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~so over your shit~

              There’s something about the reality of the whole PLUR concept that just makes me want to vomit rainbows and sparkles all over some tutu-clad girl in the club. Maybe I’m just bitter because I don’t look as good in my underwear and fur boots as the girl jumping up and down in front of the dj booth does, or maybe not fitting in with that community gives me a sense of clarity (pun intended) on why peaceloveunityretweet actually sucks.

            I can see why the concept was a good idea at one point, a reassurance that your local rave was a place one could go to feel free from a world of judgment. A place where you can go wearing that Halloween costume you were going to throw away and not feel like the weirdest person in the room. Raving is an artistic and fun culture, don’t get me wrong, but here’s why it also sucks: 

            I’m going to be a snob here, why are you at a rave if you don’t like electronic music? Because you love Molly? Awesome. Why are you at a rave if your only goal for the night is getting massively fucked up and bragging about it the next day? Thank you to Skins for making downward spirals a fashionable trend. Did no one watch what happened to the characters in the second seasons? You're not a special or mysterious person just because you know how to do a line.

            Now back to PLUR: Peace? What about raving is peaceful? Please answer me that much as I try to forget about the time I got punched in the face by a drunken frat bro or the time a yung kandi girl threw up on my shoe before 10 pm.

            Now tell me about Love. Ok, maybe you did meet the love of your life at a rave; maybe you do connect on a level deeper than the adrenaline rush you get from knowing you’re going to a show that night. I think I’m talking about a small percentage here. I know this girl that met her boyfriend raving three years ago and they’re happily in love. She’s the only one. Most of the people I know who rave are either single or pretend they are when they’re at shows. Oh, and the girl that stopped you on your way to the bathroom to tell you how beautiful you are? Ask her how many points of Molly she took that night and she’ll happily give you a price adjustment on what she’s selling “because you’re friends now!”

            Lets talk about Unity. I sort of get it. You’re never going to see a middle aged man in spandex and a fur vest or the 16 year old girl with heavy eyeliner and neon clothes in the same room as the carbon copied frat bros like you will at a rave. You’re right on that much, you raver kids, you. Do you ever see them communicate though? Am I going to the wrong raves or am I right when I say they only bond when they make eye contact for two seconds as they fight for a spot leaning against the front crowd barriers. My raving experience brought with it a lot of new friends, but none of them I actually met at a rave-we just found that hobby in common.

            Respect is the only aspect I can agree with slightly. I know a lot of people that claim they were “such a pretentious asshole” before they got into raving. Great, good for you. Did you really need to do molly and see yourself in the same environment as someone different than you to figure out how to be compassionate toward others? You know I’m really glad some people take their raving experiences to heart and apply what they learned to the real world, but they’re usually still assholes when it comes down to it.

            Yay! There you have it, that’s why I hate PLUR. I’m pretty sure raving has just become an avant-garde way to return to the same cliques we had in high school (“The twitter rave fam hates me but my irl one has been so supportive!”)-With a dose or two of the latest synthetic drug for that extra kick! All things aside, I’m probably going to go to a rave this weekend. Some of us really do just love the music. –xoxo Jsachs.

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I sat down with Hardwell just moments after his touchdown in Salt Lake from a show he played a few hours earlier in Vegas, and he introduced himself to me with

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STRFKR

8/25/13

Tulane University

photo by ashley easterly

Having passed up on the chance to see them last March at the Buku Music and Arts Project, I finally got the chance to see STRFKR last week as a part of Tulane University's First Wave concert series. I arrived at the show around a half hour before they were scheduled to perform and had the unique opportunity to watch the crowd gather in front of the outdoor stage. If one thing can be said about STRFKR's fans it's that they are absolutely mental about the band, and watching them get more and more excited as we got closer to the start time made me optimistic about the show. Once the show started, it became clear that their enthusiasm was warranted. STRFKR brings a certain amount of energy and enthusiasm to their live act that rivals that of artists who are known for going crazy during their shows such as Sleigh Bells or Crystal Castles. You can tell that the band is giving it their all and it really shows; when an artist is clearly invested in putting on a good show for their fans it really does make the concert a better experience. Throughout the night the energy that was coming off stage was infectious. There were people crowd surfing constantly and at one point a mini mosh pit broke out in front of the stage. Both of these events surprised me considering STRFKR's music definitely doesn't scream "crowd surf" but the fact that the crowd was doing it speaks volumes about their live act. On stage, the band employed very little lighting, so little that most people in the crowd could barely even see them. This is my one complaint about the show. Because there was so little lighting (adding to the fact that the light show was non-existent), you could barely see what the band was doing on stage, which was a shame since the band really was doing a lot on stage that heightened the experience (such as Joshua Hodges and Keil Corcoran repeatedly switching between playing drums and singing). Now this may be because the show was on a college campus and the lighting options could have been limited but it was still disappointing. The band closed out their show by playing their two biggest hits (and my favorite songs), "Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second" and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." By choosing to save their biggest hits for the end, they managed to bring the show out of a little bit of lull and finish strong. STRFKR is one of those bands that most people have heard of because their song is in a commercial, but their live act demonstrates a band that is destined to break out of that mold and into stardom. STRFKR is currently playing dates all over the country, and if you have a chance to see them I would highly recommend it. 

