Real big quality indie show happening this Saturday, October 1st. Two tours are colliding in our basement. Cubits and The Mailboxes are roaming the states together. You may recognize a member of Cubits from Fairfield, IA as being none other than Mr Nasti himself. This is Nicholas’ latest setup with a really nice electronic wiz bang band. Since this is a brand new band, there isn’t much recorded yet, but be prepared for something tasty and good. Here’s what’s out there so far.
It’s also nice having Tennessee band Mailboxes back with their Regina Spektor-ish vibes. Jillian has been busy writing new material and this band is certainly showing many emotional sides. We’re excited to have their energy back in the basement.
On tour from from the other direction is Chicago based band Campdogzz. This band appears to be on the move, and who knows where they’ll be going from here. We’re really excited to add them to an already stellar lineup. Although typically a duo, they are going all out with a 6 piece band, we expect it’s going to be ridiculously good. Of their list of bands that inspire them, Cat Power certainly stands out to us in their music. Check out their album, it’s been on rotation on our playlist for quite some time.
Skunkworks are the only local Springfield act on the lineup. We’re really excited about this band. They came out of nowhere this year and got the judges vote a the battle of the bands and have definitely caught our eye as the best new indie in town. If you like bands like Radiohead, Tame Impala, and Death Cab, then you’ll definitely want to catch this.
Also as an extra treat for this show, we’ll be serving breakfast cereal along with our usual coffee and free arcade. A show this sweet needs to go with a sweet bowl of cereal.
The summer break is over, time to get back to business.
September 3rd is going to be a unique night. We’ve never done a straight post rock/ambient show before with no pesky lyrics getting in the way. You’re guaranteed to know all the words this time!
It’s going to be a splendid show, you’ll definitely want to pop open a pamplemoose la croix, take it easy, and let it all in. Also there’s a new arcade machine in the Radon Arcade. The music will beat up your feels, the arcade will do the rest.
Just coming off the busiest time of the year for Radon Lounge festivals, and gearing up for a nice break with the fam. But first I need to record how things went at AudioFeed 2016.
Once again I was in charge of managing the 3rd largest AudioFeed stage, which happened to be the Radon Lounge tent, the place where you go to rest after raging in the pit at the other stages. This year the Baristie Boys upped their coffee game with totally rad Nitros, Pour Overs, and Thai Iced Coffees.
I heard multiple reports AudioFeed established itself this year. Attendance was certainly up, despite rain. It’s safe to say it is now the premier midwest summer festival for really weird Christians (and non-believers, no stones thrown here) who don’t fit in anywhere else. If you’re a person who hasn’t let western politics tamper with your faith, thinks christian radio sucks, or just wants to live a full life following Jesus, this is your fest.
As expected, AudioFeed felt like a family reunion. So many bands we’ve hosted at Radon shows over the years come together to play this fest and hang. I couldn’t walk anywhere without bumping into another person to hug and share what’s going on in our lives, it was really hard getting work done.
So much good music happened this year, it would be really hard to describe all of it. I’m going to talk about some of my favorite performances. Unfortunately since I’m busy most of the time managing the stage, I miss a lot of stuff going on elsewhere. I did not get to see some of my top picks for new bands such as Jackie-Hill Perry, Josh Garrels, Tow’rs, and The Hunts. I also didn’t get see some other performances that were reported to me as killer, such as Comrades, Dad Jokes, Listener, Emery, Analecta, Levi the Poet, Flatfoot 56, Propoganda, and ’68.
I’m going to list my top 5 sets of the fest, which is dangerous. There are sooo many good bands, and bands that give their best performances at AudioFeed as many consider this their big set of the year and pull out all the stops. And of course I’m always going to forget something while I’m writing and totally kick myself about it later. Also my perception is relative to a lot of things. My experience could be affected by whether I’m too busy to focus, too hungry, too warm/cold, too much unhealthy food (don’t wanna explain that further), just dealt with an asshole, or screwed something up for someone and felt bad about it. All that aside, some of these sets just hit me in the perfect place where I could die right there on the spot having lived a complete life.
