Zack to the Future

A question I am asked regularly – though not as regularly as "Who are you again?" – is "When will you be bringing back Radio Free Hipster?"

For a long time my response was simply a shrug of the shoulders. However, over the last few days things have changed.

Pics or it didn't happen.

It all started with a Patreon.

Wait, no; that's a lie. It all started with GeekDad's unceremonious split from Wired, but that's a tale best told by our own Ken Denmead. Suffice it to say that the GeekDad crew has been keeping that boat afloat by none but the sweat of our collective brow since we went indie.

We've at last reached a point where we may finally be able to really move the blog forward, but, as is often the case, that's a solution that will ultimately require a little scratch… thus the Patreon. When it launched, it was about moving away from the Google Ads that help us keep the lights one – they're a necessary evil that we're not at all crazy about – but it quickly became apparent that it was really be about maximizing content.

The idea of creating a proper Geekdad Podcast Network was broached, which served to remind me that maybe I did a podcast or somethin' one time.

I mentioned that, should funding of the GPN prove successful, I was considering re-launching a music podcast via Twitter, and some people responded. Shortly thereafter it became its own Milestone Goal.

Since that time a number of you have mentioned to me that you'd love to have RFH back. (And folks like my friends Matt and Larry have been expressing the same opinion totally unsolicited since I shuttered the project.) Hell, even artists that I enjoy and admire like The Doubleclicks and Marc with a C have been willing to help fund my return to the mic.

Artist's rendering of out present business plan.

Presently the pledge value is creeping slowly upward, and it looks like podcasting may indeed be in my future. Now, I can't say for sure that this means I'll approach it as a continuation of Radio Free Hipster – mostly because so much has changed both for me and for nerd-centric media in recent years – but it will be me curating a hand-picked selection of music on each and every episode. And that at least seems to be something that a few people are interested in.

Maybe you don't think you should have to pay me to podcast (and, truth be told, I agree), but that's not what this is. Basically GeekDad's editorial team, of which I'm a member, is just trying to get away from having to constantly chase down sponsorships or run in-line ads to keep our blog alive, and by allowing our readers to help out alleviating that financial burden we're freeing ourselves up to get back into the business of making the most kickass content we can.

In conclusion, I just want to thank everyone for their kind and encouraging words – both past and present – regarding me and Hipster, please! and Radio Free Hipster and GeekDad. With any luck, we'll be speaking again soon.

Radio Free Hipster Ep. 114: Fear and Loathing in Orlando

I have come to realize that the more nice shit you say, the less likely others are to actually believe it. Over-hyping something, even retroactively, is a cardinal sin. So I shall reign in my post-Nerdapalooza bliss.

I mean, I wouldn't go so far as to say Nerdapalooza 2011 was a religious experience, but it was extremely enjoyable and ultimately impressive. As a hardened critic, I was rather surprised when I sat down to collect my thoughts and everything that seemed to pour out was positive. But hey, I've already made that known.

This episode revisits the festival as an audio experience for all to (hopefully) enjoy. It boasts many of the acts from the event's expansive lineup, as well as my take on what each brought to the show.

It also features some live audio that I captured. It's far from perfect, but, given that I made zero effort to ensure audio fidelity, I think it came out surprisingly well.

Download Radio Free Hipster Ep. 114: Fear and Loathing in Orlando [hosting provided by Antisoc] Size: 63 MB Running Time: 48:44

Show Notes:

Intro: Baddd Spellah – "Radio Free Hipster Theme (feat. Beefy)"
The title of this episode is actually a reference to a running joke between my friends GeekDad Curtis and funky49.

Track 1: Shael Riley drop / The BossFights - "Conspiracy Theory"
If you listen closely, you'll hear my friend Josh say something about Coast to Coast AM at the end of Shael's drop, thus the decision to start things off with "Conspiracy Theory." Though the fact that I love Bishop's riff certainly didn't hurt. 

Z's 1st interlude: "What I do remember recording was some bootleg audio."
I carried my H1 field recorder with me the entire weekend. Sadly, I only managed to turn it on a half-dozen or so times. 

Track 2: Inverse Phase - "Song 6502"
I've seen very few live chiptune performances -- so it's not like I have a lot to compare it to -- but I have to say Inverse Phase killed with his set.

Track 3: Dual Core - "Invaders Must Die (feat. Remington Forbes) [Live at Nerdapalooza 2011]"
That fucker that keeps screaming "Reeeemmmaaaaayyy" and ruining the audio levels? Me.

Track 4: The OneUps - "Something about Koopa Beach"
My 6-year-old recently discovered Mario Kart (thanks to a DS Lite promo bundle from Nintendo), so we've been listening to a lot of cuts from this particular OneUps album.

Track 5: The Protomen - "The Fall"
Am I the only one who gets confused as to when to first pump and when to heartbeat clap at a Protomen show?

Track 6: Schaffer the Darklord - "Battlefont"
In case you missed the related Twitter conversation, I have asked STD and Nelson Lugo to host my wake. And they have agreed to do so. Best. Death. Ever.

Track 7: I Fight Dragons - "Money (feat. Klopfenpop) [Live at Nerdapaloza 2011]"
After all these years I finally got to meet Brian from IFD! Admittedly it was only for about a minute and a half, but it still totally counts.

Z's 2nd interlude: "I hung out with him and Stevo and Larry Oji."
Though it lacked the foam sword fighting and booth babes of some other installations, the OC ReMix table was easily the most entertaining at Nerdapalooza 2011. Simply by virtue of including these three amazing cats.

Track 8: Adam WarRock - "I Believe in Harvey Dent (feat. Tribe One) [Live at Nerdpalaooza 2011]"
Early on in the weekend Adam WarRock became my true-blue homeboy. He's relocating to my region later this year, so I imagine we'll start having sleepovers and painting each other's toenails. #pillowfight

Track 9: Illbotz - "Transform"
Let it be forever known that DJ Samson runs shit!

Track 10: The ThoughtCriminals - "Return of the Antagonist (featuring Illbotz) [Untested Methods Remix]"
kHill and Sulfur drove down from Charlotte on Saturday and, though they also had to cut out a bit early, they more than made their mark on Nerdapalooza 2011.

Track 11: Insane Ian - "Harry Potter"
When I think back on the FuMP sets from this year's festival the first words that my mind conjures are "impeccable comic timing." These are followed shortly by "multiple guest star."

Track 12: Shinobi Ninja - "This is How We Do It"
If you get a chance to catch Shinobi Ninja while they're on the road promoting Rock Hood, by all means take advantage of the opportunity. They blend metal and hip-hop and soul and reggae rock, but mostly they exude an infectious brand of stage energy.

Z's final interlude: "I just wanna say thank you to everyone who hung out with me at Nerdapalooza."
It was so amazing to meet all of you! 

