Shakori Hills Music Festival April 22-25

The Shakori Hills music festival is on April 22-25th in Pittsboro, NC (about 45 mins south of Elon). Its an amazing 4-day grassroots event featuring lots of local and regional bands. The festival has a lot of dancing, local food, art and crafts. http://www.shakorihills.org/

Its a giant camping event, so you can pitch your tent, or park your car and sleep in that too.

A 4-day pass is $90, and daily passes to the festival range from $22-37 depending on the day you choose.

Or you can go for free by volunteering your time to help promote their solar cell project in the crowd while the bands are playing.

http://www.shakorihills.org/solarize-shakori-project/

Local Music Mini-Mecca: 7th Annual Double Barrel Benefit - Feb 5th & 6th

Presented by NCSU's 88.1 WKNC, The Pour House in downtown Raleigh brings us the 7th Annual Double Barrel Benefit, featuring a two-night local music extravaganza type thing.

On Friday night, Max Indian will headline, with opening acts including Bellefea (pronounced Bella-fay-ah), Veelee, and The Light Pines. I'm particularly excited to see Bellefea, with a lead singer, Heather McEntire, who's gorgeous voice breaks and melts depending on the agression and intensity of their often bipolar setlist. I pretty much got hooked on her when I saw her perform an amazing show with Mount Moriah several months ago at Duke Coffeehouse. I'm also looking forward to checking out Max Indian for the first time (who will also be playing at The Light House on February 19th with The Light Pines and Ryan Gustafson, btw).

Saturday night, the headliner is Roman Candle, but I'll be showing up to see Midtown Dickens, my one of my favorite NC bands, leading the anti-folk/punk folk scene in Durham. Midtown Dickens are lead by best friends, Kym and Katherine. They always play a hugely creative (read: improvised, different every time) and lively set. There is a great, light-hearted dynamic between Kym and Katherine, who keep the audience laughing in between tunes with humorous stage banter and a performance that never fails to leave you sweaty and tired of so much smiling. The Tender Fruit and Spider Bags are also big names in the Triangle and are known for putting on fantastic live shows.

Come out and fill your live music quota, locally!

The Double Barrel Benefit will be going down at The Pour House in Raleigh both nights. Tickets: $7 in advance (online), or $9 at the door (add $5 if you're under 21). A $14 2-night pass for both nights is also available.

Doors open at 8pm so you can grab a couple beers before the first band takes the stage at 9pm.

Performing Friday, Feb 5th

Max Indian - southern rock/folk rock

Bellafea - rock/punk/folk
Veelee

The Light Pines - indie pop/rock

Performing Saturday, Feb 6th

Roman Candle - indie rock/folk rock

Spider Bags - indie rock

Midtown Dickens - punk folk/anti-folk ....SOO GOOD

The Tender Fruit - indie folk/americana

Local NC Bands playing "Save the Arts" benefit show 1/29!

Midtown Dickens, Megafaun, The Beast, Hammer No More + more will be playing a "Save the Arts Education for the children" benefit show in Durham NEXT FRIDAY 1/29!

These artists, spanning genres such as indie/folk/alternative/rock/rap/experimental, represent the amazingly talented and diverse mixture of sounds coming out of the raleigh/durham/CH area these days. This show is sure to be the greatest performance from the brilliant NC local music scene of the decade [thus far]!!

6pm, $10 suggested donation

Friday, January 29, 2010

401 West Geer St., Durham, NC

come out and show your support for arts education in local public schools. enjoy the sounds. great times are guaranteed.

http://cpsfcsaveourarts.weebly.com/

http://www.myspace.com/midtowndickens

http://www.myspace.com/megafaun

http://www.myspace.com/thebeastreality

Free Show Tonight

FREE SHOW TONIGHT!

Matt Douglas of Raleigh band the Proclivities and The Small Pods (with Whiskeytown co-founder Caitlin Cary) will be playing a free solo show at the Lighthouse tonight at 9pm. It's free so you have no excuse to miss it!

The Proclivities
The Small Ponds

More Troika!!

