SEMF: Part Deuce

Beautiful things happened at the Townhouse Lounge Saturday night for the final installment of The Sacramento Electronic Music Festival. Music was made and had, hearts were warm, a DJ got engaged, and Canada invaded Sacramento.

New music obsessions happened as well. Paper Pistols and Dusty Brown are now in my youtube and Myspace rotation. Paper Pistols was one of the most beautiful and moving sets I have seen. Paper Pistols is a man, his drum set, and his music. Drums always amaze me.

You could see the passion in the way he played, the trance he was in, and how he exhausted himself physically, musically and emotionally. At one point it was almost as if he had expelled too much intensity as he made one last lick of his drum during a song nearly passing out, or going to some other musical realm.

Dusty Brown returned for another set at SEMF, surely topping Thursday's performance. Lead singer Jessica Ashleigh Brown, is mesmerizing to say the least, as is her voice. She soothes, she haunts, she pulls you in without even trying.

At one point in their set, she sang from her leather bound notebook. It was like hearing pages from her diary, only not in the really girly sense like Taylor Swift. With a mix of folk, and electronica Dusty Brown is half optimism, half sorrow, but wholly good for the ears.

The New Humans are a Sacramento sensation. Even though you've heard all the songs before, you might have partied at the same bar before, or never even heard of them, they ALWAYS put on a stellar performance. The New Humans are fun, they get you on your feet, and bring the sweat out of your pores because you're dancing so hard to their disco tech.

With their synths, piano, and drum combination, The New Humans are as musically well rounded, as they are dressed. Lead singer, Cole Cuchna, has a voice like that of Matthew Bellamy from Muse as he bellows out "off with your head" for their song "Fever". If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing them perform, or danced to their music, you must not be from Sacramento.

Thank you SEMF for providing us Sac Rats with three extremely fun days of music. I can't wait for next year, it can only get better.

(photo credits: Harlee Ria DeMeerLeer)

SEMF rocks TOHO

(Daedelus, left, and, right, Jessica Ashleigh Brown of Dusty Brown Photo Credits: amfm)

Sacramento just got ten times cooler this weekend. The Sacramento Electronic Music Festival, which kicked off Thursday at The Townhouse Lounge, is back in full force and better than ever. Only it's second year, SEMF was able to bring in some noteworthy bands and some of Sacramento finest local electronic acts.

Thursday set the tone for the weekend with a slew of sick music. Those waiting in the never ending line were left disappointed when the event sold out before 11 pm on the opening day. Tycho and Thriftcar got the crowd warmed up with their no less than dope sets, with San Francisco's Tycho bringing an ethereal vibe to the room and Thriftcar holding down the instrumental hip hop swag.

(Tycho. Photo Credit: Harlee Ria DeMeerleer)

Sister Crayon and Daedelus headlined the night, and rocked the jam packed upper level full of sweat soaked dancing fans. Sister Crayon never disappoints, especially not when they play in Sac, their stomping grounds. They closed out the night with a brand new song off of their upcoming album, Bellows, after the audience insisted on an encore.

Daedelus was such a treat to see, especially since you could witness the pure pleasure he had performing in front of the crowd. As the sweat poured down his face, he never stopped smiling in his Willy Wonka get up, as he operated the outer workings of his button lit keypad before him. I don't even know how the thing worked, but it definitely worked for everyone in the room.

(Sister Crayon. Photo Credit: Harlee Ria DeMeerleer)

Big ups to Sac for bringing out Sister Crayon, Tycho, Thriftcar, Rufio, Dibiasie, Pregnant, DJ Fresh Machine, DJ Whores, Daedelus, Little Foxes, Favors, Boss Magic, Shaun Slaughter, Melee Beats, Roger Carpio, Taylor Cho, Adam J, The New Humans, Bonjay, Dusty Brown, The Fruitbat, Two Playa Game, Seventh Swami, Paper Pistols, Chachi Jones, hearts + horses, Mike Diamond, Sex & Weight, and My Cousin Vinny.

Read more about SEMF after the weekend music high subsides...

Check out some youtube footage from the event.

Check out the SEMF Facebook page here for more footage.

Get Your Tents Ready

If you haven't already heard, the musically mind blowing Coachella Music and Arts Festival lineup was revealed yesterday.

If you aren't going, you should be.

And if you don't know yet, you have 86 days to decide.