-Jack Nester

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KREWELLA 

LIVE FOR THE NIGHT - SINGLE

RELEASED 7/2/13

There's something about the ability to use your own vocals and combine pop elements into electronic music that just makes me so happy. I've been following Krewella since I first heard their single "Killin It" last summer and about cried because it just gave me so many feels. I'll bet money on the chance that this single will make it to the top 100 charts this week because, well- its just that good. I mean the lyrics aren't exactly deep but personally I prefer when music puts me in a good mood rather than makes me think about my life. Sonically, the song doesn't stem far from the beats they've made in the past but who cares right? Krewella delivered a signature sound that is well worth $1.29

-Julia Sachs

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Live for the Night

Although I’m a Night Owl, it’s Bedtime for Me… NOW! 

Sleep Tight Everybody.

❥

(by KrewellaMusicVEVO).

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THE GOVERNORS BALL

NEW YORK CITY-RANDALLS ISLAND

JUNE 7-9

First off, a huge huge huge thank you to my festival best friend Jack who hooked me up with a free ticket to days 2 and 3 of this festival. Only one word can be used to describe this festival: YEEZUS.

Day 2: 

I got a text warning me to wear boots because the mud was apparently pretty bad after the storm that hit New York the day before. I was not expecting to be swimming through a pit of mud. After swimming down the hill from the east entrance I saw my first show for the day: Icona Pop (who just keeps getting better, those girls are amazing), the Swedish duo that murdered an afternoon set in a short 45 minutes. To say they kill it would be putting it lightly because these bitches SLAY. You know how most artists will just push play on a pre recorded set and stand there telling the crowd "You're our favorite crowd ever!" and other bullshit of that variety to make you feel special? They're not about that. Not only do the girls sing every song live, but they mix each song live while they headbang AND tell you how much they love you for being there. They're great. This was my second time seeing them and it only reminded me that I need to get my tickets for their upcoming American tour this fall (seriously people, go). Next was Azealia Banks, who I may add is one of my favorites and that I have been waiting a year for a chance to see her do her thing in person. Her show was everything and more, I thought my body was ready but she was far better than I could have imagined. One girl twerked so hard she fell face first into the mud (in depth story coming soon on my list of rants about things I hate about music festivals), I may have broken a nail during this show but it was worth it. Everything about Azealias show was perfect from her outfit, to her music, to her dancers, it was just....mmmm. She played her favorite songs from Fantasea and 1991 (which were obviously everyone elses favorites too). There's just something special about attending a show where you and everyone else can sing along to every verse of Esta Noche and 212. She ended the show with Yung Rapunxel, her latest single, by screaming into the microphone via her megaphone. I finished the night with Kings of Leon, who in my opinion are just one of those bands that everyone loves. Their music sounded the same, if not better, live (in a good way). The pacing of the show was a perfect mix of fast and slow with a good ambiance to end the night on a relaxing note. Unfortunately I couldn't stay any later because I had to meet a friend at Webster Hall, but it was a good day nonetheless.

Day 3:

YEEZUS. Some highlights of the third day probably would have been The XX and the Lumineers, but I spent half of the day sitting on the ground in front of the mainstage camping for Kanye. Although he was a half hour late to his show (I was worried Kim went into labor and he would have to make a quick break for Paris), he was amazing in every essence of the word. Kanye West is one of those people who can get away with having a song called "I Am A God" because well, he's fucking Kanye West. Don't be embarrassed for his overly inflated ego, embrace that there are people in this world that can provide us simps with pure entertainment. Entertainers are not meant to please everyone, but the majority of the world eats up what Kanye gives us so obviously its going to feed his stage persona. He opened the show with a song from his upcoming album called "Black Skinhead" which is my personal favorite song he has ever made. Throughout the night he performed songs from various albums and generally stayed on a pedestal in the center of the crowd instead of onstage. His show, in my opinion, was one of the best shows I have ever been to and was well worth the three hour sit in. On my way out of the show, he was giving a spiel in which he said "I don't give a fuck about no outside opinions!" which happened to be the exact time some nervy girl screamed "Kanye your music is shit!" Like girl come on do you really think you phase him? Love it or Leave it sweetie.

