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[News] And Captain Murphy Is... None Other than Flying Lotus
After much speculation, the true identity of the enigmatic Captain Murphy has finally been revealed. Making his debut performance in Los Angeles last night, it was none other than Steven Ellison, aka Flying Lotus, who took to the stage donning a flashy golden cape and hood (pictured above). As if the already talented FlyLo couldn't impress us any more than he has thus far in his career. Shortly after the reveal, he took to Twitter to laugh in the faces of deniers:
HahAhHAHaaha
— Flying Lotus (@flyinglotus) November 29, 2012
To go along with the unveiling, how about a free download of the deluxe edition of Captain Murphy's Duality mixtape? Complete with separated tracks, instrumentals, unique artwork for each song, and a bonus track titled "Innocence 2", there's no better way to use up your precious bandwidth. Grab it below.
TAPEmediafire.com/?7dxmv2db2dx38…BEATmediafire.com/download.php?9…TEEcaptainmurphy.bigcartel.comRT
— Captain Murphy (@xCaptainMurphyx) November 29, 2012
[News] Initial Leeds & Reading Festival Line-Up Announced Incl. Deftones & Alt-J
Leeds & Reading take place on a *usually* sunny bank-holiday weekend in August. For me it was my first ever Festival experience and next year will be my 9th in a row. Yeah, I know, 9. I feel a little older just for typing that. With 2012 being a raging success with sets from The Black Keys, Foo Fighters, The Cure, At The Drive In and Florence and the Machine, 2013's initial line-up has just been announced. It's a break from tradition as the festivals normally announce a large portion of the acts in March along with tickets immediately after. The line-up announcement so far, 4 acts, is a pretty mixed bag but it should definitely get some people pretty excited. Deftones, Alt-J, Sub Focus and Boy Better Know are those 4.
Organisers of the festival have stated they're looking to broaden the horizons of the event with more stages and a re-shuffle of the main arenas, so I'm expecting this mix of acts to be a preview of something far bigger, covering many people's musical tastes.
Weekend tickets will go on sale tomorrow and they'll be doing a deposit scheme in which you can pit down £50 and then pay the rest before 31st March next year. Pretty neat huh?!
The Audio Perv Coming to an End
For those that read our site, you've probably come to know our friends over at The Audio Perv. Everyone who has worked for the blog have produced excellent content, having provided us with great music opinions over the years. Hell, no one has been on top of the late-night music scene as The Audio Perv (you'll note we always link to them when provided with video of late night television performances, something we greatly appreciate). It's sad, then, that the creative minds over at the blog announced a few days ago that they will be shutting things down.
The blog posted a sentimental yet humorously charming statement detailing the closing of the website. No need to freak out though, as it's not going to be an immediate thing: the blog will remain to post until the end of the year, but most likely nothing past the beginning of 2013.
So it might take a few days/weeks but definitely by the end of the year, we're going to wrap things up. Yep, this website/constant pain in TV show music bookers/music blog will be coming to an end. No, it's not your fault. Seriously, stop blaming yourself! It had to happen eventually. We will be okay and so will you."
From the sounds of it, this is most certainly a graceful step down, and while it is sad we know that thoughtful reasoning is there. We here at SKOA will always appreciate the fine folks at The Audio Perv for all their help and support, and we wish them the best in the future.
Read the full statement here.
[News] Beck Confirms New LP Set for Release on a "pretty much standard format"
Remember the song reader that Beck announced a few months back? So do we, and while it was a cool concept, it falls short once you realize you cannot read or perform music. That's what makes this news tidbit so exciting, as Beck has confirmed he is working on a new LP. Announced during an interview with Australian radio station Triple J, he even confirmed that it will be released on a "pretty much standard format"!
Beck went further, saying, "I started a record, largely recorded in 2008, so I’m trying to carve out some time from all the production work I’m doing to finish those songs before they become records from a lost era. It’s going on a half decade at this point."
