You Sound Like A Robot

MP3: Peelander-Z live @ The DNA Lounge; 2012-05-06

Skittle — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:06:29 +0000

It has been a while since the last time I shared a show from the DNA Lounge, a nightclub located in San Francisco, CA. They were actually shut down and remodeling for a while. I was happy to see Sunday night that not only are they back open but Japanese action comic punks from space Peelander-Z were playing a show there!

A big thanks to the DNA Lounge for continuing to share their live shows via a webcast on their website as well as keeping an audio recording from each night uploaded for two weeks just in case anybody misses it. This is a very cool thing for a venue to do. Check out their flyer archive too. You can listen to the entire show featuring Graffiti Monsters, Crashfaster, Kool Skull, and the DJ Doctor Popular on their page. The Peelander-Z portion has been split into individual tracks and shared after the break.

Peelander-Z official site | Facebook | Twitter

DNA Lounge official site | Facebook | Twitter

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Oh yeah… I got to see Peelander-Z live! It was insane. Actually, to quote my Twitter the show “was NUTS!” If you remember me mentioning on my earlier “Six Japanese Songs That I Am Into Lately” post I have been on a quest to see a live Peelander-Z show for years. Well, in Charlotte last month it finally happened. Now I can’t wait for the second one!

The band is currently on tour promoting their new album that was released in April of this year. It is called Space Vacation. The disc has been on heavy rotation in my ears since the show. Get yourself a copy using the Amazon widget above and tag along with the Peelanders on their vacation to Earth. I would also like to say that if you ever get the chance to see this band live DO IT.

Peelander-Z live @ The DNA Lounge; 2012-05-06 (Right-click, save as)

Download the full show as a zip file here. (Right click, save as)

VIDEO: Voltaire, “Docking Bay 94″

Skittle — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:40:17 +0000

Happy Star Wars Day! May the Fourth be with you, always. Now check out this new Voltaire song for the occasion.

Voltaire, as usual, has a lot of stuff going on right now. That man stays busy. With a new instrumental and karaoke release of his latest album Riding a Black Unicorn Down the Side of an Erupting Volcano While Drinking from a Chalice Filled with the Laughter of Small Children (ok, let’s just call it Riding a Black Unicorn) last month he has entered a new market with his music. It is a digital download exclusive release and you can find it on CD Baby. A similar release of Voltaire’s country album Hate Lives in a Small Town is in the pipeline for release soon.

Official site | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter

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In addition to the instrumental albums Voltaire is putting together a Star Trek and Star Wars album called BiTrekual. He premiered a new song from it today on the Lair of Voltaire (aka his YouTube page). It is a duet featuring Darth Deady. Watch the video below. It is a touching track about Luke’s departure from the desert planet Tatooine at Docking Bay 94.

I know what you’re thinking. There is not even a hint of rape in the whole song. If you’re looking for that check out “Cantina”.

Direct link to the video

YSLAR Updates: May ’12

Skittle — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:05:16 +0000

It is finally May. May is a month that I have considered a sort of Star Wars month for a while. This is not only because it hosts Star Wars Day on May the 4th (be with you), but because all six of the feature films have been released in May.

If you happen to be around Rock Hill, SC on Star Wars Day this year swing by the Gutter Ball 2 at The Money. I’ll be there hanging out. The Body Bags will be in attendance. It is only five bucks!

May the Force be with you, always.

VIDEO: Bella Morte, “My Heart Will Go On” [Live at Dragon*Con 2011]

Skittle — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:29:11 +0000

It was one hundred years ago tonight the ill-fated RMS Titanic struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. Good thing they didn’t make it to the States or all of these movies and spinoffs would never have been made, eh?

The picture above is from one of my favorite Steve Oedekerk flicks, Thumbtanic. You can actually watch that on Google Video. Of course it is a parody of the blockbuster James Cameron film Titanic which just saw its 3D re-release in honor of the anniversary. Well I know you are familiar with the Celine Dion song from the film, “My Heart Will Go On”. How about I share with you an epic cover of the song. Bella Morte released a studio version of the track on their recent Undertow single although they have been performing it live for many years now. A clip of them performing the… touching… track at Dragon*Con last year is after the break.

