Rss

Archives for : KSLC

New and improved KSLC radio system

Posted by :Troy Thomas On : September 10, 2013
0

Category: Culture

Tags:, ,

Over the summer of 2013, Linfield’s student radio station received several major upgrades that has the station poised for one of the most successful years in its short history.

Using its funds from the Associated Students of Linfield College (ASLC), the station purchased and has installed a new automated music system.

The system will a replace an outdated one and allow for a much more professional style broadcast to come out of the studio. Not only will the system upgrade the flow of music, new features will allow shows to be produces much more like a professional commercial station.

Along with upgrading the automated music system, live-assist and voice tracking, two of the most common features of larger stations will now be possible The new software will allow for recorded pieces to be done in advance and inserted into the system. The equipment inside the KSLC studio wasn’t the only thing that received some major upgrades.

The station also purchased a new remote broadcasting system, which will improve the station’s already successful sports broadcasts. On top of this, plans are in the works for KSLC to broadcast all comedians and Cat Cabs this year. The new KSLC staff is excited to get a new year started and bring the station’s great content to the entire campus. Along with music, the station also provides talk shows on sports, pop culture. News Director Max Milander will be starting up the station’s first one hour news show soon.

Technical Director Jeremy Odden has been in the middle of all of the happenings at KSLC. He has been instrumental in the installation of the new automation as well as all of the cleaning up that has gone on at the station. “It’s been a long, fun process,” Odden said. “ We’re slowly cleaning up and streamlining the station, and still have a few ideas up our sleeves!”

KSLC is open to any student that wishes to contribute a show. To schedule a show and setup a training time, contact General Manager Jerry Young at jyoung@linfield.edu.

For more information about the station, along with a complete schedule list for in studio, remote, and sports broadcasts, head to http://www.linfield.edu/kslcfm.html.

Jerry Young / KSLC General Manager

Young voice sings of love in new album

Posted by :jprokop On : April 30, 2013
0

Category: Culture

Tags:,

The topic of love often plagues the minds of young girls throughout their teenage years, but most cannot express it in such a delicate and soulful way as 17-year-old singer- songwriter Olivia Millerschin does in her new album, “Yes.No.Maybe So.”

The Michigan songstress is set to open on a nation-wide tour opening for Teddy Geiger starting this April.

Millerschin has a soulful voice similar to some of her folk-acoustic predecessors like Sara Bareilles or Colbie Caillat.

Millerschin’s songs have a light airy feel that is reminiscent of teenage summer days. She has a sound similar to that of acoustic group Garfunkel and Oates and, like the aforementioned, has a knack for humor with songs like “Screw Valentine’s Day.”

Her music isn’t comedic, however. She has an ability to analyze love and look at life and success and the future; all things that kids on the brink of adulthood think about.

She doesn’t approach these subjects like a normal teenager, however. She has a maturity about her, and her voice moves you away from images of teen troubles to seeing her lyrics as truly relevant to the transformation into adulthood.

Although only 17 years old, Millerschin has gotten critics to take notice. In her short career, she has been nominated for three Detroit Music Awards and performed at numerous festivals throughout the country.

The album hits its best moments early with her up-and-coming hit “Screw Valentine’s Day” and is at its best on the fourth track “I Can Say.” The song tackles the perils of letting others dictate your path and hold you back from your future.

“I was once a tree, rising from the ground,” Millerschin sings. “Winter, spring, summer, or fall, I still grew tall till you cut me down. Are you really happy now?”

The album has a bit of an up and down feel to me. It isn’t well-paced and jumps from fast to slow and deep to light hearted without much guidance for the listener.

This pace certainly doesn’t take away from her talent. Millerschin is a well-versed songstress and the album has the ability to capture the attention of the listener for the duration.

To hear Olivia Millerschin’s “Yes.No.Maybe So.” tune into 90.3 KSLC or listen online at www.linfield.edu/kslcfm and look for her opening nationwide on the Teddy Geiger tour beginning this month.

 

Tyler Sedlacek/KSLC staff

Tyler Sedlacek can be reached at kslcmusic@gmail.com.

Funk band refreshes music scene

Posted by :jprokop On : February 28, 2013
0

Category: Culture, The Rest

Tags:, , ,

Made up of college kids who graduated with an appreciation of rock and punk, Guy Fox is a band of four Bates College graduates who then moved to San Francisco to produce their self-titled EP Guy Fox.

The unique thing about Guy Fox is that all four musicians sing on their tracks, even the drummer Peter Granquist. Even the story behind the name of the band is a story that Guy Fox tells at every performance.

