[Review] The Smart Studios Story
The Smart Studios Story
Director: Wendy Schneider
Rating: N/A
Release Date: March 16, 2016
The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (CIMM Fest) opened last night with the first Midwest screening of The Smart Studios Story, at The Music Box, and it did not disappoint. The documentary revisits the legendary Madison recording studio that helped birth the indie rock and pop culture scene of the 80's and 90's. Founded by Butch Vig and Steve Marker in 1983, the studio produced bands such as Killdozer, The Smashing Pumpkins, L7, Tad, Garbage, and Nirvana. The story chronicles the humble beginnings of the studio, their rise to fame, and the end of a grand era.
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The Smart Studios Story premiered at South by Southwest this year, but this screening here in the midwest, where it rightfully belongs, was quite special. CIMM Fest even provided an exclusive Q&A after the screening where Butch Vig, Steve Marker, and Director and Co-Producer Wendy Schneider were completely open to sharing their experience in making the film, going through memories, even sharing some that didn't make the film.
Overall, this was one of the best music documentaries I've seen in a long time. The bass thumping soundtrack, along with heartfelt interviews from Butch Vig, Steve Marker, Billy Corgan, Dave Grohl, Shirley Manson, Donita Sparks, Chris Walla and tons of great bands were all completely raw and entertaining. The special impact the Midwest continually has on pop culture is eloquently demonstrated, and the story has all the footage to prove.
For more screening and event info, check out their site here.
[SXSW 2016] The Roots Inaugural SXSW Jam Session
SXSW's 30th edition wrapped up this weekend with a bang. For those privileged with special access badges and wristbands, the legendary Roots Crew put on a Jam Session Saturday night that still has people talking. In collaboration with Bud Light Music, at the Bud Light Factory, the inaugural Roots SXSW Jam Session was brought together. In an event originally advertised as "The Roots with Big Grams and Special Guests", event goers had no idea what was in store.
Even with limited information on the lineup, the entry line stretched around the building, but was well worth the wait. When I finally got in, Phantogram was playing their hit song, "Fall in Love", with the Roots backing them, a sweet set to walk in to. As I made my way towards the front, Big Boi came out playing new tracks from their collaboration, Big Grams. Once Phantogram left the stage, Big Boi continued to perform some of his Outkast favorites with a Roots flare. Then the surprise guests began to roll in one after another, bringing on Talib Kweli, Yo Gotti, Ashanti, and Naughty by Nature. Before I arrived other artists included X Ambassadors, Emily King, Tish Hyman, and Marc E. Bassy. The night ended with more classic Roots tracks, and Black Thought announcing their first of many more jam sessions to come to SXSW. All in all, the event didn't disappoint and with the free beer, I guarantee I'll be at the next one.
In case you missed it, definitely check out some of the photos I managed to capture inside a very hyped crowd.
[SXSW 2016] Culturally Diverse Lineup at the Remezcla Perreo Showcase
It's been a few days since SXSW wrapped up, and while many people are still recuperating or cleaning up the streets of Austin, I still can't get over Remezcla's body moving Perreo Showcase. What started as a monthly party series in NYC, Remezcla brought their scene to Austin this past Friday, kicking off a music filled weekend as an official SXSW Music showcase, bringing together "the next generation of global urban sounds" to the Swan Dive Patio.
The event featured a lineup full of bicultural, up-and-coming artists that each kept the crowd moving from start to finish. I walked in to the bass thumping sounds of Lil Debbie, and it didn't stop from there. At Swan Dive's outdoor patio, John Grvy was wooing the crowd with his electro-R&B groove, bringing warmth to a slightly chilly Texas night. From there, Corpus Christi based DJ/producer, El Dusty, kept the crowd dancing with his mash of Cumbia/Trap/Dub mixes, and introduced fellow Texan, and bilingual rapper MLKMN. Between going back and forth to the venue's indoor and outdoor stages, the slew of artists also included Puerto Rico’s Audri Nix who just dropped her debut EP, El Nuevo Orden Vol. 1. Another dope Boricua MC that hit the stage was Mike Towers, and the list went on to include Miami's Kat Dahlia, Dj Happy Colors, El Freaky, Colombia’s renowned global bass collective. And completing the night was NAAFI, the Mexican underground label/crew continually gaining international fans across the globe.
In case you missed it check out some photos below, and definitely check out the links above to add some new music to your daily shuffle.
[SXSW 2016] Tumblr to Host Feminism-Themed Night
Tumblr is returning to SXSW 2016 Music with an entirely new Feminism-themed event this year that's certainly catching a lot of buzz. In effort to highlight gender inequality in the US Wage Gap, their event, 79 Cents, will headline Jhené Aiko, Tacocat, Little Simz, and Empress Of, a full lineup of almost entirely female musicians, "feminist art installations", and even a guest appearance from former Texas state senator Wendy Davis. (Davis shot to national renown in 2013 when she staged an 11-hour filibuster to block a bill heavily restricting abortion in the state.) A SXSW event filled with nothing but strong female voices, for sure.
At the 2015 festival, Tumblr occupied four full days of performances and collaborative visuals at the Ironwood Hall, not only bringing together an array of great musicians but creating an overall art filled experience. When asked about such a change in focus in this year's event, Tumblr’s head of music, Nate Auerbach, stated "We’re celebrating the female voice in many contexts.", leaving much to anticipate.
