Since The Ritz Raleigh was purchased by Live Nation in the fall of 2014, the venue has experienced a much needed and noticeable makeover that is attracting better known artists to the Triangle. While Raleigh has no shortage of local talent to keep live music enthusiasts content, the Ritz Raleigh has welcomed acts that traditionally would have bypassed the state's capital for the more established Fillmore in Charlotte, also owned and operated by Live Nation. If you've been waiting to check out the new and improved Ritz or if you're looking for an opportunity to return, we are here to highlight one of the upcoming shows that is guaranteed to be an unforgettable night!
On Tuesday night the rocktronica duo of Mike Stroud and Evan Mast, better known as Ratatat, will be stopping in to play alongside Jackson and His Computer Band. Based out of Brooklyn, NY, a live Ratatat performance is certain to be unlike any other show you've ever experienced. From Stroud's masterful guitar playing to the tightly orchestrated beats and graphics provided by Mast, the energy in The Ritz is one you'll not want to miss. Most recently the XL Recording duo released their first album in five years, Magnifique, after performing at major festivals in 2015 such as Coachella and Governor's Ball in NY. The show is set to start at 8pm and tickets are still available at LiveNation.com. For a preview of the funky good time to be had on Tuesday, check out "Cream of Chrome," from their newest album. Get your tickets now and we'll see you there, Raleigh!
Just like all big decisions in life, choosing where to ring in 2016 should be based on music. Raleigh has plenty to offer this New Year's Eve, the tough part will be deciding which acts to see. Check out our top picks for the most amazing start to 2016.
The Ritz
Thankfully, The Ritz and Live Nation have finally brought EDM to the Triangle. Disco Donnie presents Brillz to ring in 2016. We had the great fortune of catching Brillz in Charlotte last month and the show is nothing short of spectacular. If you're looking for a hype night with electrifying beats, the place to be is The Ritz. Brillz brings an energy to his performance that will undoubtedly surge through the crowd and will welcome 2016 in an unforgettable way. The party starts at 8 at the very affordable cost of $20.
The Pour House
The Pour House has done an amazing job of creating a lineup to please all lovers of live music. With The Love Language, Zack Mexico, Faults, and DJ Clickdat, it's pretty near impossible to not have a memorable night filled with singing, dancing, and great company. This mixture of unique artists offers an evening of indie rock hits and psych pop beats. Of course, it wouldn't be a New Year's Eve party without a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The music begins at 9, doors at 8.
Kings
Kings always knows how to throw together a fun lineup and New Year's Eve is no exception. The highly creative and energetic TOW3RS will be joined by garage psych band WOOL and Heads on Sticks, creating the perfect recipe for shoulder-poppin' dance moves. $12 at the door will also get you a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 9 with music starting at 9:30.
Lincoln Theatre
Bring in 2016 with a great fusion of funk, rock, and pop with Big Something and Groove Fetish. Named Best Rising Artist of 2014 by Live Music Daily, Big Something meshes guitar riffs, synths, and horns to provide a party with every song played. Tickets are $25 and the fun begings at 9.
First Night Raleigh 2016
Artsplosure has assembled a great mixture of activities and music for people of all ages for this year's First Night. The music acts include Johnny Folsom 4, Jonathan Byrd and Sea Gulls. TOW3RS will also make an appearance at the Vintage Church at 9:30. Bluegrass punksters Scythian will play both the early countdown from 6-7 and the classic acorn drop at midnight. There's a lot happening at this event, so be sure to check out the complete schedule at the First Night website.
Now all you need to worry about is who to kiss at midnight...choose wisely. Happy start to 2016, folks!
With the success of albums like, Go-Go Boots and The Dirty South, the Drive-By Truckers will return to Raleigh next week to play songs from their newest album, English Oceans. After working with producer David Barbes for just two weeks, the band is taking to the road again. This should come as no real surprise, the Drive By Truckers are regarded as one of the hardest touring bands today. Highlighted by co-lead singers, Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley, these Alabama natives have been responsible for some of the band's most popular songs like, Everybody Needs Love and Zip City.
