10 Years Later: November 2015
Every month, we’re going to look back at the Milwaukee releases that are celebrating a milestone anniversary. We dug into our archives, and here are the 10-year old releases that are still available for streaming today:
Rusty Ps – “One Moment”
What we said in 2015: “Far too many people in Milwaukee hip hop don’t know the name Rusty Pelicans. Even if everybody did, it still wouldn’t be enough people. 20 years after their formation, the group that paved the way for a lot of artists locally, and toured nationally, are back with a new single. Appearing sporadically for the last decade, this is one of the first times (on record, anyway) in recent years that the group has really felt like a collective. Released by Uni-Fi Records, this is in all ways for Milwaukee to embrace.”
GGOOLLDD – “For The Night”
What we said in 2015: “One of Milwaukee’s most buzzed about bands right now is GGOOLLDD, an energetic dose of electro-pop with a touch of glam rock. The group both recently announced and subsequently released their “For The Night” EP within the past week, and it definitely lives up to the hype as the follow up to their impressive “$tandard$” EP that helped create their buzz. If you’ve seen GGOOLLDD live (which I highly recommend doing), you may recognize some of these songs, which have managed to work their way into the live set. Deservingly so, as well; “For The Night” should come with a disclaimer that spontaneous dance parties may arise out of nowhere.”
The Living Statues – “Valicity”
What we said in 2015: “There are few bands in Milwaukee that truly create the hysteria that The Living Statues do. There’s something to be said about the group of dapper indie rockers with a flair for all things retro. If you’ve seen them live, you’ve experienced the edgy pop-rock with the energy turned up a notch or two. Also, if you’ve seen them live, you’ve heard their latest single, “Valicity”, which was recently released. This time, their bouncy sound takes on an anthemic chorus, and you can’t help but sing along.”
Dana Coppa & SPEAKEasy – “Raplords”
What we said in 2015: ” Uni-Fi Records put out their “RapLords” album, featuring the likes of Dana Coppa, SPEAKEasy, and producer Mammyth. The album also includes features from Signif, Skyzoo, Von Alexander, Haz Solo, and a whole host of others. In an era that lacks a lot of substance in hip hop (see Trap Lords), Dana and Speak are two emcees that shine with a backpack style and a plethora of rhymes to match.”
Reggie Bonds – “Mad Scientist”
What we said in 2015: “Reggie Bonds is definitely back at it, in the new visuals for “Mad Scientist”. Directed by the always talented Cody LaPlant and Damien Klaven, Reggie carries the torch for true emcees, spitting bars through a series of dark, ambitious settings. Arguably better than the rest of the video, Bonds switches up the flow and absolutely kills it, so make sure you stick around to the end of this one.”
Soul Low – “Always Watchin’ Out”
What we said in 2015: “Get the tracking ready on your VCR, because Soul Low are back with a new music video, this time for “Always Watchin’ Out” from their Sweet Pea EP. The video, in all of its lo-fi glory, features Cat Ries from NO/NO and Rio Turbo harassing the nerdy Soul boys. With some awesome visual work via By Matt Plain, Dan Black & Connor Davis, the Soul Low guys are crafting an image for themselves, at least for this EP.”
Annalog – “Fall Feels”
What we said in 2015: “Higher Education Records can proudly boast that they currently have two of the hardest working DJs in Milwaukee, and just about any given night, you can catch Annalog or Moses spinning somewhere around town. Annalog, however, is emerging in her own right, as a very talented DJ, and her first mix, “Fall Feels” is nothing short of a 22 minute long banger. Complete with a plethora of trap buildups and unreal drops galore, the mix is a full on party in your headphones. EDM heads get behind this one, because with a mix like this, Annalog is due to stay on the scene for quite sometime.”
Von Alexander – “Von”
What we said in 2015: “Von Alexander has gone through a lot of changes as an artist over the past few months. Shedding a moniker, and rebranding his style ever so slightly, he unleashed “Von”. Essentially the EP is the debut of Von Alexander’s new sound and style, and in typical fashion, both come on strong. “Von” has a very cohesive sound, with a flair for quality production and relentless flow. When you look to put out quality material, and you’re very selective of how to go about that process, you get an end result like the “Von” EP.”
Vincent Van Great – “Killer Steez”
What we said in 2015: “Vincent VanGREAT is establishing himself as one of the breakout players in Milwaukee’s notoriously talented SAFS Crew. His latest offering, released in conjunction with Uni-Fi Records, is more of that high quality product, with the awesome visuals for “Killer Steez”. Encompassing everything that’s great about summertime Chicago, Vincent VanGREAT raps his way through the loop, accompanied by his own smooth production. It’s great to see VanGREAT branch out on his own, and really start to emerge as a premier talent in Milwaukee hip hop.”
The Royal – “In My Sleep”
What we said in 2015: “Milwaukee garage-pop outfit The Royal are back with a new single, “In My Sleep”. It’s been a while since we’ve heard from the guys, but luckily for all of the Royalists out there, the new track is everything they’ve been waiting for. As always, you can expect to hear some ever-so-catchy lyrics, and a hook that you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. However, this is a bit of a step away from the band’s other singles.”
WebsterX & Q The Sun – “KidX”
What we said in 2015: “Everything that New Age Narcissism does lately seems to be turning heads in Milwaukee. The movement, quarterbacked by WebsterX, is known for expanding their sound, regardless of genre, into something completely different and unique. Enter “KidX”, the EP from WebsterX and Q The Sun, which is in part an homage to Radiohead’s “Kid A”. In a post on Facebook, Q The Sun explains that “KID A presented a whole new sound, based on electronic, programmed drums, keyboards and synthesizers. it was a huge risk for (Radiohead), a risk that their record label was initially very reluctant to take. but when the album was released it debuted at #1 on the american billboard chart, the band’s first #1 debut.” This is definitely a departure from WebsterX’s “Desperate Youth” but a glimpse into the future of what is in store for NAN.”
Sean Smart – “Sean Smart: The Mixtape”
What we said in 2015: “After an exodus on good terms from Higher Education Records, Sean Smart has branched off into his own creative circle, essentially rebranding himself and further crafting his sound. Fast forward a little bit, and you have “Sean Smart: The Mixtape”. The tape still features Sean’s ruthless style, but something feels just a bit askew from the HER days. That feeling is a result of Sean coming into his own as an artist, and truly maturing to develop his own identity. While still being the same talented emcee that he always was, Sean makes a statement on this tape that he is here to stand on his own, and rightfully so.”
IshDARR – “Somebodies”
What we said in 2015: “Young Milwaukee emcee IshDARR is doing things his own way, and generating a lot of love both locally and internationally. The 19 year old rapper is currently touring Europe, and found the perfect location in Luxembourg to film the video for “Somebodies”. Short and to the point, the track goes extra hard in under two minutes.”
Tapebenders – “Easy Eyes”
What we said in 2015: “Indie group Tapebenders premiered their visuals for “Easy Eyes”. The video follows the journey of a Jamus Andrest illustrated stick figure, set to a smooth, brooding score from the band. The video is in preparation of Tapebenders’ album, “Set Your Life On Fire”, to be released in the coming weeks.”
You can check out more Milwaukee music history by browsing our archives.
