Keep up to date with your favourite musicians and hit the right notes with fellow music lovers by reading "Things to note in music," a weekly summary of notable events that happened in the music industry for the week from charting songs to news and fun historic facts.
News to Note
Rise of the animated
Two of the most well-known bands that feature animated alter-egos have returned to the music scene after what has seemed like centuries to some. Prozzäk and Gorillaz have both returned and each with some exciting news.
The Gorillaz have released their first taste of new music this week in 6 years. Inspired by the recent political debacles in the United States and released just one day before Trump’s inauguration “Hallelujah Money” features British singer Benjamin Clementine’s eerie baritone vocal stylings against that of Damon Albarn’s lighter crooner-esque sound. A video with strong content, a song with heavy lyrics “Hallelujah Money” epitomizes the fright some feel with this recent change in government.
On a light note, Canadian animated group Prozzäk have announced a new album and tour for 2017. The late 90’s electro-pop group surprised fans on Wednesday with the announcement of their 2017 “Forever 1999” tour and they are coming to Kelowna. Taking the Electronic scene by storm in 1998 Prozzäk pushed out hit after hit, including “Sucks To Be You”, “Strange Disease” and “Www.Nevergetoveryou”. The Dynamic animated duo of Milo and Simon are set to release a new record in 2017 with their newest single “Love Me Tinder” set to drop in early February. They will be in Kelowna at the Kelowna Community Theatre on April 12th for what we hope will be a stellar show. Tickets are currently on sale on the Select Your Tickets website.
Weezer and Trooper announce Okanagan show dates
Two bands and two totally different eras of Rock and Roll.
90’s alt-rock band, Weezer have announced a stop in Penticton this coming April and fans could not be more excited. Known for their signature sound, Weezer is the band behind some of the most played and most beloved rock hits from the late 90’s and early 2000’s. “Beverly Hills”, “My name is Jonas” and “Island in the Sun.” are just a few. The guys will be playing at the SOEC on April 8th, 2017 and you can get your tickets at ValleyFirstTIX.com.
On the opposite side of things, Canada's wonder group Trooper will be returning to our area this coming June. The group will be performing at Royal Lepage Place in West Kelowna, the first concert at this venue in over 5 years. A staple band of the mid 70’s and 80’s Trooper has graced both Canadian and American music charts with their hit tracks “Raise a Little Hell”, “Boys in the Bright White Sports Car” and “Here for a Good Time Not a Long Time”. This iconic band will be taking the stage on June 2nd, 2017 and the best part is that a portion of ticket sales will be staying in our very community to put some deserving kids through minor hockey.
Arcade Fire releases new music
4 years after their album Reflektor was released, Arcade Fire has returned to the scene with new track “I Give You Power”. The new songs seems to shows the band’s evolution as its sounds like they are diving even deeper to the sounds showcased on Reflektor. Featuring 77-year-old blues/gospel singer Mavis Staples, “I Give You Power” is fueled by an emphatic political message, tug of war vocals and unique musical composition. All proceeds from the song's downloads will be going to the American Civil Liberties Union.
It's never been more important that we stick together & take care of each other.
— Arcade Fire (@arcadefire) January 19, 2017
Love, Mavis Staples and Arcade Firehttps://t.co/4pz2rgNjYi
Heavy Rotation
According to my apple music, these are the top 3 bands/artists I’ve had on rotation this past week.
Weezer
A band whose alt-rock has been on the mix tapes of angsty teens and the soundtrack to the adolescence of many since the early 90’s, Weezer is regularly in my rotation. Having seen them twice, both at music festivals, when hearing of their coming to the Okanagan it’s no wonder I’ve brought them back. Weezer, Pinkerton, and Weezer (Green Album) are probably my favorite albums from the group (obvious, I know). In an ever evolving musical landscape, you can always count on Weezer to consistently deliver the alt-rock you’ve grown up loving, though in their newest album Weezer (White Album) they’ve explored California surf rock a bit more on tracks like “California Kids”. Overall, you can never have too much Weezer as some of their tracks can take you to new moods quickly. I mean who doesn’t immediately smile and feel happy when listening to “Island in the Sun”?
Kaleo
I’ve only just discovered this group as they popped up on my apple music curated rock playlist, and now I’m hooked! All I know about them now is that they hail from Iceland and have changed my life. Okay, that is a bit strong but I am just so impressed by these guys. A hypnotizing sound that takes over your body with soul-ridden vocals that poke at your emotions and heighten your adrenaline, bluesy-rock guitar that seems to grab you by the heart and pump your blood for you, and thundering drums that take over your brain’s control of your feet leaving you tapping along with every song, Kaleo does something that I haven’t experienced with new music since Mumford and Sons debut album. Real musicians, with serious skills in instrumentation, composition, and songwriting their new album A/B is a MUST listen if you’re a fan of old blues, classic heavy rock and folk.
Rag n’ Bone Man
Another blues influenced artist, Rag n’ Bone Man features a unique blend of blues, soul, rock and hip-hop. The vocals of Rory Graham inexplicably incredible. A deep registrar with explorative capabilities and rasp to boot, Rag N’ Bone Man’s music is an interesting construct that is painful, enticing and interesting to listen to. A love child of Sam Smith and Muddy Waters, Graham’s words mold and morph his vocals into intricate statements that can be delivered to you in a number of forms, from piercing bullets to a tear-soaked goodbye letter, it is truly impressive. The unique hybrid of sounds may deter some but it may very well be a groundbreaking development. A good place to start if you’re interested would be his debut mini-album, Wolves or his latest single “Human” off his anticipated 2017 release.
Music History Lesson
January 17th marked Motley Crue’s 36th anniversary of being a group. Created in 1981 by legendary bassist Nikki Sixx, Motley Crue has become one of rock and roll’s most beloved bands. In their 36 years as a group, they have gifted us with top hits such as “Dr. Feelgood”, “Kickstart My Heart”, and “Shout at the Devil”. Keep rockin’ Nikki, Vince, Tommy, and Mick!
It’s been a busy week for music buffs, if there was something exciting you know about but wasn't mentioned, let me know! Send an email with all your music ideas to [email protected]