There you have it, a new Beck album that we can enjoy simply by pressing play on our iPods. So simple! Till then, though, you can always pick up Beck Hansen's Song Reader when it drops on December 7th. It's worth a try.
[News] Frank Ocean Speaks with GQ on Sexuality, His Career, and the Future
Frank Ocean has been a major figure in the music industry this year, releasing his critically acclaimed major label debut Channel Orange and, just weeks before that, posting a now infamous coming out letter on his Tumblr. It's no wonder then that GQ has pegged the crooner for an exclusive, and lengthy, interview for their Men of the Year 2012 issue. Head here to read the full interview, which has Ocean speaking on everything from his childhood, the various stages of his career, Odd Future, his sexuality, and what the future holds. As well, you can check out a few major points from the interview below.
On his beginnings with Odd Future:
"I was at a real dark time in my life when I met them. I was looking for just a reprieve. At 20 or 21, I had, I think, a couple hundred thousand dollars [from producing and songwriting], a nice car, a Beverly Hills apartment—and I was miserable. Because of the relationship in part and the heartbreak in part, and also just miserable because of like just carting that around. And here was this group of like-minded individuals whose irreverence made me revere. The do-it-yourself mentality of OF really rubbed off on me."
His perfectionist attitude:
"I never think about myself as an artist working in this time. I think about it in macro. I feel like Elton John just made “Tiny Dancer.” He just made that shit like last night. Jimi Hendrix just burned his fucking guitar onstage. Right? Freddie Mercury just had the half mike stand in his hand in the fucking stadium. Prince was just on the mountain in “Under the Cherry Moon.” And I was there. That’s how I look at it. Like this shit just went down. You see the mastery that I’m surrounded by? How on earth am I going to take the easiest way? A friend of mine jokes that I have a painstaking royalty complex. Like maybe I was a duke in a past life. But all you have is 100 percent. Period."
Posting the coming out letter on his Tumblr and how it might affect his career:
"Whatever I said in that letter, before I posted it, seemed so huge. But when you come out the other side, now your brain—instead of receiving fear—sees “Oh, shit happened and nothing happened.” Brain says, “Self, I’m fine.” I look around, and I’m touching my fucking limbs, and I’m good. Before anybody called me and said congratulations or anything nice, it had already changed. It wasn’t from outside. It was completely in here, in my head."
"I had those fears. In black music, we’ve got so many leaps and bounds to make with acceptance and tolerance in regard to that issue. It reflects something just ingrained, you know. When I was growing up, there was nobody in my family—not even my mother—who I could look to and be like, “I know you’ve never said anything homophobic.” So, you know, you worry about people in the business who you’ve heard talk that way. Some of my heroes coming up talk recklessly like that. It’s tempting to give those views and words—that ignorance—more attention than they deserve. Very tempting."
On whether or not he is bisexual:
"You can move to the next question. I’ll respectfully say that life is dynamic and comes along with dynamic experiences, and the same sentiment that I have towards genres of music, I have towards a lot of labels and boxes and shit. I’m in this business to be creative—I’ll even diminish it and say to be a content provider. One of the pieces of content that I’m for fuck sure not giving is porn videos. I’m not a centerfold. I’m not trying to sell you sex. People should pay attention to that in the letter: I didn’t need to label it for it to have impact. Because people realize everything that I say is so relatable, because when you’re talking about romantic love, both sides in all scenarios feel the same shit. As a writer, as a creator, I’m giving you my experiences. But just take what I give you. You ain’t got to pry beyond that. I’m giving you what I feel like you can feel. The other shit, you can’t feel. You can’t feel a box. You can’t feel a label. Don’t get caught up in that shit. There’s so much something in life. Don’t get caught up in the nothing. That shit is nothing, you know? It’s nothing. Vanish the fear."
