SLAMMys 2008 | 19 Things We’re Loving About Local Music Right Now
By Bill Frost @bill_frost, Jamie Gadette, Jenny Poplar and Ryan Bradford
No Hyperbole Here
Seventeen years ago, Bikini Kill called for Revolution Girl Style Now! And, while the concept of girl (or grrl) power has since been recycled, exploited and commodified by a string of wannabes (Spice Girls, anyone?), only a handful of artists continue to lead by example. Salt Lake City’s ¡Andale! match the sound and attitude of their fierce foremothers with smart, witty firecracker indie/punk that drones, pierces and, occasionally, coos Liz Phair-style (before she sold out and completely sucked). Get on the bus, bitches. (JG)
Wherever They May Roam
The kids are more than alright—they’re raising the bar for Utah bands who could do worse than follow I Am the Ocean’s tireless lead. The local rockers traded dead-end day jobs and apartment leases for an impressive tour schedule, criss-crossing the United States to play shows—any shows—that will have the loud-as-hell “not metal” band now signed to California’s Uprising Records. With members’ ages topping out at 25, this grizzled group of promising artists have the luxury of no mortgages or kids to consider when the road calls. Adopt even an ounce of these kids’ DIY work ethic, and you will up the odds of getting bigger than your own back yard. (JG)
Undead Undead Undead
Rising Moon Productions launched just last year, but founder Kelly Ashkettle, a former City Weekly contributor, is no stranger to concert promotions, having worked Pittsburgh’s club circuit for a good five years. Her recent endeavor is responsible for bringing to Utah goth, industrial and dark-alternative heavyweights Bella Morte, Android Lust, Voltaire and Ego Likeness. Rising Moon also sheds light on local underground talent, attracting new audiences who might otherwise never know the humor, beauty and grace of an often maligned subculture. (JG)
Test Of Time
You might actually learn something when you shop at Randy’s Records, like how to fix that turntable you purchased when vinyl first made a comeback, or that the clerk studied music with Flea—the only “redeeming member” of Anthony Kiedis’ wildly successful project. It’s a wonder emporium of slightly- to seriously-aged material—you’re more likely to find a used copy of Nick Cave’s Let Loved In than the new No Age release—Randy’s is pure heaven for crate-digging and memory-jogs. A celebrated companion to the modern loving indie-music stores in town. 157 E. 900 South, 532-4413 (JG)
Thank You, Sir; May I Have Another?
Don’t get us wrong—Exigent Records is far from a one-trick pony. Founder Colby Houghton is well on his way to achieving his desired goal of showcasing all that Salt Lake City’s music scene has to offer (see: Cosm, Ether). But, for now, we’re more than happy to get the shit rocked out of us by Exigent’s mostly heavy-as-hell roster. Nothing sounds better after a tough day at the office than ear-splitting sets by God’s Revolver, Loom, Top Dead Celebrity, Accidente, Xur, Novelists and Glacial. Repeat after me: “I’m about to lose control, and I think I like it.” (JG)
Come On, Get Happy
If you still think Provo is void of nightlife, think again. For two years now, Velour owner Corey Fox has maintained a stellar track record of hosting and promoting touring and local acts including Joshua James, The Autumn Defense, Neon Trees, Band of Annuals, Palomino, Marcus Bently and others. We were impressed when the SLAMMys indie-pop showcase at Velour attracted a sold-out crowd of 300-plus. Apparently, that kind of turnout is all in a day’s work for Fox. Does he know something you don’t? (JG)
So What Night is That on Again?
Veteran Utah hip-hop group (yes, there is such a thing) Numbs have licensed their tracks to videogames and TV shows in the past, but in November 2007, they finally went prime time—well, sort of. “Dedication,” a killer cut from their latest release Nfinity, was featured on an episode of NBC’s critically beloved but low-rated football soap Friday Night Lights. Like the title says, it’s on Friday nights—not likely to be seen by many jocks or hip-hop fans. Still, Numbs emcee Mark Dago is aiming higher on the tube: “Now, if only we could land a song on Lost … feel me?” (BF)
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