Time Festival rolled around two Saturday's ago and I had the pleasure of attending. The lineup was short but sweet, including a few greats, making this one worth hitting up. The day was sweltering to the point where by the time I waited in line to get my ticket scanned and let into the festival, I was already all sweaty and dying of thirst. But I trudged through because DIIV was about to hit the stage.
DIIV hails from NYC and is fronted by Zachary Cole Smith, linked to Sky Ferreira (I love her to death). I'd seen DIIV once before, at a festival in Montreal two summers prior and at that time they had just released their debut, Oshin. This time around, they hadn't released a new album since then, but with a new one set to drop in the very near future (October 2015), via inclinations made from a many a tweets thanks to Smith's Twitter. The set included a few songs from Oshin and a ton of new, unreleased ones. It was great to be able to hear them for the first time in a live setting, heightening my anticipation for the new album. The new songs had their quintessential shoe gaze / dream pop element, but I did notice that these set of songs were definitely more vocal heavy than the last. I guess that's what we can expect for the next album then, to move in a more vocal direction as opposed to letting the musical atmospheric elements take over.
I think it is better... and definitely more Instagram-able.
I tried Hawaiian pizza for the first time and it's become a new fav!
Ariel Pink went on before Mac Demarco hit the stage and he played a crazy set, equipped with rambunctious hand motions and movements. But once Mac went on, it started to get crowded. This is my third time seeing Mac now and he always puts on a good show. He and his bandmates are the men of the hour, cracking out jokes and just plain absurdities in between songs in the set, making the entire crowd laugh. With the release of Another One, he opened with a track from there, then, moving onto the crowd favourite, "Salad Days". This time around he mostly played songs from his new EP, but in keeping with the usual additions to his set including: "Cooking Up Something Good", "Freaking Out The Neighbourhood", "Ode To Viceroy" (personal fav), "Let My Baby Stay", "The Stars Keep On Calling My Name" and finally, ending the show as he always does with, "Still Together". I had a really fun time, dancing and singing along to all the songs and it was great seeing Mac play in a festival-type setting again. Now here's to the next time I get to see him because I'm sure there will be more times in the future to come!
It shouldn't be news that Tame Impala is one of my favourite bands, thus it's expected that I was eagerly anticipating the release of Currents. Throughout the last couple of months leading up to the albums release Kevin Parker's been dropping some singles here and there, starting off with Let It Happen followed by 'Cause I'm A Man, Disciples and then Eventually. Each have been different in their own rites and have showcased the general direction in which Kevin was headed off in with this new album. I knew that we weren't going to get another Lonerism and definitely not another Innerspeaker and I was okay with that. As the album title suggests, Parker's like a current, always flowing and always changing and as a fan you have to appreciate that. He isn't going to compromise his art for the sake of the masses, he's going to do his own thing and I love him for it.
Let It Happen - This was the first single to drop from the album. It's an almost eight minute masterpiece with a multitude of different parts and layers and you can clearly see Kevin's disco influence slipping in and out of this track. Just like in Apocalypse Dreams (the first single to drop off Lonerism) Parker is trying to cope with the change within himself, his life and his music and he does this by bringing his mom into the mix. On Apocalypse Dreams, Parker sings, "Everything is changing, I guess I should warn my mom" but this time he says, "And if I never come back, tell my mother I'm sorry". Through the lyrics Kevin's already made it apparent that he's ready to take on this change and let it happen. Midway through the track listeners feel as if it's experiencing a repeated skip that Parker's got on loop till the rising synths come in, which is probably my favourite part in the entire song. At the end robot style vocals (which they've included within their live set as well) come in, signalling the track's close. Overall this is a danceable track, probably one of the most danceable on the record because the beat's just so damn good.
Let It Happen - Tame Impala
Nangs - This track feels like a total trip and gives the illusion that you're floating down a current. If you close your eyes and listen closely you can almost feel yourself being transported into somewhere within the album artwork. It's a mostly instrumental track, minus Parker's nearly inaudible, periodic, repeating of the same phrase, "But is there something more than that?" throughout its 1:48 expanse. This track was short but sweet and left me wanting more!
The Moment - More on the upbeat side of things this song starts off strong before Parker's falsetto takes over with his echo driven vocals morphing into each other, panning throughout the track. He sings about a particular event or moment in his life nearing closer and for to have to overcome it once the time comes, staying within the albums themes. Listen to this track with headphones, it's a game changer.
