The School of Flyentology

This Just In: Twitter is Fitter

2009-04-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

Kids. They grow up so fast. Seems like the last time I logged into the Flyentology blog, the Mission Creek crew hadn't thrown the biggest progressive jam-sesh Iowa City's seen this side of the millennium, twitter was just a gleam in Barbara Walters' eye, and we didn't even have a g-damn facebook page yet. The blogosphere was a place you could take your family to!

Anyway we kinda decided microblogging is more our style. It's less 'time consuming'. It's easier to sound 'funny'. So find us on the web working with 2k9 and let's hang out.

Facebook page

Flyrick twitter

Wolfcock twitter

Shout out to Van Holmgren for the sick SoF tag displayed up top. Check out his work and support!

One Night Only

2008-06-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Show at the Mill July 1st (I reckon that's tomorrow)!

Puritanicals
Crystal Antlers
Monotonix
Team Robespierre
and comedy, you say?

You'd be crazy not to come!
We're closing out the show so come dance dance dance

Treats:
Biggie- Going Back to Cali (Tenderlions Remix) [zShare]
Estelle- American Boy (LAZRtag remix) [zShare]

big ups to missingtoof

Go Fly

2008-06-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

We're about to go global. Well really I'm just leaving the country, but we all knew Wolfcock's ego needed a whole continent. Burrrrrn!

So 4Eyes is out like a trout in 5 weeks or so, heading to Spain. I'm hoping to be able to start doing some shows, I'll probably be living in Sevilla first but anywhere is fair game at this point. If you've got European music connections shoot me an email and I'll love ya for it.

Here's the lowdown for some YCDP (Yacht.Club.Dance.Party) events in the near future.

7/1: Uncle Phil and Friends

7/8: Things get house-y with sets from YCDP regular KAGE and Union-bar resident Dj Avant Garde (prize to who can pronounce that with the sleaziest French Accent).

7/11: We've got a Friday night Spot to book, guests TBA but expect a good dose of PORN and other guests TBA. Something good will happen, even if it's just us running around in penis costumes.

Flood

2008-06-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

If you're in Iowa City and are a regular KRUI listener there's a good chance you already know that no one is doing shows. The IMU is right on the Iowa River unfortunately and there's not a damn thing two guys with sneakers can do about that, except maybe dance at the flood. I hear it likes Lenny Kravitz so we're pretty much fucked. Man I wish that I could fly. Into the sky. So very high.
Just like a dragonfly.

Someday.

Point being: with the student union out of commission, we're planning a Radio Special to be broadcast on PIRATE radio. Keep an ear out.

Exodus: movement of jah people.

2008-05-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

The School of Flyentology is happy to announce that they're doing a set at this years Exodus Music Festival happening June 7th outside Iowa City (check the roots of the tree).
After being put on hiatus last year, this all-day, all-night soirée is coming back as a distinctly less hippie-led affair, and we've worked with some of the new organizers to get as many Flyentology-approved acts on the bill as we can.
The trash-talking, table-dancing force that is MC/VL will be making its return trip to IC after doing an impromptu show with us at Mission Creek. Our friends Brendan and Daren are gonna be doing some crazy-ass dance music as well before they split town. I mean, there's gonna be a dude juggling fire for chrissake! What more can I say?

It's On

2008-05-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Block party is totally going down tomorrow. Swing by for a weeny and watch some b-ball.

Directions

Calling all Ballers

2008-04-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

It only took me a couple of Saturdays shooting b-ball in a little park by the train tracks to realize that, hey, this could be really fun with, say a hundred and fifty people running around listening to music, grilling, and playing basketball. And so the 1st Annual Flyentology Block Party was born.

Beyond the horseplay, mingling and general gaiety, we're going to throw down and host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament so you can finally bust out those mind-blowing ball skills you've been hiding away. Or at least those rrrrreally sweet Nikes you spent all your graduation money on. Each team will throw in some bucks for some extra incentive. It's going to Saturday, May 31st in Oak Park of Iowa City. Now it's time to shop for a new boombox.

Episode 01: Deacon You Crazy!!

2008-04-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

whoahwhoahwhoah-- so you're saying that MC Hammer and 2Pac collaborated in the mid-90's? Don't toy with me, interweb. I want to hear that. Then again, maybe I don't. Still, a man ahead of his time. Hammer, we'll be thanking you when we all have dishwashers in our bedrooms to take care of those elaborate midnight snacks.