#5 Must Build Jacuzzi – This was actually a last minute add for the fest. Another band cancelled and they happened to be available. I actually thought this band no longer existed. But who can say no to a good ska band now and then. They drew the wildest crowd of the whole fest to the Radon tent with infinity skanking and circle pits, especially considering they were on the stage pretty early on during the first day of the fest and after 3 laid-back female singer-songwriters. It was definitely the biggest genre-shock I’ve ever experienced, and that’s saying something when it comes to my shows.
Sam Arias, AudioFeed 2016
#4 Sam Arias – This was a beautiful set. I might have done some arm twisting to make sure at least one of these bands that I’ve discovered in the Chicago area would get to play. Looks like Sam got the luck of the draw, but he in turn brought everyone else in his tight-knit circle. Sam, backed by members of Qajaq, Families, and NAAL (maybe others too that I don’t even know about). His band was so tight, it definitely felt like a once in a lifetime experience.
Zoo (after-show cuddles – AudioFeed 2016)
#3 Zoo – I knew this would be good, and I was looking forward to it the whole fest. Zoo had performed previously as a duo at one of my basement shows last year, and it was my favorite basement set of that year. This time he brought a full band and they were TIGHT, so good, cannot recommend Zoo enough. I really think this band is going “blow up” someday as long as people don’t keep confusing it with another zoo from their hometown of Cincinnati.
Red Sweater Lullaby – AudioFeed 2016
#2 Red Sweater Lullaby – I’ve seen Red Sweater a handful of times, each time it’s a little different. Sometimes it’s just Kris Rochelle (of Listener) with an acoustic guitar, sometimes it’s a band. This time it was a band, with Dan Smith (of Listener, I think) on bass, and members of Foxhollow on drums and guitar. I was completely not ready for how much this band slayed. He sang his heart completely out and they rocked so hard. I couldn’t gush enough backstage.
Forrister – AudioFeed 2016 – photo stolen from David “NAAL” Mantel.
#1 Forrister – Ok, I know what you’re thinking. “You’re just all starstruck… Julien Baker… blah blah blah”. Well, yeah that’s part of it. But I tried real hard to put that bias aside. Of course Julien’s solo work is blowing up and is awesome, etc, but there really isn’t much out there about her band Forrister. They have a bandcamp site with one song, and it’s pretty good, but maybe not mind-blowing. I wasn’t sure if this band would just be all hype or actually good, needless to say I was skeptical. I met Julien right before she went on stage and she was really, really nice. Her whole band was really excited to be there, as if they were just excited we allowed them to play our fest. They were totally not rock stars about anything. We talked about DIY stuff for a bit and then she went on. They obliterated AudioFeed, The End.
Honorable Mentions
Kevin Schlereth – I’ve seen Kevin perform quite a few times, but not lately. He’s really re-invented himself and after being snubbed by the fest for 3 years, he got his revenge with a massive crowd, huge sing-alongs, and the only crowdsurf of the Radon tent.
Mike Mains & the Branches – This band has some attention for sure, I’ve just never listened. I was worried they would be “too poppy”, but they rocked hard and it was good and I am now won over.
6’10 – did not disappoint just like at the Horse Show. Huge sing-alongs and you can tell they’re one of the best loved bands of the fest. It was hard not adding them to my top 5, just too many good bands, we need to stop booking so many good bands.
