HIPSTER RUNOFF

Photo by Holy Ghost

I recently saw this picture that was taken by the buzzband Holy Ghost! The picture was tweeted with the caption "Airport security vs. Our touring modular synth, an epic and ongoing battle."

As yall probably know, being in a buzzband gives you the opportunity to experience many glorified alt perks. Neverending VIP, unlimited tugjobs from entry-level skanks who think that swallowing ur jizz will make them 'more alt', ppl telling u how ur album is amazing and ur the greatest thing since tapas style dining, and the opportunity to travel around the world experiencing these perks. However, being in a buzzband can often present logistical challenges, particularly for low-to-mid-tier buzzbands who haven't achieved Arcade Fire mainstream status so they can just hire a 'crew' 2 'deal with the bullshit.'

Sometimes it feels like we forget abt some of the shittiest parts of life for a member of a buzzband.

Most of our favourite buzzbands are responsible for many of the logistical responsibilities associated with traveling between gigs. Their lives' are a series of car rides, domestic flights, and international flights. They don't just bring a carry-on. They have tons of 'shit that makes noises' to lug around with them in order to make buzz dollars.

I often wonder what it is like to travel as a buzzband. Do ppl 'recognize u'? The majority of buzzbands 'look like bands', but then there is probably a series of fat business travelers asking, "Are you guys in a band?"

"Oh cool. What's ur name?"

"Never heard of yall."

"What do u sound like?"

"Have u ever heard [mainstream crappy band]? U gotta check em out. They sound like the good stuff from the old days."

I sometimes worry abt the psychological toll that buzzband-related stress can do for the emotional state of a buzzband member. Life as a buzzband seems 'great' as perceived by a common alt a show, but is there anything that fun abt touring the Midwest/Europe/Asia for months at a time, little time to urself, stopping in most cities for less than 24 hours? You quit your stable job, which caused your parents to respect you less, all because you are pursuing a 'buzzworthy existence' where there are no guarantees.

Buzzbands just hope that one day it all pays off. All those moments standing in line at airport security with some random TFA agent testing your bleep bloop machines for chemical bomb-making residue. All those moments in a van with bandmembers you have grown to hate. All those days eating fastfood, arguing with your manager about logistical decisions, worrying that you will become that one band whose UHaul full of shit got stolen from a Red Roof Inn parking lot.

Being in a buzzband: Is it worth it?

*****
Does life in a buzzband seem 'amazing' or 'ultra shitty' 2 u?
Do u have any stories abt seeing buzzbands in regular contexts?
Do u feel bad for buzzbands who are scraping by in their seed stage?
What is ur perception of the quality of life for a buzzband member?

Holy Ghost!

Buzzband, DJ

Alex Frankel & Nick Millhiser are the popular buzzband Holy Ghost!

Lists: DFA, electro, New York City

Read more>>>>

[MP3]
Holy Ghost! Wait And See

Sometimes I wonder about the state of 'electro' in the modern indie world. I am not sure if people are 'still into it' or if it was 'just a fad' when indie music needed a little bit more diversification/a wider sample size, so every1 decided to 'honor' early indielectro bands like Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem, and Cut Copy. Now Daft Punk is lamestream, LCD Soundsystem retired and never really captivated any1 as much as critics would tell u, and Cut Copy made an album that was probably 'too ambitious' and had more 'misses' than hits and ppl will probably still listen to their oldest songs when they want 2 'have a dance party.'

I have been 'impressed' by the latest Holy Ghost! album, but I am still trying to figure out how blogosphere citizens even consume 'authentic electro pop / modern disco.' Do we assess it by the same standards by which we would rate a new Animal Collective album, or do we just 'cherry pick' 'dance music' for singles that 'make us want 2 partie'?

[MP3]
Holy Ghost! Say My Name

Anyways, I have enjoyed most of the songs on the latest Holy Ghost! album more than I have enjoyed most of the tracks on this year's Cut Copy album, and anything that LCD Soundsystem has done in __ years. I sort of wonder how their music would be received if it was created by a legacy electro buzzband. Can music that is 'too electro pop' be taken seriously by critics if there isn't a female lead singer [via the Robyn theory] ? Was chillwave created to provide a 'conceptual buffer' to make it blogworthier for critics who are 'searching 4 something new' 2 buzz about? Is this type of music 'easy to make' or 'easier to dismiss' because it wasn't created 25-40 years ago?

