At Localist, our approach to music is two-fold: To offer an in-depth and critical view of locally produced music, and to expose people to new local music they may not have heard before. Toward these ends, we provide a rotating sampler of music by local artists, by artists who pass through town, and by artists that local artists like. Our staff is made up of music consumers who believe in supporting local musicians by attending their shows and purchasing their work. It is important for the livelihood of the Little Rock scene that all our readers do the same. If you are an artist (or represent an artist) and would like to request that an mp3 be taken down, please contact our editor, Davis Clement. We will do our best to remove it within 24 hours.
Local Access II -- Localist Magazine's All Access Pass to New Arkansas Music
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1. "Brilliant and Charming" by Benjamin Del Shreve
Benjamin Del Shreve isn't trying to change the world, but his new album is so full of tried and true rock maneuvers that it could easily provide one with all the energy needed to do anything. The title track is a rollicking "let-me-tell-you-how" for the day-to-day masquerade that it seems to take to impress the unimpressed masses. http://www.myspace.com/benjamindelshreve
2. "Get Doe" by Bware (Of Dat Heat)
Dat Heat's lyrical word slayer has made major improvement since his last mixtape "No Jokes No Games" and has expanded upon his already hot mic skills. The creative presentation that goes into the Dat Heat live performances gives them an angle a lot of other rappers don't have. "Get Doe" is an original Dat Heat track produced by Gsizz from the new mixtape that will drop in the New Year. http://www.myspace.com/yaboybware
3. "Watch Me Drink" by Sara Thomas
The good-time gospel chords and happy-go-lucky plucking rhythm of this, Sara's apologia for all the keg-side regulars in town, are the perfect accompaniment for defending your right to your own effing barstool. Some folk have their own pew in church, some a half-righteous soapbox, and some a quiet spot in front of the cigarette machine—Sara has all three! http://www.myspace.com/sarathomas
4. "America Ends" by Arkatext
This Conway crew is in constant refinement, the most underestimated hip hop group in Arkansas. If you don't believe me check them out live and watch how tight they are as they trade rhymes and flow without the aid of backing tracks. Whether it is street hustle of Goon Squad or more political subjects like with "America Ends," Ipl, Metric, Grae, and Pubs Bubbly draw from a plethora of ideas and subject matter. http://www.myspace.com/inclinerecords
5. "Genesis Genocide" by Cinema Hurt
The Little Rock punk rock DIY legacy lives on! Permanent punk rock resident and Food Not Bombs purveyor Wesley "Weasel" Broadstone (Crisco Kids) joined forces with Antoine Ghaly and Jacob Pruett, and the result was what punk rock needed—real energy that is neither pretty nor aggro. "Genesis Genocide" will have you destroying to create. http://www.myspace.com/cinemahurt
6. "Hot Dogs" by Mad Trucker + Jampire
These musical collaborators and Ripshop label mates share an interest in the bizarre, but both have a distinct style and range of subjects. "Hotdogs" is a fun track that gave Localist a chance to drop two great artists at once. Checkout the new releases out now on Ripshop Records. http://www.ripshoprecords.com
7. "Hello, My Love" by Ginsu Wives
Bouncing between timidity and aggression, violence and vulnerability, Ginsu Wives probably doubt love has anything to do with it. This haunting come-hither anthem may leave you in the not-so-unfortunate position of having to choose between running for your life or hanging around and doing what you're told. http://www.myspace.com/ginsuwives
8. "Numbers" by Mother 33
I like to define this Russellville duo as industrial hardcore, however they sound much like a throwback to the original industrial sounds of groups like Throbbing Gristle and Cabaret Voltaire. They bring intensity to art that is neither ironic nor pretentious. Watch for their full-length to drop any day now. http://www.myspace.com/mother33
9. "Choke Soup" by Ettiem
This electronic music producer is one of the most talented artists in Arkansas. Ettiem makes dark and sexy techno, with a sound that seems to lend to the idea that he's on some kind of foreign exchange from Berlin. Little Rock has a dance music mastermind in their midst with an originality that has a worldwide audience waiting for his sound. http://www.myspace.com/ettiem
10. "Take That" by Jonathan Wilkins
Jonathan's pointed words are always pulled along by his anxious guitar, giving his songs an urgency that belies their thoughtfulness. His catalog, which is quite extensive, is draped in pop culture signposts and twisted vignettes of the familiar. http://www.jonathanwilkins.com
11. "Situation" by David Harmony
Producer Gsizz's lush orchestrations recall a bygone decade when rich harmonies and slow beats were the soundtrack to first loves and heartaches, before the drama of the current age. Dave's lyrics long for a more blissful period, as well, only reluctantly acknowledging a present rift of ambivalence in a once-fiery union. http://www.myspace.com/daveharmony
12. "Sweet Like Candy" by Western Meds
With a foreboding whimsy, Western Meds pull tempting, healing samples from the shelves and offer only a whiff of all that's in the bottle. One dose intoxicates you with nostalgia for a place you've never known, much less visited; you can remember wanting to go, though, once upon a time.
