Local fans of first-wave gothic rock have a chance to experience a rare performance of The Sisters of Mercy, when the British band performs with openers Blaqk Audio at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Thursday, September 26. Formed in Leeds, England in 1980 by Gary Marx and Andrew Eldritch, the band found their name courtesy of the Leonard Cohen song, …
Song of the Day | “Like I Say (I runaway)” by Nilüfer Yanya
The first new music from UK songwriter Nilüfer Yanya since her breakthrough 2022 long player, Painless, finds the singular indie rocker flexing her distinctive ear for sonic interplay. “Like I Say (I runaway)” opens with clink-clank electronic drums and the hypnotic warble of Yanya’s electric guitar before morphing into a layered, distorted hook, with Yanya lending delicate, ethereal vocals to …
Jax Music Hour Playlist | April 27
Last week on the Jax Music Hour, we celebrated the sounds of the First Coast: homegrown and passing through. The hour included local bands like Howdy, Yaupon Holly, and Tidal Daze, and touring artists such as Sweeping Promises, The Association, and Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. We also heard from a band that fits both categories, local and touring: …
Electro Lounge Playlist | April 27
The Electro Lounge is back and rolling out weekly dreamscapes — an eclectic hour of chillout, downtempo cuts every Saturday at 10 p.m. on WJCT News 89.9. Here’s what we played on April 27. 1 Gare Du Nord – Whats Up (feat. Erik Truffaz)Stream 2 The Blue Monk – Jazz in the Jungle (feat. Larry Elam)Stream 3 Gare Du Nord – …
Song of the Day | “Push It” by Vicky Farewell
Orange County, CA songwriter and producer Vicky Farewell makes distinctively woozy pop. The classically-trained multi-instrumentalist’s veracity as a consumer of offbeat music from marginal genres is evident in the twinkling, downtempo, borderline-New-Age single, “Push It,” from Give A Damn, her new full-length due out on slacker-pop darling Mac DeMarco’s record label on May 10. All songs featured in our Song …
The Mighty Terence Blanchard Closes out the Jacksonville Symphony’s Jazz Series
On Sunday, May 5, the revered trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard performs original works and songs from Wayne Shorter’s catalog with E-Collective and Turtle Island String Quartet at Jacoby Symphony Hall inside the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. It’s the final installment of the Jacksonville Symphony’s Chase Jazz Series. Blanchard has maintained a prime position in the global hierarchy …
Australia’s Hockey Dad Try to Keep It Together on New Single “Safety Pin”
It’s hard to say which Australian trademark is more consistently killer: the wildlife or the guitar-pop bands. New South Wales duo Hockey Dad fall into the latter category, and they recently shared “Safety Pin,” the best single yet from their forthcoming album Rebuild Repeat (June 14, Farmer & The Owl / BMG). Fans of Melbourne’s Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever will …
Kurt Vile on how George Jones, Pianos Everywhere and a Gathering of Collaborators made for “Another Good Year for the Roses”
Kurt Vile has always displayed a kind of sly, self awareness. The singer-songwriter and guitarist named his debut solo album Constant Hitmaker. That was 2008. And whether Vile was years ahead of the TikTok manifestation trend or just throwing out an audacious title for a debut, he has, over the course of a dozen or so albums, earned his share …
Song of the Day | “Megabus” by French Cassettes
On the surface, “Megabus,” a new single from harmonious and experimental San Francisco indie-rock trio French Cassettes’ forthcoming full length, Benzene (June 7 on Tender Loving Empire), is a twee, jangly, indie-folk strummer. But rather than heart-on-the-sleeve earnestness, Scott Huerta deploys his wry wit across a tune full of arch, apathetic lyrics. “Who do you love? Who’s getting drunk on …
Duval Singer Ebonique’s New Album ‘alterEBO’ is a Contemporary Spin on Millennium-Era R&B
Though she’s already made a name for herself regionally with a slew of singles and an EP, Duval-based singer Ebonique recently released her much anticipated debut long player, alterEBO. Featuring the previously-released singles “B.O.B” and “Respectfully”–the latter of which has earned heavy rotation on JME’s Saturday evening music programs – the album is a shining, local example of the kind …
Song of the Day | “Well Alright” by Johnny Cash
“Well Alright,” the latest posthumously released single by Johnny Cash, is about stumbling upon romance in an unlikely place (somewhere in which, it seems, Cash might have been washing a load of his all black duds). The tune is exemplary of Cash’s tight, efficient songwriting oeuvre. And comes with a cool backstory: Cash recorded the tune in 1993 as a …
Crumb Can’t Escape “The Bug” on Atmospheric New Single
Ahead of their third album AMAMA’s May release, Brooklyn psych-pop quartet Crumb have shared a new single, a blurred portrait of fixation called “The Bug,” and announced a North American headlining tour. The track feels like a dream—specifically, the kind that threatens to tip over into a nightmare at any moment. Pillowy synth and delicate percussion underpin Lila Ramani’s voice …