[News] Muse Announce European Stadium Shows
Late last week Muse announced a handful of European Stadium shows set for 2013 and today they've added to that with some UK dates. Starting in May at Coventry's Ricoh Arena, it will make stops in London and Manchester before going on to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris and Turin. I've had a feeling that they were building up to a return to Wembley Stadium but maybe I was wrong. If you're yet to witness Muse in a live setting then this might be a good chance to get a feel for it. I was anti-Muse until i saw them live and was converted instantly.
Tickets go on sales later this week and will surely sell out shortly after. Dates for Germany, Norway, Finland and Denmark are to follow. They've offered up some footage from their 2010 tour above to whet the appetites. Make the jump for the dates and links to purchase.
Late last week Muse announced a handful of European Stadium shows set for 2013 and today they've added to that with some UK dates. Starting in May at Coventry's Ricoh Arena, it will make stops in London and Manchester before going on to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris and Turin. I've had a feeling that they were building up to a return to Wembley Stadium but maybe I was wrong. If you're yet to witness Muse in a live setting then this might be a good chance to get a feel for it. I was anti-Muse until i saw them live and was converted instantly.
Tickets go on sales later this week and will surely sell out shortly after. Dates for Germany, Norway, Finland and Denmark are to follow. They've offered up some footage from their 2010 tour above to whet the appetites. Make the jump for the dates and links to purchase.
Muse 2013 Stadium Tour
22.05.13 RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY, UK - PRE-SALE 09:30 WEDNESDAY 21.11.12
25.05.13 EMIRATES STADIUM, LONDON, UK - PRE-SALE 09:30 WEDNESDAY 21.11.12
26.05.13 EMIRATES STADIUM, LONDON, UK - PRE-SALE 09:30 WEDNESDAY 21.11.12
01.06.13 ETIHAD STADIUM, MANCHESTER, UK - PRE-SALE 09:30 WEDNESDAY 21.11. 12
04.06.13 AMSTERDAM ARENA, AMSTERDAM, NL - PRE-SALE 10:00 WEDNESDAY 21.11.12
07.06.13 OLYMPIC STADIUM, BARCELONA, ES - PRE-SALE 10:00 WEDNESDAY 21.11.12
10.06.13 ESTADIO DRAGAO, PORTO, PT - PRE-SALE 10:00 WEDNESDAY 21.11.12
15.06.13 STADE DE SUISSE, BERN, CH - PRE-SALE 10:00 WEDNESDAY 21.11.12
18.06.13 WERCHTER FESTIVAL SITE, ROTSELAAR, BE - PRE-SALE 10:00 THURSDAY 22.11.12
21.06.13 STADE DE FRANCE, PARIS, FR - PRE-SALE 10:00 MONDAY 26.11.12
22.06.13 STADE DE FRANCE, PARIS, FR - PRE-SALE 10:00 MONDAY 26.11.12
26.06.13 STADE CHARLES EHRMANN, NICE, FR - PRE-SALE 10:00 MONDAY 26.11.12
28.06.13 STADIO OLIMPICO, TURIN, IT - PRE-SALE 09:00 WEDNESDAY 21.11.12
06.07.13 STADIO OLIMPICO, ROME, IT - PRE-SALE 09:00 WEDNESDAY 21.11.12
[News] Bloc Party Announces 2013 Tour
Bloc Party are continuing the support for their fourth LP Four with yet another North American tour, with proceedings kicking off on January 11th in Montclair, NJ. Following a short West coast stint in December and a few shows in Mexico, the tour will see the band performing in eight cities over eleven days. For the full tour itinerary, take a look after the jump.
Bloc Party are continuing the support for their fourth LP Four with yet another North American tour, with proceedings kicking off on January 11th in Montclair, NJ. Following a short West coast stint in December and a few shows in Mexico, the tour will see the band performing in eight cities over eleven days. For the full tour itinerary, take a look after the jump.