Guy Fox was a 17th century assassin who tried to demolish the British Parliament. The band wanted to exhibit the same passion and drive as the legendary Guy Fox, thus the name of their passionate band.

The band reminds me a lot of a funk band I used to listen to back home call Mingo Fishtrap. Both bands incorporate a soul and electronic feel into their beats and rhythms. The college music grads were able to take everything they learned in their music program and bring it to life through funk sounds.

Rasputain’s Music and Artist of the Month by San Francisco Deli Magazine labeled Guy Fox Buzz Band of the Week.
Guy Fox has now sold out shows all of San Francisco as it continues to host guest appearances and go on radio talk shows all across the Bay Area.

The second song on Guy Fox’s self-named LP, “Live Forever,” gives a jazzier recap of what it could be like to go to sleep and never get to wake up.

It connects with the listeners on a deeper level, which I think has to do with its attention to detail and lyrics throughout the EP.

Guy Fox just released a brand new single called “San Francisco” on Feb. 19. The new single can be streamed online through its website and is definitely worth a listen. The new track brings a newer sound that leans toward a more soul-pop sound.

Listen for Guy Fox, an alternative modern-day funk that will make you want to dance, on KSLC. To hear more songs and to check them out for yourself you can go to KSLC and listen. We are now streaming online so go to our website and listen to the Best in the Northwest Student Station, KSLC 90.3 FM, www.linfield.edu/kslcfm.

Haydn Nason

KSLC General Manager

Haydn Nason can be reached at kslcmusic@gmail.com

Del Rey leaves listeners lost in paradise

Posted by :jprokop On : December 3, 2012
0

Category: Culture

Tags:, , , , ,

The self-proclaimed “gangsta Nancy Sinatra” releases the follow- up to her debut album, her much-anticipated EP “Paradise,” just in time for the holiday season.

With the EP’s nine tracks, “Paradise” is what you would expect from the 26-year-old singer, who shot to fame via YouTube videos.

Though I never heard Del Rey’s debut album in full, her singles, such as “Video Games” and “Blue Jeans” offer an eerie sense of what type of musician Del Rey is and strives to be. It takes a lot of guts to call yourself the “Nancy Sinatra” of our generation.

Born and raised in New York, Del Rey suffered through a tough childhood and found solace in music.

Citing Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Janis Joplin as some of her inspirations, Del Rey wanted to create music that was reminiscent of ’50s and ’60s Americana.

“Paradise” includes direct references to pop culture icons, such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe in “Body Electric” and Bruce Springsteen in “American.”

The top three tracks to check out on “Paradise” are “Ride,” “Gods & Monsters” and its closing song, “Burning Desire.”

“Ride” references Del Rey’s dark days as an adolescent, regarding her alcohol abuse, parental problems and depression.

“I don’t really wanna know what’s good for me,” Del Rey sings in “Gods & Monsters,” which may also parallel the criticism she has received since she’s been under the spotlight.

What’s intriguing about Del Rey is her ability to be a breath of fresh air for the music industry. Her voice is unique and distinguished, which allows listeners to emotionally connect to her lyrics, as well as the cinematic sound she has embodied.

With lyrical content regarding Americana, love and lust, loneliness, and suffering, Del Rey’s “Paradise” creates an atmosphere for listeners to get swept away due to her deep, sultry soulful voice. In other words, listeners will find themselves ‘lost in paradise’ and enchanted by Del Rey’s refreshing sound that the indie/pop industry is now lacking.

While “Paradise” contains some explicit content, it’s worth a listen. Del Rey takes some risks on her follow-up to “Born to Die,” and though it’s not an extreme departure from the latter, her musical experimentations are certainly appreciated.

Tune into KSLC 90.3 FM to hear Lana Del Rey: “Paradise.” You can also listen online at www.linfield.edu/kslcfm or stream the station on iTunes.

Vanessa So

Assistant Music Director

Band combines catchy beats and bluegrass sound

Posted by :jprokop On : October 25, 2011
0

Category: Culture

Tags:, ,

The unique sounds of bluegrass and country-rock collide to bring you Boston native band Comanchero.

This five-member band works together to bring catchy yet rhythmic music to Linfield’s radio station, KSLC.

Comanchero is defined as western Hispanic traders who were known for being the best customers of trading in that region, which inspired the western sounds found in the band’s music.

The band has performed together all across the United States for more than seven years. They have opened and worked with bands like Passion Pit and The Mother Truckers.

They have continued to travel after playing in more than 100 shows from coast to coast.

