Hey, Memphis! In preparation of stuffing, yams, and the customary fried turducken, this weekend has plenty of music that you should give thanks for.
We’ve got you dancing the robot to ’80s synth pop, getting down with two of Tennessee’s top MCs, and sifting through the back catalog of a living legend. Hope you’re working on an empty stomach—it’s time for some weekend shots!
Friday (11/16) is a long day with plenty to see. ’80s revivalists Future Islands bring their FM synth and 30-year-old drum machine sounds to The Hi-Tone Cafe. The synth-pop trio are working off their “Tomorrow” 7″, which was released earlier this year. Noise rockers Talk Normal are also billed, working off of their second album Sunshine, also released earlier this year. Memphis’s own Ilya Twins provide additional support.
In celebration of Global Entrepreneurial Week, Minglewood Hall hosts a show with wide stylistic reach. Memphis’ own electropop Fast Planet will be showing off their indie cred and hopefully their new cover of Iron & Wine’s “Naked as We Came.” Marcela Pinilla will play a set with very special guest Danari Fowlkes so make it out early for a long night of good sets.
Don’t believe me? Minglewood also hosts another edition of Black & Neon on the same night. DJ Ben Murray will be spinning your favorite pop/hip-hop hits, while throwing in a couple of dubstep tracks to vary the mix.
Saturday (11/17) Brings a pair of TN hall of fame rappers with it. Don Trip found commercial success with last year’s “Letter to My Son.” Since then, he’s committed himself to over a half-dozen mixtapes, two of which feature fellow Tennessean Starlito (aka All Star Cashville Prince). In promotion of their second effort together, Step Brothers 2, the duo will be playing at Minglewood Hall.
The Hi-Tone Cafe will host Roky Erikson. Erikson has been kicking up dust since the mid ’60s leading to a career longer than most of the lifespans of his contemporaries. From the psychedelica of his effort the 13th Floor Elevators to the hard rock of his ’70s effort Blieb Alien, Erikson has an extended back catalog he’s able to dip into. Brooklyn-based Nude Beach supports.