13. "Ric Flair" by Snazz Gripperton (Ill Chemist And Brian Frazier)
This is what happens when you put together fans of British pop and American hip hop in one room—a sweetly produced track reminiscent of Gorillaz with flows like De La. Frazier and the Ill Chemist are a pair I am eager to see more from. http://www.myspace.com/bryanfraziermusic http://www.myspace.com/ill_chemist
14. "Eagle Scream" by Attractive And Popular
Throw off the t-shirts and inhibitions, Attractive and Popular will heat you up from the outside in. They demand a good time, hinting at old-fashioned, raw 'roid rock like hail on a tin roof hints at a thunderstorm. This is the music the older kids played while they toilet-papered the funeral home. www.myspace.com/attractiveandpopular
15. "Shut The Fuck Up" by Corren
This female artist brings a presence to the mic that is both sexy and hard. As a live performer she's got swagger and confidence. Look for more from her in '08. Rumor has it, Coren's got a starring role in a feature film. http://www.myspace.com/corenmusic
16. "Vampyroteuthis" by Church Of The Snake
This cult started in Hot Springs and has spread considerably around the globe. The music slithers in (no shock there) and pumps like hot sex on bread served with the sacrificial blood of a virgin. No really it's cool! http://www.myspace.com/churchofthesnake
17. "F.R.E.S.H." by Rockst*R + Mayhemm
From designing his own CD covers to his clothing line FRESH GOODS, Rockst*r always comes clean and pressed. His mic skills come the same way, check how he drops a single and a jingle in one song with F.R.E.S.H. Joined by friend and collaborator Mayhemm, Rockst*r demonstrates how to grind in the "A". http://www.myspace.com/rockstaronline
18. "Waltzing in the Sky" by Chase Pagan
There's burlesque coming from behind Chase Pagan's bicoastal-touring beard. From the dancing carnival falsetto to the matter-of-fact lounge tenor in one measure, his piano takes a good beating just keeping up. This particular indictment/seduction plays like a post-intermission declaration of the protagonist's/villain's intentions. http://www.myspace.com/chasepagan
19. "I Can Make Ya!" by 4x4 Crew
The hardest working group in Little Rock does everything from hip hop workshops to a TV show "Rocktown Lockdown", they are always on the hustle and always refining. Check out their energetic explosive live show at a venue near you and see how they make ya move!
20. "Maybe It's Ghosts" by Ghost Children
Maybe it's the sweet Casio-tinted orchestrations or the faint moving harmonies, both alternately tucked in between chaotic sing-along refrains and memorable instrumental themes, but Ghost Children manage to be quite infectious without abusing traditional pop indulgences. http://www.myspace.com/holyghostchildren
21. "Simone" by The Contingencies
There is no more reliable source for mild-mannered, up-lifting hymns of longing and reflection than The Contingencies. Here is another example of how heartache, talent, and electricity combine to make music that is at once elegiac and cutting edge. http://www.myspace.com/thecontingencies
22. "Little Rock Love" by Razormack
Little Rock hip hop veteran and one half of the Backyard Enterprises, Razormack comes to the mic with honesty and a hook that will have you singing all day "I'm from the Natural State, Little Rock is all I got!" http://www.backyardonline.com/home.html