Yes I'm Changing - This is one of the albums first slow jams. It's a total self-reflexive piece where Parker adds poetic introspective lyricism to the atmospheric background sounds. As the tracks title suggests, he feels as if he's changing and that a particular relationship has run its course (with fellow psychedelic artist and ex-girlfriend, Melody Prochet of Melody's Echo Chamber) and that he's okay with it because to him that is what life is all about, again adhering to the main theme of this album. Parker is no longer rejecting the change he feels within himself. He is fully embracing it. My favourite line of the song is when Parker harps: "They say people never change but that's bull shit, they do", because they do.
Eventually - I've spoken about this song on here before. It's one of my favourites out of the singles that dropped pre-album release. It's one of the few songs on this record that sees Tame Impala draw back to its roots, via the inclusion of a prominent guitar. Lamenting on a past relationship, again, Parker states that the ending of it was for the better and that things will get better for the other party, eventually.
Eventually - Tame Impala
Gossip - Another short interlude track, hidden between the songs. At just 55 seconds this song can make you dizzy. It makes me feel as if you've come off a spinny ride at the amusement park.
The Less I Know The Better - The opening riff to this song is awesome and totally groovy. This whole track, once the backing instrumentation comes in and beat pulls through makes you want to get up and dance. I can see this being a hit with crowds when the band embarks on tour again. You can hear the same 70's disco influence that was present on tracks like, Let It Happen, creep up again.
Past Life - This is probably my least favourite song on the record. I can't take Kevin's deepened voice, talking about going to the dry cleaners and seeing the figure of a past lover from the rearview mirror seriously. Maybe it's just because the voice reminds me too much of Darth Vader...
Disciples - Again, this track coming in at 1:48, just like Nangs, is short but it's probably one of my favourite Tame Impala tracks ever! There's something so fun and carefree about this song. It has a very pop-y element to it and it's just a lot of fun, really. It sounds totally lo-fi too, a quality I rather enjoy, and reminds me of something that would be blasting out of a vintage style radio in the 70's from a convertible.
Disciples - Tame Impala
'Cause I'm A Man - Another one of the albums slow jams, it seems as if Parker has crafted the ultimate make-out song. This song is sexy and sultry at its finest and we get to hear his Lennon-esque vocals throughout. With listening to the songs lyrics it seems as if it's some sort of apology, him blaming his actions on being a man and not thinking before he does as a result. Again, just like, Yes I'm Changing, this is another one of the albums rather self-reflexive pieces.
'Cause I'm A Man - Tame Impala
Reality In Motion - This is my favourite song on the album! It's totally groovy and has a heavy psychedelic flair. It's reminiscent of a track that could've easily fit into Lonerism, with a very Music To Walk Home To vibe. It has a fun and easy going feel to it and it's one of the more danceable tracks to be featured.
Love Paranoia - Parker on this track is literally paranoid about the love and relationship he is in, lamenting about not being as honest as he should've been because of personal walls and barriers, about specific actions making him feel like dying and feeling insecure in himself. The carefree attitude that was found on tracks like, Disciples and Reality in Motion is gone, moving toward darker imagery, subject matter and lyricism. One of the most special moments on the album for me is when Parker says, "Do you remember the time we were by the ocean?" and the way in which the guitar sounds in that moment makes me feel as if I'm by the actual ocean shore. Parker is able to transport the listener to the setting in which he is talking about through the sounds of his music, and I think that's something really special.
New Person, Same Old Mistakes - On the more serious side of things once again, the track opens with a brooding feeling, one filled with attitude, with the accentuated bass beat. Kevin closes off the album on a rather pessimistic note. He feels like a brand new person but doesn't feel as if much has changed at the same time, putting him at a crossroad of sorts, and bringing the earlier optimism and lighter, fleeting feelings to a halt.
