Max Fischer, Live Minds unveil hip-hop collaboration, debut video

Max Fischer’s first words burst forth, his demeanor antithetical to the notion that he “didn’t come to start trouble.” Over Live Minds smooth production — a beat-driven, organ-infused combination of foreboding and freewheeling — it’s as if the Omaha rapper cruises down Dodge St in a speeding dump truck.

Fischer’s cavalier aggression is full-throttle in “All Up In Your Cuts,” his latest collaboration with Live Minds Affinity for a project entitled Big Chill. The team’s first single — and today’s video premiere — will appear on its forthcoming self-titled album, out Tuesday, May 17.

The Omaha artists combine for a busy recent history within the city’s hip-hop scene – Live Minds’ Andy Boonstra a former member of Purveyors of Conscious Sound, Fischer having teamed with now Third Eye Merchants’ Downtown James Brown in 2014.

“All Up In Your Cuts” nods heavily at ‘90s rappers like Raekwon (the hook, a direct homage to “Ice Cream”) while maintaining a more sharpened, biting lyrical direction. Omaha DJ Dojorok adds scratch accents in the chorus, aiding the marriage of classic and current that has recently dominated the local sound.

Watch the video for “All Up In Your Cuts” below

Production by Live Minds / Lyrics by Max Fischer / DJ Cuts by Dojorok
Directed, Filmed and Edited by Randy Edwards

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Jack Hotel previews sophomore album with rollicking first single

Lincoln folk outfit Jack Hotel offered the first glimpse into its forthcoming sophomore album yesterday with “Hattie Barlow.” Long a mainstay in string band’s live set (and the subject of one of last year’s most engaging Sonata Sessions), the rollicking song features songwriter Günter Voelker’s signature folklore-ish storytelling and a flurry of spectacular fingerpicking.

Find the song on Voices From The Moon, Jack Hotel’s second album, which will release May 13 on Sower Records. RSVP here to the band’s Zoo Bar release show with Walk By Sea, blét and Matt Cox.

Hear “Hattie Barlow” below:

And side note: Jack Hotel plays HN’s Good Living Tour stop in Hastings Thursday, July 28 with See Through Dresses, For The Birds, Star Belle and DJ Dojorok. RSVP here.

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See Through Dresses announces West Coast Spring tour, 2017 full-length

Speaking of See Through Dresses, the Omaha indie rock band has announced a West Coast spring tour, which kicks off at the end of next week in Denver. The band looks to build on its highly successful 2015, which included signing with North Carolina punk label Tiny Engines and touring with Cursive, Beach Slang and Cymbals Eat Guitars (in addition to a run in Germany).

See Through Dresses is currently working on the full-length follow-up to its label debut End Of Days EP. The new record is currently scheduled to release early next year.

Find the band’s Spring tour dates below. Next home date is Friday, May 27 at Milk Run with labelmates The Hotelier, plus Told Slant, Loone and No-Getter (RSVP here).

Apr 29 – Denver – Hi-Dive
Apr 30 – Grand Junction, Colo. – Mesa Theater Lounge
May 2 – Boise, Ida. – The Shredder
May 3 – Seattle – Substation
May 5 – Olympia, Wash. – Le Voyeur
May 6 – Portland – The Know
May 7 – Grants Pass, Ore. – Eaden Ballroom
May 8 – Sacramento, Calif. – Cafe Colonial
May 10 – Oakland – Stork Club
May 11 – Fresno, Calif. – House Show
May 12 – Santa Cruz, Calif. – Funzone
May 13 – Los Angeles – La Cita
May 16 – Albuquerque, N.M. – TBA
May 17 – Colorado Springs, Colo. – Flux Capacitor

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For a look at this week in shows, head to our statewide calendar here. Add your event here, or send us your news tips and story ideas to news@hearnebraska.org.