It’s June! The San Diego County Fair is back, the beaches are crowded every weekend, and it’s time to curse traffic (even more than usual) for awhile. Welcome to another summer in San Diego. There’s no better place to spend the longest, hottest days of the year than in America’s Finest City, but choosing from the million options it provides can be daunting. And if you’re lucky enough to have air conditioning, it can be a challenge to even get up from the couch. We’re right there with you. But while you’re deciding, SoundDiego is here to provide some local music news for your perusal:
• Flaggs are back. The local garage rockers return to the Whistle Stop this Friday with two new members in tow: Philip Kufek on bass, and Dagart Allison on guitar, keys and backup vocals. More shows are in the works, and their debut full length is due this summer.
• Fans were bummed when Cuckoo Chaos called it quits just a few months after changing their name to Deadphones and recording a new album. But it seems they’re not quite done yet. Despite going on "indefinite hiatus" a few weeks ago, Deadphones just released a video for the single "Somnambulator." And there are more to come! Founder/vocalist Jackson Milgaten told SoundDiego that the band will be releasing videos for "a bunch of songs" from the album.
• Stevie Harris needs your help. The exuberant frontman of San Diego’s Styletones and Hi-Staxx is working with IndieGoGo to fund his most personal record yet. According to Harris, the project is "26 years in the making" and "more Bill Withers than James Brown." An incredible array of personal items -- guitars, journals and original artwork -- is up for grabs to those who donate. Check out Stevie’s video and contribute to his campaign here.
• Give a shuck about music? You’re in luck. Oysterfest San Diego is almost upon us. Head down to Marina Embarcadero North on June 14 and get your mollusk on while listening to the likes of headliners Matt & Kim and Boombox. Locals Barbarian and Oliver Trolley will also be on hand, as well as a great lineup of DJs, including Demon, Artistic, Mikey Beats, Mike Czech, and Who & Paulo. More info here.
• New records tomorrow from Chrissie Hynde, Clipping., Craft Spells, First Aid Kit, Ice T, Imogen Heap, Jack White, Quantic, and the Fresh & Onlys.
Show of the week: The Burning of Rome, the New Kinetics, and the Nformals at the Che Cafe on Saturday. This show would be great anywhere, but as part of the iconic venue’s swan song, it should be extra special. Tickets here.
Blogger Scott McDonald covers music in San Diego for a few different publications and is the editor of Eight24.com