Overall Currents saw Kevin branch out. He showed that he was more than just a dude who was trying to blow the dust off the ole vinyls and start a 60's / 70's revivalist project. On this album he shows his growth as an artist. He's come a long way from his beginnings, like the songs on the Antares, Mira, Sun EP. With each album I'd say Kevin has been able to keep himself current, fresh and new without compromising his 60's psychedelic roots. Although this album was more synth and drum machine based and didn't see any shreddy guitar solos or excessive jams, it had those definite groovy moments and moments of pure musical bliss. Kevin's lyricism has also become way more personal, ditching the imagery found on Innerspeaker in favour of more introspective and questioning ones. He paints a picture with his lyrics and does it in a rather honest and poetic way in a similar fashion to folk icons of the 60's. I've had this album on repeat since it's been released! And I know I'll be listening to it for months to come.
Favourite Tracks: Nangs, Disciples, Reality In Motion, Love Paranoia, 'Cause I'm A Man, Yes I'm Changing, Eventually, The Less I Know The Better.
A little playlist I put up on my 8tracks. The perfect playlist to indulge and revel in bands who sound like they're from way back when on this midweek holiday. It includes tracks from: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and Mr. Elevator & the Brain Hotel.
Give it a listen and happy Canada day to my fellow Canadian peeps!
Another monthly update for y'all. With June coming to a close I started reflecting back and thinking that it was another awesome month filled with a lot of great stuff!
By the end of June I would have completed 2 / 3 of my online summer school courses... What a relief!! Now I can finally pleasure read again! Although it wasn't always easy I'm glad I took these courses because not only did I learn a lot but I also was able to test myself and my time management skills. Juggling 4 lectures a week plus readings and still having a social life and a job wasn't always easy but I pulled through and was able to remain positive and I'm proud of myself! This month I...
dug through some dusty vinyl bins on the hunt for some old classics as well as adding some new ones to my collection...
saw some of my favourite bands and learned about some new ones...
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
The Doldrums
Born Ruffians
Temples
thanked my dad for always being awesome...
And now some of my favourite pictures from this month! Follow my instagram if you like!
July is my birthday month, hello to soon being 21! Also, a vacation is in the works along with some other fun things. I can't wait! Hope everyone's month was great, filled with a lot good times, laughs and smiles.
I've been really on my psychedelic kick as of late, discovering a bunch of new bands and listening to some old favourites. I came across this band the only way I know how, through the Youtube recommendations sidebar. The name intrigued me and kinda made me laugh, The Babe Rainbow. What a funny name for a band, so I gave it a listen and was pleasantly surprised. I couldn't find much on the band except what their "About" page on Facebook said but one thing I wasn't surprised about was that they hailed from Byron Bay. I always find myself being led back to that place or just Australia in general. I feel like it's a microcosm of awesome and creativity and everything that's coming from there is pure genius. Must be something in the water?
Australia's totally on the frontier of the resurgence of the psychedelic movement with bands like Tame Impala and POND and their fashion scene is awesomely creative with a bunch of brands that I've mentioned before on here. The band describes their sound as "punk mushroom". But their music is a dead ringer for something created in the 60's, as is their image, with their vintage lo-fi sound and Eastern Asian influence with the inclusion of the sitar on some of their songs. Now they don't have a full length album, only a couple songs under their belt, from what I could gather, but their full length LP is rumoured to be dropping on July 10th.
The first song of theirs I heard was "Secret Enchanted Broccoli Forest". The sweet sitar sound at the beginning takes you on a spiritual adventure as soon as the guitar and drums come in. And the video accompaniment is exactly what you'd expect from a song with that title. Makes me feel like I'm part of some gnarly hippie commune and just frolicking in a field or just sitting in the grass, the earth beneath my toes.
"Evolution 1964" has more of a surf rock vibe with a groovy groove drenched in reverb. The video solidifies their band name, a total babe rainbow!
I'm totally in love with this band, I can't stop listening to all their songs and am eagerly anticipating their debut LP! I feel like it'll easily be one of my fav's. You can check out Kool Breeze, Arrow and Blue Spirit or simply, The Babe Rainbow, on their Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram and Youtube to be a part of the evolution 1964.
At the end of the month, New Zealand (or now Portland)'s, Unknown Mortal Orchestra released their much anticipated Multi-Love. I've been a fan of UMO for quite some time, their fuzzy lo-fi guitar sound and psychedelically weird approach to music (I mean that in the best way possible) is what drew me in. The band first released the title track, Multi-Love, with a video accompaniment. The strange symbolism ranging from the Egyptian Eye of Ra, series of triangles and the technicoloured kaleidoscope screen effects had me feeling like I was the subject of some psychedelic room escape game.