Official Site | Facebook | Twitter

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Direct link to the video

MP3: ThoughtCriminals, “I Remember Now”

Skittle — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 02:48:05 +0000

I had the chance to see the Charlotte, NC based ThoughtCriminals while I was at the VS Tour with Random and Willie Evans Jr. These guys definitely impressed.

Mikal kHill and Sulfur are the core of the hip hop group with other live band members performing along at select shows. The ThoughtCriminals have been taken in by the nerdcore community with open arms. I have heard that they will even be touring with Adam WarRock soon. Check out the video for their first single from their latest album Cold Winter, it is titled “I Remember Now”. I also threw in a bonus mp3 for you to process with your ears.

Official site | Facebook | Twitter

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If you dig the track “I Remember Now” consider buying the album from Bandcamp or using the Amazon mp3 widget above. Keep an eye on the ThoughtCriminals Facebook for upcoming tour dates.

Direct link to the video

Download “I Remember Now” now! (Right-click, save as)

MP3: mc chris, “discord”

Skittle — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:10:43 +0000

Some yearly traditions should not be broken. Luckily hip hopper mc chris agrees. For the fifth year in a row he has supplied the masses with a new free song on April Fools Day. He is also gearing up for a Big Easter Sale!

Starting at midnight swing by the mc chris store for twenty dollar hoodies, ten dollar shirts, five dollar CDs, and more. Until then, however, why not listen to the new song? It is titled “discord” and deals with the subject matter of, well, My Little Pony. Yes. Lyrics are available on the mc chris boards, the chorus pushes a stand-up-for-yourself anthem with lines like “you can’t tell me what toys I can play with, you can’t tell me not to grow my crops, you can’t tell me which sex I can marry, it’s so scary the weird way that you watch”. Check it out below, after Derpy.

Official site | Official store | Twitter | Facebook

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Oh yeah, my buddy Andrew threw together a music video for the song as he does oh so well. It is a surprisingly intense track, particularly around the final thirty seconds.

Direct link to the video

Download “discord” now! (Right-click, save as)

YSLAR Updates: April ’11

Skittle — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:47:09 +0000

We have reached a new month, April. A month loved by pranksters and bunny rabbits. Did you get any good April Fools Day pranks in?

I was caught up watching WWE Wrestlemania for the second half of the day. Woo woo woo. You know it. This March included a new interview from Willie Evans Jr. and Random as well as some great Japanese tracks. Check back for a new month of tracks shortly!

MP3/VIDEO: Six Japanese Songs That I Am Into Lately

Skittle — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:16:19 +0000

One year ago one of the coolest places on the planet was struck by a devastating earthquake and an even worse tsunami. In the months since then the country of Japan has been pulling itself back together and looking toward the future. I posted about the tragedy with a Gackt mp3 after it happened, including a breathtaking photo of the tsunami breaching a wall on the coast of Miyako City. This is the same location today.

This anniversary seems as good of a time as any to bring back the popular “Six Songs” post on You Sound Like A Robot. I like to make these posts special, themed at times. This time I am featuring an all Japanese selection of music. Lately I have been watching a couple of great music shows known as J Melo and Alterna JPN on a Japanese channel that is broadcast across the internet known as NHK World. This has been amazing for discovering new musicians from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Peelander-Z, “How Are USA”

I include Peelander-Z in this post under the pretense that they are Japanese, however I believe they actually come from the Z area of planet Peelander. They just happened to land in Japan and now are based out of New York. I have had the chance to meet the crew before at Dragon*Con and I must say they are pretty cool and approachable to be aliens. Although I got to meet them, I missed their show that weekend. They have swung by a couple times since then but there is always something in the way that keeps me from attending! Peelander-Z has become one of the bands that I am destined to catch live, but it just hasn’t happened yet. One day!

I did purchase a live DVD from them called Peelander is FUN! so I have delved into the madness that is their live set. I really need to see their performance one day! I also purchased a shirt and poster (which they signed with Earth markers) from them. I picked this song from their 2010 CD P-TV-Z. It is called “How Are USA” and is an ode of sorts to the United States and all of the states housed within.

