E3 Day One – Gaikai

E3 Day One – Gaikai
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Lots of rumors have been circulating about Gaikai’s alliances in the coming wave of cloud gaming. Some have said the company was looking to start partnerships with major game companies, becoming a provider for full-length games. However, in a small cubicle high above the din of South Hall’s unfettered revelry, two guys stood in front of modestly-sized screens, explaining the effects of streamlining the demo process for video games. … read more

E3 Day One – Nintendo

E3 Day One – Nintendo
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All gathered seemed to agree that so far, this was a software year at E3 – where third-party developers would outshine the major platforms even in their own presentations. A few held out hope for Nintendo’s continuous hyping of its new platform, the Wii U, to overtake the tepid showing from its competitors, and a throng of photographers gathered around its new tablet/controller, lying on a pedestal at the front of the stage. … read more

Who Likes Short Shorts?! Film Fest Reviews

Who Likes Short Shorts?! Film Fest Reviews
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The Pride Festival wasn’t the only place to peep some decent short shorts this weekend. Just up the hill at the Post Theatre, the Who Likes Short Shorts? Film Festival brought its own blend of community, artistry and passion to the Wasatch Front. … read more

Electric Daisy Carnival: It’s Not a Rave, It’s an Experience

Electric Daisy Carnival: It’s Not a Rave, It’s an Experience
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From the carnival rides and eccentric performers, to the inspiring art pieces placed all over the festival grounds and the most amazing lights and lasers that could light all of New York City, the Electric Daisy Carnival is not only my favorite EDM event of the year, but number one in the industry. … read more

All Systems Fail, Gnawing Suspicion @ Earth Jam at Liberty Park, Fire Stage 04.28

All Systems Fail, Gnawing Suspicion @ Earth Jam at Liberty...
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As surreal as it was to watch All Systems Fail shred in the park on a sunny day, in the midst Earth Jam, a pro-environment and pro-paisley festival, I could still pound my foot against the grass and get into the pure political spite of those years long past. All Systems Fail takes all the best things from the DIY ethic … With short, fast songs, it’s easy to bob your head along with the beat, take a swig of ginger ale, and keep on bobbing. … read more

Coachella Packing Checklist

Coachella Packing Checklist
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This April, I’ll make my maiden voyage to the land of Indio, Calif. for the first weekend of Coachella. Although 2012 marks my first time, a number of my friends have been making the trek for years now. Considering how quickly both weekends sold out, I’m guessing many will be on the verge of losing their Coachella virginity. To make the first time a little less painful, I consulted some friends to create a handy Coachella packing guide. Enjoy! … read more

SLUG Does SXSW

SLUG Does SXSW
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For five days in mid-March, SLUG Magazine invaded Austin, Texas for the 26th annual SXSW music festival. Throughout our week, excessive Lonestar beer and delicious street cart food were consumed and our minds and eardrums will never be the same again after witnessing the array of musical acts. Here are some of our favorites. … read more

We Don’t Want To Look Pretty, We Want To Melt Your Face: An Interview with The Coathangers

We Don’t Want To Look Pretty, We Want To Melt...
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I walked into the white, ballroom-like room as the gravelly vocals of Rusty Coathanger rang out from the silk tasseled drapes at the back of the stage, her thrashy drum beats backing the garage-rock style guitar played by Crook Kid Coathanger as she yelped into her own mic. Minnie Coathanger had center stage, rocking back and forth on the bass with her back turned to the audience, and BeBe Coathanger tilted her head to the music as she chewed gum and cast spells over her keyboard. I immediately asked the chick next to me for the name of the band and thought I heard “The Coathangers.” THE COATHANGERS?!?! … read more

The Ettes @ Wahoo’s 03.16

The Ettes @ Wahoo’s 03.16
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Nashville’s The Ettes played their final show of SXSW at a fish taco joint called Wahoo’s. The turnout was small, but the set was still epic.  … read more

The Black Angels @ Empire Automotive 03.15

The Black Angels @ Empire Automotive 03.15
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Although I’ve seen The Black Angels numerous times, and more than one of my SLUG cohorts pointed this out to me when I announced my plans, I’d have a difficult time turning down a chance to see them live—that’s how blown away I’ve consistently been by their performance. I’ll admit that I might be kind of a The Black Angels fanboy, but fuck it, I don’t care, it’s not like I have their name tattooed on my body or anything… … read more

Daughter @ Red Eyed Fly 03.14

Daughter @ Red Eyed Fly 03.14
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I heard about Daughter from my friend Nadia, who’s a talented singer/songwriter herself, so I knew I could trust they’d be good. My decision to check them out at SX was reaffirmed when I heard them on All Songs Considered. I’m not usually into that folky sentimental sound, but hearing a clip of Elena Tonra’s beautiful voice on “Landfill” sealed the deal.  … read more

Aquarium Drunkard Day Party @ The Hype Hotel 03.15

Aquarium Drunkard Day Party @ The Hype Hotel 03.15
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I stumbled into the Hype Hotel looking for a way to kill some time on Thursday afternoon. I didn’t know who was playing, but figured that entry to the Hype Hotel would likely come with a few free cocktails. I quickly realized that I was in for a pretty awesome SXSW surprise: Lee Fields and the Expressions and Bass Drum of Death were both scheduled to play.  … read more