BUILDING CONNECTIONS: Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith talks new songs and live album

The Port City last welcomed Dawes in 2015 after they’re hit record, “All Your Favorite Bands” (released on the band’s independent label, HUB Records) came out; it was praised around the country. Back then, encore spoke with Griffin Goldsmith (drums and background vocals) prior to their Brooklyn Arts Center gig. He said they were trying to capture a Dawes show, admitting: “It’s not easy to … Continue reading BUILDING CONNECTIONS: Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith talks new songs and live album

BELOW THE SURFACE: MC Taylor talks songwriting and touring with Jason Isbell

Hiss Golden Messenger’s MC Taylor sits down with encore to chat about his prolific songwriting, his recording process and projects to come. Taylor is returning to the Port City to open Jason Isbell’s show at CFCC Wilson Center this week. Continue reading BELOW THE SURFACE: MC Taylor talks songwriting and touring with Jason Isbell

CHAMBERFOLK TRIO: Harpeth Rising combine classical training with folk traditions at Brunswick concert this week

It’s not clear when or where distinct folk music began in history, but there is evidence that various forms of storytelling and singing predates the written word by centuries. The evolution of music and its genres continues on an undetermined path with melting-pot bands, like the classical-folk trio Harpeth Rising. The all-female group combine classically trained talents who deliver their music via folk storytelling and … Continue reading CHAMBERFOLK TRIO: Harpeth Rising combine classical training with folk traditions at Brunswick concert this week

HEAR OUR VOICE: 10 Actions in First 100 Days has local postcard-writing meetup Thursday

“We attended the march in DC,”  Wilmington resident and artist Lauren Lassiter describes. “It was without a doubt the most beautiful event I’ve ever participated in.” Lassiter and her friends went to the US capital prepared with a list of supplies. They walked through the crowds of women and men with their names and emergency contact numbers written on their arms in Sharpie. “We didn’t … Continue reading HEAR OUR VOICE: 10 Actions in First 100 Days has local postcard-writing meetup Thursday

DUALITY OF FEMINIniTY AND MASCULINITY: Slow Dance releases debut EP this weekend at Gravity Records

Wilmington’s latest indie-folk duo Slow Dance, made up of Justin Lacy and Sarah Royal, ended 2016 by debuting a self-titled EP—often haunting, a bit quirky and all-out emotional. Though, Lacy admits, New Year’s Eve isn’t a typical release date for new work, he says they wanted to “leave these songs in the old year.” “It was actually Sarah’s idea,” he clarifies. “Being a bit of … Continue reading DUALITY OF FEMINIniTY AND MASCULINITY: Slow Dance releases debut EP this weekend at Gravity Records

12 MONTHS, 24 NEW SONGS: Sunset Kings set lofty goals for 2017, play Satellite this Saturday

“I’m the kind of guy who jumps in the water and then learns how to swim,” Brandon Rougeau says over the phone. It’s not where we start our conversation but it certainly summarizes how he and his three-piece rock band, Sunset Kings, are approaching 2017. Rougeau (guitar, vocals), Nick Simon (drums) and Stephen Luther (bass) have committed themselves to release two original songs each month … Continue reading 12 MONTHS, 24 NEW SONGS: Sunset Kings set lofty goals for 2017, play Satellite this Saturday

SOARING SOLO: Richard Strater makes his Wilmington debut at Ted’s Fun on the River

“I wanted to record an EP that represented me as a solo act as accurately as possible,” solo singer and guitarist Richard Strater wrote in preface to his last album, “The Pessimistic Troubadour,” in 2014. “That’s why the only audio you will find on this EP is the sound of my guitar and of my voice.” Strater plays solo on guitar and vocals on each track, … Continue reading SOARING SOLO: Richard Strater makes his Wilmington debut at Ted’s Fun on the River

MULTI-LAYERED: SUSTO’s Justin Osborne digs into latest album ‘& I’m Fine Today’ before ILM show

This week Charleston, South Carolina’s SUSTO will release their sophomore album “& I’m Fine Today” on January 13. Named for the record, their winter tour will bring them north to our own port city’s Bourgie Nights (127 Princess St.) on January 14. Lead singer Justin Osborne admits they wanted to marry a few different sounds on this album, including but not limited to folk, psychedelic … Continue reading MULTI-LAYERED: SUSTO’s Justin Osborne digs into latest album ‘& I’m Fine Today’ before ILM show