Is Holy Ghost! authentic?
Is 'electro music' 4 gheys?
Are dubstep and chillwave 'authentic'?
What is the future of 'electro'?
Will Justice 'save' indielectro?
Is 'electro' being replaced with rap music and 'crappy hipster R & B'?
What is 'kewl' music any more?
What is the ceiling for a band like Holy Ghost! now, as opposed to 3-10 years ago?
Can any new genres be created?
Who is the #1 'electro band' in modern indie? / if u had to hire a band to execute a 'killer remix', who would u hire?

WTF is 'electro'?

Holy Ghost!

Buzzband, DJ

Alex Frankel & Nick Millhiser are the popular buzzband Holy Ghost!

Lists: DFA, electro, New York City

Read more>>>>

[MP3]
Holy Ghost! I Will Come Back (Classixx Acapulco Nights Version)

I remember when Classixx remixed that one Phoenix song called "Lisztomania" and people listened to their version more than the original version. I think that is when they became 'authentic remixers who were highly in demand.' Feel like as time has gone on, there is a 'power rankings' of Authentic Remixers, and if you want your band to be 'relevant', you should pay $1k-$10K to secure a remix by this band. Seems like a better investment than 'buying a huge amp.'

I think that Classixx and Holy Ghost! are both authentic products, but I don't know what they look like/what their live show is all about. Feel okay with them 'just being names on my iPod' as of now.

Remix Chatter:
Industry insiders have relayed information to me saying that Classixx soon has a remix of DFA band YACHT coming out soon. Wonder if that will be as 'in demand' as the Soulwax remix of MGMT's "Kids." Have also heard that VEGA has 'epic' remixes coming out soon that will 'basically be the last great MP3 that electro/mainstream mp3 blogs blog.' Miss the days of getting 'mad pumped up' for a remix/mp3 instead of just feeling entitled to 'good remixes' and a 'decent conceptual mp3' every month. Wonder if MP3 blogs ruined everything. Miss the days of 'driving to a CD store' then being disappointed in your purchase as you listen 2 it on the way home.

Myspaces
http://www.myspace.com/classixxmusic
http://www.myspace.com/holyghostnyc

Sorry that I am not a 'pure mp3 blog n e more.' The mp3 economy has kinda been on hiatus, except for blogger who wanted to 'get more hits' by 'posting tracks from the latest anCo/Andrew Bird album', etc. Just want to give yall stuff that's worth being on ur iPod without having 2 read like 100 other blogs.

Thnx 4 trusting me as 'a tastemaker.'
Here are 3 meaningful mp3s.

*************

[MP3 #1]
Phoenix - 1901

Phoenix has always been good. They are from France. Their albums have generally all been 'pop that people respect because it is well-crafted', but since the mp3 economy has been so dry lately, I think there is a high demand for this kind of accessible sound, so it will probably be 'moderately overhyped' and lead people to say 'it's not THAT good.' I have always wondered how their lead singer sounds so French when he sings. Think he is married to that Lost in Translation director lady. When this mp3 'dropped', it kinda reminded me of the glory days of 2k7, when all blogs posted the same mp3 on the same day, cuz it was 'so good/relevant.' Hopefully Q2+Q3 give us more new music to blog about than Q1 did. h8 u 2k9Q1.

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/wearephoenix

***************

[MP3 #2]
Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy (Air France Remix)

I have posted the original version of this song, in addition 2 various versions of their song "PARIS." This remix is supposed to be conceptual, I think. So while I am not sure if I actively 'like' it, I think it makes sense if u have a lot of time 2 kill and need something that sounds 'different.' I think not all remixes are supposed 2 be 'dance anthems', kind of like when AnCo remixes something. But yeah, I will keep it in my iTunes library, and reflect upon how much 'new music I sample/hear because it is free [via blogforks].'

