Month: September 2021

NYC-based six-piece Michelle made a name for themselves with their 2018 debut effort Heatwave. After catching the attention of artists like Arlo Parks and Gus Dapperton, Michelle are back to kick off a new era of music with the dreamy, love-struck single “Syncopate.”

Featuring jangly guitars and a dance-ready beat, “Syncopate” officially heralds Michelle’s sophomore album After Dinner We Talk Dreams, which is set to drop on January 28, 2022. Speaking about the track in a statement, the band said they were inspired by the feeling of desire:

“The song at its core is about desire. Communicating your desire can feel vulnerable, so we wanted to have some fun with that and show our funky and seductive side. It really feels like we’re hitting the street for the first time by putting this song out into the world.”

Listen to “Syncopate” above and find Michelle’s After Dinner We Talk Dreams album artwork, tracklist, and tour dates below.

1. “Mess U Made”
2. “Expiration Date”
3. “Pose”
4. “Syncopate”
5. “No Signal”
6. “Talking To Myself”
7. “50/50”
8. “Looking Glass”
9. “End Of The World”
10. “Fire Escape”
11. “Hazards”
12. “Layla In The Rocket”
13. “Spaced Out, Phased Out”
14. “My Friends”

09/21 — Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right*
09/22 — Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg*
09/25 — Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall*
09/26 — Montréal, QC @ Le Petit Campus*
09/28 — Toronto, ON @ Mod Club Theatre*
09/29 — Detroit, MI @ El Club*
10/01 — Columbus, OH @ The Basement*
10/02 — Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall*
10/03 — Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry*
10/05 — Denver, CO @ Globe Hall*
10/06 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court*
10/08 — Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge*
10/09 — Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore Cabaret*
10/10 — Seattle, WA @ The Croc’s Second Stage*
10/12 — San Francisco, CA @ The Independent*
10/13 — Los Angeles, CA @ El Cid
10/14 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Moroccan Lounge*
10/15 — Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex*
10/16 — Phoenix, AZ @ The Crescent Ballroom*
10/18 — Austin, TX @ The Parish*
10/19 — Dallas, TX @ Club Dada*
10/20 — Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall*
10/24 — Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge*
10/26 — Washington, DC @ Union Stage*
10/27 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry at The Fillmore Philadelphia*
11/08 — Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line+
11/09 — Madison, WI @ Majestic Theater+
11/10 — Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall+
11/12 — Toronto, ON @ Opera House+
11/13 — Montreal, QC @ L’Astral+
11/15 — Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club+
11/18 — Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel+
11/19 — Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts+
11/20 — Washington, DC @ 930 Club+
02/05 — Dublin, Ireland @ Whelans
02/07 — Glasgow, Scotland @ The Poetry Club
02/08 — Manchester, England @ YES
02/09 — London, England @ The Lexington
02/11 — Paris, France @ Le Pop Up!
02/12 — Brussels, Belgium @ Wilfoof Bar
02/14 — Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso

* with Arlo Parks
+ with Gus Dapperton

After Dinner We Talk Dreams is out 1/28/2022 via Canvasback Music/Transgressive. Pre-order it here.

For the first time in Champions League history, an American scored a goal against Manchester United, and it could not have come at a more fortuitous time for his club. Jordan Pefok, a forward for Swiss side Young Boys, buried the game-winning goal in the side’s Champions League opener against the English giants in the 95th minute. Pefok’s finish was the latest goal in the tournament’s history scored by an American, and put Young Boys up, 2-1. As a result, his side are tied atop the table in Group F.

While Cristian Ronaldo put United up 1-0 with a 13th minute strike, the Red Devils played down a man for much of the match after fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka picked up a red card in the 35th minute. Young Boys couldn’t find an equalizer until the 66th minute thanks to a goal by Moumi Ngamaleu. The team kept pushing, and eventually, a mistake by Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard led to Pefok pouncing.

