Single Of The Week: “IDK WTD” by Human Touch

Oh, man! This was such a lovely surprise this morning to see that Natalia Rogovin’s Human Touch project is back! “IDK WTD” is such a blissful lofi synth gem that has dramatically lifted my spirits today. This song is just plain perfect- it’s warm, it’s catchy, and it moves in several different directions. Rogovin is singing in a different register than she did with her band Social Studies, allowing her to bring out a different emotional range. And I know you’ll hear it, but I’m a sucker for the perfect “crack” in a song, and her voice cracks in a way that simply sends my heart aflutter. 

I’m hoping this is a sign of more to come. “IDK WTD” is available everywhere. Keep an eye out on Human Touch’s Instagram page for more (I hope).

Bikini Kill Tour Starts Next Month!

Kathleen Hanna is so busy these days that it’s hard to keep track of which project is doing what and when. Last year was a Le Tigre-heavy year, and so far, Hanna has been focusing on her excellent book, Rebel Girl. But Bikini Kill *just* made their network TV debut (after 34 years!) on The Late Show Wait Stephen Colbert, and they are crossing North America starting in LA at The Wiltern on August 15th-16th, coming to The Warfield (a venue that figures prominently in the aforementioned book) August 18th-19th, and wrapping up Baltimore on September 12th. And, as she hinted at her City Arts & Lectures appearance back in May, there are no future Bikini Kill plans currently, so it would be wise to hit up one of these. 

Full Tour Dates Below: Continue reading “Bikini Kill Tour Starts Next Month!”

Single of the Week: “AYAYAY” by Noga Erez featuring Dillom

Some weeks the Single Of The Week can be a really easy decision. And other weeks, I’m digging through tracks, waiting for the thing that pulls me in. This week was actually a bit of the latter. Then I stumbled over a name that I’d seen a lot and ignored: Noga Erez. I guess it was finally my time because “AYAYAY” was the thing that I needed to re-energize my day. It’s a blend of Reggaeton, Cumbia, and Middle Eastern beats combined with Erez’s impressive mic Spanglish mic skills, with the Dillom cameo coming in tastefully, just adding some color to the song without overwhelming it. I get how she landed the Missy Elliott seal of approval. 

“AYAYAY” is available in all the usual places. Her next album, The Vandalist, is ready to pick up your Fall doldrums on September 20th. Preorders and presaves are happening now! 

Mosswood Meltdown – An Epic Punk Rock Festival

 

Mosswood_Meltdown_2024_John-Waters_PhotoCredit_Emily-Anderson-05760
John Waters Opening Commentary 

Warning!  This article has unsponsored, unfiltered tales from the Photo Pit. I’m excited to share highlights of Mosswood Meltdown, an absolute pinnacle event. I’m ever grateful for its return each year and its host, John Waters.    Continue reading “Mosswood Meltdown — An Epic Punk Rock Festival”

Show Review: Death To All 6/27 and 6/28/2024 @ The Regent (Downtown Los Angeles)

I often hesitate before I type certain statements. Of course, what writer doesn’t, but more often than not, I find myself questioning how much truth I’m putting down. No self-respecting writer wants to publish hyperbole; it is the enemy of serious writing. With that, I think it is safe to say that heavy metal music has been experiencing a renaissance. With festivals like Sick New World, Mayhem, Metal Injection’s inaugural Summer Slaughter (upcoming), and massive world tours with sonically packed lineups like Chaos and Carnage, it’s a hell of a time to be a metal fan.

Continue reading “Show Review: Death To All 6/27 and 6/28/2024 @ The Regent (Downtown Los Angeles)”

Outside Lands 2024: Top 10 From The Bottom Half Of The Poster

The craziest thing about this year’s Outside Lands poster is that, when it was first printed, Shaboozey was on the 4th line from the bottom. Obviously, having a worldwide #1 hit means that he’s doing just fine; here are 10 MORE acts from the bottom half of the poster for you to watch out for.

The full lineup is here, the schedule is here so you can start plotting your weekend, and limited tickets are still available: Continue reading “Outside Lands 2024: Top 10 From The Bottom Half Of The Poster”

How Did I Get Here? with Victoria Bigelow

I didn’t know what to expect when I got on a call with Victoria Bigelow. All I knew about her was that I’d kinda fallen in love with her head-swimmy brand of reverb-drenched country and shoegaze. We ended up talking a LOT about music in general, the struggles with being a DIY artist in this modern era, and getting the seal of approval from Willie Nelson.

Her latest release, Songs For No One, Vol 2, is out now on Immortal Records, which was, in fact, Korn’s first record label. Her latest video, “Forever Now And Then,” is a stunning piece of filmmaking.

Enjoy!

Film Review: “Twisters”

Powell’s charm almost saves lackluster Twister follow up 

Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), Tyler (Glen Powell, middle) and Javi (Anthony Ramos) survey the weather.

Director Lee Isaac Chung, who garnered well deserved attention and a Best Director Oscar nomination for his affecting indie family drama Minari back in 2020, tries his hand at a big summer blockbuster with Twisters, a sequel of sorts to Twister, the box-office success that opened way back in 1996. Lee should stick to indie fare. Twisters is at best a serviceable piece of entertainment, and, at worst, an uninspired and unimaginative virtual reboot of the original.

Continue reading “Film Review: “Twisters””

Single of the Week: “All In My Head” by the Linda Lindas

The other night, I was in a late-night Lyft coming home from the train station after *finally* seeing The Rolling Stones. (It was great. Nope, I’m not writing a full review.) I have a young child, and the driver has an adolescent child. We talked at length about how tough the transition from kid to adolescent is for parents. The next morning I opened up my email to find “All In My Head” by the Linda Lindas and it perfectly encapsulates the anxiety and stress of life when everything inside you and outside of you is changing. Coincidentally, they debuted this song opening for The Stones in LA a few days before! 

“All In My Head” comes from The Linda Lindas’ upcoming album, No Obligation, on Epitaph Records, out October 11th. They are spending the Summer on tour with Green Day and Rancid and snuck in a gig at 924 Gilman that sold out in 30 seconds flat, so if anyone has an in for tickets, please let me know. 

Vinyl Reissue Spotlight: Bratmobile’s Lookout Records Era

Remember the 00’s? It was such a hopeful time. The activism community was really fired up against Bush and his so-called “war on terror.” It felt like we were making real headway as progressives, and it felt like there was a real unified front. Sadly, at the same time, the Tea Party managed to devolve into the frighteningly authoritarian MAGA movement, and, to be frank, I’m feeling a little hopeless right now. BUT! I opened my inbox to find two records that really motivated me during that era and are coming back into circulation: Bratmobile’s Ladies, Women, and Girls and Girls Get Busy. These two records mean the world to me, and without Bratmobile playing shows again (including an appearance at Pitchfork Music Festival THIS WEEKEND!)

Colored Vinyl and CDs are coming to you on October 25th (two days before my birthday!). You can preorder here, including a really cool-looking shirt with the classic logo. 

And you can stream these two classic records right now for a nice hit of ambition for your day: 

Continue reading “Vinyl Reissue Spotlight: Bratmobile’s Lookout Records Era”