Navigating the stars is hard. A couple weird astrology enthusiasts at Allston Pudding are here to help. Let us provide you with monthly synchronous soundtracks, and some planetary advice along the way.
April Planetary Overview
Apr 5th 12:50 PM Venus enters Aries
Apr 5th 7:09 PM Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 7th 7:24 AM New Moon in Aries
Apr 17th 8:14 AM Mars Retrograde in Sagittarius
Apr 18th 3:26 AM Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn
Apr 19th 11:29 AM Sun enters Taurus
Apr 22nd 1:24 AM Full Moon in Scorpio
Apr 28th 1:20 PM Mercury Retrograde Taurus
Apr 29th 8:36 PM Venus enters Taurus
Wtf it means:
Honestly, this month’s forecast is a mixed bag. If you thought it was about time for Mercury to retrograde and fux with how we communicate then, congrats. You were right! And Pluto and Mars be joining the messenger of the gods in retrograde. A planet in retrograde simply means that it appears to move backward in the sky, relative to our Earth and the motions of the other planets. When Mercury, Mars and Pluto all turn retrograde this April, they won’t physically reverse their orbit around the Sun, but their locations will throw off everyone’s balance this month 🙂 Everyone pays attention to Mercury in retrograde because the planet rules how we communicate. So, brace yourselves for this retrograde in Taurus on the 28th, and try not to be too much of a stubborn communicator. Mars, the ruler of decision-making, will retrograde in Sagittarius, and mess with everyone’s energy levels, and put many of the signs on guard. Lighten up! And remember-- try to keep a balance while Mars is in this position. Pluto in retrograde is much more all-encompassing, non sign-specific. This month, the planet of transformation may urge you to adjust to all the big decisions you’ve made in the last year, which might seem like a huge undertaking. It may also stall any changes you may need to make, so just try to stay flexible. The Sun, Venus, and Mercury all enter Taurus during the month, and The Bull offers practical solutions and the commitment to see an idea through to its end. Only, it may prove difficult to stay flexible in the face of Taurean stubbornness. In love, Venus moves into impetuous Aries, and we’ll all receive a dose of red hot romantic potential. The energy from a new moon in that same, fiery sign will also prompt impulsive decision-making, but the influence of Taurus will enable us to maintain our work ethic this time around. Usually full moons mean finalizing plans, projects and goals. But all these retrogrades will likely delay anything that Scorpio’s full moon on the 22nd is trying to settle this month.
Aries
Aries (Ruling Planet: Mars; Element: Fire) If you’re a typical Aries, you’re a risk-taker. You’re a fire sign, so you’re adventurous, brave, and lively— all traits that attract others to the Ram, although most find it hard to keep up. You’re always down to try new things. You impulsively take up a new projects, and yet still find the time to be passionate about them. However, Aries, you can be quite arrogant, thinking that you know everything, and you tend to be insensitive, impatient and stubborn, even to the point of being confrontational. Your motto is, “Act first, ask questions later.”
The influence of the sign after yours, Taurus, is strong now as Mercury enters the sign at the beginning of the month, on April 5th. Communication-wise, you might feel slow-going during this time. You’ll be better at taking your time with, and sticking to your decisions, especially financial ones. But Mercury turning retrograde in this sign on the 28th will have you a little more stubborn and a little less patient than usual, so just make sure you handle any important matters of communication with patience and understanding. Venus is in your sign on the 5th, which will help you feel lovey-dovey and charming; don’t be afraid to drop some affectionate hints 😉 A new moon occurs in your sign only a couple days later, on the 7th-- and thank the goddess this new moon comes before three planets turn retrograde. You can take advantage of this good energy, especially your innovativeness and persuasiveness; but be respectful of your superiors, even as the Aries in you yearns for reckless independence. Ten days later, your ruling planet turns retrograde in fellow fire sign Sagittarius, and you can feel particularly defensive about your ideas and beliefs from the 17th through the end of June. The 18th brings another planet’s retrograde. Take all of these reversals in stride. The Sun will enter Taurus on the 19th, and Venus soon follows on the 29th. This marks a time when you should address anything that’s slowing you down, especially concerning your finances. Lastly, the full moon in Scorpio occurs on the 22nd, in your intimacy sector. This could be a time to reevaluate and strengthen bonds with loved ones, but be cautious. Amidst all the retrogrades, this watery moon could bring up some very serious emotions to the surface, and you should be ready to suss out what’s going on there.
Your Trax: You’ll be relying on your own abilities more than anything this month, so why not encourage that way of thinking with some sick jams that'll help you feel independent and successful af, such as, Rescue by indie-pop singer-songwriter and Malaysian diva, Yuna. Alternatively, and with simpler vocals, you might like Death by Made in Heights, a Cali synth-pop duo. If pop doesn't get you pumped, try the noise-drenched sludge rock in Pink (2005) from Tokyo avant-garde metal band Boris.
