Planet Asia drops new album, ‘Medallions Monarchy;’ kicks of the Fresh Yard tour
Also, an Audra McDonald concert in Fresno? And whatever happened to Bel and the Dragon?
Planet Asia feels consistent.
Like, if you’re in Fresno and a fan of hip-hop (or music in general) and you’ve paid any attention, you surely know the name (the guy gets talked about).
You’ve probably seen the face (he’s around).
And you likely caught the guy rockin’ a stage somewhere at some point (like the main stage Grizzly Fest, 2019).
But he feels overlooked, some, too. To quote one tweet from last week: “Planet Asia releases should be a bigger deal in the Hip Hop world.”
The emcee has released an impressive number of albums, E.P. and collaborations since the late 1990s, both as a solo artist and as part of the duo Cali Agents.
Last year, he released the album “Rule of Thirds,” which was produced by Evidence, who also did a guest spot on the album, along with Domo Genesis, Rome Streetz, Milan.
On Thursday, he dropped a follow up, “Medallions Monarchy.” The nine-track album gets production work from Camoflauge Monk Hobgoblin Observe Ro Data Brainorchestra Chong Wizard and ETO.
It’s a good listen for fans of classic underground emcee music.
Put on repeat: “Clap Ya Hands.”
Planet Asia is currently on the road with fellow Fresno rapper Fashawn as part of the FreshYard tour, which also features Mitchy Slick, Sir Veterano and Flii Stylz. The tour hits Fulton 55, July 29.
“Medallions Monarchy,” is available across platforms now.
“Haunting the Ghost,” Brave Ulysses
The music from Chicago’s Brave Ulysses may sound familiar if you were around in Fresno’s indie-rock scene in the early 2000s.
Pay attention to the vocal timbre of singer Ian Johnson.
For reference, Johnson played in the Fresno indie/emo/rock band Bel and was part of the Greytank Records crew (which also included Pinkeye and No Cello).
Brave Ulysses is the band Johnson formed after he moved to Chicago. In a sense, it’s the “next evolution” of Bel, Johnson says.
“The Marshalls might be up a little louder.”
The band’s latest E.P. “Haunting the Ghost,” was released on streaming platform in late June. It is the band’s first release in 12 years and is worth repeat listens.
Put on repeat: “Houston, We Are The Problem (ft. Megan Baskerville)”
Side note: Johnson’s little brother Duncan is the songwriter and front man in the band Judah.
Audra McDonald performs at GCP (well, next year)
Good Company Players dropped a surprise this week in announcing its 2023 season. The company will be celebrating 50 years and is doing a retrospective of past productions (including titles like “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Bad Seed”).
It’s is also doing a guest concert with non other than Audra McDonald.
The singer/actress/Broadway star (and Valley Music Hall of Famer) will perform June 25, 2023 (you have a year to land tickets).
McDonald’s connection to Fresno and to the theater company is well known (or should be). Still, this is a huge get. McDonald has performed in her hometown only a few times is last two decades and they’ve been at large theaters and well attended (her 2018 performance with the Fresno Philharmonic was a sell out).
The best (and only way right now) to get tickets is to become a season ticket holder (or renew your season ticket holdings). New subscribers can get a season ticket discount through July.
That’s it for this week. Remember you can now hear me on the Homegrown Show Sundays at 8 p.m. on New Rock 104.1 FM. If you have anything you think I need to be looking at or listening to, feel free to let me know: jtehee@gmail.com