“We have a security question…we’re asking if everyone can take one step back.” Such was the plight of Surf Curse, whose gravitational pull was just too strong for their own good during the Salt Lake City stop of their Heaven Surrounds You tour. The room was packed enough that only when the audience detached themselves from the front of the stage did one suddenly notice the air start to recirculate, which probably only fed the unceasing cycle of near-moshing, crowd-surfing, and lyric-shouting that accompanied their set.
It was an exciting night at Urban Lounge. Jay Som, alternative songwriter sold out the venue and anticipation was definitely in the air as the support bands played their sets. Jay Som, the pseudonym of Melina Duterte. She actually used the same Wu-Tang Name Generator site that gave Donald Glover his pseudonym, Childish Gambino. After posting songs on a variety of social media outlets, Jay Som was signed to a label and began touring supporting other bands and getting her name out there. And now here she was, selling out her own headlining show in Utah. The evening was electric. It’s exciting to see an artist on the cusp of taking their career to the next level.
I don’t think there are words that could truly describe how incredible yesterday was, not only for myself but for thousands of Angels & Airwaves/Blink-182/Boxcar Racer/Tom DeLonge fans that attended the AVA show in Salt Lake City. However, SLC fans were treated with a special, intimate acoustic AVA set, earlier that day at Club 50 West, hosted by Utah’s favorite alternative radio station, X96. Space was limited so fans, including myself, lined up hours early to make sure we snagged a spot. I stood in line for about 3 hours. The first 50 people in line also got wristbands that allowed us to get a photo with Mr. Tom DeLonge and the rest of AVA after the acoustic set. I was bursting with excitement I almost couldn’t contain it. Angels and Airwaves and Tom himself have been a major part of my life since my pre-teens. And even to this day, at 23 years old, AVA’s music inspires me, fills me with hope and has gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life. I listen to AVA when I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m hurting, and when I’m rocking out with friends in the car. They hold a special place in my heart.
Good vibes, passionate lyrics, and soulful music were the themes at the Greek Station (formerly known as In The Venue) for the Pink Sweat$ concert. I arrived at 7 when the doors were originally supposed to open, the line stretched out down the block. I had known of Pink for a while but didn’t realize he had this big of a fan base. Although it was cold outside, spirits were high.
Modest Mouse came out hard and fast with the somewhat-psychedelic “Poison the Well,” a new number that stays true to the band’s belovedly bleak outlook. Next was “Satellite Skin,” exploring the futility of existence, followed by “3rd Planet” (listening to The Moon and Antarctica is as good as time travel for me).
John Craigie is a one of a kind singer-songwriter, comedian, and storyteller. His well-balanced mix of folk songs and comical stories make for a wonderful evening and that’s absolutely why John Craigie and his audience were all smiles at the State Room for a rare seated show on Wednesday night September 18th.
Out of all the strange things made popular or famous by the internet, I don’t think anything can even come to close to being as awesome as Oliver Tree. The internet meme turned successful Anti-Pop artist sold out The Depot to a crowd of fans ranging from old ladies to little kids wearing his infamous scooter shirts.
Tuesday Night in Salt Lake City brought out dedicated fans to see fast-rising rapper, Tobi Lou. Kilby Court was buzzing and you could feel the excitement of hip hop fans eager to see the new but very talented artist. I had seen Tobi perform as an opener for KYLE about a year ago and was excited to see him headline for the first time.
Branson Anderson is an Americana singer-songwriter based in Ogden, Utah. It’s been said that he’s a mix between Devendra Banhart meets Shakey Graves meets Bob Dylan meets Jack White. As I did my own studying up on Branson leading up to this interview I found his lyrics and vocals to be infectious. The longer I listened, the more I was hooked.
As Kilby Court’s stage lights began to illuminate the pavement outside its doors, elevator music began to play overhead. The disembodied voice of Bob Ross then filled the room, instructing listeners to “tap the bristles firmly, making little crisscross strokes.” This lighthearted serenade was Morgxn’s introduction, and beautifully contrasted the sorrow of his first song, “Submarine,” which he sang unaccompanied. His isolated vocals hung heavy in the air for a few moments before it became clear why everyone had shown up that night and why Bob Ross was Morgxn’s intro of choice: to experience a little joy.
