Brite Winter Festival (2025)

Brite Winter Festival, this year on the East Bank of the Flats!  Loved it - as always. 

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Tessa Violet is speaking for all of us in her new single and video for Bored.   You might think two Declan McKennas are better than one in his (their?) new video for The Key to Life on Earth. I caught Boy Harsher back at Now That’s Class just over a year ago and loved their dark, dank synth sound - fully on display in their new video for for Electric. 

Bonus:  I find myself, like many, taken with the rise of DaBaby.  There’s something about him, and his rap style, that I find so satisfying.  While this video may not have usually made my Video Day post, I couldn’t help but also be taken by the sight of a Cleveland Browns jersey in a video!  When was the last time that happened??

Article: The Place Where Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Got Their Start

I’ve been reading Architectural Afterlife for a long time now.  I have my own skepticism when it comes to ruin-porn, but Johnny Joo does an excellent job in writing up detailed histories of the places he’s shooting.  I was particularly engaged on this post:

 

"Henderson had gone from selling LPs out of the trunk of his car in 1973 to owning 4 record stores in the 90s. He would help aspiring artists not only through mentoring, but helping them record albums or demos. He would also sell their music and promote it within these shops. Henderson has been noted as one of the main driving forces that led to Cleveland becoming one of the top three markets for rap and hip-hop between the 1990s and early 2000s. He has been referred to by many as the ‘kingpin of Cleveland hip-hop.’ Henderson worked with and promoted numerous other artists, including Dre Bone, Big Gank, Mr. Money Loc, Romey Rome, Big Ren and others. abandoned stoney burke dolls rapid creations dre bone abandoned stoney burke dolls rapid creations bone enterprise abandoned stoney burke dolls rapid creations mr money loc abandoned stoney burke dolls rapid creations big gank

Shortly after the release of their first studio album, Bone Thugs had decided to change their name to B.O.N.E. Within the year after the release of this album, they boarded a Greyhound to Los Angeles in hopes to showcase their music to their childhood idol, Eazy-E (Eric Wright) – N.W.A. founder and owner of Ruthless Records. They made calls to Ruthless Records every day, hoping to reach E. After spending nearly 3 months in Los Angeles, they had received a call back from Eazy-E himself, and had the opportunity to rap for him over the phone. Bizzy handed the phone over to Krayzie. After he said his rap, he handed the phone back to Bizzy, who then said his rap, and Eazy-E was blown away. After that, he asked where they were based out of, and upon learning that they were from Cleveland, had mentioned he had a show in Cleveland in just two weeks. Now the group had to make it back from Los Angeles to Cleveland to meet Eazy-E."

(Via The Place Where Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Got Their Start - Architectural Afterlife.)

ps. Check out his new book, and other stuff, here! https://www.oddworldstudio.com/collections

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Róisín Murphy is BACK again, with this delicious new track (and video) for Narcissus.  Flying Lotus released this stellar video for Black Balloons feat. Denzel Curry.  And speaking of Denzel, he also showed up on the new video (game) collaboration with Glass Animals!

Bonus:  Looking back over my blog, I have posted a LOT of San Cisco videos.  And after watching this one, I know why.  These folks are superb in their pop craft.

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Brockhampton continues releasing singles and videos, this time for If You Pray Right, which has lead up to another album release. Yeasayer released a tripped out video for their new single Let Me Listen In On You.  Jorja Smith has a hot new video for Be Honest feat. Burna Boy.

Bonus:  I never expected to be putting Sturgill Simpson in the #tzaupbeat category, but this new video/single make it pretty difficult to pin him down.  Read more about what he’s doing here.

Video Day #tzaupbeat

I’m not sure what’s going on in this video for Metronomy’s Walking in the Dark, but I’m here for it.  REMI has been one of my favorite rappers recently, hailing from Australia, and just released a video for his new single 5 A.M. feat. Whosane (and hopefully putting out a full length album soon!).  Brendan MacLean released this video and remix for Goes Without Saying with Stereogamous - and you can download your fee copy here!

Bonus:  I’ve really been enjoying Computer Magic’s stuff lately, and this Analog Modular Jam 1 just keeps me intrigued.

Burning River Festival 2019

After months and months of rain, the skies finally parted just in time for one of the most glorious Cleveland weekends.  There was so much happening this past weekend it would make your head spin - but I couldn’t think of a better thing to be doing on a Saturday Night than this Great Lakes Burning River Festival.  This annual event, celebrating the environmental accomplishments from the Cuyahoga river burning, was led up to by a whole week of events celebrating its 50th anniversary.  However, this year they chose to condense it’s footprint just to the coast guard station, making things a little extra cozy.  Still, what a glorious night of music, scenic views, and environmental education.  I caught a couple clips from Fresh Produce and Cloud Nothings, but the real gem to capture were the photos.  You can see the full album here. 

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib announced their new album Bandana (6/28) by releasing the first single/video for Crime Pays.   Lower Dens did the same with their new video for Young Republicans for their new album The Competition (9/6).  Trevor Jackson put out this *amazingly* good video for In My Crocs (yep, those Crocs). 

