This Tuesday the new format for Stillnotdead.com will launch. It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since we started here at Stillnotdead and we’ve had a lot of fun. The most noticable thing you’ll find is that the Stillnotdead blog is now going to be front and center and there’s gonna be new columnist. I’m proud to welcome Mikal Khill to the Stillnotdead family. He posted earlier today, be sure to read his column. We’ll be debuting several more new (and some familiar) columnist over the next couple of weeks. If any of you out there is interested in writing about local music drop me a line. In the meantime, sit back and relax and enjoy the ride.
The new format is gonna be geared toward keeping the content fresh and interactive. Hopefully it will keep you guys informed about the local scene like never before. There will be more additions to the new site as we go along but I’ve decided we’ve got a spot to start from. The only feature we’re gonna be missing is the mp3 player, which I’m having trouble adapting to the new format. I’ll bring it back as soon as I can. On the cool side we now have a video player for the main page that will update automatically as we add new videos. How cool is that?
Anyway, hope you guys enjoy the new format. Be sure to drop me a line and let me know how you think we’re doing. It’s been a fun two years and we look forward to continuing to entertain you guys. Thanks for the support and continue supporting local music.
Ryan Dead
Since I am new here and I am going to be posting here a lot in the coming months, I thought I would introduce myself formally. My normal posts will not be this loaded with personal info, just trying to let you know who I am.
Introductions are in order.
My name is Mikal kHill. I currently live in Kannapolis, NC. I grew up in Concord, I am married, have one child and have been making music since I was eleven or twelve. I’ve been doing shows since 1994 (back when I was a teenager), and I have been doing shows in Charlotte since 2002. I have played The Milestone, Tremont Music Hall, The Neighborhood Theater, Prevue, etc, and got my start in Charlotte at The Hungry Duck, which in the early 2000’s was my home away from home to see various underground and local hiphop shows. I am interested in almost any form of music in a live context, and almost as much music on disc. I am the founding member of The ThoughtCriminals, a hiphop band comprised of eight members that all draw from extremely different musical backgrounds. I also make folk and folkpunk music on the side for my own amusement, in addition to producing songs for a (very) select group of MCs. I have a free release I am offering as a download right now called MK – VS. It is comprised of various remixes I have done of Sage Francis, Sole, El-P, Ghostface Killah and other underground hiphop artists (and one fusion bluegrass/jazz group). You can grab that HERE!
Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from some of you.
-kHill
Hey what’s happening? It’s time for another edition of “Next Week”! The Thanksgiving holiday is almost here and just on the other side of it are some awesome shows. So if you over do it on Thanksgiving don’t worry, you can’t sweat it out at any of the following shows. Got the “icky can’t stand my relatives” feeling? These shows will cure that as well! Let’s get things rolling!
Braaaaiiinnnss!
Tremont Music Hall- Gore-A-Licious featuring Angels on Acid, Graveyard Boulevard, Swarm Theory with DJ Sin and DJ Price 11/28/09- Okay so Halloween was over a month ago but that doesn’t stop Gore-A-Licious! And no you eyes don’t deceive you, this is a Zombie Theme Party. So if you didn’t get your fill a few weeks back at Halloween or if you’re one of those people who think Halloween is a year round state of mind, this may be the show for you. Far as the music goes, Angels on Acid remind me of a lot of bands I heard back in the 90’s at the Pterodactyl. Think Lords of Acid, Thrill Kill Kult and other bands of that genre. Basically it comes down to heavy synths, programmed beats and menacing vocals with a ton of samples. Back in the day this would have blasted in the goth room of the ‘dactyl. Graveyard Boulevard is basically over the top horror punk. Swarm Theory are from Raleigh and are basically a heavy metal band with face paint. The show will also feature DJ’s Sin and Price. There will be a “Best Zombie” contest, a “Zombie Beauty Pagent” and Gore Wrestling hosted by Judas Moon which will feature mostly naked girls rolling around in “gore”. There will also be makeup artist on hand to help paint up the non zombies who attend. The show is all ages and is $8 for over 21 and $11 for under. Have fun but try to keep your brain intact!
The Von Ehrics strike again!
Don't cry it's not sold out!!
Okay November is flying by, where the hell did the time go?? Anyway, everybody is heating up for a kick ass weekend before everyone heads out for Thanksgiving, let’s take a look at it in this addition of Next Week!
