WRVU benefit tonight/Gwar artwork
November 19, 2009
In case you’ve been under a rock lately, or are just utterly unfamiliar with Vanderbilt’s student radio station WRVU, there’s been a bit of a shitstorm recently regarding a new rule put in place by their governing body. In short, the board of directors for Vanderbilt Student Communications (which is a separate corporate entity from Vanderbilt) voted to cap the number of community DJs. Community DJs are ones who are not Vanderbilt students, faculty, staff, or alumni. Simply read some of the comments at the Nashville Cream post if you’re unfamiliar. I simply do not have enough knowledge of the situation to form a firm opinion, but I am pretty disgusted at how nasty some of the comments on that post were. It’s horrible that members of our local music scene resorted to name-calling and personal attacks, though I do understand where their anger comes from. Personally, the most I can opine on the matter is to say that the number limit should not be on the overall number of community DJs, but rather the number of shows/time slots given to community DJs. Also, as a former DJ at 88.3 WMTS (MTSU’s student station) which had no community DJs at all, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to limit the amount of community DJ involvement. I’ve always thought that our local music scene/community was lucky to have college radio station that allowed non Vanderbilt-affiliated people to host shows. However, given the very different student demographic and level of interest in the two stations, it’s difficult to make a comparison. But, it’s also obvious that WRVU wouldn’t be half as good as it is without the community DJs. They really add a lot to the programming, especially the diversity. But I happen to know many DJs who are current or former students and they have great taste in music, and also come out to support the local music scene, contrary to what many Cream commenters seem to think. I must digress before this post turns into a novel… the main purpose here is to make sure that you know about tonight’s WRVU benefit show at the End, featuring my new band POWERBRRRD, Vermicious K’nids, Westfolk, and Cheer Up Charlie Daniels. The show also serves as CUCD’s vinyl release show. Please do come out for the sheer sake of supporting the bands, if nothing else. Boycotting the show as some have suggested is childish and disrespectful to the bands. And honestly, the people behind the community DJ cap decision could probably care less if you boycott the benefit show. Furthermore, it will only deepen the divide that has developed between the local rock community and WRVU. So please do come out and support the bands at the very least.
And now to lighten your mood, go read Hipster Runoff’s musings about what it would be like working for Twitter. Then look at this stunningly beautiful and inspiring artwork for the new Gwar album Lust in Space. (Via Brooklyn Vegan)
WOTT podcast/weekend stuff
October 30, 2009
First and foremost, I must plug my band’s show at the 5 Spot tonight. I know, there’s a lot of shit going on tonight… but we (as in all the bands playing) promise to make your attendance worthwhile. First of all, check out Patrick Rodgers’ description of Heartbeater in his critic’s pick this week. If that isn’t good enough for you, then let me personally attest to the awesomeness of Bad Cop. These dudes have a youthful stage energy that matches their raw, explosive brand of garage-punk quite well. The frontman is obviously channeling some Iggy Pop, and in a really REALLY good way. Hammertorch was originally also on this bill, but had to drop off at the last minute. So come on down to the 5 Spot tonight!
This All-Hallows Eve I will be doing the Generation Domination photobooth at the Nightmare in Music City party at Mercy Lounge/Cannery Ballroom. It promises to be a huge party, with DJ’s not only in those two rooms, but also in 4 large tents which will be in the parking lot. The party is sponsored by Hustler Hollywood, and since Halloween has long since devolved into nothing more than an excuse for girls to dress as slutty as possible, this party is sure to please those who applaud said devolution… and also those who like to make fun of it.
We Own This Town posted a new podcast earlier this week, so if you haven’t already, go grab it now. It features unreleased tunes from Eureka Gold, Tristen, Caitlin Rose, Glossary, and many more. Also, mucho thanks to Michael for plugging my photo exhibition on there as well.
Now for something just to make you smile. The unofficial Hey Jude flow chart, via Flux-Rad:
Have a great Halloween weekend, and please be safe: use a DD, use a condom, all that…
New Avatar trailer/net neutrality/photo exhibition
October 29, 2009
Image via Yewknee'd and a million other blogs...
This image has been making the interwebz rounds for the last couple of days, but it really deserves to be spread to as many eyes as possible. It’s the best way to sum up what will likely happen if internet neutrality is not enforced. The free and open flow of information is absolutely critical to a sustainable democracy like ours.
A new trailer was just released for James Cameron’s new masterpiece Avatar. It sheds a little more light on the storyline. Check it out at i09. Am I total geek to be excited about this movie? If so… I’m guilty as charged.