Want more Troika! Check out this awesome video from BrickStyle's own Christine Mallia!

Troika Music Festival 2009 from mallia on Vimeo.

Coming Shroom! Mellow Mushroom's mouthwatering menu

As you drive down Huffman Mill Rd you are overwhelmed with all of the food options. Applebee’s, Namaste, Crazy Fire, Subway, Ruby Tuesdays, Crazy Fire, Honey Baked Ham, Panera, Starbucks, Texas Road House, Taco Bell, Bojangles, Biscuitville, Arby’s, IHOP, Outback Steakhouse, Chik-filet, and many more. But a new restaurant is joining the Huffman Mill food team, Mellow Mushroom. Described as an amusement park of pizza, Mellow Mushroom will add an alternative choice on the fast-food freeway. This indie, eclectic chain is a different flavor for Burlington. The menu has many delicious healthy options paired with foods for your own personal indulgence. The menu offers “munchies” which are appetizers, salads, pizzas, calzones, hoagies, and a bar that offers local brews. If you love pizza there are some of the best options. The House Special, Mega Veggie, and Kosmic Karma are note worthy pizzas. With at least 5 toppings it is hard to not want more. The House Special includes: (1) Pepperoni, (2) Sausage, (3) Ground Beef, (4) Onions, (5) Green Peppers, (6) Mushrooms, (7) Black Olives, (8) Tomatoes, (9) Ham, (10) Bacon, and (11) extra cheese. Coming shroom, Mellow Mushroom should be your next stop while traveling down the franchised ally of Huffman Mill Rd.

Feature Friday: Troika Music Festival!!

So, it's been a while since I've updated the music section here at Brick Style. There has been a lot going on in North Carolina's music scene. The Beast released a new album along with Ryan Gustafson, I Was Totally Destroying It, Birds & Arrows and Luego. In addition, a handful of NC bands had the opportunity to play CMJ this week (a big music festival in NYC for college radio).

There is more excitement in the distance. November 5-7 marks this year's Troika Music Festival. A huge music festival in Durham, NC featuring over 65 bands (most of them from NC and a few out-of-towners).

For the next two weeks, up until the festival, I will have mini-features of bands playing at Troika. So make sure you stay tuned!

$8 gets you into all of the venues each night, or you can pay $20 for a 3-day pass.

Name another festival where $20 bucks will get you 65+ quality bands. I don't think one exists.

You can stay informed on the Bullbot Troika blog and follow them on Twitter. Also, check out their website for the schedule of bands.

There is a promo video on its way!

So keep checking back here on Brick Style. In addition to featuring the bands, I might also feature the Triangle Brewing Company. Their beer is awesome.

Do. Not. Miss. This. Show.

I probably say this a lot. But hell, why shouldn't I?
Four fantastic bands will be playing Lighthouse on Friday the 25th (that's this Friday for those of you who are deathly afraid of calendars)... and a Magician.

The show starts at 9pm and it costs $3 to get in if you are over 21 and $5 to get in if you're under.

Five dollars. That is ONE dollar per act (if you are under 21). Deals like this don't come around that often.

So let us get to the meat of this post.

My Name is John Michael comes from New Orleans. When a band comes from New Orleans, you know they will be good. And they are. I can't describe them, they have their own full, happy sound. Just listen!


Shine River brings the rock. Think Black Keys and White Stripes. It's melt your face blues-rock. How can you go wrong with that? You can't.

The Tipsy Bacchanals are Elon's favorite student band. Bringing you best classic rock, grunge and original heavy metal tunes. "Medicine Woman," that's rock.

Red Collar. I have said all that I needed about Red Collar. Truly one of the most rocking, energy-filled live shows. Here, at Elon.

Finally, this brings me to Magician Michael Casey. Magic Mike is pretty much the resident local music magician here in North Carolina. You can catch him rocking out at shows and you can catch him making shit disappear at shows. Now, he does not get on stage since he is a close-up magician (as opposed to one of those showy, egomaniac, look at me I can freeze myself, magicians), so you need to look for the circle of people crowding around while bands switch and set up. Mike does things with cards that you have never seen before. He will blow minds.