Dates to watch: 14th, 15th, 16th
Your events: Tacocat, Boyfriends, Mini Dresses @ Mid East Up, April 14th
Prince Rama, W00dy, Way Out @ Great Scott, April 14th
Parquet Courts and Soda @ The Paradise, April 14th
The Dandy Warhols @ The Sinclair, April 15th
Japanese Breakfast, Gemma, Judy Chong @ Instead Fem Coop (Wellesley), April 15th
Melvins, Napalm Death, and Melt-Banana @ The Paradise, April 16th
Taurus
Taurus (Ruling Planet: Venus; Element: Earth) The textbook Taurus is generous, dependable, and down to earth. Persistence and patience are key virtues to a Taurus, thus, you rarely encounter failure. But change is hard for you. Although you generally have an easy going attitude, you are stubborn and demanding when you are being rushed or pressured. Also known for being self-indulgent and lazy, you tend to all-too-easily ignore others’ emotions. It’s also easy for you to become materialistic and possessive, and often jealousy is a common downfall for the Bull.
Everyone ought to brace themselves for some extreme Bull behavior in month of April. With Venus and a new moon in Aries on the 5th and 7th, respectively, you may feel yourself fading into the backdrop, and the influence of the fire sign will be intuitive. Then, there’s a lot goin’ on in your own sign, including Mercury transiting Taurus on the 5th, causing a steady, calming surge in mental energy and self expression. But Mercury retrogrades on the 28th, and that’ll honestly f*ck your shit up, with any area of your life susceptible to this confusing energy. A lack of intimacy and closeness with any romantic partners should come as no surprise, and communicating clearly, hearing others out, and feeling understood might seem particularly difficult until the planet of communication sets itself right in May. So rather than make big plans this month, try giving something or someone a second chance, and work on feeling secure. Be extremely mindful in the middle of the month when Mars turns retrograde in another fire sign, Sagittarius, on the 17th. This position will bring all your obsessive, paranoid, spiteful, clingy or distant tendencies to the surface, especially if you haven’t fully processed any lingering feelings of jealousy, frustration and anger. The Sun and Venus will also enter Taurus around the end of the month, coaxing out of the background and helping you combat any issues that these retrogrades may cause. Lastly, watery Scorpio’s full moon on the 22nd could hopefully help you assess where your problems lie, in regards to self worth.
Your April Trax:
Your extreme attitude calls for some extreme music this month; songs that detail the extremes: obsession and distance, love and anger, paranoia and neglect. Of course, a Lana Del Rey rec is in order, and this time, I’m gonna go with Wait For Life by Emile Haynie ft. Lana Del Rey. Fiona Apple’s music also seems to fit in naturally, and so does her and Andrew Bird’s new track, Left-Handed Kisses. There’s a stirring, folk-pop song by Lucius that might work for you, called Gone Insane, off their March 2016 release, Good Grief. But if you can’t find relief in music right now, for the love of astrology, please find a healthy outlet for this month’s feels.
Dates to watch: 17th, 18th
Your events: Box Fan, Laika's Orbit, Long Gone @ Cosmic Palace, April 17th
DTCV, Reports, Halfsour, The Dazies @ O'Brien's, April 17th
Pujol, Courters, Dan Webb and the Spiders, Dirt Naps @ Firebrand Saints, April 17th
Gravel, Swim Team, Notches, Knockin' Bones @ Charlie's, April 18th
Gemini
Gemini (Ruling Planet: Mercury; Element: Air) Out of all the signs, you, Gemini, are the most communicative, on top of being the most clever. The Twins are flexible; you can adjust to any situation. Your enthusiasm for a variety of subjects makes you versatile and charming, but it’s hard for you to stay dedicated to one thing for a long time, and you tend to bite off more than you can chew. You suffer from constant FOMO, and you can’t make a decision to save your life.
With three planets turning retrograde this month (including your ruling planet), don’t be surprised if you’re feeling more introverted than usual. The only exception to this trend will come as Venus enters fiery Aries on the 5th, and a new moon occurs in the same sign on the 7th. These planetary occurrences will be your only light in the midst of a dark, challenging series of events this April, so take this opportunity to bring any new, optimistic ideas to your friends; it could pay off big time. Also on the 5th, Mercury enters Taurus (the sign before yours), and you’ll prefer to keep your ideas solitary. When the planet retrogrades on the 28th, you’ll only feel more drained, especially in social situations. You actually might approach your relationships analytically, with less emotion and more distance. This retrograde may also bring up past issues, so you’ll need to work extra hard on moving forward and letting go of any comforting crutches in the next month. Later in April, Mars also goes into retrograde in Sagittarius (your opposite in the Zodiac). For you, this means feeling defensive, picking little fights, and being too hard or too easy on your loved ones. Finding a balance may prove more difficult through May, but try to keep calm. The Sun and Venus shift into Taurus on the 19th and 29th, and these positions will keep you in the backdrop, feeling like you need to recover from all this retrograde energy. Lastly, the full moon in Scorpio on the 22nd will directly oppose the Taurean Sun, and bring up issues revolving around feeling important to those around you, either familial or work-related.
