Ra Ra Riot at Cuse Nov 14th

Hey, Jerks! SU alums and indie rockers Ra Ra Riot are pleased to announce their upcoming tour and Syracuse homecoming. The group is known for their graceful string arrangements, in accord with carefully selected lyrics and buoyant pop rock beats. On November 14^th, the band is pairing with renowned quartet Wired Strings for what will undeniably be a solid (and sold out) show in Setnor Auditorium. Tickets went on sale Tuesday, October 23^rd at Schine box office, so make sure to pick one up!

Check out the show and Ra Ra Riot’s third album, ‘Beta Love’, available on January 22^nd via Barsuk Records.

-Mikala Stubley

BonIverotica

Hey Jerks, happy midterm week! Just kidding, midterms suck. For fans of Bon Iver and a penchant to procrastinate, may I present Bon Iver Erotica:

I’m at the farmer’s market with Bon Iver. We can’t decide which artisan cheese we like the most! We propped our bicycles against a bush and made love by the creek and then had raspberry pie.

As soon as the sunshower began, Bon Iver and I went outside in search of a rainbow. ‘I found it!’ he exclaimed, but all I saw was empty sky. ‘It’s you, baby. You bring all the color to my world!’

This tumblr features short, fictional stories about the antics of Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) at his cabin in the woods, akin to the myriad of Ryan Gosling ‘Hey Girl’ memes that have flooded the internet. If you play ‘Holocene’ in the background, it feels like you’re really there!

-Mikala Stubley

“Call On Me” Artist Drops New Track

I’m assuming that you probably know about Eric Prydz. Why? Because like you, I am that girl, turning his hit “Call On Me” into a ballad after one too many fruity drinks on a Friday night.

This week, however, I’m asking you to try something new. Prydz just dropped a track called “Everyday,” which provides a somewhat similar beat that’s pretty easy to listen to. So, if you are that girl, I’m doing you a favor and expanding your musical library.

The song was released on October 15th on Beatport. Prydz is planning to release a four-track EP of the same title on October 22 on Itunes, so look out for that. With this obviously comes a show, and Eric is set to perform on November 21 at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. The tickets are now sold out, but don’t fret. Eric just added a second show on Saturday, November 24th!

Going to see Eric after a Thanksgiving feast is quite a feat and pretty ambitious in my perspective.Even though I love him and his catchy hooks, I know I’ll probably pass out before I can even reach dessert at the dinner table.

- Sophia Kim

Justin Bieber Leaked Footage?

Justin Bieber’s twitter received quite a bit of attention after he revealed that some of his personal footage was stolen. Come to find out, the whole thing was a publicity stunt for his new music video with Nicki Minaj, called “Beauty and the Beat.”

If you’re in class and can’t listen, I’ll give you a play-by-play. The video starts off in ridiculous fashion, that being, at a water park. Aside from Nicki’s pom pom boob look, there’s a shout out to Selena Gomez, crazy hair, and some interesting choreography. There are synchronized swimmers and most likely the whole cast of Cirque du Soleil just doing their thing, fawning over the teeny-bopper in his custom made sneakers, and making the video exactly what it is: strange.

It is indeed a bizarre Bieber world, yet I still somehow manage to listen to the entire song. Did I mention that “Boyfriend” was my guilty pleasure over this past summer?

Anyway, when you get the chance, check out the video and let me know what you think.

- Sophia Kim

Psy In All His Gangnam Glory

I am personally well aware of Psy, the latest South Korean pop sensation, because I am South Korean. I am also very surprised with how popular “Gangnam Style” has become. Usually, most Korean pop or “K-pop” musicians can only dream about breaking into the US music market.

So what is Gangnam style, you ask? “Gangnam Style” is supposed to symbolize how the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea, is considered to have the most rich and stylish people within Seoul. It’s somewhat parallel to Beverly Hills in California. In his music video, Psy pokes fun at himself, and how he considers himself to be rich while in tacky clothes rocking some strange dance moves.

No matter what message it’s supposed to send out, one can’t deny the electric beat the song presents. And we can’t forget about the wild dance! I’ve even had my friends ask me to teach them the dance or do the dance at parties. It amazes me how it’s even played on popular radio music stations and was number one on itunes. Oh, and by the way if you were wondering, Oppa means big brother. So give it a listen if you haven’t already. Even my dad can’t get enough of this track!

For more K-Pop, check out the billboard charts and have a listen.

- Sophia Kim

Adele’s New Hit to Be James Bond Theme

With the latest James Bond movie coming to theatres November 9th, you better believe that not only will it be amazing, but so will it’s soundtrack; more specifically: it’s theme song. Titled just like the movie, Adele’s “Skyfall,” is her new musical track to gain some major popularity within the beginning weeks of its debut.