Governors Ball was one of the best festivals I've been to so far, but I do think I deserve a shirt that says "I survived the Gov Ball mud"

-Julia Sachs

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Did you really just skip a live set for a cocktail?

How To: drink at a music festival

Depending on where you are (here in Utah its almost impossible to sneak flasks into anything because of the near-molestation pat downs) you can probably get away with sneaking some liquor into the place and save yourself from dropping $200 on watered down beer. Put it in anything. Have a dishwasher? Put an empty bottle of sunscreen through there and then fill it with some Malibu Mango. Be sneaky, think like a drug dealer. If you absolutely cannot sneak alcohol into a show, grab your beers ON THE WAY to the crowd, don’t be the guy to leave your friend alone so you can miss precious live music to get wasted. You can get drunk anywhere, Araab Muzik will not be playing at your local frat party, I guarantee it. If you can, stock up on beer if you’re going to be stuck waiting for a show to start (but also go pee before you do this because you’ll be hating life two cans in). Also, and I would think this is an obvious one, don’t drink too much too soon. Don’t get shifaced at 2pm and be that guy puking during a show. Day drinking requires strategy, learn yours or get out.

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Girl what are you doing in those heels?

How To: not be that girl sobbing in the six inch heels.

This one is fairly simple. Do. Not. Wear. Heels. If you’ve ever worked somewhere that requires you to stand for hours on end you’re probably smart enough to not wear your best heels to a music festival or concert or even to the club. It’s basically common sense that you don’t want to be chopping your own feet off by the end of the night Saw style, but some people just lack that knowledge. Additionally, do you bitches even understand how painful it is to have your foot stepped on in a crowd when “that girl” loses her balance or even tries to move? Think you’re good enough in heels to not step on some poor ravers foot? You’re not. You will. And they will be angry. Not only will you be hating yourself for this awful style choice, but people will laugh at you. I saw a girl wearing six-inch pumps at this year’s Governors Ball. Did you hear about that mud? Did you experience that mud? She didn’t look like she was having a good time. Sneaker Gang Or Die right here

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How To Music Festival: The first of many rants by thatssojulia

If you’re like my good friend Jack and I, you’re the biggest music festival snob to strut around in a wristband that ever lived. I could go for days on all of the things I hate people do at music festivals (and my MacBook is currently plugged in while I sit in a comfy chair so I probably will) but I’ll try to keep it at a few paragraphs or blog posts. Where do I even begin? Do I start with the girl who twerks so hard she falls over and causes a domino affect on the crowd? Or do I start with something simple like those bitches that try and push to the front of the crowd during a show you’ve waited months to see? I’ll probably cover all of them to be honest. With that being said, prepare for a flood of short posts about things I hate about festival attendees.

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YUNG JULIA SACHS SELFIE

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Meet Matthew, the blogger

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VICETONE

STARS - SINGLE

RELEASED 5/14/13

  Stars featuring Johhny Rose is a great dance track by the dynamic dou that goes by Vicetone. The vocals used in this song lead up to an amazing drop that is a mix between hard base and dance rhythms, which are used in perfect unison. This is a track that needs to be in every EDM lovers music library.

-Matthew Riley

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THE BILLBOARD AWARDS AND WHY THEYRE THE WORST

Alright, who decided PSY was a rapper? Bro doesn't even lift or wear a chain. I know the billboard awards are measured in album sales but I can't help but be annoyed when Jenny McCarthy gets up onstage, references Krewella, and then calls David Guetta the best DJ on the planet. Girl, you do NOT know electronic music because obviously you've never seen Diplo (that was a joke, I know there are better producers). The billboard awards should not showcase the BEST talent in the music industry because honestly, One Direction? REALLY? Before viewing, the billboard awards should come with a disclaimer saying "these awards are not for the best musicians of this day, these awards are for the most popular and well marketed musicians." Jimi Hendrix is rolling over in his grave over the fact that FUN. won best rock group of 2013. FUN. YOU ARE NOT. Oh, and Nicki Minaj, I like the ass that Young Money paid for. I'm going to need a drink to calm myself down from the anxiety this awards show gave me.

