FACT is reporting that Smashing Pumpkins, out of the public eye for years, will be roaring back onto the scene. Not one but two new albums in 2015, titled Monuments To An Elegy and Day for Night. I missed the original wave of enjoying these guys with friends in school, but I can’t ignore their prominence & influence. If there’s a single coming this year, I’ll try to throw it up here. Until then, expect guitars & Billy Corgan, who has been doing some interesting stuff these days.
Beatport alerted me to an interesting new site that’s cropped up over on the blogs over the last few weeks or so. This matching service between vocalists & producers is something I’ve always wondered about. The matching, connections and regulation to prevent exploitation is something every industry struggles with. To be able to crowd-source work requests and recruit talent in a secure fashion is huge, and ensures no one (hopefully) gets screwed. Producers looking for voices, get at this. Vice versa? Do the same.
I really could not be more excited. In case you don’t know why, check out my interview with him back in 2012, that is now cited on his Wikipedia page (Primary Source Bitches!). Ellie Goulding shows up to provide support, so now that I’ve got the LA pop music heads’ attention, get into it. Just in case you needed an excuse to re-acquaint yourself, hit up this mix he threw out a year ago on OWSLA. And yes, that EP was phat, I bought it, and this next one is getting bought too. (via EDMTunes)
The Indio Police only arrested 80 people over the weekend. Considering there were ~90,000 people through the gates daily, that’s saying quite a bit. I’m going to keep maintaining that dance attendees cause less damage, are less violent and stress rescue & enforcement resources than your run of the mill football game, rock concert or holiday associated with drinking. The Indio Police department agrees. From the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin:
“If you look at some other big event like an Oakland Raiders game, how many people get arrested at those,” he said. “There was nothing really significant this year and there were no major issues with traffic. It was pretty good.”
If you go back and look at the local commentary about TomorrowWorld, you’ll see the same thing. I think these larger events are coming into their own, and while the Ultra security guard injury was tragic & never should have happened, we’re seeing things like that less and less. Six people died in Malaysia at the Future Music Festival, so there are definitely examples of places doing this worse. I think we have a long way to go until we’re partying in the magical land of peace, equality & unicorn farts we’ve all heard fucked up people talk about, but this news shows that we’re on our way. Alright Coachella, let’s not go all Woodstock 99 on this shit on Weekend 2 ok? (via Magnetic, image via Treehugger)
I came across this over the weekend after getting lost on YouTube looking for break dancing videos. I’m so glad I did. This is a level of complexity that would be totally lost in the dark, which would be sad. The work is exceptional & the track choice is perfect. This is definitely not something I’ve seen at parties. While I’ve seen gloving, liquid movement and other more arm/wrist-based popping & locking, this is a new one for me. I love when that happens. Get at this guy on Youtube & Facebook.
Jimmy Kimmel did something surprisingly cool & “with it” last week. Drake, longtime nice guy & slick rapper, showed up on the program & got made up on camera. Not for a new music video, but to go onto Hollywood Blvd & ask people what they thought of…Drake. This is the kind of artistic participation in media that I love seeing. He was a cool sport about it all and it led to some pretty great scenes for late night comedy fodder. The earnest kid who was down with Drake even got to go to the show and hang out. I hope Drake blew that kid’s mind with a night out on the town. And we all know that if the kid passed out at Drake’s house, Drake would put a blanket over him, take off his shoes and charge his phone. Because Drake is like that.
In a move zero people saw coming, not only are the founders of The Mars Volta back, they’ve brought Flea (yes, the RHCP member) with them! The new sound is called Antemasque and they’ve got two tracks out currently on their bandcamp page. Get at them below, there’s a rocking, alternative sound that I’ve not heard in many years. They’re busting out the gate and I couldn’t be more happy about it. Everything is better with two scoops of Volta founders Cedric & Omar. (via Exclaim.ca)
Gizmodo mentioned the WSJ report that the Barclays Brooklyn Arena is getting a brown/green roof over it. This is kind of a stunning admission considering the idea was proposed & then tossed 6 years ago. Though, while the WSJ doesn’t believe it, I definitely agree with Gizmodo that the primary purpose for the roof has nothing to do with providing a High Line or a green space near Atlantic Avenue. Barclays is loud. As anyone who has moved through the neighborhood it’s in while a party happens can tell you, shit is not ok all the time. I’m all for bomping parties and making the experience as awesome as possible, but like, let’s be respectful. Especially with new developments in the neighborhood every day, it’s just going to get worse. Just imagine if Borgore or Skrillex sold out the stadium. It would vibrate the subway.
Found in the bowels of Imgur & Reddit, I have no idea who originally drew this but it’s freaking perfect.
FACT dropped this ruinous piece of news last week. From the NME interview they quote:
“Both Frances and I have thought long and hard and agreed that if we can reach up to the highest shelf and select a team of the greatest and most respected writers, producers and directors, then a Broadway musical is very likely to happen,”
For those of us keeping score at home, Frances is their daughter. Just…stop. Please. You’re wealthy & able to care for your daughter and with proper financial management, will never need to lift a finger again. This is unneeded & largely heinous. Let the dead rest.
Terry Gotham 