We’re halfway through another week and music lovers are already chomping at the bit waiting to see what our favorite artists are going to do next. This week has been chock-full of amazing announcements, rad new music drops and spotlight-stealing live performances. Below, I’ve compiled my list of this week’s biggest announcements in the music industry, and a few sure to make Denver music fans drool with anticipation.
alt-J announces new album and tour with Denver stop
Our favorite alternative rockers, alt-J surprised fans everywhere by announcing the release of a brand new album slated for September 22nd. Anyone who follows the band closely knows that their approach to creating 2012’s near flawless album, An Awesome Wave, took years to compile, tiptoeing to the edge of madness to make a record so powerful that it transports listeners to an alien world. Now the band, who lost founding member Gwil Sainsbury in January, have set out on their next adventure, This is All Yours. Do you think it will live up to their debut?
Alt-J will make their second appearance at the Fillmore auditorium on October 28th, and tickets go on sale Friday at 10 am–grab ’em while they’re hot. This show is sure to sell out. Δ
Childish Gambino hints at EP with Chance the Rapper
This one is sure to make hip-hop fans squeal with joy. Chance was featured on Gambino’s track “The Worst Guys,” but somehow his verse was discarded and Chance only appeared on the hook to the track, much to fans’ dismay. But at Governor’s Ball this past weekend, Chance dropped the missing “Ms. Jackson” verse on a surprised crowd, including Andre 3000 and his son in the front row.
The next day, Bino took to the Twittersphere to announce, “Now that Chance finally released his verse on ‘Worst Guys’ maybe he can hurry up and finish the rest of our EP.” Having caught both of these talented rappers roll through Denver, I can attest to the fact that this EP is gonna be the hot shit.
Blood Orange releases video for “You’re Not Good Enough,” proves the 80s are still alive
Dev Hynes, otherwise known as the crooning dance machine Blood Orange, released the video for “You’re Not Good Enough.” The video, directed by Gia Coppola, throws a nod to Hynes’ 80s inspired, synth-riddled dance tracks, basking a group of dancers in an ethereal white light while their laced-up kicks tip-toe dexterously across shimmering black floors.
Hynes, whom many liken to the pop-king Prince, pulls off a proficient tribute to the days when choreographed dance seemed way less cheesy than what Billboard Top 40 might lead us to believe. If you haven’t yet overplayed this song (which, sadly, I did months ago) consider it your summer dance jam.
Jack White debuts new album, gives electrifying performance on Fallon
Jack White is back with some new tunes and treated fans to a pungent performance this week on Jimmy Fallon. White’s new album, Lazaretto, pulls from roots and folk, while also peppering in descriptive imagery, poignant allusions and White’s feverish guitar riffs. And this week, while blanketed in an electric blue light, White shattered the album’s namesake on The Tonight Show.
Thank God for Jack White, Fallon said.
White will play Red Rocks Amphitheater on August 20th.
Watch White’s performance here: http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/jack-white-lazaretto/2789764
Spoon debuts new single, “The Rent I Pay”
The rockers haven’t released any new music since 2010 and this single is the first off of their new album They Want My Soul on new label Loma Vista. The track is accompanied by an unofficial video featuring frontman Britt Daniel’s silhouette performing the visceral rock-n-roll song. The track hits the raw rock chords of the beloved band, and if it’s any indication of their forthcoming album, I might just pre-order it now! The band has been hitting the festival circuit, most recently spreading their cult brand of garage rock across the stage at Governor’s Ball. They will also be hitting Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Outside Lands and more. Check out the unofficial video for “The Rent I Pay” below.