So you're not doing anything Friday night except coming out to The Lighthouse. Got it? Good. You'll thank me later.

Feature...Thursday?: The Pneurotics

Band: The Pneurotics
Style: Alternative Rock
Albums: "Forty" and "Second Skin"
From: Chapel Hill, NC
For Fans Of: The Replacements, Pavement, Soul Asylum

The Pneurotics will be releasing their second album "Second Skin" tomorrow at the Local 506 with Rat Jackson and the Travesties (Hence the advance notice of a feature Thursday instead of Friday).

"Second Skin" is an appropriate follow up to "Forty." The trio has come into their own and the sound is more together. Rich Mclaughlin's vocals and guitar style really define the band's raw and real sound. There are elments of punk, alt-country, and garage rock throughout the album offering a decent amount of variety.

If this album was released in 1992, I would not be surprised. It has that 90's alternative/grungy feel.

So if you want to go see some live local music, check out the Pneurotics tomorrow at the Local 506. $8 gets you in and Rat Jackson (another must see band) will hit the stage at 9:30pm.

Air from Second Skin

Feature Friday: The Beast

Band: The Beast
Style: Jazz based Hip-Hop
Albums: "Belly EP," "Catalyst EP," and "Silence Fiction"
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def, Nas, Earth Wind & Fire, Jamie Cullum

Believe it or not, Durham is a mini oasis for underground Hip-Hop. The home of Little Brother (Phonte, Big Pooh and 9th Wonder) is also the home to a lot of emerging artists. One of these hip-hop groups is about to release their first full length album "Silence Fiction."

The Beast is composed of Pierce Freelon, MC; Eric Hirsh, keys; Pete Kimosh, bass; Stephen Coffman, drums. Pierce is the son of Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon (also appearing on at least one track in every Beast release) whose vocal tallent definitely did not skip a generation. Hirsh, Kimosh and Coffman are all jazz majors from UNC-CH and their education shows.

I recently sat down with Pierce for a WSOE interview (which will be broadcast sometime next week). As I have said in every (or almost every) post, it is hard to pigeonhole bands from North Carolina. The Beast is no exception as it was verified in the interview.

To argue that The Beast is more jazz than Hip-Hop could actually be a valid statement, especially when the band plays live. Jazz is all about improvisation, something Hirsh, Kimosh and Coffman are well versed in, and so is The Beast. By this I mean that Pierce Freelon can freestyle. About anything.

When not free styling on audience suggested topics, the lyrics cover topics from social change and racism as well as songs about love for women, love for people, love for music and love for life. If you're listening to The Beast for "I popped a cap in that po-po's ass like a motherf***er" or "slap that b*tch round and round" or "get crunk and grind on my d*ck", you won't find it. Sorry.

A Tribe Called Quest comes to mind with the jazz beats, yet there is a newer and more refreshing jazz sound. Instead of just jazz beats and three MCs, it's the real thing with beautiful jazz complexities.

Beyond playing music, the group also leads workshops on African-American music culture, free styling, etc.
If you're going to Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival (which you should), you'll be able to see The Beast before their CD release party at the Duke Coffee House on October 16th. Stay tuned to WSOE 89.3 FM The Only Alternative for The Beast and my interview with Pierce.

Also, go to their website and download the Catalyst Ep for free! The guitar on "come up, come down" might blow your mind.

Below are some of the new tracks you'll hear on "Silence Fiction."

Translation from Silence Fiction

Get Gone from Silence Fiction

Feature Friday: Midtown Dickens

Band: Midtown Dickens
Style: Anti-Folk, Punk, Bluegrass
Albums: "Oh, Yell!" and "Lanterns"
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: Kimya Dawson (from the Juno soundtrack), Bon Iver, The Mountain Goats

Once again we find Feature Friday featuring another impossible-to-pigeonhole Durham band. Midtown Dickens started out as Kym and Katherine, growing since their inception and the release of their first full length "Oh, Yell!" the band has grown to a quintet upon the release of "Lanterns."

