The Russ Liquid Test returns to Phoenix this March!

Ladies and Gentleman it brings me great pleasure to announce the return of Russ Liquid to our great city of Phoenix.  The 21st of March [Tuesday for those without calendars] will host The Russ Liquid Test, Russ Liquid’s side band/project, at Crescent Ballroom.  Get hyped for the band that has been pushing musical boundaries with their stylish sound straight from good ol’ New Orleans, LA.

Russ Liquid

Here's what you can expect: the freshest future-funk around, dancing -- lots of dancing, a blend of classic and future music performed by a 4-piece live band and a multi-dimensional spectrum of joyous emotions.

It’s going to be hands-down one of the funkiest nights you’ll want to remember.  Be sure to get your tickets as you will not want to miss one of the hottest acts on the festival circuit and for that matter all around.

Get your tickets here.

James

James

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Steve Aoki coming back to Scottsdale next Saturday to perform at the Birds Nest

Steve Aoki >> will make his return to the desert next Saturday FEB-4 for a late night set at the Birds Nest following the Waste Management Phoenix Open, also known as the Scottsdale Shit Show Classic.

Steve Aoki

If you're not already familiar with what the annual golf tournament brings, just know that it's a golf tournament that attracts a few hundred thousand desert dwellers to dress up, enjoy the perfect weather and party balls...oh and maybe watch some golf?

All the lovely tourney attendees chocked full of spirits eventually flock to the adjacent Birds Nest for an after party that features more great food and drinks and performances from big names. This year the lineup boasts Kaskade, Blink-182 and Steve Aoki among others.

In 2017, Steve Aoki remains a premier artist in EDM and continues produce sick new sounds that keep the genre thriving. He recently remixed 'Welcome To The Black Parade' in honor of the 10-year anniversary of My Chemical Romance's sophomore album The Black Parade. The track features the characteristically crunchy cuts that Aoki is famous for, transcending multiple genres and is a testament to the inventiveness of his craft.

Go the Birds Nest next Saturday and you will see how much energy he brings and brings out in people when he gets down. Get your tickets here.

 
marc

marc

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The Record Company >> Getting Up Off The Ground in Los Angeles [El Rey]

Excuse me while I pick myself ‘Off The Ground,’ because The Record Company is my latest guilty pleasure. With the perfect mix of blues, rock, and a touch of early punk, it doesn’t get much better than this.

It was an older crowd for Thursday night at the El Rey, but that didn’t stop the elated spectators from having a great time and getting into the performance that was nothing less than high energy. Opener The Marcus King Band helped set the stage, especially since the young and very eclectic lead singer walked out and joined the crowd briefly after his set.

The Record Company

Formed in Los Feliz, CA in 2011, the trio released their first studio album earlier this year to the pleasure of many. Since the show was a bit of a homecoming, lead singer Chris Vos declared that they were there to ‘[keep] the spirit of rock ‘n roll alive.’ And alive, they did!

Something about the way they perform is mesmerizing, energetic, and easy to get lost in. If it hadn’t been for the stage clock glaring at me all night I would have sworn I was there for hours without a care in the world. Vos himself stated that ‘if there’s any piece of me left after this show I’ll never forgive myself,’ and I agree if there was any piece left of him I wouldn’t believe it. From yelling his brains out so hard he had to rip off his jacket and threw it [nearly knocking over a guitar], to jamming with said guitar flat across his lap [something I’ve personally never seen], to spinning so hard he got tangled up in the guitar plug and could have easily wiped out. This guy was here to give us a show!

The Record Company

Other highlights included a rainbow light show [I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again—I love good lighting!], Alex Stiff’s not-so-stiff bass playing, and drummer Marc Cazorla walking out at the end of the set with bare feet.

The Record Company The Record Company The Record Company

If you haven’t already seen them perform live, please go! Seeing them live is 10x better than hearing their already good album. I converted my buddy while he was there, who walked away with a copy of the CD. Which will have to do, since you can’t really take them home with you.

Danielle

Danielle

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Go HAIM or Go Home >> Going Under the Wire in Los Angeles [The Fonda]

HAIM >> Red Bull Sound Select’s 30 Days in L.A. kicked off yet another year of its concert series earlier this month with a lineup almost as impressive as its $15 admission. While bummed to have missed out on Bob Moses the first week, I did have the great fortune to catch the other most notable act, HAIM, in what was my first non-festival experience of the sister group from the San Fernando Valley who look more like chicks from Boise, Idaho with their middle parts and lack of makeup [with one red-lipped exception].

HAIM

What is refreshing about this trio is that they keep to their particular sense of flair and individual personalities despite being in a group under the family name. Each has their own unique style, ranging from 90s Clueless dresses, to DGAF baggy shirt and pants, to scalloped short-shorts with a vintage tee. A bit Partridge Family-meets-the Runaways, the ladies showed great enthusiasm rocking out and taking in the crowd at a venue they’ve been to many times before—as attendees.