Track 13: Sci-Fried - "Fett's Vette [Live at Nerdapalooza 2011]"
I actually managed to record the entirety of the Sci-Fried set. I'm gonna clean it up and see what I can do with it.

Alright, I think I've said all I can and rightly should say about Nerdapalooza. I mean, except for revisiting that Adam WarRock interview I recorded. I should really do something with that.

But for the foreseeable future, at least, I'll shut the fuck up about it.

Because if you were there you already know what a magical weekend it was. And if you weren't then I kinda feel sorry for you.

The Real (Drunk) World

This weekend see what happens when a godless socialist and a godlike sociopath stop being polite and start getting real. Yes, once again Curtis "Hi, Ho" Silver and I will be manning the GeekDad table at Orlando's annual Nerdapalooza festival. This year, however, we will have a real table with real merch, not to mention a camera setup for artist interviews and (hopefully) adequate beer money.

So if you'd like a GeekDad tee for yourself or, say, your geeky dad, come on by and see us. Hell, come on by and see us anyway, as it gets lonely sitting at a folding table all weekend.

I reckon it's also worth noting that I'll also have Hipster, please! stickers and badges available on the off chance anyone would care to pay/barter/beg for 'em. I'll also have my field recorder on-hand to capture audio for my post-Nerdapalooza wrap-up edition of Radio Free Hipster. I'll likely be hassling performers, event coordinators and attendees for sound bites to use in the show, so if you're positively dying to say something to the RFH audience – or if you'd just like to record an "I'm [blank] from [blank] and you're listening to Radio Free Hipster"-style drop – please feel free to chase me down and demand you're time on the mic.

See you in Orlando, internet!

That's the Anthem

In another time, in another life I was a musician myself. I gave it up eventually because, frankly, I wasn't particularly good at it, and I've never felt that was any great loss to the listening world.

The one thing I do miss, though, is songwriting. Again, that's not saying I was particularly adept at it, but I always enjoyed the process. Lyricism is a peculiar art, one where the sound of the words is as important as the meaning, and I've always believed that such is where the true magic of language lies.

So when my pal John Anealio approached me about co-writing a proper tribute to our fellow GeekDads I was honored. John's an amazing musician and an impeccable songwriter, but he still wanted me to help him carve a genuine song out of the larger idea he had going in.

Using a melody and some scratch vocals provided by John, I started writing down tiny snippets. These odd little vignettes based on things that I saw or did during an average week – everything from driving to work to watching Doctor Who – were eventually pared down into some simple verses that Sai Anealio then polished to a brighter sheen.

Still, my meager contributions are nothing compared to John's fantastic performance and skillful production, not to mention his underlying verse-chorus concept that got the ball rolling. He really managed to combine the best of both his straight-ahead, guitar-guy sound and his bigger, broader electronic sound into a truly unique outing. (Hell, I'd go so far as to call this the most John Anealio-y John Anealio song yet!)

So give it a listen. I'm really happy with how it turned out, and I hope you dig it too.

Book It!

Apparently it is shameless plug week here at Hipster, please! But then again, when is it not shameless plug week around here?

I plug things. Shamelessly. It is my only skill.

Please humor me whilst I ply my trade.

As those who follow the happenings over at my other primary project, the Wired GeekDad blog, already know, our fearless editor Ken Denmead has recently written a book. This book is slated for release early next month – May 4th, to be exact – but it's already available for something you kids call "pre-order."

Which involves ordering an item. Preemptively.

Essentially, it's a lengthy kid-centered project book with a nerdy slant, so if you have children of your own and are looking for some cool activities to bust out during the summer doldrums it may be advantageous to snag a copy. The current Amazon price is under $12, so it's not like a huge investment or anything.

Give the product page the once-over and peep its recent write-up in Wired proper to see if it's for you.

Oh, and if you're over there pre-ordering stuff anyway, you might also wanna peep this retro "red box" edition of the Dungeons & Dragons Essential Starter Set.

I never tire of helping you spend your money!

Be Prepared

I probably don't need to remind you of this, but I will. I mean, it's kind of what I do.

This very weekend, Pensacola, FL will play host to Nerd Invasion, an event that (I at least hope) is the first of in new brand series of geek culture events. Combining the music, gaming and socializing aspects of Nerdapalooza with the fast-paced, perpetual madness of an old school lock-in, the Invasion looks to tweak the accepted formula of nerdy gatherings in a manner most divine.

Helming the event is the Scrub Club family and merch man extraordinaire Jason Rockstar of NerdRockStar.com. But that's just the beginning.

Additional sponsors include tabletop giants Wizards of the Coast and White Wolf, Florida's own Homefield Sports and Games, California's Asahi Brewery, Bawls energy drink, sci-fi psychedelic-funk kid's show Gongafunkadine and nerdy music staple Radio KOL: a motley assortment of nerd-friendly businesses to be sure.

Add to this musical performances by Shael Riley, Schaffer the Darklord, Marc with a C, Dual Core, ZeaLouS1, Krondor Krew and the Scrub Clubbers – not to mention the final round of the Club's Versus Mode competition, which will take place live on-stage – and you've got something special.

Sadly, I won't be there myself, but my buddies Matt and GeekDad Curtis have pledged to rock shit up on my behalf. If you spot 'em in the crowd, be sure to give 'em some love. 'Cause that's what Nerd Invasion is all about.

Nerd News in Brief

Any outlet can promise you tomorrow's news today, but what about yesterday's news?

If no news is good news, then what about old news? Isn't that still newsworthy?

I am of the opinion that just because you already know it doesn't mean it's no longer important. As such, here is last week's Nerd News in Brief.

Take that, traditional journalism!