Coachella kicks off the start of the outdoor music festival season, and it is set to take place the weekend of April 15th in Indio California in the Coachella Valley. Kings of Leon, Kanye West and Arcade Fire headlining the festival, all worthy choices considering both Kanye and Arcade Fire dropped new albums, and Kings of Leon became everyone's new favorite band (although personally I liked them better before their new found fame).

Joining them is a slew of other great artists, too many to name in fact. Some acts that jump out are definitely The Black Keys, Ratatat, Wiz Kalifah, Animal Collective, Broken Social Scene, Crystal Castles, Sleigh Bells, Warpaint,The Kills, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill,and the list goes on. Who knows who you will see, and who will pop out on stage. Last year Beyonce made a surprise cameo to Jay-Z's set.

If you're too broke to go, Coachella's got you covered with a new feature, LAYAWAY. Yes, you can pay for half of your ticket now, and half later. Better be fast though, tickets are $269, and will probably sell out.

Check out Coachella here.

2nd Saturday

Second Saturday is an art walk that takes place every second saturday of the month where the galleries of Midtown Sacramento open their doors to let the walls speak for the night.

These are some dope pieces that have caught my eye and I wanted to share them with amfm and you all.

Check out the amfm facebook page to view the album. The more art I see, the bigger the album, so stay tuned!

Ahhh Kanye Monsters

If you haven't seen the video for Kanye West's song "Monster" featuring some killer collabos with Bon Iver, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj, you've still been living in 2010. The video leaked with the start of the new year, and I must say, even Kanye is getting a bit dark.

If he and his crew weren't trying to brush off Illuminati rumors, they sure will have some explaining to do after the release of this video. At one point in the video, Kanye is leaning against a wall and as the camera pans away we see him casually holding the head of a woman, blood dripping and all..That's some monster shit right there!

Other things to look out for are dead models, Kanye sporting grillz (no they are not real), and good Nicki versus bad Nicki with a hint of domination and S & M for your viewing pleasure.

Check out the video for Monster below..if you dare.

Happy Feet

A woman can never have enough shoes. Dresses, sure, but shoes are a different story. Perhaps that's why New York based designer Rachel Antonoff, responsible for her Mooka Kinney line of dresses, has teamed up with G.H. Bass & Company to create a collection of shoes that will knock your socks off!

Her shoes are have that same whimsical, playful and fun vibe that her dresses allude. This is made quite apparent in the small details, like the bow tie accents on oxford styles, and the color choices ranging from the classic black and white to the modern clash of blue and red.

Actually, these shoes remind me a bit of a post we made awhile back about the fun loving Hello Kitty kicks. Perhaps those two should collaborate and make beautiful shoe creations..

It's been a little bit for Lykke

It's been awhile since we've heard a new track from the Swedish sweetheart Lykee Li, but wait no more, she's got some new stuff circulating and it's goooood for your ears.

She's got a new EP out featuring a new single and b-side called Get Some/Paris Blue up for download on her web site, and guess what? IT'S FREE! So click on over there and get your Lykee on...

Go get some Lykke!

Whip Your Hair with Willow

Will and Jada definitely know how to raise some kids! 9 year old Willow Smith just released her first music video for her single "Whip My Hair." It's hard to believe you're listening to someone who wasn't alive when we were partying in 1999.

She's like a little Rihanna in the making, besides being signed to Jay-Z's label, she divas it up in front of the camera with her cool and quirky fashion sense. In the video she sports a mohawk, a braided heart, and long braids that are a makeshift paint brush for her hair whipping-Pollock like designs.

I'm not gonna lie, this is a pretty dope video. The killer hook "I whip my hair back and forth" repeated for the chorus is sure to be a club and dance explosion. People are gonna be whipping their hair everywhere.

CHECK IT OUT BELOW!

Weekend Art

artist, Shaun Burner by my favorite piece

This past weekend was crazzzyyy, and amfm is ready for action this week! Gotta get ready for the Serve 60-amfm event coming up in November, and start planning the next issue of the mag. In the midst of all the craziness, I got to check out some dope art.

Went to an art show in Sacramento at the Phono Select record and music store, which I must say is a pretty nice spot; It just opened in September. They have some sweet records, some underground music, cheap CD's and plenty of trinkets and good reads to check out while you're browsing.

The show featured artists, Shaun Burner, and Waylon Horner. Their art styles meshed well together with their crazy pattern-like mazes and metropolis structures on wood and paper. It's amazing what can happen when a marker meets a hand.

