Dawn of the DIY by The Beat

issue #46: DAWN OF THE DIY

hi there! thanks for picking up this issue of THE BEAT! it’s ~spooky season~ which means it’s time to hang those skeletons in the closet & get yourself to a house show! as old venues have closed and new ones have opened, we’ve got a semi-complete list of all the current and new spaces for you to check out this fall. so get out there, hear some tunes, stomp on some crunchy leaves, and get haunted! we’ve got plenty of suggestions for fun stuff to do this halloween :-) hope you enjoy ~ <3 THE BEAT <3

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PLAYLIST 1. It Wasn’t The Haunting - Mount Eerie 2. Conflicted - Ka 3. 1923 - Marissa Nadler 4. I’m a Murderer - Freddie Dredd 5. I’m Your Doll - FKA twigs 6. WhereTheTreesMeetTheFreeway - Bones 7. Singularity - Shinjuku Mad 8. Turtle_neck.Dat - Trip 9. I’m Not Afraid - PowerPCME 10.Spooky Girl - The Drawing Blanks <3 billy bugara

dawn of the DIY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

20 vivian girls @ once somerville 7:30pm

21 rosie tucker w/ the most beautiful moth in america @ o’brien’s 9pm*

23 22 against me / cursive / dilly dally @ the royale 7pm 28 30 29 DA halloween oa- sleater-kinsis / good char- ney @ house lotte / pearl jam of blues 7pm

4 5 hot rod circuit / tied to a bear @ brighton music hall 7pm

10 harmony woods / the world is a beautiful place @ great scott 8:30pm

17 (sandy) alex g @ the royale 7pm

27 halloween show - the pixies / daniel john- / michelle branch ston / built @ great scott 8pm to spill @ state park 10pm

12 chastity belt / strange ranger @ brighton music hall 7pm

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6 great grandpa / dump him / really from @ once somerville 8pm

13 halfsour / fran / rick rude / jeff beam @ o’brien’s pub 8pm 20 beach bunny w/ another michael @ great scott 8:30pm

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

24 phony / oldsoul / daisybones / zachary boudrot @ hong kong harvard 7:30pm*

26 jay som w/ boy scouts @ the sinclair 7pm

31 halloween show (cover bands for) devo / polaris / the strokes / hum / bright eyes @ o’brien’s pub 8pm*

NOV 1 halloween show (cover bands for) roy orbison / portishead / now y2k / gun club @ lilypad inman, 9pm Sports coach / lucy / ormus / ucarly @ trixie’s palace 9pm

2 botfly + 2 acts tba @ hong kong harvard 8pm *

9 lisa prank / lilith / honey cutt @ o’brien’s pub 9pm*

15 kal marks / exhalants / rong / aneurysm @ hong kong harvard 7:30pm*

16 lifetime w/ gauge away / fiddlehead / anxious @ elk’s lodge 5pm

21 clairo @ the sinclair 7:30pm

23 * = 21+

dawn of the DIY

mazy fly - spellling The always bustling and richly expressive Bay Area gifts the music world numerous projects from both independent and commercial artists year after year, and one of its most telling and unique acts - Spellling - has released an album that fully fits this notion perfectly. The Sacred Bones Records signee’s sophomore project Mazy Fly is a mystical and haunting trip through the talented and boisterous artist’s psyche and sonic vision respectively. Accompanied by correspondingly ominous instrumentation throughout the entire runtime, the undeniably impressive vocals serve to match this atmosphere extremely well. Both aforementioned factors make for a listen that will sooth the listener as much as it makes them feel the dark tones throughout. Songs like the opening track “Red” and its following track “Haunting Water” adequately exemplify these sentiments; both tracks serve as moments of sheer atmospheric weight that shifts onto the listener with such great force. As the tracklist moves onward, each song offers a new sense of instrumentation -- developing from acoustic guitar passages to highly-focused electronic movements. Despite these constant detours, all supplement the luscious themes of the album equally. Mazy Fly is a listen that both fans and casual listeners of her past work will not forget any time soon, and it has already gained the acclaim and stature of one of this year’s best releases overall. Spellling is set to become a huge presence in the ever-growing singer/songwriter scene, so it would be best to get to know her while she is still on the come up. Stream the album here! - https://spellling.bandcamp.com/album/ mazy-fly <3 billy bugara

