The Gaslight Anthem at Lollapalooza

Lost in Concert did an amazing interview with The Gaslight Anthem while they were at Lollapalooza.
You can read the interview in full here, or an excerpt below.

The band recently released their new album, Handwritten, which has generated an enthusiastic buzz that is deeply exciting the band’s long-time fans and also attracting new followers. “I don’t think this record is any more exciting than the other records we’ve done,” says Horowitz. “The build-up before every record we have, I always have this crazy anticipation to let people hear it because I think it’s good. But the reaction we’ve had during this week since the record’s come out, and a lot of the stuff that’s happening – we’re all like, ‘something’s happening for this record that maybe hasn’t happened before.’ Maybe it’s the mixture of the timing and the record and the new people behind it and stuff like that. Something’s different but I don’t know if it’s happened long enough to really know what the fuck is going on yet.”

SOTW interviews Adam Wakeman of Black Sabbath

Photos by Brendan Shanley of Lost in Concert

Did you listen to our interview with Adam Wakeman of Black Sabbath yet?
We sat down with him in the "Black Sabbath Compound" to talk music.

Lollapalooza 2012: Sunday Wrap-Up

I woke Sunday, tired but ready to finish out Lolla weekend with the best day yet.
I'd planned to get to the park in time for Oberhofer, but sadly couldn't drag myself out of bed in time. (I've been loving Time Capsules II, though).

Once I arrived at the park, I stopped by the media tent to grabbed some water, got my photo snapped by MTV Style, and then headed over to the Red Bull stage to start waiting for Sigur Ros. (In the process, I also accidentally heard some Trampled By Turtles. Not my thing).

As soon as Jonsi and the rest of the band took the stage, I was captivated. Watching him use the bow on his guitar and blast his lovely vibrato into the microphone gave me shivers down my spine, even though I was sweating in the sun. I only wish they'd been given a later slot, so I could listen to them while the sun went down.

After Sigur Ros, I went to see Florence and the Machine, who blew me away. Florence Welch is a GODDESS. She wore a flowing dress onstage and had fans blowing on her so it looked like she was flying the entire time. Her voice boomed out over the crowd as she danced across the stage. During one song, she called for people to get on each other's shoulders.

Immediately after that, Chairlift took the stage. The crowd was a little small, due to the rescheduling, but they still played an awesome set. I danced and sang along.

For the end of my weekend, I chose to see Childish Gambino. I'll admit, I'm in love with Donald Glover. How could I not be? Have you seen Community? Have you heard his witty rapping?  What a man. What a weekend. <3 LOLLA <3

Invasion of the Royal Teeth



Photo Credit: Rahav Segev

Have you listened to Royal Teeth yet? Last month Stic-of-the-Week had the amazing opportunity to meet these wonderful people and hear them rock out the Subterranean. Well, lucky for all of us they're back and ready for more - playing Lolla after shows aplenty. If their insane musical appeal isn't enough, singer and tambourine player, Nora Patterson has a stage presence and style that is wicked. Stic of the Week had the chance to talk style both on and off stage with Nora, so if you're lookin' to look like you rock an audience I suggest you take some notes. This girl's got it down to the bandanas.

SOTW: Where do you draw your style from? Who or what influences your personal style?  

N.P: I’ve never really had any specific influence. I just kind of draw from different images I see, whether it be a color palette or outfit I really like, I’ll try to incorporate that into my wardrobe somehow. If something catches my eye and I can afford it, I’ll get it. Versatility also plays a big part in my wardrobe.

SOTW: What is the difference between your personal style and your style while on stage?



N.P: My stage style is a bit more interesting than my personal style. When I’m getting ready for a show, I try to wear pieces with more detailed fabrics, colors and cuts. I also accessorize more when I’m playing a show because I normally don’t wear too much jewelry. For my personal style, I keep it simple and casual. Skinny jeans, a tank top and flats are basically my touring uniform.

SOTW: Does the location of a show influence your style whatsoever?

N.P: Unless the weather is a factor, I try to be pretty consistent with my style on stage. I try to think of every show as an important opportunity for the band, especially when we are playing somewhere we have never been before. There are always new people in the audience, so I try to make a good first impression each time. 

SOTW: How does image and style play into the "Royal Teeth" performance?

N.P: We think it’s beneficial for our performance when we look like a cohesive group, so we all dress pretty similar, stylistically speaking. We don’t color coordinate or anything like that, but we will all try to look our best (except when our guitar player chooses to wear his favorite Angola Prison t-shirt). Our shows are fun and light-hearted and we all move around a lot so whatever works for that night, we’ll go with it. 



Zach Breaux Photography

SOTW: What is the one style item that you cannot live without and why?

N.P: I have a vintage bandana that I stole from my mom that has a great multi colored chevron print on it. I use it for so many different things, I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have it. It’s especially good to have on tour, so I can hide my hair when I haven’t been able to wash it for a few days. It works better than Dry Shampoo. 

SOTW: If you could steal anyone's closet, who would it be and why?

N.P: For stage clothes, I would steal Kimbra’s closet. She always has really interesting, fun outfits without being too over the top. For personal style, I would love to steal Jenny Lewis’ closet. Her style is vintage and folksy but still very simple and she always looks classy and well put together.  



SOTW:  What is your philosophy when deciding what to wear?

N.P: I don’t have a strict philosophy. When I’m getting dressed I try to put an outfit together that I would like to see on someone else walking around that day. It works for the most part. I just try to keep it classy and make sure I’ll be comfortable in what I’m wearing all day. I do have one rule about not wearing pajamas or workout clothes when I’m running errands.