• Shtick to It: MC Lars's This Gigantic Robot Kills received a favorable review from AllMusic, which aptly pegged the release as having some of his "catchiest songs yet." But then again, you already knew that.
• The Cropduster: Shael Riley is rocking the Chester A. Arthur. If this means nothing to you, you are deficient in your knowledge of American presidents. And you also obviously don't follow our Twitter exchanges closely enough.
• Styrofoam Peanuts: Recently, nerd rock luminary Weird Al Yankovic dropped a new Doors-flavored single called "Craigslist." My only complaint? No allusions to prostitution.
• Wizards & Warriors: I typically characterize our Wizard Rocking brothers and sisters as the most civil of our kind, but let there be no mistakin'; they too can let the claws out. For example, last week Dinah wrote a piece about the evolution of The Parselmouths, which culminated in a suggestion that perhaps the band should change their name to reflect their new style. At that point, shit got real. Thankfully, it looks as though the community has managed to work things out amicably.
• Smarten up Your Playlist: GeekDad Brian recently turned me on to the Skeptic's Mix Tape 2009, a collection of delightfully geeky tracks about science, skepticism and critical thinking that are kid-friendly, catchy as hell and also free. And no, "Origin of the Species" did not make the cut.
• Taking it Back: Meanwhile, GeekMom Natania passed on this jewel. It's a piece from artist Erik Stell about our tenuous ownership of the word "geek." I was pleased to find that Eric seemingly takes a similar stance as me with regard to the essence of nerd culture, and I especially like his parallel of surviving abuse as "paying one's dues." Well said, my brother.
• You're Gonna Like the Way You Look: And on the subject of "geek chic," Church sends in this abomination. As a nerd, I am offended by this dissection of our apparent "style." As a fan of fashion, I am equally offended that the AP quotes some dude from Men’s Wearhouse.
• A Woman Scorned: The Geek Girl Diva got some props last week from NewsARama for her scathing criticism of the LA Time's wholly insulting "Girls’ Guide to Comic Con." Go ahead and read the whole thing. It's totally worth it.
• He's Feeling Numb: Also from Church comes this link to an audiobook version of William Gibson's Neuromancer. It's read by Gibson and includes music by U2. I imagine listening to it will somehow alleviate Third World debt. Probably through clever manipulation of the Matrix.
• BattleStarTrektica: It's a summer of glorious performances of sci-fi music as far as the eye can see! Assuming, of course, that your eyes only see SoCal and Texas.
• 1.21 Gigawatts: Also on the road this summer is your boy Random. Capcom has sponsored Ran's "Back to the Future Tour," which will be bringing videogame-based hip-hop to the nation. Look, some dates! June 22, 2009 @ The Cavern, Dallas, TX; June 25, 2009 @ Café Coco, Nashville, TN; June 26, 2009 @ Tacony Billiards Club, Philadelphia, PA; July 3, 2009 @ Dubland Underground, Rochester, NY; July 9, 2009 @ Midtown Tavern, Harrisburg, PA; July 17-18, 2009 @ Otakon (Baltimore Conv Center), Baltimore, MD; July 25, 2009 @ Comic-Con (San Diego Conv Center), SD, CA; August 15, 2009 @ San-Japan, San Antonio, TX.
• Because You Demanded It: You look sad. Are none of the aforementioned events near your locality? Then why not use Eventful to request Chicago's chip-rocking powerhouse I Fight Dragons hit up your zip code? It's super easy.
• Giving the Devil His Due: mc chris's latest EP, Part 1 Part 6 is now available on iTunes. As iTunes is inherently evil, it's really a nice match.
• Shameful: Meanwhile, the venerable MC Frontalot has released a new single from his latest Final Boss. "Shame of the Otaku" is available for download right the fuck here. He's also made a couple of commission pieces available over here.
• Corny Elmo T-shirts: At their recent Hot Topic in-house, funky49 , Krondor Krew's Shinobi Onibocho and EPP's MC Wreckshin covered MC Lar's "Hot Topic (is Not Punk Rock)." And funk read the lyrics off his phone. Which is also not punk rock.

Nerd News in Brief

In addition to being a geek and a dad, I am also a GeekDad.

Writing for a Wired.com blog is a lot of fun and sounds really impressive on a resume, even though it doesn't exactly pay a lot. And let's face it; in this economy does anything really pay a lot?

I mention this – the GeekDad blog, not the horrid economy – because we're actively searching for new dorky parental-types to join our happy family. If you meet both criteria, check out this post by Editor Ken Denmead for further details.

And in the meantime, here's your Nerd news in Brief.

• Still Mega: Our own Random got some love from the Wired.com crew earlier this week in a major way. This Underwire interview was even featured on the front page! We call that being "frontpaged" in the biz… because we are not particularly adept with crafting jargon.
• Still the Man: And please be aware that Ran's Mega Ran 9 album is now available via iTunes. Why not buy the most accessible geeky rap album in history from everybody's favorite purveyor of downloadable music? (Okay, not everybody's, but you catch my drift.)
• Back Then: And once you've snagged that, Epic-1's new EMPulse release 1 Mixtape should also be summarily copped with the help of a super-secret password. It's four tracks of crunchy goodness featuring guests like Random, Masu of Krondor Krew and The Spork. Also, it is the shit! I figured I should mention that.
• Orlando Bound: Have you noticed the recent flurry of activity around the Nerdapalooza blog? That's because A) my pal Anthony has stepped in to help keep the site updated and B) tickets are now on sale! Exciting, no? There is also a new FAQ, for questions that are asked. Frequently.
• What You Doing This Weekend?: And speaking of festivals, don't forget that Bent Fetsival 2009 kicks off today at The Tank in NYC. If you dig hardware hacks, circuit bending or DIY electronics, there's plenty of tech-y goodness going on all weekend.
• They Said it Couldn't Be Done: We can call our boys home, folks. You see, funky49's Starblazer has finally brought piece to the Middle East. Pictures from its highly successful Afghani launch party are available for your perusal. One love.
  
• Jurassic Folk: Church knows the only thing that nerds love more than music is dinosaurs. Thankfully, these two great tastes taste great together. Behold The Late Cretaceous. Check out their demo tracks. Groove to another crazy musical concept that actually works. Scratch your head at one blogger's blatant jab at WRock. Wait; what?
• The Sorcerer, Stoned: Also from Church comes this link to a FOXNews story about Crabbe getting popped for possession. Those wacky Slytherins!
• Early and Often: I Fight Dragons is up for a best local band award at Chicago's Metromix.com. Go and vote for them. They are the deep dish pizza of American nerd rock.
• Enter Sandman: This edition of Geek Ink is brought to you by Brilliant Gameologist Meg. The pieces are all Gaiman inspired, so we can even call if Lit Ink.
• One of Us!: Matt points us to a great interview concerning the reason Tennant and Davies are leaving Doctor Who. It is especially relevant because of the bit about Doctor Who Confidential outperforming an FA Cup match. Trust me; you'll find it empowering. Peep the geeky goodness.
• Looks Familiar: Tim, of Mutant Pop, recently tossed up a tweet concerning Dorky Yearbook, and I was instantly enamored. Give it a gander and reflect on your own misspent youth.
• Imposter: Hold the fuckin' phone! This ain't MisterB!
• +1 vs. Nicotine: MC Frontalot is trying to cut down on his smoking with the help of a classic table-top RPG convention: the saving throw. Read on to discover how a simple d20 can reduce your risk of cancer, high blood pressure and heart attack.
• A Badass Game: And taking us home this week is a young lady rapping about D&D. Now I know you're excited, guys, but please keep your swooning to a minimum and hold all proposals of marriage 'til the end of the song.

Nerd News in Brief

Today marks the 1st Day of Geekmas. It's only the second major project I've ever attempted at Wired.com – the other being HipTrax – and I'm really hoping it will be successful.

I mean, seriously, the guys and I were able to score an amazing amount of cool shit this year when the giveaway was more or less a whim, so I can only imagine the kind of stuff we could get if this were to become an annual occurrence!