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“honey honey,” “eta / someday,” & “making breakfast” - carinae These singles are sneak peaks of Western Mass psych rockers Carinae’s upcoming self-titled album. It will be available on all streaming platforms on Nov. 1, 2019. “Honey Money” begins with a happy combination of affected guitars and bright synths that segue nicely into the first playful verse. True to the title, the song takes the listener through a day in the life of a worker bee, from the flower to the honey to the hive and the hivemind. It’s also an interesting piece of social commentary on the human condition. The funky time signature in the beginning is halted by a driving, chugging middle section, complete with buzzing synth sounds and fuzzy vocals. Like honey, it’s so short and sweet that you almost forget you were listening to it. The next single, “eta / someday,” takes the listener on a seven-minute outer space race with alien-like synth samples and explosive guitar melodies. The group sings in haunting harmony as the warring instruments continue to build. The song then abruptly changes pace, as if a ragtag group of Martians decided to infiltrate the listener’s quiet, solo walk on the Moon. The chase is loud and fast until the melody from the beginning of the song tears through the fabric of time and space and wraps up the intergalactic excursion. The final single, “Making Breakfast,” is an acid trip from start to finish. The organ line in the beginning is smooth and slightly jazzy like elevator music, but don’t be fooled; things get continuously stranger. The song ebbs and flows in the same way objects breathe under the influence of psychedelics. The second half reads like a breakthrough — or is it exhaustion? Confusion? Truthfully, it reads like the feeling of being a little bit too high. The instrumentation becomes swirling and spacey toward the end, and the ending can only be described as pure catharsis. Trip = over. Stream the singles and preorder the album here! — https:// carinaeband.bandcamp.com/album/carinae

<3 audrey sutter

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ALBUM HOROSCOPES Aquarius The stars see some loving coming your way this season, Aqua. Let your secret romantic find it’s vengeance in the dreamy croons of Norman F***ing Rockwell! by Lana del Rey. Pisces The only thing a Pisces likes more than a good public bathroom cry? A good private bedroom cry. Get your soft soothing sob on this season to Ma by Devendra Banhart. Aries All this halloween candy is giving you the sugar shakes, isn’t it, Aries? Your trademark hyperactivity makes you the life of the party, but take a breather this month with Toro y Moi’s Outer Peace. Taurus Stubborn Taurus, you hold grudges like no one’s business … which, thanksfully it isn’t. Let it go for now, and shake your lazy lil bones out to Maggie Rogers’ Heard It In A Past Life. Gemini There’s no two faces here, babes, just one: yours, and it’s in absolute boss mode this season. Get your Gemini groove (and your simp) on to BROCKHAMPTON’s GINGER.

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Cancer As much as you like to think Pisces are the wateriest water sign, you know you’ve got your soft spots, my lil crab. Give your brain a break with Close it Quietly by Frankie Cosmos. Leo All the world’s a stage for you, sweet Leo, and you love to go costume crazy. Lean into your sparkly madness and indulge your sweet tooth with (Sandy) Alex G’s House of Sugar. Virgo You think of yourself as the ultimate icon, Virgo, and you know what? We all do, too. Keep your boss babe self bopping this season with Missy Elliot’s Iconology. Libra Libra, you little devil, you! the spooky season starts with you, so what better what to get into the mood than with the witchy, synth-y sounds of Bat for Lashes’ Lost Girls? Scorpio You hate knowing you’re the season’s baby sib — isn’t Halloween the ultimate Scorpio event, anyways? Show those Libras who’s really hard and rock it out to Pixies’ Beneath the Eyrie. Sagittarius No one loves to go, go, go as much as you do, Sag, so take a weekend escape this season, find a co-driver you can handle your sick burns, and bop out to Mallrat’s Driving Music EP. Capricorn Cap, god knows you love to roll your eyes astrology, but this season is just as much about the tricks as the treats. Take that attitude and bop it to JPEGMAFIA’s All My Heroes Are Cornballs. <3 sarah cristine burrola

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Where to Go...

