Month: February 2014

Milwaukee Artist of the Week – 2/28/14 – Kane Place Record Club

Are you a Milwaukee musician/band? You can submit your music to be the Milwaukee Artist of the Week by emailing links to info@BreakingAndEntering.net. We’ll check out every submission we get!

This week’s Milwaukee Artist of the Week is Kane Place Record Club, an indie sextet that is clearly a standout in the city’s music scene. With the addition of a saxophone, keys, and an electric violin to the traditional indie band instruments, the band carries a bigger sound than most, and manages that added chaos well. The group somehow orchestrates all of those elements to come together into a poppy, danceable sound that is sure to catch your ear and attention. Their latest release, 2013’s self titled album, is a prime example of what happens when those pieces all mold together beautifully.

It’s fitting that this album was released in summer, because it carries the vibe of something that would be played at a rooftop summertime party at times, and at other points, it’s as calm as watching a sunset. For example, the very upbeat “In My Bones” segues into the more relaxed “Little Louie”. similar patterns of up and down follow throughout this album. It’s stop and start, but it works, because the slower songs pave the way for the more danceable tracks to catch your attention even more. That’s not a discredit to their slower songs either; there is great songwriting throughout this record. In terms of sound, they take the wonderfully crafted work that they have and present it damn well, led by vocalists Jon Scott’s combination of subtle and smooth with his theatric choruses. Kane Place Record Club is an amalgamation; with a piece of this and a piece of that, they’re all over the place. But they’ve done so in such a way that it keeps you wanting more.

There are many things on their self titled album to make you stop what you’re doing and listen. “10,000 Timpani ” is a great example of that. The song begins with a manic drum beat, and Scott adds a sinister set of lo-fi vocals, almost like a twisted narrator telling a story. It’s captivating. While the band overall is an indie pop outfit, there are some elements of soul music as well. There’s definitely the presence of a jazz or soul background on some parts of this album, and it’s not too far off from the band’s regular sound. Great songwriting fixes any issues that would be caused their. The band managed to incorporate some of the jazzier parts that they have written into a pop song, without skipping a beat. Kane Place Record Club is definitely a name to watch, and if you get the chance to see them live, I highly recommend doing so. Stream their self-titled album below via Bandcamp.

For more Kane Place Record Club, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and Bandcamp.

AUDIO: Vic Mensa – “Feel That”

The up and coming Chicago heavy hitter Vic Mensa is on tour, planning upcoming stops around the world, but also dropped a new Smoko Ono produced loosie yesterday. Catch the club ready, sort of trippy, “Feel That” below. Vic’s a name to remember, and I’ll be looking forward to trying to catch him at South by Southwest this year.

VIDEO: Elvis Costello & The Roots at MSR Studios

Legendary artist Elvis Costello made an unbelievable announcement last summer when he revealed that he would be doing an album with The Roots. The end result of that was “Wise Up Ghost”, an underrated mixture of a classic alternative artist with a classic hip hop band. Below is a recent studio performance blending the two, featuring the single “Walk Us Uptown”, as well as several other Costello cuts, including the near 10-minute crooning “I Want You”. Enjoy:

VIDEO: David Byrne Covers Biz Markie’s “Just A Friend”

Artist, songwriter, and all out creative genius David Byrne can almost do no wrong in my eyes. The early Talking Heads records are perfectly creative, addicting, and totally different for their time period. There was a stretch in my life where I fell asleep to my Stop Making Sense DVD every night for weeks on end. But…

He covered Biz Markie.

His intentions were good; the cover was part of a concert to raise awareness that most artists don’t get paid for their radio royalties. It is admittedly a novelty; I wouldn’t expect to hear a recorded version of this anytime soon. But with all of that said, it still just looks like an older white guy trying to rap Biz Markie. You be the judge.