JEFF the Brotherhood just keeps getting love from all sorts of media outlets. The most recent I’ve discovered is in Nylon magazine. They played about 479 shows in NYC this past weekend between CMJ day parties and showcases, and it appears to have really given them a boost.
I took photos of KISS last night at Sommet Center. Too bad photographers can’t come back in after shooting the usual first 2-3 songs. I guess I could’ve bought a ticket, but whatevs. Check out the Spin review and my pics at Nashville Cream. Speaking of photos… I must take a moment to shamelessly self-promote and mention that I have a photography exhibition going up next week at Vanderbilt. It will be in the promenade area of Sarratt Student Center from Nov. 4th to Dec. 11th, and features select live music photos that I’ve taken over the past 3-ish years. Please do stop by and check it out. Directions and more info can be found here.
I don’t really post much about sports, but as well all know, the Titans are in the worst place they’ve been in years, and the speculation about Vince Young possibly starting this Sunday against Jacksonville is rampant. Supposedly an announcement regarding that will come today. As of posting this, the announcement hasn’t been made. Keep your eye on www.titansonline.com if you care.
BFF tonight/new Weezer video
October 23, 2009
Obviously my main top priority today is plugging my DJ/dance event BFF, which returns to Mad Donna’s tonight at 10pm. I’ll be spinning some hot jamz along with pals Potamus and Fats. They’re both rad DJs as well, so a good time is guaranteed. Fan Fiction is sitting this one out to celebrate his bday at another event, but he’ll be back in full force for the 3rd BFF, which is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 20th (my bday!) Some please do come out to the east side tonight and dance the night away. As if Fats isn’t reason enough to get there early, I’ll also buy a drink for the person who brings the biggest “posse” and arrives before 11pm. Seriously, I will honor that! Mad Donna’s is on Woodland, just a block past five points, and it’s FREE if you’re over 21, $3 if you’re 18-20. Also, if you haven’t heard any of my mixes before, I suggest you start with the October mix I did for Justin Kase’s blog, Blogging Is Serious Business.
Weezer has a new album coming out next week, and the first single (If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To also has a snazzy video which debuted yesterday at Babelgum. I’ll just link to it because I’m pretty sure it’s no embeddable on WordPress. But seriously, this is probably the best song they’ve released in several years (enough to make me buy the album… probably) and the video is actually quite entertaining. The styling is very visually pleasing, and it has a hilarious “bros before hos” storyline, not mention that it stars Odette Yustman. Check it out now. (Via Stereogum)
Now for some pure mindless entertainment. Why on Earth would you want to blow an anvil 200 feet into the air? Because it’s fucking awesome, that’s why. Meet Gay Wilkinson, world champion anvil shooter:
Have a great weekend, and hopefully I’ll see you tonight at BFF!
Headed to Portland, OR!
October 16, 2009
Hey kids, the GF and I are headed to Portland, OR today to visit our good friend Chris Freeman and just see the city we’ve heard everyone rave about so much. We’ll be back Monday afternoon. So this will be the last post till at least Tuesday. That being said, here are some tasty tidbits for your browsing pleasure:
Be sure to check out the results of this year’s Best Of Nashville reader’s poll in the Scene. I’m just happy The Features won best local band. Over Kings of Leon. Not that I have anything against KOL, it’s just cool that the readers appreciate all The Features’ hard work for the past ~15 years.
The official Next Big Nashville photogallery is up. It includes photos by me, Jonathan Kingsbury, Dylan Reyes, Jordan Jaquess, and Bradley Butcher. You can see the full galleries for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, or you can view a more selective culling on the official NBN flickr photostream.
This may be old news to some, but Beck has started a pretty awesome new project on his website called Record Club. He’s bringing in various musicians from other bands to contribute to the recording of a full album in one day. They’re all cover albums and the musicians do not get a chance to rehearse together before the session. He also videotapes the whole thing and uploads one song per week to his website. The one currently up is Leonard Cohen’s Songs of Leonard Cohen featuring Devendra Banhart, members of MGMT, and many more. I think our own hometown hero Matt Mahaffey appears in at least 1 or 2 of the previous session videos, in which they covered The Velvet Underground’s The Velvet Underground & Nico. (Via Brooklyn Vegan)
Speaking of Matt Mahaffey, Rock Sellout did a cool interview with him last week.
Be sure to make it down to the Exit/In for Monotonix/Turbo Fruits/JEFF the Brotherhood tomorrow. Or if that’s not your thing, Drummer (side project of Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney) is playing at Mercy Lounge, along with the Royal Bangs.
But as I said we’ll be in Portland attending the Scion GarageFest, where 2 Nashville acts just happen to be playing: Cheap Time and Those Darlins.