I'm working on the pilot for a sitcom starring me and Dan Deacon... in which I stand around and drink too many whisky sours at his shows until something zany happens. Trust me when I say it'll be the most hilarious thing since Sister Sister. I've got Al Borland lined up to play Dan for chrissakes!

Returning to things that 'actually happened', the Mission creek show was smashing. I don't know what else to say. STV SLV of Hood Internet was kicking out jams so hard people were being crowd surfed into the Yacht Club's 9ft ceilings! Wowza. You can bounce over to the Mission Creek blog for a second opinion as well.
Looking beyond the show, we also got a chace to meet a some damn-talented kids who are making the kind of carefree dance jams we love here at the School. Expect to get the lowdown soon, in the meantime we're doing our damn-dest to get them back for one of our spring weeklys.

At this week's Yacht Club dance party, which decidedly needs a less awkward title, we've got some quality jams coming. Our friend the Lady Espina and her compatriot Dj Sonar and doing sets to support their 4/20 show with techno vet Stewart Walker. Fellow KRUI-er Dj Joshyboy is opening up. And josh- we all had fun when you played that ironic white-boy cover of ODB on your show. But never do it again.

FLY-entology! Get it??

Mission Freak

2008-03-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

4Eyes and Wolfcock are playing their biggest show yet as a part of this year's Mission Creek Midwest festival. This year's festival boasts it's biggest lineup and most shows, collaborating with the folks at let's-put-iowa-on-the-indie-map Daytrotter. And though there'll be rock, noise, folk, and probably hip-hopera shows aplenty, we're thrilled to represent IC on the best electronic show to pass through in awhile. I'll point you organizer Andre Perry's post on the subject here, but know that headliners the Hood Internet have the skills to pay the bills-- if you've patronized any of Iowa City's 'underground' dance parties, you're going to enjoy yourself. Poke around their website to find any number of the well-executed mash-ups the pair are known for. If those leave you wanting more, some of the stongest material we've heard from them can be found in their mixtapes. Like seriously.

Flyowa City

2008-03-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

People are consistently suprised that for such a small town, Iowa City packs a lot in, whatever your thing is: culture, academics, binge drinking. When it comes to electronic music things are no different. There's a bustling underground scene going on, and what better way to put it on everyone's radar than a couple of great shows featuring some local flavor?

This week's Yacht Club party features a couple of cats operating out of Fairfield, Iowa going by the name Porno Galactica. Swing by their myspace and tell me this show won't be transcendental.

www.myspace.com/pornogalactica

www.myspace.com/saintmarysmallpox

They'll be backed up by one of our favorite Iowa City Djs, Mr Steve Blank. A fan of the Baltimore club scene, Mr Blank has perfected his technique to work pretty much any indie favorite into an ass-shakin' anthem, having opened for Tittsworth himself and generally killing it around town.

Big Bizness

2008-03-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

Karl Rove is coming to town. We're gonna help the UI Antiwar Commitee make some noise before the lecture with an all-politcal set. So even if you're not interested in hearing from the pig-dog, come see the spectacle.

Today I...

2008-02-28T13:19:00.000-08:00

Continuing his quest to remix anything good that is ever released, Spank Rock's XXXChange has remixed Santogold's object of perfection L.e.s. Artistes. It's about time.
Santogold - l.e.s. artistes (xxxchange remix)

Seemingly out of thin air, Brighton, England's Sou th Central are now fucking everywhere. Selling out venues everywhere from Wales to LA, their club bangers have gotten the attention of Kitsune mobsters The Whip. You may have heard Trash, but you haven't heard what it can be and now, thanks to SC, is.
The Whip - Trash (South Central remix)

Who posts?/Get that sweaty wet

2008-02-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't made a post since...I don't even know. It's due time that I work on the projects I start. "Stop being a dick, $m," everyone keeps saying. Sorry. I work/drink a lot.

Hype hype hype hype:

Gameboy/Gamegirl is an Australian group gaining global internet popularity after a performance at the Big Day Out festival last year. The following is a teaser for their debut ep Golden Ghetto Sex due out March 6th in Australia. You won't eat fruit the same way again. You can't fucking wait.