Download “How Are USA” now! (Right-click, save as)

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Yellow Fried Chickenz, “またここであいましょう (Mata kokode aimashou)”

If I credited one person with being responsible for introducing me to Japan and the great music that comes from there, it would be Gackt. He has been a big name in the local music industry, and worldwide, for many years since he was part of the visual kei band Malice Mizer in the mid to late 1990′s. He has been doing solo music for over ten years now. His newest project seems to be the supergroup Yellow Fried Chickenz created to bring more “manly men” to the J-pop and J-rock scene. They put together this song and video in rememberence of all those affected by the Great Earthquake and Tsunami of 3-11. It really is something special, watch the video below.

Oh, and I have heard that Yellow Fried Chickenz is planning a US Tour! If they tour here like they do in European tours they may actually be hitting a decent amount of cities. Let’s hope they don’t play NY, LA, and fly home like many Japanese acts are guilty of. I would freaking love to see them. I never thought that I would have possibly gotten the opportunity until now. We will see.

Direct link to the video

Oreskaband, “ピノキオ (Pinocchio)”

Oreskaband is a Japanese act that I actually have seen live before! I caught them on Warped Tour 2008. I had not heard of them until then, I just happened to catch their set and instantly became a fan. It was a blast. They have released one self titled disc here in the states, which I grabbed from the girls after the show. There are a few more available from Japan as well. This song, “Pinocchio”, is actually an older track of theirs from their commercial debut disc in 2006. Give it a listen.

Download “Pinocchio” now! (Right-click, save as)

Sonodaband, “/ ソノダバンド (Soul River)”

Sonodaband is one that I discovered from watching J Melo on NHK World online. They are a six piece, all about the same age as me. They are an instrumental group, letting the violin do the singing throughout their music. It’s pretty cool to know that no matter what country you are from, music will always be a common language. I read that these guys actually were a part of SXSW last year. That makes me want to go to that even more, too bad it’s a bit far from here. Watch the video for “Soul River” from 2010 below.

Direct link to the video

Miyavi, “Jpn Pride”

Miyavi is an extraordinary guitarist. He was a part of a visual kei band called Dué le Quartz briefly but has since launched a very successful solo career. I caught a few songs being performed live on another Japanese music show on NHK World called Alterna JPN. Watch a video from that Alterna JPN 2011 episode here.

Direct link to the video

He has received attention all over the world for his Samurai like guitar playing. He combines multiple genres into a heavy controlled chaos of guitar and drums. One thing that makes Miyavi stick out is that he uses a slap and pop method in his playing, similar to what you would see from a jazz band’s bassist. Or Les Claypool. The difference is he does it on an electric guitar. Definitely worth a listen. I included the opening track from his 2008 album This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock. It is titled “Jpn Pride”, which seems fitting for this post.

Download “Jpn Pride” now! (Right-click, save as)

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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, “つけまつける (Tsukematsukeru)”

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is relatively new on the scene. She is a fashion blogger turned business owner and musician. She released a trippy video for a song called “PONPONPON” last year and the internet loved it. I was going to post that song because it really is worth the watch but she has since released a newer video earlier this year. It is for a song called “Tsukematsukeru”. The new clip is a pretty trippy experience too and, hey, it’s got two lions in it! Lions are pretty intimidating, right? Don’t worry. It’s just a music video.

Direct link to the video

Domo arigato.

INTERVIEW: Random and Willie Evans Jr.

Skittle — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:00:01 +0000

When The VS Tour swung through Charlotte this weekend I had the chance to have a talk with Random, aka Mega Ran, and Willie Evans Jr. Listen to that below.

The show was fantastic. With the crowd squeezing into the cozy Crown Station venue fans played Street Fighter and Tekken while they waited for the show to begin. The first three acts were all great. RoQ’y-TyRaiD opened the night followed by The Thought Criminals and Mr. Invisible. All of the sets were full of energy and great fun. By the time Willie Evans Jr and Random took the stage as the last two acts some of the crowd had thinned out. This wasn’t a big deal though, they both did great with the crowds that they had. We didn’t get out of the bar until after 2am.