Starting off I would like to mention a few shows at the Tremont that are taking place this weekend. First up, if hardcore fans didn’t get enough at the Double Negative show at the Milestone Club then they should get their fill at Tremont Music Hall November 17th when the Narrows (ex-members of Botch) hit the stage with Trap Them, Meth Mountain and Monarchrist. Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. If you are under 21 the usual surcharge applies. Doors are at 7pm.
Do you guys remember Skinny Puppy? I remember hanging out in the upstairs room at Pterodactyl while some goth chicks danced to them. Anyway, long story short they live! And they are playing Tremont Friday November 20th! Anyone longing for the 90’s to make a comeback should go check out this industrial rock legend. It’s all eyeliner and goofy hair again. We won’t tell anyone, promise! Doors are at 8pm and admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
The Milestone Club- The Spins (formerly the Oms), Buck Mountain Stranglers, Matt Kurz One 11/21/09- The Spins weave delicate, flowing melodic songs with dreamy vocals and even more dreamy backing female vocals. Nice floating stuff and then a horn shows up in the middle and I’m
The Spins, Buck Mountain Stranglers, Matt Kurz One and Satan?? 11/21/09
completely surprised. Pretty interesting addition to the Charlotte Indie scene! Last time I reviewed them I mused that the Buck Mountain Stranglers were probably from Plaza Midwood instead of Buck Mountain, like they insist on their website. Now that they have a couple of songs on their website I can almost guarantee my claim. In any case from what I can tell it’s down and dirty PBR filled old country. With a twist that they love the devil apparently, a lot. Opening the show is a genuine oddity that you would only see at the Milestone Club. Matt Kurz One is a one man band who list his body parts as band members on his website. No really for example: His head is listed as vocals, his right hand is listed as strumming guitar, rack toms and ride cymbal, his right foot is snare and bass drums, his left foot is bass guitar and his left hand is forming guitar chords, hi hats, keyboard ( with headstock of guitar). To say you have to see it to believe it is an understatement. He has several videos on his site and after watching them I’m totally psyched to see him play. His music is surprisingly coherent considering the total body workout he puts into it. It’s total garage rock and that’s all good as well. He’s actually not just an oddity although I’m sure he gets plenty of attention for the freakshow aspect of it, he’s actually a pretty good songwriter. So if you have relatives in town for the holiday and you want to blow their mind. Bring them out to the Milestone and let them check out this one man show. Doors are at 8pm and admission is $6 for over and $8 for under. 18+ only please!
Snug Harbor- The Houstons, Overmountain Men and Kenny Roby 11/21/09- Raleigh rock, folkish songwriter Kenny Roby opens this show at Snug Harbor. He takes a dusky voice and an acoustic guitar and does the folk rock thing rather well. Don’t know if he is bringing a band or not.
The Overmountain Men at Snug Harbor 11/21/09!
Guess we’ll see the night of the show. His music tends to be a little laid back though, not really my thing. Next up is the Overmountain Men. I must confess that I’ve been working really closely with the Overmountain Men for the past several months building their webpage. You can check it out at www.overmountainmen.com . Anyway this group features David Childers, who you will remember retired last year, anyway it also features Bob Crawford of the Avett Brothers as well as Bobby Childers and Randy Saxon. The difference with this group according to David is that it’s not a “David Childers band” rather it’s a collaboration among all members of the band. Whatever you call it, it’s upbeat and catchy as hell. I’m not just saying that because I do work with them. I’m addicted to their song “Someplace Along the River”. The Houstons meanwhile will be coming off just playing Tremont two days earlier so I hope the draw goes well for both shows but regardless I’m sure they’ll bring their unique indie vibed rock to end the night well. Come to think of it, they would go really well with the headliner from the Milestone show that I mentioned above. Anyway, the show starts at 10pm and admission is $10.
Snug Harbor- Bums Lie, Machete!, Rekless Youth 11/22/09- If you missed Skalloween ( quite a few of you did btw!) here is your chance to catch 2 out of the four bands that were on that show on a Sunday night Snug Harbor show. Bums Lie won’t be playing Greenday this go round but they will still be playing the mellow, groove inspired reggae that they do so well. Rekless Youth have released a new cd entitled “Love Me, Hate Me” and regardless of which you choose I feel I must point out that they rocked pretty hard at Skalloween, I especially liked the part where the wolfman came out on stage with them! No matter how hard anyone rocks though, Machete! will definitely be the loudest in the house. The wall of sound is massive and even more awe inspiring when you figure out that it’s only a duo producing it! Drums and bass never sounded like something you could end the world with until Machete! came along! Show starts at 9pm and it’s only $3! 18+ only please.
