Ever look at the WUD music schedule only to think, “gee, I don’t know ANY of those bands!”? Well, it’s happened to this blogger as well, so fear not, but keep in mind you may want to get to know them if you want to be ahead of your peers when it comes to the latest awesome music.
How can I make such a boastful statement? Let’s cross-compare WUD’s most recent booking year with the August 2011 Lollapalooza lineup:
Ever since I went to see S. Carey (drummer for Bon Iver), in Schubas Tavern for Tomorrow Never Knows 2011, I haven’t been able to put down Darwin Deez. I admit at first I was skeptical when the band jumped on stage sporting the most outrageous attire, but they proved to be the highlight of the evening. Darwin sported his signature ringlets and a head band around his forehead. He and his band pumped out his poppy tunes and put on one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. They stopped between songs to perform dances to remixes, and even did some freestyle rap.
The self titled debut album Darwin Deez is a quirky indie pop album you will to dance to, but don’t be fooled. That fun upbeat tune hides a slew of sad lyrics such as “I won’t cry. I will just pretend. I’m still the one and that we are in love again.” and even some angry ones: “everyday ought to be a bad day for you.” Darwin Deez is upbeat, and mad. Joyous and sad. You won’t be able to put down this record, and you won’t be able to stop dancing.
So the blog team has decided to reinstate the weekly feature of member spotlights highlighting the current favorites of WUD Music’s finest. And who better to start off with than WUD Music director Matt Forrest? Right, we thought so too.
Name: Matt Forrest
Year: Senior Major(s): Geography (Human and Cartographic Design) and Sociology
What is your current musical philosophy?
I used to listen to a lot of underground rap – and still do – but the genre has become a little stale. There are a lot of people out there doing great things in the genre but I look to music that is pushing the limits – which is why I have started to move into more electronic based music and hip-hop where the limits of what has been done before are being pushed.
In terms of hip-hop for me that is exemplified by P.O.S. who constantly releases albums that challenge the listener and bring something that we haven’t heard before. On the other end I enjoy a lot of what the Mad Decent label has put out as well – exploring genres that have not been given the exposure they really deserve, but genres that are on the cutting edge and creating/re-envisioning music as we know it.
What are you currently listening to?
Congorock
Brick Bandits
The Very Best
Daniel Haaksman
Shine Blockas – Big Boi w/ Gucci Mane
Passion Pit
Favorite live show:
Matt + Kim
I’ve seen them a lot and always enjoyed it. If I had been at Dave Chappelle’s Block Party I’m sure that would take it.
Favorite music news source (blog/magazine/etc):
Google Reader is my source. I keep all my blogs there. Off of those though I would say:
Hot Biscuits
Sound Verité
Gotta Dance Dirty
Fakeshore Drive
Favorite music committee memory:
Ha. There are plenty. SXSW (SlamBurger), Girl Talk in 770 (RIP), Homegrown Hip Hop Fest…
But for tops I think I’ll stick with Diplo. The show and the after party. Too good too good.
Top 5 most played songs on iTunes:
The top is MPR News Radio but that really doesn’t count so:
Prom Quiz – Grayskul
Pon De Floor – Major Lazer
Stand Up (Let’s Get Murdered) – P.O.S.
Two truths and a lie:
I can tell you the episode and season number of ‘The Office’ with in two episodes
I use bro-tein aka protein shakes
My mom might swear more than me (love you Mo)
