Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper is a really cool guy that i discovered pretty recently... He has a signature "yelp" that he does in each song that is really funny to me. Plus, I just really enjoy his music. Chance is coming to JMBLYA this year in New Braunfels in May and I CANT GO. I am very upset. Regardless, I like his album Acid Rap a lot and have been listening to it on the way to school. His sound is very distinct to me and thats what peaked my interest from the very beginning. You should listen to "Favorite Song" (which happens to be my favorite...ha ha) featuring Childish Gambino, as well as "Pusha Man."

Frank Ocean

Heather played Frank Ocean as her in-class song choice which was awesome because I happen to love him. Frank Ocean is a great artist with an impressive vocal range and calm, soothing sound. She played "Super Rich Kids" which is a great song that I think is extremely relevant today, especially with the materialistic obsessions that have overcome the American youth. Frank Ocean is not only significant in terms of his music, but as an artist he is an openly gay and extremely successful man, a real icon for the kids of today. I think the importance of his coming-out letter really gave others the confidence needed to embrace themselves and who they really are.

"Pyramids" -- yes that is John Mayer on the lefthand side...

"Thinkin Bout You" -- his voice sounds so insane in this song its crazy

Phantogram

Phantogram has a really cool electronic sound that I would compare to Cherub and Purity Ring. Conveniently, Phantogram AND Cherub are coming to SXSW. Just a thought. Anyway, Phantogram is one of my favorite bands right now, and I've been listening more to the electronic sound with some rock aspects and high female vocals that somehow tie in together. Josh Carter, one of two band members along with Sarah Barthel, describes his sound as "street beat, psych pop" with "lots of rhythms, swirling guitars, spacey keyboards, echoes, airy vocals." My favorite song by Phantogram right now is called "Fall in Love" and unfortunately I cannot find a good live video, so here's the audio:

Red Hot Chili Peppers

The controversy surrounding the Red Hot Chili Peppers is definitely frustrating for certain people, those fans (much like yourself) who are dedicated to their music and consequently let down. I do believe that lip-syncing detracts from the artist's name, career, and authority. In this case, the RHCP carelessly put together a fake performance and showed signs of disregard for their own so-called "sacred" music. That being said, I don't believe this is as huge of a scandal that the media is making it out to be. Yes, people came to see live music and watch the RHCP (who were randomly paired with Bruno Mars... I really didn't understand that grouping...) sing in front of them. Yes, I believe they cheated their audience, both loyal fans and mere football enthusiasts. However, in the grand scheme of things, it won't make a lasting effect. Beyonce, an incredibly talented artist, lip-synced at the Presidential Inauguration. I wouldn't want to screw up that performance either. Regardless, whether the RHCP pre-recorded a track due to stage fright or sheer indifference, the fact that their inability to even plug in a fake cord says more about their attitude than the lack of a live performance.

The Strokes

I have loved The Strokes for a long time and regret not seeing them in concert when they traveled to Austin two years ago. Mostly, I love the way some of their songs change from a softer rock song like "Someday" to the elevated guitar-heavy songs like "Juicebox." They have such a distinct sound that is unlike any other rock band I've heard, better than the generic talk-singing of the early-20s rock bands that have been popular in the past. Listening to them in the car on the way to school certainly wakes me up and helps me focus before soccer games. I like most of their older material, just because it's what I have been comfortable with for the past years of my life. Here are some of the songs that I've enjoyed the most:

"You Only Live Once"

"Reptilia"

"Someday"

"Is This It" -- Julian Casablancas (the lead singer) looks stoned the whole time but....... its a great song

Downtown

We discussed the changing aspects of Austin and its infrastructure last class period, with most of the class residing in Northwest Hills. During this conversation, I kept thinking about how glad I was that I lived downtown. I am right off the 35th street exit on Mopac, and have a 3 minute drive to UT campus. Attending school at Anderson really makes me appreciate my location. There are countless coffee shops, small restaurants, bookstores, thrift shops, grocery stores, etc. that are exclusive to downtown. I can't go to a small place to study or just read when I drive past Anderson Lane. That's why I love downtown-- the food is amazing, the concerts are endless, and the atmosphere is one of a kind. I can't count on one hand the amount of concerts I've been to downtown that were preceded by an amazing meal, whether it be via restaurant or food truck. If I end up going anywhere besides UT, the environment will be what I miss the most. Of course, family and friends and all that. But really, there is no other city that has the alternative feel that Austin downtown does. I have been lucky to experience living in such a thriving part of the city that many of my classmates do not. It's something that I will cherish for the rest of my life!

Two Door Cinema Club

Two Door Cinema Club came to Austin a couple months ago and my friend tried to convince me to go, but I turned it down due to the fact that I rarely listened to them. Of course, now after they have left Austin, I love listening to them. Their new song "Changing of Seasons" has a really cool electronic-rock vibe that, combined with the lead singer's unique Irish voice, creates an interesting sound. Their other hits consist of "Come Back Home," "I Can Talk," "Something Good Can Work," and "What You Know" and never seem to get old for me....

"What You Know"

"I Can Talk"

"Something Good Can Work"

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