The last four weeks had given me the opportunity to see the best and worst of DJing. I saw C2C perform at the Depot about a month ago, who are true turntabilists and know how to entertain their fans. I also saw Faulty Dl, a New York–based DJ/producer, open for James Blake, and he gave a poor performance, displaying how little DJs can do live, onstage. So, I was excited to see Andre Anjos and Karl Kling of RAC live, mixing some of the most feel-good dance music out there. You have The Hood Internet and Girl Talk, who do superb remixes and mashups, but I don’t believe anyone does as clean of a job remixing songs as RAC. … read more
Big Boi and Killer Mike @ The Depot 05.09
Big Boi stands as a legend in the rap game, primarily because of his time spent as part of Southern rap superstars Outkast, and Killer Mike has had his share of success, though he seems primarily prominent in the underground these days. I was excited to see Killer Mike perform, and to see how Big Boi stacked up to one of my current favorite rappers. … read more
NOVA Chamber Series @ Libby Gardner Hall 04.21
Nova’s final concert for the year was also its most exhilarating, featuring music from the French composer Maurice Ravel, and contemporary American composer C. Curtis-Smith. … read more
The Thermals @ Kilby Court 05.10 with Baby Ghosts
A little faster than the record and just as rehearsed, The Thermals took to their simple, loud chord progressions and lead singer Hutch Harris was drenched in sweat by the end of their first and new song, “You Will Be Free.” … read more
Black Angels with Hanni El-Khatib, Wall of Dead @ The Depot 05.11
I’m going to come out here at the front and say that Saturday’s show was amazing and you are less of a person for missing it. Sorry kids, but the Black Angels have yet to disappoint me, and you’re letting yourself down by missing any opportunity to see them. Now, let’s go on to why this was such a good show, starting with beginning. … read more
Baby Gurl, Aan @ Kilby 05.13
Holy shit it was hot Monday night. The fact that anyone showed up anywhere in the city is something short of a miracle. Originally, this was going to be a review of the Black Pus show scheduled for the night, but the band’s mastermind Brian Chippendale was pulled over for being too cool and as a result, couldn’t make the show. Here’s to hoping he comes back as soon as possible and that his insurance rates stay low. … read more
Charli XCX @ In The Venue 05.13 with Marina and the Diamonds
Marina Diamandis and Charli XCX look and sound similar enough to successfully pull off a Parent Trap-style swap—beyond being British teen idols (well, Marina is Welsh, actually) they’ve recorded together, they have the same bratty ’90s pop aesthetic and yes, they really do look alike, especially when you’re drunk and bouncing up and down in a packed venue. … read more
Damien Jurado @ Big Cartel 05.14
A lime-green chair is the only thing Damien Jurado needed to perform to an intimate crowd of no more than 50 people last Tuesday night at Big Cartel in downtown Salt Lake. … read more
Green Jell-O and Prescription Pill Empowerment: The Righteous and Very Real Housewives of Utah County
Utah’s newest theatre production company, Alligator Press Productions, has opened its first theatrical season with The Righteous and Very Real Housewives of Utah County—a world premiere containing six strong female roles. … read more
Daughter @ Urban Lounge 05.14
They started playing and Urban was immediately filled with a sense of euphoric melancholia. Daughter has some of the saddest, most tragic songs I have ever heard, and hearing them live was painstakingly beautiful. … read more
MAZZA MEDIA & INDUSTRY DINNER 05.19 @ 9th & 9th Mazza
This past Sunday, Mazza hosted a private event with special dishes not normally found on their menu. Beginning at 6 p.m., the evening was made even more beautiful by the 9th and 9th location’s décor at dusk—Owner Ali Sabbah, I learned, has collected all of the lavish adornment from Lebanon, and even pieced together the elegant liquor cabinet piece by piece. The sun glinting off of the copper pillars created a gorgeous environment to enjoy specialty Middle Eastern food. … read more
Black Moth Super Rainbow @ Urban Lounge 05.18 with Oscillator Bug, The Hood Internet
One half of The Hood Internet stomped onstage, slammed down a covert can of Cherney Bock and stiffly swung his arms above his head holding up a #1 sign. Oh no. STV SLV was the only one of the duo to make it onto stage and was left to dance on his own. Chugging bass overlaid with intense, windy noises morphed suddenly into Two Chainz’s voice. … read more
