November is my birthday month. While November 2024 has been relatively chill (work, play, no major life upheavals), I’ve been feeling more assured in my work and path. DJ gigs have been scarce, but I haven’t been pursuing them as much as I could. Radio has been great and some interesting writing gigs have come down the pipeline. Following the completion of the Boyz II Men book, I’ve been getting back into the groove of freelance writing which means keeping my ears open to fresh music both new and old. Here are 5 Philly music things that grabbed my attention this month.
WLDHRTS – WLDHRTS
WLDHRTS is a Philly punk quartet and their self-titled debut EP is one of the best of the year. With Zula Wildheart on vocals, Matt Taylor on guitar, Nick Macklin on bass, and Robert Beamer holding it down on drums, WLDHRTS is coming with fiery, riff-heavy tunes. Whether it’s the soaring anthem “Rosie,” the hardcore burner “Confession Booth Quickie,” or the fantastic closer, “Rat Race USA,” the entire EP is full of politically conscious songs backed by a kick-ass band.
Vinyl Con
I was out of town for Vinyl Con last year, so I was overjoyed when Philly legend, Skeme Richards asked me to play the convention on November 23rd. Across the course of two days (23rd and 24th), over 70 vendors, multiple DJs, and music lovers packed into the Armory on 23rd Street for the event. I hung out with my mom and godmom, bought and played some records, and chilled with friends. A perfect birthday weekend activity! Keep an eye out for the next edition of Vinyl Con in April.
Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble – Le-Le
One of the records I played at Vinyl Con was “Wet Walnuts And Whipped Cream” from Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble’s album Le-Le. Originally formed in 1979, the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble was one of the leading bands in Philadelphia’s progressive jazz scene of the 70s/80s With a sound that encompassed Bop, Fusion, Afro-Cuban, and Avant-Garde styles. Le-Le was a hidden gem amongst collectors and popular with Acid Jazz DJs in London who would play cuts from the album in clubs in the early 90s.
The Nu Tornados – “Philadelphia U.S.A. / Magic Record”
The Nu Tornados were a Philly string band that released a handful of singles in the late 1950s. I recently snagged a copy of their debut 45, “Philadelphia U.S.A. / Magic Record.” “Philadelphia U.S.A.” is an ode to the city that finds that band singing about their love of all the city’s beautiful women. It’s a quaint snapshot of the city’s sound in days past. The B-Side “Magic Record” has a darker, more quirky sound. If you see me obsessing over Philly 45s from the 50s over the next few months, don’t ask no questions.
Philth Spector – The Sound of Philadelphia Vol. 4
The latest installment in producer Philth Spector’s series paying homage to Philly soul, The Sound of Philadelphia Vol. 4 is full of dreamy, head-knocking beats, Spector’s sampling dexterity and ear for putting together beats are unmatched. “Feelin’ U” is all watery electric piano and synths while “My Baby” has a real sense of longing and desire built into its chords and vocals. Not only is Spector a beast on the beats, his songs remind us of the rich emotional potential of instrumental hip-hop.