From under the cover of darkness, new greatness emerges. An intro by any means

Whats going on all you rocking, head bobbing, molly popping folks! I’m a new blogger here for Breaking and Entering here to share with you awesome music, movies, and pop culture goodies. Not just that of Milwaukee, but nationwide as well, hell maybe even worldwide. I’m an avid music fan thats always on the prowl for some new tunes to share the next happenin’ sound. A bit about myself though, I’m a Journalism/Advertising major at UW-Milwaukee,  been playing music since I was five, and am immersed in the culture that I have come to know as Milwaukean. Feel free to check up on what I have to say about every week or so (or don’t), doesn’t matter what I have to say but I promise to share one free tune every post for your listening pleasure. Thanks for reading and happy listening!

-MuppetPat out!

AUDIO: Alex Wiley Featuring Mick Jenkins – “Own Man”

With his own unique style, Alex Wiley drops “Own Man”, the first single from his second mixtape, “Village Party”. Tapping Mick Jenkins for the feature and Odd Couple for the production, this is a great teaser for what should be a solid mixtape this summer. Look for “Village Party” soon. Stream “Own Man” below:

VIDEO: HAIM – “If I Could Change Your Mind”

All-girl rockers HAIM recently released the video for “If I Could Change Your Mind” from their “Days Are Gone” album. Personally, I think this is a step into a new territory for the band. Fitting with their throwback sound is a video that would have killed on MTV in an earlier day, when there were videos played. Check it out below:

MIXTAPE: Gerald Walker – “Yesterday You Said Tomorrow”

In anticipation of his album, “Target” on the way, Gerald Walker dropped another mixtape, adding to an already strong slew of projects. “Yesterday You Said Tomorrow” follows in suit of Gerald’s previous releases, featuring production from Cardo and Sledgren of the Taylor Gang, as well as a hosting spot from DJ Rockstar. Gerald’s about to make some power moves, and you should be along for the ride. Click the link or the cover to check it out via DatPiff.

MIXTAPE: Gerald Walker – “Yesterday You Said Tomorrow”

AUDIO: Tyga, Nicki Minaj, & Lil Wayne – “Senile”

I wasn’t really into the idea of blogging about established artists like Tyga, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, but, when it comes down to it, this track from “Young Money: Rise of an Empire” is worth it. The beat is simple, but the verses don’t sound like your typical Tyga and Nicki Minaj verses. Hell, even Lil Wayne doesn’t sound like a cartoon character this time. Listen for yourself:

It’s Almost Summer!

Oh no, but oh yeah it’s almost my favorite time of the year! FESTIVAL SEASON!

After seeing Cochella’s and Bonnaroo’s line-up I can already sense how sad my bank account is about to be for the next few months, possibly even years. I am interested in seeing how these huge line-ups impact the rest of the big season’s line-up with Lollapalooza another one of the largest festivals releases their line-up in April, competing with things like Outkast, Beck, and Arcade Fire headlining Cochella. Bonnaroo having Elton John… I don’t really want to keep typing they have freaking Elton John, he did the soundtrack for the Lion King so even if you hate Crocodile Rock he’s a legend to me. Ask the Simba  currently chilling on my bed. Really though Bonnaroo has four huge solo names in a row that are amazing: Elton, Kanye West, Jack White, and Lionel Richie. They took all of the new and old and smashed into a four day weekend that if I get to go to I will cry… a lot.

I am nervous though as an avid Lollapalooza attendee their last big headliners were acts they’ve book in the last five years discluding the Postal Service and the Cure. (personally I didn’t enjoy The Cure) so Perry is starting to get a little redundant and up against huge names at Bonnaroo and Cochella maybe people will skip Lolla and say it’s not worth it… However that’s highly improbable it’s Lollapalooza after all. The Chicago skyline as a backdrop is the most amazing thing you get to experience.

Spring Awakening is another festival that’s going to be competing with the big name festivals especially after last year and the introduction of Big Grizmatik (if you’re not into EDM you won’t understand but look it up, it’s awesome.) The festival takes place in the woods and is similar to Bonnaroo but maybe arguable to be more ridiculous, but I haven’t been to either yet so I will get back to that.

Festival Season is kick starting Spring Break however it’s a festival of more then just music and is a little different from the other big names. There are shows in venues and on the street. It also has movies and can arguably be a smaller, mellowed down version of Bonnaroo.