It was a composed finish by the D.C. native, who found himself 1-on-1 with David de Gea and slotted it home, much to the delight of the home side’s fans.

Pefok joined Young Boys this summer from Rennes after spending a year in Switzerland on loan. He’s slowly but surely established himself as one of the striker options at the disposal of USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, having scored his first goal for the national team earlier this summer against Honduras in the Nations League.

This spring, The Armed released their album Ultrapop, which Uproxx’s Zac Gelfand notes isn’t easily categorized, as it has everything from “hardcore to a more melodic form of electro-fused power pop.” Now, they’re building upon the album with Ultrapop: Live At The Masonic Theater, a “narrative-driven concert film” that will be screened digitally beginning on October 15.

The group shared a 90-second trailer today, and indeed, it comes across more like a movie than a concert film. Press materials describe it, “Part ‘Lemonade,’ part ‘Live At Pompeii’ and fully infused with a sense of Lynchian dread — the project is a stunningly-filmed cinematic document of live performances taking place within the opulent chapels, imposing asylum rooms, full-size indoor handball courts, halls (and more) of the mysterious Masonic Temple of Detroit; a 550,000 square foot fortress in the heart of the city. Live performance and story-driven narrative melt seamlessly into one another, as the film confronts themes of identity, information warfare, the commoditization of artistic product, and commodification of the artist.”

The movie will feature performances of “Ultrapop,” “All Futures,” “Masunaga Vapors,” “An Iteration,” “Average Death,” “Night City Aliens,” “Fortune’s Daughter,” “Where Man Knows Want,” and “On Jupiter.” Along with the film, a limited-edition vinyl edition of the performances will be released, which will be limited to just 500 copies.

Watch the Ultrapop: Live At The Masonic Temple trailer above.

Using a high-quality single malt whisky as the base for a flavorful cocktail doesn’t need to be spoken about in hushed tones. Better spirits make for better drinks after all and many nuanced, exciting single malts are well-suited for mixing. Especially simple preparations or highballs.

When it comes to finding a good single malt whisky for mixing, there is some potential for misfires, though. Maybe you don’t want a cocktail full of iodine-heavy smoke or seaspray. Or maybe that’s exactly what you’re looking for but you accidentally picked up a bottle that’s all red berries and honey. Single malt scotch is very varied and certain expressions really lean into their flavor notes — finding the right bottle does require a little homework.

To identify a few great single malts for mixing, we decided to turn to the professionals. We asked a handful of notable bartenders to tell us about their choices for the best single malt whiskies to mix with. They were kind enough to offer a wide range of bottles. Each one has characteristics that play well with various cocktail ingredients. Check them all out below and click on the prices if you want to give any of these a try for yourself.

Also Read: The Top 5 UPROXX Scotch Whisky Posts of 2021

• A Blind Ranking Of Affordable Blended Scotch Whiskies
• Our Favorite Scotch Whisky At Every Price Point From $30 To $500
• We Blind Tested Blended Scotches In The $40 Range And A Clear Winner Emerged
• The Best Bottles Of Scotch Whisky Between $50-$60
• Blind Scotch Taste Test — Which 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky Is Best?

Ardbeg Wee Beastie

Jorge Centeno, head bartender at The Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest, Illinois

ABV: 47.4%

Average Price: $50

Why This Whisky?

Ardbeg Wee Beastie is my mixing single malt pick. Wee Beastie is a cocktail-friendly scotch. It’s intense and smoky and will stand out in any cocktail.

Lagavulin 16

Kevin Smith, food and beverage manager at The Vinoy Renaissance in St. Petersburg, Florida

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $100

Why This Whisky?

Lagavulin 16 boasts intense sweet and smoky flavors that pair perfectly with a summer evening. A classic malt, this full-bodied Scotch has warm notes of spice and tobacco that resemble a campfire — making it a great mixer for just that situation.

