My Morning Jacket have announced their first new album in five years called The Waterfall II. The follow-up to 2015’s The Waterfall comes out this Friday, July 10, via ATO. Physical copies will be available from August 28. Check out the full tracklist and cover art below.
Tomorrow, July 9, the band will also host a listening party for the new album on both YouTube and Facebook. They’ll also play some of the new material on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon today (July 15).
The Waterfall II was recorded during the same sessions that brought us The Waterfall, at what became known as Panoramic House in Stinson Beach, California. The band originally considered putting out a triple album, but decided to split the tracks into distinct projects instead. During a walk in the early days of lockdown, frontman Jim James rediscovered one of the songs, ‘Spinning My Wheels’, which he felt was particularly relevant to the current situation due to evoking a feeling of being “hypnotized from doing the same old thing” .
According to a statement, the album “conjures an indelible pain but never drifts into despair.” James continues: “So many of us feel out of tune and long for the world to be a better place, we have to look to nature and the animals and learn from them: learn to love, accept, move on, and respect each other. We gotta work for it and change our ways before it’s too late, and get in harmony with love and equality for all of humanity and for nature too.”
In the years between The Waterfall and The Waterfall II, James has put out two solo albums, 2016’s Eternally Even and 2018’s Uniform Distortion, as well as the covers collection Tribute To 2, and a collaborative orchestral album called The Order of Nature.
My Morning Jacket Cover Artwork:
The Waterfall II Tracklist: 1. Spinning My Wheels
2. Still Thinkin
3. Climbing The Ladder
4. Feel You
5. Beautiful Love (Wasn’t Enough)
6. Magic Bullet
7. Run It
8. Wasted
9. Welcome Home
10. The First Time
Fast fashion has caused a massive disruption over the years in how consumers evaluate clothes and the cost of making clothes. Fast fashion seems to have only got worse with the presence of e-commerce, especially with new fast fashion labels popping up every minute, advertising their cheap garments via social media to potential unaware consumers.
In this short piece, we discuss fast fashion; it’s impact and the alternative — slow fashion.
Fast Fashion
Fast fashion has gained quite the momentum over the years. The best way to describe it would be trendy and cheap clothing that takes ideas from designer clothing and catwalks and puts it out for the masses for cheap.
What is it and where do you find fast fashion?
The goal of fast fashion is to be quick and cheap in manufacturing, making them ready and available to customers that are looking for affordable and trendy clothing. These stores are straightforward to find as they are the majority of the shops you see in the high street and online. An easy giveaway is the general cost of the items; if something is sold for a couple of pounds, it will likely be part of fast fashion. This set pricing means an item is made for a meagre cost, indicating that workers are underpaid and the quality of the garments are poor.
How does fast fashion impact you and the world?
This way of producing clothing has some positives, but in the long term, do not outweigh the negatives that it provides. The good is the affordability which makes new clothes accessible for the working class.
From a store point of view as soon as an item is out of stock, it is replaced by another new item, which means you can stay on-trend. It is a vicious cycle as fast fashion labels utilise deals with celebrities as catalysts to bring in more money by attracting young, trendy customers to their stores.
On a bigger scale, there are numerous points on how fast fashion negatively impacts the world. Fast fashion has a detrimental effect on the environment and animals. The way fast fashion approaches production destroys ecosystems from the usage of toxic chemicals, which creates toxic waste and severe pollution. Moreover, the fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water which can cause droughts in areas. Also, with more usage of synthetic materials, more microplastics are being released into the ocean after washes. The worst is that 85% of all textiles go to landfill. Those are just a few examples of how fast fashion is terrible for the environment and us.
It should be added, factories that produce the clothing are known for terrible conditions and lack of care for their workers, consistently breaching health and safety guidelines. Recently, factories in the U.K. have been accused of paying illegal wages and forcing workers to work during the lockdown.
Slow Fashion
Kate Fletcher coined the term slow fashion. She compares the fast fashion movement to the slow food movement; with the comparison, there is a need to slow down the pace of the industry.
What does slow fashion mean, and how can you find it?
Before the industrial revolution, the fashion industry was once slow fashion; it has a similar meaning but is more progressive in approach. The developed concept is that now slow fashion is about sustainability and the ethical values of a brand. Looking for slow fashion brands can be hard to come to by on the high street as they are usually smaller and less known unless you research for sustainable brands via a search engine. Slow fashion labels tend to have garments that are made from high quality, eco-friendly materials that are not just long-lasting but also better for the environment, such as a pair of women’s sustainable shoes that use high quality, regenerative materials that last long, and have timeless looks that match with most pieces. Brands that support slow fashion are typically transparent about their values, and how their items are made; they may also talk about the welfare of the workers involved. They tend to have fewer collection releases in the year and with that, may only have a limited amount of stocks for an item, so once it is gone, it is gone.