I got a picture of one of the artists, Shaun Burner by one of my favorite pieces, a face done in black marker on white paper, so simple in essence but yet so striking. I was immediately drawn to it's whimsical detail and bold image of the face.

It was a good time. There was a nice crowd, nice vibe, and DJs, Riff Raff and Whores, spun and set the tone for a happening night.

Feeling Blue?

(photo courtesy of lastfm.com)

Animal Collective's music and accompanying music videos music are always a trip. They have a celestial feel to them, and you can't help but find yourself entranced. Even their album art for Merriweather Post Pavilion was eye provoking, the patterns playing tricks on you.

Their lastest video installment from the album for their song "Bluish" came out earlier this week on their web site. As beautiful as it is strange, it is quite simply the shit, so check it out below..

Just In Tom for Fall

Fall is in bloom. The temperature and the leaves are changing. The jackets are coming out, and the Toms are coming off...

For all you Toms lovers out there that were about to put away your summer Toms, the good for all shoes have got a new installment of styles fit for the fall season.

Toms is featuring a new set of high top Toms Botas, and autumn-inspired fabrics like corduroy, twill and wool and is rich with warm colors. One addition least expected is the women's Toms wedge shoe. I'm not a big fan of wedges, but Toms can get away with it, maybe...

Check out the fall styles here.

(photos courtesy of Toms.com)

Monster Music

Are you ready for Kanye? Are you ready for Good Music Fridays? In honor of his upcoming album release, West has stated that he will be releasing tracks every friday from now until the release.

This past Friday he set "Monster" loose, which is a bumpin track featuring Rick Ross, Jay Z, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver, yes Bon Iver! This song goes soooo hard. Everyone flows insane on it, boasting and banging beats. Nicki Minaj goes CRAZY, but I like it...Looks like Kanye's gonna do it again. Let him boast all he wants if he's making beats like this one!

Check it out below!

This is Anie

This is Anie. She's awesome! She was styling at the show at the Rickshaw this weekend with a killer combo. Stripes, Leopard and Fishnets OH MY! She showed class through the pattern clash, and it worked! Work it...

Rickshaw Stomping

This weekend has been all things music for amfm! Saw a show in San Francisco at the Rickshaw Stop this weekend put on by Pretty Blue Presents and loved every bit of it! Each set had me dancing in a musical fervour. We checked out a set from Sister Crayon, Religious girls, Rainbow Arabia, and a DJ duo that knows how to make you sweat, Lazer Sword.

(Sister Crayon)

Sister Crayon as always puts on a great set. Was mesmerized by the drum machine in "Here We Never Die" and the beautifully haunting vocals from front woman Terra Lopez. You could truly feel the music as the bass vibrated through the bodies of those standing in the front row.

(Religious Girls, photo courtesy of Harlee DeMeerleer)

Religious Girls are an indie band with a metal edge. These three guys, not girls, put on a fun set as they banged on their drums and chanted like three brothers from a tribe. These guys started performing in basements, and their humble beginnings shine through on stage.

(Rainbow Arabia, photo courtesy of Harlee DeMeerleer)

Rainbow Arabia aka Danny and Tiffany Preston, is a husband and wife duo that knows how to bring their passion for music and each other together. The result is amazing! Front woman, Tiffany is what would happen if Karen O and M.I.A. had a love child. She got the audience pumped with a whistle and her charisma on stage as she danced with her mic cord. Have not been able to stop listening to "I Know I See I Love."

(Lazer Sword, photo courtesy of Harlee DeMeerleer)

The headliner for the night, Low Limit and Lando Kal of Lazer Sword kept the crowd jumping for an hour and a half set! Everyone was moving, fist pumping and sweating through their fashionable garb. It was so bittersweet to have the night end, and I've been dancing every since!

CHECK OUT THE BANDS!

RAINBOW ARABIA http://www.myspace.com/rainbowarabia

SISTER CRAYON http://www.myspace.com/silentandclementine

RELIGIOUS GIRLS http://www.myspace.com/religiousgirls

LAZER SWORD http://www.myspace.com/lazersword

Keep it Klassik

Chicago's InkRed University and Tuna Crackers proudly presents their newest hip-hop hybrid cool kid, Kellen "Klassik" Abston. This emcee, producer, saxist and musical prodigy, just released his first EP, Death of a Beatmaker yesterday, and it is taking everyone's ears by storm.