Jax Music Hour Playlist | April 20
Last week on the Jax Music Hour, we wove touring artists like The Turtles, Faye Webster, and Andy Grammer in with local acts such as K.UTIE, HUAN, and The Julius Airwave. Here’s what played on the Jax Music Hour on April 20. Catch future episodes of the show on the air on 89.9 WJCT News every Saturday at 8PM, part …
The Neighborhood Playlist | April 20
Hey Neighbors! Hope you enjoyed the show if you listened. If not, I have a playlist of tunes from the show below for your streaming pleasure. Thanks again to hip-hop emcee Seafood Sam for taking time to bless the neighbors with an interview. I truly enjoy his story and his music. May is ALREADY here! With that, I’m sending blessings …
Electro Lounge Playlist | April 20
The Electro Lounge is back and rolling out weekly dreamscapes — an eclectic hour of chillout, downtempo cuts every Saturday at 10 p.m. on WJCT News 89.9. Here’s what we played on April 20. 1 DE PHAZZ – Cherry Golden HoursStream 2 Eric Hilton – Midnight MilanStream 3 De Phazz – While The MoonStream 4 Lonnie Liston Smith, Adrian Younge, …
Song of the Day | “Insecurities” by Shabaka feat. Moses Sumney
On his much-anticipated, star-studded debut solo effort, Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace (out now on Impulse!), renowned saxophonist Shabaka [he dropped his last name, Hutchings, for his solo debut], trades his brass for a variety of woodwinds. On “Insecurities,” Shabaka – who was influential in diverting André 3000 into the musical territory of New Blue Sun – goes to …
Song of the Day | “Mama Say” by Ibibio Sound Machine
“Mama say ‘Yeah’” goes the hypnotic refrain of “Mama Say,” the third and final preview of inimitable UK-formed electro-Afro-funk group Ibibio Sound Machine’s hotly anticipated new record Pull the Rope (out May 3 on Merge). The song pulses with electronic drums and a grinding synth-bass line, with flourishes of retro keys that bring to mind late-70’s Nigeria-based Casio-pop lord William …
Song of the Day | “Sun Without Heat” by Leyla McCalla
David Byrne once said, “The better a singer’s voice, the harder it is to believe what they are saying.” Byrne’s decidedly-art-rock logic aside, it could also be argued that the more instruments accompanying the singer, the harder it is to believe what they are saying. Either way, on her new full length, Sun Without Heat, the classical and American-roots musician …
Cher, Mary J. Blige and Ozzy Osbourne on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2024 list
The latest crop of musicians have been named as inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and span genres including rock, hip-hop and rhythm and blues. “Rock & Roll is an ever-evolving amalgam of sounds that impacts culture and moves generations,” said John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. “This diverse group of …
Song of the Day | “Fox Hunt” by Sierra Ferrell
Despite what impression mainstream country radio may impart, country music has always been a melting pot of influences. And since before she went from busking on street corners to performing on the hallowed Grand Ole Opry stage, West Virginia-bred singer and songwriter Sierra Ferrell was blending a range of traditional styles – bluegrass, gypsy jazz, even calypso – into country-tinged …
Song of the Day | “The Kill” by Maggie Rogers
The songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Maggie Rogers has had the kind of career arc that’s rare among her peer group of viral video sensations – that is to say: a relatively enduring one. Rogers was first “discovered” by Pharrell Williams when the mega-star/producer visited NYU where she was then a student. Rogers performed a song for him and (skip the next …
Dickey Betts, founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, dies at 80
Dickey Betts, a founding member of the renowned rock group the Allman Brothers Band, died at at his home in Osprey, Fla. on Thursday. The influential guitarist, songwriter and vocalist had been battling two kinds of cancer as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He was 80 years old. The news was shared on Betts’ official website in a …
Fontaines D.C. Announce New Album, Share Anxious Lead Single “Starburster”
Grammy-nominated Irish five-piece Fontaines D.C. have announced their debut release on XL Recordings, Romance. Their fourth album and the follow-up to their acclaimed 2022 LP Skinty Fia arrives on Aug. 23, and the music video for intense lead single “Starburster” is out now. The London-via-Dublin quintet—Grian Chatten (vocals), Carlos O’Connell (guitar), Conor Curley (guitar), Conor Deegan (bass) and Tom Coll …
Jax Music Hour Playlist | April 13
This week, the Jax Music Hour went country! We rounded up country and Americana music from local artists like Folk is People, Rambler Kane, and Patsy’s Daydream, as well as touring artists such as Morgan Wade, Mac McAnally, and Jim White. Here’s what played on the Jax Music Hour this week. Catch future episodes of the show on the air …
The Neighborhood Playlist | April 13