How does slow fashion impact you and the world?
The perks of buying from sustainable brands are that many will be transparent about their practices. You know that you are paying for quality and money will likely be re-investing into supporting local farmers and workers. A few may say that they aren’t in the trend, but their purpose is to design something stylish that you will wear and keep for a very long time, something that saves you money long term and doesn’t cause as much pollution. Slow fashion brands thoroughly look into sourcing eco-friendly materials but also sourcing local farmers and manufacturers to support local growth but also to lessen the pollution caused by travel. Slow fashion brands are mindful of all the processes, including the welfare of all their employees. They also think about their consumers, helping them reuse the product multiple times, extending the longevity of the product.
With the current crisis and still many people at home, it is easy to browse the internet and get stuck looking at a sale. Be mindful in what you buy and whether you think you’ll wear it more than once, garbage it the next week, or not wear it at all. So before you shop, research the brands you are buying from and understand the terrible risks of buying from a fast fashion label.
At first, it might seem strange that a band like Khruangbin – a largely instrumental act drawing on influences from all over the world – have built such a cult following in the indie scene and beyond. Ever since their breakthrough sophomore album, Con Todo El Mundo, Khruangbin have become one of the best-selling acts on their label Dead Oceans (which is also home to artists like Bright Eyes, Phoebe Bridgers, and more) and earned the support of JAY-Z. “I don’t really get it,” guitarist Mark Speer admitted in a recent New York Times interview. “It’s instrumental to primarily instrumental, with a band name that nobody can pronounce. It’s still really bizarre.” But the Houston-based trio – which is pronounced “krungbin” and also includes bassist Laura Lee Ochoa and drummer Donald Johnson – somehow captures the best of both worlds: their music is textured enough for discerning music fans to pick up on the band’s diverse musical palette, but it is also palatable enough for anyone to enjoy as pleasant background music. Their songs would fit snuggly into any number of ‘chill’ playlists – even the band themselves accompanied the release of their latest album, Mordechai, by relaunching their very own official playlist generator, promising to take you on a “musical voyage from the safety of your home”.
But Khruangbin’s most compelling songs are those where you can sense that there’s a human touch behind its algorithm-friendly atmosphere; those that rise above mere ‘vibe’ music. Their best album, aptly titled Con Todo El Mundo meaning “with all the world”, transcends cultural barriers while creating music that brings people together, in the same way that it transcends genre not just for the sake of experimentation but in service of something bigger. It’s a fine line, but Khruangbin have repeatedly proven they are more than capable of navigating it. Mordechai, however, is a rare misstep: an album that feels directionless at best and uninspired at worst, it seemingly utilizes the band’s winning formula but fails to elicit the same response. Where Con Todo El Mundo and even their 2019 follow-up Hasta El Cielo created their own mood, Mordechai too often fades into the background, lacking the subtlety and nuance that defined their previous releases.
It’d be unfair to say that the band isn’t trying anything new here, though; Mordechai marks their first album to prominently feature vocals, a characteristic that mostly enhances the communal atmosphere that usually renders Khruangbin’s so enjoyable. But they are also used as little more than just another instrument, one that serves as little more than a distraction to what the band is trying to achieve musically. A notable exception here is ‘Pelota’, where Ochoa’s singing is infused with much more personality and carries the groove of the track rather than merely complimenting it. But on the disco-inflected ‘Time (You and I)’, which also happens to be the album’s catchiest song, the vocals are far too nondescript; it doesn’t help that the song also drags on for too long. ‘If There is No Question’, though, is the biggest offender, a track that’s not only formless but also wearingly dull – unfortunately, it’s also the longest cut here, clocking in at almost 6 minutes.
While tracks like ‘Connaissais De Face’ and ‘One to Remember’ struggle to justify their place in the tracklisting (the feeling of the latter is more effectively captured on the nostalgic ‘So We Won’t Forget’), Mordechai’s most memorable moments come when the band’s melodic strengths are pulled into focus. The album is bookended by two of Ochoa’s most infectious bass lines, while closer ‘Shida’ also features a slick solo from Speer, one that seamlessly untangles itself while also propelling the track forward. The greatest highlight, though, is ‘Father Bird, Mother Bird’, where the interplay between Speer and Ochoa wonderfully evokes the duality hinted by the track’s title. It also contains one of Khruangbin’s most transcendent melodic lines, showcasing just how genuinely transportive the trio’s music can be when they give it their all. There’s no denying that Mordechai is a listenable album – and, at a time like this, we could certainly use some music we can just chill to – but its best moments also remind us that Khruangbin can offer a lot more than that.
