Mr Oizo is on fire. Within the last couple of years he’s released an LP, an EP, he co-created an electro supergroup with German electro producer Boys Noize called Handbraekes and has released two feature length films Rubber and Wrong, which you should check out immediately. Oizo’s latest project is entitled Wrong Cops (apparently it has nothing to do with Wrong, Mr. Oizo is just lazy with titles) and it is, much like his previous films, absurd. A 13 minute preview of the film is available for your viewing pleasure and stars Mark Burnham as a ‘wrong’ cop who sells drugs to kids via dead rats and Marilyn Manson who plays an awkward teenage person who is at one point in the film forced to listen to electro music at the hands of an underwear sporting, beer drinking ‘wrong’ cop. Oh, and the soundtrack to the film is scored by Mr. Oizo himself. What’s not to love?

sean.

If you weren’t able to get your Sasquatch! Music Fest tickets before they completely sold out, I have the second best show that you need to mark on your calendars. . That’s right. I’m sure you’re asking yourself, what the who? What the what? What the why? Ok. I’m done. Just watch the video below for Black Bananas’, ‘My House’ and tell me that you don’t want to go to The Comet and get down.

Ever since the release of their acclaimed funky metal debut, Rad Times Xpress IV, Black Bananas continue to ripen and play host to interesting growths and cultures. A petri dish of blasting rock and bubble-gum-brown-note funk, the new groove machine from Royal Trux and RTX’s Jennifer Herrema has so far laid waste to 2012 audiences across America in both headlining and supporting roles. The group – Jennifer Herrema (vocals), Brian McKinley (guitar), Kurt Midness (bass, synth), and Jaimo Welch (drums, samples) — is about to hit the road yet again for the whole month of May! Together, they conjure a new twist on Herrema’s out-of-focus rock sound, slammed home with slinky beats and glistening details. Previously touring with Sleigh Bells and Heavy Cream, they’ll now traverse the country with Kurt Vile and the Violators, plus play a bunch of headlining dates with Dwarr (for their first tour ever!) and Magik Markers.

Black Bananas first album Rad Times Xpress IV runs the gamut from gnarly odes to reality TV in songs like ‘My House’ to future electric metallic GoGo sounds all conceived with scraps of influence from Jennifer’s childhood passions zig-zagged with other currents out there, creating a sound that will take you to a specific place that only Black Bananas know how to find.

Saturday 26 May 2012
Black Bananas
The Broken Nobles
The Crypts

sean.

Sasquatch! Music Fest is happening, people. This weekend, people. The list of bands that I want to see just keeps on growing the more I look at and investigate the massive 4 day line-up and when I’m at work I can hardly keep my composure. People have learned to stay away from me if they don’t want to hear me talk and talk and talk about things that they have long ago grown tired of hearing.

The big names on the bill are fine and dandy. Jack White? I like him and his work with the White Stripes and who knows, maybe he’ll surprise everyone and play some ‘classics’. Bon Iver? I like that one song of his that Kanye West sampled for his own song, which you can find on West’s magnum opus, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Beck? Sure, why not. What I’m really stoked about though are the smaller national, international and local acts that will be showing everyone a good time.

This year there is a really good sampling of hip hop and rap coming out of Seattle from the likes of , , and among others that you can catch at the all weekend long. I promise you that if you check any or all of these folks out you will not be disappointed. And, if you do happen to be disappointed by any of them, you really need to .

Oh! I recently had the chance to chat with The Physics and you can go here to check it out.

If you’re not really into the hip hop scene I recommend you take in a bit of Purity Ring, SBTRKT, Little Dragon, Apparat, St. Vincent, Silversun Pickups, Felix Cartal, local boys Hey Marseilles and Allen Stone and the list goes on and on and on…

sean.

