Staff Pick: SALES in Philly 10/11

Catchy, minimalistic, heartfelt, and honest are all words to describe the two-piece pop band SALES.  From their hometown of Orlando, Florida, SALES is currently on tour promoting their self-released, self-titled first full length LP.  Vocalist Lauren Morgan’s subdued voice over a steady electronic drum machine, filled out by reverbed guitars give a sense of familiarity while still presenting the listener with a fresh sound.  Songs like “Ivy” and “Crash” will leave you wanting to relax in your bedroom for hours while submitting to guitarist Jordan Shih’s twinkly, melodic riffs.  As the album progresses, the duo begins to adventure more into trip-hop territory with songs like “Big Sis” and “Mondays”.  Although clearly influenced by a lot of contemporary indie artists, at certain points throughout the record (such as the short interlude “Be My Baby”) the duo gives a nod to more classic pop/rock artists of the past.  For fans of bands such as Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Youth Lagoon, this lo-fi two-piece will not disappoint.  Do not sleep on this up-and-coming group, for they will be sure to gain more popularity in the near future.  Make sure to grab your tickets for their performance at World Cafe Live downstairs in Philadelphia on October 11.

-Evan Cook, Marketing Intern

Win Free Tickets For A Year!

World Cafe Live Philadelphia is celebrating its 12th anniversary this weekend! To say thanks, we’re giving you the chance to win FREE TICKETS FOR A YEAR! The lucky winner will receive one pair of tickets to their show of choice each month (at either venue) through September 2017. That’s 12 pairs of tickets over 12 months to celebrate 12 years… you get the idea.

To enter, share your favorite WCL moment (a show, a picture, a story) on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with the hashtag #WCL12. Be sure to tag us @worldcafelive! Winner will be notified on Monday, October 3rd.

Staff Pick: Astronautalis

With a dirt-and-grit voice and lyrics focused around the honest difficulties of living, Astronautalis shows another side to his home Sunshine State. Many of his fans identify his genre as grunge hip hop but Astronautalis self titles his music as “historical fiction hip hop”. When you listen to songs such as “Forest Fire“, off of his new album Cut The Body Loose, you quickly realize how deep his lyrics can go. Astronautalis doesn’t shy away from talking about the struggles of life. It is hard to tell which stories are real and which are not but some people believe that is part of his charm and reason. These stories are dark and sad and though they may be imaginary they still mimic others true stories and daily compromises. From the story of his house burning down in a matter of minutes to a dialogue between him and another man about police brutality in “Running Away From God” – everything is a strong commentary on our time and world. After 5 albums and a career stretching 13 years, Astronautalis is unapologetic and relaxed on stage as he drags you into his world. He comes to World Cafe Live Wilmington on September 30th – grab your tickets!

-Kara DeLucia, Marketing Intern

Staff Pick: Sara Watkins

Keeping work close to home, Sara Watkins started her musical career in the band Nickel Creek alongside her brother Sean. After dedicating much of her musical career to the established folk band, Sara decided it was time to go solo in 2007 showing off her songwriting skills in new tracks that kept her folk roots while adding pop and rock influences. Watkins’ relateable voice has the innocent sweetness of an alto, layered with a rough texture that makes her always seem impassioned in speech. These qualities are only strengthened by her experienced and eloquent lyricism.With the release of her third solo album Young In All The Wrong Ways, Watkins continues to weave stories that leave you feeling like you know her. Though each song tells its own tale, the album conveys a message of moving forward with your life while leaving mistakes and regrets in the past. This self-proclaimed “breakup album with [her]self” is a story of forward momentum. With emotionally fueled tracks like “Move Me” and the more melancholy “Invisible”, Sara Watkins is laying her heart out for us all to relate to and empathize with. We’re ecstatic to welcome Sara Watkins to WCL Philly on September 28th. Tickets are on sale now!

-Kara DeLucia, Marketing Intern

CONTEST: Margo Price in Philly 11/10

Welcome to our new blog! Comment on this post to be entered for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Margo Price in Philly on November 10th + a merch package including a tote bag, a t-shirt, and a copy of Midwest Farmer’s Daughter on vinyl.

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Read more on DelawareToday!

Philly’s 15 Best Music Venues

Thanks to Thrillist for naming us #2 on its list of Philly’s 15 Best Music Venues – we’re honored to be ranked among such great company.