What’s happening this week? Nine Inch Nails talk about new music, Melkbelly releases new single, Dr. Dre drops a new song and more On the Radar.
Green Day reveals screening dates for Turn it Around: The Story of East Bay Punk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNjsdhP_fnk
Turn it Around: The Story of East Bay Punk is a new documentary examining the Bay area punk rock scene and the rise of 924 Gilman Street. Directed by Corbett Redford and produced by Green Day, the film is finally making the rounds across the US. After holding several screenings in California, the film will finally be shown in various theaters around the country. Screenings kick off July 25 in Montreal, Canada. So far there’s no date for Chicago on the list, but it seems they’ll be adding more in the future. Besides, it would be weird for Green Day to play a massive show at Wrigley Field, but not screen this movie.
The film will be shown in the wider Chicagoland area with screenings in Addison, IL; Bloomington, IL; Country Club Hills, IL; and Gurnee, IL. For the complete list of screenings dates, check here. Find more information on the film itself here.
Nine Inch Nails announce second EP in trilogy, Add Violence
Not too long ago Trent Reznor revealed the NIN 2016 EP, Not the Actual Events, was the first part of a trilogy of EPs planned for release. Last week, Reznor revealed the second EP in the series, Add Violence. The new release drops July 21 in digital formats, with vinyl and CD editions coming later September 1. There will also be a “physical component” similar to their last EP.
To tease the upcoming release, Reznor shared the new single, “Less Than,” taken from the EP. The third release in this EP trilogy is expected to drop later in the year. Could this lead up to a full on studio album? We can only hope.
Reznor and co. play Riot Fest this year on September 15. Make sure to get your tickets while you still can.
Dr. Dre drops new song “Gunfire”
Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine are the subjects of the new HBO miniseries The Defiant Ones, which looks at their careers and influence. Along with the series, Dre dropped a new track, “Gunfire,” last week. The new song, his first new material since 2015’s Compton, will be featured in the fourth episode of the series. If you’re hoping to download the song, chances are you won’t be able to. According to Dre’s rep, the rapper has no plans to release the track outside of the series. The fourth episode premieres on HBO July 14 but is currently streaming on HBO Go and HBO Now.
So does this mean we should expect a new album? Maybe, but probably not anytime soon. Allen Hughes, the director of The Defiant Ones, assures that Dre is working on various musical projects. According to Hughes, Dre is working on Eminem’s new album, his own new music, and an upcoming collaboration with J Cole.
Upcoming shows
Catch jam band favorites Umphrey’s McGee with special guests Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at the Huntington Bank Pavilion on July 21. Find tickets here.
Don’t miss this year’s Vans Warped Tour when it swings by Tinley Park on July 22 at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. This year’s lineup includes Andy Black, New Years Day, GWAR, Neck Deep, Blessthefall, William Control, and Anti-Flag to name a few. Find the complete list of bands and tickets here.
Spend the weekend partying at the V103 Summer Block Party. This year’s event features Jill Scott, BBD, SWV, DJ Maurice “Ice” Culpepper, and Nelly and Kelly Rowland. Catch them all at the Huntington Bank Pavilion on July 22. Make sure you have tickets.
See the iconic Debbie Harry and Blondie at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL on July 22. Garbage will be joining them as special guests. You still have a chance to get tickets here.
Chicago Artist Spotlight: Melkbelly
Keeping in line with Chicago’s burgeoning punk rock scene comes local band Melkbelly. Years after they first hit the scene with their 2014 EP Pennsylvania, the band are gearing up to release their full-length debut album. Titled Nothing Valley, the LP drops Friday, October 13 (Spooky!) via Sadie Duips’ Wax Nine Records.
Last week, the band released the lead single from the upcoming album, “Kid Kreative.” The song sounds like it’s been locked in a time capsule since 1993. With brash, fuzzy guitars and sleepy vibe, the track brings back memories of early 90s alternative where there seemed to be no rules. The single even has a weird video made to be taken apart on Beavis and Butthead. Check out the song and be prepared for a nostalgic trip.
Pre-order Nothing Valley here.