Mikey Mike is a hero we can believe in. “Doin’ Me” seems to be his mission statement. The song was recently featured on X1051‘s neXtNOW. Over a Rick Rubin-produced beat, Mikey Mike waxes poetic about what he is looking for in life. It’s nice to see an artist that is goal-oriented and believes in himself. Times are tough and confusing these days. Mikey Mike’s vibe and outlook speaks to the way a lot of people feel.
Lyrically, Mike covers a lot of ground about who he is and what he wants from the future. I’d vote for him if he ran for office (#MikeyMike2020 y’all). “Fuck what they say, I’m doin’ me!” Well said. Good for you, Mikey Mike, good for you!
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at Boulevardia 2017, 6/16/17
The legendary George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic recently crushed a set at Boulevardia 2017. The band played six songs during their hour-long set. It was the best show I saw all weekend. Check out these gloriously funky vibes.
The Strumbellas lit up the crowd at Boulevardia 2017 with their appealing style of indie-folk. Check out this live version of their hit song “Spirits.”
I caught up with past interview subject Nicole Leth, clothing designer and owner of Sex + Ice Cream, at Boulevardia 2017. We had a quick live chat about keeping hip in the summer heat and her new products.
Los Angeles-based band Local Natives recently played a 20-minute, impromptu acoustic set after a major rainstorm at Boulevardia 2017. In front of a crowd of about 200 people, with a minimal setup, they delivered a passionate show. Check out these live versions of the classics “Wide Eyes” and “Airplanes.”
When it comes to alternative vibes, sometimes you just wanna rock out. Here are five of my favorite hard-hitting tracks.
Highly Suspect “Little One”
I love the emotive and passionate vocals of the Highly Suspect. They also put on one of the hardest rocking shows I’ve seen so far this year.
Diet Cig “Barf Day”
I love the vibes on this song. Their whole album is excellent and one of my favorites of 2017. I’m also really digging the hip video.
Slothrust “Horseshoe Crab”
I’m a big fan of the shape-shifting, shoegaze vibes of Slothrust. I love the use of dynamics on the strange and wonderful “Horseshoe Crab.”
The Joy Formidable “Whirring”
This Welsh power trio always put rocking tunes. “Whirring” is an older tune, but it still hits hard as a bag of rocks. I love the way this track sprawls out. The Joy Formidable also put on a really intense and heavy live show.
The Orwells “Double Feature”
The Orwells are a Chicago-based garage rock band. I love the energy and intensity on this song. They really get crowds fired up live.
Don’t forget to be the beast out there. Kick some ass, take some names, crack some necks and cash some checks! Rock it out, people!
Those of you that are regular readers of my site know that I am all about those indie rock vibes. A lot of my favorite indie artists are women. Here are five you should check out.
Maggie Rogers has a very soulful voice and is an artist to watch. Everything she does is excellent. I love the groove of “On + Off.”
Hazel English recently released her debut double EP. It is one of the best I have heard this year. I love the emotive vocals and chill feel of “Fix.”
Jay Som creates trippy, passionate music. The music she creates is very diverse. Her album, Everybody Works, is one of 2017’s best albums. Check out the rocking “1 Billion Dogs.”
Banks has a powerful voice that dovetails perfectly with her icy beats. The pulse and sheen of “Gemini Feed” is excellent.
Sylvan Esso recently released their second album, What Now. The joy is so palpable in their music. They also put on one of the best live shows I saw last year. Love the fun vibes of “Kick Jump Twist.”
The Shins recently crushed the Midland with a set of their indie rock classics and quality new tunes. The show was one of the best I’ve seen this year. Check out this rocking live version of “Australia.”
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