About the author  ⁄ Madison Killian

This Sunday, The Knitting Factory hosts what is about to be the craziest show to hit Boise for some time. Tyler Gregory Okonma, better known to his fans as Tyler, The Creator, will be performing with opening act Earl Sweatshirt. Tyler, The Creator, has been talked about nonstop since his radically successful album debut “Bastard” in 2009. In fact, the album ranked #32 on Pitchfork Media’s top albums of 2010. His second album “Goblin” features the song “Yonkers” which skyrocketed the rapper to fame. He is the co- founder of the hip-hop group known as Odd Future, started Odd Future records and even has a successful clothing line. His latest album, “Wolf” was released on April 2 and has been extremely successful among his fans. The Boise area has been buzzing with excitement over the show and many Boise State students have already purchased their tickets. Simone Lepatner, a freshman pre-med major, said, “Well, this concert is gonna be freaking awesome. Plus it’s on Cinco De Mayo so you know it’s... ...

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Trace Cyrus, a singer/ songwriter from California, is best known for his hit song “Shake It” from his former band Metro Station. He is also the brother of Miley Cyrus. On Thursday, April 18 Cyrus rolled through Boise on tour with his new band Ashland High, and bands The Millionaires and Lancifer. Wooing the crowd with some of his new Ashland High songs, he ended with two of Metro Station’s biggest hits “Seventeen Forever” and of course, “Shake It.” Arbiter staffer Madison Killian caught up with Cyrus at his performance.  Arbiter: Where does the name Ashland High come from? TC: My hometown in Kentucky. Ashland High was the high school I went to, I just really love my hometown and want to make sure that they know I don’t forget them. I have Ashland tattooed on my face, and on my hands. my dog is named Ashland. Arbiter: Who are your biggest musical influences? TC: My dad, for sure. He bought me my first guitar right before he shot the... ...

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Boise State students are opening for the indie rock band Lydia Saturday, April 20. Indie rock band Lydia is stopping in Boise on their “Devil North American Tour” to play a show at The Venue. This highly anticipated show includes opening acts From Indian Lakes, Sweet Talker and features local band Sheep Among Wolves, whose members include two Boise State students. Lydia is a four-piece band hailing from Arizona. Formed in 2003, the band is currently: frontman Leighton Antelman with Craig Taylor on the drums, Matt Keller on the bass and keyboards and guitarist Justin Camacho. Their newest album, “Devil” was released on March 19 receiving rave reviews and leaving their fans in awe. This release features song “The Exit,” a relaxing tune you are sure to hear at the show. California natives, From Indian Lakes’ alternative jams are happy and melodic, and will definitely leave the audience smiling. Be sure to check out “Breaking My Bones” off of their latest record “Able Bodies” Sweet Talker is singer songwriter Kevin Fisher.... ...

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The “Take it or Leave it Tour” featuring headliners Sleeping with Sirens, drew a larger crowd at the Knitting Factory last Thursday than expected. The venue was packed from front to back, an attest to the bands rising fan-base. Formed in 2009, Sleeping with Sirens is Kellin Quinn, Jesse Lawson, Justin Hills, Gabe Barham and Jack Fowler. These post-hardcore Florida natives have been catching the eyes and ears of music fans all over the world. Opening acts Lions Lions, Dangerkids and Conditions started off the show with a bang. The crowd was full of energy and the tension continued to rise until Sleeping with Sirens stepped onstage, at which point the crowd erupted. Security guards scrambled to grab crowd surfers on their way to the stage and the walls echoed with an army of girls screaming “I LOVE YOU KELLIN!” Freshman McKenna Flesher said she was thoroughly impressed with the band’s live performance. “The whole concert was more than I could’ve imagined,” she said. “It was incredible.” Didn’t catch the... ...

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Foxygen is, according to their website, “Sam France, Rado, and whoever the fuck else we think is glamorous.” With an introduction like that, this band is kind of hard to ignore. France, who is lead vocalist, comes to us from Olympia, Wash. His partner in crime, Jonathan Rado from New York City, plays the guitar and keyboard. Drawing their influences from classic artists like The Beatles, The Kinks and David Bowie, Foxygen likes to put a modern twist on things. Their sound can’t quite be defined. They have been called everything from rock ‘n’ roll, to psychedelic, to alternative.  The truth is, they fit into all of those categories which is what makes them so unique. The duo got their start after giving their homemade recording to producer Richard Swift after his performance in NYC one night. Swift liked it so much he called them back later that night, and the rest is history. Since then, the duo has released two full-length albums. Their first album, “Take the Kids Off Broadway” which... ...

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Earth, a band formed in the early 1990′s, is made up of frontman and guitarist Dylan Carlson, Adrienne Davies on drums, Lori Goldston on cello, Karl Blau on bass, Steve Moore on keys and Don McGreevey on bass. These native Seattle folk play some mostly instrumental rock with heavy jazz influences. With their earlier stuff being more heavy, being cited as “doom metal,” the band has slowed it down a bit and will play something can really chill out to and enjoy. One of Earth’s earlier songs actually features lead vocals by Kurt Cobain. (Yes, for real). Carlson, was cited as being a close friend of Cobain‘s. Having put out seven full-length albums and three EP’s, Earth is sure to have an interesting set at Treefort this year. Their songs are intricate and are sure to blow minds during a live show. Check ‘em out on Thursday, March 31 in the Neurolux lounge, from 11:30 p.m. -12 a.m. ...