-Julia Sachs

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MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS

5.13.13

IN THE VENUE- SALT LAKE CITY

Writing from the perspective of someone who prefers raves over concerts, my review may be a little over judgmental.English pop star Marina Diamandis performed to an extremely packed crowd Monday night in downtown Salt Lake City and showed us a theatrical performance that was, well, posh to say the least. Unfortunately the line to get into the venue was so long that I missed most of her opening act, Charli XCX, who sounded almost vocally identical to Marina when singing live. Her punk schoolgirl look meshed with the vibe her performance gave overall and after hearing the last song in her set she seemed to be a wonderful performer. I started this article by saying I prefer raves to concerts for this reason: the crowds. In small venues like this people tend to pack themselves extremely tight which I suppose would be okay if you're the type who enjoys standing arm to arm with a sweaty stranger. Additionally, the crowds that show up to these types of concerts aren't what I would label as "concert junkies." In other words, get used to the screaming girls who like to sing off key with every song or rudely shove themselves to the front of the crowd for a good Instagram picture. Aside from the crowd however, the show was wonderful. Marina displays an energy onstage that can be comparable to that of Lady Gaga or other pop icons that take an average concert and throw in a theatrical twist. Her presence onstage showed a very blatant passion for performance- something that, in my opinion, takes a concert from good to great. She opened the show by walking out slowly in a wedding veil and singing "Homewrecker" a fast paced anti-love song filled with angst. Some of my favorite songs from her nearly two hour set were "Oh No!" from her first album, "How to be a Heartbreaker," "Bubblegum Bitch," and obviously "Primadonna." If you don't already consider yourself a fabulous bitch, you will during this concert. While Marina throws things like pink confetti and martini glasses full of glitter into the crowd it's hard not to tell yourself you're the most fabulous person alive (aside from her, duh). As I said before, her energy onstage is something any fan absolutely needs to experience as it makes her music so much better. If you haven't seen Marina and the Diamonds live, I suggest you buy tickets as soon as you can (but get there early), and make sure you wear your best tiara. Her current tour is heading around North America so check her website for upcoming shows in your area (unfortunately for you West Coast dwellers, those dates have passed).

-Julia Sachs

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CAZZETTE

BEAM ME UP - SINGLE

RELEASED 5/7/13

I've never heard of Cazzette until this song was released and I was very surprised. Beam Me Up has a Dance/progessive sound along with female vocals that really make this track stand out. When Beam Me Up hits the drop it uses the female vocals for the build up and even when the drop has crazy beats it still uses her vocals which adds a fun element of dance to it. The only complaint I have is that the female vocalist isn't listed on the song and I wish I knew who she was. This is a great track and highly recommend it.

-Matthew Riley

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ABOVE & BEYOND

GROUP THERAPY

RELEASED 7/6/11

Since I'm seeing Above & Beyond in about 2 weeks I've decided to review their second album titled Group Therapy. Above & Beyond are some of the best trance producers around because they make trance sound otherworldly and psychedelic at times. I've listened to this album several time and every single song is amazing in its own way. Some songs like Alchemy, Sun & Moon, and Giving it Out are fast paced and put in you in a great mood, and the slower ones on this album are Filmic, Only A Few Good Things, and Eternal are slow and very pleasing. The fast paced songs on this album are personally my favorite ones because they put you in a great state of mind that makes you want to move along to the music. The slower songs on this album are very beautiful and relaxing to the ear once you start listening. The vocals on this album are unbelievable to say the least, and once Zoë Johnston or Richard Bedford start singing along to these tracks the songs get elevated to an even higher place of enjoyment. Overall Group Therapy is an album that I will recommend to mostly everybody, since it has something everyone should like in music.

-Matthew Riley

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DAFT PUNK 

Random Access Memories

The moment everyone has been waiting for: Random Access Memories leaked earlier today and lives up to the hype. The album as a whole has the duo's signature sound to it and is sure to please their fans. The standout tracks, in my opnion, are Giorgio by Moroder, Contact, Lose Yourself to Dance, and Motherboard. The album as a whole gives the feel of a timeline of electronic music and travels through time track by track. Overall this album is great and shows EDM listeners that not every song needs to have a drop or a heavy bass to be a good song. These songs show where electronic music has been and where it is going. If you like the album make sure to buy it next tuesday, May 21st! 

-Caleb Hernandez