Obviously the largest festival I need to promote is Milwaukee’s own Summerfest. Which is perfect for college kids in the summer. For two weeks you have a show to go to, and pretty much everyone you know is there too. Last year I saw a band I’ve loved since I was 5 and went by myself and made nice with a bunch of older folks who kept asking “how in the heck do you know Cracker, aren’t you like 17.” They were close 20 is like 17, but that’s how summerfest felt every day. I was around an assortment of interesting people and they were all there for a sole purpose, or to drink heavily. Regardless it is a must for anyone from the midwest to hit up Summerfest at least once in their life.

No matter what festivals you go to this next several months whether it is on the east coast, west coast, midwest, or even in the middle of nowhere just remember: 1. go see a couple artist you’ve never heard of 2. bring water 3. sneak in some crackers or small snack because food at festivals is expensive 4. dress accordingly 5. have fun! (obviously)

Let me know what festival(s) you’re looking forward to!

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Milwaukee Artist of the Week – 2/21/14 – Rich P.

Are you a Milwaukee musician/band? You can submit your music to be the Milwaukee Artist of the Week by emailing links to info@BreakingAndEntering.net. We’ll check out every submission we get!

This week’s Milwaukee Artist of the Week is Rich P., a rapper who’s making his name on his own terms. In the world of hip hop, especially at the local level, it’s easy to imitate what the next levels up are doing. Rich P., however, is carving his own lane. He’s authentic, transparent, and more than anything, honest. And he makes quality music, as well, as evidenced by his latest album, “Moon Rising: The Richtape Vol. 2”

Littered with great samples and production, Rich P. takes you from point A to point B with ease on this release. With a higher energy introduction like non-intro opener “Risen”, and a smoother following track in “Stranger”, you get to see the range that Rich P. is developing. There’s loads of hunger, as well. As Rich will tell you himself, he’s looking to do it for the passion, rather than trying to get a mansion, and that’s what drives good music like this album. It’s not backpack hip hop, but it’s not trap music, either. It’s just smooth, authentic, originality.

With a plethora of catchy hooks and attention getting bars, “Moon Rising” carries a bunch of tracks and verses worth hitting the repeat button. All the elements really just come together nicely on this project. It’s not over the top in one direction or another. It’s not overly lyrical, but there are strong bars. There aren’t big beats, but there’s some solid production, It’s not an hour long brag-fest, but there’s moments of some hubris from Rich P. It’s just a nice balance of all of the elements of a good album.

Releases like “Moon Rising” are nothing new for Rich P. He consistently puts out new music, and is always working on more. And every track is relatable to some degree, which isn’t necessarily the case for all of the rappers out now. Rich P. is here to tell his story, and you can stream that below, as well as his latest video, “Big Trouble” (remember when I said he had catchy hooks?)

For more Rich P., follow him on Twitter.

B.L.A.M.! Bonnaroo 2014 Lineup Announced

It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer (it was a whole 40 degrees yesterday in Milwaukee!), and summer means it’s festival time! Bonnaroo got things kicked off for the year, announcing their lineup with a video featuring comedians Hannibal Buress and Taran Killam, along with a track from The Glitch Mob. Check it out:

Because that was a lot to take in over the course of a minute and thirty seconds, here’s that full lineup:

Elton John
Kanye West
Jack White
Lionel Richie
Vampire Weekend
The Avett Brothers
Skrillex
Phoenix
Arctic Monkeys
Frank Ocean
The Flaming Lips
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Kaskade
Damon Albarn
Neutral Milk Hotel
Wiz Khalifa
Superjam with Skrillex & Friends
The Bluegrass Situation Superjam hosted by Ed Helms
Disclosure
Cut Copy
The Head and The Heart
Zedd
Lauryn Hill
Broken Bells
Tedeschi Trucks Band
James Blake
Umphrey’s McGee
Ice Cube
Funkiest Dancer
Chromeo
Fitz And The Tantrums
Cake
Janelle Monae
Grouplove
Amos Lee
Chvrches
Cage The Elephant
Die Antwoord
Andrew Bird & The Hands of Glory
Mastadon
Capital Cities
Jake Bugg
Chance The Rapper
Dr. Dog
Yonder Mountain String Band
John Butler Trio
Little Dragon
City And Colour
The Glitch Mob
The Naked And Famous
Taran Killam
Phosphorescent
Drive-By Truckers
Washed Out
Danny Brown
Warpaint
Sam Smith
A$AP Ferg
Seasick Steve
Shovels & Rope
Lucero
Carolina Chocolate Drops
The Wood Brothers
The Master Musicians of Joujouka led by Bachir Attar, with special guests Billy Martin, Marc Ribot, DJ Logic, and Shazad Ismaily
Pusha T

And more.

