Unpaid Intern Maddy’s Weekly Rehash: Frantic Philly Style.
Every Monday, JUMP intern Maddy Court scours the blogosphere for musical rumblings and other fun stuff. Enjoy!
With the exception of North Philly’s Jazz on the Ave. festival on Saturday, this weekend was a particularly frantic one for Philly. There was so much going on. I think people realized that there are only two or three weekends left of summer.
After recording some acoustic sets for Time Out New York, Braid played Union Transfer on Friday night.
Warren A. Miller IV knows what’s up.
Semi-related story: one time my brother met Conor Oberst and he’s exactly like how you’d think Conor Oberst would be.
The 6th annual This Is Hardcore fest exploded at Union Transfer and the Electric Factory from Thursday to Sunday. It was violent, rough and intense. Intern Bree confirms that people exited the floor with black eyes and shoe prints on their foreheads. On Saturday, some of the food trucks ran out of food. And since there was no re-entry, attendees were forced into cannibalism.
Actually, most just didn’t eat. But they did complain.
Even worse, an Iron Maiden sweater vest also made an appearance.
(Image stolen from Sean Agnew’s facebook page).
If you missed the festivities because you couldn’t get tickets, check out the official festival photos here or mosey around the This Is Hardcore tag on Tumblr for a while.
Girls Rock Philly, a summer camp that empowers area girls to express themselves through rock music, held their summer showcase on Saturday morning at the World Cafe Live. The girls, ages 9-17, are split into bands and spend all week preparing their performances for the showcase. My friend Laura is an intern there and her Tumblr’s been pretty wacky lately.
So this is the end of my final Weekly Rehash. Soon I have to leave JUMP and head back to school on the lameline. I’m too sad though because there are some good things about summer ending e.g. that metallic smell will disappear from South Philly, at least until next year, and we’ll all be able to walk around without feeling like hot sweaty death.
Goapele @ World Cafe Live on Wednesday.
Our Morgan James caught up with the soulful, Bay Area singer Goapele to discuss her recent album Break of Dawn, her role in the upcoming film release Sparkle, and some London Olympics inspiration.
Check Goapele out this Wednesday, August 15, at World Cafe Live.
You were actually recently in Philadelphia. You were the highlight of the Verses & Flow event in the back in March.
Oh thank you! Wow, and that wasn’t even, a typical show.
I know! But you were incredible, such a treat for fans. How is it touring again? You have three major shows scheduled on the east coast this summer.
It feels good. It’s nice to be coming to the east coast more regularly again. I miss that when I don’t get over here often enough.
Break of Dawn is your most recent album, released fall of 2011. It’s sultry, it’s real, it’s cathartic. What was the creative process for this project?
One of the things all I always want to do with my music is connect to the listener. You know… my songs start out as a creative expression. Just vibes I’m going on or words or feelings that are lingering in my mind. I always hope that after it’s recorded, that the listener feels what I was feeling… feels something. That there’s a true connection. Even if it is not the exact same story, that there’s some emotional connectivity. With some of these songs like “Play” and “Tears On My Pillow” and “Pieces” and a couple of other ones… it was one of the first times that I went into the studio, sitting by myself, just so I could record whatever came out uninhibited. All of me written out. Just wanting to express an emotion. Not just make music. And then after listening back, me and the musicians, then we could turn it into a song. This album ended up a little more intimate.
Your image has evolved over the years. Still confident and raw, but also sensual. What influenced this evolution?
Just me evolving my personal life to the woman that I am. And so, I’ve been able to share more publicly.
A six year hiatus stands between Break of Dawn and the preceding album Change It All, released in 2005. What led to the break?
I just thought I always wanted to start a family. I think in the entertainment world, you keep going, going, going. And never stop. And years start flying by. I chose to slow it down a little bit so I could live my life and just go in the studio whenever I felt like I had something to say. I did shows here and there to satisfy fans. With Break of Dawn, I feel like at this point, I’m ready for both things.
You were raised by parents, heavily involved in global activism. How has that upbringing affected your perspective, your music?
Having parents that I had made me feel like I better do something that I believe in. That I should be honest. Personally I just wanted to have fun with it. I chose music, but one of the things I’m really thankful for is watching and interacting with people coming up through music. Whether at live shows or connecting with them on social media, where you can see across the world, different people relating back.
Speaking of global connection, have you been keeping up with the Olympics?
They’re on in the background now! These Olympics have been constant inspiration for me. I feel like I’m paying more attention! Constant world records broken in swimming and all around. Seeing people striving for excellence is always amazing. It makes me want that for myself. No matter how good we are, there’s always room to grow. And to see people who were born for what they are doing and exceeding, it’s just…
Amazing!?