Listening to English Oceans, it is apparent why these two musicians have been able to enjoy such success for what is the band's 12th album. Drawing upon the musical talents of band members, Brad Morgan, Matt Patton and Jay Gonzalez, the newest album is a collection of tracks that will echo that familiar southern rock and roll sound, but as Cooley admits in a recent Rolling Stones article, "The new record has gone back to that simple sound. It sounds like a smaller band again."
As the band is currently in California performing a special album release show, co-lead singer Patterson Hood took time to answer a few questions for The Triangle Beat about the new album and more:
TTB: Where did the name for the new album, English Oceans, come from? Patterson Hood: It came from one of Cooley's songs. Not sure what the literal meaning is, but I know it has to do with there being no such thing as English oceans. It sounded good, looked good written, has a nice ring to it and worked with the painting we used as a cover. Pretty much the way we title all of our albums.
TTB: The band has worked with David Barbe on several albums now. What was it like working with him on English Oceans? PH: This is the 15th album we've worked on together (counting solo records and side projects.) He just keeps improving his game on all levels. We're not looking for some producer with a trademark sound, we want someone who knows how to get the most out of our sound, get great performances on the tape, mix it right, etc. He uses great gear and it's all analogue (2" 16 track, mixed onto 1/2" track). We have a great team assembled.
TTB: Is it hard to believe that English Oceans is the band's 12th album? In your opinion, what makes this album different? PH: It's not so much a reinvention as just a really good snapshot of where we are right now. As people, artists, as a band, etc. The lineup is stellar and it's kind of firing on all cylinders. It's special that Cooley came in with so many songs, all great. That kind of defines this album for me.
TTB: Do you have a favorite song from the new album? PH: I always love the Cooley songs the most and he's extra on fire this time. "First Air of Autumn" especially stands out though. That's just an amazing song to me. My favorites of my songs is "Grand Canyon." That could be my best song since, "The Living Bubba," which was a long time ago.
TTB: Being known for relentlessly touring the country, what is it that DBT enjoys about touring? PH: We had a pretty great break and were away from it long enough to kind of remember what it feels like to miss it. Also, the band is finally free from all of the turmoil and drama that we went through for several years. That has made it more fun than it's been in years, maybe forever.
TTB: Having attended several DBT shows, one can't help but notice the passionate and unique fan base the band has. How would you describe DBT fans? PH: Our fans are overall the most loyal and great fan base one could ever hope for. They never cease to amaze me.
TTB: Will this be the first time playing at The Ritz (formerly Disco Rodeo) in Raleigh, NC? PH: I think it is. We've been playing in Raleigh since the beginning though.
The Drive-By Truckers will be joined at The Ritz by Blitzen Trapper on Friday, March 14. Blitzen Trapper originates from Portland, Oregon and is best known for tracks like, Furr and Black River Killer. Lead by frontman, Eric Earley, the band uses a variety of instruments to produce a catchy country/folk sound. Blitzen Trapper released their most recent album, VII, in 2013.
Doors open at 8pm. Show starts at 9pm. Tickets are still available at www.ticketfly.com.
There are several awesome shows coming to the area in the upcoming months. Here are just a few on sale this week:
Paramore and Fall Out Boy will make a stop at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre on July 22. The pop punk bands have joined forces for the Monumentour, which will reach several cities. Fans will certainly be pleased with this show as it is said to include 3 hours of popular songs by both bands. Fall Out Boy released their Save Rock and Roll album in 2013 and it instantly sold millions of copies. "Still Into You" by Paramore has been a fan favorite throughout the year. Tickets are currently on sale. For tickets and a complete tour list, click here.
Rob Thomas: Singer, songwriter, and Matchbox 20 frontman, Rob Thomas will be completing a month-long tour throughout North America. The show promises to cover songs spanning Thomas' award-winning career. Thomas will make a stop at Durham's Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 1. Tickets are currently on sale, to get yours and to see a complete tour list, click here.
Bastille: Brit pop rockers Bastille had an amazing 2013 with the chart topping song, "Pompei" and several award nominations in the UK and US. They are now touring with Wolf Gang and will hit the Ritz (formerly Disco Rodeo) in Raleigh on May 13. Tickets are currently on sale, click here to get yours! Check out the official "Pompeii" video below.