Bruichladdich Islay Barley

Daniel Yang, lead bartender of Electra Cocktail Club at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas

ABV: 50%

Average Price: $65

Why This Whisky?

The only way I’d mix a single malt scotch would be in a simple highball using Bruichladdich Islay Barley. It has ripe green fruits, a touch of brine, traditional barley, and tastes of sweet oak. It makes a beautiful pairing with fizzy water.

Glenmorangie 18

Robert Kidd, head bartender at Le Cavalier in Wilmington, Delaware

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $129

Why This Whisky?

I’ve been playing around with some nice single malt highland scotches recently. You can make some great cocktails with Glenmorangie 18 year. The scotch itself is truly delicious with amazing dried fruit aromas, but if you add just a bar spoon of Drambuie and a rinse of absinthe in the glass you have a great herbal take on the classic rusty nail cocktail.

Highland Park 12

Ryan Anderson, complex director of beverage at Ace Hotel in New Orleans

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $58

Why This Whisky?

If you’re going to mix with single malt, I’m personally a fan of Highland Park 12 as the first option. Highland Park sits right in the middle of a cleaner and lighter style of scotch and a heavier, maltier one. Making it a balanced single malt that can adapt to any cocktail. It’s great for penicillins or frozen rusty nails.

Glenmorangie X

Piero Procida, director of food and beverage at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills, California

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $36

Why This Whisky?

Glenmorangie X is perfect for mixing because not only is it more affordable to mix with but has not quite reached that 12 year age either which changes the flavor drastically. It was also crafted with mixologists in mind and is aged in ex-bourbon and new charred oak casks to give it a sweeter yet bolder taste, helping it stand up to any cocktail you throw at it.

It is very well-balanced with hints of chocolate, vanilla, orange, honey, and pear.

The Singleton Glendullan 12

Adam Fournier, bar director at Fellow in Los Angeles

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $40

Why This Whisky?

I’d say one of the best mixing single malts is The Singleton 12 Glendullan. It’s a light floral single malt that’s aged in both ex-bourbon and Pedro Ximenez sherry cask, so you’re getting a complexity that isn’t overwhelming.

The Macallan 12 Double Cask

Sebastian Mena, director of food and beverage at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort in Curaçao

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $75

Why This Whisky?

The Macallan Double Cask 12 is a perfect mixing single malt whisky. The combination of chocolate, dried fruits, and citrus flavors makes it great for mixology.

Oban 14

Christina Ramirez, mixologist at SoBou in New Orleans

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $90

Why This Whisky?

Oban 14 Year single malt Scotch whisky is my ultimate favorite. It has a wonderful flavor profile of honeysuckle and citrus, dried fruit with a slight saltiness. It’s perfectly full-bodied and smoky, giving a regular drink a slight punch. I love it in a penicillin or in an old fashioned riff.

Glenfiddich 15

Ryan Pines, beverage director at Ukiah in Asheville, North Carolina

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $75

Why This Whisky?

This is a tough one as I generally don’t like to mix too many things with a good single malt other than maybe a couple of drops of water. But if I had to pick, I would say Glenfiddich 15 year as a highball with a few dashes of our house-made macadamia nut bitters.

Auchentoshan American Oak

Jeremy Williams, head mixologist at MDRD atop the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan

ABV: 40%

Average Price: $45

Why This Whisky?

Auchentoshan American Oak is my go-to for mixing because it’s great in a sour or a penicillin. The emphasis on vanilla and spice from the oak makes it favorable to bourbon lovers as well.

Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or

Jeff Bell, bartender at PDT in New York City

ABV: 46%

Average Price: $79

Why This Whisky?

I would highly recommend Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or. It’s a beautiful single malt finished in Sauternes casks which add a delicate orange blossom note that’s sure to brighten up any sour you add it in.

Laphroaig 10

Deke Dunne, master mixologist at Allegory DC in Washington, DC

ABV: 43%

Average Price: $60

Why This Whisky?