So go by GeekDad and toss your name in the hat to when a wicked-awesome mini R/C R2D2. But first, Nerd News in Brief.

• Old Beef, New Beef: Earlier this week, MC Lars announced that he had squashed his beef with mc chris. Of course, later he unwittingly tagged over the old R.E.M. graffiti at Charlotte's Milestone, so y'know, Peter Buck is gonna be on that ass now.
• Eight is Enough (Or Not): In case you missed it, there's a new addition to the Rhyme Torrents family. The community birthed the eighth volume of its continuing nerdcore compilation project last Sunday. Congrats to its many proud parents.
• Please Don't Call it a Period: Also from the RT meta-community comes episode 5.5 of Vagina Deep in Podcast. This edition features a new theme song by my pal funky49 and an interview with Whore Moans. And also a decimal.
• Move Over Santa: According to our friend Hex Warrior, December is Random's month. Hex named Ran Nerdpalooza's artist of the month this week, and I can't help but agree that he's a most worthy candidate.
• Turkish Gold: And speaking of Nerdapalooza, an article about the event recently appeared in the Turkish version of Billboard magazine. Images of me are inexplicably included with those of actual important people. But how were the poor Turks to know?
• Moving on Up: I will now pause to reflect on the fact that my friend Church got front-paged at Tech Dirt earlier this week after submitting a story about an alleged MP3 resale site. See? He does everyone else's research too!
• Meh: And speaking of Church, he hipped me to this list of 10 Essential Nerd Rock albums from InsideNOVA. For the record, my list is totally fuggin' different. (Okay, maybe I'll give them Flood.)
• And Also: Church is currently looking for a musician to create three short
• pieces for a news podcast: an intro, outro, and bridge. If you're interested, just leave a comment here, as Church is far more aware of what goes on around this blog than I am.
• More Calls For Help: Also looking for an assist is Jason Scott. Jason is planning to film Frontalot's New Jersey show on December 14th. If you've got adequate gear, he'll cover door and drinks. Full details here.
• They Call 'em Snogs: On the WRock front, Matt presents a lusty clip from this year's Yule Ball. Behold as Lauren Myrtle lays a wicked smooch on Whompy. Now feel free to descend into fits of bitter, bitter jealousy.
• Fa-la-la-la-la-EX-TER-MIN-ATE!: Only in Baltimore would it be traditional to decorate your Daleks for Christmas. In a related story, I totally need to move to Baltimore.
• Why Chicago? Why Not!: Dan (of Nerdcore For Life) won second place in the "Why Chicago" Olympic video contest. This netted him $5,000 worth of the video production gear, which is, oddly enough, better than the first prize. And with that Crapbot Productions slinks ever closet to legitimacy.
• Does This Count as Nerd Ink?: Owls are the poindexters of the animal kingdom. I'm just sayin.'
• And They Said it Couldn't be Done: Taking us out this week is the new video for GOSHone's "Newteknowledge." It was shot entirely on GOSH's iPhone, which makes it extra-nerdy!

Help Me Help You

By now you’re all familiar with the fact that, in addition to my nerdy ramblings here-abouts, I write for the GeekDad blog over at Wired.com. It’s a great outlet for me because it generates a little cash for the fam and even lends a modicum of legitimacy-by-association to what I do at Hipster, please! It also gives me a chance to mix my musings regarding nerd culture with talk about issues (like fatherhood and children’s music) that wouldn’t exactly fit the tone of this blog. In short, it’s a little extra work, but it’s worth it.

The thing I like most about GeekDad is that often the things I do there play directly into the goings-on here and vice versa. This holiday season, for example, the GeekDads and I have put together a very special promotion that I think you’ll all be interested in.

It’s called the 12 Days of Geekmas, and it’s essentially a dozen days of giveaways. Starting this Friday, Ken Denmead and I will post a written piece and a related podcast each morning to celebrate the season, talk up some nerdy music, and, most importantly, give away a ton of cool shit.

Up for grabs will be everything from Lego sets to bead sprite art, from t-shirts to DVDs. And of course there’ll be lots and lots of geeky CDs. We approached 15 or so sponsors, each of whom was more than happy to give us stuff to give to the readers. As I look as the growing pile of swag in my den, I am rather amazed by both the quality and quantity of what’s to be presented.

While I can’t explicitly tell you what we have, I am at liberty to mention that sponsors include ThinkGeek, MAKE, PBC Productions, MC Lars, Uncle Monsterface, Year 200X, The Protomen, and Doctor Popular. Pretty sweet, huh?

What’s even better is that all you have to do to enter is write a response to the daily 12 Days of Geekmas post before midnight. Each morning we’ll choose a winner at random before we unleash upon the unsuspecting yet another fine selection of prizes.

So whether you’re a parent or not, keep a keen eye on GeekDad over the coming weeks. We will be brightening up the holidays. With swag.

Nerd News in Brief

Last week ComputerWorld’s John Brandon published his list of the top 10 best written blogs. Oddly enough, GeekDad made the cut.

How cool is that?

What’s more, a post I wrote concerning Doctor Octoroc’s bead sprites was linked as an example!

I know it may seem like the other GeekDads and I were possibly a little too flattered by the nod, but you have to understand our position. Within the past month our site has seen a huge surge in traffic. And along with such increased popularity comes a lot more snide comments and unconstructive criticism – something about the greater dickwad theory, if I’m not mistaken. So having someone outside our circle acknowledge that the blog is well-written was just the pat on the back we needed.

GeekDad is a fun project, and I’m proud to be a part of it, but I’m also really thrilled to still be doing my own thing here at Hipster, please! It ain’t exactly acclaimed and it sure as hell ain’t as popular, but it’s mine. And you guys are my kind of people.