Bloc Party 2012-2013 Tour Dates:
11/12 – Stuggart, DE @ Threatrehaus
11/13 – Dresden, DE @ Eventwerk
11/15 – Munich, DE @ Tinhalle
11/18 – Copenhagen, DK @ Vega
11/19 – Stockholm, SE @ Debaser Medis
11/20 – Oslo, NO @ Rockafeller
11/22 – St.Pertersburg, RU @ Glav Club
11/23 – Moscow, RU @ Blast Fest
12/04 – Manchester, UK @ Apollo
12/06 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater %
12/07 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium %
12/08 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory %
12/09 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre %
12/11 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
12/12 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s East
12/14 – Condesa, MX @ Auditorio Blackberry
12/15 – Guadalajara, MX @ Teatro Estudio Cavaret
01/11 – Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theatre
01/12 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
01/14 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
01/15 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
01/16 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
01/19 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
01/20 – Lawrence, KS @ Liberty Hall
01/22 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
02/12 – Dublin, IE @ Olympia Theatre
02/13 – Dublin, IE @ Olympia Theatre
02/16 – Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
02/19 – Antwerp, BE @ Lotto Arena
02/20 – Paris, FR @ Zenith
02/22 – London, UK @ Earls Court
03/02-13- Australia, @ Future Music Festival
% = w/ Dum Dum Girls
[Watch] Purity Ring - "Lofticries" (Official Video)
Purity Ring's debut album Shrines evoked a sense of surreal uneasiness amidst ethereal electronic instrumentation, a unique sound that has made it one of favorite albums this year. With the help of director AG Rojas, the Edmonton duo look to expand the unique aspects of their sound to the visual medium, resulting in the sublime video for "Lofticries". Described by Rojas as "[exploring] the stoicism of psychically connected characters confronted by surreal, climactic moments", the video quickly cuts between the lives of four people, as we bear witness to their detachment from the real world. Watch the clip above.
Shrines is out now via 4AD, and the band is currently on tour in Europe, with a North American tour set to start on January 10th. Check out their full tour schedule after the jump.
Purity Ring's debut album Shrines evoked a sense of surreal uneasiness amidst ethereal electronic instrumentation, a unique sound that has made it one of favorite albums this year. With the help of director AG Rojas, the Edmonton duo look to expand the unique aspects of their sound to the visual medium, resulting in the sublime video for "Lofticries". Described by Rojas as "[exploring] the stoicism of psychically connected characters confronted by surreal, climactic moments", the video quickly cuts between the lives of four people, as we bear witness to their detachment from the real world. Watch the clip above.
Shrines is out now via 4AD, and the band is currently on tour in Europe, with a North American tour set to start on January 10th. Check out their full tour schedule after the jump.
Purity Ring 2012-2013 Tour Dates:
11/14 – Berlin, DE @ Berghain #
11/15 – Munich, DE @ Hansa 39 #
11/16 – Zurich, CH @ Mascotte #
11/17 – Lausanne, CH @ Romandie #
11/18 – Lyon, FR @ Le Sonic #
11/20 – London, UK @ Scala #
11/22 – Brighton, UK @ The Haunt #
11/23 – Bristol, UK @ Thelka #
11/24 – Manchester, UK @ Sound Control #
11/26 – Leeds, UK @ Hi Fi Club #
11/27 – Glasgow, UK @ Captain’s Rest #
11/28 – Liverpool, UK @ Kazimer #
01/10 – Montreal, QC @ Le National *
01/11 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall *
01/12 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall *
01/14 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club *
01/15 – Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar *
01/17 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse *
01/18 – Orlando, FL @ The Social *
01/19 – Tampa, FL @ Orpheum *
01/21 – New Orleans, LA @ Maison *
01/22 – Austin, TX @ The Mohawk *
01/23 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater *
01/24 – Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone *
01/25 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge *
01/26 – Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel *
01/28 – Charlottesville, VA @ Jefferson Theater *
01/29 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer *
01/30 – Boston, MA @ Paradise *
02/01 – Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre*
# = w/ Doldrums
* = w/ Young Magic