VIDEO: Brian Williams Featuring Lester Holt – “Rapper’s Delight”

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon basically just won the internet last night, with an abridged version of The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” starring Brian Williams, Lester Holt, and Kathy Lee Gifford. Infinite props to the video editor that came up with this idea, because they nailed it. Absolutely crushed it. I’m gonna watch it again. You should too:

Jimmy Fallon talks about it, before his Tonight Show debut, here.

VIDEO: Lorde, Disclosure, and AlunaGeorge “Royals/White Noise” (Live at the Brit Awards)

The party was on at this year’s Brit Awards, with major theatric performances and an amazing lineup of talent. One of the performances that everyone is talking about, though, is this collaboration between Lorde, Disclosure, and AlunaGeorge. Check out this epic performance, complete with a gigantic, light-up statue that dwarfs Lorde. Very cool. Watch:

AUDIO: Major Lazer Featuring Sean Paul – “Come On To Me”

Dutty yeah! Sean Paul is back, this time as a feature on the latest leak from Major Lazer’s “Apocalypse Soon” EP. It’s mind blowing how well the combination of the two acts fits so well. It’s a major update to the sound that made Sean Paul famous, and it isn’t over the top EDM or Dancehall. Check out the new track below:

AUDIO: Bleachers – “I Wanna Get Better”

Bleachers is the side project of Fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff, and I’ll be damned if this song isn’t just as catchy as anything off of “Some Nights”. With a weird mixture of uplifting, big sounds and lyrics that lean on the sadder side of things, the song is an amalgamation of emotions. It’s sort of like a slap in the face, saying “get over it!”, whatever it is. That’s just my opinion. Listen for yourself below:

AUDIO: Dukalion – “The Journey of The Lost Ark” EP

While he may have moved out west, Dukalion is definitely always representing Milwaukee. So it’s only right that we share that with him, and share his new EP “The Journey of The Lost Ark” EP with you. No matter what part of the country you’re in, this is definitely worth a spin in the car stereo. When it comes down to it, Dukalion can just rap, plain and simple. It’s just natural talent. Couple that with some sick production, and you’ve got a solid EP. Stream it below:

VIDEO: Weezer – “Back To The Shack”

Dare I say it, but we finally have new Weezer! On their recent Weezer cruise (because cruises are the new arena tours), the band unleashed “Back to The Shack”, an ode to their early days as a band. Rivers Cuomo and co. kept to their signature sound on this one, but regardless of what you think of it, it’s just nice to know that there’s new Weezer on the way in 2014.

VIDEO: Lily Allen – “L8 CMMR” (Lyric Video)

I have to admit, I have a soft spot for Lily Allen. I don’t know why, I just do. There’s something about the innocent voice mixed with not so innocent lyrics that just works, and that’s definitely what she has going for her. Her latest track, “L8 CMMR” (we’ll let you guess what that’s about) is a very vintage sounding track with a catchy melody over everything. And, I love the retro video game look for the lyric video. Good luck getting this one out of your head, and don’t sing it out loud.

A Guide to Concerts for the Rest of the Semester

GUYSS!!! It’s the most magical time of year when snow covers the ground and we all get sad and cooped up inside! WOOT!

Ok jokes and snow aside, Winter is actually prime concert going season. Bands make their most money anymore going on tours. (think about it more people download albums, then purchase them anymore) I am a proud supporter of go to all the concerts! Living in Milwaukee just makes it all even easier, we have not only amazing venues in Milwaukee itself, but if you are adventurous you can also hit up Madison or Chicago. We are so stinking lucky!