• Free Zombies: Anyone who's read this blog since my return from Nerdapalooza last July has surely realized that I love me some Zombies! Organize!! Sadly, they have had no legitimate releases save a handful of compilation contributions and a demo. Until now. The new Z!O!! album Before It's Too Late is available for purchase. But wait! It's also available for free download. The choice is yours.
• Kills Zeds Dead(er): If you’re like me, you live in constant fear of the inevitable zombie apocalypse. To that end: Zombies Tools. Yes, at long last we finally have a legitimate supplier for anti-zombie weaponry. The line forms to the left.
• Full Ride Here I Come!: And speaking of hardfought legitimacy, Church has reminded me that this Sunday, October 26th, Middlebury College will host the first large Intercollegiate Quidditch Tournament in history. Yep, Muggle Quidditch on a large scale. And it’s free!
• Shit-tie: Also on the Potter front comes this link from my home-skillet Matt of free_geek. The lovely Lena (of The Butterbeer Experience) has just previewed a new track via YouTube. And since she's unable to speak due to a vocal cord ailment, she found an interesting way to intro the vid.
• Processed Beef: mc chris recently posted his take on nerdcore and feuds. If you haven't given it a look yet, you might wanna check it out. Interesting stuff.
• Utah Taints: And speaking of nerdcore, it seems to have grown in popularity in one of our most angular states. Check out KSL.com for some wise words from MC Frontalot and to read the fascinating phrase "For anyone who thinks Nerdcore and other forms of independent hiphop are too dumb to catch on in Utah, think again." Ah, such forward thinking!
• The Dragon Awakes: Guess who's back in the muthafuckin' house? Super Dragon X! Yes, SDX gave me a shout yesterday to let me know that's he's got some amazing new tracks in the works. He's also made an acappella of his classic joint "Heliopolis " available for remixing. Y'all get on that!
• Pixel Perfect: While you tend to associate Game Music 4 All with the musical side of gamer culture, Anthony recently reminded us that the site fervently supports of the visual arts as well via an interview with the amazing 8 Bit Artist. You saw his work at 32 Bit Genocide, now get to know the man behind them.
• Midwest Represent: Another interview that warrants your attention is Legendary Wizard's recent piece on MadHatter. It's got all the inside info on the Sinister Six, as well as the skinny on Scrub Club and Midwest Nerdfest.
• Across the Pond: I'm a big fan of our nerdy European brothers, particularly those from the UK. Therefore I am excited to direct you toward new full-lengths from both Category and MisterB! Cat's uk.geek.core blends nerdcore and punk rock in a manner most sublime, and MisterB's SNOGS is a sloppy musical goodnight kiss. Grab 'em both.
• The Will of One: Word from the Resistance is that those game rocking musical revolutionaries The Protomen are releasing a limited edition 7 inch. This is the first officially released single from the upcoming second act of their Mega Man rock opera, and will feature a never-before-heard b-side. It’ll also be given away for fuckin' free to attendees of the release celebration at 12th and Porter in Nashville on November 8th!
• Wild, Wild West: And speaking of singles, MC Lars and YTCracker – the latter of which may have helped to prove that Apple Genius is racist – have a new video single for the track "Manifest Destiny." Skillfully produced by Irina Slutsky and Nick Iannone of GETV, it is a wonder to behold. So please do so.

Reading Is Fundamental

I pop up in the strangest places. Like that episode where the Doctor keeps showing up in DVD Easter Eggs. You know the one.

This week, for example, you can hear my dulcet tones on the most recent episode of Canadian children's literature podcast Just One More Book!! Hosts Andrea and Mark have a regular feature in which listeners call in to talk about their favorite kid's books, and I made the cut. They actually invited several GeekDad contributors to drop some knowledge re: kiddie lit, so I imagine you'll be hearing from some more of us in the near future.

At the end of the ep. I do a spiel about one of X's favorite books, Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney. It's sort of a classic in our household, so I figured it was deserving of a little love.

Here's hoping anyone who finds their way to Hipster, please! via this endeavor doesn't spontaneously combust as a result of all my f-bombs and allusions to carnal acts. Ah, the double life of a legitimate family-friendly blogger and foulmouthed chronicler of nerdy culture!

Nerd News in Brief

Do they make a Twitter patch? Maybe some gum or something? I think I’m kind of hooked, and I sometimes wonder if I’ll be able to get off the stuff.

Unlike MySpace and Facebook and similar services, Twitter doesn’t ask much of me as a user. I basically just toss random sentences up at irregular intervals and the train keeps rolling. The people I’m following do the same and, failing the perpetual outages, everyone’s life is enriched by shared minutia.

Is it wrong that I care what @cdharrison had for lunch, what kind of song @triermusic is working on, or what @badddspellah thinks of those feet that keep popping up on BC’s shoreline?

Probably, but it helps pass the time.

• More of me: A new edition of the GeekDad’s HipTrax podcast, co-hosted by little ol’ me, is currently available. This episode features music from my man Random, new friend Mindscape Music, and Wizard Rock chanteuse The Butterbeer Experience, who I believed I referred to as “adorable.” That… um… that probably crosses some sort of line.
• Tag Team, back again: For those of you not keeping proper tabs on your RSS feeds, know that Letters vs. Numbers, your favorite rapper’s podcaster’s favorite rapper podcast, is back! After a lengthy delay, episode 6 went up Monday and, in addition to having an almost alarming amount of references to me, it features an amazing cover of JoCo’s “Still Alive” and that hot new MPFM joint the kids are so crazy about!
• I always forget the “h.”: Also from our Game Music 4 All friends, specifically Jephso, comes an interview with UK chiptune artist Pixelh8. It touches on Pix’s influences, the role of nostalgia in micromusic, and airport security hassles. Which, now that I think about it, has got to be a recurring problem for traveling chiptuners.
• Warp Zones Are For Pansies: I probably shouldn’t even be discussing this here, as I’m planning a more detailed post concerning the release next week, but let me just say that GM4A’s new compilation Welcome to World 2 is fuckin’ amazing! Ant favored me with a pre-release copy last week, and it’s what I would term “required listening.” Again, I’ll save my full impressions (as well as pricing and release information) for a later date, but it’s a phenomenal collection of some of your favorite VGM, chiptune, and nerdcore acts.
• “I’m a scientist.”: Earlier this month, hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash released his memoirs, The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats. In a recent Newsweek article about the book, Flash discusses his love of technology, his mechanical mindset, and his ceaseless obsession with collecting records, giving credence to the view that hip-hop is built on the backs of the geeky.
• This above all: Crank Them 3’s!: Also on the subject of hip-hop and book smarts comes these two links from Church. The first concerns a Forbe’s article about CD/educational aid Smart Shorties, and the second a similar product: Flocabulary’s Shakespeare is Hip-Hop, which should be pretty self-explanatory.
• Keys, like Alicia: Shael Riley has procured the necessary drum, bass, and guitar support he was looking for to again start gigging around his native New York, but he still needs a keyboardist. Are you a keyboardist? Do you live in one of the famed Boroughs? The give Shael a holler.
• Happy Bandiversary!: Fervent congratulations go out to Wizard Rock pioneers Harry and the Potters. This week Paul and Joe celebrate the 6th anniversary of the founding of the band. Please join me in wishing continued success to the brothers DeGeorge.
• Enthusiasm Levels Rising: Speaking of the Potters, today marks the first day of this summer’s Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo. For more information on this groundbreaking tour (featuring three amazing groups: Harry and the Potters, Uncle Monsterface, and Math the Band) see the official Web site. And for a sneak peak behind the veil, check out my recent post over at GeekDad.
• Haven’t I made this pun before?: In other Wizard Rock news, The Harry Potter Alliance has launched a new project simply entitled WRock the Vote. The goal is to have WRtV volunteers present at every Wizard Rock show of the season to help of-age attendees register to vote. If you’re going to be in attendance at any of these events, why not volunteer yourself?
• Oh, the humanity!: For those of you planning a WRock-free summer, may I suggest you attend a nice convention? There are, of course, several of these events that should be avoided at all costs, as my pal Matt was nice enough to point out. Hey, leave ROFLcon alone!
• Bits and pieces: Over the weekend, a new video by my pal Church hit Boing Boing. I submitted it thinking it would be cast aside like so much chaff, but Cory saw wheat. Delicious, nutritious wheat. Since the piece centers on DRM, a geeky topic relevant to many of us, and it also includes that lovable Larry the Cylon, I thought I’d end on it. Enjoy!

