Music
EMA opens the Satellites for SLC: An Interview with Erika...
Despite the themes of disassociation and anxiety that she explores on her recent album The Future’s Void, Erika M. Anderson—otherwise known as EMA—is looking forward to connecting with her fans in Salt Lake. Before kicking off her tour, Anderson took some time during a rainy Portland afternoon to chat with us about virtual reality, H.P. Lovecraft, and the all-seeing eye of social media. … read more
Momentum Of Sound: An Interview with Michael Gira of Swans
I recently described the sound of a Swans record to a friend as being between that of a great mythological beast crashing toward the ocean while the sun explodes, and the feeling of absolute awe—articulated through volume. The experience of listening to their music is a potentially immersive one for the listener, where it is absolutely possible to become lost within an expanding perception of time and one’s surroundings. To Be Kind, Swans’ third album since regrouping in 2010, came out May 12. … read more
Who is the Penguin Lady? Interview with Natosha Washington
Ten years later the Penguin Lady is working in an entirely different vein. I am sitting on the edge of a black box theater inside Judge Memorial Catholic High School. Natosha Washington is next to me casually watching her troupe rehearsing a series of dances they’ll perform at the Rose Wagner this September. … read more
CHiT CHAT WiFF RiFF RAFF
SLUG: If you were playing basketball with President Obama and you had the opportunity to dunk on him, would you hesitate to do it out of respect for the office?
RiFF RAFF: I would super dunk 370
… read more
In Rolling Waves: The Naked and Famous Get Barreled Around...
If there’s one way to start off the summer, it’s The Naked and Famous Concert. These guys are awesome. The Naked and Famous consist of Thom Powers, Alisa Xayalith, Aaron Short, David Beadle, and Jesse Wood. Together, they’ve formed one badass alternative rock band. Their songs have been featured in everything from Gossip Girl, to FIFA 2012 and 2014, to The Art of Flight. … read more
Closing the Distance: Interview with Daniel Graves of Aesthetic Perfection
“Either you change and people hate you for it or you stay the same and they hate you for it—there is no pleasing everyone so all you can do is try to be honest with yourself,” Graves says. … read more
Musical Humanism: Channeling the Catharsis with William Fitzsimmons
It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that William Fitzsimmons has a solid grasp on what it means to be a human being. In fact, he’s dedicated most of his life so far to exploring the human condition. Drawing from his personal life and experiences helping others has rendered him capable of understanding and communicating deeply personal lyrics in a way that is not only unique but collectively relatable. … read more
Can You Dig La Peste? Interview with Peter Dayton
La Peste was perhaps one of the most underrated bands from the first wave of punk (1976-82). Though the single “Better Off Dead” has been long out of print, making it a rarity, it is being given new life. “Better Off Dead” is well worth any rock n’ roll fans’ attention, as it is a perfect example of the raw energy that punk unleashed on the unsuspecting world in the 1970s. … read more
On the Rooftop and Rising: C Jane Kendrick talks Provo...
Now in it’s fifth year, the Rooftop Concert Series, which kicks off this year on Friday, May 2, is shaping up to maybe be the best yet. “This year has been so exhilarating because we have great sponsors—Google Fiber and Provo City and wonderful partnerships with Downtown Provo Inc. and Provo Town Square,” Kendrick says. … read more
An Interview with CrucialFest’s Jarom Bischoff
SLUG asked CruciaFest’s Jarom Bischoff some questions about CrucialFest 4, slated for June 4 – 7. We also interviewed Gaytheist, Kowloon Walled City and Call Of The Void, available to read here! … read more
Upright Piano Fuses With Man on Bike
It’s stimulating to see someone in town who can expand our perceptions of what a performance is and where those performances can take place, and Eric Rich is doing just that. By melding bike riding with piano playing, he’s created a rich atmosphere of music on the streets in a way that allows him to work on conquering his performance anxiety while sharing a formal talent in an informal environment. … read more
Crucial Infestation: Crucial Fest 4
SLUG asked Gaytheist, Kowloon Walled City and Call Of The Void about their sounds, their tours, and their upcoming CrucialFest performances, and probed CrucialFest Head Festival Organizer Jarom Bischoff about the nature of this year’s CrucialFest. … read more
