Blog
Radio K Needs DJs!
Posted on 11/23/2009
Radio K is recruiting new DJs for the upcoming year. If you are a University of Minnesota student with a passion for music, send an email to Lauren, our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@radiok.org and let her know you're interested.
Radio K at CMJ! pt. 3
Posted on 11/01/2009
After the broadcast on Friday, we made our way to Brooklyn to take in some more music. Mark and Genevieve went to the Paw Tracks showcase to see Kría Brekkan, formerly of Icelandic band Múm. Given that Paw Tracks was founded by members of Animal Collective and Kría Brekkan is married to David Portner (aka Avey Tare of AC) it was no surprise to see him in the crowd. The show was in a tiny room in the back of a restaurant, a space called the Cameo Gallery. There were streamers hanging from the ceiling with a video loop of colors going across them. All in all it was exactly what could be expected from Kría Brekkan: playful explorations of melody perfectly complemented by her childlike voice and accordion.
Next we went to the Music Hall of Williamsburg, where Phantogram was playing after performing for our remote broadcast earlier in the day. The duo played the most forceful set any of us saw at CMJ, pounding precise electronic beats under the cool vocals of Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. Though people seemed unfamiliar with them when they took the stage, songs like "Running from the Cops" and closer "When I'm Small" had the main floor transfixed and head-bobbing. Phantogram definitely left a mark on a CMJ audience that was not easily impressed.
As people packed into the venue after Phantogram's set, it became clear that the main attraction of the night was The XX, a four-piece of London 20-year-olds whose self-titled debut has been soaking in praise from bloggers, critics, and us at Radio K. The band took the stage with their hyper-cool veneer, but you could see their eyes widen as they first took in the wall-to-wall audience. The band played every song off their album, never varying a note from the recordings. The crowd didn't seem to mind, and several girls repeatedly let loose screams between songs reminiscent of the hysteria of Beatles' concerts. Must be something about the Brits...
Later in the night, we all headed over to the Knitting Factory for the Daptone label showcase, where we saw Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens. Flanked by three backup singers and a full band, Shelton was clearly enjoying herself as she fired off songs from their debut album, "What Have You Done, My Brother." As is always the case with bands on Daptone, the musicians backing Shelton were fantastic. The horns in particular did a great job leaning into the melody at points and giving Shelton's voice some room to breathe when she needed it.
All in all, Friday was a pretty good synthesis of what's best about CMJ: musicians of all different genres, ages and demeanor, all playing great music, all just a hop, skip and a subway away.
Radio K at CMJ! pt. 2
Posted on 10/24/2009
Friday we had our remote broadcast from the studios of WNYU. We started with a great performance from one of our favorite new bands, Phantogram. The duo out of Saratoga Springs, NY layer dense, dark rhythms with pristine vocals that hover above the mash of heavy electronics. Sarah Barthel's voice is reminiscent of Portishead's Beth Gibbons, complementing Joshua Carter's vocals, which mesh with the band's dark beats.
We were supposed to have an in-studio performance from Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, but unfortunately he wasn't able to make it. With the help of some very kind people we got Brent Knopf of Ramona Falls/Menomena to stop in for a few songs. Playing tracks off our past Weekly Release Spotlight, Intuit, Knopf charmed us all despite the fact that he was playing a borrowed acoustic guitar from a random student in the NYU cafeteria.
Radio K at CMJ!
Posted on 10/23/2009
Hello from Mark, Ellie, Jake, and Genevieve in New York City! We are here for the CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival, the annual gathering of the independent radio industry, artists, and radio stations. There are around a thousand bands playing throughout the city, as well as daily panel discussions on topics related to the current state of the music industry. Yesterday our very own Music Director, Jake Knight, was a panelist on a discussion about how to deal with competition as an independent radio station. Several of the panelists were from Internet-only stations and they offered interesting insight about how difficult it can be to acquire an FM signal in an already saturated market. One station even talked about a competitor who was trying to hijack their existing FM station. Jake shared our experience with adapting to new technology like the public radio player application for the iPhone or iPod touch, as well as our positive relationships with the local music community and our own university. He also talked about our unique programming and our digital music sampler.