There are few American bands keeping it funky enough for $m Wolfcock these days. Hailing from Brooklyn, MGMT is one of them. They be all over the blogworld.
MGMT - Kids

Le Tigre minus Kathleen Hanna? Yes. It's MEN. It's a lot different. Be careful.
MEN - Shake Off

My birthday party is at my house on March 7th. DJs will be featured. Come.

Love,
$m Wolfcock

I Wanna Rock

2008-02-18T22:53:00.000-08:00

Happy n-n-new year. Thriller's already turned 25. Like whoah.

And until old man winter leaves Iowa City the eff alone, we're going to be hiding indoors and getting ready for vodka lemonades and grillouts-- a time when our school year is in full swing.

At the Yak Club this week:
Kage
Mr Adam Luksetich of the Tanks

Unless we are served another winter cocktail of freezing rain and snow, plan for a very-merry Flyentology RAWk special this Saturday. We'll be taking requests, talkin' NASCAR, and playing all kinds of that crazy music the kids can't stop listening to. Stream it at KRUI's website, stay in your warm house, drink a cold Pabst, and think of us.

(little known fact: ever wondered why you can hear Wolfcock on the radio each week, but never see him entering/exiting the studio? Friends, that because Dj Wolfcock is ACTUALLY DEE SNIDER!!!!!!1!!!*

*or a scary, scary, scary clown.

Happy Holidaze from the School of Flyentology

2007-12-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Ah christmas eve. A time to ~~gather with loved ones~~ blog because it's the first break from the ol' 9-5 you've had in recent memory. First of all we have to send out some love to everyone who braved the blizzard of '07 to come to Holidance and get down. Being downstairs since 9, me and Wolfcock had no idea it was pure chaos outside. But by god you did and we rocked to Peter Gabriel and it was great.

We're also proud and very grateful to mention that the School of Flyentology was voted 'Best Specialty Show' of the KRUI fall semester. Thanks to everyone who called in and harassed us/made requests. We've got ambitious plans for spring, including some in-studios, special guests, interviews, and probably getting crunk in the studio. Hope everyone's ready for more party tunes come January.

I'm sure every blogger in the g-damn blogosphere has posted their Top Albums of 2007 list, and we're going to decline from tossing in our thoughts on a super-saturated cred contest. We will say that it was a banner year for dance music of all kinds, with debut albums from distortionists Boys Noize and Justice, electro-wizards Simian Mobile Disco, stellar follow-ups from MIA and LCD Soundsystem, and the 'showdown' of Kanye and 50 producing some great singles. Here are a couple of terrific remixes by a couple of these bands that should add some spice to your holiday if you haven't heard them.

ZZT- Lower State of Consciousness (Justice Remix) (zShare)
Celebration- Hands Off My Gold (Simian Mobile Disco remix) (zShare)
Thom Yorke- Eraser (XXXchange remix) (zShare)

Oh and let's not forget the most bangin' rendition of 'Linus and Lucy' you'll ever hear (zShare).

So back to waxing nostalgic for '07, the founding year for the School. In the last 9 months a lot of changes: in early spring we were just 2Eyes and Pupcock, the only Dj-ing we could hold down was iTunes, and we daydreamed of house parties to be rocked. Since then we've birthed a radio show, popped Andre with Girl Talk, started the blog, began running a now-respectable dance party showcasing Iowa City talent, and most importantly got a lot of motherfuckers to dance. New members are enrolling in the school every month, and as more and more people show up to the parties every week, even when we don't advertise, you realize, hey, there's a real scene going on here. And all cynicism and posturing aside, for a town as small as Iowa City is, there's a big, young, enthusiastic crowd ready and willing to get-down to live djing, beyond that weak-ass club rap or tired house.

So let's make '08 even more of a year to remember, before we inevitably move abroad to do our own thing. Bigger shows, louder parties, hotter Dj sets, the works. Happy holidays to everyone, even the haters. Because Flyentology knows baby-J would want it that way.

Pimp fuckin C is fuckin Dead

2007-12-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

Only months after International Players Anthem made the general audience of 106 and Park scream and shout about the "best wedding track ever," UGK's Pimp C has passed away. West Hollywood firefighters found the rapper, 33, dead this morning in a Hollywood Hotel room.