Midtown Dickens falls into a unique category called "anti-folk." Anti-folk takes folk traditions and twirls them around with a mocking, punkish attitude. The instrumentation is a bit more elaborate (with saw, horns, accordions, banjos and other instruments the members taught themselves to play) and the lyrics seem more innocent as they range from topics like Tetris and "The Best Summer Ever." While the lyrics may sound like something from an innocent child, there is so much more depth to the writing as simple metaphors become complex analogies for more major life issues and observations.



Their second album "Lanterns" was recorded by Scott Solter (The Mountain Goats, Pattern is Movement, John Vanderslice, Bombadil) and features a more "together" production. The album flows incredibly well and the band members come together to really add depth to the songs.


"Lanterns" will not be officially released until September 15th (as a CD, mp3 download and vinyl package), however they will be playing an album release party at Duke Coffeehouse next Friday (August 28th). The event is free and you can get a copy of the new album early. Opening for Midtown is Mount Moriah and Des Ark (solo).

Old Dogs from the album Lanterns

What a Bore from Oh, Yell!

WSOE Wednesday: A (Free) Show You Must See

There will be a free, local show in Chapel Hill tomorrow. The show features The Love Language and Lost in the Trees with local music scene's Magic Mike opening with an awesome can't-miss magic show.



The thing you need to understand about this show: Two fantastic bands. For Free. These bands are pretty big deals. The show is: Free.


Also, local restaurants will be selling food. So, yay local food! Yay local music!

Click here for times, directions and more info.

You should not miss this show. It's free. You will not regret it.

Feature Friday: Hammer No More The Fingers

Band: Hammer No More The Fingers
Style: "indie" rock
Albums: "Hammer No More The Fingers" and "Looking For Bruce"
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: Weezer, Pavement, The Pixies and Superchunk

Following the release of their self-titled EP, Hammer No More The Fingers was featured as a "Band To Watch" on the music blog Stereogum. HNMTF is still a band to watch with the brand new full-length"Looking For Bruce," they released last spring.

Just like the other bands on Feature Friday, Hammer can't really be pigeonholed. A lot of comparisons have been drawn between classic alternative 90's bands Weezer and Pavement. But, by pigeonholing, that makes them sound like their music is not fresh. Hammer quite possibly has one of the freshest sounds in the scene. It has an attitude, it's fun, catchy, smart and you can dance to it.



While they have only been Hammer for a little over two and a half years, the three members have been playing music together since their childhood. Their early years consisted mostly of Pavement and Archers of Loaf (an old-school NC band) covers. Duncan went to school in New York where he formed a band with the daughter of proto-punk legend Patty Smith (and wrote "Shutterbug," a track that appears in a new form on "Looking for Bruce").

If you have a spare 7 minutes, watch this clip:


Upon returning from college, Duncan and the trio formed Hammer. Two and half years have passed with an EP and a full-length between them. The band now packs the house at local shows and has been building up quite a following in the D.C. area.

Hammer is another one of those N.C. bands you must see. Their live show is very high energy, and so is the audience. In fact, there are rumors that Viking Storm will become an annual event. Viking Storm was the name of their "Bruce" CD release party. At the show, the bands and fans were encouraged to dress up as Vikings. Triangle Brewery made a special "viking" ale for the show (they did this for Red Collar's release as well with "Pilgrim" ale) and there were Viking decorations all over the place (including a huge wooden viking ship Duncan's parents made).


The following is the theme for Viking Storm co-written by Hammer and heavy-metal band Tooth (both on Churchkey Records):


The members of the band are serious musicians, but they don't take themselves too seriously. They allow themselves to have fun and you can definitely tell they achieve that. Not if, but when, you go to a show you'll find Duncan, Joe and Jeff walking amongst the crowd catching up with as many people as they can.

Black Harmony from their EP

Nobody Knows from Looking For Bruce

Mix Monday: Songs That Make You Want to Dance

You can listen to the latest Lil Wayne song and grind up on someone, or you can actually dance. Meaning, the music (instead of primal lust) inspires you to move your body.