After hearing the track I was excited for what the rest of the album had in store. Once the chorus came in is when I felt like things got groovy. Definitely a dance-able one and a crowd favourite when I saw him live the other night. I like the accession and descension in the song, creating layers and sections within, giving it some added dimension. And Ruban Nielson's falsetto throughout carrying the entire song nicely.
Title track aside, the groovy element of the album carries into the first couple of songs. They literally make you want to get up and dance. Songs like, Can't Keep Checking My Phone and Like Acid Rain all exude this quality. However, if I had to describe this album in one word it would be, layered. I feel as if everything has been layered on top of each other. Synths on synths, on effects on effects to create this wonderful explosion and vision of sound.
Despite all this Nielson hasn't lost his psychedelic 60's touch. Fuzzy guitars, vocals drenched in ultimate haze and elevated synths round out this album. The spooky extraterrestrial keyboards on Extreme Wealth and Casual Cruelty make you feel like you're out of this world and you've stepped onto the mothership of an intergalactic dimension, exploring every aspect in wonder and awe with the muffled and distorted vocals playing on a loud speaker overhead. The song takes a turn with the two distinct solos, adding to the tracks already multitude of layers.
The World Is Crowded slows things on the album down. This is the kind of song you feel radiate through your body and soul. It has a sexy and sultry quality to it, especially near the end as the music fades signalling the songs end.
Stage or Screen sounds like a toned down, mellow version of a song to come out of something from Ty Segall's, Fuzz, but that is until the song breaks into a pendulum of atmospheric sound. The feeling of being transplanted on another planet returns but this time I'm falling, tumbling, cascading through space with the echoing keyboard sounds.
To close off the album Nielson's included a lengthy jam that runs just above seven minutes called Puzzles. The song gets jammy and groovy with his focus on power chords and distortion, bringing him back, yet again, to his roots.
Personally I loved this album. It was intuitive, introspective and beautifully crafted and brought conventional psychedelic themes to a new and modern place. A lot of hard work definitely went into production wise, as it was an independent affair. Nielson's political thoughts and themes also take precedence throughout this album and should not be ignored. He has a lot to say. If they ever happen to be in town, definitely drop by to catch their set. The songs, although amazing on the albums, transform into something else when they are played within a live setting. This is where the word "jam" comes in, extending songs and sounds into minutes upon minutes of musical greatness, the bands incredible musicianship a definite headlining feature of their live shows.
Fav Tracks: Multi-Love, Can't Keeping Checking My Phone, Extreme Wealth and Casual Cruelty and Puzzles.
You don't have to hop into a time machine to feel the spirit of the 60's and 70's in your bones. Hear a 60's / 70's revival in this playlist of modern songs by artists who pay homage to this era. Includes songs from: Tame Impala, Temples, Foxygen and Father John Misty.
Festival season is upon us! I've been to my fair share of festivals, outdoor concerts and just concerts in general to have learned what's good and what's not (sometimes the hard way). So I've compiled a list of what I consider to be my festival essentials.
Bringing some sort of bag to store your essentials in is always a must. Honestly, I know the backpack trend is super big right now but I don't think I'd trust bringing a backpack to a festival. I'd be self-conscious the entire time of someone stealing something from my bag without me knowing and I wouldn't be able to have a good time. So I prefer to bring a purse that I can sling across my shoulder and have securely by my side. The bag you'll be storing your essentials in doesn't have to be boring or plain. These three bags are unique in their own rites and scream "festival". From the fringe to the patterning to the engravings, they go with the festival vibe. Have fun with your bag and let it serve its purpose too.
You can even dress up your bag for some added flare. I attached this miniature dream catcher that is supposed to be a necklace to this bag. I purchased it from a Native American market I attended once.
Next is what you can bring inside your bag:
A cool pair of sunnies: A pair of sunnies is so important. Shield your pretty eyes from the sun whilst watching the bands on stage and dancing up a storm.
Lip products: There are two types of lip products I would suggest. The first is some sort of chapstick or lip balm. You don't want your lips to be dry or get sunburnt from the sun (not a fun time). So always keep them looking good and moisturized with some lip balm. The second, if you're looking to still wear some colour on your lips is a "your lips but better colour". You won't have to fuss with a mirror when applying and you can swipe it on in two seconds flat. I love myself a good bold lip but low key is better in this situation.