Well that’s it for this edition of Next Week! Come back for the next edition which will likely have two weekends worth since we probably won’t post on Thanksgiving weekend! Till then we’ll see you at the shows or on the forum!
Ryan Dead
Okay November is moving right along and Snug is still standing after Ramonesfest. Now that the dust has settled from that, let’s move on to look at more upcoming local shows on this episode of “Next Week”!
The Milestone Club- Mike Hale (Gun Moll) Chris Wollard (Hot Water Music) and the Ship Thieves, KP Soloman 5000 11/11/09- Okay this is an interesting concept and I don’t know if they set it up like this or not, but this show features a lot of people who are famous for being in other bands. This is like “Solo project Night” at the Milestone. KP Soloman is of course, known for plucking the bass in 25 Minutes to Go, what you may not know is that he also has an acoustic side underneath all that. Course, you probably do know that because the Soloman has been burning up the bar circuit lately with his personal, intimate style of songwriting. Mike Hale is the singer/guitar player for Gunmoll but his solo stuff is exactly the opposite of the loud rock band. Intricate acoustic picking and introspective lyrics, sung with a husky voice makes for a mellow mood. Chris Wollard of Hot Water Music fame has banded together a bunch of his Gainesville buddies and are touring as Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves. If you are coming expecting a roaring, loud rock show ala Hot Water Music you’re in for a surprise. This project is surprisingly folky, intimate and almost indie sound. This should be a fun night to watch guys who are normally loud and proud get all acoustic and emotional. Admission is $7 and doors are at 8pm.
Double Negative play the Milestone Club 11/13/09!
The Milestone Club- Double Negative, Grids, Moenda, Brain Flannel 11/13/09- Whatever I said about the previous show, this show is just the opposite. Not that these guys don’t have emotion to there singing it’s just angrier emotions. Double Negative last played with Fucked Up I believe and that show was damn near a riot. Expect no less this time. Raleigh’s Double Negative play a high tempo, full speed ahead music that will blow your mind. To put it mildly, Double Negative kick a lot of ass. High speed riffs with screaming, distorted vocals played with a wide open abandon that few bands achieve. It’s face melting to say the least. Grids are a Charlotte rock/ indie/ hardcore band that communicate via heavy riffs and clever (when you can make them out) lyrics. Slower paced than Double Negative ( that’s most bands btw) they still manage to have a heavy, reverbed almost ominous sound. Moenda is a Charlotte band featuring Davey Blackburn of Calabi Yai. Their sound is more like avant garde jazz noise meets relentless distortion. Not really my thing but at one time I would have loved it. It’s really gonna depend on how into John Zorn you are… Also playing is Brain Flannel, which features members of Logic Problem, Yardwork and Grids. Tickets are $6 for over 21 and $8 for under and doors are at 8pm.
The Milestone Club actually has two more shows that I wanted to squeeze in the column this week. Saturday 11/14 the Milestone welcomes the Lights Fluorescent, one of Charlotte’s premier indie rock acts featuring the amazing Erika Blatnik. Also on the bill are Hallelujah the Hills, Yep Roc records Drink Up Buttercup and The Lesser Pauls, whose PJ Harvey meets Sonic Youth meets Jefferson Airplane sound have me paying attention. On Sunday 11/15 the ‘Stone welcomes a night of heavier than hell music featuring the infamous Black Cobra, Black Tusk, Charlotte’s own heavier than your four piece duo, MACHETE! and psychedelic rock outfit Chylde. Should be a heavy way to start the week. Talk about a Monday morning hangover!
Btw, I wanted to mention that Rodi in Gastonia is 13 years old this month. Hard to believe that Rodi has been open for 13 years but it’s true and we wanted to pass along our congratulations to them! For the uninitiated Rodi offers up great food and free live shows for the acoustic minded. It’s an eating experience that is unique in the area and never fails to make a great, memorable night. For more info go to www.rodiworld.com!