Bill Callahan has released the second single from his upcoming album Gold Record. It’s called ‘Another Song’ and it’s described by a press release as “a working man’s blues that are lightened by a little love in the afternoon.” Listen to it below.
“In the middle of the day, uninspired and back at his homestead for lunch, the narrator decides to take the rest of the day off for some afternoon delight with his partner,” the statement continues. “In loving embrace and then philosophic reverie, they look forward only to the next moment as sweet as this one.”
‘Another Song’ follows the previously released ‘Pigeons’, which is also the opener for the new record. Gold Record, which marks the singer-songwriter’s seventh studio album under his own name, comes out September 4 via Drag City. Callahan has promised to share a new song from the album every Monday up until its release.
A new Juice WRLD track called ‘Life’s a Mess’ featuring Halsey has been released, accompanying the announcement of the rapper’s first posthumous album, Legends Never Die, which is set to drop this Friday. Listen to the song below.
“Ah, sometimes life’s a mess,” the duo sing on the chorus, “I get high when I’m upset/I remember when me and love ain’t click/Looking for something real, then I found it.”
Halsey spoke of her collaboration with the late rapper in a post on Instagram. “Juice was one of the greatest people I have ever known, and one of the most brilliant artists we will ever live to witness,” she said. “A true genius who had lyric and melody spilling out of him without any second thought or hesitation. And a beautiful soul who believed in spreading love and creating a community for people to feel less alone. It means everything to me that I could be a part of this album. I cried the first time that I heard it.”
A full tracklist has not yet been revealed for the album, though the previously released posthumous tracks ‘Tell Me U Luv Me’ featuring Trippie Redd and ‘Righteous’ will both appear on Legends Never Die.
“We feel that this collection of 15 songs best represents the music Juice WRLD was in the process of creating,” a statement posted on social media reads. “The album shines a light on the collaborators that meant so much to Juice and deeply impacted his musical process. Juice dedicated his music to his fans and, now more than ever, we hope this album brings some reprieve to everyone during these unsettling times.”
Juice WRLD died at the age of 21 in December of last year following an accidental overdose of oxycodone and codeine. He released two albums in his lifetime, Goodbye & Good Riddance and Death Race for Love, as well as a collaboration with Future called WRLD on Drugs.
The Roots’ Black Thought has announced his third EP titled Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane and Abel, to be released on July 31. Produced by Sean C, the 13-track EP will feature appearances from PUSHA-T, Killer Mike, Swizz Beatz, Portugal. The Man, ScHoolboy Q, and more. The EP’s first single, ‘Thought Vs. Everybody’, will arrive on July 10. Check out the EP’s cover artwork, designed by Khari Turner, and tracklist below.
The first two instalments in Black Thought’s Stream of Thought series dropped in 2018. The first volume featured production from 9th Wonder, while the second was produced by Salaam Remi.
Back in March, it was announced that Black Thought – real name Tariq Trotter – would star in and write music for a stage adaptation of George S. Schuyler’s Harlem Renaissance-era 1931 novel Black No More. A month later, the rapper performed on a remote edition of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts.
Streams of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane and Abel Tracklist:
1. I’m Not Crazy (First Contact) 2. State Prisoner 3. Good Morning Ft. Swizz Beats, Pusha T and Killer Mike 4. Magnificent 5. Experience (Interlude) 6. Quiet Trip Ft. Portugal The Man And The Last Artful, Dodgr 7. Nature Of The Beast Ft. Portugal The Man And The Last Artful, Dodgr 8. We Should Be Good Ft. CS Armstrong 9. Steak Um Ft. ScHoolboy Q 10. Thought Vs. Everybody 11. Ghetto Boyz & Girls Ft. CS Armstrong 12. Fuel Ft. Portugal The Man And The Last Artful, Dodgr 13. I’m Not Crazy (Outro)
Dirty Projectors are the latest band to perform a quarantine live set as part of the ‘at home’ edition of NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. The performance features all five members of the indie group’s current line-up – Dave Longstreth “shaking and tapping all things tiny”, Felicia Douglass and Maia Friedman on vocals, Kristin Slipp on keytar, and Mike Johnson on various other instruments. Check out the video below.
