Category: Music

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

MUSIC FOR THE TIMES: Local artists share their playlists to help comfort you during COVID

Phase two is extended in North Carolina and that’s a pretty big bummer for a community like ours. We like our local eateries, bars and dives—most of which are still either closed or limited to opening at half capacity or only doing takeout. We love our local artists, galleries and myriad exhibitions that in normal times we get to attend in person; today we’re limited … Continue reading MUSIC FOR THE TIMES: Local artists share their playlists to help comfort you during COVID

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

LIVE FROM ‘SHALLOW CHATEAU’: Travis Shallow continues livestreaming series, releases new single Friday

  If we remember anything about music in 2020, it will be how livestream concerts helped musicians and music lovers come to terms with COVID life. Local singer-songwriter and guitarist Travis Shallow has kept occupied (and sane) with his own “Shallow Chateau” streaming series every Wednesday and Saturday at 6 p.m. He originally started the roughly two-hour shows because he needed some structure during quarantine. … Continue reading LIVE FROM ‘SHALLOW CHATEAU’: Travis Shallow continues livestreaming series, releases new single Friday

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

LOVE NOTES: David Dixon releases third single ahead of 2020 EP

  David Dixon’s forthcoming single, “Better With You By My Side,” isn’t subtle. He wrote the song as a love note for Lauren, his wife of almost three years. The single’s artwork even features a photo of the couple from their wedding day: Lauren rests her head on his shoulder. In Dixon’s own words, “She’s the best.” “Beautiful, funny, kind, supportive, loves music,” he adds. … Continue reading LOVE NOTES: David Dixon releases third single ahead of 2020 EP

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

COMMUNITY CALLING! Local bands weave protest and pandemic footage into forthcoming videos

It’s hard to find words for the shit show that is 2020. Between a global pandemic our country wasn’t ready for and the ongoing protests against police brutality (a systemic problem we’ve ignored for far too long), it’s barely June and we’re already longingly looking at 2021 with cautious optimism. As a woman who plays rock ‘n’ roll, Red Gemini’s Addie Wuensch currently lives by … Continue reading COMMUNITY CALLING! Local bands weave protest and pandemic footage into forthcoming videos

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

ARTISTIC TIME CAPSULE: Kathryn O’Shea opens up about ‘January 9th,’ available now

  Like most people, singer-songwriter Katheryn O’Shea describes the last couple months as an unexpected whirlwind of adjustments. We first met the Asheville-based artist when she played 2019’s Carolina Pines Fest last November. She has since recorded her debut album, “January 9th” (on the date in 2020), with the intention of touring behind a spring release. The finished tracks came to her on March 14—her … Continue reading ARTISTIC TIME CAPSULE: Kathryn O’Shea opens up about ‘January 9th,’ available now

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

KEEPING LIVE MUSIC ALIVE: Virtual festival ‘Don’t Leave Your Stoop’ gets under way Saturday

  Despite postponed and canceled events plaguing our social calendar right now, Wilmington’s music community continues to find ways to get artists and their music to listeners. Stoop Records, a local independent label founded and managed by Kevin Earl, is just one of countless recording companies that have had to think creatively to overcome the effects of COVID-19. “The main setback of COVID-19 so far … Continue reading KEEPING LIVE MUSIC ALIVE: Virtual festival ‘Don’t Leave Your Stoop’ gets under way Saturday

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

SILVER LINING: Mike Blair and the Stonewalls release a series of singles leading up to ‘Almanac County’

  “Somebody asked me the other day, ‘What are you doing for fun?’” singer-songwriter Mike Blair tells me over our Zoom sesh—not quite the same as grabbing a beer at Burnt Mill Creek, but we’re both getting used to it. We’re discussing the “COVID cloud” we’re all living under these days as we wait patiently (mostly?) for the return of normalcy in commerce, arts and … Continue reading SILVER LINING: Mike Blair and the Stonewalls release a series of singles leading up to ‘Almanac County’

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

BE PROUD: Former Seahawk Christy McDonald releases debut EP ‘PROUD’

  Last weekend was supposed to be commencement for 2020 UNCW grads. Of course, COVID-19 put the kibosh on those plans. While it’s disappointing for so many who have worked hard for years, UNCW alumni, faculty and staff have been sharing words of encouragement and congratulating graduates in an effort to remind there’s so much to celebrate. “I know this is a weird time, but … Continue reading BE PROUD: Former Seahawk Christy McDonald releases debut EP ‘PROUD’

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

TAKE THE MIC(TURN): MicTurn app wraps first original song contest

  Wilmington’s Jason Ashby and Kennon Young just closed entries for their first original song contest on Sunday via their MicTurn app. With 59 entries (and the nonprofit 100 Men Who Care in Wilmington matching each $5 entry donation with $10), they raised $590 for Meals For Heroes. “Nothing crazy but it feels great to give back in any way,” Ashby says. Submissions were open … Continue reading TAKE THE MIC(TURN): MicTurn app wraps first original song contest

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

AN OPTIMISTIC NOTE: Bradley Wik releases “music for depressed alcoholic autistic people” in support of Autism Awareness Month

  “I spent so many years trying to fight against being a ‘depressed alcoholic autistic person’ and that only made it worse,” muses Charlotte-based singer-songwriter Bradley Wik. “I convinced myself I was broken and I was the only person who felt this way. But I want people to know you’re not broken and you’re not alone.” In support of Autism Awareness Month, Wik and his … Continue reading AN OPTIMISTIC NOTE: Bradley Wik releases “music for depressed alcoholic autistic people” in support of Autism Awareness Month

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