Tag Archives: the doomsday device

Talking Shop :: Chief And TheDoomsdayDevice Visits The Trial By Error Variety Show Podcast

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New Year’s Eve 2017 was one for the books.  I found myself with 3 shows that evening, all in the square of San Marcos Texas.  My first stop was Valentino’s Pizza, courtesy of the homeboy and crew ConwayTheWhale, for a early evening showcase.  While there, I was lucky enough to meet Chaznik Raab of the Trial By Error Variety Show podcast.  We jumped out in his ‘mobile studio’ for a few minutes to talk shop, and it recently hit the airwaves.  Definitely take the time to listen, as many cool bands were interviewed that day.  Here’s to everyone achieving their 2018 dreams!

-chief

Hustle Sounds :: Tory.D Productions Drops ‘FLY BEAT TAPE’

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There’s a beat renaissance going on, and Austin seems to be hip to it.  I could go on for days talking about quality beatsmiths in my hometown.  My latest discovery is Tory.D Productions, creator of soundscapes that seem to tell stories within each song’s run time.  FLY BEAT TAPE is a 7-song collection of textured and moving instrumentals that offer more than your standard boom bap elements.  Essentially, Tory.D Productions is making collections of songs, minus the lyrics.  His work is definitely worth checking out, and I recommend doing so sooner than later.

-chief

Soulful Takes :: YUMA Presents Live Video For ‘Ozy’

When it comes to shooting live videos, it’s hard not to fall into the vast trap of relying on tropes : biggest stage and venue possible, screaming fans, slow motion, black & white intercut with color, and so on.  It’s refreshing to see bands like YUMA collaborate with visual artists such as Corey Kline in attempts to stretch the boundaries of what defines conventional presentations.  For example, their live video for Ozy consists of the band located in a warehouse somewhere in East Austin.  A variety of lamps and film lights are used to illuminate them, and the audio was captured live.  The camera floats through the situation, capturing every member of the band working together and vibing in their respective spaces.  A video like this should certainly bring them attention in anticipation for the release of their upcoming EP later this year.

-chief

Son Rising :: Virgil Wolfe Releases ‘I Can See The Day’ Single

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While getting to know Virgil Wolfe both personally and as an artist, there is one aspect to him that I completely respect and enjoy : he understands the value of getting the most out of each day.  His newest single, aptly titled I Can See The Day, is a celebration of waking up with a plan on your mind and a vision of what the day will present.  The production is handled by Calamity, and it has the vibe of waking up with energy and motivation.  This one is a perfect way to start off your day and your week.

-chief

Trending Topics :: Kal Kal Finds New Forms With Lil’ Obtuse Angel’s ‘Walter White’

When it comes to exploring new formats, new sounds, and new styles, Kal Kal is a force to be reckoned with.  Having already tackled standard issue hip-hop and lo fi, Kal Kal has found himself donning the wonderful moniker Lil’ Obtuse Angel in an effort to explore vibe-based rap.  Be it parody or sincere, it is undeniable that Walter White jams.  Tastes of his lo fi aesthetic remain in the music video, along with ironic visual trappings of the genre being taken in a much lighter form (ie Caleon Fox).  The tree that Kal Kal has planted continues to intrigue, and each branch demands attention.

-chief

Wise Words :: Syllable Releases ‘Rep My City’ Mixtape For 2018

Syllable has been on the Austin hip-hop scene for a number of years, and throughout that time, he has continued to create and support.  Rep My City, his first mixtape in quite a while, shows Syllable reflecting on that time and those experiences, and the result is both a display of gratitude and a blueprint for possible success.  The vibes are positive and honest throughout, the production provides a number of different looks, and overall, the project upholds its name.  This is definitely a solid way to set off 2018 for Syllable, and here’s to hoping that things continue to move in positive directions.

-chief

Vision Heard :: StormShadow’s ‘Delusions Of Grandeur’ Finds Music Video Form

When it comes to dropping science and fortifying the spirit, you can always count on Austin fixture StormShadow to deliver.  His bars consistently combine clever wordplay, educational gems and a sense of the divine, and Delusions Of Grandeur is no exception to those expectations.  Featured vocalist Xtina Rios brings a soothing air and uplifting that is intertwined with the trumpets found in the Madlib production (a Madlib classic, but one certainly needed to hold the weight of the song).  This is another solid element created in the StormShadow legacy, and here’s to it getting the recognition from the masses that it deserves.

-chief

Nod Factors :: Hudwnk Gets Vibey With ‘Voidz’

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Austin-based beatsmith hudwnk doesn’t have much information out there about him (that I could find, anyways).  All I know is that voidz gives me Knwxledge vibes, and that’s one of the biggest compliments that I can pay.  I look forward to digging into the rest of hudwnk‘s Bandcamp page, but for now this will hold me over.  I’d suggest you make plans to do the same thing.

-chief

Standard Issue :: Kilmatik Keeps The Culture Going With ‘Regular 2’

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Kilmatik continues his efforts to push left of center into the norm.  Regular 2 finds our host spitting the same off-kilter on-point bars that he’s known for, and this time, he’s brought a wrecking crew of collaborators to the table.  With guest verses from Click-ClackEmcee EatsRobbie AnalogMad OneTone of the CosmosCooley FlyApasoRuler Why and Norman Ba$e, it’s no surprise that the album holds the listener from track to track in terms of variety and wordplay.  Production assistance is provided from Markie TeeHADES, and White Jamal (plus a Kilmatik track for good measure).  This is definitely more moves in the right directions from a man continuing to make a name for himself.

-chief

Wise Words :: Magna Carda’s ‘COFFEE TABLE TALK VOL. ONE’ Now Available

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Since the days of their inception, Austin-based hip hop crew Magna Carda has done nothing but continue to grow, collect props, and garner respect from peers, fans and critics.  COFFEE TABLE TALK VOL. ONE finds the group continuing in the ways that we have all come to know and love.  The music is refreshingly addictive and expressive, the lyrics are creative and heartfelt, and the only thing lacking on this project is more songs.  Hopefully, the follow-up(s) come sooner than later, because this taste most certainly has me hungry for more.

-chief