photo cred | KEXP
The one event that I look forward to every summer is Capitol Hill Block Party! Having attended since high school and all throughout college, this music festival has sort of defined my life in the neighborhood and growing up there for four years. This year, more than ever, is an important one. When I first attended the festival, I was still a little high school student that couldn’t wait to see Girl Talk and Vampire Weekend and now it feels like we’re coming around full circle because Girl Talk is back for round two. This year is also the first time that Yow Yow! has its own press pass. In years prior, I’ve always had one for other publications that I’ve written for, but it means so much more to have Yow Yow! recognized. So to prepare for the big event, we’re having preview posts for each day and which acts you should be seeing!
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/28179088″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Telekinesis – 5:15-6PM – Main Stage
When I first discovered their single, “Please Ask For Help” a couple years ago, I must have listened to it on repeat for an entire season. My music tastes have vastly changed over the years, but Telekinesis was kind of a throwback to my indie rock days. It’s funny because when you look at a band name like that, you’re expecting something a little bit psychedelic, but that just isn’t the case with this band. I am so very excited to be seeing them this Friday and while I am currently unfamiliar with the rest of their albums, I feel like knowing that they have one single that I love is a pretty good sign.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/8767295″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
STRFKR – 9:15-10:15 – Main Stage
I read an article the other day about how Capitol Hill Block Party’s lineup includes some pretty questionable band names. Compared to Heavy Petting, I’d say STRFKR is pretty tame. I must admit, I’ve got a little bit of a crush on STRFKR. Not only do they bring the dance party. Hard. but they also are from the lovely Pacific Northwest. Sadly I missed them at Bumbershoot, but will redeem myself by catching them at the main stage Friday night. Basically, if you are at the Main Stage at the end of your night, you get to see both STRFKR AND Girl Talk and I can’t imagine a better evening than that lineup right there.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2vQshbY7ds]
White China Gold – 9:30-10PM – Barboza Stage
White China Gold is the side project of Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground member Thomas Hunter and when I think about this group of guys at all, my heart is warmed. Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground was one of the first bands I ever booked on my own and they are a group made up of talented and fascinating individuals. This side project is one that I’ve written about before and his work with it is so moving and unlike anything that I typically listen to. It’s a sound that takes you back to another time period almost, but it’s so Seattle, you can’t help but just love it.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqY-6IBV1YM&feature=youtu.be]
Girl Talk – 10:45-12AM – Main Stage
Like this needs any explanation at all.