Myspaces
http://www.myspace.com/theairfrance
http://www.myspace.com/friendlyfires

*****************

[MP3 #3]
CURSES! The Deep End (Holy Ghost! Remix)
I think this song is authentic disco. I remember when the electro era was ending, music started 2 sound like this. It is an upbeat, dark, urgent jam. Holy Ghost! is a pretty authentic band, so whenever they remix something, it is probably worth listening to. [mp3 hijack via discodust]

Myspaces
http://www.myspace.com/cursesareforever
http://www.myspace.com/holyghostnyc

************
HAVE YALL HEARD ANY GOOD NEW BLOGGABLE MP3S LATELY?
Is there a new 'buzzband' that every1 is 'blogging/talking about'?
Is there a 'new blog on the street' that I should pay attention 2 because it has impeccable taste and might singlehandedly save the bloghaus genre?
do u like music?

I haven't heard that many original MGMT songs beyond "Kids", "Electric Feel" and "Time To Pretend." Those songs are like 1000 blog years old, so it's pretty indicative of their mainstream success that they are getting rmxes by big remixers long-after the initial album buzz. I have heard the Justice & Soulwax remixes of their songs, which were generally underwhelming (sorry--maybe just a lil bit too conceptual 4 me).

However, I think the authentic-disco-remix-aesthetic does a great job of enhancing their song "Of Moons Birds and Monsters." While MGMT's 'psychedelic'/retro/southern-rock/however-they-have-been-marketed aesthetic has sort of led me to believe that they are sort of like 'the new Of Montreal' where you don't understand why they are GOOD, but a lot of people would tell you that they are GOOD/lots of people get over-excited about their concert/they eventually become a Top 10 'indie' band that music festivals MUST HAVE.

n e ways I like this RMX. <3 HOLY GHOST! <3 Are they the new MSTRKRFT cuz they can 'fix' n e song?

[MP3]
MGMT - Of Moons Birds and Monsters (Holy Ghost! Remix) [mediafire]

Heisted from these Blogs
http://untzuntzbergen.blogspot.com/2008/10/exclusive-mgmt-of-moons-birds-and.html
http://discoattack.blogspot.com/2008/10/mgmt-holy-ghost.html

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/holyghostnyc
http://www.myspace.com/mgmt

Yall, I'm not longer a 'bloghouse blog.' I'm looking to move into being an 'authentic disco' blog and a 'post-bloghouse blog.'

This Holy Ghost! cover of In Flagranti is pretty authentic. I'm not even sure if I can comprehend my affinity towards the song; however, as I evaluate 'emerging sounds+aesthetics', I understand that enjoying it will enhance my personal brand.

<3 authentic disco <3
What makes u appreciate music?

[MP3]
In Flagranti Business Acumen (Holy Ghost! Cover Version)

Buy at the Kitsune Shop


Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/inflagranti
http://www.myspace.com/holyghostnyc

I am going to spend more time focusing on trying to figure out what the next song to have a massive impact on alternative society will be. Justice's "D.A.N.C.E." was like a small scale version of that time Daft Punk's "One More Time" became the song that every body loved or hated.

In theory, was Justice's "D.A.N.C.E." the next "Young Folks" after whistle-mania swept the nation?

I think the main thing that intrigues me about songs like this is that they really dominate your playlists for like 1.5 years, then they have a lasting impact on your recollection of that era. The type of Transcendant hits that I am talking about are typically contained within alternative markets, with more-notable-than-usual crossover into mainstream markets. Basically, the alternative Macarenas and LivingLaVidaLocas.

I'm wondering if Holy Ghost! has a chance to officially have "the next D.A.N.C.E." once they release a full-length album. I feel like they have the preceding reputation, bubbling cauldron of hype, and the skills and resources necessary to write a transcendant electro-hit.

Qualities that I see in transcendant alternative electro-ish hits
1. Consistent inclusion in most dj sets, whether it is the a-hole who only plays bangers, or the DJ with the excessive italo/disco collection of vinyls.
2. Inclusion on mix CDs of mainstream alts. It's a pretty default 'put this on a mix CD' type of song that people who don't listen to new music will probably like, and people who listen to too much music won't call you out about.
3. You can't really tell how old it is/how long it has been out. It was produced to be a pretty 'timeless' song that is seeking to transcend and conform with what's popular at the moment.
4. Themes in vague lyrical content that may or may not be identifiable to the common man and/or common partier and/or MiddleAmerican alts who think the songs brings them closer to the blossoming scene of a flourishing alternative mecca.
5. Undeniable production value that separates it from bedroom producers.
6. The band isn't 'too electro', so it can be written and blogged about by various media outlets
7. Chorus that people can put in their profiles/create inside jokes with their friends.

Can HOLY GHOST!'s "Holy On" meet these requirements? Or are there more likely candidates?

Other possible transcendant electro-ish hits of recent memory (in no particular order)
1. Ladytron - Seventeen
2. Ghostland Observatory - "Sad Sad City"
3. Cut Copy - "Saturdays"
4. Chromeo - "Needy Girl" (Bloc Party Remix)
5. The Postal Service - "Clark Gable"/"Such Great Heights"/basically any of their other songs
6. Hot Chip - "Over and OVer"
7. Annie - "Heartbeat"/"Chewing Gum"/"Greatest Hit"
[Note: Most of these songs pre-dated modern DJ culture, so evaluate them within different contexts. The term "electro-ish" is a genre that is meant to encapsulate 'music that sound pretty electronic that a relatively wide audience listens to.' ]

It's taken a while for me to publically jump on board the spirit of DFA/James Murphy productions. Of course they are really good, but maybe I'm just afraid of commitment (It's great to have a music blog where you can talk about choosing not to like something that is undeniably good). Maybe the story of the DFA brand is that their pretentious 'we are authentic and honor the past in our sound and in our production techniques' is probably a better long term move than the over-designed & over-dbagginess of the Ed Banger Crew. So while DFA teammembers get bonuses based on implementing innovative percussion, Ed Banger crew teammember get bonuses based on party-pic appearances. I guess in the long run, DFA crew probably has the competitive advantage.

I think sorting out your relationship with DFA comes down to whether or not you want to appreciate LCD Soundsystem's song "Losing My Edge." It's a pretty epic self-aware manifesto.

I would just be worried about Holy Ghost! being under-branded. If there's one thing that HIPSTER RUNOFF has proven, it's that it's usually 300% easier and entertaining to write about talentless a-holes who are actively seeking your attention, as opposed to people who make a good product while doing their job. While a lot of DFA songs just let the quality of the product be the ultimate representation, I'd say it's okay to have a few gimmicks, even if you are a high-end product.

Did DFA invent the electro-lightning bolt? Were they pioneers in the under-designed, hand-doodled logo in the music industry?

But yeah. ANYWAYS... I read on a blog that ______________ is the next "D.A.N.C.E."!!!!!

[MP3]
Holy Ghost! Hold On

Holy Ghost! on myspace
http://www.myspace.com/holyghostnyc

MORE RESEARCH
Pretty serious interview with Holy Ghost!
http://anthemmagazine.com/story/459?id=story_pager&page=0%2C4

LCD's Soundsystem's James Murphy producing "Hold On" clip
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caEVvuHlIvs&hl=en]

XX BONUS LIST XX
Just because my mind is on this type of crap, enjoy this list

Transcendant Mainstream Indie hits (not in any particular order)
1. Deathcab for Cutie - "A Movie Script Ending"
2. Sufjan Stevens - "Chicago"
3. Broken Social Scene - "Cause=Time"
4. The Shins - "New Slang"/"Kissing the Lipless"
5. Interpol - "NYC"/"PDA"/etc...
6. The Strokes - "Last Nite"
7. Animal Collective - "For Reverend Green"/"Fireworks"
8. Panda Bear - "Bros"/"Comfy in Nautica"
9. Peter Bjorn and John - "Young Folks"
10. MIA - "Paper Planes"
(Probably about 100 more)

Please comment with your theories, additions or subtractions to these lists, or refinements to any ideas presented.

<3 <3 unfair labels, trends, and oversimplification of products and ideas<3 <3