www.ncfcatalyst.com Online Exclusive By Caitlyn Ralph for the Catalyst Many teenagers dream to front a rock band, sign to a record label, and tour the world with their friends. Few actually do. Wunderkind Trevor Wentworth signed to Epitaph Records at just 13 years old. Since then, Wentworth’s post-hardcore…
The “scene” explosion of the late 2000s, full of spiky haircuts, skinny jeans, and too many rubber bracelets, claimed the careers of many bands unable to move past the overly accessible bubblegum-punky music. Only a handful have managed to stay relevant and produce forward-thinking material,…
The music streaming industry has become saturated with different companies all trying to be the favorite. In a world of the “customer comes first” and “have it your way,” Jay Z’s streaming company, Tidal, strives to put the artist first in terms of creation, ownership…
The introspective rap star Kendrick Lamar is back with what could be understood as his third high exposure album, “To Pimp A Butterfly.” Based on the first single released, “Blacker the Berry,” it could have been assumed that the album would be filled with aggressive…
The breakup of a band inevitably devastates the fanbase. However, when My Chemical Romance (MCR) - arguably one of the biggest punk bands of all time - decided to call it quits two years ago, it was more than just devastation: it was the end…
Companies big and small have been scrambling to get a leg up in a business where dealing with record labels, artists and piracy creates legitimate problems. Music streaming did not start or end with the Swedish company Spotify, but in recent years the company…
A throwback from Winter Break for this week's online exclusive: This is the first concert I have attended where a “Skip the Line” promotion was actually useless. Early that morning, I called the box office to ensure that they were still offering the feature, which…
It is in the heart of Tampa, Florida that couples were seen freely dancing, a woman frolicked from stage to stage with an unforgettable blue Mohawk, flower crowns dressed the heads of many and music flowed through the ears of anyone walking by. It…
Hailing from Athens, Georgia, Family and Friends instantly captivates its audience with its energy and a two-drummer dynamic that pulses through the hearts of anyone within earshot. On Saturday, March 7, Family and Friends brought its spirited folk-rock 470 miles south to Tampa’s…
At some live shows, the connection between a band and their fans is tangible. Sustained by the venue’s atmosphere, the act’s willingness, and the crowd’s response, these concerts integrate performance and experience, uniting a space into a single encapsulation of energy. Tampa-natives Set It…