One of the tracks, titled “Jimmy Carter,” brings bongos and eclectic guitar sounds together to create a lively, foot-stomping beat. Clever lyrics are guaranteed when you listen to any of Comanchero’s songs.

Many different bands and artists, such as Wilco, Mumford and Sons and Led Zeppelin, influence Comanchero’s unique sounds. It is easy to pick up on these important contributors when you listen to this bluegrass and funk music.

Comanchero is continuing to grow in number of followers on the East coast after releasing its third album, “The Undeserved,” which can be found on its website.

Listen for Comanchero, a fun bluegrass band that will make you want to dance, on KSLC.

To hear more songs and to check them out for yourself, you can go to KSLC and listen.

We are now streaming online so go to our website and listen to the Best in the Northwest Student Station, KSLC 90.3 FM, www.linfield.edu/kslcfm.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
Haydn Nason/For the Review
Haydn Nason can be reached at kslcmusic@gmail.com.

Oregon artist plays inspiration

Posted by :jprokop On : October 18, 2011
0

Category: Culture

Tags:,

The smooth acoustic vibes of Tyler Stenson that filled the air this summer, opening for famed rocker Chris Isaak at the Oregon Zoo, will now be filling the radio waves of KSLC.

Born in Lander, Wyo., but raised in Oregon, this bold singer/songwriter mixes acoustic melodies, similar to Jack Johnson, with authentic folk-style lyrics like that of a western Bob Dylan.

Deriving influences from his humble roots in the Beaver State, Stenson’s album, Bittersweet Parade, provides tracks of wholesome, inspiring music that begs listeners to find themselves within his words.

Stenson’s early career saw him as the front man/songwriter for the bands Lander and Rhetoric Tuesday in the early 2000s. Filling beer-soaked bars proved to not be enough for the artist and he pursued a solo career in Portland by 2007.

His authentic music has been well received around the Portland-Metro area ever since Stenson was honored as “Best Male Artist” at the 2011 Portland Music Awards.

The opening track, “Welcome the Change,” personifies the artist’s philosophy of constant growth as a human to better understand oneself. The track sets up the motivating, feel-good music that comprises the rest of the album with clean acoustic guitars providing the only instruments used in the song. The simplicity of this song seems to illuminate Stenson’s words as great Western poetry that is well-received in the Pacific Northwest.

A track title “A Great Man’s Funeral” gives even more support to Stenson’s ability to combine humble music with fantastic lyrics that tell a story that draws the listener in. The use of more Country-style instruments (lap steel-guitars, fiddles, etc.) shows the diversity and reach of Stenson’s music and his capabilities of becoming a prominent music figure even beyond his homeland of the Northwest.

“Push That River” is a slow moving ballad that may be the best example of Stenson’s “Poetry to Music” style that makes him so appealing. His acoustic riff throughout the song gives a soothing flow to the track and lets his words come through to the listener in clear fashion. An echoing steel-guitar in the background adds depth in a modest way that perfectly fits the style of the song.

In an industry in which authenticity is hit or miss, Stenson gives his followers musical motivation to “welcome change” and never forget to find the good within the world.

His music can be found on iTunes as well as www.tylerstenson.com, and is definitely worth a listen or two.

Look for Stenson’s tracks to hit the KSLC rotation with great potential for staying-power.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
James Testa/KSLC 90.3 FM
James Testa can be reached at kslcmusic@gmail.com.

La Vie – Switchfoot meets The Fray

Posted by :jprokop On : October 5, 2011
0

Category: Culture

Tags:

Producer Andrew Dixon, most commonly known for producing artists like Colbie Caillat and Augustana, brings you the soft folk-rock sounds of the Los Angeles band La Vie. The debut of its self-titled album brings the sounds of heavy folk roots along with a mixture alternative rock to form relaxing melodies.

La Vie has been performing hits from its self-titled album all across California and the UK. It was also featured as the Indie Spotlight on the front page of YouTube recently.  La Vie offers a unique and natural sound to the KSLC mix of alternative music.

The four-man band including lead vocal Adam Roth, guitarist Trevor Conner, drummer Bill Delia and bassist Ryan Williams write music together, embracing the sounds of artists such as The Stanley Brothers and The Carter Family. The sound is a mixture of Switchfoot and The Fray, as it portrays this alternative soft sound of a good-hearted band.

Unlike other alternative-folk bands, La Vie provides a calm sound that is relaxing and refreshing to hear. The four man group has produced several songs that have made their marks on the music industry already.