Random’s official site | Facebook | Twitter
Willie Evans Jr.’s official site | Facebook | Twitter

There is still a bit of time left to catch The VS Tour live. I included the remaining tour dates for you to check out. There are also two new videos from Willie and Ran and a couple pictures of the two reaching at the camera. It’s a good pose. The first video is from Willie Evans Jr.’s new album Introducin’ titled “Nerd English”. Secondly, a track from Random’s latest disc Mega Ran 10 titled “Lookin’ Up”.

Mar 06: Jack Rabbits – Jacksonville, FL
Mar 07: the geek easy – Orlando, FL
Mar 10: Smoke and Barrel – Fayetteville, AR
Mar 11: Aardvark – Fort Worth, TX
Mar 12: Check Other Outfitters – Houston, TX
Mar 13: SXSW – Austin, TX

Direct link to the video

Direct link to the video

I also got permission from the two to share a couple mp3 files. If you dig the music, check out the Amazon ad or their respective Bandcamp pages and buy the album! I did, how do you think I got these files?! The songs are mixed in there with the interview below. “Cyber Sheik” is a track from the new Willie Evans Jr. disc Introducin’. It really stuck out in my head from the show because video of The Iron Sheik played in the background on a projector. Oh, and it’s a good track.

The mp3 from Mega Ran 10 is a collaboration with Adam WarRock. He is a tour buddy on The VS Tour, although he didn’t join up until after the Charlotte show. I didn’t get to see him. Aw well. Listening to “Pump It Up!” is a satisfactory consolation. The song was produced by Frelance.

How did The VS Tour and exclusive EP come together?

Willie and Ran did a few shows together and tossed the idea around of touring. While talking about a tour theme the idea of the VS Tour came together. After coming up with the idea to use Indie Go Go to fund the tour they decided on The VS Project EP to thank fans.

Ran says he and Willie share a lot of common loves including hip hop, games, comics and general nerdiness. After the two first connected in Florida they decided to not only go on tour but make music that would extend beyond that lifespan.

I heard that you guys have brought along some video games this tour. How do you incorporate these into the shows?

Ran explains that their original idea for video games on the tour was a lot grander, but they still bring out a couple systems and fighting games particularly Street Fighter for each show. One thing that Ran doesn’t like about concerts is the down time between sets at shows. Since he doesn’t smoke, the idea to allow folks to pick up a controller and play came up and expanded from there.

Willie gives a quick shout out to DJ DN3 won a Street Fighter tournament at the Louisville Arcade Expo. He is the champion. Willie only made it to the final round which is still a feat in itself.

Your work is heavily influenced by video games. What were some of your favorites growing up and today?

Random lists Super Mario Brothers, Mega Man (of course), and a lot of Capcom games as inspirations. He is also a big comic fan and digs any comic type games. A favorite aspect of the Mega Man games is that the soundtrack is done so well. For games today he loves fighting games like Soul Calibur as well as adventure games. In the 90′s on he lists Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Uncharted, and God Of War. He is also hooked on Skyrim.

Willie lists Baulder’s Gate, God of War, Trojan, and about any fighting game as favorites… even the horrible ones. He is a big Tekken fan and working on getting rust off of his Street Fighter skills.

Download “Cyber Sheik” now!

You are both good examples that a hip hop musician doesn’t have to fit the gun toting, drug selling, gang banging mold. Do you feel like this helps or hinders your career in the industry?

Willie believes that three years ago it might have hurt. Today we are entering an era where it is “hip to be square” in hip hop music. He doesn’t consider himself “Nerdcore” but happens to consider himself a nerd. At the same time some people include these more questionable aspects into their music and still make good music. Good music is good music. He feels like Ran is ahead of the curve. A favorite of his, De La Soul, inspires him to believe that the only way to be good at what you are doing is to represent yourself as clearly and plainly as you can. Although this happens to come off nerdy when he does it, Willie assures the female listeners that he is not nerdy. He does manly things all the time!

Random feels that guys like Willie are ahead of the curve as he’s always represented himself honestly. He is able to balance a nerdy element but not allow it to take over the music. It is definitely an asset to represent your inner nerd these days. They also want it clear that Freddy Gibbs is who they have been bumping all tour. Again, good music is good music.

Ran, you’re from Arizona. Willie, you’re from Florida. Obviously very different places. Touring the country you probably see a lot of places. What are some of your favorite cities?