“We’ve loved Dirty Projectors for more than a dozen years – from the band’s ‘Black Flag’ covers record to the brilliant angular sounds we presented at SXSW, and more recently, a candlelit Tiny Desk concert in 2018,” NPR’s Bob Boilen wrote in the video’s description. “The lineup often shifts, but the creative nature of this band, headed by David Longstreth, doesn’t.”
He added: “It’s a band in which any member can take the lead, and that’s the beauty here. We see Dirty Projectors change and surprise us with each new song, something so rare and vibrant.”
Dirty Projectors played songs from their two most recent EPs, Windows Open and Flight Tower, namely ‘Lose Your Love’, ‘Overlord’, ‘Inner World’ and ‘Search for Life’. The band have committed to releasing a total of five new EPs in 2020.
The Dalai Lama has dropped his debut album, titled Inner World, in celebration of His Holiness’ 85th birthday (July 6). The record combines mantras and chants set against new age music composed by New Zealand musicians and practicing Buddhists Junelle and Abraham Kunin. Listen to it below.
The idea for the project goes back to 2015, when Junelle Kunin wrote a handwritten letter to one of The Dalai Lama’s assistants, pitching what would become Inner World. “I’d never heard him speak like this,” she said said in an AP story that announced the album back in June. “He really was so excited … he actually proceeded to explain to me how important music is. He leaned forward and his eyes were sparkling, and his fingers were rubbing together and he [talked] about how music can help people in a way that he can’t; it can transcend differences and return us to our true nature and our good heartedness.”
The album was also accompanied by a livestream, which featured appearances from Richard Gere and Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of Ravi Shankar, who is featured on one of the album’s tracks. Watch that below as well.
Jessie Ware has shared the music video for ‘Step into My Life’, taken from her latest studio album, What’s Your Pleasure? Directed by Madison Shelpuk, the video features dancer Eric Schloesser grooving out to the song alone in a bowling alley. Check it out below.
“Biggest love to Eric for making this video for Step Into My Life during lockdown in an American bowling alley,” Ware wrote on Twitter. “You’re giving me all The Big Lebowski Disco Jesus moments we need to start the damn week right!!!”
‘Step into My Life’ was co-produced by Kindness’ Adam Bainbridge and Ford, who also contributed to the writing of the track. What’s Your Pleasure? is Ware’s fourth studio album following 2017’s Glasshouse. Read our review of the album here.
The internet is the most wonderful horrible thing that could have happened to us. It is a universal tool for entertainment, knowledge sharing, keeping in touch with people from half a world away, an endless source of information and fun that we literally always have at our fingertips. And while it does have its downsides, ranging from the increasingly cynical people on Twitter to the endless stream of misinformation spreading on Facebook, it is an overall positive force in our lives. Especially for music lovers.
The ongoing pandemic has closed pretty much every concert venue and music festival. Considering the risk, this may not be such a big problem. Luckily, we have an alternative venue to visit: the internet. Countless artists are keeping in touch with their fans through streaming services like YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and – believe it or not – video games.
Old dogs, new tricks
Jean-Michel Jarre was once known for his grandiose live concerts. The French electronica veteran performed everywhere from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Eiffel Tower, and his performances broke the world record for the largest outdoor concert four times. With no way to perform live, Jarre learned a new trick: YouTube. Two weeks ago, the artist held his first VR concert called “ALONE TOGETHER” – and, unlike other VR performances, the event was “live-live”.
Those without a VR headset got to enjoy his performance in measly 2D through the artist’s YouTube channel.
Another “old dog” learning new tricks is none other than English singer, songwriter, composed, pianist, and knight Sir Elton Hercules John (yes, that’s his real name). This time, in turn, it’s not “live-live” performances that are shared on YouTube but recordings of his past concerts held around the world between 1976 and 2000.
Virtual worlds
Now, for the “inside video games” part.
Early last year, Marshmello held a virtual concert inside the video game Fortnite. It was a successful event, a replica of the DJ’s real-life performances. This year, Travis Scott took things one step further, setting a trend for virtual performances and interactive music videos. Astronomical was more than just a performance – the whole environment was a stage, and the participants (the players) were literally in the middle of the action.
But this is just the beginning. Rave.family, a “fusion” event organizer is holding its “Rave Family Block Fest” inside the popular video game Minecraft – the event will have more than 850 performers including Rudimental. And Tomorrowland, one of the biggest electronic music events in the world, is also going virtual: its 2020 edition called “Around the World” will be held in a virtual location that will be just as grandiose and colourful as the real thing.
Live music is pretty much off the table this year. In real life, at least – because in the virtual world, it’s going stronger than ever, everywhere from Twitch streams to entire virtual venues built to order.