Though a bit underwhelmed by the odd Trump-colored lighting that moved more than the life on stage—aside from a few synchronized sways and guitar solos—the impressive vocals from Danielle, as well as Este’s tribute to Prince with 'I Would Die 4 U' were enough to bring the sold out crowd to their feet. The consumption of Red Bull only cocktails might have helped with that. Baby Haim, Alana, did her thing being the perky soul of the group, which helped brighten Danielle’s stiffness and Este’s odd mouth gestures which can only be described as ‘air oral’.

HAIM

Though these girls aren’t what I would necessarily describe as ‘cool’ kids, they are a fun bunch who have managed their way into Taylor Swift’s inner circle. Their distinctive vocals have even made appearances on EDM tracks from the likes of Calvin Harris and Major Lazer, which clearly proves these sisters have made it to the big leagues. Neither track was played last night, showing that they’re not cocky when it comes to their newfound fame.

In addition to nearly an hour of hits off their debut Days Are Gone, the girls also played two new tracks from their upcoming album. Each was true to their sound and met with loud cheers, which is encouraging for what they have to come. So buckle up, because these sisters are about to make the rounds with their sophomore album. Festival circuit 2017, perhaps?

Danielle

Danielle

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Hirie & Nahko and Medicine for the People >> Healing the Santa Cruz Crowd [The Catalyst]

Not going to lie, having seen and written about both artists multiple times before I was a little worried there wouldn’t be much new material for this article. What more could I possibly say without coming off as a star struck fanboy? Luckily for me the answer was plenty as Hirie and Nahko both took their performances to a new level in Santa Cruz last Saturday night at The Catalyst.

Hirie

The double header of an evening was lead off by Hirie, the pint size power house pixie of island music. Even in 4 inch heels you feel like you could pick up all five feet nothing of her and put her in your pocket. Then she opens her mouth and her voice outweighs her by a hundred pounds easy. She has amazing range and her pitch really does have a weight to it, filling the small seaside venue easily and fully. I’ve never seen someone smile so hard, so long and so genuinely through a performance. She clearly loves every second on stage and darn it, just seems like a sweetie; then, you listen to her lyrics. Playing old singles titled ‘Sensi Boy’ and ‘Higher’, and the new ‘Don’t Take My Ganja’ off her recent album Wandering Soul, her love of cannabis is clearly on display. Also, I’ll let you potty minds figure out what her new song ‘Woman Comes First’ is about. Personal favorite of the concert was her newest single ‘You Won’t Be Alone’. It is just catchy AF as the kids say, and I also though it was the supporting bands best song of the night, really highlighting each instrument at different points and bringing them back on time and in perfect harmony for that hook. Hirie, her band, and their music have really grown into their own skin in this second album and was great to see it translates live as it did Saturday night.

Nahko and Medicine For The People

Nahko brought his medicine to the stage for act 2 with the subtleness of a screaming ambulance. He surprised everyone by coming through the crowd to the front of the stage, bullhorn in hand and blaring his calls for change. It was a theme that carried through their set as it often does. In my opinion his shows aren’t even concerts. They are sermons, a rally, a protest, a meditation and a performance. Also fresh off a new-ish album Hoka, this stop by The Catalyst was no different. Playing new songs ‘We Shall Overcome’, ‘Build A Bridge’ and ‘Make A Change’, you’re probably starting to put together that Nahko isn’t all too pleased with the current set of problems facing this country and others for that matter. Those songs and others call to light the differences between the haves and have-nots, the oppression of people of color, the desecration of our earth and its natural resources; all heavy topics to be sure. The light he sheds on these issues is done beautifully and you don’t feel depressed about the state. You end up feeling empowered and hopeful and want to be a part of the solution, and I know at least one person left feeling that was Saturday night and I think that makes Nahko a happy bear. When he’s not playing Bernie Sanders rallies or fighting the Dakota access pipeline, Nahko and Medicine for the People sometimes play music and make the world a better place one song at a time. I invite you to join his movement next time his winds of change blow through you’re town. He’d like that and so will you.

 
Charles

Charles

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Nathaniel Rateliff >> Night Sweats in Los Angeles [Greek Theatre]

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats >> It was a night I didn’t expect and for that it was a night I will always remember.

Nathanial Rateliff

If you’ve never been to the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park, you’re missing out. It’s an outdoor venue built in 1930 with an over 5,700 seating capacity that includes everything from the pit to private dining tables to general seating that climbs up into the hills. It’s a bit like the Hollywood Bowl, but more outdoorsy feeling and with a more lax and intimate crowd. The staff is pretty amazing as well, with a special shout out to Jessica from Goldenvoice and the rest of the crew for taking good care of me. The addition of the Santa Ana winds picking up steadily on the first day of fall only enhanced the experience.

Nathanial Rateliff

That being said, it was much to my surprise when my lying, cheating ex jumped into the seat next to mine to say hello, as he was sitting a row back behind me. Out of all the thousands of seats, he had to walk into mine. It was awkward and uncomfortable, though went as well as it could and I hoped that my focus on covering the show would overpower my desire to run.