UGK (aka Underground Kings) are veterans of hip hop having released their first full length Banned in 1988. The Houston hip hop duo became most notable after their release of Ridin' Dirty in 1996 only too have a fucking lizard take the line and make the most played/worst track of summer '06. UGK scored a hit with International Players Anthem from their self titled release from August '07. The track had many hearing the best rap song about marriage ever written. Billy Idol of course wears the belt of 'Best Marriage Song Ever.' Just kidding. I may be a white man, but I'm not white, man.

ONE of The Worlds Most Sampled Drummer

2007-11-15T09:42:00.001-08:00

When was the last time you listened to Clyde Stubblefield? My guess is that your first reaction to this question is never, who the fuck is Clyde Stubblefield. My second guess is that you have heard of Clyde and the last time you think you've listended to his music was when you put on one of James Brown's albums. Unfortunately, not alot of us realize that we hear a lot more of Clyde than we think. Pretty much anyone who samples drum and bass tracks has run into a Stubblefield clip.
Kimbrew McLeod, one of the cutest and relatable professors at The University of Iowa is working on a documentary that features Mr. Stubblefield. Yes, its motifs mimic those of "hip-hop' documentaries like Style Wars and Scratch but the truth is that this film is much more complicated. It takes an in depth look at how confusing and corupt the Copyright industry is. Or my favorite aspect of the film the interviews of the man, Clyde. These interviews let shots of a rusting drum set and Clydes small apartment in South Chicago speak for themselves. The following clip does not include Clyde but does the film justice in presenting the copyright phenomenon in its true legal and cultural influence.

Fly Fall Continues

2007-11-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Another sucessful radio show has come and gone. Highlights included a field report from Wolfcock on his out-hipstering of Grinell, Iowa, and me giving out my cell # as the request line because I wasn't paying attention.

This week's dance party is featuring Dj ROCKtagon and fellow KRUI-er Dj Joshyboy. They're both turning 21 this week as well so expect things to be especially crunk. Ah, and thanks to Pete down at the Yacht Club we're now sporting strobes, fog, and BUBBLES. They were all put to use last week with excellent results:

Cool Kids Be Blowin UUUPPPP

2007-10-16T13:18:00.001-07:00

Define Cool--

Sam Goody Sucks

2007-10-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, I've had a lot of thoughts on the new Radiohead album in terms of new media distribution and the affect on the music industry as a whole. A compendium:

The band respects the consumer's choice/demand for free content.
The band seems have a clear understanding of marketing and economic principles behind the move.
A pure free content revolution might be closer than we think.
The RIAA is still retarded.
Independent music seems to be entering a period of pre-labels where music is viewed less as a commodity and more as a necessity in the folk tradition. Spectacle via live traveling shows are still encouraged while everyone listens to music at home, but no one pays for it. Bands like Radiohead manage to survive, douchie-Kenny Chesney-wannabees are forced to continue working construction and playing open-mic nights.
Rick Rubin will NOT save the music industry from itself.
The medium is still the message.
The Internet will blow up the earth.

These issues are too big to go into all at once, but like a washing machine I'll cycle back around and clean my dirty laundry once and for all. Thanks to the School of Flyentology for letting me guest blog. Lets blow this shit up. Oh and by the way, Iowa City is blowing the eff up. You've been warned.

Tidbits, Rainbows

2007-10-10T22:57:00.000-07:00

I am elated to say I have the first seconds of Radiohead's label-free new album In Rainbows coming into my ears as I write this (Track 1, 2:15-- is that what they needed kids for?).
Navigating their website to download the album is kind of a thrill; not to be melodramatic, but I couldn't help feeling as if we were standing at the edge of something in music history, something we wouldn't be coming back from once it was crossed. I guess that's how every Radiohead album should make you feel, though, right? Anyhow, thing sounds damn good so far.

Other news: Flyentology The Blog (remind me to come up with a better name for this thing) is going to be getting some new contributors, beyond myself and the occasional wolfcock-slap. I know you might be skeptical. Neither 'Lizi Schoell' nor 'Andy Hare' sound like cool fabricated Dj names. But they're going to lend their talents and help refine Flyentology: The Blog into the insightful piece of the blogosphere that it should be. And at the very least you can start returning regularly and expect to see new posts.

So, um, who wants to go see Justice with me at the Metro in Chicago next weekend?
Actually, I was only half serious until I saw this:

I mean, christ! Can they please do a tour of megachurches?

