Big Picture Media Showcase

When: October 22, 6pm
Where: The Living Room; Brooklyn, NY
Cost: FREE w/CMJ badge, $8 no badge
Additional Info: 21+

Review:: Fathoms | Vinyl Thief

Ever since the 2012 release of Rebel Hill – EP, the wait for Vinyl Thief’s first album release has been tantalizing, and it is finally here. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Vinyl Thief is a group of self-taught musicians storming the indie-rock and electronica community. Their debut album Fathoms showcases a beautiful blend of lead singer Grayson Proctor’s edgy vocals fused with electrifying synth beats.  The band has put together ten songs that add a little bit of rock and little bit of EDM to everyone’s library.

After listening to Fathoms, it’s hard to believe the quartet started out in an old church sanctuary.  Fathoms is like an intimate concert between you and Vinyl Thief.   Every song starts off with its own signature electronic beat pulling you into Proctor’s trance-like voice, then soars into a loud and edgy chorus.  The album has an incredible flow as you transition from track to track, coming together to form a dynamic electro-rock story.

From slow, dreamy to upbeat, edgy tunes, Fathoms gives you an eclectic number of options to listen to. The instant hit “Middle of the Night” makes you feel like you’re about to embark on an adventure as the grittiness in Proctor’s vocals launches you into unexpected bass drop. The acoustic driven “London”plays with the lead singer’s killer wide range, and makes you want to visit London, England for real. The first verse of the song depicts the relaxing and mellow aura of taking in your first sight of London. Then an unexpected chorus expresses the liveliness and excitement that washes over when you get to the heart of the city.  Another track worth mentioning is “Rebel Hill” where the band experiments with their Nashville roots by adding a flair of blues to it.  While it is subtly mixed into song, it actually ties the whole song together and gives it a more rock n’ roll vibe.

Bands who can successfully blend the distinctness of indie rock and electronic music are few and far between. Vinyl Thief helps close the gap with their unique approach in Fathoms.  The band can easily fit in at indie music festivals and giant EDM concerts. Though the album stills needs a little more input of Grayson Proctor’s gritty side, Vinyl Thief has delivered an exceptionally solid first full length album.  As long as Vinyl Thief can keep their indie rockiness in harmony with their electronic style, it won’t be much of a surprise to see them playing sold out shows soon.

Release Date: July 22nd, 2014
Rating: 4/5
Runtime: ~36 minutes
Recommended Tracks: Middle of the Night, London

Track listing:
1. Fathoms
2. Smooth
3. London
4. Faces
5. Slow Down
6. Middle of the Night
7. Compact
8. Rebel Hill
9. Stop Motion
10. Alright

 

50 Acts You Won’t Want To Miss At SXSW (Part 5)

 

Since none of us here at Lucy Out Loud will be able to attend SXSW this year, we’ve put together a list of 50 acts(in no particular order) we think those of you that are attending shouldn’t miss! 

To check out our fifth and final installment (acts 41-50), click “Read More”!

*Note: some acts we’ve included are performing at South By So What?! and not South By South West. However, since the festival takes place during the week of South By Southwest, we’ve decided to still include them in our list!

Part 5 (Acts 41-50). Check out Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

  1. The Tontons
    Any band named after something Star Wars related is automatically a favorite in my book. The Tontons bring a psychedelic rock sound that we’ve previously referred to as a perfect mix of Lauren Hill, Under the Influence of Giants, plus a dash of Jimi Hendrix. The band recently released their sophomore album and after 3 years of touring (over 300 shows!!), The Tontons are definitely making a name for themselves. 
    Where to catch The Tontons: 3.12 – Big PictureMedia Showcase @ The Thirsty Nickel; 3.15- Dirty Dog Bar

  2. Lime Cordiale
    It feels as if surf-rock is alive and well when you listen to Lime Cordiale. With a mixture of smooth vocals and even smoother instrumentals, their infectious sound is unmatched by anybody else today. 
    Where to catch Lime Cordiale: 3.12 – 1:10pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Thirsty Nickel; 3.13 – 5:20pm – Sound Gallery @ B.D. Riley’s Pub; 3.13 – 9pm – Chugg Music Showcase @ TenOak; 3.15 – 12:15pm – The Aussie BBQ @ Maggie Mae’s; 3.15 – 9pm – Planetary Group Party @ Maggie Mae’s

  3. The Devil Wears Prada
    The guys of The Devil Wears Prada have been near the front of the pack for years. Amidst a constant cycle of writing, recording, and touring, the Ohio five-piece have always been able to please. As the headliners for this year’s Take Action! Tour, TDWP are going to have a very busy spring, but I don’t foresee anyone complaining. 
    Where to catch The Devil Wears Prada: 3.16 – South By So What?! @ Quiktrip Park