Gum: Bad breath is gross. Love everyone around you and pop a gum.
Portable phone charger: Not only would I consider this a festival essential but a life essential. This thing has saved my life on multiple occasions. Urban Outfitters sells some decently priced ones with cute patterns. The worst would be to have lost your friends amongst a sea of people and your phone is at 5%. Or to have the perfect view and not be able to snap a pic for the memory books.
Hand sanitizer: Festivals do not have the best bathrooms (porta-potties, need I say more) so it's important to carry hand sanitizer and keep yourself germ free!
Wallet: Store your ID for when you get carded and want a drink and carry some cash. I find that carrying cash around at a festival is the best option, it's easy and fuss free and sometimes some festivals don't even accept credit cards. So be prepared and have some cash on hand because you don't want to have to leave the festival grounds to find the nearest ATM and possibly miss your favourite band. This wallet used to be my mom's for when she travelled through Mexico. It's near and dear to my heart and it's everything I love combined into such a tiny space.
Film camera: Bring a disposable film camera. You can buy these in packs of 2 at your local corner store or Wal-Mart. They're such a fun thing to have around when you want to take pictures of your friends or anything that tickles your fancy. There's something awesome about holding a physical picture in your hand once it's been developed and having those memories with you forever. Sometimes because of the strange lighting situations you can get some gnarly lighting effects.
Tylenol: Sometimes being in the sun all day gives me a headache. So I carry around some Tylenol with me at all times. It's no fun feeling ill mid-way through and not enjoying yourself.
Sunscreen: I'm pale as a ghost. As much as I love the sun, it does not love me (I don't know that for sure). But what I do know is that sunscreen is a MAJOR essential for me. Looking like a lobster is no fun and the aftermath of the burn isn't either, so bring some sunscreen and protect your skin and re-apply throughout the day too. If you don't want to carry around such a large tube or can you can buy little mini squeeze-y tubes and then just fill it up with the sunscreen for a more compact and portable option.
Tissues: Always an essential and self-explanatory.
Not pictured but also super important:
Rain poncho: Umbrellas are heavy and cumbersome and the weather can be unpredictable, Mother Nature can change her mind in the blink of an eye. A rain poncho once folded up can be less than the size of a wallet and weighs as much as a feather. Therefore, it's a win / win. You won't be the only one sporting one of these once the rain hits, it'll be a sea of poncho's. And if you get a clear coloured one you can still see your cute outfit right through!
Reusable water bottle: My worst fear is to become dehydrated and pass out in the middle of a crowd, I've seen it happen before. It's scary and always reminds me to keep hydrated! If you don't want to buy a water bottle, bring your own and help the planet! If you don't want to carry your bottle all day or your bag can't fit a bottle just clip it onto the strap of your bag. A lot of festivals are implementing water refilling stations around the grounds. So just make a note of where they are and fill on up.
A light sweater or cover-up for the evening: "Outside the tents, on the festival grounds / As the air began to cool, and the sun went down" Vampire Weekend speaks the truth. It gets kinda cool-ish during the evenings at festivals so bring a light cover-up, whether that be a kimono (my fav) or a flannel or a denim jacket! Whatever suits your look!
Hats, hats, hats! Not only do they look cool and fashionable but they'll keep your pretty face from getting burnt. I like a good floppy hat. Always a staple in my summer wardrobe. The brim is so wide that it shields my entire face and back of the neck as well. A wide brimmed fedora is another great option.
Last summer I had my total Woodstock hippie moment, accidentally. I was wearing a pair of patterned bells and some sandals and then happened to trip on the makeshift sidewalk the festival had set up that separated the pavement and the grass area. I snapped the strap of my sandal in half and had to walk barefoot around the festival. Yes, total hippie Woodstock moment and memory for the books but also a little scary because of the crowds of people with actual shoes on their feet and the fear of my toes getting stepped on. Finally I succumbed to leaving the festival grounds, running out and quickly buying a pair of flip flops. At this point anything would do. Luckily that was the only outfit I had planned to wear sandals with, the others included my signature ankle boots. So moral of the story, closed toed shoes, a moccasin or a boot are the only option. The grounds can be muddy post-rainstorm and they're just a more comfortable and secure option.