That’s it for now folks. See you next week.
New JEFF album/next BFF/Cuddle Parties
October 13, 2009
JEFF the Brotherhood has a new album coming out today called Heavy Days. I’m gonna go buy it. You should too.
I couldn’t help but both laugh and be totally freaked out when I read about Cuddle Parties yesterday on the Tennessean website. This is simultaneously hilarious and terrifying… Adult people gathering with a group of total strangers, changing into pajamas, and laying in a big pile spooning, cuddling and massaging each other’s feet? I don’t even know what to say…. (Via Nashvillest)
The next official BFF will be going down next friday, Oct. 23rd, at Mad Donna’s again. My cohort Joseph (Fan Fiction) will unfortunately have to sit this one out because of prior birthday engagements, but I’ve recruited the help of DJ’s Potamus and Fats. Potamus has been making a name for himself opening for the likes of MSTRKRFT recently at Limelight, and Fats can be found over at the weekly Foobar event Totally DJ’s. This time around we’re instituting a miniscule $3 cover for those aged 18-20, but it’s still free for those 21+, so come out and dance next weekend! If you haven’t done so yet, please go grab my October mix for Justin Kase’s blog, Blogging Is Serious Business.
NBN starts TOMORROW!
October 6, 2009
This year’s Next Big Nashville has really crept up on me. But it starts tomorrow and I’ll be one busy dude for the next 5 or so days. I’m shooting pics for the festival, and here’s where I’ll be found: Wed- Cannery for Nashville Music Awards/Ten Out of Tenn. Thur- Mercy Lounge/Cannery. Fri- Exit/In and The End. Sat- Exit/In and The End. I’ll probably also be at the Yazoo day party/sale on Sat. It’s gonna be a crazy weekend. If you’re totally LAME and don’t have a wristband or badge yet, your absolute last chance to score some freebies will be tonight at Rock N Roll Trivia at Mercy Lounge. Winning team gets 6, yes SIX, wristbands, plus a $100 bar tab at Mercy. Read more about that at Nashville Cream. I unfortunately MUST take tonight off to just chill at home and work on the DJ Burgers fall mix, which will be featured on Justin Kase’s blog, Blogging Is Serious Business. More on that later…
In other news, Vampire Weekend released the first track from the new album for free, and it’s effing everywhere on the interwebz today. YAWN.
I took some photos of Them Crooked Vultures at War Memorial for the Scene last night. I saw about the 1st 4 or 5 songs and it was pretty cool actually… I’ll have to check out their first release whenever it comes out for sure…
Big props to my friend and BFF co-conspirator Fan Fiction for getting tapped to DJ the final NBN afterparty Sat. night at Mercy Lounge.
I have no idea if I’ll even have time to post anything over the next 4 to 5 days, so don’t expect much. Besides, you should be out enjoying NBN, not at home on your computer!
Creed tix drop to 7.79/Next Big Nashville/weekend stuff
October 2, 2009
I find it absolutely hilarious to learn that tickets for the upcoming Creed concert at Sommet Center have dropped to $7.79. I can’t see how this show could go on with ticket prices that low… with the production costs in a venue that big, there’s no way this show could happen without the promoters or someone losing a lot of money. As one Cream commenter said, “these are cheap enough to buy [for] someone as a practical joke..” I hope Stapp & co. get the message here: Your band sucks. Your band is an embarrassment to humanity. Stop now. No one likes you. In fact, even Jesus hates you.
Every once in a while Oddee.com comes out with a truly interesting/ridiculous list of bizarre (insert phrase here). This list of “accidental deaths you won’t believe” is quite possibly one of the most hilarious/terrifying/depressing things they’ve published yet. A stripper suffocating inside a birthday cake? Falling into a vat of scalding chocolate? Being crushed to death by a woman committing suicide? You couldn’t make this shit up…
Next Big Nashville is only a week away! You can still get wristbands and VIP badges here. Don’t think you can just walk up to a venue and be able to pay a cover to get in… that may work in some cases, but I’d say there will be at least a few of these shows that will fill up to capacity with badges and wristbands, and walk-ups won’t be able to get in.