It is really! Awe-inspiring.
Your father is South African. Have you followed the South African Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius? The double amputee?
My goodness! With the prosthetics! It’s jaw-dropping. Seeing his ability and to see his confidence. Just to see someone’s obstacles not get their way. It’s relatable to all people.
You’re performing live in Philadelphia this month. You’re familiar with rich music scenes having grown up in the Bay Area. Has the Philadelphia music scene inspired you as an artist?
Most definitely. Early on I came to Philadelphia and I performed at the Black Lily. James Poysner. Anthony Tidd. Jaguar Wright was there. Philly is so, so rich with music. Just this natural soulful vibe and so much edge. It’s an inspiration always.
We’re excited about your involvement in Sparkle. What is your role in the film? How was it having been part of a project including the late Whitney Houston?
I’m really excited about the movie. Just got to see a sneak preview the other day and I was really happy with it. It’s really vibrant. The music throughout is amazing. I found myself laughing and crying. Anyone wanting to see Whitney Houston and experience her as a human being will be overjoyed when they watch this.
I got to play the lead singer of a girl group in a talent show. We perform an original song [“Running”] that has a whole Motown feel because the movie takes place in the early sixties in Detroit. It was a really exciting fun project. Everyone that was involved was able to shine through. For my first experience, it was a fun one.
Going forward, what should fans expect from Goapele in 2012?
Stepping out more. [laughs]. And expect the soulful experience that’s always been there, but definitely I’m stepping out more. And I’m going to give them the best that I have.
Goapele, any final thoughts?
Well… just that when we brought up the Olympics, I said swimming so generally. And I mainly meant…Michael Phelps [laughs].
Veteran Freshman 4 @ The TLA.
Text by Niesha Miller. Images by Tiesha Miller.
Minutes before Yusuf “Yuie” Muhammad’s brainchild Veteran Freshman 4 concert began, a crowd gathered in front of the Theatre of Living Arts on South Street. Some folks waited for the doors to open. Stragglers purchased their tickets at the window. And others blocked foot traffic as they caught up with friends, excited to support their favorite local artists.
When 8 o’clock hit, the place had yet to be filled, but that would soon change. More than 400 people were in attendance for the showcase of Philly’s finest up-and-coming rappers, singers and DJs.
Novacane.
DJ Ricochet kept the crowd hype with joints from the 90s while Host Cory Townes swag surfed across stage.
Novacane was up first.
“I’m so blessed to be here. I love this music thing,” he professed.
The crowd swayed and grooved to his soft poetic rhymes.
Before announcing the next act, Townes kept the crowd hype by shouting out different parts of Philly, while DJ Ricochet bumped Meek Mill’s “House Party.”
Uptown was definitely in the building. Read more…
Chris Cardillo: Going Wild With ‘Gansett.
As part of our partnership with Philly Beer Scene magazine, we’re documenting Philly’s relationships between music and beer. For the most recent issue of Philly Beer Scene, G.W. Miller III hangs out with Chris Cardillo, the bass player for The Bailey Hounds and the new beer rep for Narragansett Brewing Company.
Chris Cardillo began spending a week of each summer on Cape Cod with a dozen friends about four years ago. It was good fun, fueled by Narragansett beer, the historic New England brew that recently had been revived.
A South Jersey native who has lived in Philadelphia since attending St. Joseph’s University, Cardillo, brought cases of the brew back home. It became the drink of choice during weekend rehearsals and recording sessions with his band, The Bailey Hounds.
Then, during the spring, Cardillo met Kristen Capati, the Narragansett Brewing Company representative in Philadelphia. He talked on and on about how much he loves the beer, which has been making inroads in the region for a few years. Capati said she was leaving town for Colorado, and that he should apply for her job.
So he did, and his enthusiasm won him the gig. His first day on the job was the start of Philly Beer Week in June. Since then, he’s been constantly popping into bars to pitch ‘Gansett and sponsoring events around the region.
“My life these days is literally beer and music,” Cardillo says with a wry grin, and then adds, “much to the dismay of my mother.”
He had worked as a psychology technician at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center and later, as a clinical research coordinator on a neuropsychology and genetics study at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Over the winter, however, the funding for his most recent position dried up.
“So I started playing more music,” Cardillo says.
He began DJing at Teri’s Diner in the Italian Market, spinning funk, soul and classic rock on 45s, turning the generic-looking restaurant into a giant dance party. Occasionally, he also spins vinyl at The Barbary. He’s performed as a fill-in bassist for local indie rock band The Quelle Source. And he’s been writing his own songs and preparing to release an album of his solo work in the fall.