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YumaDudes The Crux 7:00-7:40 p.m. All ages This grunge trio from Boise are more unique than you might think. The members of the band are 13 year old Venec Milione on the drums, his father Jeremy Milione as lead guitar, and the singer? Venec’s mother, Amy Milione.     Parade of Bad Guys Tom Grainey’s 8:00-8:40 p.m. 21+ This three piece band from right here in Boise will be sure to brighten your night with their bright guitar and infectious alt rock drumbeat.   Wolvserpent Neurolux 9:10-10:00 p.m. 21+ This duo from right here in Boise will amaze you with their mysterious alternative sound.   Oso Negro The Reef 10:25-10:50 p.m. 21+ You’ve never heard anything like this. Oso creates a new niche in music with his mixture of rap, reggae and electronic music.   Sapient The Reef 11:00 P.M.-11:40 p.m. 21+ Sapient, a rapper from Portland,  puts a spin on the usual rap song with some synth beats and sound effects that are sure to get you swaying to... ...

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Our campus is bursting at the seams with talent. There are more artistically inclined students in the Boise area than one might think. But what is it like to be a musician and to live in a place like Boise, which is not particularly known for a booming music scene? The Arbiter sat down with Boise State’s very own RJ Aflague, a talented musician. Aflague, a freshman business major, plays the ukelele and the guitar. Q: How long have you been playing music? A: I started playing ukelele like 3 years ago, and then I started playing guitar a year after that. Q: Are you in a band? A: No, I’m not. Q: Do you ever play for a live audience? A: Yeah. I’ve done a few talent shows and then I played my old school’s ‘Welcome Back Bash.’ Q: What kind of music do you play? A: Ed Sheeran type stuff, a little bit of reggae, and some John Mayer kind of stuff. Q: What first inspired you to start... ...

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The Buried Life is a project created by four guys: Ben Nemtin, Duncan Penn, Jonnie Penn and Dave Lingwood. The project started in 2006 with a cheap camera and a list of 100 things they had all wanted to accomplish before they died. What these boys set out to do was prove anything is possible, and no dream is too big. And in that process, they caught the attention of MTV. On Wednesday, Feb. 20, Ben Nemtin and Duncan Penn of “The Buried Life” came to Boise State to talk about their project and motivate people to go out and do something amazing with their lives. Their show featured them tackling the list items. But they took it a step further. For every item they crossed off of their list, they would help a stranger cross something off of theirs. Their accomplishments so far? Streaking, playing basketball with President Obama (or attempting), asking Taylor Swift on a date (she said yes), crashing the Playboy Mansion (by jumping out of a wooden... ...

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For some, this time of year is heavenly—free chocolate, a fun date and a reason to cuddle with a significant other. But, for some it’s a reminder of being single. The last thing a single person needs to do on this day is listen to love songs. This playlist goes out to the “Single Ladies” and lads to help them feel empowered in their freedom. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson I Don’t Want to be In Love – Good Charlotte All By Myself – Celine Dion Music Is My Boyfriend – Skye Sweetnam Ridin’ Solo – Jason Derulo Shiny Happy People – R.E.M. Survivor – Destiny’s Child I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor Single Ladies – Beyonce It’s My Life – Bon Jovi Bye Bye Bye – The Backstreet Boys 99 Problems – Jay-Z Waltz (Better Than Fine) – Fiona Apple No Scrubs – TLC Mr. Lonely – Akon Independent Woman (or man…) – Destiny’s Child So when the tissues run out, pop in this playlist and remember, you may have... ...

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February 14; for the lucky people who have a significant other, it’s the perfect time to show them how much you really care. That’s right, it’s time to get down and dirty with the one you love most. But how do you make the occasion even more special? You’ll need wine, candles and a sexy playlist to set the mood.   Let’s Get it On – Marvin Gaye High For This – The Weeknd Cockiness – Rihanna Bump ‘n’ Grind – R. Kelly My Heroine – The Maine Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye Everlong – Foo Fighters S&M – Rihanna Buttons – Pussycat Dolls You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC Turn Your Lights Down Low – Bob Marley Feeling This – Blink 182 Closer – Nine Inch Nails 1 + 1 – Beyonce Do You Realise? – The Flaming Lips I Just Had Sex – The Lonely Island Just remember to pop in this playlist once you and your lover are... ...

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To many, Idaho is a land of potatoes, farming and definitely not music. Until recently, people around here wouldn’t have thought Boise has a killer music scene. However, there is a place where students can go to see some great shows and expand musical horizons. The Venue in Boise is home to countless shows for small local and traveling bands. They almost always have something going on and with Boise’s growing music scene, there’s always something new to see. “My husband and I bought The Venue 18 months ago, and have been working on really expanding Boise’s local and all-ages music scene,” said  Jenean Claus, co-owner of The Venue. “We come out of the old Boise punk/grunge scene of the early 90s, and are deeply invested in keeping live music available for everyone. Boise has a vibrant and growing music scene.” On Saturday, Feb. 4, an event which really caught the attention of some Boise residents was the Venue’s first annual Pyrate Punx Snowed In Festival. It was all local... ...

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