Music

Making her C-U debut tonight, the singer/songwriter talks about her sound, touring and switching instruments — but definitely not about kazoos.

A little bit of rain couldn’t dampen what has quickly become an annual highlight of the local music calendar.

We wrap up our Pygmalion coverage with a recap of the festival’s last two days. Step inside for photos, reviews and some audio from that mind-bending Holy Fuck set.

Built to Spill’s epic show at the Highdive sort of got lost in the rest of Pygmalion’s kerfuffle. Annie is here to solve that problem.

Hopefully you’ve recovered from Pygmalion by this point, because this is a pretty awesome week show-wise.

Janelle Monae laid waste to the Canopy, Surfer Blood invited the crowd on-stage, Plastician’s bass nearly shook down the Highdive, and of Montreal covered…Lil’ Wayne. All of it and more, inside.

And you’ll take with you the memories, to be your sunshine after the rain.

Get caught in the ‘afterglow’ of a big night of Pygmalion music at Krannert.

While you may have lost track of him amongst all the glitz and glamour of the newer acts performing this weekend, Roky Erickson speaks with us and proves that he’s an artist who will be remembered for years to come.

Pygmalion continues tomorrow with marquee sets from Holy Fuck, Cut Chemist and Owen.

The man behind Caribou opens up about his creative process, getting ready for a tour, and the band’s live performances.

Holy Fuck keyboardist and founding member Brian Borchert on performing live, the concept behind the band, and the group’s rather unusual name.

Miss this show at your peril.

Jim Cicero of Light Pollution discusses the freedom and the constraints that come with being a band on the verge.

They’ve survived a tornado in New York and didn’t even blink. Cristy catches up with Nikki Darlin in advance of their IMC gig Thursday.

of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes on studio production, politics, album artwork, and the group’s infamous live performances

It’s maybe the best week of music that C-U’s ever seen, and John’s here to help you sort out the first two days of Pygmalion.

We kick off our Pygmalion coverage by speaking with the woman many, many people consider to be the most interesting and exciting musician in America right now.

On Friday night, the midwestern favorites proved that a band doesn’t need to simplify to survive

Holy cow, there’s a lot going on this week. If four days of two great music festivals isn’t enough for you, there’s also a blues legend playing on Sunday night.

Next week, the second annual Folk and Roots Fest will turn downtown Urbana into a world-class backyard jam session.

The ridiculously talented jazz-funk-jam supergroup is coming to the Canopy Club tonight. What do you mean, you don’t already have tickets?

Hey, did you know that the Courtyard Cafe and IMC still have shows?

Former Post Historic member Yoo Soo Kim talks to us about his new band, the advantages of Chicago and his love story with Jesse W. Johnson.

A look back on the Chicago mashup kings’ previous shows in C-U, plus some of our favorites by them.

It’s a short week, but with school in full swing, local venues are packing bands in left and right. Let’s do this thing.

Lots of people around here are doing lots of things with noise making doodads. This new semi-regular feature should help keep you more informed.

The captivatingly bizzare Indianapolis band’s show tonight offers an opportunity to ponder what Champaign-Urbana means to touring bands.

We get the feeling that “jamband” can be a dirty word for some of our readers. Click on through for a defense and an interview with Zmick bassist Dan Wonsover.

Friday night, Annie took a risk on two bands she barely knew (Memoryhouse and Twin Sister) and got rewarded in a BIG way.

This week brings together locals, touring bands and at least one homecoming.

World’s First Flying Machine guitarist Chris Howaniec lets his electronic tendencies hang out on his most recent EP.

Good news, everybody! We’ve got lineup additions and a shiny new schedule!

Smile Politely partners with local bands to rock and roll you in less time than it takes to microwave a burrito.  First up – The Palace Flophouse

Soul Asylum is playing the Sweetcorn Festival Saturday, and Lisa checks in with her old Mpls fellow-resident, Dave Pirner.

Memoryhouse’s Evan Abeele shares his thoughts on chillwave and neo-classical composition. Oh, and why you should come to their show on Friday.

The Boston-based americana-rocker brings her band — including Mike Ingram on drums — to the Cowboy Monkey tonight.

It’s never too early in the semester to blow off your classes for some rock ‘n roll, be you student, TA, professor or new University president.

Withershins singer/guitarist Isaac Gadient’s thoughts on what a scene should be, Buzz reviewers, and the challenge of defining yourself as a band. Also: a declaration of war against Take Care.

Here’s a review of a semi-local band that no one’s ever heard of. Maybe this will be their big break.

Despite some misgivings, Annie ultimately finds herself enjoying the singer-songwriter’s new album.

Former local rocker Jesse W. Johnson takes a break from his band Jet W. Lee to release an album of subtler fare.

This week will see a few thousand kids coming in who are unfamiliar with the scene — so try and make them feel welcome.

The hirsute crooner chats with us about touring, copyright lawyers, and trying to keep oneself grounded while rolling out a record in grand style.

The announcement of the festival’s schedule means it’s time to make some decisions, including a pretty tough one on the very first night.

Elsinore’s new album is tremendously exciting, meticulous and very impressive.

As usual, we pick five local shows to lambaste for not being cool enough (or too cool), then we pat ourselves on the back for a job well done.

You probably don’t agree with everything you read in our music section, and hopefully that’s recognized as a good thing.