The whole band works together in the songwriting process of all of their songs on the self-titled album. The song “Waiting For You,” is a laid-back track that demonstrates an all-around good sound.

After touring across the United Kingdom, the band continued to write music, picking up the international influences that it had been looking for, which can be found in the song like “Say,” which had its debut on the self-titled album.

The song “Impossible” is another upbeat and positive song that talks about the band members’ hometown and cruising through life, as the soft yet somewhat twang-guitar sounds play in the background.

Although they are still in the process of starting out, they continue to grow and create a name for themselves, from songs showing up on the MTV show “Made,” to music and interviews appearing on the BBC.

Some of the songs can be downloaded for free on La Vie’s website. To hear more songs and to check the band out for yourself you can go to KSLC and listen. We are now streaming online so go to our website and listen to the Best in the Northwest Student Station, KSLC 90.3 FM, www.linfield.edu/kslcfm.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Haydn Nason/For the Review
Haydn Nason can be reached at kslcmusic@gmail.com.

Artist combines multiple genres on third album

Posted by :jprokop On : April 23, 2011
0

Category: Culture, Opinion

Tags:, , ,

James Pan's third album will be released on Stones Throw Records on May 3. Photo courtesy of www.stonesthrow.com

Singer and multi-instrumentalist James Pants (real name James Singleton) has been on fire since his debut album, “Welcome,” was released in 2008 to positive reviews.

Since then, he has released a second full album, “Seven Seals,” two EPs and a slew of singles through Stones Throw Records (Madlib, Aloe Blacc, Dam-Funk and others). Now, his fifth release and third LP is slated for release May 3. And it does not disappoint.

The album is self-titled and features Singleton at his best. It was originally named “Love Kraft,” but this was likely changed after it was discovered that Super Furry Animals had released an album of the same name in 2005.

His superb drumming, groovy bass lines and lush synthesizer harmonies drive many of his most successful tunes. All of these are wrapped in the warm, lo-fi glow of ’80s funk, new wave and post-punk styles — an amalgamation loosely known as “fresh beat.”

Singleton uses this fun and catchy sound that still allows for a large degree of complexity to draw the listener into a warm, ’80s embrace in his latest album.

The album is more rock-oriented than previous releases, even incorporating some elements of rock ‘n’ roll and doo-wop from the ’50s and ’60s, and features backbeat rhythms with a stronger emphasis on the electric guitar although it never overshadows the other instruments.

Singleton’s unique singing is also heard more frequently along with other vocalists.

Likely the result of a mix of heavy production effects and intentionally poor-quality recording, all the sounds on the album have that lo-fi ’80s electronic quality to them from echoing, sometimes incomprehensible, lyrics,muffled drumming, fuzzy guitars and cosmic
synthesizer effects. It stands in stark yet infinitely amusing contrast to the sleek, over-produced pop music of today.

While these elements seem like they might be a turn-off to most listeners, James Pants is always danceable, and Singleton is known for some killer live performances.

James Pants can be placed loosely under the umbrella genre of electronica, but his use of live instruments stands out.

The new album began strongly with the energetic and driving “Beta,” a minimal tune with great drumming and a nice guitar solo.

The music branches out as the album progresses but always features a solid beat to move to. The most enjoyable tracks come near the end with the songs, “Alone” and “These Girls.”

“Alone” features some excellent guitar work and a beautifully intriguing saxophone part and “These Girls” is definitely the most rockin’ track on the album with some great synth effects.

All of the songs also have plenty of cheesy ’80s vocals that constantly entertain in a humorous light. For some nice, romantic ’80s introspection, check out “Screams of Passion” and “Kathleen.”

While the album isn’t as groundbreaking as past releases, it still stands solidly on its own with a unique sound that reminds us that the music of the ’80s wasn’t as bad as everybody assumes.

“James Pants” doesn’t come out until May 3, but Stones Throw has 7” vinyl singles for “Every Night I Dream” and “Clouds Over The Pacific” available on its website.

Tune in to KSLC 90.3 FM to hear tracks from “James Pants.”

Braden Smith/KSLC 90.3 FM
Braden Smith can be reached at kslcmusic@gmail.com.

Washington folk band provides ‘Salvation’ for listeners

Posted by :jprokop On : April 8, 2011
0

Category: Culture, Opinion

Tags:, ,

Photo courtesy of www.checkitoutmusic.com Pullman, Wash.,-based band Buffalo Death Beam released its second album, “Salvation for Ordinary People,” on January 1.