  4. Fritz Montana
    With a stellar blend of blues and indie, this Californian trio has shared the stage with the likes of Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, AFI, and a handful of others, taking each opportunity to spread their massive sound to as much of an audience as possible. 
    Where to catch Fritz Montana: 3.11 – 8pm @ Shiner’s Saloon; 3.12 – 11pm @ Bourbon Girl; 3.13 – 2:15pm @ Lot323; 3.13 – 4pm @ Chuggin’ Monkey; 3.13 – 6:30pm @ Texas Rockfest

  5. Quiet Company
    This band formed back in 2005 and have spent the past few years developing a sound that is truly their own and really making a name for themselves. You may have even heard a song of theirs featured on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Real World New Orleans, Royal Pains or Sims 3: Showtime. The band is currently in the process of recording their 4th album!
    Where to catch Quiet Company: 3.11 – 11:30pm – SXSW Showcase @ The Main II; 3.14 – 1:45pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ The Blind Pig Rooftop; 3.14 – 4:30pm – Roky Erickson’s Ice Cream Social @ Threadgills; 3.15 – 1am – Official SXSW Showcase @ SOHO Lounge

  6. Bring Me the Horizon
    Whether you’ve enjoyed them from the start, or it took a few albums before they roped you in, or even if you aren’t a fan, Bring Me the Horizon are indisputably great live. Oli Sykes’ command of the stage is mesmerizing, and they continue to get better.
    Where to catch Bring Me The Horizon: 3.15 – South By So What?! @ Quiktrip Park

  7. Vinyl Thief
    This Tennessee electro-rock quartet recently released their EP, Stop Motion, last month – and we’ve been addicted since. The EP encourages listeners to live their lives to the fullest without regrets, something that most people should live up to. At last years SXSW, the band stuffed their gear onto a tiny stage and according to Beautiful Buzz, “proceeded to slay that room to teeny tiny pieces.” If you’re catching them at a showcase this year…prepare yourselves.
    Where to catch Vinyl Thief: 3.13 – 4pm – Landshark Showcase @ Bayou Lounge; 3.14 – 2:55pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Blind Pig Rooftop; 3.15 – 8pm @ BD Riley’s

  8. The Grahams
    The Grahams recently released the deluxe edition of their album Riverman’s Daughter on February 4th. The country/folk duo will be on tour until mid-May showcasing their soulful music.
    Where to catch The Grahams: 3.12 – 3pm – Midcoast Takeover @ Shangri La; 3.12 – 8pm – Sony Music Showcase @ The Market

  9. Carbon Tigers
    Last year was a rocky one for the Carbon Tigers who had their equipment, merchandise and van stolen. But the best part of that mess is that they crowd funded over $12,000 to purchase new gear – they have awesome fans. Admit it. Recently featured on Zimbio, Guitar World, NYLON, and NYLON Guys, this indie-rock band is one we can only expect to see make huge waves.
    Where to catch Carbon Tigers: 3.12 – 12:35pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Thirsty Nickel; 3.12 – 1am – The Nekkid Armadilla Presents @ Lucky Lounge; 3.13 – 1:30pm – AEMMP Records Presents @ Bat Bar; 3.13 – 9pm – Audiotree SXSW Showcase @ Licha’s Cantina; 3.15 – 2pm – RedGorilla Music Fest Showcase @ Thirsty Nickel

  10. The Lonely Biscuits
    After winning mtvU’s 2013 “College Artist of the Year” award, The Lonely Biscuits have proved that full-time students can still be kickass musicians. They kicked off 2014 with a new music video and will be performing a ton of shows this year – so make sure you find yourself at one of them!
    Where to catch The Lonely Biscuits: 3.12 – 11pm – BMI Showcase @ Bar 96; 3.14 – 1:10pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ The Blind Pig Rooftop

Review:: Stop Motion | Vinyl Thief


Tennessee electro-rock quartet Vinyl Thief recently released their new EP titled, Stop Motion. With lyrics like “Come with me / We’ll go as far as we / Can see indefinitely” and “So let’s go / Drive through the night / When darkness is closing in,” the EP encourages listeners to live their lives to the fullest without regrets.

In a recent interview, Vinyl Thief’s lead singer Grayson Proctor stated, “The inspiration behind these songs on the EP is an escape. We tend to run away from the things we don’t want to deal with. We have to really force ourselves to slow down and see the bigger picture." 

It’s a good thing that Grayson Proctor is in an electro-rock band. His vocals have the ability to make you feel calm or instantly excite you, as electronic music should do! Vinyl Thief perfectly pairs the electronic sound of synths and keys with the rock sound of guitar and drums. The result is nothing short of captivating.

I can only imagine how incredible Stop Motion sounds live. Electronic music is always fun to dance to in concert. Vinyl Thief has upcoming performances in New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. If you live in those areas and are in the mood to go to a concert, check them out!

Release Date: February 4, 2014
Rating: 4.5/5
Runtime: 15:18

Track Listing:
1. Smooth
2. Faces
3. Slow Down
4. Stop Motion


Written By: Kerianne Wilson