After the panel discussion we stopped by the studios of WNYU to check out the space. Best part about the place: the sign in their studio that reads, "If this is Rock n' Roll, I want my day job back." We also went to a show they put on later in the night, which featured a performance from Eric Copeland of Black Dice.
The radio station of New York University, WNYU.
We also saw The XX do an in-store performance which was spectacular and very crowded. Later on we went to a showcase and saw Surfer Blood, a bunch of young lads that sound exactly like you'd imagine, Air Waves, a jangly version of Mirah, and Surf City, a noisy 4-piece with girl-group ooh's and aah's over distorted bassy chords.
Surf City
We are getting ready for the remote broadcast of in-studio performances from Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson and Phantogram, happening today at 12pm CST. Be sure to tune in!
We're in the Top 25!
Posted on 10/01/2009
Radio K made it into the top 25 stations for the mtvU College Radio Woodie awards, so keep on voting! That’s quite an accomplishment and not an easy task. There were over 260 schools and now they're down to the best 25 college radio stations in the entire country!
Rock On. VOTING ENDS 10.26.09. VOTE NOW!.As always, vote as many times as you want, and as often as you want!
Radio K at CMJ 2009
Posted on 10/01/2009
Radio K has been selected as one of six college radio stations in the country to broadcast live at the College Music Journal (CMJ) 2009 Music Marathon and Film Festival in New York City.
Radio K will broadcast live on Friday, Oct. 23, 12-2 pm., from the studios of WNYU.
mtvU College Radio Woodie Awards
Posted on 9/21/2009
Help Radio K Win an mtvU College Radio Woodie Award by voting for us here. We've made it to the Top 50 stations, but we need your help to get to the next round. Vote as many times as you want, and as often as you want!
The remaining Top 25 stations will be announced on Sept. 29th.
Show Review: Daniel Johnston at First Ave - 08.13.09
Posted on 9/02/2009
Singer/songwriter Daniel Johnston is one of the rare breed of musicians whose personal life often trumps his discography. Born in Sacramento but raised in West Virginia, and a longtime Texan resident, Johnston has led a difficult life, owing to a chronic severe mental illness that was the subject of the award-winning 2006 documentary “The Devil and Daniel Johnston.” Johnston’s influence is wide-ranging, with musicians from Kurt Cobain to Beck to the Flaming Lips all claiming inspiration from the troubled singer’s output.
Performing at the First Avenue Mainroom, a visibly trembling Johnston played his own version of Bob Dylan’s infamous Royal Albert Hall concert, albeit with much less controversy surrounding this one. The first half consisted of Johnston on an antique acoustic guitar and featured such repertoire staples as “Hollywood Movies,” as well as, with a little help from his friend Brett Hartenbach on guitar, a cover of the Beatles’ “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.”
After a short intermission, Johnston came back on stage with a rocking full band, three members of whom had played earlier in the night as local band Knife World. Under this line-up, Johnston played favorites like “Speeding Motorcycle” and “Rock and Roll.” The crowd responded enthusiastically to Johnston’s every move, some professing their love for the musician while others simply cheered him on. One audience member called out, “You’re beautiful, Daniel!” to which Johnston gave a dubious thumbs-up.
Overall, Johnston gave a heartfelt performance that was in turns funny and heartbreaking. His clearly unstable condition, physically and mentally, was sometimes hard to watch, and I sometimes wondered if he wouldn’t just break down completely from playing such painfully honest songs. That he didn’t is perhaps a testament to his courage and creativity.
Written by Dave Introwitz-Williams, Radio K volunteer.
Photos by Phil Borreson, Radio K volunteer.Show Review: Awesome Snakes - 7.30.09
Posted on 8/19/2009
Entering the 7th Street Entry, one would imagine people standing around, semi-engaged awkward conversations. Instead, over half the room was hunched over, competitively coloring on an image of a triangular monster. It was a coloring contest hosted by the Awesome Snakes for some free merch.The night was kicked off by the local trio, The Vignettes, jamming out some rockin’ tunes about their cats. Personal and the Pizzas was absent due to illness, yet their replacements didn’t lack any ability to punch it out and set the bar high for the night.
