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Most recently published stories in Beat.
My 15 Favorite Happy Mood Songs
In my house, it was either disco or rock. I grew up with vinyls and no working turntable, but it was so much fun to imagine what they would sound like after being in a closet for decades. Eventually, my dad was given a working turntable when he turned 50. So far, I've played my own music and some of my dad's, and each vinyl sounds just as good as the last one.
By Heather Wilkins8 years ago in Beat
For the Love of Passion
The sound of their voices echoed off the red painted walls and golden carved ceiling of the theater. I watched Laurie and Jim finish their scene; I always loved watching the way her 1940s style red skirt would move as she floated across the stage. It was opening night of my first ever stage performance. I was ten years old playing Susan Waverly in Miracle on 34th Street, my stomach erupting in butterflies as I waited in the wings.
By Ophelia Hamilton8 years ago in Beat
Botanist—'Collective: The Shape of He to Come' Album Review
Botanist is a five piece post-black metal band from San Francisco, California. They have been a band since 2009 and have released five albums and three EP’s before this album was crafted. One of the things that makes this band stand out from the rest is the fact they do not use guitars as the lead instrument. Instead, they use a hammered dulcimer which gives it a very melodic, if not slightly hypnotic, approach to this interesting take on metal. A word to the reader, I must say that there are a few tracks that I would not say transcends metal, but you could not even call metal. Now onward to the oddly unique album!
By Rip Mitchell8 years ago in Beat
Pendulum Band Member Confirms New Album
After several years of silence, the ever-so-popular drum 'n' bass band, Pendulum, has been making a slow return. Though the band has been making their comeback and playing live shows again, there have been rumors of a new album since 2014, but nothing official was mentioned until last month.
By Cassie Leigh8 years ago in Beat
Small Band, Big Impression
The House on Cliff is a classic rock band bringing that old-time feel to new age music. With a fan base that stretches from children all the way up to grandmothers, how do these guys still manage to fall under the radar? With less than 10,000 followers across their social media platforms, it is a mystery as to how a band so good can be loved by so few. From their incredible instrumental talent to the striking and powerful vocals of lead singer Chad Michael Jervis, not to mention their unique writing content, amazing videos to corroborate, and killer covers all found on their YouTube profile and across music sharing and streaming services alike, these guys should definitely grace your playlist at some point in the near future. Touring consistently through the midwestern United States, with sparse shows thrown about in other locations on mainland US and across the pond in places like Europe, usually for around $15 and under, it would be a mistake to avoid one of their live shows. I’ll admit, I saw them for the first time at a throw-away variety show four years ago, and before they even began to play their personalities had me intrigued. Marc, also known lovingly as Goob to their fans, is an easily excitable and friendly giant of a man, clocking in well over six feet tall, that puts his heart and soul into every crash of a symbol and beat of his drums. Bill, known briefly on twitter as “daddy” and for consistently forgetting articles of clothing onstage is a true wild child, boasting not just his long rockstar mane, but also his killer bass guitar skills and knowledge on how to always have a good time. Charles, lead guitarist and arguably most freckled member of THOC, shreds his guitar strings like there is no tomorrow, playing each set as if it were the last time. And last but certainly not least, there is Chad, a self-proclaimed ballerina (after one shot too many, of course) that puts his all into his voice. Slaying everything from Rihanna to The Animals, his powerhouse vocals sew up this foursome into the striking and memorable band their fans, young and old, flock to see. Still currently unsigned, the band formed in Boston, Massachusetts in the fall of 2014, fans everywhere thanking Berklee College of Music for bringing the guys together. Numerous national tours and a handful of song releases later, The House on Cliff has been awarded the Limelight award for best band, circa 2015, and best in MA in 2016. Sticking close to managers Peggy and Olivia Iafrate, each venture is more and more successful, with their band gaining more notoriety and fans at every turn. With the chops to be as big as they can possibly dream, and loyal fans at the ready to spread their name all across many a country, it is a wonder why the big times have not come calling for them yet. In due time, I believe they will, as it would be a shame to see such talent fly under the radar forever. If I haven’t managed to convince you with this droning on, their music truly does speak for itself. Below I have linked their latest music video “Demon Days” which premiered shortly before the new year, as well as their socials so you can see for yourself.
By Rebecca Williams8 years ago in Beat
My Top Tracks of 2017. Top Story - January 2018.
My favourites of the past year, in no particular order... and yes I included myself in there too.... Mysterious singer, songwriter, and producer that names herself after 'God' and hides her face? Yes please. Elohim was my special find of 2017, an eclectic sound so unique to her alone. She recently finished touring with Alison Wonderland, this is her latest offering. Enjoy.
By Samantha Bentley8 years ago in Beat
Woody Guthrie Didn’t Read the Headlines. He Found the Battle Lines
Last week at the Jacob Burns Film Center, audience members found residence in Peter Frumkin’s Woody Guthrie documentary Ain’t go no Home. Opening the evening, which included a discussion from Frumkin and Guthrie’s daughter, Jacob Burn’s program director described the initiative of this forefather of American popular song.
By Rich Monetti8 years ago in Beat
So You Want to Sing Karaoke?
What's the first thing you think about when you hear the term "karaoke bar?" People singing poorly for laughs? Drunk people trying to sing coherently? Endless renditions of "Don't Stop Believing" or "Eye of the Tiger"? I think about those things, too. However, as someone who has done karaoke for many years, I have to say that yes, those things are true. But there is much more to it than that. It's a fun place for friends to get together, sing some songs and have a few laughs. I've made some of my closest friends from the karaoke bar I frequently go to. I am not talented in the least, but others seem to think I am.
By Jenna Goldberg8 years ago in Beat