Ran was born and raised in Philadelphia and moved to Arizona. He lists San Diego, Austin, LA, Portland, Seattle, and Midwest towns like Columbia and Madison as favorites. Cities that are usually fly overs for larger acts are some of the most supportive. Florida is one of his favorite places, particularly Orlando, and other East Coast cities like New York and Philadelphia. There are a lot of places that Ran loves.

Willie loves San Francisco, but believes that opinion might be different if he had to pay taxes there. He also includes New York and about the same cities Ran listed. He tells a story about why acts don’t usually go into Florida and how he can relate to cities in the Midwest that just don’t get to see a lot of shows.

Tell me all about Japan. How was that?

Japan was the most awesome experience Random has ever had. He explains it as over, above, beyond any expectations he may have had. He felt it as if his childhood expanded and splattered over a 500 mile radius. They also did a lot of sight seeing while there and he can’t wait to go back. Everything there was just so cool. He tried to take as much video as possible so that everyone else would be jealous. You can watch these on his YouTube page.

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You recently released an album called Introducin’. What can you tell us about that?

Willie’s new album Introducin’ was released on the Bronx based label High Water Music. He was found by Sucio Smash on some random mixtape called Southern Scramble. He talks about the title track’s video for “Introducin’” featuring guest appearances by Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae. He also mentions the more recent video filmed for “Nerd English”. This was exciting because he got to film it in his city with friends who came up similarly to himself. You can stream that video earlier in this post.

Random, you just released Mega Ran 10 and a remix disc. What can you tell us about that?

Mega Ran 10 was released in November, two and a half years in the making. Random states that this is the last chapter on his Mega Man inspired music. Willie doesn’t believe his fans will let that happen, but Random insists that he can’t be truly random if people know what he’s coming out with next. The next phase is based on another nerdy love of his: comic books. He loved Mega Ran 10 because he got to bring in a lot of familiar names on one project. He is very proud of the release and the final song “Mega Man Forever”.

January 31, one year following the release of the original Black Materia album he released the new remix project. This includes remixes of every song. They have secretly been working on it the whole year. Beatmaker Lost Perception is such a perfectionist that there are multiple versions of each song, so these extras made up the content of this affordable $5 album. Get it on his website! There is also a limited edition copy that includes the whole collection in a big chunky case. He considers it a DLC sort of release to continue the memory of the disc.

Willie also throws in a quick plug for Android users. Search your market for an app called Willie Evans Jr and he will soon be sending things directly to your phone! Nice.

What new projects are you both working on. Any new collaborations, album, anything?

The VS Project! There are always a lot of things but this is the most important going on now. You must donate to their Indie Go Go to hear it, there is still a limited amount of time left to get that. Get it! It’s going to be great.

Download “Pump It Up!” now!

You’re no stangers to collaborating with other musicians. Is there anybody who you would love to make an album or even just a track with that hasn’t happened yet?

Willie lists Kool Keith and shoots for the stars and includes De La Soul. Random’s top person he would love to work with would be Cee-Lo Green. I would like to hear that album myself.

If you were a hot dog what condiments would you have and would you eat yourself?

Willie answers first with cole slaw, ketchup, mustard, a bit of relish, and a little bit of chilli. It would be delicious but he is conflicted as to whether he would eat himself. Well, maybe not so much. Random likes to keep things simple and lists ketchup, mustard, onions, and relish as his condiments. He would take a nibble once in a while, but make sure to savor it. Willie chimes in with some deep and though-provoking thoughts on the subject.

Anything else you guys would like to mention?

Get out to the remaining VS Tour dates! These are listed above. Check out the Facebook page and be sure to donate to Indie Go Go. This is the only way to get The VS Project and helps the gang get to the next city. Check out Mega Ran.com and The Nerdy South.com! Willie was happy to meet all of you and waves goodbye through your speakers. Wave back at him. Do it!

Oh, check out DJ DN3 with his Street Fighter trophy. Word.

YSLAR Updates: March ’12

Skittle — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:16:48 +0000

Well February went out with a bang, it’s time to move on to March. Not much happens in March. Something about leprechauns?

Make sure you check out my interview with Bella Morte. An interview that good only comes once a leap year. Look forward to more interviews coming up soon!