SOTW: Can you please explain the ribbons on your hand?

N.P: The ribbons wrapped around my hand are actually functional. I play the tambourine and, before the ribbons, I used to hit my hand so hard that it would be blue the next day. So, I decided to make something colorful to wrap around my hand for protection. I cut up scarves and pieces of fabric I had and braided and knotted them together. It works really well so far.

SOTW: Explain how your style has developed after finishing your first tour?

N.P: I am definitely more selective when I’m shopping for stage clothes now. I find myself searching for more versatile pieces, since I can’t fit my entire closet in my suitcase. For shows, I try to be creative by doing the mix and match thing when I’m choosing what to wear, so I don’t have to wear the same outfit every other night.

SOTW: Favorite places to shop?

N.P: I try to shop at vintage and thrift stores as much as I can because you can find such unique pieces there if you look hard enough. H&M, Top Shop and Urban Outfitters are a few of my favorites as well. As long as I can find something affordable and of good quality, I’m happy.

SOTW: 5 essential items that come with you on tour?

N.P: My travel trunk, sketchbook, laptop, bandana and a camera. 

Stic-of-the-Week would like to thank Nora and all of Royal Teeth for being such a wonderful group to work with.

Be sure to check out their music as well as more Royal Teeth information on their facebook page!

Lollapalooza 2012: Saturday Wrap-Up

The morning was bright and hot again, not giving any hint to what was ahead for the thousands of Lolla-goers on Saturday.
After helping some dear friends move in the morning, I headed downtown to Grant Park.
I stopped by the Sony stage to see Bears in Heaven first, though I'd never heard them before. Their electro-psych tunes intrigued me, and I made a mental note to look up more of their stuff.

I then headed over to the Google Play stage to wait for Chairlift's set.
While I waited, I got to see GIVERS perform, which was tons of fun. That band is a big ball of energy and catchy songs, as you can see below.

That's one of the best parts of music festivals; you get to wander by stages and happen upon new, delicious music. It's like a musical buffet.
The bad thing about buffets though is that I always end up eating too much and feeling vaguely ill.
After so many hours surrounded by loud, drunk crowds in the hot sun, it was kind of a relief to hear that the park was being evacuated because of an impending storm.
Kind of.

Patrick Wimberly of Chairlift was the one to give me the news. He came to the edge of the stage and yelled to everyone in the front that the whole park was being evacuated. I stood in shock for a few seconds, then immediately began speed-walking to the train so I could reach my bike before it started storming in earnest. Despite my speed-walking skills, I still got soaked on my bike ride home. But man, did it feel good to put my feet up and rest.

Lollapalooza 2012: Friday Wrap-Up

I woke Friday morning ("morning" here referring to around 11 AM) to a bright, hot day. For some reason, I showered, but my shower was rendered completely useless the moment I stepped outside and started sweating. I knew I was in for a hot one at Lollapalooza.
Lolla. The word rolls off of the tongue like candy. It's a music-lover's dreamland, and until Friday, I'd never been. Now, here I was, poised on the brink of it, with a media pass, no less. It was the stuff of legend.

Though I never took into account the fact that I'd be sweating the whole time. When I arrived at the Sony stage to see Yellow Ostrich, I was already a hot mess, especially since I'd forgotten a hair tie. Long hair + hot sun = lots of sweat. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Yellow Ostrich, despite frontman Alex Shaaf's nervousness or hesitance. Their set at the Empty Bottle earlier this year was much better. Maybe it was a combination of the heat and it being daylight and the pressure of it being Lollapalooza that caused Shaaf to fumble some lyrics and hold back a bit. I also think the guitar was too quiet. Nevertheless, I sang along and danced because I love them and have had Strange Land on repeat in my car for months. They'll do better next time; I have faith. Also, in the middle of the set, the band stopped so a man could come out and propose to his girlfriend. She said yes, and the whole crowd cheered. What a magical start to the weekend!

Thank goodness for the shade of the media tent. After Yellow Ostrich, I retreated there to drink boxes of water and listen to Dr. Dog from the comfort of a plastic chair. As I listened, I mentally prepared myself for Stic of the Week's interview with Adam Wakeman, the touring keyboardist for Black Sabbath. Yes, you heard me (and you can listen to the interview below). It was quite the adventure to meet up with Adam and be escorted back to the "Black Sabbath Compound." That is what the sign called it.
Once in the "Compound," we sat in some lovely air-conditioning and had a chat with Adam, who is a really sweet guy.



Later, I wandered on over to see The Afghan Whigs, who I didn't particularly enjoy. After downing a cheeseburger, I sat in the shade and listened to The Head and the Heart from afar, which was lovely, and relaxing. I think I stopped sweating for a few minutes. Then I got back up to check out The Shins for a few songs.
But I really wanted to be in front for M83, so I parked myself at the Sony stage an hour before their set and waited. And sweated. And waited. But it was worth it; the moment the band emerged from the fog and light onstage, the crowd turned into a sweaty dance party. I LOVE sweaty dance parties. And M83 just knows how to put on a show. Jordan Lawlor peacocked all over the stage in a black-and-white shirt, at one point standing on the bass drums and getting the audience to clap with him. M83 has such a tremendous presence, mostly due to the  fact that each member has their own huge presence already. The combination is electrifying. People kept trying to crowd surf, though, and it was crappy. Keep your drunk bodies off of my head, please.
I stuck around for a little of the Black Keys but was pretty wiped out by that point. Guess I'm too old for all of this festival business. I went home to sleep and do it all again Saturday.