Nerd News in Brief

After a week on top, the traffic around ol’ Hipster, please! seems to be slowly shrinking back to normal.

It was really cool to have so many people visiting to check out the Old Nerdy Bastard compilation, and, moreover, I was genuinely pleased with the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the project. All parties involved did a bang-up job, and I’m glad fans acknowledged that.

Still, it’s hard not to feel a slight sense of relief at this return to normalcy. I mean, it’s just us again, just the regulars.

This means we once again have the freedom to walk around in our underwear and stop sucking in our guts.

You can’t put a price on shit like that.

• A water-tight case: Church just hit me up with a link to this letter of complaint directed at Arizona State University. Personally, I think Mr. Lacrampe’s case seems fairly cut and dry.
• Like regular gamers, only brainier: Are you interested in taking a one -semester seminar course devoted to the history of the RPG? Of course you are! Now meet the man who’d like to teach it.
• Magic Missile: And speaking of RPGs, we GeekDads are hosting a new contest. The challenge? Create self-portraits of yourselves and your children as D&D characters. The spoils? A handsome D&D 4E prize pack! See this post for the full skinny.
• As if you don’t get enough of me already: A new edition of the HipTrax podcast is now available. This one features Brad Sucks, The Weasel King, and Maja. It also features me babbling. Even more so than usual. What can I say? I’d just finished the new comp and was totally burned out. Thankfully, Ken was there to keep me on track.
• I am a WRock. I am an island: For those of us unable to attend, the Wizrocklopedia crew has provided ample pictures and videos of last weekend WRockstock. And thanks to Matt for catching a brief mention of Old Nerdy Bastard in this vid from The Wizrockateers. You WRock, Lizz!
• The Clambon’s connected to the foot bone: For those of you still trying to figure out what Hidari’s “Clambon” – the song masterfully remixed by Glenn and Justin on ONB - is really about, I present Mr. Bacon’s own translation. That clear everything up for ya? Didn’t think so.
• (Finally) Ready to Launch: The newest Game Music 4 All compilation, Heavy Troopa is Ready to Launch! became available last Sunday. On the off chance you haven’t head over to GM4A and download this massive 3-disc set of musical goodness. It’s got all the music you love from the Nintendo/Square classic in new and exciting forms.
• Captain’s log, supplemental: And while you’re at it, be sure to check out episode 20 of the Into the Score podcast wherein the net’s only podcast dedicated to the academic study of game music takes on the original Super Mario RPG soundtrack. Be amazed, enlightened, and summarily educated.
• Oh, Canada!: On the subject of free releases, you would also be wise to peep Hand’Solo Records new mixtapes Hokey Religions & Ancient Weapons (are no match for a good blaster). This mix is freely downloadable, but those with a taste for physical media can snag the CD for $10. It features Jesse Dangerously, Wordburglar, and Myf, and if that’s not enough to get you excited, then I judge thee unexcitable.
• Practically giving it away: Also freely available is the Motherboard Compilation featuring id obelus and Wordburglar (again!), another hip-hop mix worth your valuable time. It’s available from Canadian meta-collective Secret Cloud and will most probably cure what ails you.
• Endsville still burns: Straight from the portal of a seemingly resurrected Rhyme Torrents comes news that Attack Slug has released isolated acappellas and background tracks from his new album Endsville is Burning. Remixing is encouraged.
• Get your hack on: Despite the fact that I’m only 1/3 of the way through Mario Kart Wii – and feel free to shoot me your friend code if you wanna race – I’ve become enamored with the concept of the Wii Homebrew Channel. Don’t get me wrong, WiiWare is cool and all, but this puppy’s got potential!
• You are what you (b)eat: And while we’re talking about Nintendo and homebrew apps, I’ve just been informed by Gorgull that Protein[DS] v080522 is now available. Judging form Pierre’s new video, the program has been noticeably beefed up. Make some room amongst all those bootlegs on your slot-1 cart for this one.
• mc still lives: Those of you looking to buy mc chris’s new release mc chris is dead from Indie Merch Store are (temporarily) out of luck. The album is presently sold out, although mc promises that a second pressing is underway, and that it should be in stock later this week.
• How we do it on Cyphertron: While your waiting on that to become available, why not check out the latest communiqué from the Autobeat Command Center? In addition to news of a forthcoming album, you’ll also be hipped to new non-Optimus projects from Wheelie, grimROCK, and Stumblebee.
• The nerdy James Bond: For those who haven’t been keeping up – and shame on you if you haven’t – YTCracker has been providing color commentary concerning the YT/Front/Lars/Del commercial video shoot for G4. Some great footage and the obligatory nis references can be found at his blog.
• Bea Arthur!!!: To take us home today, let me leave you with another slice of madness from our pals Uncle Monsterface. The guys from Monsterface Industries, you see, are brining back their weekly YouTube feature Monsterface Mondays in a big way, starting off with a promo video/infomercial for the Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo. See you there!
  

Nerd News in Brief

With the success of the Old Nerdy Bastard compilation, I know many of you are wondering if I simply plan to rest on my laurels for the foreseeable future.

Yeah. Pretty much.

But I reckon I could do an edition of Nerd news in Brief. I mean, that’s pretty low impact.

