We are happy to report that a number of well-established artists spanning the last several decades are still quite active, working on new albums, headlining events, collaborating and releasing awesome music.
For example, Al Doyle and Felix Martin of the British group Hot Chip have been making music under a fairly new moniker, New Build. Besides Doyle and Martin, New Build features electronic composer Tom Hopkins, and together they formed their fresh group last year in London.
Since then, they’ve been working on new material, which sounds unmistakably of the Hot Chip variety, but with varied twists. This material comprises their debut album, Yesterday Was Lived and Lost, out April 3rd in the U.S.
Until then, you can get your fix on the band’s website, where they’ve streamed 4 of their songs for free. In support of their new album, New Build will be playing two sold out shows at the Mercury Lounge in NYC March 13th and 14th. The group additionally has a full U.S. and U.K. tour in support of their effort as well.
Electronic band Kraftwerk, out of Germany, is a band formed in 1970 that made a giant impact on what modern electronic music is today. With their innovations in sound, technology and art, it’s no wonder The Museum of Modern Art in NYC is hosting an 8-day showcase in which Kraftwerk will perform all their 8 albums consecutively. Held in the Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Atrium at the MoMA, the group’s showcase is fittingly titled Kraftwerk – Retrospective 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8, with each of the 8 nights consisting of one of their albums performed in its entirety.
As a way to celebrate Kraftwerk’s contributions to art culture and beyond throughout their career, the showcase will also feature 3D images and sound as backing to the electronic sounds of Kraftwerk. Tickets became available this week but are already sold out, but the Kraftwerk exhibit in the new MoMA PS1 Performance Dome.
British singer/songwriter Carina Round has been around since 1996, when she played a basement gig that landed her lots of attention. With a musical style similar to PJ Harvey and Patti Smith, Round is releasing a new album May 1st titled Tigermending.
The 11-track compilation will feature collaborations with a slew of accomplished musicians like Billy Corgan, Brian Eno and Dave Stewart. Currently, Round is on the road, touring as an opener for Puscifer and garnering new fans.
90’s alternative group Luscious Jackson haven’t made music since their 1999 album Electric Honey. Now, after a 13-year hiatus, the group is back with a new studio album in the works under PledgeMusic.
Trying to stick to their 90’s style mixed-genre pop and funk, Luscious Jackson’s mission is to just stay the same. Their new track, “Are You Ready?” is currently streaming on Rolling Stone’s webpage.
Legendary heavy metal musicians Rob Zombie and Megadeth are still going strong, and have teamed up to headline several rock fests, as well as a spring tour. Thus far, music festivals Rock on the Range and Rocklahoma will welcome the popular rockers.
This will be Rob Zombie and Megadeth’s first time touring together, and they, as well as tons of fans, seem pretty stoked. Tour dates have been released up to May, although more are to come. Tickets can be procured on Rob Zombie’s webpage.
Unplugging In Brief:
Members of Hot Chip Form New Build and Announce Debut Album Yesterday Was Lived and Lost for April 2012 Release – London-based band New build, featuring Al Doyle and Felix Martin of Hot Chip, are on the verge of releasing their debut album.
Kraftwerk To Perform Eight Albums in Their Entirety At the Museum of Modern Art in New York City – Electronic extraordinaire Kraftwerk are getting the respect they deserve with an 8-night showcase at NYC’s Museum of Modern Art.
Carina Round Announces New Album Tigermending For May 2012 Release, Features Collaborations with Bill Corgan, Brian Eno and Dave Stewart – Carina Round is stepping into the music scene once more with a new album featuring awesome collaborations.
Luscious Jackson Reunite and Release First New Music in 13 Years – Luscious Jackson have reunited to put together a studio album for the first time in 13 years.
Rob Zombie and Megadeth Announce Spring 2012 Co-Headlining Tour Dates – Heavy metal rockers Rob Zombie and Megadeth are teaming up for the first time to co-headline a couple rock festivals and play a spring tour.