The Bailey Hounds: (L to R) Ryan Petrillo, Vince Federici, Chris Cardillo and Gary Lebiedzinski
In 2010, he began playing bass for The Bailey Hounds, an alt-country/folk rock band started by his longtime friend Ryan Petrillo.
“Over the past few years, The Bailey Hounds have been my most consistent thing,” Cardillo says.
They dropped their first album, Along the Gallows, last October. It took six months to record, as each of the bandmates has regular jobs. Petrillo, the lead singer, teaches English at Pitman High School in New Jersey. Guitarist Vince Federici gives guitar lessons. Drummer Gary Lebiedzinski, Cardillo’s roommate, works in finance.
Since the album dropped, the guys have been on a roll. They’ve performed at Johnny Brenda’s, the XPoNential Music Festival and at the Laurel Hill Cemetery, surrounded by tombstones and mausoleums.
Cardillo says that he approaches marketing Narragansett the same way he approaches his music.
“If you try too hard at something everyone enjoys, it’s not going to come off as genuine,” he says.
After thinking about that for a moment, he adds, “I have a really great life right now.”
Intern Bree’s Weekend Picks: Be Aggressive.
Every Thursday, our JUMP mag intern, Bree Wood, offers her suggestions for fun Philly music stuff for the upcoming weekend. If you want to find her this weekend, chances are she’ll be in the pit. Or stage-diving. Regardless, she will be immersed in hardcore.
Speaking of hardcore, check out Bree’s recent interviews with Scott Vogel from Terror, Kyle Kimball of Beware, and Joe Hardcore, the man behind This is Hardcore.
FRIDAY
Suicidal Tendencies is the not-so-secret-closer for the night. If you were lucky enough to get a ticket, enjoy … because this rager is sold out. So for all of us who slept on Friday tickets and need to scratch the hardcore itch, get to the PhilaMOCA early.
Ringworm, Salvation, Oathbreaker and Pegasus at PhilaMOCA
PhilaMOCA is a small space so this show will fill up fast. It’s a TIHC after-party but it starts at 8:00. If you missed Ringworm Thursday at Union Transfer, here’s your second chance. Salvation is always an interesting set – just watch out if blood makes you squeamish. The singer of this hardcore punk band always ends up bleeding everywhere.
SATURDAY
I can’t tell you how excited I am for Saturday. My 15-year-old self is losing it. Gorilla Biscuits and Lifetime were and are still in my top bands. Gorilla Biscuits has had a few reunions in the past, but if your Mom was lame like mine and wouldn’t let you go, this is your chance! This hardcore punk band from the late 80’s has influenced many hardcore kids and will for years.
Blacklisted, Nails, Skin Like Iron, Murderess and a yet-to-be-named special guest at PhilaMOCA
Local boys Blacklisted will be playing “Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God” in it’s entirety. You know you love it. A few years ago, Joe Hardcore jumped on stage with these guys and started singing. And if the lineup says “special guest,” you know it is going to be something awesome!
SUNDAY
There is still time to get tickets for Sunday’s show! Floorpunch is awesome. I remember the first reunion show I went to was on my 18th birthday, probably one of my best ever.
Negative Approach, Hard Skin, Gehenna, Ilsa at The Barbary
If you made it through This is Hardcore unscathed – and not in the hospital, head across town to The Barbary. Negative Approach is headlining. They are a hardcore punk band out of Detroit from the early 80s. It’s great that they are still around today doing reunions here and there for their fans.
THIS IS HARDCORE PREVIEW: Joe Hardcore Gets Humble (Plus Fun Facts, Stage-diving Olympics and More).
This is Hardcore 2012 starts Thursday. Last week, Bree Wood spoke with Joe Hardcore (a.k.a. Joe McKay), who founded and still runs the annual festival. Every year, the event has grown larger and larger. This year, the bulk of the action will take place at The Electric Factory. Tickets are still available. See here for details.
Why the change from the Starlight Ballroom to Union Transfer and the Electric Factory?
It was awesome to be at the Starlight and really make the room stretch and work each year. But after hearing the constant complaints that, because we sold out so fast, people couldn’t get tickets, we knew we needed to expand the capacity of the room. Also, with the Starlight selling or leasing the property across the street that we use (and R5 uses for the Punk Rock Flea Market), we were in a bind for somewhere that could provide a good room and a great space to relax. We’ve gone over this for over six months now and it’s a no-brainer that TIHC belongs at Union Transfer and the Electric Factory.
How will the new locations change the normal TIHC routines? You have a lot more space to work with now. What are people in store for?