As for stuff to do this weekend, you probably won’t find us out quite as much as usual. As far as I know, I’m not shooting any shows until Them Crooked Vultures on Monday… so the main thing we’re doing is the art crawl saturday night. If you’ve never been, just head down to the Aracade on 5th Ave tomorrow night around 6-7pm. All the art galleries are free and open, and most have free wine and snacks. It’s a great way to hang out, look at some awesome art, and get drunk for free. There’s even a free shuttle to haul your drunk ass around to the other galleries that aren’t within walking distance. I actually have to work Sunday morning so I can’t stay out late Sat. night, but if you’ve ever been to the End, please do head over there for a benefit show to celebrate the life of Stacy Fleeman, the former doorman who passed away last month. Playing are Dharmakaya, Silent Friction, Creeping Cruds, The Billy Goats, Jah’s Addiction, The Destructions, Lovebucket, and Fire Walk With Me. These are all bands that Stacy had some sort of connection with and/or loved. The show will start at 3pm and go late into the night.
One last note: I’m really REALLY stoked for the series premier of Stargate Universe tonight on SyFy. I’ve been looking forward to this show for a good 6 months now, ever since the final episode of Stargate Atlantis. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the whole Stargate franchise, but I’m still cautiously optimistic about the new direction this show is taking. We’ll see how it goes.
Protomen/Pansy Dance/beer
September 25, 2009
So tonight is the epic CD release show for The Protomen’s Act II: The Father of Death. Epic is an understatement, actually. We’re talking a full choir, and a full string section. Not to mention the 10-15 people already in the band. The super-dedicated fanbase of this band never ceases to amaze me. They are flying in from all over the country for this show. Oh, and it’s sold out… so if you don’t have a ticket you’re SOL.
HOWEVER, if you’re still itching for something to do, and don’t have a ticket, there is something else for you to do, and it happens to be pretty close by. Little Hamilton is hosting the 2nd official “Pansy Dance” party, featuring DJ’s Kid Chicago and me (Burgers). I’ll be scooting over there right after the Protomen show’s over (around 1-ish) to DJ till the wee hours. So if you don’t have a Protomen ticket, just come, and if you do have a ticket, come over afterwards and dance the night away!
Some other random music tidbits:
Wayne Coyne is pretty crazy. And he likes to call people in other bands dicks. And he also likes naked people on bikes. So maybe he just likes the word “dick” in various usages. I saw their movie Christmas On Mars this past weekend, but I wasn’t on any kind of drugs so that must why I thought it was kinda pointless and needlessly weird. I still like the Flaming Lips though.
Jimmy Page, Jack White, and The Edge were all in a movie about guitars called It Might Get Loud. It’s playing at the Belcourt Sept. 25th through Oct. 1st. Read the Scene’s Patrick Rodgers’ take on it here.
My first batch of home-brewed beer turned out pretty decent, in case you hadn’t seen my twitter and facebook posts about it. I’ve actually given a good chunk of it away already, but I have about 20 bottles left. It’s a pale ale, and while it’s not exactly wonderful, it’s not bad for a first batch. The hoppiness is a little off- rather than a pleasant, crisp, refreshing bitterness it has a slightly unpleasant bitterness that sort of wears out your palate by the time you finish the beer. But I’ve discovered that drinking it with a meal greatly diminishes that effect and creates an overall pleasant beer experience. I’ve got a batch of cream ale in the fermenter as we speak, and it should be ready in a few weeks. It should be a much better batch because I used filtered water to make everything.
Also, Caitlin Rose officially approves of “Steve Cross’s attempted pale ale.” I’m thinking she should be the official spokeswoman. Just watch this video on facebook. (You’ll have to login to watch it…)
Ben & Zooey married/Next Big Nashville stuff
September 23, 2009
I wish I could post more often, but I just don’t have as much time now that work is really busy again, both at Vandy and the photography stuff. Sorry kids. Posting is going to be more like every-other day or every two days for a while.
Next Big Nashville got a little shout-out on Pitchfork today, as Nashville Cream points out. Kudos! I, along with Johnny Kingsbury and probably some others, have once again been hired by Jason and Co. to photographically cover the festival, so expect to see me running my ass off and loving every minute of it again this year.
Image via Nashville Cream
Also NBN-related is the Nashville Music Awards, which is being re-instated this year after last happening in 2000. It’s poll run by the Scene, and though I have no idea how they came up with the nominations, the voting is very simple: whomever gets the most votes wins. There were obviously some categories which I knew very little to nothing about, but the rules say that you must fill out each category for your ballot to be counted. So, go forth and vote! The awards will be presented on Wed. Oct. 7th at the Cannery Ballroom, as part of NBN. And if haven’t gotten your NBN tickets yet, you’re crazy. Go fix that right now.
So Ben Gibbard and Zooey Deschanel got hitched this past weekend. All you cutesytweeindie people can go cry for a while because the celebrity love of your life is now firmly wed.
Now enjoy this:
Via Clusterflock
steve cross loves music and science 