Coconut Coolouts set up on the stage without a standard drummer, but two singers who had their own personal sets consisting of a floor tom, a snare, and a ride cymbal. Even though there was a lack of bass drum, there was definitely plenty of groove beats to go around with songs like “Spinaround” and “Party Jail.” Energetic concert goers worked their way to the front to skat-a-round. One kid proudly claimed to have gotten an asthma attack in the dance chaos.
After a few sound difficulties during set up and the declaration of a winner for the coloring contest, the Awesome Snakesentered the stageready to rock. As soon as the band started playing, dedicated fans crazily jumped around, smashing into each other as the drum and bass tones unleashed distorted roars and hissing feedback. The set included most songs from the band’s album Venom, including “the Future of Snake Industsry” and “I Want a Snake.” There was also newer material that was successfully accepted by die-hard fans. When the band would finish the song, the crowd would relentlessly taunt the band. The jeers were all in good fun and the band happily retaliated. At the end of the night, a sweaty crowd gathered outside, smoking their cigs, and exclaiming how wonderful they felt.
Written by Sean Kwon, Radio K volunteer.
Photos by Phil Borreson, Radio K volunteer.Pitchfork Music Festival Interviews
Posted on 7/30/2009
We were lucky enough to speak to several Pitchfork performers during the festival. Check out what they had to say below!
Cassie of Vivian Girls
Nick and Paul of Beirut (next to the portas...)
Ken and Dustin of Ponytail
The Dutchess and the Duke
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Women
Silas of Mew
Pitchfork Music Festival: Day 3
Posted on 7/20/2009
Day 3 of the Pitchfork Music Festival appeared to draw a significantly larger crowd than Saturday, despite both days being sold out. We stopped by the record tent to see our friends from Modern Radio Record Label selling their records in addition to merch from other Twin Cities bands and labels. We also got a chance to talk with members from Women, Beirut, Vivian Girls and Mew. Check back later to hear what they had to say.
-(2:40 pm) We caught part of the set from Killer Whales, an up and coming Chicago band. They brought spirit and energy to a slightly sluggish Sunday afternoon. When we spoke with Paul and Nick of Beirut, they expressed their undying love for Killer Whales. We may just follow in suit.
-(3:35 pm) Next up for us was Women. Despite less-than-ideal sound quality, the band drew a huge crowd and left us and most everyone else extremely satisfied. Even though we've seen them multiple times in the past year back home in Minneapolis, it's hard to miss a show from Calgary's best.
-(4:15 pm) The Thermals' set consisted of material off of their new record, Now We Can See. And in a departure from all other sets we witnessed, they performed multiple covers, including Nirvana, The Breeders and Sonic Youth.
-(5 pm) The five o'clock hour brought much confusion and disappointment (in ourselves). We caught a bit of The Walkmen's set from an unsatisfactory distance and couldn't hear it the way we would have liked. Additionally, we erred and missed Japandroids, whose new record is being rereleased on Polyvinyl in a few weeks. Our bad.
-(6:15 pm) Everything was made better by the magic of M83. Their show ranked high on many K-ers lists and the crowd seemed to agree. Providing some of the best sound of the weekend, the band displayed immense energy and the most humble of attitudes. They appeared shocked by the crowd size and were endlessly thankful to the thousands of bobbing heads and dancing bodies.
-(7:25 pm) Grizzly Bear was packed, as expected. The sound, like most shows on Stage C, was sub-par. Too much bass. Nonetheless, it was still Grizzly Bear. We'll wait for their September show at First Avenue.
-(7:30 pm) We split time between some disappointing Grizzly Bear sound issues and a performance from Mew. They proved to be an energetic and mobile bunch of Danes, and the crowd seemed very responsive. A new full-length from Mew will be out in August.
-(8:30 pm) The Flaming Lips and The Very Best both took their respective stages for the final shows of the weekend. Nearly the entire main stage field was encompassed with Flaming Lips fans/onlookers, while a few K-ers chose the international beats of The Very Best. We've heard very mixed reviews of both shows. The Flaming Lips busted out some rarely played, as well as brand new songs, in addition to their infamous man-sized hamster ball and confetti and balloon explosions. Depending on who you asked, Wayne Coyne was either a pop god or a cranky, old man. The Very Best played what we believe to be the only Michael Jackson tribute of the festival.