I also wanted to give a brief mention to two shows coming up this week at Amos Southend. First off, it’s all tight pants and eyeliners on Tuesday the 10th as Amos welcomes Boys Like Girls w/ Cobra Starship, The Maine, A Rocket to the Moon and Versa Emerge. This show is all ages (if it wasn’t there might not be anyone there!) and it’s $25 in advance and $28 day of show. Doors open at 6pm. It’s just the opposite on Saturday the 13th when Amos welcome Hatebreed w/ Unearth, Canibal Corpse, Hate Eternal and Born of Osiris. Jesus, I’ve seen Hatebreed and Canibal Corpse before and this show will be the heavy death metal jam from hell. If you don’t love violence stay away from the pit at this show because it will be fast and violent for sure. This show is 16 & over tickets are $20 in advance and $23 at the door and doors open at 7pm.
Snug Harbor- Dynamite Brothers, Babyshaker, Satan’s Youth Ministers 11/14/09- Somebody at Snug Harbor are secret soul fans and I love it. First Chain & The Gang and now the Dynamite Brothers. This guy have an organ to grind and harmonies to spare. This Chapel
Dynamite Brothers and Babyshaker 11/14/09
Hill party band get it all right with soulful vocals, singing about their love of women with a back breaking beat and great bass lines that will get your booty shaking. I don’t know where all these soul bands are coming from but you’ll get no complaints from me. These guys remind me of Three Dog Night and that’s a compliment! Babyshaker may not have as much soul but they definitely bring down the house with the swagger of lead singer Scott Weaver. Glam, rock, punk songs about whatever ails them is what to expect from these guys. And anyone who can last past the infamous 10 year mark definitely gets my respect! Satan’s Youth Ministers get my award for “name of the week”! This Alabama band specializes in psychedelic, garage rock with a nod of r&b. That’s all good as well. Noisy and fun these guys are a great way to start the party. It’ll be a fun night at Snug Harbor for sure.
Snug Harbor- The Dirt Daubers, Appalucia 11/15/09- The Dirt Daubers are Colonel JD Wilkes of the Legendary Shack Shakers with his wife Jessica and “Slow” Layne Hendrickson. They hail from Western Kentucky and play an ecclectic mix of Appalachian, ragtime and hot jazz standards and original music. That pretty much makes them a match made in heaven for Charlotte’s own Appalucia. This Corey Ziggler/ Andy the Doorbum project are also disciples of the Appalachian sound and this show will go great with a mega dose of moonshine!
Well that’s it for this edition of “Next Week” ! If you guys hear about a show and want to pass it along to us, send me an email! Bands keep the flyers coming! We’ll see you next time! Thanks!
Ryan Dead
Nekromantix at Tremont Music Hall 12/6/09!
Just to give you guys some advance notice, Rise Against will be playing the Fillmore in Charlotte on December 5th and tickets are already on sale for $20 bucks! Also just announced, the Nekromantix will be playing Tremont Music Hall December 6th with special guest Blitzkid. Tickets went on sale 10/31/09 and are $12 in advance and $14 at the door + the usual $3 surcharge for under 21! You can bet we’ll be at both shows! What a weekend!
In the meantime on to the shows! There is a lot of post Halloween goings on to check out so let’s check it out!
The Havenots, Planet Piss, DTS, Dr. DP & The Trainrunners 11/4/09 @ Tremont
Tremont Music Hall- The Have Nots, Planet Piss, Darken the Sky and Dr DP & The Trainrunners 11/4/09- This is a serious amount of rock for a Wednesday night! The Have Nots are from Boston and play some serious punk with a ska undertones. I’ve caught these guys several times and they appear to be forming a following in the Charlotte area so hopefully they turn out for this show! Planet Piss are a Charlotte area punk/ rock band that takes great delight in shocking the audience, whether it’s lyrically or with visuals (speedos anyone?), they never fail to deliver a full force rocking show! Darken the Sky are from Rock Hill, SC and are of a slightly crusty variety. Which is to say that they tend to lean toward a slightly metallic side of punk with the growly, hardcore style vocals. On the exact opposite side of the spectrum is Dr. DP and the Trainrunners. This band features Zaire, formerly of 20 Past 4 and Andy from Andy & The Jivers. Both are outstanding performers as was evident at a Stillnotdead show earlier this month when Zaire took the stage with the Jivers and rocked the house. Here’s hoping for a repeat performance with the Trainrunners as they bring their “feel good” Jamaican vibe to the Tremont. The show starts at 8pm and even though the flyer says $10, the actual price according to Tremont is $8 plus the usual surcharge for under 21. Also it’s all ages.