Salem, MA Salem is *the* Witch City. Since the legendary Salem Witch Trials, this Massachusetts town has been cloaked in lore and ghost stories. It’s an easy trip on Boston’s commuter rail, taking the Rockport/Ipswitch line from North Station or a quick drive. It’s an easy check off your bucket list or just a cool spooky place to explore in the fall. Here’s some must-sees if you make the trek to the spookiest city in the states: HausWitch - If the creators of Anthropologie decided to become palm readers, they’d open a store like HausWitch. There’s small healing stones in palm-sized dishes scattered throughout the store with descriptions on how each one will improve your life (or you can skip that, and just imagine how it’ll just look nice on your desk). For fans of astrology and tarot, HausWitch has you covered. There are beginners guides and kits for those willing to dive headfirst into Wicca, astrology, and more; the store introduces customers to all things witchy in a very millennial, light-hearted way while still maintaining the trademark Salem spookiness and seriousness. The Record Exchange - This small record store has a classic vibe and typically has some good finds! Many people rave about the kind staff and great prices. The atmosphere feels like a kinder edition of Cambridge’s Cheapo Records, minus the thrift store. The Record Exchange is a great pit stop if you’re searching for something specific that may have already been snagged in a Boston record shop and is a cool place to stop if you need a less-spooky experience on your trip. Hocus Pocus House - The house from Hocus Pocus is nestled over the Salem Port and is a cute photo op. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or haven’t seen it yet, it’s a quick stop with a beautiful view! Witch City Consignment - If the occult is your thing and you want a spooky piece of Salem to take home with you, Witch City Consignment has got you covered. The place where I got my most prized possession: an ethically sourced raccoon tail keychain. It’s full of oddities of varying levels, from handmade necklaces to animal skulls. The entire store is an indoor market dedicated to both local and traveling craftspeople, so it’ll be a new experience each time you enter! The Witch House - This all-black wooden house is the last standing building with a direct association to the Salem Witch Trials. Built in the 1620s, the house now serves as a tourist stop and offers walkthrough tours and a gift shop. If you’re not into the Witch Trials (or really hated reading “The Crucible” in high school), it serves as another photo backdrop to prove you went to Salem at least once. & More! - Salem also has plenty of quaint cafes and restaurants, most of which are vegetarian/vegan friendly! And if you’re really craving your Thursday night fishbowl fix, there’s a Tavern in the Square as well. When the cold October air hits, you can pick yourself up with a hot apple cider from almost any cafe and some outdoor food stands.

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<3 monica sucic

<3 sophie sachar

dawn of the DIY

BLAISE ELDRED Within seconds of meeting him, one thing becomes clear: Blaise Eldred is a different kind of musical genius. Eldred hails from Dallas, TX, and is now studying at Berklee College of Music. He began his musical career playing drums, but he moved to guitar and vocals when he decided to pursue songwriting. He is now the lead singer/guitarist of Boston-based psych/shoegaze band, RVRCT (pronounced rivercat). The band released their self-titled album in March 2017, which allowed them to make significant headway in Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DIY scene. They are currently working on a sophomore album called Agave, which is set to drop early next year. According to Eldred, Agave is a concept album inspired by desert landscapes and is supposed to sound the way deserts look and feel. In his teen years, Eldred recorded an album called Sexpop using only GarageBand. From this album alone, Eldred currently has over 14,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Above all else, Eldred is open about his entire musical process, and he is approachable and easy to talk to. His love for the DIY scene runs deep, and his stage presence reflects how much he enjoys what he does. Keep an eye out for Eldred and RVRCT, and never hesitate to reach out to him for show info. <3 audrey sutter

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the STATE of

Hear ye, hear ye! While Boston’s DIY scene might appear graveyard-ish to its long-time members, it is far from dead. This fall, DIY has been reborn with a vengeance. The New DIY has something for everyone, whether you’re a psych rocker, a shoegaze fan, a metalhead, a club kid, or a punk. For every house venue that closed in the past year, another three have opened. These new venues have yet to be fully vetted, but their existence proves that people still want to show up for local music. DIY was, after all, created for the people, by the people, so get to those gigs.

