Author: Dakin Hardwick

How Did Soft Palms (Julia Kugel & Scott Montoya) Get Here?

I wish I could say that no AI was used on this podcast. I hate AI, but I also don’t have a budget for a producer, so I use Riverside.com to help edit these.

I know. I told Julia Kugel and Scott Montoya of Soft Palms, whose book “How To Be Self-Reliant In The Music Industry” is out now, and they are not fans of AI, either. They are smart folks who have been through a lot with Soft Palms, as well as their own bands, The Coathangers and The Growlers, and Julia’s solo project, Julia, Julia.

Their upcoming record, In Echo, is out TODAY! They will also be touring the US and EU this late Summer and Fall. Tour dates here.


 

Single of the Week: “Switch It Up” by Mike D

First of all, it’s been 15 years since the last new music dropped from ANY Beastie Boy. It’s also been 14 years, nearly to the day, since Adam Yauch left this mortal plane. But Mike D gifted us his first solo single today, and it’s a chaotic, jungle-influenced bit of sonic joy. Think DJ Shadow meets AK 1200. Anyways, “Switch It Up” is great. 

He’s also playing a few headlining shows, with a show at Sid The Cat Auditorium on Sunday, and Xanadu in Brooklyn May 22nd-23rd. 

Single of the Week: “Do We Exist?” by Spacemoth

Spacemoth is back! I’m bloody thrilled… She’s returned with a bright and sunny bit of krautrock joy. Does that make sense? NOT AT ALL! Until you listen to the track. Heck, even Willow Smith is on board at this point. Put your brain in a swimming pool in the sun and enjoy.

“Do We Exist?” is the first single off Spacemoth’s sophomore record, Inward Eye, dropping June 26th. See them at their record release show at Rickshaw Stop on July 24th, or at the King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard curated Field Of Vision Festival August 14-16! Or on your computer right now courtesy KEXP! 

Single of the Week: “Famine” by Kate Nash

I don’t like to pick covers for Single of the Week, but I’ll make an exception here- Kate Nash has presented a retelling of Sinead O’Connor’s “Famine,” which tells the truth about the Irish potato famine and how it all ties back to English Imperialism. Last night I saw Habibi perform, and their lead singer, Rahill, discussed at length what’s happening in Iran, and it was potent. (Her song about that is dropping soon) But the history of false famines to control a population is as painful as it is deliberate. (See: US destroying Cuba RIGHT THIS FUCKING SECOND)

“Famine” is ready to stream now, and the 7″ can be preordered for release July 17th. 

Single of the Week: “What’s For Dinner” by BLARF

What? An actual piece of modern classical music as your “Single Of The Week”? And it’s out on Stones Throw? Oh, BLARF is actually comedian Eric Andre?!? YES! This piece is a little Copland, a little Gershwin, and a little Reznor and it’s AMAZING. 

BLARF’s full album of classical compositions, Film Scores For Films That Don’t Exist is out May 1st. Preorder here! And see him debut these works WITH ORCHESTRA in LA on April 27th! 

 

Outside Lands announces SOMA Line Up

April lands tomorrow, but Outside Lands decided to avoid fooling up by gifting us the SOMA line-up, which looks like it’s most varied yet. They also have added a special, ultra-exclusive SOMA Social Club package, available here. Full line-up for OSL’s epic dance music grove below: Continue reading “Outside Lands announces SOMA Line Up”

BUMBERSHOOT 2026: BIKINI KILL! TURNSTILE! DEATH CAB! DIE SPITZ! PEACHES!!!!

YES! YOU CAN RESIST PSYCHIC DEATH at BUMBERSHOOT 2026

The longest-running music festival in the US has announced its 2026 lineup, and it’s killer. Despite Peaches being on the bill, it’s still a family-friendly affair in Seattle, complete with Seattle legends Death Cab For Cutie headlining alongside “the biggest hardcore band ever” Turnstile. (How the hell did hardcore finally have a mainstream face?!?!) Fellow PNW legends Bikini Kill are playing, too. Plus De La Soul, Die Spitz, W.I.T.C.H., Yves Tumor, and so much more. Tickets start at $90.50 a day, $155.50 for the weekend (fees inclusive!) with payment plans starting at $40 down! Tickets here, full music lineup below! 

Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival 2026 Lineup Continue reading “BUMBERSHOOT 2026: BIKINI KILL! TURNSTILE! DEATH CAB! DIE SPITZ! PEACHES!!!!”

Show Review: Gelli Haha with Big Sis and Molina at Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 3/26/26

The world is really ready for an Electroclash comeback. Peaches is touring on the regular. GRAVY TRAIN!!! and Le Tigre have returned to the live stage. But where are the young electroclash acts here to carry the torch? SLAYYYTER and Charli XCX are definitely bringing the influence into the modern era. Yet, the DIY, artpunk side of it was 100% on display this lovely Thursday night at Brick & Mortar Music Hall. Continue reading “Show Review: Gelli Haha with Big Sis and Molina at Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 3/26/26”

Single of the Week: “Six Shades Of Grey” by Lindsey Troy

I’ve come to realize that the “Single of the Week” column has accidentally become my own, personal diary. Maybe because when a song clicks with me, it’s generally directly pointed at something I’m going through. This one is “good” but hard- I’ve been “re”diagnosed with OCD recently, and I’m just starting some rather intense and focused OCD treatment. And it’s painful and scary, and learning how to exist without trying to control the utter randomness of life feels pretty impossible. And it’s “weird.” Even my therapist called my symptoms “interesting.” Fuck. But it really sounds like former Deap Vally frontwoman Lindsey Troy gets it, and gets that it’s such a weird and complex ailment that has been overly simplified as someone who likes to keep things clean. (I wish my OCD did this.)

“Six Shads Of Grey” can be enjoyed in all the usual places. Hoping to get to hear more this year from her!