Today’s highlights: -Scouring the craft tents and poster sales (and picking up the new Vampire Hands LP) -The outstanding stage presence of M83 -Delicious festival cornbread -Ideal weather for the third day in a row! -"Black Rice" by Women -Pharoahe Monch's colorful language
Interviews coming soon!Pitchfork Music Festival: Day 2
Posted on 7/19/2009
Day 2 of the Pitchfork Music Festival The Pitchfork Music Fest opened its gates today for the first of its two full days of music (compared to the Saturday/Sunday lineups, Friday's 4 acts look like a drop in the pond). We caught as many of the bands as we could, and with a record number of Radio K'ers watching bands, interviewing artists, eating food and shopping for music in the record tent, we'd bet that we saw a bit of everything.
-(1 pm) Chicago's own Disappears started off with a short and sweet set of newish material (Jake hopes this means a full-length is on the way). Lucky for us, we'll see them again at the Turf Club with Obits and The Dynamiters on Sunday, July 26. We were hoping for a reunion from The Ponys, as Jered and Melissa (founding members and husband and wife) as well as Brian (now in Disappears) were all in sight. Unfortunately, this was too good to be true- Jered and Melissa instead joined The Dutchess and the Duke, who took the stage following Disappears. The D&D brought a welcome 60s/70s vibe to our Saturday morning.
-(2:30 pm) Fucked Up came next for us, which proved to be a polarizing show for the crowd. We heard reactions ranging from "the best show ever" to "the worst band" these Pitchforkers had ever seen. We enjoyed the energetic display, with props to the jumbotron cameramen who did not skimp on footage of frontman Damien “Pink Eyes” Abraham, who encouraged the mosh pit with vigor. The discovery of an open pocketknife at the frontlines by one Radio K’er made us glad that we weren’t too close!
-(3:20 pm) The Pains of Being Pure at Heart drew a surprisingly large and head-bobbing crowd. Relative newcomers to the festival circuit, The Pains seemed ecstatic just to be playing in front of such a big crowd (especially one so clearly nostalgic for feel-good teen angst, with memories of hiding "behind the stacks in the library"). The light rain that came and went only added to the atmosphere of being caught in a scene from Say Anything.
-(4:15 pm) Final Fantasy appeared to be cool and calm, despite an admission that he "rarely plays outdoor shows like [Pitchfork]". His songs played out beautifully, with elegant loops and subtle arrangements. Several people appreciated the opportunity to take a break from the pop-music excitement and nap on the grass.
-(6:15 pm) Doom appeared in his signature mask (surprising no one), and sang his songs eerily true to his latest album, Born Like This. Despite the lack of surprises there, he played a supremely solid set, complete with thousands of hipster hands doing the one-handed wave.
-(6:30 pm) Lindstrom, DJing solo and barely visible from the crowd on the smaller B stage, delivered his even, powerful, electronic beats to a quiet audience. It met with mixed reviews among those we spoke with- several people arrived early to get space for the upbeat Matt and Kim, which may have had something to do with it. Diehard Lindstrom fans were not disappointed.
-(7:25 pm) Beirut charmed an enormous audience that overflowed onto the furthest baseball fields- frontman Zach Condon's antics, and fan favorites like "Scenic World" and the pitch-perfect "Postcards From Italy" made for a memorable show that is sure to be a festival highlight for many.
-(7:45 pm) Matt and Kim arrived onstage as pumped up as ever, maintaining their reputation as the ultimate unstoppable pop duo- their upbeat songs played out even more exciting live than on their records. Their fans took advantage of the treacherous mosh pit, and we saw many a teen crowd surfing to the front. We even heard a cover of The Final Countdown!
-(9 pm) The Black Lips headlined over at the small B stage, closing things out for the night. Although we were tired, The Black Lips proved to be the men for the job of waking us all back up. Their reputed Atlanta high-jinks were kept in check by security guards, so it was all good, clean fun. After their set, we left the fest exhausted but satisfied.
Today’s highlights: -Awesome awesome barbecue turkey sandwiches (decidedly worth the $7 that we shelled out for them) -The Black Lips smashing a guitar in their FIRST song -Vegan ice cream cones -Finding Minneapolis friends Aesthetic Apparatus and Burlesque selling their posters at the Flatstock poster exhibition -Some guy pointing his corncob in the air for Doom -So much good music!