The current (and running) list of house venues includes but is not limited to:

• • • • • • •

The Alamo BBV Beppe’s Castle Birdland The Cliff The Farm The Garden

• • • • • • •

Last House McSpanky’s (Lowell) Pasta Planet Shipwreck Cove JP Ted House The Tourist Trap Trixie’s Palace

Ask a punk for the addy. Entry fee is usually $5. <3 audrey sutter

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The Garden is a house venue run by BU’s Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Ask a punk for the addy. Entry is $5. When the news broke last spring that The Garden was shutting down, I felt that the scene had lost something huge. The Garden was the rock show venue, and it was clean, safe, and beautifully decorated. The rotating cast of artists who played The Garden had become some of my favorites. I reluctanly said goodbye, and I feared the scene would never see anything like it again. That is, until it announced its re-opening over instagram on Aug. 3. The Garden had its comeback show at its new location on Sept. 13 with three of its staple bands: Ansonia, Them Fantasies, and Mom Rock. The new location is just as decked out as the old one. Fluorescent graffiti covers the walls, illuminated by an array of colorful strobe lights. The iconic “Garden” sign is gone, but all the new bells and whistles fill its place nicely. The show opened with Ansonia, an electronic indie pop trio comprised of vocalist and controllerist Charlie Henry, guitarist Ryan Bale, and drummer Zack Brody. Bale and Brody are also members of long-time Garden favorites The Cotones. Bale’s heavy guitar licks and Brody’s drum fills brought a whole new dimension to Henry’s live electronic instrumentation and vulnerable lyrics. Henry’s Midi Fighter gave the group a unique factor and an edge that no one else had. On top of that, Henry’s stage presence was captivating — the room felt every word she sang.

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Alt-rockers Them Fantasies followed Ansonia. Lead vocalist and bassist Dominic Cannarella took the stage in large, cartoon slippers, followed by guitarist Eric McCoy and drummer Max Meizlish. The group delivered an energetic performance, with Cannarella perpetually groove-stomping and flinging his mane of curls to the beat. The crunchy reggae bass break during their song, “Them Fantasies,” received a roar of approval from the crowd, as did their charming (and really, really good) cover of Sublime’s “Badfish.” When the venue reached capacity before the closer, I knew I was in for a treat. Indie-rock group Mom Rock took the stage as the audience scrambled to get as close to them as possible. Bassist/vocalist Tara Magiulli, electric guitarist/synth player/vocalist Josh Polack, and drummer Wilson Reardon donned yellow, blue, and red jumpsuits respevtively. Acoustic guitarist/ vocalist Curtis Heimburger rounded out the jumpsuit quartet in shiny silver. The group dominated in the audience interaction category, naturally coaxing the entire basement into synchronized dances and short-lived mosh pits. Polack even crowdsurfed at one point. The group’s whole set was good, old-fashioned mayhem — just like mom used to make. Overall, I’d deem The Garden’s re-opening a success. I’m relieved it still looks cool, I’m relieved it still features my favorite bands. However, I’m mostly relieved that The Garden is still part of Boston’s DIY scene. I’m excited to see this new chapter unfold, and I can’t wait to get to more gigs. <3 audrey sutter

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If you listened to hardcore punk in the mid to late 2000s, you may remember Boston as the genre’s Mecca and its expansive metropolitan area as its somewhat undeclared Medina. Hardcore had its home in Boston headlined by label heavyweights Bridge Nine Records, Deathwish Inc. and to some avail, the up-and-coming, Run for Cover Records. The former two ruled the scene, hosting a myriad of successful hardcore bands from the Greater Boston Area. Have Heart, located about 60 miles outside the city in the coastal New Bedford, graciously became one of the scene’s premiere hardcore bands along with Worcester’s Bane and Boston proper’s American Nightmare. Hardcore has had its place in Boston’s colorful music history since the dawn of its existence. Jerry’s Kids and Gang Green ran the GBA hardcore scene into the ground in sweaty Allston basements and disapproving rock clubs like the ever-important Paradise. Have Heart, which relocated to Boston after graduating high school, and its contemporaries resurrected the scene from beneath its feet. Have Heart was formed in 2002 by vocalist Patrick Flynn, guitarist Ryan Hudson, and bassist Ryan Briggs. The band had ten different members in its short seven year career, but those three remained as the group’s core. Have Heart was raised on the 16