Bonus:  The Chemical Brothers are here for the Eve of Destruction

Movement 2019

Another year, another great Movement experience.  It’s practically routine at this point, though this time we stayed further inland Detroit at the Westin.  Very nice hotel and a pleasant walk - that is except when a really strong storm blows in and the festival shoos you out into the streets to fend for yourself.  Luckily we ignored their advice and took refuge down into underground stage where the crowds are always joyous during inclement weather.

Highlights for me this round were Disclosure, Golf Clap, Floorplan, Madlib, and of course Carl Craig.  There were also a host of nameless/faceless DJs that I totally got down to as well.  After parties were also amazing, and once again a consideration for going to Detroit that weekend for a completely flipped schedule.

More Photos Here.

Bas (2/13/19)

Bas performed at the Grog Shop to a very excited audience, as you can see by the photo with the crazy amount of phones in the air.  I’ve been listening to his stuff lately, and it’s incredibly good.  I’m not as deep into Rap as I’d like, but this album has easily stood out.  The crowd concurred, as this was the most participatory show I’ve ever been to.  Almost every song had some call and response aspect - and everyone participated in every one.  Incredible show.

Video Day #tzaupbeat

I’m in love with this new song and video by Troye Sivan (feat. Ariana Grande) for Dance To This.  Fresh off seeing Bomba Estéreo at the Grog Shop, they just released the video for Amar Así with quite the unexpected ending.  I’ve been loving Kiesza for some time now, but wasn’t expecting this creepier version of Pee Wee’s Playhouse, in her new video for Phantom of the Dancefloor.

Bonus:  Big Freedia is back again, this time with additional vocals by Lizzo.  Nice work!

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Chaka Khan is back (!) and has a slick new video for a slick new track that’s Like Sugar.  A Tribe Called Quests’ newest (and last) video for The Space Program is finally unrestricted and available for the masses. Computer Magic has a synth-inspired video for their new single Perfect Game.

Bonus: "The theme of anti-elitism is represented in the video by the array of American people finding joy in each other, in simple acts and in the places they call home — a salute to the unsung, modern-day American.” (link)

Video Day #tzaupbeat

St. Vincent went really gay with her new video for Fast Slow Disco.  Mura Masa has a new single and a new video out for Move Me.  Sylvan Esso just released a fan / tour video for Signal, which is always a charming video concept.

Bonus: I’m still a bit smitten with Petit Biscuit, and enjoying his work with Bipolar Sunshine and Cautious Clay for the new Wake Up video.

Video Day #tzaupbeat

The more I hear this new Christine and the Queens’ Girlfriend, the more I like it - and this video only helps.  Troye gets intimate in his new video for Bloom. You’ve probably already seen the new video by The Carters (Beyonce & Jay Z) like a dozen times now, but watch it again.

Bonus:  The Scissor Sister’s Jake Shears is striking out on his own with this new video for Creep City.  

Video Day #tzaupbeat

The Internet is back in a serious way with their new video for Roll (Burbank Funk).  Laura Marling has a new band called LUMP with Mike Lindsay (Tunng), and here’s their incredibly captivating video for Curse of the Contemporary. Equally captivating, but for completely different reasons, is Diplo’s new video for Color Blind feat. Lil Xan.

Bonus:  I’m sure everyone’s already seen this video - but if you haven’t, the new video for This is America by Childish Gambino is killer.  Make sure you catch the 7 things you might have missed.

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Young Thug does it again with this great new video for Anybody feat. Nicki Minaj.  Tyler, The Creator just dropped some split screen realness for his video for OKRA.  Jessica 6 shows us The Storm Inside with her new video.

Bonus:  Big Freedia kicking you out by paying no Rent in their new music video. 

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Starting off with a luxe new video from Kendrick Lamar and SZA for All The Stars.  Kitten is finally reemerging with a bright, fun new video for I Did It!, with a new album on the way!  Going a bit darker is Simian Mobile Disco with Caught In A Wave.

Bonus:  This week I’m serving up 2 bonus videos, both from New Zealand’s BOYBOY.

OSHUN (2/14/18)

OSHUN took over the Beachland Tavern on this Valentine’s Day night.  These ladies haven’t released a proper album yet, but their series of singles have been catchy, insightful and occasional political commentary.  I love their natural take on life, love, and living on this planet.

Opening was The Dorian Walker Experience.  The name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t find much about this band. But based on this performance, I hope that changes!

Video Day #tzaupbeat

The Hundred In The Hands have a new video out for their new track Red Eyes Rising.  Troye Sivan just got sexy with his uninhibited video for My My My!  Car Seat Headrest released a new video for Nervous Young Humans from their reworked 2011 album called Twin Fantasy (out 2/16).

 

Bonus: Black Eyed Peas dropped a new song and video, but no word on a new album yet.

Video Day #tzaupbeat

Hercules & Love Affair show you how to Rejoice in this new video feat. Rouge Mary.  The Go! Team has been a long time favorite of mine, and it’s easy to see why with their new video for Semicircle Song.  N.E.R.D. seemed to pop out of nowhere with this awesome new video for Lemon feat. Rhianna.

Bonus:  A Tribe Called Red just put out this great new video (the beginning!) for The Light II feat. Lido Pimienta.