Pitchfork Music Festival: Day 1
Posted on 7/17/2009
We've survived the first day of Pitchfork after a brutal drive. We got to hear Tortoise while waiting in line for our tickets and also caught Yo La Tengo, The Jesus Lizard and Built to Spill. Tonight was "Write the Night," where the bands played songs chosen in advance by fans. Our very own Radio K DJ Anna set a record for naming the most bands who have played Pitchfork (past or present) in 30 seconds (we're very proud!)
It was an adventure - frisbees flew, tempers flared in the lines for the bathrooms, bus stops were missed and as usual, David Yow of The Jesus Lizard was spitting. A lot.
Stay tuned all weekend as we'll be updating the blog and adding pictures during our time at Pitchfork. Follow us on Twitter to get the play-by-play: http://twitter.com/radiok
Radio K at Pride 2009!
Posted on 7/16/2009
Check out footage from Radio K's adventures at the 2009 Pride Parade!
Video Courtesy Carl MartinShow Review: Sunset Rubdown - 7th St. Entry, 7.6.09
Posted on 7/08/2009
“Thanks for being patient with us,” Spencer Krug sheepishly uttered into the microphone to a tightly-packed
Several minutes later though, the band confidently took the stage to an uproar. There was no room to move, and any empty space was engulfed. Starting off slow, the band eventually propelled into “Black Swan” from their fourth and most recent album “Dragonslayer.” Camilla Wynne Ingr’s vocals matched Krug’s on almost every level, adding dimension especially to Jordan Robson-Cramer’s intense drumming. Anyone weary of how the multi-layered aspects of Sunset Rubdown’s compositions would translate live quickly saw their worries rebuffed. The band was tightly rehearsed, flowing freely from new to old material as if it was all one continuous track.
Hardly stopping for applause, the band launched into “The Mending of the Gown” off of 2007’s “Random Spirit Lover” and then into the wonderful “Idiot Heart” with gorgeous vocal interplays between Krug and Ingr. Thrown in between the solid material transitions were a few surprises for the
Krug noted how good and polite the
By the end of the night, it was evident how tight and emotional of a show the band had put on, and no one could deny the amount of energy they had put into illustrating the full soundscape of their compositions. Fans thirsting for more need not wait longer it seems. If Sunset Rubdown continues its pace of endless creativity, there will be many more albums to come.
-Written by Jon, Radio K volunteer
School of Seven Bells interview
Posted on 5/29/2009
Radio K DJ Dave had a chance to catch up with School of Seven Bells before their show with Black Moth Super Rainbow at the Triple Rock last Friday. Here's what they had to say!
Mayer Hawthorne guest DJ set on Radio K
Posted on 4/29/2009
Mayer Hawthorne stopped by Radio K last night before his show with Peanut Butter Wolf, James Pants and Dam-Funk to do a DJ set for us! He also chatted with the host of On The Corner (Radio K's jazz/funk/soul/r&b show), DJ Fizzy.
Battle of the Underage Underground!
Posted on 4/27/2009
Radio K is now reviewing submissions for our 9th Annual Battle of the Underage Underground! Applicants will be contacted by June 6th. The 7 winners will be performing at First Avenue's Mainroom on June 14th for their chance to win prizes. Thanks to all who applied!
Interview with Fucked Up
Posted on 4/10/2009
Radio K DJ Dave got to sit down with Damian (aka Pink Eyes...and a lot of other pseudonyms) from Canadian band Fucked Up before their show at the Triple Rock. They talked about the band's recent tour in China and the lost art of the 8-track. Listen here!
Jason of ...Trail of Dead at Radio K
Posted on 4/07/2009
Jason Reece from ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead was nice enough to stop by the Radio K studios and guest DJ for a while before their show at the Triple Rock Social Club. He talked about the new Trail of Dead record, why he loves Jay Reatard and his new side project, Midnight Masses.
Junior Boys DJ set on Radio K!
Posted on 4/04/2009
Matt and Jeremy (aka Junior Boys) stopped by the Radio K studios before their show at First Avenue on Friday to spin a live DJ mix and to chat with Kevin about their musical memories and the inspiration for their new record, Begone Dull Care. Listen here!