Buffalo Death Beam’s second album, “Salvation for Ordinary People,” is a nice gem that stands out in the increasingly saturated folk/folk rock genre.

Coming out of Pullman, Wash., the band clearly has potential and is starting to gain wider recognition in the area after Jan. 1’s “Salvation” and an earlier EP’s release.

The album’s strongest track is its first one, “Staff of the Shepherd,” which uses warm, vocal harmonies, driving rhythm and airy, acoustic atmospheres interlaced with well-placed electric guitar and other effects

The song transitions seamlessly between three different sections of varied tempo and meter, switching to 3/4 time after close to one minute into the second section, which is followed by a hard, percussive pulse in the last section. The interesting melodies, variance, driving rhythm and powerful vocals pack a lot of punch into four and a half minutes.

Unfortunately, this opening sets expectations high for the rest of the album. The other songs are good, but it’s disappointing to hear that no other tracks carry quite the same punch. This is one of the downsides of beginning an album with your best work. It grabs attention immediately, but can be a bit of a letdown during the course of the album.

The following track, “Motel Queen,” maintains the previously attained drive. It is hard, fast and fun but not nearly as awe-inspiring (not that every track should be).

“Lonely Mouth,” the third track, is an improvment. It reverts back to powerful vocals that begin quietly, but have a more climactic ending. The song also features nice mandolin and violin instrumentation.

Other main highlights of the album include “We Drink Beer,” a pleasant waltz reminiscent of Jack Ruby Presents; “Look Homeward, Angel”; and the final track, “Madmen Choir,” a disjointed tune that features eerie banjo, mandolin and accordion sounds backed by an odd, pounding percussion line.

The band’s most evident strength is its vocals, combining multiple voices to create lovely harmonies backed by strong lyrics and singing. Other significant areas include its varied instrumentation and percussion with a drummer who does much more than simply maintain a beat.

While far from perfect, “Salvation For Ordinary People” is a great showcase of Buffalo Death Beam’s obvious talent and potential, so keep an ear out for more.

Tune in to KSLC 90.3 FM to hear music from

“Salvation For Ordinary People,” released January 1.

Braden Smith/KSLC 90.3 FM
Braden Smith can be reached at kslc@gmail.com.

Australian band chases the nu-disco funk groove

Posted by :jprokop On : March 11, 2011
1

Category: Culture, Opinion

Tags:, , ,

Photo courtesy of www.codebreakermusic.com Nu disco duo Codebreaker released a debut album, “The Space Chase,” on Feb. 15 on Disco Demolition Records.

Codebreaker, made up of Steven Hawley and Sage Schwarm of Christmas Island, Australia, released its debut album “The Space Chase” Feb. 15.

The album is a vibrant model of the emerging nu- disco genre that is gaining popularity in the U.S. The duo is pioneering the young genre, which fuses elements of modern dance and house music with those of disco and funk from the ’70s and ’80s.

With solid dance beats, funky guitar riffs, futuristic synthesizers and cheesy vocals, “The Space Chase” is a shining example of nu-disco’s potential. On the surface, the album is fun and easy to dance to, but it is also sophisticated in the way it is produced and mixed. The result is a sleek album that will appeal to many modern listeners, even those without an appreciation for the fine art of traditional disco.

The first track, “Silver Lining,” introduces spacey synthesizer effects that permeate the album but quickly establish a solid disco beat accompanied by tambourine and clapping. Short, lyrical phrases, effects and synthesizer solos are interspersed so that even after six minutes, the song never becomes dull.

Similar techniques are used throughout the album to keep the body dancing while simultaneously taking the mind on a trippy, synthy sojourn through space.

All of this is laden with cheesy lyrics about love that supposedly died out after the ’70s and early ’80s. The singing is rarely so pronounced that it becomes too cheesy but is still quite fun and provides a humorous glimpse into how love was once expressed in the music of a past era.

However, the romance really heats up in an entertaining way when they break out the French in the sixth track “Sous l’ Choc,” featuring Marc Gauvin.

Other enjoyable tracks include “Follow Me” and “First True Love Affair.” While each track isn’t amazing, they are all exceedingly entertaining and will put you in the mood to get you groove on to wherever you are.

The synthesizer has seen quite the rebirth in the 21st century, and Codebreaker masterfully employs it and other modern techniques to give disco and funk a fresh, sleek coat of paint, reviving a genre that many thought to be dead.
Tune in to KSLC 90.3 FM to hear tracks from Codebreaker’s “The Space Chase.”

Braden Smith/KSLC 90.3 FM
Braden Smith can be reached at kslcmusic@gmail.com.