I just found out about and I really dig this dude’s music. If you know what’s good for ya, (and i know that you do) you will listen to Cartal’s latest record Different Faces, and fall in love with each and every track. Felix is playing this coming weekend and you better believe I will be in the front of the crowd dancing my a** off. I’m also trying to secure an interview with him so stay tuned to find out how that goes down. Please to enjoy…

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Dorian Duvall is , (on-you-in-you) an electro-pop music maker coming to us from Portland, OR whose pseudonym is one that I’m sure will confuse the masses with it’s exact pronunciation for years to come. It’s a good thing that the music coming form this dude is something worth paying attention to or else it would be really difficult to get over the puzzler of a name.

Mirror Gazer is Onuinu’s debut full-length which is due this August and will be housing previously released track ‘Ice Palace’ and also ‘Happy Home’, the first official single from the record. ‘Happy Home’ is the perfect song to get you ready for the rapidly approaching summer months as it’s a bright, upbeat, mood enhancing jam that will have you putting down your bottles of 2000 IU, Vitamin D and running to your stereo to turn the music up just enough so that your neighbors won’t hate you but instead appreciate your awesome taste in music.

Onuinu is touring with Yacht. No Seattle dates as of yet but check the schedule below to see if he’ll be stopping by your town…

5-24 La Jolla, CA – The Loft @ UCSD *
5-25 Tucson, AZ – Plush *
5-28 New Orleans, LA – One Eyed Jacks *
5-30 Gainesville, FL – Double Down Live *
5-31 Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live *
6-1 Tampa, FL – Crowbar *
6-2 Miami, FL – Bardot *
6-4 Atlanta, GA – The Earl *
6-5 Nashville, TN – 12th and Porter *$
6-6 Memphis, TN – Hi-Tone Cafe *
6-7 Dallas, TX – Club Dada *
6-8 Austin, TX – The Mohawk *
6-9 Houston, TX – Fitzgeralds *^
6-11 Norman, OK – Opolis *
6-13 Santa Fe, NM – Sol at Santa Fe Brewing Company *
6-14 Phoenix, AZ – The Crescent Ballroom *
6-15 Pomona, CA – The Glass House *

* = w/ YACHT
$ = w/ Jasmin Kaset
^ = w/ Love Inks

sean.

is completely sold out. It’s really too bad that you missed out on buying tickets to see Jack White, Beck, St. Vincent, Silversun Pickups, Childish Gambino, Little Dragon, SBTRKT, Feed Me (with Teeth!) and The Physics perform alongside 10 handfuls of so many other really great bands. What a shame.

Well, it’s a good thing that the brand new live and local internet radio station Jet City Stream is giving away a pair of 4-day passes and all you have to do is to register to win these highly sought after tickets. You’re welcome.

sean.

The Everett Music Initiative and The Anchor Pub know what’s up. What exactly is up, you ask? The Grizzled Mighty and I Will Keep Your Ghost, that’s what. Everett band I Will Keep Your Ghost sound a bit like Ghostland Observatory mixed with a touch of 1980’s synth pop and will be opening the night for all of the cool kids in attendance. Seattle’s blues/rock duo The Grizzled Mighty will close the night and that’s probably for the best as I am positive that Ryan (guitar, vocals) and Whitney (drums) will destroy the sh*t out of The Anchor Pub. I haven’t seen either of these bands play live before so I am really excited to see what the evening has in store.

I recently chatted with Steven Graham of to discuss the lack of music scene in Everett and what efforts need to be made to change things and you can listen to that here. I also had the chance to chat with The Grizzled Mighty recently about music, fire breathing, slight returns, we called Eddie Beveridge, popped some Vitamin D and played a game of Name That Band all within an action packed 32 minutes. Listen below…

Thanks, Everett, for hosting a bad-ass line-up.

The Grizzled Mighty and I Will Keep Your Ghost
Doors @ 9p, $5

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ps. The Grizzled Mighty will be playing the Thursday, May 17th and I have a pair of tickets to give you. Listen to the chat above to find out how to get them.

Mr Oizo is back with Stade 3, another mind bending album that will have fans of Oizo’s sometimes challenging but ultimately super inventive and unique take on music sitting on Cloud 9 while everyone else who isn’t hip to what’s up will be with huge, messy trails of ear blood behind them. Listen to Stade 3 below and download (for free) and watch the teaser trailer for the record too…

sean.

