DIG this

The return of DIG (Downtown Independent Groove) Festival is not so much a reoccurrence as a comeback. The local music fest was first produced in 2009 with a focus on area Americana and roots bands. It was envisioned as a summer counterpart to the Pop Asheville festival, which at the time happened in January. But, […]

Homeward bound

The return of DIG (Downtown Independent Groove) Festival is not so much a reoccurrence as a comeback. The local music fest was first produced in 2009. The two-day extravaganza takes place the week college students return. It returns Thursday and Friday night. Thirty-six acts (plus one jam session) will fill five stages (The Orange Peel, Emerald Lounge, The LAB, Asheville Music Hall and One Stop). Folk-roots outfit Old North State is one of the bands who will perform.

Long way back

In early July, the Facebook page of local indie-rock band The Enemy Lovers suddenly lit up with the message, “Hello! It has been a while.” It was the first post in more than a year and a half from the group led by songwriting team and brothers Tim and Steven Scroggs. Soon after, the Lovers […]

Nothing new under the sun?

With the growth of digital media, issues of copyright have plagued the music industry for well over a decade. Looking beyond popular controversial examples like Napster, it’s been a contentious topic even before file sharing. Decades ago, for example, the hip-hop community embraced sampling, dividing their source artists and music audiences into two camps: those […]

Smart Bets: Del the Funky Homosapien

If you're a fan of alternative hip-hop, you know who Del the Funky Homosapien is. In addition to his two decade career and many solo albums, Del has collaborated with El-P and Dan the Automator, contributed songs to the popular Tony Hawk video game series, and provided the raps on "Clint Eastwood," the seminal hit […]

Clubland features: Dark Star Orchestra, Subarus and Box Chevys, The Coathanger­s

Fanatical Dead: Dark Star Orchestra is the undisputed king of Grateful Dead tributes, basing their own shows on actual Dead set lists and taking the experience to an unprecedented level of detail. The band begins a two-night stand at Pisgah Brewing Company's outdoor stage on Friday, Aug. 16. Photo by Bob Minkin Mountain beats: Emerald […]