This Mix Monday is composed of well written songs from North Carolina musicians that will make you want to move and shake. The last song is for those who want a something to bump & grind to.




The Playlist:

1. "Getting Over Your Love" - Holy Ghost Tent Revival
2. "I Am A Train" - Hotel Lights
3. "Sparxxx" - The Love Language
4. "I Found A New Baby" - The Firecracker Jazz Band
5. "Vibe So Hot" - Benji Hughes
6. "Papers in Order" - The Old Ceremony
7. "Now I Know" - Max Indian
8. "Dancing Daze" - The Avett Brothers
9. "Hell" - Squirrel Nut Zippers
10. "Black Harmony" - Hammer No More the Fingers
11. "Incest" - Juan Huevos

Feature Friday: Red Collar

Band: Red Collar
Style: Classic Punk/Working Man's Punk
Albums: "Hands Up EP", "Pilgrim"
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: The Clash, Bruce Springsteen, Fugazi, Against Me!, The Hold Steady, and Jawbreaker.


If you want a band that really defines today's music scene in North Carolina, it's Red Collar.

I hate saying the typical comparison of "Red Collar is like Fugazi fronted by Springsteen" for two reasons. 1) It makes them seem like they are one of the many bands jumping on the "lets sound like Springsteen" bandwagon and 2) Red Collar does what Fugazi nor Springsteen could do; which is creating consistently well rounded sound and attitude.

Fugazi is rough and edgy and Springsteen has (had) the working man's voice. Red Collar not only has something to say, but when they say it through their music it is incredibly well rounded. So, to avoid throwing Red Collar in specific categories that very few NC bands seem to be able to fit in, I'm going to say that Red Collar is the perfect soundtrack to a 9-5 job.

When you go to a Red Collar show (and you need to, more on that down the line) you can see that these people love what they are doing. They feel called to play music, for them, it is a release from the rat race.

Their debut album released this year, titled "Pilgrim," flows like a 9-5 job and an entire life. "Commuter" opens with a sound resonating early excitement and passion with an eagerness to tackle what is ahead. It continues throughout the album flowing towards restlessness by the time it gets to the title track in the middle. Finally, the album flows towards frustration and defeat.

While the lyrics about hardships endured in a blue-collar world may seem depressing, there is an incredibly optimistic cheer in the songs. The general feeling is "this job (or lack of) may be getting me down, but at least I'll get through it through the help of music." And that's what Red Collar does.

Moving beyond "Pilgrim" (produced by Brian Paulson - Wilco, Beck, Superchunk, etc) and the fact the band is releasing it on vinyl, I must focus on the live show.



I have had many conversations with Jason Kutchma (guitar & lead vocals) where he talked about how, for them, the album is the musical promotion for a show. The band wants you to come out to a show and become a contributor. Beyond the fact they put on a constantly energetic (even for three people in the audience) show, the band values its audience members.

As one of the most notoriously kind bands in the Triangle, Red Collar wants to share what they have to say. They want to help you relieve that 9-5 stress with a fantastic rock show so anthemic it can give you an euphoric out-of-body experience similar to that of a tribal seance.

In addition, they don't pack up their stuff and leave as soon as they get off stage. The band hangs around to chat before and after the show in order to get to know those around them.

Even if your preferred music is silence, I can guarantee you will have a fantastic experience at a Red Collar show.

Below you can download "Pilgrim" and "Used Guitars" for your listening pleasure. Just be sure to catch them at a show when they come around!!

Pilgrim

Used Guitars

Mix Monday: Tracks for Traveling

Yes, it is Tuesday. However, poor internet has prevented quick mp3 uploads for this week's mix!

August consists of driving for that final trip before school, and finally the trip back to school. Thus, this week's mix is to serve as a soundtrack for this restless time of year.