Recently, The Ron and Don Show team got together to sing in a van while driving all around the city of Seattle. This was inspired by Rachel Belle and her love for and this awesome thing they do called a . The Ron and Don Van Session: John Denver Edition was a complete success and if you you can watch that video. Some years ago, Ron and Don had a band called Country Evil and after having listened to some of their tunes just in the last few weeks, I am positive that these two had absolutely no one attend a single one of their shows. I figured it would be fun to create a VH1 style Behind the Music for Country Evil focusing on Ron and Don’s rise and ultimate fall from the rock and roll scene, the people who know them and know just how bad they are at making music and how Ron and Don would eventually be wrapped up in making music(?) again…

sean. via the mixtape

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The only things I know about DJ and producer is that he is a former member of the funk Latin band Ozomatli and of hip hop group Jurassic 5, he has collaborated with fellow turntablist DJ Shadow on a number of projects and that I own his debut record The Audience’s Listening and it’s really, really good. Beyond those things, I haven’t thought about this dude since last listening to his debut which was some time ago. Fortunately for me, (and for you, of course) I recently received an email containing a link to Cut Chemists’ newest single ‘Outro (Revisited)’ which is going to be a part of his sophomore album, Die Cut which is to be released very, very soon. The song is fast and furious and before you even realize what’s happened, you’re on the phone to the doctor telling him all about the aural abuse you’ve just been subjected to while scouring the internet for more Cut Chemist. Below is a bit from the press release…

‘The first single, ‘Outro (Revisited)’ features LA underground rap veteran Blackbird. These two have come together to create a new sound that delivers a much different texture than his past catalogue. “This song hails not from world rhythms or funky drum breaks but industrial meets Orange County punk”, says Cut. ‘Outro’ also features live drums played by Deantoni Parks (Mars Volta, John Cale, Meshell Ndegeochello) and LA’s own Lonnie Marshall (Marshall Law, Weapon Of Choice) on bass… Unlike The Audience’s Listening, the Die Cut LP will offer a much more collaborative effort from musicians and vocalists around the world. “I haven’t put a band of artists on one record like this since Jurassic 5. It feels good to work with different people with different musical backgrounds to explore new musical boundaries.’

sean.

I may be a bit late to join the party, but I wanna join anyway! I’ve definately heard the song ‘Heartbeat’ before and really liked it and I never knew who the hell sang it, until this week. If you don’t know Childish Gambino, he is Donald Glover who is best known for being a writer for 30 Rock, and for his role as community college student Troy Barnes on the NBC comedy series Community. He’s also just released his debut album, Camp.

He’s also a really funny stand-up comedian.

sean.

Signal Path began in the mountains of Missoula, MT in 2001 where they forged a unique brand of electronic dance music by splicing technology with raw instrumentalism. Now thriving in one of the most explosive electronic scenes in the country, the Denver based band creates powerful studio work and wildly popular live shows. Playing to packed crowds throughout the US, Signal Path’s unique live experience is as beautiful as it is intense as they bend guitars, basses, drums, mandolins, and the bajo quinto around a core of unrelenting rhythm and massive low end production.

After releasing five albums of entirely original music between 2010 – 2011 including a full length entitled Imaginary Lines in Sept of 2010, and then releasing a new EP on the first day of each new season throughout 2011, this prolific band is about to release a studio project unlike anything they’ve ever done.

Signal Path’s new mixtaEP, features remixes mashed up with Signal Path’s unique take on electronic music. Artists featured include, Zola Jesus, The Roots, Active Child, Skrillex, Shabazz Palaces, Modeselektor, Main Attrakzions, Asap Rocky, Sleighbells, and Cults.

With this new studio release, Signal Path has taken some of their favorite current artists and sliced, diced, and turned them into a musical collage unlike anything they’ve done before. From the unlikely, yet emotionally deep Zola Jesus/Skrillex mashup to the instant banger, Swerve feat. Shabazz Palaces, this new mixtaEP is pure ear candy for not only hardcore Signal Path fans but fans of electronic, hip hop, and indie music as a whole.