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straight edge hardcore of Minor Threat and Gorilla Biscuits and often cited straight edge values in the band’s lyrics. While Have Heart remained in the underground hardcore scene in the Greater Boston Area, its 2008 sophomore and final album Songs to Scream at the Sun became a seminal and iconic piece of hardcore in not only Boston but the scene at large. The second track “Bostons” has become somewhat of an anthem for Boston hardcore and a major influence on the bands that followed. Although Have Heart disbanded in 2009, only a few months after the release of Songs to Scream, they went on a short run of reunion shows this year to even larger and more passionate crowds than ever before. Flynn has managed to keep himself relavant in the Boston music scene with his post-hardcore band Fiddlehead, which also features Shawn Costa of Have Heart and Alex Henery of Basement. Fiddlehead, although nowhere near as iconic as Have Heart, has carried out the working man’s dream for Boston music. It’s incredibly tough to stand out in Boston’s vast music scene. Many don’t break out of its bubble and have even shorter careers than Have Heart. While Fiddlehead may not sound like Have Heart, it still represents the work Flynn and his band put in to make the Boston hardcore scene as important as it’s become. <3 Zach McCollum

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Fucko is a Boston band who released their second full-length album, Social Climber, in May of this year. After catching their set at Hong Kong in Cambridge, Beat pen-pusher Sophie Sachar got the scoop on the band, who plays at The Sinclair on October 11th with Sheer Mag.

1) Who is in Fucko?

Sarah Desmarais (she/her) - Guitar and Vox Jake Desmarais (he/him) - Bass and Vox Derek Desharnais (he/him) - Drummies

2) I get the sense you guys are good friends. where are y’all from and how did you meet?

Sarah: Well, Jake and I are siblings so... that’s that. I guess we are good friends? Eh guys????? Jake: Derek and I are something special. When you’re questing with your bro through Neverwinter one night and shredding rock and roll on stage the next, you will know you have something. Sarah is ok. Derek: I met these bozos at Fucko’s “last show.” Practiced a few times with Sarah solo and I guess it just worked out. I think we all got along very well quickly. We had a ton of mutual friends and grew up not too far from each other, so it was strange we haven't met already. Jake and I play D&D as well (reference above) but we do all hang outside the band. Let’s just say our band “chatroom” has everything but convos about the band. Sarah: Well, technically it wasn’t our last show. We were actively looking for a new drummer… and there you were.

3) What were your biggest influences on Social Climber?

Jake: Social Climber did not have a concept behind it. It is really the gathering of our songs over a two year period. I was pretty excited to write the album with Derek since he brings a lot of interesting influences to our music. We wrote the first half fairly quickly after he joined the band and went on our East Coast tour. The second half came together a bit more slowly just because we already had a set we were playing live. Towards the end we kind of had to buckle down and put the album together. Sarah: To be honest I don’t think we have many major influences to our music that I can pinpoint, mostly because our individual influences are all over the map. Our process (or lack thereof) for writing music is pretty chaotic. We have a lot of half-songs that get scrapped, but the ones that stick we iterate a handful of

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times before they’re finished. I guess what I’m saying is: our own weird process for co-writing songs is a big influence and I think very relevant on this record. Derek: I listen to a wide variety of music but I was listening to a lot of black metal/punk and revisiting “You Forgot It In People” by Broken Social Scene. I was just trying to find a way to play heavy but not make it seem overwhelming. I guess a mix of the two ended up settling well with the songs we were writing at the time.

4) What’d be your band of choice to cover in a Halloween set?

Derek: I have been in cover sets for Halloween a few times. I really think my favorite was the Hives cover set. Although, My Bloody Valentine was a blast too. I haven’t put much thought into it. Cranberries would be cool for Fucko though. Sarah: If Jake & Derek had their way, probably ACDC or System Of A Down. If I had my way, No Doubt or Paramore. Jake: Sarah is right.