Fortunately Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats are fucking incredible and they made it easy to dance along and not pay attention to what was happening behind me, which was apparently a show in itself. A couple songs in, my ex taps me to hand me an unexpected glass of wine, then quickly ran off. The group behind and next to me heard the whole story of how he was my ex and his new girlfriend [whom I never saw so can’t confirm] flipped out and made a scene. The young woman next to me confirmed she was ready to punch her out because she was ruining everyone’s experience. This ordeal ended with both groups giving me high fives and telling me I won. And I didn’t even have to compete!

Nathanial Rateliff

So thankfully, after those few uncomfortable songs I was able to enjoy the remainder of the show as I intended which included lots of dancing, clapping, and cheering along with the rest of the tipsy attendees. There were a few shout outs from the band to their Denver fans, the mention that one of their early shows began at 6:30 but doors opened at 7 [a friendly reminder that they were once unknown], and several new songs that we got to hear for the first time. The exceptionally catchy ‘I Did It’ was a particular favorite and I can’t wait to play it on repeat in the near future!

Nathanial Rateliff

What I love about Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats is that they manage to take a very folksy Americana sound and turn it into something light and cheerful that can be played on mainstream radio yet still hold true to their roots. Their music is genuinely happy, upbeat, and engaging. They don’t have to tell people to clap their hands, they just do!

The proximity of the venue in an upper middle class neighborhood required a hard stop at 11, which worked out just fine for my mid-week early wake up struggle. I left the venue happy, lighthearted, and extremely thrilled that that ‘Son of a Bitch/<Got> Me a Drink’ and all was right in the world.

Danielle

Danielle

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All Rap Matters >> Atmosphere and Brother Ali in San Francisco [The Masonic]

Atmosphere >> On the Tuesday following yet more police shootings, in Charlotte and Tulsa, I found myself at The Masonic Theater in San Francisco for a hip hop show on a school night. What I took home, was an education taught by the mic in the hands of Brother Ali and Atmosphere.

Atmosphere

For those not familiar with Brother Ali his rhetoric and songs shedding light on inequality in America are nothing new. They are the backbone of his music and more over him as a performer and as a man. Like Atmosphere, he hails from Minneapolis. He is a Muslim, an albino, and the father of a 16-year old African American son. Although his albinism affects his vision, one can only imagine he has seen some shit in his 39 years. He performed songs like 2007’s ‘Uncle Sam Goddamn’ and 2012’s ‘Mourning in America’ may have never rung truer or hit as close to home as they did Tuesday. It wasn’t all doom and gloom with songs like ‘Forrest Whitaker’ had the crowd grooving and moving along. The self-deprecating lyrics mocked his albinism while praising its namesake who also overcame other people’s preconceptions of what greatness looks like. The most poignant part of his set though, had no beat or tune. He stopped the turn tables for a moment and recited a new piece entitled ‘Dear Black Son’. It was literally a letter he wrote to his 16 year old boy about becoming a black man in today’s racially charged America. It wasn’t preachy, attacking, or over the top. It was filled with worry and pain and love; themes most too many Americans know all too well these days. It might not have been a raging party, but the set was crisp, the rhymes tight, and the moment right for Brother Ali’s sermons.

Brother Ali

The back half of the evening was brought home by Atmosphere, the other half of the Twin Cities’ hip hop royalty. Although less political in nature, the music of rapper Slug [Sean Daley] and DJ/Producer Ant [Anthony Davis] still has a darker shade to it. They rap about problems that transcend race or current events. The themes of struggling with self-image, relationships, drug and alcohol abuse came through clearly if not overly present as they performed ‘God Loves Ugly’ and ‘Shoulda Known’ right out of the gate. After doing this together for more than two decades their songs still seem fresh, probably because the passion for the music can be felt in every verse and track as if it was the first time they played it. Now in his mid-40’s, Sean ‘Slug’ Daley seems almost rejuvenated on stage, with an appreciation for everything and a fuck you we’re still here attitude fueling the performance. Talib Kwali or even Eminem he is not. The rhymes come slow and deliberate, but the lyrics are clear and sharp as a razor blade in a cadence as smooth as a shave. Playing with the audience between songs and even freestyling, looking for things that rhyme with Kaepernick the SF crowd was treated to a well-rehearsed and engaging performance. They left them wanting more, and held the hangover anthem ‘Sunshine’ up their sleeve for the predictable encore. The song was just the upswing and the possibility of hope for a better day everyone needed that night at the concert and beyond the walls of the Masonic.

Atmosphere

After my last rap concert, Brother Ali and Atmosphere helped restore my faith in hip hop. It’s not always about having an entourage on stage, about blunts, bitches and Patron. Those things are all cool though but have their time & place. Tuesday reminded me that rap can be about lyrics with a real message. It can educate. It can knock everything down and raise you back up with it. It can be about making a connection between and with the audience, the performer and the music all at once. Brother Ali and Atmoshphere are vets of the rap game for this long because they do just that. Catch these class acts on their Freshwater Fly Fishermen Tour running through the end of the year and most likely enlightening a city near you soon!

 
Charles

Charles

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