The event is being held on March 16th, at 9pm, at the Historic Scoot Inn, and you can RSVP here.
[SXSW 2016] Celebrating 30 Years of Music
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In the height of America's booming music festival business, it's time for SXSW to celebrate 30 years of music goodness with tons of exciting lineups in store. According to Twitter Analytics, one in ten Americans attended a music festival in the past year, and social media conversations around music festivals spiked 34%. There's no question Millennial's love a good music fest and this year SXSW isn't looking to disappoint.
SXSW is truly a unique convergence of music, film, and emerging technologies, and continues to grow every year, gaining international recognition. Having originally stemmed from music, Austin’s music festival is rapidly approaching (March 15 through March 20), providing a long list of music lineups, with tons of surprise guest appearances.
Beyond the music, simply walking around to different venues and bars, you're met with excited locals and fest-goers from around the globe, many of which are eager to share their art. This is alongside the occasional pop artist sighting, casually strolling amongst the crowd. Last year, walking from Austin's infamous 6th St. to Rainey St. I literally bumped into Wiz Khalifa, while shooting a random group of dancers from Brooklyn. Later that night, I ended up backstage at the Fader Fort, meeting Chicago's very own Chance the Rapper and Comedian Hannibal Burress, after shooting Timbaland's surprise performance with Tink, after Travis Scott. Austin certainly doesn't stray from it's rock roots, providing endless indie lineups and special appearances as well.
Take a look back at 30 Years of SXSW here. Also check out a few upcoming events that I'm personally excited about below:
Santigold & Crystal Castles at Stubbs
Deftones, CHVRCHES, Vince Staples & More with SPIN
Nas, DJ Khaled, Yo Gotti & Just Blaze
Anderson .Paak & BJ the Chicago Kid at the Spotify House
Guac-N-Roll with Culture Collide
Miike Snow, Baio, The Kills, Bloc Party, Ghostland Observatory, X Ambassadors, Polica & more
[SXSW 2016] John Legend to Share Stage with Five Handpicked Musicians at AXE Collective
Days away from SXSW Music, AXE and SPIN announce their return with yet another exciting SXSW lineup that headlines Grammy & Oscar-winning musician John Legend. In addition, there will be live performances by Rae Sremmurd, electronic pop duo AlunaGeorge, LA-based singer Gallant, and former “Glee” vocalist Alex Newell. And if this isn't enough, in a nationwide search for the best and brightest talent, John Legend handpicked five musicians to join the AXE Collective to accompany him on one of music’s biggest stages with debut performances.
The AXE Collective is a yearlong music and film mentorship program that included sessions with John Legend himself. With support of SPIN and the opportunity to perform at SXSW, the AXE Collective giving a very opportune platform for each artist to share their voice and story with the world.
The event will be held on Thursday, March 17 at The Belmont Austin (305 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701), from 12pm to 5pm, and I'm thrilled to cover it all.
[RH Photos] Erykah Badu Headlines Taste of Chicago
Photos by AngieStar Photo
Day two at the Taste of Chicago brought in warm, sunny weather, and new wave of more people to enjoy the fest. Aside from all the food, Grammy Award-winner Erykah Badu set the tone for the evening as the night's headliner to a sold out show, and it was amazing.
Opening the night was Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, who brought the crowd to their feet in true New Orleans jazz fashion. Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and his long time band, Orleans Avenue, brought a charismatic and relentless drive to continually bridge music's past and future to the stage, including new tracks from their third album, Say That To Say This, out September 10. Co-produced by Andrews and Raphael Saadiq, it truly sounded like nothing else out there, as Andrews, guitarist Pete Murano, bassist Mike Ballard and drummer Joey Peebles stride forward in their unique musical evolution. In a smooth transition, Erykah Badu came to stage with an instrumental rendition of "The Healer", easing into "Out My Mind, Just In Time". Badu continued on with so many of her most classic songs, along with live beat making, and an often witty commentary in between tracks. Ending the night with "Window Seat" at dusk brought the night to close gently and ever so entertainingly.
If you missed the show, and Badu's signature unique attire, check out some photos here:
[RH Photos] Weezer Headlines at the 35th Annual Taste of Chicago
Photos by AngieStar Photo
The 35th annual Taste of Chicago kicked off yesterday in Grant Park's Petrillo Music Shell, with Weezer as their first headlining band. The 2015 Taste of Chicago is featuring over 100 menu items from 60 food trucks, pop-ups and restaurants representing Chicago’s diverse culinary community. But of course, the food isn't the only thing, the live music has been well known at the festival and this year is no different.
From beginning to end, Weezer performed smash hit after hit such as "Say it Ain't So", "Beverly Hills", "Hash Pipe", and many more. They even introduced a newer track titled, "Go Away", from their fourth album Everything Will Be Alright In The End. As it began to rain, the night ended with an encore performance of "Buddy Holly" that turned the crowd way up.
Yesterday was only beginning as Petrillo Music Shell still has a few more headliners still to go:
July 9, 5:30 p.m. ERYKAH BADU, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
July 10, 5:30 p.m. THE CHIEFTAINS, Special Consensus
July 11, 4:30 p.m. SPOON, Houndmoth, Madisen Ward & The Mama Bear
July 12 4:30 p.m. MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly, DJ Duane Powell
Reserved seating starts at $15 and the lawn is FREE. To purchase tickets visit the Taste of Chicago website.
In case you missed their set, be sure to check out these photos:
