Articles - All
Sean's Fave List for 2024
A little late but not worse for the wear, a list/ quick discussion of my favorite releases from the year 2024. Not much controvery here if you follow my older lists; much metal, much local. Without further...
C.A.R.S. Live And Loud WIth The Lord - Computer World by Kraftwerk
"C.A.R.S," a vlog formed by Lord Nelson of Plastic Catastrophe that focuses on reviews of classic albums from the past. Lord Nelson, frontman of the band Plastic Catastrophe, created the "Live...
Napster and Super Hi Fi Announce Partnership
Cross-platform technology and marketing alliance connects “Powered by Napster” tech service and AI audio innovations from Super Hi-Fi. Napster and Super Hi-Fi are now working together to...
Interview with The Novatones
Charleston, SC has some fantastic local bands, and we at Independent Music Guide have been impressed with one particular cover band, The Novatones. While we don't usually write about cover bands, this...
Interview with Vinny Castellano from Belushi Speed Ball
Belushi Speed Ball is the brainchild of Louisville, Kentucky teacher Vincent Castellano and are known for being one of the most energetic and crowd inspiring thrash metal bands around. Sean had a chance...
The Glamour Machine
"Some people have told me it's a classic rock album," says Jonathan Epstein of his Detroit band the Glamour Machine's eponymous debut album. "I don't know, I kinda think it goes...
Sean Talks About His Favorites From 2023
Apologies for the extreme lateness of this 2023 favorites list, but its been a hectic 2024 so far. You can check out the Heavy Metal Buddies metal top twenty (which is different from mine here) at this...
Arthur Alexander Releases Sophomore Album
Imagine being in a bustling music scene in New York City, hanging out at CBGB's and other niche clubs, while fully immersing yourself in the punk rock scene that encompassed your entire being. That's...
Interview with Billy Batts & the Made Men
If you're into punk rock in the Southeast, you've probably heard of Atlanta's own Billy Batts & the Made Men. The trio of scrappy young dudes have been making a mark on the scene with prolific...
Drifter Fest Recap
The 3rd Annual Drifter Fest was held earlier this month in honor of Drifter Merch's Founder, Bert Griggs. The event was held over two days at The Refinery, a beautiful location just outside of Downtown...
Brandy and the Butcher - Dick Circus
When those first cowbell hits merge with raging power chords at the beginning of Brandy and the Butcher's debut album, Dick Circus, a listener could be forgiven for thinking they had been transported...
Celebrate Hip Hop and Cognac at That Yak
Starting in the 70's and 80's, Hip Hop has become an influential artistic medium for black culture that includes poetry, music, and cognac? Yes, cognac has emerged with the hip hop culture as a...
Nappy Roots to Headline Hip Hop: The Remix
Charleston's Wine and Food Festival is coming soon, and Independent Music Guide is proud to cover many of the events this year. The 2023 lineup looks fantastic! One of the most sought after performances...
5th Annual Rock The Block Is On!
Home Team BBQ hosts the 5th annual Rock the Block fundraiser and blowout block party. Saturday, February 25th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m join the fun in front of the downtown Williman Street Home Team BBQ...
The Outfit Releases New Album, Viking
"Rock and roll is dying!" "Rock and roll is dead!" "Nobody makes good rock and roll any more!" Those are the phrases I hear all the time by "peers" who think that...
2022 Year End Faves
Better late than never, I have to admit the delayed nature of this year-end best of post is mostly thanks to me waiting for the perfect picture; so many vinyl records had delayed schedules and many of...
Alcatrazz - Born Innocent
Growing up a headbanger in the '80s, every one of us knew who Alcatrazz were, whether you were a hardcore thrasher, glammy pop metaller or just old an school hard rock/ AOR purist. Singer Graham Bonnet...
Shovels & Rope - By Blood
Halfway through the latest album "By Blood" from Shovels and Rope, Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst sing pleadingly, almost desperately, to each other, "Carry me home, I'm no good when...
Interview with Away from Voivod
When the opportunity to speak with a member of one of our favorite bands pops up, there is not a moment wasted in reflection here at Independent Music Guide. So the chance to have a Zoom meeting with...
High Water 2022 Day 1
High Water 2022 saw the local festival get back on its feet after Covid put a temporary halt to the North Charleston exhibtion of both local and international musical talents. As always, under the curation...
Southern Avenue Plays Rock The Block In Charleston
Grammy nominated band Southern Avenue is heading to Charleston this weekend to Home Team BBQ for a charity event, Rock the Block, at the downtown location. The annual street party benefits HOGS FOR THE...
Interview with Athenar from Midnight
When the chance to interview one-man-metal-band Athenar (AKA Midnight), dropped in our collective laps, we ran straight to the front of the stage. All of his interviews display his dark sense of...
2021 Year End Faves
So 2021 was A LOT. As ususal my list of favorite albums I bought or just jammed is heavy on local stuff and metal/ adjacent fare. I managed to give about 400 albums/ EPs a go the past year, so getting...
Johnny K's Best Metal of 2021
1-a.) Wraith – Undo the Chains Blistering black-speed-thrash-whatever-the-heck from Indiana. I love it. On this follow-up to 2019’s fantastic Absolute Power, Wraith employ the best parts...
"Blessed Be The Rock" - Review
The richness of Tony Brown's debut single, “Blessed Be the Rock” is a prime example of the gospel sound that echoes in the heart of Charleston, SC. This hymn is a burst of joyous praise...