Go to to download mixtaEP in addition to everything else Signal Path has created.

2012 Spring tour dates. Let’s hope Seattle see’s a bit of love from Signal Path.

Fri April 6 – Cider House – Knoxville TN
Sat April 7 – 12th + Porter – Nashville TN
Tue April 10 – The Pour House – Charleston SC
Thu April 12 – The Apache Cafe – Atlanta, GA
Fri April 13 – Caledonia Lounge – Athens GA
Fri May 25 – Bluebird Theater – Denver, Co

sean.

Are you interested in seeing a really great rock and roll show this Saturday night? Me too, but I’m not sure where to find one, so instead I would recommend checking out Squirt who will be playing Slim’s Last Chance Chili Shack & Watering Hole. The last time Squirt played Seattle they put on a rockin’ show at The Sunset Tavern in Ballard and if you want to read a sterling review of that, go here. Former Seattle radio DJ Dick Rossetti and former non-band member of Squirt Electric Vee Vee Roark make up one-half of the group and they dropped by the mixtape recently to catch me up on what’s been keeping them busy over the years. Apparently, Electric Vee Vee Roark has been working at the local swap meet patching inner tubes and selling off his baseball card collection while Dick has been trying to avoid any and all questions about his days as a former Seattle radio DJ. You can listen to the entire super awkward chat below.

Also, because Squirt is super current, here’s a bit about them taken from their Myspace page…

‘Formed in 1990 by Dick Rossetti and Electric Vee Vee Roark, super hard hitting drummer MC Nelson joined the ranks and the band were up and running despite Rossetti never playing a stringed instrument beforehand… Eric ‘the swede’ Olson joined after Marsh Gooch’ brief tenure on second guitar in 1992. MC Nelson bailed in late 1994, Rossetti got behind the kit and this contingent recorded what has been hailed as their masterpiece, 1995’s ‘Pike St. Ball Bag’…Following an onstage meltdown by the Swede at RKCNDY in November ’95, the band ceased to exist.’

Apr 21st 2012, 9:00pm
SQUIRT, YOUNG SPORTMAN, DIGNITARIES

sean.

sean.

This Friday April 13th will not be a night of bad luck and dark superstition but a night of heavy, rolling basslines and glitchy, spine-tingling synth sounds as Colorado based producer Alex B aka will be hitting up Neumos to rattle our brains and shake our hips.

Here’s a bit from his bio…

‘Forward is not just a direction, it’s a way of life for Colorado based producer Alex B who is rolling out big tunes under the new guise of Paper Diamond. The new project finds the trusted producer moving into previously untraveled musical territory. The Paper Diamond sound has raw energy and the kind of dramatic anticipation only a seasoned producer can incite. Driving beats and bass grab on tight while deep, rich tones rumble under layers of spacey synthesizers, sweet melodies, and catchy vocals. One thing is for sure. The energy is high.’

With one EP and a handful of notable remixes under his belt, Paper Diamond has been secretly amassing over 100 original songs/beats/instrumentals and is currently working with artists, singers, rappers, and MCs all over the country. The time has now come for an unveiling. Paper Diamond’s new EP Wavesight will be released on this May 3rd, 2012.

Listen to some of Paper Diamonds’ tunes below and then tell me you’re not totally into this dude.

I am definitely hitting this show up. A good night of dancing is the best way to get my pulse a bit out of whack and help me dig my way out of my recent sedentary ways.

Neumos and Mindfield present:
Paper Diamond, Minnesota, Flarelight
Doors at 8pm :: $12 ADV:: 21+

sean.

is New York City’s Nick Koenig, a man whose latest offering is a spaced out electro jam that you might find yourself listening to while sitting in a slight (or not so slight) haze of that **oh so lovely** ganja smoke. I haven’t heard a bit of anything else from this guy but based on the coolness of his track ‘#Mindcontrol’, I’m completely sold. Oh, and the music video for the song is a bit, um, out there. I’m not sure if I want to meet the person who thought up the music video or run from them. If you like old man penis, dirty feet and special effects that could potentially induce seizures, then watch the video . It’s NSFW but doesn’t that just make you want to watch it even more? Especially at work?