Girl Talktalktalk

2007-10-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

We're still nursing our post-Saturday comedown here at the School of Flyentology. Our interview with Gregg Gillis aka Girl Talk went down as planned and we were able to broadcast the best of it on last week's show, promptly before heading to the Picador to see the final date of his tour with Dan Deacon and White Williams.

A transcript of the interview will be up by tomorrow, as well as the audio recording. In the meantime though, drink some more coffee and check out some pictures from the show:

White Williams:

Extra-heavy synths in the mix made White Wiliams' set even more reminiscent of a chilled out Gary Numan. On their forthcoming LP 'Smoke', WW take cues from 80's synth pop, but unlike the legions of bands turning out shitty New-Order songs, Williams touches on less-explored new wave sounds and textures. In "Going Down", an unhurried bass line chugs along while singer/synther Joe Williams plays around with glitchy electronics, and the vibe is more Talking Heads than Gang of Four. A good start to a good show.

Dan Deacon:

"Let's have so much fucking fun we die!!"
Dan Deacon may have one of the best live shows out there right now. The crowd was almost in a frenzy when he started, and when his frantic, unmistakable electronics came blasting out of the PA, it's a miracle someone didn't die, including Deacon, who risked electrocution working with home made equipment soaked in some asshole's beer. Kudos.

Girl Talk:

Good bangers of course. As my friend Andy pointed out, in strict terms of beats-per-minute Deacon is hard to top. I snapped a couple of fuzzy, grimy photos and got out of the chaos to watch from afar.

Peacefest, etc.

2007-09-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

from the Daily Iowan: "Local bands The School of Flyentology and the Glowing Glass performed, while people danced". And 4Eyes rejoiced, an 8-year-old did the worm, and it was good.

-----------------
Another gem from our snarky pals at the NY Times, on the demise of the fashionista party spot Misshapes

"There was nary a symmetrical haircut or wide pantleg to be seen"

RIP Misshapes.

----------------

Last but not least, I declare Kanye the winner of this contest. Graduation is pretty bangin'.

VMA Aftermath

2007-09-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

watched it so you don't have to.

We're normally too busy making lesson plans here at the School to watch a whole lot of Tv, but knowing a desperate Mtv would be upping the ante, we thought it would be worth checking out. In between some very disheartening awards (i.e., best new group: Gym Class Heroes), there were some entertaining moments (50 and Kanye staring each other down a few days before the showdown), and good performances that mtv hasn't posted.

Then again, if you put a few hundred drunk A-listers in the same building in Vegas, how are you not going to have entertainment?

Oh right...

Oh. Right.

Anyways:

Kanye performing 'Touch the Sky'
'Good Life' from the Graduation had more energy, but Mtv's not playin'.

C-lo going with Foo-Fighters...covering Prince

Chris Brown/ Rihanna Medley
Stay with this one 'til he busts out the MJ. The guy's got moves. Rihanna nails it too.

Fly Fall and Other News

2007-08-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Excitement is in the air. As of this weekend thousands of University students, what we refer to as "the other school", are back on the streets of downtown Iowa City. They're fueled by hormones and a-loooot of booze and, we're willing to bet, damn-well ready to dance.

With that in mind Wolfcock and I are pleased to be taking over the booking of tuesday-night dance parties at the one-of-a-tater-tot-serving-kind Yacht Club. We've got some new faces coming in to mix, and combined with the new school year every week is gonna be off the wall. See below for a list of upcoming shows.

Neither can we forget that as of yesterday, Iowa City's college radio, KRUI, is back to full-time business. The School is going to be broadcasting every 7-9pm playing tracks to get your head bangin' and hips shakin' in anticipation of whatever it is you do on a Saturday night. We've got a loaded syllabus of musical guests, field broadcasts, and interviews to mix things up.

On that note, we're quite excited to have an interview scheduled with Gregg Gillis of Girl Talk which'll be broadcasted the night of his show with Dan Deacon at the Picador. More details to come, but here's a little clip of the man in action over New Year's Eve via Pitchfork

Fly Fall at the Yacht Club (every Tuesday 10-2):

8/28: Dj Richie Rich
9/4: School of Flyentology w/Marissa Muller
9/11: Daren Ho and the Post-Apocaplyse
9/18: Adam Luksetich
9/25: Steve Blank w/ Generic