Are Our Gods Best? Ruminating on Emay’s New LP, Ilah

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Adams worked mostly solo on this record. A few guests contribute on the refrains, grounding the lofty project, but never detract attention away from what is largely autobiographical. Emay also produced all the backing tracks throughout Ilah, filling it with chopped drums and spliced samples for a unique listening experience, if not an acquired taste. The album’s production is tied … Continue reading Are Our Gods Best? Ruminating on Emay’s New LP, Ilah

Julia Jacklin kicks off US tour with blissfully honest performance at Bootleg Theater

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Words by me, photos by Andrew Gomez.  By the time Julia Jacklin came on, the Bootleg had filled significantly, and everyone was enjoying themselves. Having already heard her perform a solo acoustic set, it was satisfying to finally hear her now with a full band. The couple next to me seemed to have unlimited access to beer and was making … Continue reading Julia Jacklin kicks off US tour with blissfully honest performance at Bootleg Theater

LA’s Joy Downer Will Brighten Your Darkest Days

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  The city of angels has a new source of sunshine. Joy née Bishop and Jeffrey Downer make up Joy Downer, a bright indie pop duo whose debut EP, Radio Dreamer, is out now. I’m fondly reminded of Florida-based SALES given how soft electronics complement tender hues in their music. I was fortunate enough to pick Joy’s brain about their first … Continue reading LA’s Joy Downer Will Brighten Your Darkest Days

Lauren Ruth Ward Leads a Fierce Galentine’s Day Celebration

sngshows: Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  Lauren Ruth Ward’s grand finale was one worth waiting for. Though they were persistent throughout most of the earlier acts, she did not allow production issues to dampen the wonder of her live set. She ended up abandoning a guitar during a song due to the feedback, and used the time to dance like the provocative chanteuse that she … Continue reading Lauren Ruth Ward Leads a Fierce Galentine’s Day Celebration

Lauren Ruth Ward Leads a Fierce Galentine’s Day Celebration

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Lauren Ruth Ward’s grand finale was one worth waiting for. Though they were persistent throughout most of the earlier acts, she did not allow production issues to dampen the wonder of her live set. She ended up abandoning a guitar during a song due to the feedback, and used the time to dance like the provocative chanteuse that she is. … Continue reading Lauren Ruth Ward Leads a Fierce Galentine’s Day Celebration

On His Solo Debut, Terence Jack is Free

sngalbums: Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  If there was one word I could use to describe Never Get Back, it would be tender. Rumbling out the gates with a Black Keys-esque single, the release twists to reveal unspoken desires, then nears catharsis by the end. His vocals are deep like Justin Vernon’s, where some moments even sound like outtakes from For Emma. A steel guitar … Continue reading On His Solo Debut, Terence Jack is Free

On His Solo Debut, Terence Jack is Free

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  If there was one word I could use to describe Never Get Back, it would be tender. Rumbling out the gates with a Black Keys-esque single, the release twists to reveal unspoken desires, then nears catharsis by the end. His vocals are deep like Justin Vernon’s, where some moments even sound like outtakes from For Emma. A steel guitar slides … Continue reading On His Solo Debut, Terence Jack is Free

Norwegian pop songstress, Aurora charms Los Angeles fans at 30 Days In LA at the Fonda

sngshows: Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Words by me, photos by Andrew Gomez. Aurora masterfully navigates a sparse pop landscape. Fans told her before the show that they were ready to dance, but she admitted that her songs aren’t that type of pop music. Occasionally there is uptempo percussion, but her music is really about invasive insecurities and emotional escapism. You can dance to it, sure, … Continue reading Norwegian pop songstress, Aurora charms Los Angeles fans at 30 Days In LA at the Fonda

Norwegian pop songstress, Aurora charms Los Angeles fans at 30 Days In LA at the Fonda

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Words by me, photos by Andrew Gomez. Aurora masterfully navigates a sparse pop landscape. Fans told her before the show that they were ready to dance, but she admitted that her songs aren’t that type of pop music. Occasionally there is uptempo percussion, but her music is really about invasive insecurities and emotional escapism. You can dance to it, sure, but … Continue reading Norwegian pop songstress, Aurora charms Los Angeles fans at 30 Days In LA at the Fonda

New Brooklyn Producer Von Sell Makes a Mark with Debut EP

sngalbums: Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  You may have heard of the up-and-coming Brooklyn artist Von Sell through his dominance on Hype Machine, or some other outlet of the blogosphere. His sound is based on a subgenre of electronica that has gained immense popularity recently, marked by synths and drum machines that work in an optimistic symbiosis. Some of the most recognizable mainstream pop stars … Continue reading New Brooklyn Producer Von Sell Makes a Mark with Debut EP