Klassik doesn't make beats, he makes music. He combines the elements of his saxophone training, and self taught piano skills, to the likes of hip-hop riffs and rhymes. Already a name in the jazz community, Klassik has performed at jazz festivals around the nation and globe.

Having shared the stage with the likes of Lupe Fiasco and The Cool Kids, his hip-hop is taking him to new heights. Joining forces with Tuna Crackers and fellow emcee Karl "Oye" Iglesias of InkRed University, Klassik was able to share with the world his love for all things music.

Oye is featured on the EP on track two, "Chasing Fame," which is all too true when you're trying to make it and catch your dreams. Klassik's pure talent shines through with each track, so chances are he won't be chasing it for long.

Check out the Klassik and the EP and support amfm's MKE folk!

CLICK HERE TO GET A FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE EP HERE

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT INKRED UNIVERSITY

photos courtesy of InkRed University

New Video Friday!

Okay, so this week brought in a slew of new videos! So amfm is recapping this week's new video releases.

Kanye is back more powerful than ever in his latest release "Power" from his upcoming album tentatively called Good Ass Job. The video premiered yesterday on VEVO, and has been creating a buzz ever since. Short and sweet, the video is like a painting come to life. West is strong-statured and the Midsummer Night's Dream-like beauties are ethereal.

Rihanna and Eminem are lying left and right with the newest video for the single off of Eminem's new album, "Love the Way You Lie," which also premiered on VEVO yesterday. Rihanna is red hot with fire and her striking red hair. The video also features Megan Fox as the angry girlfriend.

The Hundred in the Hands leave Dredsen behind and get their party on in their latest video "Pigeons." Red party cup in hand, the video focuses on a drunken young lady, who stumbles around the party and eventually spews her guts out and wanders aimlessly around town at night. I think we've all been there...if only the rest of us could spew glittery confetti! Not sure where the pigeons come in though...

Do you like strangers? Do you like it when strangers stare or smile at you? Do you like drugs?? If you do, check out Ratatat's new video for "Drugs" off of their latest release LP4. Such an odd video...It's like being in an awkward situation, and I don't know if it's just me but it seems like the more smiling they do, the more distorted their faces become...and no I am not on drugs.

Janelle Monae is the it girl of pop and soul right now. It seems like everyone is talking about her, her tightropes, her many moons, and now she's giving you something new to talk about in her latest video "Cold War." The video showcases the bare minimum of Monae. It's simply a close up of Monae's beautiful face singing.

500 Days of Weezy

That Lil' Wayne, he gets us every time! So we fell in love with the Clockwork mash-up of The Office theme song and Lil Wayne's Hustla Musik awhile ago. So what do you get when you combine 500 Days of Summer and Lil' Wayne? 500 Days of Weezy!

Our most recent obsession is My Sick Uncle's mix of Lil' Wayne and the 500 Days of Summer Soundtrack. Another unlikely combination, but it somehow works! And it's sooo good! Using a play on words with the subtitle of the movie, "this is not a mash up album, this is an album about Wayne." And it is, there's even interview footage with Wayne talking and getting real.

The whole thing flows and a is truly a good listen and worth a download. Hear Lil' Wayne rap over tunes from Temper Trap, Morrisey and Simon and Garfunkel, say what! Check it out right now cause it's streaming right here!

Forever Young

26 year old designer Brian Lichtenberg is living the dream. Young and at the top of his game, Lichtenberg has dressed some powerhouses in the music business, like Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, M.I.A, Santigold and Beyonce. It can only mean one thing when the fiercest of the fierce, and the coolest of the cool want to wear your clothes...Lichtenberg is a clothing god.

Whether you're chillin' in a tee or getting glammed up, Lichtenberg has got it covered. His comfortable and cool tank tops, shirts and leggings are by no means basic. His prints and designs are eye catching and range from neutral colors to vibrant patterns and hues. His dresses are statement pieces with their sparkles and silhouettes.

He's got a lot on his plate right now in the fashion sense. He's teamed up with Android Homme for some sick sneakers, and he will be the first Forever 21 collaboration. Forever 21 is taking it's cue from Target and H&M, and has brought Lichtenberg in to make 12 awesome pieces to add to your wardrobe.

There has been much speculation, but no definite release date or first looks. But if you think his designer duds are worthwhile, imagine what the Forever 21 line will wow us and our wallets with. Stay tuned! For more Lichtenberg check out his web site here.

photos from BrianLichtenberg.com