1. "Some are Love" - Des Ark
2. "Blue Ridge Cowboy Church" - Aminal
3. "Game" - Bull City
4. "Canterbury Road" - Down By Avalon
5. "Summertime" - Lonnie Walker
6. "Headlights" - Mingus Young
7. "The Show is On the Road" - Paleface
8. "Pilgrim" - Red Collar
9. "Laurinburg" - Rat Jackson
10. "All Dressed Up" - Joe Romeo & the Orange County Volunteers
11. "Pennsylvania" - The Old Ceremony

Feature Friday: Bombadil

Band: Bombadil
Style: International Folk / Pop Rock
Albums: "Bombadil Ep", "A Buzz, A Buzz" and "Tarpits and Canyonlands
From: Durham, NC
For Fans Of: The Beatles, The Shins, Paul Simon, and happiness

Bombadil is one of those bands that is easy to fall in love with (yes, their name does come from Tom Bombadil, the poetic character they left out of the movies). Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on who you are) their lyrics are not about LotR but rather the songs deal with topics such as the relationship of innocence and maturity ("Jellybean Wine"), the realities of marriage, as well as other dark topics disguised as really happy songs (i.e. "Johnny" a very happy sounding song about about a cutter).

Bombadil will make you smile and keep you smiling long after you've listened. The quartet of Duke grads uses a variety of instruments and all four members have main vocal parts. Their first full-length, "a buzz, a buzz," has a strong international folk element as well as down home NC mountain style folk and blues.

This Durham band is our Feature Friday this week because of their new album "Tarpits and Canyonlands." "Tarpits" is a strong follow-up to "a buzz" as it focuses on beautiful vocal harmonies, fantastic layered production (produced by Scott Solter who has also produced The Mountain Goats, John Vanderslice, and St. Vincent) and experimentation ("25 Daniels" uses 25 layers of saxophones to immitate the sound of bagpipes).

Bombadil In the WSOE Studio

I don't want to risk sounding too bold with this statement, but "Tarpits" is the "Sgt. Peppers" of North Carolina, in it's own special Bombadil way.

Since there is really no easy way to explain the band, here are some songs to listen
to:

"Honymoon" from "Tarpits and Canyonlands"

"Johnny" From "A Buzz, A Buzz"

Peace, Love and Choose Local Music!
-Ryan

Music: Introduction and Mix Monday

Greetings!

I will kick this blog off with an introduction to the music section of Brick Style. Our music posts are going to focus heavily on the North Carolina music scene surrounding Elon in the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) and Triad (Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem).

At one of the (many) local music festivals I attended this summer, I encountered an individual who recently moved from Los Angeles. He and I talked about local music here and how, apparently, the music scene in LA is not thriving the way it is here.

North Carolina is home to some of the most talented, original musicians. I'm sure your mom and dad used to play James Taylor all the time when you were growing up (he attended UNC Chapel Hill just as Ben Folds did).

Beyond acoustic ballads and piano rock comes a lush music scene with every genre you could imagine (or combine!). There is something for everyone in the NC local music scene. Of course there are original, talented musicians everywhere. However, it seems that NC is a place where musicians play music because they love it and want to share it. Egos (amongst fans and musicians alike) are limited and everyone is welcome. At a local music show, you are not just a fan or audience member; you become a collaborator.

With such a rich musical landscape no more than 40 minutes away, there is no reason to ignore it. Of course, we will also have features and reviews on popular music and music venues in the area.

With that lengthy introduction out of the way, I would like to start the first in our "Mix Monday" series. Each Monday we will compile a themed mix on 8tracks.com for your listening pleasure.

Today's mix will serve as an introduction to the variety of music North Carolina offers. Click "read more" for a description of the play list.






The NC Music Intro Mix (*means they have played at Elon)

1. Till My Voice Gave - The Old Ceremony: A soulful track from this solid Chapel Hill band's new album "Walk on Thin Air." The Old Ceremony is very melodic and they make use of a variety of instruments in order to develop a full sound. For fans of: The Beatles, Beck, Led Zeppelin, Sinatra, Tom Waits, Nick Cave and the like.