Listen to ‘#Mindcontrol’ below. It’s from the forthcoming Moon Money EP due out this May 15th via

Here’s a bit from the press release…

‘The ability to record every day sounds, or not so every day when it comes to standing outside in a hurricane to map the sound of the wind to a keyboard, and turn them into catchy, well disguised melodies and rhythms is a musical style Koenig has deemed Associative Music.

And, if Hot Sugar is Associative Music’s founder, then Moon Money may play as its manifesto. Koenig’s impressive collection of environmental sounds are transformed into nine brilliantly cohesive songs that are more than listenable. From the yearning harmonics and soaring melancholy on ‘The Kid Who Drowned at Summer Camp’ to the defamiliarised soundtrack to lunacy that is ‘#Mindcontrol’, Koenig’s grasp of melody is ever present and packs a visceral punch.’

Below is a super interesting short about how Hot Sugar makes his music. Everything is created on the spot from using everyday objects. Plus, there’s a cool old dude who’s tattooed all over his face helping Hot Sugar out with things…

from on .

**So I’ve heard from close friends**

sean.

is Mat Wisner, a man of many musical talents who apparently cannot stop creating awesome things. With debut long player Letters and Hot Lights EP under his belt, Mat has now started his journey into the world of electronica and house with a project he’s calling Fear. I recently received an e-mail from Mat and this is what he had to say about things…

‘…this project will release later in 2012, and not be on a physical CD, but will be revealed through an unprecedented audio/visual project.’

Interesting. Mat will also support the release with DJ shows all over Seattle and the US. Until more details come to light please enjoy ‘Aggressive’, the first track from Fear.

Oh, you can go to download for free.

I had the chance to talk with Mat a couple of months ago about Viper Creek Club, his new Hot Lights EP , The Young & The Restless, Garbage Pail Kids Cards and we also played a rousing game of Name That Tune…

sean.

Dark (but not crazy, Fever Ray dark) electronic pop music makers Malin Dahlstrom and Gustaf Karlof are , two crazy kids from Sweden who are about to release their debut full length, Instinct, which is due this coming May 14th. They reside with local label Sup Pop and have recently given us, the listener, a 24 minute, 5 track sampler of the upcoming album…

sean.

Even after chatting at length with Chicago based about what style of music they’re making and which term would best describe their sound, I am still uncertain as to whether I should call them a soul band, a soul revival band or just refer to them as a group of dudes making music that they enjoy making but with a touch of influence from the days of Stax Records. However it is you or I choose to frame it, it’s an undeniable fact that JCBUS make tunes that get audiences twisting and turning all the live long day.

El Corazon, which is usually host to hardcore and metal bands, had a literal change of tune this past Friday night when JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound graced the smallish stage to unload an arsenal of songs that ranged from the slow, sexy, soulful sounds of 1963 to the upbeat, hip shaking, finger snapping tunes that you can’t help but feaking love. JCBUS have a new record out now called Want More and they weren’t shy about playing a heaping handful of songs for the small but oh so into the scene crowd in attendance. Watch some video below of the guys performing ‘I Got High’ and also a cover of Wilco’s ‘I Am Trying to Break Your Heart’. Good stuff people!

JC Brooks had no problem addressing the crowd throughout the night even getting a bit raunchy in the process…

The guys certainly know how to do dark, slow and sexy with ’75 Years of Art Sex’ from their …

JCBUS had the entire audience, myself included, locked in the palms of their sweaty hands the entire evening not letting any of us go until they were absolutely ready to take mercy on us. I think I can speak for everyone when I say, thank you JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound for being awesome and knowing how to put on a show that will be not be soon forgotten.

Listen to JC Brooks and The Uptown Sound chat with the mixtape here and check out a photo gallery of the show here.

sean.