Good neighbors! Hope all is good in your areas! Below are the tunes that I shared with the neighbors and groovers. On this walk through the neighborhood, I played some hometown music: KALE THAT RAPS, Kenzie’s Place, and Ebonique, and some other gems that compliment well. Be on the lookout for an exclusive interview with Seafood Sam. It’s a great …
Electro Lounge Playlist | April 13
The Electro Lounge is back and rolling out weekly dreamscapes — an eclectic hour of chillout, downtempo cuts every Saturday at 10 p.m. on WJCT News 89.9. Here’s what host David Luckin played on April 13. 1 Miles Davis – Pharaoh’s DanceStream 2 Amber – Sexual (Afterlife Remix)Stream 3 Thievery Corporation – Lebanese BlondeStream 4 Charlie Hunter & Norah Jones …
Duval Indie Pop Lord Luci Lind on Catching Songs Like Fireflies
Welcome to Songwriting School, where we talk to songwriters about the craft of songwriting. Born in Pensacola, 22-year-old pop artist Luci Lind has called Jacksonville home since he was a toddler. His coining of the genre “Jax pop” is just one example of his pride in being part of the Bold City music scene, where he gathers inspiration from his …
Sleater-Kinney | Tiny Desk
For a roughly three-year stretch beginning in late 2007, Sleater-Kinney‘s Carrie Brownstein reached the pinnacle of a career that has included stints as a rock star, a TV actor and an author. During that time, Brownstein wrote the NPR Music blog Monitor Mix and appeared as a frequent panelist on All Songs Considered. But she foolishly climbed down from that …
Jax Musician Kennie Mason on ‘My Dog Ate My Patriotism,’ her noisy debut album as Siichaq
Kennie Mason, lead singer and founder of Jacksonville band Siichaq (pronounced sea-check), always felt like a fish out of water in the community she grew up in. Her music career began early, checking off the rite of passage of many a beach kid: singing in a rock band with a bunch of surfers. After a few years of growth and …
Cola Announce Second Album ‘The Gloss,’ Share Intoxicating New Single “Pallor Tricks”
Canadian post-punk trio Cola—the second act of Ought’s Tim Darcy and Ben Stidworthy, who are now joined by Evan Cartwright (U.S. Girls, The Weather Station)—have announced the follow-up to their 2022 debut album Deep in View. Our latest preview of The Gloss (June 14, Fire Talk Records) is “Pallor Tricks,” the album’s third and most intense single yet. In contrast …
Jacksonville Band Ducats Offers Worthy Psych-Rock Delights on New Single, “Uggo Druggo”
Springtime apparently activates febrile indie rock music. The latest track from locals Ducats, “Uggo Druggo” heralds the seasonal arc in the form of an unhurried post-punk planted in a field of reverb. Over the course of its four-and-a-half minutes, “Uggo Druggo” is carried along in a bramble of guitar stabs and textures, riffs closing and falling back into the echoes, …
Yaya Bey | Tiny Desk Concert
Throughout an emotional, soul-stirring set, the multitudes of Yaya Bey‘s music and artistry are on full display in her Tiny Desk concert. The New York-bred singer-songwriter opens the show by paying homage to her Barbados roots: reggae-tinged grooves of “meet me in brooklyn” from her powerful 2022 album, Remember Your North Star, that flow seamlessly into “on the pisces moon” …
Madi Diaz Shares Lovely New Single “One Less Question,” Featuring Lennon Stella
On the heels of the February release of her latest album Weird Faith, Nashville singer-songwriter Madi Diaz has posed “One Less Question,” a gorgeous new collaboration with Lennon Stella that the duo debuted on Tuesday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Co-produced by Diaz and Weird Faith’s Konrad Snyder, and co-written by Diaz, Stella and Kate York, “One Less Question” …
The Neighborhood Playlist | April 6
Happy April, Neighbors! Springtime is here and I am here to give you some music to make those flowers look beautiful and the beaches feel great for you! We visited a new song from the legendary group Arrested Development. We played a new jam from DJ Harrison, a member of the soul-jazz-funk-hip-hop group Butcher Brown. Lastly, we played some hometown …
The Gear that Jacksonville Band Folk Is People Employs to Achieve their Ever-Evolving American-Roots-Inspired Sound
A staple of the Jacksonville music scene for over a decade, Folk is People breathes new life into old country and bluegrass traditions. Singer and guitarist Stacey Bennett started writing songs for the band in 2011, releasing the first Folk is People EP the following year. “When we started,” Bennett says, “it was all acoustic instruments. I was playing mandolin, …
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival Returns with Kenny Barron, Gregory Porter, Nicholas Payton, Lakecia Benjamin, Keiko Matsui and More at New Venue Sites
This Memorial Day weekend, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival is held in the downtown district, with performances at Metropolitan Park and Daily’s Place. A staple of city-run cultural events for four decades, each year jazz legends and emerging artists perform at multiple on-site venues. Last year’s festival attracted an estimated 75,000 attendees, creating an estimable, positive economic impact on the city. …