With her soulful and sultry voice, complimenting the ever-mysterious aspects of the movie, the song easily finds its way to the top singles list.

Like all other James Bond musical themes, Skyfall has all the requirements necessary for the kick-ass movie. Heavy orchestral instruments, smooth transitions, and most importantly: the feeling of danger.

Adele was a little bit hesitant to take her twist to the new James Bond song due to the immense pressure and world-wide fan craze the movie has. Yet, she does a perfect job of achieving all expectations of a James Bond film track. You can listen to it here. Repeat if you have to, I know I did.

- Sophia Kim

Artist You Should Know: Sun Airway

Hey Jerks! This week’s ‘Artist You Should Know’ is Sun Airway, a melodic synth band orchestrated by John Barthmus (formerly of the A-sides). They just released their newest album, ‘Soft Fall’, early last week. In line with the album title, it’s the perfect soundtrack to your fall.

Barthmus ruminates on the title track for the album:

“…the song soft fall is meant to most literally describe the universe that the rest of the album exists in. People floating around, disappearing and reappearing, melting down into liquids, fading in and out of focus.”

The description reflects Sun Airway’s sound in general – ethereal, dreamy synth cut through with unexpected elements like nostalgic lyrics and full string arrangements. Not all of ‘Soft Fall’ is in dreamland, though. The single “Close” is lyric-heavy and drum driven, with a few lines poking fun at teenage poetry. Definitely worth checking out!

- Mikala Stubley

Dum Dum Girls Coming to Syracuse!

Sup Jerks! If you haven’t heard, WERW is bringing another trifecta of indie acts to ‘Cuse. This Thursday, Dum Dum Girls, Math the Band, and Dumb Talk are playing in Schine Underground at 8pm.

Dum Dum Girls is a garage rock/dream pop outfit hailing from LA. They’ve been around for a few years (which in Pitchfork language means forever) and have toured with acts like Vampire Weekend and Beach House. Their new EP dropped in late September. The video for the latest single features the lead singer decked out in Greco-Roman attire lighting candles (kind of acid trippy, but oddly enough compliments the tune).

Check out the video here

Math the Band is an electronic act that has toured with artists from Matt and Kim to Andrew W.K. You can tell why they tour with such a diverse assortment of acts, they’re a band that’s half electro-pop positivity and half Andrew W.K.-status intensity. Watch the video for “Four to Six” and follow them on twitter at @Maththeband for updates and pictures of the band’s cat (a win-win).

Balancing out the line-up is Dumb Talk, a lo-fi punk band from upstate NY. They were recently signed to Syracuse’s own Miscreant Records.

-Mikala Stubley

Meet the Bloggers: Mikala Stubley

Hey Jerks! My name is Mikala Stubley, and I’ll be your resident music blogger, bringing you info about all things indie both on and off the SU campus. Here’s a little about me:

Year and Major: I am a Junior Geography Major
Hometown: Ilion, NY
Most Embarrassing Moment:Too many to list!
Biggest Lie I’ve Gotten Away With:  I once asked a friend to fake a broken leg in order to get out of a disastrous date (complete with “phone call” from my friend saying she fell down the stairs and I had to come home immediately to take her to the hospital). I didn’t play it off very well because I was laughing the whole time, but the guy actually bought it after I sent him a picture of a taped-up foot.

Movie I Could Watch Over and Over: Pulp Fiction

Tweet me at @mikalastubley with questions, comments, concerns (you know the drill).

Matt and Kim Are Coming to Westcott!

Alright Jerks, although Dada Life literally brought the roof down yesterday, Westcott Theatre is up for another show. This time, we welcome Matt and Kim on October 4^th, at 8 pm. I personally love the musical talents of this indie/dance/punk duo. I first discovered Matt and Kim in Brooklyn, NYC from the popular television series, “Gossip Girl“. The group is made up of Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino. The first song of theirs I heard was “Daylight”, which was featured on a recent Bacardi commercial. (Good music, good taste…obviously)

As corny as it sounds, I listened to the song constantly during my summer vacation in Maine, and mainly because they mentioned the state itself in the lyrics. Be sure to also check out “Cameras”, another one of their better songs. The easy lyrics and feel good beat just paints a mental picture goofing off with your friends.

Their new album is titled “Lightning”, with “Let’s Go” being the first single. Check out their YouTube page (http://www.youtube.com/user/mattandkim) for some light-hearted and fun videos. You can definitely tell they love producing simple music that just makes them and everyone else around them happy. And yes, they are a couple. Follow Matt & Kim on Twitter @mattandkim for updates!

Still need a ticket? Click here.

- Sophia Kim