• Nerd Ink, the Continuing Saga: It’s no longer surprising when Church finds more Nerd Ink. It is, however, a little disconcerting when I am unwittingly included. Wait, is that guy with the fake Wii Play tattoo mocking me?
• free_at_last: I seem to have forgotten to mention that my buddy Matt’s site Headphone Sacrament has recently been transformed into free_geek. Same great taste, nerdy new name. Check it out.
• I totally bought you a card: And thanks to Matt for reminding me that this Sunday, May 25th, is both Towel Day and Spain’s Nerd Pride Day. Sass that hoopy Matt Sweeney. There's a frood who really knows where his towel is.
• Almost Ready to Launch: While I’m thanking people, let me give a serious shout-out to Ant of GM4A for favoring me with a pre-release copy of that site’s next compilation Heavy Troopa is Ready to Launch! Though the official release date is the 25th - which is shaping up to be a really big day - I got a sneak preview of a project that can only be described in two words: epic proportions.
• WRock and roll all night: Also going down this weekend is WRockstock 2008. While it’s kicking off today (and most interested parties are probably already en route), I have to mention the event due simply to its importance in the WRock world. Boasting a musical lineup that includes all your favorites and a supporting a worthy cause, I’m gonna go ahead and say that it’s the best thing to happen to St. Louis since the Arch.
• So Long and Thanks for All the Fish: On the last episode of the GeekDad’s HipTrax podcast I played Drown Radio’s “Weapons Grade Porpoise.” Doc Pop recently posted the story behind that at his blog. And yes, it’s just as odd a tale as you’d hope.
• Unfinished business: Earlier this month I posted about Random’s request for a translation of a German language review of his new release Patches & Glue, and reader Luca did just that. Check it out in the comments of this old NNIB. Thanks, Luca!
• Alas, a grownup!: Congratulations to longtime friend of Hipster, please! Jason of the Geek Studies blog on his recent graduation. Though he’ll be the first to tell you that there’s till plenty of work to do, I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention this landmark. We’re proud of you, bro!
• Cool + New: On the new releases front, this week has seen three cool new albums make an appearance. The first is from Radio Free Hipster staple Steve BC, and is entitled, cleverly enough, Forthcoming LP. The second is a nerdcore mixtape from our friends at EMPulse Records. And last but not least is new hotness from Attack Slug in the form of Endsville is Burning. While Steve and Slug's new releases are free, EMPulse Mixtape Vol. 1 costs a slim five bucks for direct download. My suggestion? Pick up all three and rest assured that you’ve significantly increased your nerd music library for well less than 2 bones per album.
• The new nerd homeland: And speaking of the EMPulse/RPG family, it was recently asked why I have yet to mention that collective’s new affiliate, a multi-genre nerd music project known as Crossplatform Music. Honestly? My only defense is senility. But forgetfulness and slackitude aside, be sure to check out this burgeoning new community for all that is musical and geeky. Add you strength to the growing masses!
• Wherein I am press: Also from the warm and wet climes of FLA comes the latest Nerdapalooza press release. Rather than relate the info contained therein, I’ll simply link to the source .doc. For those of you unwilling to barter your souls for a Microsoft product, let me explicitly state that the Orlando event has now been officially linked to the Child’s Play charity. So make your way down south this July 4th weekend, listen to music, get really drunk, and rest assured that you’ve done all three for a worthy cause.
• Mana and She: Taking us home this week is a clip form last year’s Nerdapalooza SE. It’s Betty Rebel’s “Mana and Me,” and I like it a whole bunch.
  

Nerd News in Brief

This weekend was one of those super busy times in which I somehow managed to accomplish absolutely nothing.

Okay, well maybe not absolutely nothing: I tended to some ailing kids, scored some free books on Free Comic Book Day, and started an account over at Twitter, but that’s about it. I think we can agree that none of those represent earth shattering developments.

Will this week be any more fruitful? I kind of hope not.

• What is this Nerdery?: Everyone’s favorite lo-fi geek rocker from across the pond – Does anyone say “across the pond” anymore? – Dan Plus Add has just released his new album Matters of Great Importance. Dan++ was nice enough to hit me with a pre-release copy last week, though, sadly, in a crush of work/family related activities, I neglected to plug it. But he wasn’t even mad, and do you know why? ‘Cause he’s English, and they are a polite and longsuffering people. Still, I’d be remiss if I didn’t rattle your collective cage to check it out, particularly my personal favorite tracks “My Landlord Sucks,” “Monosyllabic Expression of Heedlessness (meh),” “What is the Nerdery,” and “Welcome Back to the Internet.” Freebie versions are available at his site, but would it kill you to give the guy a couple of quid? Does anyone say “quid” anymore?
• Plan accordingly: After some cajoling, I was able to convince mCRT to share with me the preliminary schedule for this year’s Nerdapalooza. Already set in stone are the headliners: MC Frontalot on day 1 and the Unlimited Enthusiasm Expo on day 2. But what about the rest of the line-up? Straight from the horse's mouth: “Tentatively speaking, day 1 includes Random, Zealous, Krondor Krew, Schaffer, Former Fat Boys, and Pixelh8. Day 2 has Killer Robots, Zombies! Organize!!!, Select Start, Wordburglar, myf, ytcracker, and Dual Core. There's more on each day--including another big name per day. We're still sorting out times and so forth because of those two additional big names--we'll announce as soon as we are totally locked in.” Now I just have to donate enough blood to be able to afford gas for the ride down there!
• Microphones, tubes, and dump trucks: Church notes that our beloved Frontalot recently appeared on G4’s Freestyle 101, where he… didn’t freestyle… Still, he did bust a best-of medley, of sorts, over a smooth, jazzy beat, interspersed with his own unique brand of self-deprecation. Check it out and be amazed.
• Rolling on: This weekend I received an update from my friend Beefy concerning his new album Rolling Doubles. Beef admitted that he was currently unsure of the final release date but he did leak a few tracks to me, and I gotta say I’m even more excited for the eventual release than before. He also toyed with some titles for the his follow-ups via Twitter, so check that out.
• Lost in translation: Random just found a review of his new release Patches & Glue on a German web site. The problem is, of course, that Ran would like to read it and that online translators are less than accurate. Any German-speakers care to translate it for him?
• Marking his territory: On the Wrock front, Matt pointed me toward a post at the ‘Pedia about Wizard Rock Wonder Twins The Whomping Willows and The Remus Lupins. Matt (aka: Whompy) and Alex (of the Lupins) are set to co-host an event at the Portus symposium on Sunday, July 13th called Moony and Whompy’s Post-Portus Dance Party from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. The admittance price is set for $20, and more info can be found at the Wizrocklopedia.
• I wanna be: Antisocial hipped me to this piece at CNN.com about last month's ROFLCon in which the writer describes it as “the biggest gathering of micro-celebrities ever.” Seeing a mention of the con pop up on CNN is both wholly unexpected and, I guess, kind of the point.
• The sound of Sea-town: With Ultraklystron in a state of semi-retirement, I’ve been looking for a third act to complete the holy hip-hop trinity of the Seattle area. This weekend I was introduced to Southside, a group that I think fits the bill well. With a noticeable punk rock ethic that’s tonic to local legends Optimus Rhyme and Goondocks without sounding derivative, I’m highly suggest you check them out. Based upon both their exemplary musical merits and their pervasive sense of lyrical eclecticism, I think you’ll mark them as an act to follow.
• More new hotness: I’d also like to call your attention to another act of which I’ve recently become a huge fan, Trier Music. Nathan Trier is a composer that works in areas as disparate as hip-hop and tabletop RPG soundtracks. He’s also a hell of a nice guy who I’m honored to feature on the upcoming Old Nerdy Bastard compilation. Plus, he used to be in a jam band, which I imagine earns him a pass from Matt on that fact alone.
• That’s fresh: And speaking of talented people featured on the upcoming compilation, the incomparable nYgel has just alerted me to his new project, a musical forum called Nerd Fresh. If you’re looking for a new artistic community in which to network, collaborate, or hang your virtual hat, this one will serve you well.
• Faire to middling: This weekend, thanks to the time-wasting power of Twitter, I was able to broker a little meet-up between my pal Doctor Popular and the GeekDads at Maker Faire. Doc favored the ‘Dads with some yo-yo tricks, a little info about his crafting, and an explanation of the Crate Digger Death-match. And Ken even scored a special Doc Pop yo-yo for free. Lucky stiff!

