30 Days Out, April 2023 #1: The Church, Skinny Puppy, New Pornographers, The Sadies
With each edition of “30 Days Out,” I endeavor to shine a light on noteworthy music events in and around Asheville. I generally include at least one local or region artist, as there are many deserving of your attention. This time, however, I’m taking a quick look at four nationally-touring acts, all of which are too good to miss. But please know that there’s plenty of great, locally-made music happening this month as well.
Artist: The Church
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Friday, April 7, 8 p.m.
Door: $35
Though they’re most often associated with the ‘80s, The Church have remained vital and compelling to present day. The lineup has changed since the heyday of, well, Heyday and Gold Afternoon Fix, but Steve Kilbey’s mesmerizing vocals and lyrics – and the band’s entrancing psychedelic swirl – still thrill. The band’s latest, The Hypnogogue is a concept album. Keep an eye out for my interview with Kilbey, coming soon. Meanwhile, here’s one from some years back. And here’s another.
Artist: Skinny Puppy
Venue: The Orange Peel
Date: Saturday, April 15, 8 p.m.
Door: $35
However you might feel about industrial music, there’s no denying that it’s a musical force to be reckoned with. And I reckon that if you listen to any of it, you have to acknowledge that Skinny Puppy were among the founders of the style. Making music since 1982, the Vancouver outfit isn’t likely to be the first stop for those looking for ear candy, but there’s no denying their importance. Skinny Puppy’s last new release was a decade ago, 2013’s universally-acclaimed Weapon. Lead Into Gold opens.
Artist: The New Pornographers
Venue: Salvage Station
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 8 p.m.
Door: $30 advance / $35 day of show
A singer-songwriter supergroup, The New Pornographers only get together and do something when they feel they have the material for it. Seeing them live is like buying a ticket to a showcase featuring four superb individuals, any of whom could command your attention for the entire evening.
Artist: The Sadies
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Thursday, April 20, 8 p.m.
Door: $16
I had the pleasure of witnessing The Sadies live onstage at the Yep Roc festival more than a decade ago. The group combines the best of country and rock, with a thrilling instrumental attack. Co-leader Dallas Good tragically passed away last year, but the band continues without him.
See you at the show!
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.