Adjy – I was so looking forward to this band and they were just as good if not better than I imagined. I found out their lack of online presence is on purpose as they are against social media and promoting the band through modern means. But they do believe in building personal relationships with their audience and they are some very genuinely present people. They even offered to help me load my pinball machine at the end of the fest. Their sound might just help me forget my eternal sadness when Anathallo broke up years ago. The only thing keeping them from my top 5 is all the technical difficulties we had during the set. We didn’t have near enough setup time scheduled for this kind of kitchen sink band, and had problems throughout the set, so it was hard to really get into the music. Next time we’ll be prepared. Hopefully we won’t have to wait till the next AudioFeed…
Hushpad – played 2 sets, the first set felt like a practice set to the 2nd. The 2nd set being the final performance of AudioFeed 2016, which was a perfect way to end the fest. The hope was to have the festival converge on the Flatfoot 56 set, and then come and relax to Hushpad’s chill vibes. Unfortunately not many got the memo, but their loss. The tent really felt like a Radon Lounge show as so many friends who we’ve hosted got together to hang and make good vibes together. This was a very memorable set, which included performers from many different phases of Hushpad through the years, basically a super Hushpad that slayed and made us feel good about life.
No Place – I couldn’t find much about this band before the fest, probably because they just changed names. I was pretty distracted during their set with lots of business to take care of with different people acting like rock stars, but when I got to stop and listen, it was soo good. I can’t remember much of their set as that time was a blur, but I couldn’t help but appreciate this band’s energy and good vibes. I can’t wait to see them again.
Strahan – from New Zealand! He happened to be touring with Josh Garrels and somehow got dumped on my stage. Definitely the virtuoso acoustic guitar singer-songwriter on my stage for the fest. His songwriting is certainly on point.
Trouper – almost made my top 5, I fall for this band more and more each time I hear it as it just keeps getting better and better. This is another band that’s gone through many different lineup and sound changes, but it seems they’re now perfecting a good thing, everyone needs to hear this band!
Cubits – Unexpected pleasure. I thought Nicholas (Mr Nasti) was going to do a solo set, but instead he brought his brand new band. This set could have been better, but we ran into some tech problems, but the songs that worked out were super good. Rumor has it we’ll get to try again this year to take in this band…
Timbre – Timbre will always be on my list. AudioFeed just wouldn’t be the same without her neo-classical indie harp-pop. She just hits me right there, and I fall in love with her beautiful harp playing and voice again and again.
I’m already thinking of things to do better next year at the Radon tent. I’m looking forward to putting heads together with the Baristie Boys to put on the best Radon experience ever. I’ve got new equipment ideas, and ideas to enhance the artist and audience experience. It’s only going to get better.
AudioFeed is almost upon us. Radon will once again run the hipster music stage for Dads, aka Radon Lounge tent stage. The fest runs July 1-3, with a special early day on June 30th.
I look forward to this music festival every year as it feels like a big family reunion with getting together with many of the bands that have visited the Radon Lounge over the years and we get to hang out for the better part of a week.
The nice thing about this fest is there always is something good going on between the 6 official stages and who knows what shenanigans involving ninjas, kangaroos, free water guys… going on everywhere.
Once again we’ll be excited to see our friend-bands Spoken Nerd, Keyoung, Levi the Poet, The Mailboxes, Analecta, Listener, Timbre, 6’10, Hushpad, Sam Arias, Trouper, Nicholas Naioti, Zoo, Kevin Schlereth, Insomniac Folklore, Destroy Nate Allen, Red Sweater Lullaby, Dan Smith, and I’m probably forgetting a few at this moment.
And of course there are plenty of new friends to be made, I’m especially looking forward to checking out ADJY (reminds me of my lost love Anathallo) and the fest doesn’t stop there with new things for me to discover as I’m especially stoked to see Tow’rs, Frances Luke Accord, and Strahan for the first time. I also have to say listening to The Hunts makes me almost feel young again.
The Hunts
AudioFeed definitely tightened up their hiphop game this time, one new-to-the-fest artist I’m hoping to see is Jackie Hill-Perry. I’m not an expert on rap, but there’s just something about her style that screams authenticity.