Radio K live from SXSW Day 3: Hot Lava
Posted on 3/20/2009
We topped off out three-day live broadcast here in Austin with a performance from Hot Lava. They talked about mummy beaches, how they got their name and the Richmond hardcore scene. Allison was a trooper and performed while sick! They were nice enough to write a Radio K jingle too!
Songs performed:
Blue Dragon
Lady Postman
Iggy
Mummy Beach
Itty Bitty Spaces
Radio K live from SXSW Day 3: These Arms Are Snakes
Posted on 3/20/2009
Perhaps the sweatiest and spittiest band we've had in, These Arms Are Snakes played an epic (and loud) set. They more than made up for the instudio they had to miss at Radio K in February when they were caught in a blizzard on the way to Minneapolis from Iowa City. They are heading home to Seattle soon after playing some shows on the west coast.
Songs performed:
Meet The Mayor
Woolen Heirs
Red Line Season
Ethric Double
Radio K live from SXSW Day 3: Turbo Fruits
Posted on 3/20/2009
Turbo Fruits were our third instudio of the day. Their session came at the end of their SXSW experience, and they'll be heading home soon to finish up their new 7" on Fat Possum and to work on their forthcoming second full-length. It's not really clear why they brought that can of pancake batter with them, or left this dirty band-aid, but...they did.
Songs performed:
Volcano
I Wanna Be Naked With You
Get Up Get On Down
Radio K live from SXSW Day 3: Javelins
Posted on 3/20/2009
Our second instudio session of the day came from Michigan natives Javelins. Dana and the crew chatted about their keyboard player's California Raisin shirt, touring, and all sorts of SXSW goodness. Here are some photos from the performance (see if you can spot the famous raisin...!)
Tune in later on today for performances from Turbo Fruits, These Arms Are Snakes, and Hot Lava. 104.5FM Mpls/St. Paul and streaming online at www.radiok.org.
Radio K live from SXSW Day 3: Midnight Masses
Posted on 3/20/2009
Day 3 of our SXSW broadcast has begun! HOORAY! We're looking forward to instudio performances from Javelins, Turbo Fruits, These Arms Are Snakes, and Hot Lava. We just finished up our first session of the day with Midnight Masses. Hailing mainly from Brooklyn, Midnight Masses features Jason of ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead (who happens to be the only member from Austin, TX). The gang formed last year around SXSW time right here in Jason's hometown. They're just wrapping up a tour with Trail of Dead. We were so fortunate to catch up with them here at SXSW.
Be sure to check back with www.radiok.org for a video of Midnight Masses' SXSW instudio performance, and stay tuned to Radio K all day for 4 more exclusive performances!
Radio K live from SXSW Day 2: All The Saints
Posted on 3/19/2009
All The Saints just wrapped up a LOUD session. They talked about their new EP (that they supposedly recorded Monday and Tuesday in their living room), complimented Jake on his mad station ID-reading skillz, discussed the differences between the Atlanta and Alabama music scenes, and debunked the nasty rumors going around that they are metal, AND the myth that they don't like to go by their last names.
Songs performed:
Closer, Owner
Farmacia
Regal Regalia
Half Red, Half Way
Radio K live from SXSW Day 2: Anni Rossi
Posted on 3/19/2009
Anni Rossi came in and performed a few songs for us today. When her drummer isn't with her (like today), she uses an old suitcase for a stomp box! She'll be coming back to Minneapolis soon - you can catch her in April at the 7th Street Entry. Here are pictures:
Songs performed:
Safety of Objects
Machine
Ecology
Wheelpusher
Radio K live from SXSW Day 2: Cotton Jones
Posted on 3/19/2009
Our 3rd performance of the day came from Cotton Jones. They arrived on the best. tour bus. ever. They've recently relocated to Michigan, and played at the Suicide Squeeze showcase the other night a SXSW. Here is a photographic journey:
Songs performed:
Gotta Cheer Up
Blood Red Sentimental Blues
Less Than Positive
Radio K live from SXSW Day 2: Superdrag
Posted on 3/19/2009
Our second instudio session today came from Superdrag. They did an acoustic performance and talked about their breakup/non-breakup of 2003. Here's a visual recap:
Songs performed:
Only Want a Place I Can Stay
Try
Everything'll Be Made Right