Tremont Music Hall- The Smokers, The Mangles, Necro Hippies and One Big Vice 11/5/09- This will be Tremont’s second night in a row for outstanding rock shows with this show leaning a little more toward the garage rock side of punk rock. The Smokers have been regulars on the Milestone scene and have formed a great garage rock, early punk sound. I don’t know what’s in the water lately with all these great Rock Hill bands forming but we definitely need to investigate with bands like DTS, The Smokers, One Big Vice and Bracing for Impact all hailing from this area and all invading the Charlotte scene. Also on the show is the Mangles, one of my new favorites. The Mangles take a slightly hooky sound and match it up with a glorious garage rock fuzz. Combine that with Ramones like vocals and you’ve got a recipe for a rocking new band. The Necro Hippies from New Orleans have a great raw, fast pace punk sound and deserve a look. Catch these guys, who are on tour because there is no telling when we’ll get to see them again. One Big Vice are yet another Rock Hill that are favorites among many on the Charlotte scene. They’ve got a loose, noisy sound that reminds me of early Clash. This show will be a rocking good time and at $6 bucks it’s a bargain! Usual surcharges apply and it’s all ages. Doors at 8pm.
The Milestone Club- A Wilhelm Scream, Living with Lions, The Riot Before and We Shout Goodnight 11/2/09- I gave an in depth preview of this show last week but thought I would revisit this show. Wilhelm Scream from Nitro records make for a high energy, rock show and with Living with Lions and The Riot Before appearing with them this will a rocking night at the Milestone Club. Also appearing is Charlotte band We Shout Goodnight, an uptempo “new punk” band that should get the night started proper! Doors are 8pm and tickets are $10 for over 21 and $12 for under 21.
The Milestone Club- Captured by Robots, Siren 11/5/09- If you’ve never seen this insane, over the top show you really owe it to yourself. It’s basically a one man show, if you don’t count the myriad Robots who inhabit the stage. The lone man of this show is basically held captive by Robots who force him to perform for you. It’s part one man show and part performance art and it has to be seen to be believed. Also on the show is Siren who are noisy to say the least and should provide a strange nightmarish start to a really odd show. Doors are at 8pm and admission is $10 for over 21 and $12 for under.
Hip Hop at the Milestone Club!
The Milestone Club- The Thought Criminals, Ty Bru, Quantum Foundry 11/7/09- Okay for a while I was really into hip hop. No really, not like trying to be a rapper but I appreciated the art form. Lately I’ve been noticing quite a few hip hop artist in our Queen City as well. This show features Kannapolis native The Thought Criminals, who’s claim to fame is being a nine person hip hop live band. The Wu-tang comparisons are obvious and the music leans that way as well. Not bad stuff though. I would definitely check it out. Ty Bru from Asheboro isn’t really my cup of tea but that’s merely a case of personal taste. He’s a little more smooth and seems to have a bit more of a radio friendly vibe. Quantum Foundry are from Charlotte and round out this hip hop bill. They seem to have a really chill easy vibe and smooth flow that tends to remind me of Tribe Called Quest and trust me that’s a compliment. Sorry if the descriptions aren’t exactly the most in depth. I have a hard time describing hip hop but take my word for it. This show will be worth checking out for any fan of rap or hip hop. Ghetto Fortress indeed! Show is at 8pm and admission is $7 for over 21 and $9 for under 21.
Snug Harbor- Ramonesfest with Antiseen, Flat Tires, 25 Minutes to Go, Psycho Devilles and the Trouble Walkers 11/7/09- Batten down the hatches at Snug Harbor as Rockabilly Babe productions brings together a who’s who of local punk and psychobilly to celebrate the Ramones. Last year this was a serious and sold out show and this year should be no different. Come and behold as local monsters of rock such as Antiseen and 25 Minutes to Go share the bill with psychobilly acts Psycho Devilles and the Flat Tires as well as the Trouble Walkers as they all pay tribute to the Ramones. Be there early as this one will sell out quickly!
Ryan Dead