People are in store for more of everything. We had a very long, hot narrow space with bad views unless you were on the floor at the Starlight. The Electric Factory is a big room with great AC and awesome sightlines throughout the club. Almost anywhere you stand, you’ll be able to catch the action. For all of our attendees that were stuck in the little box of a drinking area (at the Starlight), you’ll be happy to see they have a balcony level bar as well as outside drinking areas. We’ll have seven to nine food trucks delivering an awesome array of good food to get you through the weekend. It’s going to be a block party feel outside, with bands inside.
I heard you are having a stage-diving Olympics. Tell me more!
Well, when the Factory came up with the plan for a 3-foot stage so we could still have stage-diving, we knew we had to exploit the fact that a venue, notorious for a high stage and barrier, is allowing diving. On top of that, we’ve been rating stage-dives for years with scorecards, so this works out perfectly. Expect medals, trophies and other fun awards for those who are both great and terrible.
Do you have a favorite stage-dive from the past years that you can remember? I love Jannes’ stage dives. The year he bleached his hair, I couldn’t stop laughing.
The gainer is legendary in TIHC talk but personally, I love seeing my friends dive good or bad. My daughter dove during the Cro-mags at TIHC and Kevone Bulldoze caught her with one arm. It was exhilarating and scary as a father to watch!
This is Hardcore 2012 starts Thursday. Last week, Bree Wood spoke with Kyle Kimball, who performs with Beware, Salvation and Night Sins. Beware (above) will perform during day two of the fest, Friday, at the Electric Factory. Suicidal Tendencies and the Cro-Mags are the headliners. See here for details.
What area of Philly do you live?
I live in South Philly. East Passyunk to be more specific.
Do you have a favorite spot to eat or hang?
The places I frequent the most are FDR, Pop’s Skate Park, Los Gallos Authentic Mexican Food, the cannoli place next to my house, Luigi’s Pizza Fresca, Independence Hall, Laurel Hill Cemetery, and The Forum.
When was your first TIHC?
My first This Is Hardcore was the first fest, which was 2006, I believe. I hadn’t realized it but my friend and bandmate Bob pointed out that he and I have played in every This is Hardcore. Only a handful of people have done so, so that’s something. I was also told that Shawn from Blacklisted and I are the only drummers to hold that title as well. So thanks to Joe (McKay) for having me back again and again.
This was a good weekend to be a broke-ass Philadelphian like myself.
Friday marked what would have been the 70th birthday of Jerry Garcia, who died in 1995. Someone chalked, “What a long strange trip it’s been,” on the central fountain in Rittenhouse Square. I didn’t think to take a photo of it because in my book, that quote is right up there with, “And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.”
Anyway.
The Mad Decent Block Party was at Penn’s Landing Saturday. Diplo crowdsurfed in a man-sized hamster ball. Besides that, there’s not much to say about Mad Decent that can’t be conveyed by photos of sweaty people dancing in front of speakers and Diplo’s hilarious Twitter feed (right).
Ruby the Hatchet celebrated the release of their new single, “Black Tongue,” by playing a show openers Blue Roan, Automotive High School and Commonwealth Choir at Kung Fu Necktie. No word if any rodents were killed.
Down the road a bit at Morgan’s Pier, Norwegian Arms and Jukebox the Ghost performed. The Swollen Fox, a Philly music blog that gets rare kudos from me for being among the most active ones in the city, posted a slideshow of the action.
Rain interrupted Northern Liberties’ annual Second Street Festival on Sunday. Though it wasn’t as dramatic as Lollapalooza’s storm crisis on Saturday, it definitely threw a curveball at everyone’s party plans.
The Key’s Rachel Barrish captured Man Man (below) and Lushlife’s sets, as well as other pre-storm action.
Maybe someday I’ll have to grow up and get a job but for now I think I’ll just stick to free concerts and street carts.
Were You At The Mad Decent Block Party?
This all went down on Saturday.
Thanks to Philadelphian-for-a-minute, Diplo (right), and his crew of friends from Mad Decent, things got kind of wild at the usually-family friendly Penn’s Landing. It was hot and the music was bumping and a few ladies were expressing themselves and well … it’s all too much to explain.
So check out the pics of Diplo and company on our previous post here. Scroll down to see all the party people in these wondeful images from Meredith Edlow.
Mad Decent Block Party @ Penn’s Landing.
It would be nearly impossible to describe the craziness that went down Saturday at Penn’s Landing when Diplo and the Mad Decent crew came out and threw their massive, free party.
So just enjoy these wonderful images from Meredith Edlow who captured Diplo, Major Lazer, Bonde do Role, Popo … and the Amish, little kids and the dancers in action. Find more pictures of the party people here.
JUMP: The Philly Music Project 