2. Tellin' A Lie - American Aquarium: Yes, their name came from that Wilco song. AA have two sides, their rockin' alt-country side (also known as country for people who hate country) and their slower, introspective ballad side. This is a rockin' track. For fans of: Dylan, Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, Springsteen, Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown.

3. Honeymoon - Bombadil: Bombadil is a fun, intelligent band with a happy sound disguising darker, thoughtful lyrics. They play a variety of instruments and cover a variety of folk traditions. For fans of: the Beatles, They Might Be Giants, and "The Lord of the Rings"

4. Osk - Sunfold: Influenced by Queen, ELO, Miles Davis, The Smashing Pumpkins and the Beatles, Sunfold plays a balanced mix of progressive jazz and pop-rock. For fans of: Jack Johnson, Pico vs. Island Trees, Jason Mraz and Jamie Cullum.

5*. Nobody Knows - Hammer No More The Fingers: Hammer is a trio that has been playing together for years. Establishing themselves as a "legit" band two years ago, they bring a big crowd in the Triangle. Their sound is indie from the 90's with a danceable fresh twist. For fans of: Weezer, Pavement and Nirvana.

6. Come Up, Come Down - The Beast: An incredibly intelligent, positive Durham Hip Hop group featuring 3 UNC jazz trained musicians and an MC who is the son of a Grammy nominated jazz singer. Their lyrics are positive (and the free styling at shows is very well done) and the music is well executed. This track features guitar from Raleigh band The Proclivities' guitarist. For fans of: A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, The Fugees (I haven't asked, but I'm assuming they got their name from The Score) and De La Soul.

7*. Walk Around The Lake - Lost in the Trees: It's hard to fit this folk orchestra on stage, or describe it for that matter. For fans of: Folk with epic classical string compositions.

8. Nice Fox - The Rosebuds: You might have heard of this duo. They're an indie-pop/indie-folk group from Raleigh (signed to Merge). For fans of: The Shins, Metric, She & Him and (once again) The Beatles.

9. One More Road - Roman Candle: Interesting fact - our new basketball coach is the band's cousin. Roman Candle is like Bob Dylan and The Band without the years of smoking. For fans of: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Wilco and Uncle Tupelo.

10*. 10 Simple Murders - The Future Kings of Nowhere: FKoN is a pop-punk/folk group with a ska flare. For fans of: Against Me!, Reel Big Fish and Greenday.

11*. Pilgrim - Red Collar: Red Collar is the band that many view as "the local music band." They have become one of the most popular groups to go see in the Triangle and their fans are very loyal. Many bands look up to them as the definition of local music success. Red Collar is real punk for the working man. For fans of: The Clash, Fugazi, Springsteen, and The Hold Steady.

12*. Falling Out - The Sammies: If Bombadil are "The Beatles" of North Carolina, the Sammies are probably The Who. They have an energetic, semi-serious attitude and they love what they do. Hailing from Charlotte, the Sammies bring the garage rock and add a bit of twang when necessary. For fans of: The Who, The Whigs, American Princes and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

13*. Getting Over Your Love - Holy Ghost Tent Revival: HGTR blends ragtime, folk, punk, ska, and God knows what else. One of the more original bands coming out of Greensboro, these guys bring a ton of energy to their shows and recordings. For fans of: fun.

14. This Year - The Mountain Goats: You may have heard of The Mountain Goats. Writing Dylan-esque folk with occasional string arrangements, John Darnielle is one of Durham's most appreciated musicians (he's also good friends with John Vanderslice). For fans of: Dylan, Aesop Rock (he appears in the song "coffee"), Neutral Milk Hotel, John Vanderslice and Destroyer.

15. Hell - Squirrel Nut Zippers: I thought I'd throw this little treat on the end. The Zippers play swing, and they play it well. For fans of: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Andrew Bird & His Bowl of Fire (in fact Andrew Bird played with them for a bit), and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies (a.k.a. the group that does "Zuit Suit Riot").

I hope you enjoy this introduction. All of these groups (and MANY more!) will be featured sometime or another in the future of this blog.

Peace, love and Choose Local Music!
-Ryan