The last essential is to bring a fun, carefree attitude and good vibes. Check out some new bands you didn't know of, they may become a new fav. Bring your dancing shoes and dance up a storm. Feel the music in your soul and bones and do it all with a smile. Happy festival season to all my fellow festival peeps!
April showers, bring May flowers. Isn't that what they say? A rainy day is less than ideal (bad hair days galore) but I'd take it over snow up to my knees and bitter winds any day of the week/month/year/lifetime. Rainy days can be so calming and relaxing, a good excuse to stay in with a cup of tea in bed and a good book. But rainy days can always be cured with a little music, so I compiled a playlist on my 8tracks called Rainy Day. for those rainy days when you just want something to reflect your mood.
It's exam season, oh joy! But that means summer is on its way. So with summer fast approaching and a ton of summer vibes all around everywhere I turn I compiled a playlist with some, not all, of my fav beachy tunes. Wherever you are, at the beach or not, these songs can transport you there. Sit back, relax and let the soft ocean breeze envelope you.
Includes songs from: MGMT, Vampire Weekend and Best Coast.
Recently put up a playlist on my 8tracks called "Chill.". A mix filled with some relaxing tunes to have in the background whilst you're working or cleaning or if you're feeling especially like Teddy from Palo Alto. The mix reminds me of sleepy suburban kids just lazing around. It includes songs from: Mac Demarco, DIIV and Real Estate.
I recently started using 8tracks again. It's not new news that a song can evoke a certain mood or tone when you're listening to it. That's why I love making playlists. The feeling of compiling a bunch of songs together, new or old, from different artists and albums that encapsulate a particular moment, feeling or time is something I've always been fond of. Things that are so different can come together to create and evoke something within the listener. Magical.
To mark my 8tracks comeback I went ahead and made a playlist surrounding the sounds I've really been loving as of late. Picture the greasers from The Outsiders, Alex Turner's leather jacket, James Dean (can we all take a moment for the ultimate king of cool) and fuzzy electric guitars. This playlist includes songs from The Black Keys early days, Arctic Monkeys and the founding father of the Blues, Howlin' Wolf.
I love velvet. It's soft and it reminds me of my grandmother's old couch from the 60's. I was scouring the Black Friday sale that Urban Outfitters has every year and I stumbled upon this gem. Originally $170 I got this Chaser brand top for $15, now that's a deal if I ever did see one! I feel uber 60's, just like the couch, when I wear this top. The fading effect from one side of the shirt to the other is amazing and makes me feel like I'm wearing two different shirts. To top off the 60's vibes I piled on the chunky rings. One on almost every finger.
I paired this top with my red suede booties from Topshop. I love them so much but they don't get much wear this time of year due to horrid salt that eats away at the soles of your boots and is essentially, suede's arch nemesis.
The cut-outs in the back and on the shoulder act as a nice little unexpected surprise. Even I didn't initially expect to see it till I pulled the shirt off the rack!
To go off of the whole 60's velvet vibe, I couldn't help thinking of Jimi Hendrix. The man could dress! He loved playing up different textures and patterns. He is the epitome of the psychedelic 60's.
A leather jacket adds instant edge to any outfit. When I walk down the street wearing one the opening riff from the Arctic Monkey's song Do I Wanna Know? plays on repeat. Instant badass. I paired it with this shirt, that because of my short stature has now been worn as a dress from Urban Outfitters.
This dress has the prettiest embellishments along the collar and the ends of the sleeves and is what drew me to it in the first place. It's so ornate and beautiful, making it eye-catching and not to mention weighing a ton. As if the embellishments weren't enough I went ahead and paired it with two necklaces from Brandy Melville, both in gold to accent the collar. I went for my trusty Rimmel 107 Lipstick from the Kate Moss collection. It's definitely a statement lip, like my usual red, but this shade just adds a little something more to the outfit.
This outfit gives me definite Arctic Monkey's circa AM vibes (Hence, Do I Wanna Know?). Brought back memories of the summer when I saw them twice. Once at a festival and then another when they came to Toronto. Each time they did not disappoint. They're one of those bands whose on-stage presence makes you yearn for more. I can't wait to see them again and again (and not to mention, Alex Turner's iconic leather jacket).
