Artist Spotlight: Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Looking for new music to start your year?  Look no further than the Boone based band Rainbow Kitten Surprise.  In addition to having one of the most unique names in all of music, RKS is starting to gain recognition for their undeniable musical talents too.  Though the band has only been together since 2013, their growing popularity is evident by the two sold out shows that they'll be playing this weekend at Cat's Cradle Back Room.  In case you weren't able to score a ticket for either night, enjoy one of their earlier tracks, "All That and More (Sailboat)." Following this weekend's performances, The Triangle Beat will provide a more in-depth look at this week's artist spotlight, Rainbow Kitten Surprise.                                                                  

Happy Abandon EP Release Show at Local 506

Standout indie rock band, Happy Abandon is ready to celebrate the release of their debut EP, Heavy Lines.  This local four-piece has received high praise from many, including James Willamor, founder of Croquet Records stating, "If I had to pick one North Carolina band that I think could have a breakout year in 2016, it would be Happy Abandon."  See what the buzz is about this Friday, January 15 at Local 506 with support from XOXOK and Sister David.  The music starts at 9, doors at 8.

Photo Credit: Kristen Abigail

MerleFest Adds Four Artists to Lineup

MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28-May 1, 2016, is proud to announce four more additions to the 2016 lineup: Brandi Carlile, Tim O’Brien, Sam Bush Band and Jim Lauderdale. These artists join over 100 other artists already announced, including John Prine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dave Rawlings Machine, The Wood Brothers, Alison Brown, Peter Rowan, Doug Seegers, Steep Canyon Rangers and more! The four-day event, the largest roots and Americana music festival in the nation, takes place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the heart of Appalachia. MerleFest continues the legacy of Doc Watson and is a benefit for the college. This homecoming of roots music artists and fans draws nearly 80,000 participants every year.

As well as additions to the lineup, MerleFest is proud to announce that acclaimed Americana singer Nicki Bluhm will join The Waybacks as lead singer for the Hillside Album Hour performance at MerleFest 2016. Each year, roots rockers The Waybacks choose a seminal album to cover in full at the Hillside Album Hour, inviting a special guest to the be the “voice” of the album. Three years of new experiences and nearly non-stop roadwork has had a powerful effect on Nicki Bluhm, spurring creative growth and personal reflection. With her new album, “Loved Wild Lost,” Bluhm affirms her place in the long winding continuum of the California sound, born of folk, rock, country, psychedelia, blues and pop, as ageless, adventurous and ever-adaptive as the Golden State itself.


MerleFest has announced over 100 artists so far, and there are additional performers to be announced www.MerleFest.org/lineup.
in the coming months. The 2016 lineup so far is available online at

Tickets may be purchased at www.merlefest.org/purchase or by calling 1-800-343-7857. A three-tiered pricing structure is offered for MerleFest 2016. The Early Bird Tier 1 ticket discount is available through February 15, 2016. An Early Bird Tier 2 ticket discount will run from February 16, 2016, through April 27, 2016. The third price tier will be gate pricing.

 *Details courtesy of Hearth Media

Euphoria Festival's Phase One Lineup

Austin's Euphoria Festival celebrates its 5th Anniversary this year and promises a superior lineup. The most recent addition to the bill are the English progressive trance masters Above & Beyond.  The headliners include some heavy hitters such as, Bass Nectar, Dillon Francis and STS9.

As if that's not enticing enough, other members of the initial lineup include: GRiZ; Juicy J; Tycho; Lettuce; Lil Dicky; Nahko & Medicine for the People; The Polish Ambassador; Com Truise; Goldfish; Loudpvck; Branchez; The Motet; Bass Physics; Big Wild; Daily Bread; Digital Tape Machine; Future Rock; G Jones; Jai Wolf; Lance Herbstrong; Mashd N Kutcher; Skydyed; Space Jesus; SNBRN; Spafford; Twiddle and Wave Racer. The greatness will continue with a phase 2 announcement, which is right around the corner.   