New HipTrax

Amid family illness and the rush to get our Free Comic Book Day activities ironed out, I seem to have neglected to tell you about the newest edition of the GeekDad's HipTrax podcast. This episode features music from my longtime pal Beefy, my new friends Uncle Monsterface, and filk superstars Ookla the Mok. It also marks a number of firsts for the show; it's our first themed ep., it boasts our first song request, and it's also the first time recording has been interrupted by a phone call form my inlaws. Enjoy.

More crunchy goodness

In all my excitement about the latest Nerdapalooza news, I totally forgot to mention that a new edition of GeekDad’s HipTrax is now available for your listening pleasure.

Episode 3 includes songs from the lovely and talented sisters of RiddleTM, Video Game Music juggernaut The OneUps, and the amazingly indescribable Elfonso. It also contains tips of the (virtual) hat to my pal Anthony and the OverClocked ReMix community. Take a listen and fully realize what a poor orator your old pal Z. really is.

Her code is so clever

“My GF is…,” the debut single from Dual Core’s forthcoming album Lost Reality, has just been leaked on the newest edition of GeekDad’s HipTrax. How do I know? ‘Cause I’ve the fellow what leaked it!

In all seriousness, I’ve got to give mad nerd love to int eighty and c64 for letting me share the track via this geeky new avenue. As I said previously, HipTrax is all about trying to spread the good word of nerdy music to those not necessarily “in the know” about things like nerdcore, Wrock, and VGM.

This brand new Dual Core joint joins tracks from Peeved and The Four Eyes to complete what I truly think is a really fun episode, despite the fact that a lack of sleep made my accent even more nasally and pronounced. The ‘cast is super-short, so take a listen and let me know what you think.

Nerd News in Brief

Now that we’ve had the baby the really difficult part begins in earnest. No, not raising her. I’m talking about picking a nickname. Hey, it’s tougher than it sounds!

At first I had pegged her as Spooky, because she’s got this really unsettling gaze that she unleashes from time to time. Usually right before a slightly tardy feeding or diaper change. The problem, of course, is that “Unsettling” ain’t much of a nickname and “Spooky” isn’t wholly accurate.

Then I settled on Pinky cause, y’know, she is. But that doesn’t fly ‘cause there’s already a Pinky that I blog about often.

Currently I’m going back and forth between Tootie and Twiggy. Both seem like pretty good nick’s, but I’m gonna wait a bit before I commit. Like I said, this shit is serious.

In the meantime, here’s a very brief Nerd News in Brief.

• Spun: Thanks to my old friend Darth Apu for letting me know that MC Frontalot, or rather the documentary about the man, garnered a mention in this month’s SPIN magazine. He says to look for “the tiniest mention” in the NOISE section on pages 33 and 34. It’s only a sentence, but at least it’s something.
• Getting elevated: Speaking of Nerdcore Rising, the lovely Nagin Farsad and the equally lovely Frontalot were recently interviewed for a really great piece over at Quirkee.com. It’s a helluva read that even touches on the eternal and ever-so sticky question of an inherently racist slant in nerdy rap. Thanks to Church for hipping me to this one.
• They really are: For a more personal piece on a recently released nerdy music movie, check out Lizz’s take on We Are Wizards. While the doc’s already garnered some really complimentary press, this will give you the opinions of a seriously informed Wrock aficionado. Check it out.
• Accio tour help!: Wizard Rock sirens Lena and Lauren are coming to your town. Hopefully. The trick is you gotta help them get hooked with a venue. Apparently many of the libraries they’ve contacted thus far haven’t been too quick with the callbacks, so if you’ve got an in at any of the cities in question why not help the ladies out? Oh, and don’t forget to friend the tour mates on MySpace. Make like Matt and Church and give the Wrockers some love!
• Taking a leak: Late last week I became the first person to receive a copy of Dual Core’s forthcoming release Lost Reality. I’m not at liberty to say anything about at present; I mostly just wanted to gloat. Fuck-to-the-yeah! What I can tell you is that the album will be officially released on April 4th (at Notacon 5 in Cleveland), and that you should expect a review from me shortly thereafter. Not to spoil anything, but, uh, it’s good. Real good. And the guest artists will shock and amaze!
• Something blue?: In other album news, Ultraklystron just dropped a collection of some old and new covers called Imitate. The EP features Karl’s amazing cover of Lupe Fiasco’s “Daydreamin’” that appeared on the Hipster, please! compilation Nerdcore Undercover as well as his amazing and hilarious cover of Beefy’s “Nerdcore For Life.”
• The saga continues: Rhyme Torrents mastermind and imbiber of all controlled substances High-C just put out the official call for last Rhyme Torrents disc. High-C explicitly mentioned that he wants to make sure this one top shelf, featuring “high-bitrate, well-mastered, expertly-crafted, funky-yet-nerdy-yet-not-contrived, pieces de' resistance.” The album release will coincide with this year’s Nerdapalooza in Orlando, and thus will no doubt attract some serious attention. Interested parties are directed, as always, to the RT boards.
• 2 Legit: Big up to the one and only Random, whose Mega Ran album has now been officially licensed by Capcom! While Ran admits “knowing you are not gonna get sued has to be the best feeling in the world,” a little heartfelt congratulations form the scene couldn’t help but make things all the sweeter. Head over to Random’s MySpace to give him a virtual pat on the back.
• Wherein being a sellout is a good thing: Previously, Dan announced that Nerdcore For Life would be making its world premiere Saturday, April 5th at the Wisconsin Film Fest. New news from the NC4L camp has just come to light concerning the tickets for this event; after being on sale for less than two weeks, all 199 tickets to the screening have sold out! Head over the doc’s MySpace and give them a hearty “well done” as well!
• Me too: On a more personal note, the first episode of my new Wired project, GeekDad’s HipTrax, has garnered a significant number of downloads and some really great feedback. Thanks to everyone who checked it out and double-thanks to everyone who helped me spread the word. Keep your eye on your aggregators next week when ep. 2 drops. I really think you’ll dig it.
• What’s pink and sucks?: The other Z – you know, the one who hasn’t been shirking her duties over the past week – has a new edition of her enchanting classic game review series Little Miss Gamer. Check out Z’s thoughts on Kirby’s Adventure and be summarily charmed.