As proof there are shows to go to, I went to two shows two Saturdays in a row. I am just lucky because I love music all across the board so I am in no way picky, except I probably won’t be attending the next Insane Clown Posse show that comes through (which it will probably next Janurary.) Last week I tried a campaign to try to interview New Politics though unsuccessful (their management company stopped e-mailing #bummer.) Anyways despite the sour note, the show was amazing and I had a blast. This past weekend I got lucky and got to go to Big Gigantic, which even if EDM isn’t your scene dance music and live saxophone is amazing, which is a direction a lot of dancier music is trying to go because they need to stand out.

In celebration of my great weekends, and as encouragement for you over the next few months I have compiled a list of shows I am excited to be going to and ones I am going to try to go to, though probably won’t. I am not telling which ones I am or am not going to, except Queens of the Stoneage because it’s QOTSA.) I encourage you to check some or all of them out might as well because why not get out of the apartment and ignore the blizzards for an hour or so.

NOELLE’S AWESOME LIST OF SHOWS IN MILWAUKEE FOR MOST MUSIC LOVERS

  1. February 26 at Turner Hall – Paper Diamon
  2. March 1 at The Rave – Krewella (It’s a great first EDM show if you’re unsure about that genre)
  3. March 2 at Turner Hall – Cloud Cult
  4. March 13 at Turner Hall – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
  5. March 15 at The Rave – Slightly Stoopid
  6. March 21 at The Rave – Childish Gambino
  7. March 23 at The Rave – Young the Giant
  8. March 29 at The Rave – Juicy J (I’m unsure about this one actually but it definitely could be fun!)
  9. April 4 at Turner Hall – St. Vincent
  10. April 5 at The Riverside – The Head and the Heart
  11. April 6 at The Rave – Switchfoot (Unless you’ve seen them live you wouldn’t understand why I am encouraging this heavily!)
  12. April 10 at The Rave – Griz
  13. April 11 at The Rave – Hardwell (One of my friends is making me excited about this one.)
  14. April 13 at Turner Hall – Toadies
  15. April 17 at Turner Hall – Beats Antique
  16. May 7 at The Riverside – Queens of the Stoneage (I will be seeing them in Chicago)
  17. For myself I just want to say don’t worry I will be at Foster the People in Chicago in May, so you should be too. I think it is May 18.

Milwaukee Artist of the Week – 2/14/14 – Direct Hit!

Are you a Milwaukee musician/band? You can submit your music to be the Milwaukee Artist of the Week by emailing links to info@BreakingAndEntering.net. We’ll check out every submission we get!

There are very few times when a band name is as accurate as it’s sound, but this week’s Milwaukee Artist of the Week are spot on. Direct Hit! is a pop punk band that sounds exactly like their name would suggest. One listen and you’ll hear a trio (occasionally helped by friends) that are relentless. There’s really not a more accurate way to describe them. The group is a straight up, no frills, pop punk outfit the way it was meant to be. It’s loud, fast, and in your face. That’s punk rock. That’s Direct Hit!

If I had to compare the band to somebody, it’s not an easy call. Take the aggression and heartfelt vocals of Ken Casey of Dropkick Murphys, and the speed of bands like Rancid and Rise Against, and you might have something that sounds like Direct Hit!. It would also be important to throw in some gang vocals, a few of the catchiest melodies and hooks that I’ve heard in a long time, and extra instruments at just the right moments of all of their tracks. I even heard a dreaded synthesizer at the end of one song, dare I say it. Then you really have something that sounds like Direct Hit!. This is textbook punk rock, if there is such a thing.

As their 2011 “Domesplitter” album demonstrates, along with several more recently, this band takes no prisoners. They also are constantly writing new music. At the present, the band currently has nine releases available on Bandcamp, if you include split releases and other one off tracks. Most importantly of those one-offs is “Caroler”, released in December as a fundraiser after the band’s gear and van were stolen in Detroit. The group also endured a fire in their practice space, in recent months as well. Do yourself a favor, and buy a Direct Hit! album. You won’t be disappointed. Stream “Domesplitter” below:

For more Direct Hit!, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and Bandcamp.