Speaking of How to Dress Well, he's featured in the first episode of a new Red Bull-produced online documentary series...

In this first episode of H?SHTAG$, we take a look at the current renaissance of contemporary R&B in the "always-on" age, featuring former half of The Weeknd, Jeremy 'Zodiac' Rose, How To Dress Well, Miguel, Rochelle Jordan, KLSH, BadBadNotGood, and more. How has the Internet inspired and galvanized this new breed of artists? Have online communities and media been too quick to label genres and movements? What does the future hold for the many strains of the R&B genre?

H?SHTAG$ is a new series of mini-documentaries from the Red Bull Music Academy, chronicling some of the most fascinating themes emerging from the web in recent times, from #cloudrap to #seapunk, #postdubstep to #advancedpop.

Continue reading "How to Dress Well, Miguel & more featured in "H?SHTAG$ - Don't Call It #AltRnB - Episode 1" (watch)"

As mentioned, the Mad Decent Block Parties are returning to select cities next month and will make a stop in Chicago on August 18. We now know that it will be happening from noon-10PM that day on W. Fulton St. between N. Ashland Ave. & N. Justine St., right next to the Cobra Lounge. Though a specific list of artists have not yet been revealed for the Chicago block party, the overall lineup includes Major Lazer, Action Bronson, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, Spaceghostpurrp, Lunice, Jacques Greene, Casey Veggies, BADBADNOTGOOD, Baauer, Jim-E Stack, Bosco Delrey, Three Loco, and more.

Flosstradamus were originally included in the lineup, but have been told by the Chicago Police Department that their headlining set at West Fest almost caused a riot so they have removed the duo from the block party. We were in attendance but admittedly were over at the main stage watching the Black Lips at that time. We did however exit the festival near Floss' stage, WHILE they were still playing, but did not see anything too crazy. Bummer.

RSVP for the event is still open. Stay tuned for the full Chicago lineup.

Major Lazer @ Governors Ball (NYC) (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Mad Decent Block Parties are returning to select cities this summer and have announced their overall lineup (subject to change at each stop). The Chicago party is set for August 18. RSVP is open.

The overall lineup inclues Major Lazer, Action Bronson, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, Spaceghostpurrp, Lunice, Jacques Greene, Casey Veggies, BADBADNOTGOOD, Baauer, Jim-E Stack, Bosco Delrey, Flosstradamus, Three Loco (aka Andy Milonakis, Dirt Nasty, and Riff Raff), and many more.

Check out the full lineup and a trailer below...

Continue reading "Major Lazer, Spaceghostpurrp, BADBADNOTGOOD, Lunice & more playing Mad Decent Block Parties"

by Andrew Sacher

Toronto jazz hop trio BADBADNOTGOOD have been playing US shows this month in support of their recently released BBNG2 which in addition to a number of originals, includes covers of Odd Future (who they've collaborated with), James Blake, My Bloody Valentine, and Kanye West. Last week, they stopped by Brooklyn Bowl in NYC and covered Beastie Boys in honor of MCA. As I mentioned on BV, they've got great arrangements for both the covers and the originals, and the entire trio are skilled musicians.

They're continuing to play shows, and will hit Chicago on Wednesday (May 9), for a performance at the Empty Bottle with El Is A Sound of Joy and DJ Greg D aka 'The Chef'. Advance tickets are on sale.

All dates, videos of the band, including some with Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean, and more at BrooklynVegan.