When using single malt scotches for mixing cocktails, I’ll rarely use a whisky that doesn’t have a smoky component. That is why when I’m mixing, I almost always reach for an Islay scotch. My go-to Islay whisky has always been Laphroaig 10. While Laphroaig 10 is beautiful on its own, the heavily peated component is a wonderful element to add to a cocktail. I love smoky, savory drinks and the peat used to deliver that flavor into Islay scotch lends itself perfectly.

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As a Drizly affiliate, Uproxx may receive a commission pursuant to certain items on this list.

The great Norm Macdonald died at 61 years old this morning after a private nine-year battle with cancer. It seems impossible that Norm is gone; his sharp humor made everything he was in better, including Billy Madison, SNL, Klaus, The Middle, and Family Guy, as well as his starring roles in Dirty Work (severely underrated) and Screwed.

The comedy world is mourning his passing on Twitter.

“Oh fuck. I was a huge fan of Norm Macdonald and I essentially ripped off his delivery when I first started acting. I would stay up specifically to watch him on talk shows. He was the funniest guest of all time. We lost a comedy giant today. One of the the all time greats. RIP,” Seth Rogen tweeted following Macdonald’s death. Patton Oswalt wrote, “NOOOOO GODDAMIT. Oh my God what is even happening. Good bye, Norm. You were never not 100% hilarious,” while Bridget Phetasy added, “My timeline is united in sadness over the passing of Norm MacDonald. That was part of his vast genius. He transcended divisions and was always funny, all the time. We have so much to learn from him.”

But Jon Stewart may have put it best:

Here’s more.

Now let’s all watch “The Mouth Joke” for the 45th time. It never gets old.

One of the biggest questions regarding the 2021-22 NBA season has apparently been answered. According to Baxter Holmes of ESPN, NBA players will not be required to take the COVID-19 vaccine in order to take the floor next year, and while a number of other preventative measures are on the table in negotiations between the league and the players association, a vaccine mandate is reportedly a “non-starter.”

The league reportedly says that 85 percent of its players have received the vaccine, while Holmes reports that the league has put forth a number of restrictions on unvaccinated players that still need to be approved by way of negotiations with the NBPA.

Such protocols include having lockers far from vaccinated teammates and having to eat, fly and ride buses in different sections. These protocols are not final and are still subject to talks with the NBPA.

The NBA informed teams in early September that new laws in both New York and San Francisco regarding vaccine requirements will be enforced for members of the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors — including for their teams’ players — unless there is an approved medical or religious exemption, according to a memo obtained by ESPN.

The league has put in place a number of mandates on other people who are around the game, most notably coaches and front office staffers. Perhaps something will change as negotiations continue, but for now, it appears that the NBA will have to strongly incentivize players getting it instead of making it compulsory.

Uproxx’s Behind The Video returns with LA underground bad boy OhGeesy, who breaks down his video for “Big Bad Wolf” featuring YG. The lead single from OhGeesy’s solo debut album Geezyworld Vol. 1, “Big Bad Wolf” found the former Shoreline Mafia member creating a cash storm alongside his West Coast compatriot while dancers twerked their way through the dollar bill debris.

Without going into too many details about the “secret location” of the video shoot, which was in Downtown Los Angeles, OhGeesy reveals how the video came together and takes in fan comments. The song took about 15 minutes to make after the two rappers, who share the same manager, were introduced in the studio. OhGeesy also notes how crazy the LA underground scene can get, but denies participating — with a wink and a smile, just as he does when explains the line “I like my Glock nine like my f*cking llama.” “I love my guns,” he grins. “If I had guns, I would love ’em.” He also insists the money used in the video was all real, “no prop money.”

Watch OhGeesy go Behind The Video for “Big Bad Wolf” above.

OhGeesy is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Music festivals are finally back in full-swing, and after canceling their 2020 and 2021 iterations, Tennessee festival Big Ears plots its 2022 return. Inviting over 100 artists to perform across more than a dozen venues, Big Ears is set to make a massive comeback.

