Rhode Island has a tight-knit artist community, specifically when it comes to the music scene. A lot of musicians know each other by name, band or personally, regardless of genre. There are supportive venues throughout the state helping to build musical camaraderie and friendship. A scene like this is not unique, but there is something […]
It’s that time again… when windbag music critics release their “Best Of” lists for the year. Of course, I couldn’t resist chiming in. Best Albums of 2022: 10. The Smashing Pumpkins – ATUM – Not sure how much I like this album but I’ve become addicted to the podcast (Thirty-Three with William Patrick Corgan) that […]
Okee dokee folks… This January edition of Motif Magazine is the annual Health Issue. I know that we all have had enough of hearing about health issues over the past couple of years, but right now you only have one body and it has to last a lifetime. At the rate we are going, future […]
A Band of Killers has come up on my radar as a band to watch in the new year. This past year they have been busy, releasing four singles, three of which were collaborations with Toussaint the Liberator, and one featuring Tim Gearan. Guitarist Johnny Trama, who assembled these musical assassins, informed me that they […]
The holi-daze mayhem is kicking into swing! With that in mind, I figured I’d review a couple of fall releases that have been kicking around inside my speakers for the music lover on your shopping list as well as some upcoming shows that don’t blow. Blood Feeder – Self-titled (75OrLessRecords) Dr. Chris Evil of Chris […]
Hello, Motif readers! My name is Jack Downey, and I’m a student at Providence College, a musician, and a former Motif intern. Since I was in high school, I have fully immersed myself in the nearest local music scene, first in the South Shore of Massachusetts, then in Providence. Both music and writing have been […]
Okee dokee folks… ‘Tis the season once again. I am still in the trenches fighting the war on Christmas. After over 35 years in the battle, I have now earned five-star general status. In spite of my disdain for the holidays, I must acquiesce and write some “Christmasy” stuff here for you folks who celebrate. […]
Blood on the Tracks Detroit Rebellion – Fake News Detroit Rebellion returns with their third album, Fake News, that rolls through the night like a hayride through the Americana apocalypse. Detroit Rebellion has always been about fuzzed-out blues, somewhere between Robert Johnson and The Gun Club. That carries on with Fake News, but they also […]
In early November, Rhode Islander Bill Bartholomew returned to Brooklyn, a place he called home for 10 years, to debut his solo record, “Beij,” and I was lucky enough to be there. It’s a special kind of thrill to see local musicians in other spaces, and self-identified artist of many trades, Bill (who told the […]
Okee dokee folks… ‘Tis the season… to save DEMOCRACY! Hopefully you vote(d) and things work(ed) in democracy’s favor! I also hope that RI stays a smart, mostly Democratic, somewhat progressive place to live. November is turning out to be a bit of a busy month for shows. Things are nearly 100% back to normal but […]