A couple big standout bands this year are Josh Garrels and Forrister. Josh Garrels may just be the only CCM artist left in the world whose records I may still listen to willingly. Forrister doesn’t have many recordings to listen to yet, but I expect good things and will be excited when they take the Radon stage Friday night. Forrister is headed up by one Bulien Jaker (spelling?), a girl not afraid to express her faith, still create good music, and is totally tearing up the indie world right now.
Josh Garrels
One cannot forget Flatfoot 56. In previous years the Flatfoot set has been a highlight of the fest, bringing cardboard battles, pillow wars, and this year a big ole barnyard hootenanny.
Flatfoot 56 cardboard wars, 2014
There’s plenty of other fun activities to check out. Bring a tent and camp out for the whole fest. Get your tickets AudioFeedFestival.com. Be sure to check out the whole lineup and do your homework as I’m sure I’ve missed something completely awesome.
June 18th will be here soon. Horse Show preparations are on schedule. We’ve been building stages, confirming bands, and generally getting pumped.
This year’s Horse Show brings 19 bands on 2 stages. Fun games may include volleyball and bags. We’re also working out the possibility of doing activities with the horses. The new Refuge Ranch property is about 3 times as big as the old place. There will be plenty of room to park and explore, including a pond!
We’re excited about this year’s lineup and the new Refuge Ranch location. We’re soo ready for this that we actually made a map!
Also the final Lineup and Schedule have been announced. This nifty handout that we will be giving out the day of the event does a good job of getting you all that info.
I think we’ve teased out this Horse Show lineup for about as long as we possibly can. Today you get to finally find out about the last 4 bands playing Horse Show 2016!
First up, we’re really excited to bring 6’10 from Chicago. You probably can’t guess how tall the singer of this band is… 6’10 the acoustic project from the guys of famous celtic punk band Flatfoot 56. This band captures the energy of Flatfoot and presents it in a whole new/0ld way.
We’re also happy to bring along our favorite Springfield lofi garage rock band SAP. This band is composed of some of the mover shakers of the Black Sheep Cafe and led by the supernatural Clare Frachey. Check out their video from playing The Studio Show this year.
Also up for the Horse Show is new Springfield folk Sawhorse. Mid tempo folk blending a few different styles of country to include traditional flatpicking instruments with fingerpicking rhythms and pedal steel twang.
And last band to be announced Springfield’s top Guardians of the Galaxy inspired punk band Starlorde. This supergroup includes members of several Springfield bands to form a band to save the universe.
That’s the last of the band announcements, you can see the whole list on the Horse Show page and the show poster coming out soon. Also check out the facebook event page.
We’ve got another group of bands to announce for the 2016 Horse Show at Refuge Ranch on June 18th.
First up is St. George from St Louis. Soulful, folky, bluesy, jazzy, historical vibes. Some Radon fans may remember Jordan Bauer who performed at the 2014 Horse Show and a couple times at Radon basement shows. We’re excited to see this new project from Jordan and friends. They’ve just released their first recording, which you can check out here.
Also playing the Horse Show will be Il Neige, electro indie pop from Chicago. Her music feels of winter winds, snowflakes, and clear January nights, which is perfect for a Summer music fest.
Representing the Springfield metal scene will be Vacant Skies. This will actually be the last show for this band, so be sure not to miss. Influences include August Burns Red and Underoath.
Blind Social, a Springfield 3 piece will be here in force with their punk ‘n roll. This band played the 2014 Horse Show and a few basement shows at the Radon, excited to have them back.
And lastly Springfield band Stereo Static. These guys just recently killed in the basement this May. Stereo Static is an alternative rock band that fuses the dancey rhythms with clever lyrics and a bit of distortion.
That’s it for now, we have one more lineup announcement left and then we’ll just be counting the days until June 18th! Hop on the event page here.
Once again I was in charge of managing the 3rd largest AudioFeed stage, which happened to be the Radon Lounge tent, the place where you go to rest after raging in the pit at the other stages. This year the Baristie Boys upped their coffee game with totally rad Nitros, Pour Overs, and Thai Iced Coffees.