Big Ears 2022 officially kicks off in early spring, taking place over the weekend of March 24 to 27 in Knoxville. Unveiling their full lineup Tuesday, the festival reveals they have booked artists like Andy Shauf, Animal Collective, Moses Sumney, Kim Gordon, Sparks, Yves Tumor, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Low, Mdou Moctar, Sudan Archives, William Tyler, Cassandra Jenkins, and many more to take the stage.

Alongside the lineup announcement, Big Ear’s states their mission is to “is to work with artists, audiences, and communities to create joyful and transcendent cultural experiences that defy boundaries, fuel curiosity, ignite the spirit, and nourish the soul.” Rather than taking over one large park or arena, Big Ears is instead spread out over the heart of downtown Knoxville, putting on shows in historic theaters, clubs, and unique alternative performance spaces within walking distance of one another.

Watch Big Ears’ 2022 announcement video and see their full lineup above.

Weekend festival passes for Big Ears go on sale 9/16, at noon ET. Get them here.

How anyone within the Republican party can trust each other is a mystery to many, especially considering the latest round of trash-talking and name-dragging happening between Donald Trump and his one-time friend, GOP Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

The two seemed chummy in late January, despite McCarthy initially placing blame for the Jan. 6th insurrection on Trump’s shoulders. McCarthy endorsed a Congress-enacted censure of the former president a week after he incited a violent mob to attack Capitol Hill (though he was against the idea of impeachment). A few weeks later, McCarthy paid a visit to Trump at Mar-a-Lago to reportedly discuss how to strengthen the Republican party in upcoming elections. More recently, McCarthy’s seemed to walk back his condemnation of Trump’s involvement in the Capitol Hill riots, threatening telecom companies should they comply with the request for phone records made by the special committee investigating the attacks and refusing to cooperate with the committee altogether. McCarthy’s about-face reads like a last-ditch effort to get Trump firmly on his side as he aims to make a play for Nancy Pelosi’s seat should the GOP take the House in a year’s time, but it sounds like he’s going to need to do more than just tweet his faux outrage if he hopes to call Trump a friend.

That’s because, according to a new book by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, Trump has been pretty vocal about his distaste for McCarthy. CNN shared a preview of the book, reporting that Trump was still angry with the House Minority leader for turning on him after the Jan. 6th debacle.

“This guy called me every single day, pretended to be my best friend, and then, he fucked me,” Trump reportedly said. “He’s not a good guy.”

As for McCarthy’s trip to Mar-a-Lago, which seemed to imply the two were on good terms again, Trump had this to say:

“Kevin came down to kiss my ass and wants my help to win the House back.”

Whew, with friends like these, who needs enemies? Right?

Norm MacDonald, a beloved comedic institution, SNL veteran, and fan-favorite Weekend Update anchor, has passed away at age 61. Deadline broke the news of MacDonald’s nearly decade-long battle with cancer, which he chose to keep private. According to Deadline’s Greg Evans, MacDonald’s management relayed the sad news along with a statement from his longtime producing partner, Lori Jo Hoekstra, who revealed that Norm had been fighting cancer for nine years. She added that Norm had been adamant upon maintaining privacy throughout his health struggles.

In a statement, Hoekstra explained the root of MacDonald’s privacy wish:

“He was most proud of his comedy. He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comic. He once wrote that ‘a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.’ He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly.”

Although most will instantly conjure up memories of MacDonald from his SNL tenure (including his 3-year run as a sardonic Weekend Update anchor who pulled no punches with his deadpan delivery) his standup comedy will remain legendary. In March 2020, in fact, he fired off a truly great set on Coronavirus, one that never could have plausibly emerged from any comedian who didn’t possess such deft, ninja-like skills on the microphone.

Norm was slated to perform during November’s New York Comedy Festival.

(Via Deadline)