 


This four day event offers a variety of camping options and multiple stages with tickets starting at the very affordable price of $119.  Head on over to the Euphoria Festival website for camping and ticket information.  Stay tuned for updates, we've got you covered.  In the meantime, get lost in the video below to see what it's like to experience Euphoria.  

The Music Freak's Guide to NYE

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!

Moogfest Initial Lineup Announced

Moogfest – the synthesis of music, art, and technology – today announced their tenth, and most experiential, lineup yet. Headlining performances include Gary Numan playing a three night residency of his trailblazing early albums, a two-night residency by GZA, ODESZA, Laurie Anderson, Oneohtrix Point Never, Suzanne Ciani, Blood Orange, and Sun Ra Arkestra; with keynote presentations by transhumanist activist and pharma tycoon Dr. Martine Rothblatt, and computer scientist Jaron Lanier, a pioneer in the field of virtual reality. More than one hundred other acts are already confirmed to perform, while the conference program continues to develop in partnership with a range of esteemed universities, innovative businesses, and art/technology organizations. Program partners include MIT Media Lab, Google, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, The New Museum’s New Inc., IDEO, Gray Area, and the EyeO Festival.

During the day, Moogfest explores the future of technology and creativity with a mind-expanding conference featuring panels, workshops and installations. At night, Moogfest celebrates the future of sound with performances by early pioneers in electronic music, alongside pop and avant garde experimentalists. Notably, this announcement features many creative thinkers--like polymath artist Laurie Anderson, and GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan--who will participate in multiple parts of the diverse program.

 For the first time ever, Moogfest will take place in Durham, NC. Moogfest activates seventeen venues, throughout the walkable downtown core, from intimate galleries to grand theatres, including a free outdoor stage with participatory, all-ages programming. Durham promises to be an ideal setting for Moogfest: a city uniquely blending diversity, authenticity, world class innovation, and culture, with a long history of great music. 

Head over to the Moogfest website for ticket information.  Stay tuned for updates and additions to the lineup.  

2015 Favorites - Big Wild

It's that time of year again; that time where we take a look back on the year that is close to ending and reflect on the highlights.  2015 has been a memorable year musically and several moments stand out in my mind.  One of those moments is the GRiZ show at Lincoln Theatre in October.  The night headlined GRiZ, who we already know is amazing.  If you need further proof, check out our show preview and our coverage of the Imagine Festival.  Traveling with the great and powerful GRiZ were two lesser-known, but equally impressive acts, Muzzy Bearr and Big Wild.

Big Wild is an L.A.-based producer who has had the great fortune of touring with not only GRiZ this year, but with ODESZA as well.  I didn't know what to expect from Big Wild as it's hard to find detailed information about him in the cyber world.  His performance made me remember the joy of discovering something unexpected and brand new.

Big Wild includes live drumming and the keyboards mixed with booming beats.  The live instrumentation allows for an intoxicating sound that soars the listener to the top of a musical roller coaster and drops back down for a climactic thrill.  Big Wild mixes familiar classics such as OutKast's "Rosa Parks" and Sylvan Esso's "Hey Mami." He also shares his own single, "Aftergold," which takes the listener on a whole new journey with its sweet tinkling of the chimes, subtle hand claps, and the intense drop of the bass. The audience reacts in favor of every mix that Big Wild spins, whether original or familiar, he is clearly a crowd favorite. 

The night in general can best be described as a true party.  GRiZ, Muzzy Bearr, and Big Wild each share their individual talents one-by-one, but by the end, they are a combined powerhouse meshing hip hop, jam bands, booming beats, funk and an endless supply of energy.  This was certainly one of my favorite shows of 2015, with Big Wild being the most pleasant surprise.  He will most definitely be taking over the festival circuit in 2016; unless you have a strong aversion to fun, check out his website to stay connected.