ASTRONAUTALIS
It’s easy to compare Minneapolis’ Astronautalis to Beck — after all, our favorite “Loser” was just a PR decision away from hip-hop radio rather than alt-rock. Yet the conversation only starts there: this is no Dust Brothers project. Astronautalis’ production mixes Kid A-style sterile synth lines with G-Side-style shoeblaze and mid-’00s college radio structures. And some tracks even lean toward a marriage of sensitive indie and hip-hop, reminiscent of Danger Mouse/Shins collab Broken Bells — yet far less weepy, far more engaging, and featuring asymmetrical production and electronica-style drum fills. Yet Astronautalis’ fascinating hybrid style is only the tip of the iceberg, with his label, Fake Four, inc, positively overflowing with essential evolutions in indie rock-leaning hip-hop. With Flobots, and Southside Punx. $13-$15. Oct. 15, 8 p.m. Tremont Music Hall, 400 W. Tremont Ave. 704-343-9494.
This article appears in Oct 10-16, 2012.
Minneapolis?! He is from Jacksonville!!
Duuuvaalll!! Represent.
Astronautalis grew up in Jacksonville, but he now calls Minneapolis home. It’s understandable too as Minneapolis has a much better music scene than Jacksonville.
Did you attend the show? Or any show of his? He comes onstage and says “My name is Astronautalis. I’m a rapper from Jacksonville Beach, FL.” But yeah, he’s lived in MN the past year or so, Seattle prior to that, after a long stint in Denton, TX.
Minneapolis has a more supportive indie hiphop scene, but there are no fewer talented artists in Jax.
Yes, I attended his show and I’ve seen him perform a few times. He doesn’t hide the fact that he lives in and loves the city of Minneapolis. That said, Corbie was right in stating, “Minneapolis’ Astronautalis.” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JaT_uCJpo8).
Also, your statement about there being no fewer talented artists in Jax is ridiculous. There have been great bands and artists coming out of Minneapolis for decades. Heck the city had it’s own style back in the 80s known as the Minneapolis Sound.
Anyway, here are just a few artists that have come out of Minneapolis:
Bob Dylan (got his start in the Dinkytown area of Minneapolis), Prince, The Replacements,
Hüsker Dü, Semisonic, Soul Asylum, Information Society, The Trashmen, Jonny Lang, Next, Mint Condition, Morris Day and the Time, Babes in Toyland, the Jets, Atmosphere, Cloud Cult, Brother Ali, Tapes ‘n Tapes, P.O.S., Mason Jennings, The Jayhawks, the Castaways, Halloween Alaska, Dillinger Four, Gayngs, Quietdrive, Motion City Soundtrack, Eyedea (RIP) & Abilities, Polica, Howler, etc…………..
I’m not ripping on Jax. It’s just that Minneapolis has had and continues to have one of the best music scenes in the country.