5) Have you ever had a supernatural experience in Boston? Sarah: I WISH. I’ve been I love, but nothing that I’ve seen a ghost before shire. I love it and I’m through October’ sort of my favorite genre.

to plenty of psychics for readings which has totally spooked me. I definitely swear when I was younger & living in New Hampdefinitely a ‘watch spooky movies all person and ghost/supernatural horror is

Derek: I am surprised I haven’t. I have a lot of dead / ritualistic items in my house. I love anything related to horror and dark spiritualism. Jake: I get terrified pretty easy and usually stay away from horror things because of it. One time I ready about the Dyatlov Pass incident and couldn’t be alone at night for a few days!

6) What’s your favorite Halloween costume you’ve ever done? Jake: I went to Salem once dressed head to toe and facepaint and all like a skeleton. I made the whole costume by referencing a skeleton and painting bones on black clothes with fabric paint! Sarah: I was a zombified Jackie O one year. A few years ago, Jake and I were Wayne & Garth. His Wayne impression is hysterically good. Derek: California Derek, when I dress up as different state versions of myself. Check out Fucko here!

https://fucko.bandcamp.com https://www.facebook.com/okcuf

dawn of the DIY

Today they tore down my favorite building and I watched them do it. It was a convenience store on the corner. I went there for food during the winter of my freshman year of college. They had a two for five on microwave macaroni and cheese. That wasn’t why it was my favorite building though, and neither was the Bertucci’s Pizza next door, and neither was the school for young photographers next door to Bertucci’s Pizza. All around us things are dying. Death is the Center for Computing and Data Sciences, Death is office space, Death is two for five macaroni and cheese. And I don’t want to watch it go so soon. And I don’t want to see what takes its place. Just like the guy whose place I took didn’t want to watch me grow taller and build things to remember me by. The dead must hate the living. Our great great grandparents must hate us for tearing down everything they built, and their ghosts must watch us like we watch the TV, yelling at the screen. But anyway the convenience store is gone. And I moved some miles away last year, so it’s not like it matters much. But I did watch it get torn down, and I felt a little more like a ghost as I walked home.

Paul Stokes <3 20

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<3 sloane miller

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Local restaurants recommended by local musicians reviewed by local punx Restaurant: Dolphin Bay, 72 Brighton Ave Recommended by: Members of RVRCT Tucked away in a strip of restaurants along Brighton Ave, Dolphin Bay is easy to miss. Don’t write this one off, however. The wonderfully kitschy, nautical-themed restaurant offers a vast menu of Taiwanese comfort food for relatively low prices. If you’re a boba fan, I would recommend a small Taro Milk Tea ($4.50) with a boba add-in ($0.50 extra). The lavender-colored drink is smooth and sweet, and it comes in a plastic cup adorned with a little dolphin. It checks off all the boba boxes, so what’s not to love? Because I happened to visit on a rainy day, I also ordered the Wonton Soup ($10) and doused it in spicy sauce. Crunchy pieces of bok choy and a plethora of steamed wontons balanced the massive, noodle-heavy soup well. Without the added spicy sauce, the broth was bland and unexciting — not a deal breaker, I just tend to like a lot of flavor. To top it all off, Dolphin Bay offers service with a smile, playful Taiwanese pop music, and an adorable mural of dolphins spanning the entire restaurant. Head to Allston and definitely give this one a try.

<3 audrey sutter 22

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THE BEAT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY WTBU questions? comments? concerns? lonely? we are too!

editor-in-chief abby lebet

email us at wtbu.thebeat@ gmail.com

graphics guru sophie sachar

ISSUU: issu.com/ the-beatofboston

layout expert audrey sutter

TWITTER/IG: @ wtbu

content queen julia bertelli

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FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ thebeatboston

Make a new playlist Listen to the ghosts singing Spooky time is here

Strange how the night moves When kids are trick or treating But I stay at home

Grab a fat pumpkin Spill its guts and carve a face You made a new friend 24

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