internet to interpret. He surprised everyone with the psychedelic shift in genre on songs like “Redbone”, but Glover made an even bigger splash with this instant classic and it’s mind-boggling video.

Read our review for the iconic music video here.

Watch the music video here.

#2- Nobody- Mitski

Everyone experiences loneliness at some point in their lives, even if you’re an indie giant like Mitski Miyawaki. Starting with a light percussion tap and concluding with a roof-raising chant of the track’s title, the Japanese-born singer/songwriter pairs feelings of isolation with a bouncy riff that launched her from underground to indie fame.

Listen here.

#1- Feels Like Summer- Childish Gambino

If you haven’t realized by now, it was a big year for Donald Glover. Following the cultural phenomenon “This Is America”, the music world couldn’t expect what the multi-talent would do next. In sync with the “jigsaw-puzzle” vibe of the former, “Feels Like Summer” tactically misled viewers on a seemingly relaxing animated bit with various rappers and public figures from J. Cole to Michelle Obama. Even the video’s finale of Gambino entering his house as the sun sets is thought to reference the rumors his upcoming fourth album will be his last. Nevertheless, for those of you who didn’t know, the song is actually about climate change and global warming. Yeah.

Listen here.

The post Top 10 Songs of 2018 appeared first on SCAD Radio.