Your April Trax:
Some music that might remind you to keep your strong friendships strong, even when Mercury and Mars are in retrograde: Paris 2004 by Peter Bjorn and John, Boston band The Color and Sound’s 2014 punky pop album Peace of Mind. Or, if you just need something to recharge to, soft songs like low by Brooklyn’s yours are the only ears, along with Plastic, a soulful, subtly jazz-pop tune by Moses Sumney.
Dates to watch: 19th, 20th, 21st
Your events: Allston Pudding Presents: Ttotals, Carinae, Steep Leans & Ricecrackers @ Out Of The Blue Too, April 19th
Into It. Over It., The World Is A Beautiful Place And I Am No Longer Afraid To Die @ The Royale, April 21st
Archers of Loaf, Crooked Fingers @ Lizard Lounge, April 21st
Cancer
Cancer (Ruling Planet: Moon; Element: Water) Everyone says you’re overly emotional, Cancer. And it’s true. But your emotions also fuel every aspect of your otherwise creative, intuitive, spontaneous, loving and protective personality. And you are generally a faithful friend, Moonchild. You motivate and persuade others easily. But the Crab is moody and unbalanced. You fluctuate between clingy and icy, depending on your mood and how pessimistic you’re feeling that day.
The start of April brings Venus into Aries, and Mercury into Taurus, prompting unconventional ideas, good impressions, and ambition this month. But when Mercury goes retrograde on the 28th, you’ll find it harder to try anything new or even get your feet off the ground. Weirdly enough, this retrograde could also cause issues with your internet presence-- so just watch what you post. There’s also a new moon in Aries on the 7th, which will benefit you if set new goals around this time. The impact of Mars’ retrograde in Sagittarius on the 17th will manifest itself in little aches and pains caused by the stress you’re bottling up. Deal with these frustrations in stride, but be sure to approach these situations as delicately as you can. The 19th marks Sun's entrance into Taurus, and Venus follows this path on the 29th. These planetary positions will facilitate a rare independence, and although you may feel more distant in any romantic relationships, you’ll take your responsibilities in love more seriously. Then, the full moon in Scorpio on the 22nd will leave you wanting an earth-shattering, ground-breaking soul connection with someone. And a love like that could certainly make you feel better. Just know that you need to help yourself before anyone can help you.
Your April Trax:
An ambitious and frustrating month may just call for music to reflect that. Infinity Milk by Dananananaykroyd is some intensifying, weird and giddy math rock. For something a lil’ more chill, but still definitely math rock, consider Everything Matters! From Boston locals People Like You. More chill yet, Elm by Clever Girl is a solid choice.
Dates to watch: 22nd, 23rd
Your events: IAN / Ovlov / Horse Jumper of Love / Lady Pills @ Mid East Up, April 22nd
White Denim, Sam Cohen @ The Sinclair, April 22nd
Father John Misty @ House of Blues, April 22nd
Salty Greyhound, Earring, Tiffany's House, Sports Coach @ Grandma’s House, April 22nd
DENT, dæphne, Bat House, Puppy Problems @ The Democracy Center, April 23rd
WICKED MESS- 20+ bands, 8 hours, @ Elk’s Lodge, April 23rd
MSPCA Benefit Show: Funeral Advantage, Burglary Years, Kitner, Pleasure Gap @ O'Brien's, April 23rd
Leo
Leo (Ruling Planet: Sun; Element: Fire) Another energetic fire sign, you are known for your headstrong pride and dominating ego. But the Lion can also be quite affectionate, not to mention a loyal friend who demands the loyalty in return. In fact, you demand a lot of things. You can be impatient and arrogant when others won’t alter their opinions at your request, but are sensitive to anything that could wound your ego. You like to talk big game, Leo, but more often than not, you go home crying.
Aries will have an impassioned, adventurous influence on you when Venus shifts signs on the 5th. On the same day, Mercury enters Taurus and an incentive to be more practical will take root for you this month. Try to set some long-term goals now, before Mercury goes retrograde in Taurus on the 28th, and you’ll have a harder time focusing. This retrograde may also cause some creative blocks, mess with your maturity level, and a skew your focus. Resist this mental weight by trying extra hard to keep your ego in check throughout May. When Mars retrogrades in your love sector on the 17th, the Sagittarian influence could bring up old love issues, altercations with loved ones, and childish behavior. Take the space you need, but don’t be excessive. On the 19th and the 29th, the Sun and Venus joins enter Taurus, respectively, bringing the ambitious energy you’ll need for when all these retrogrades end. The location of the new moon in Aries on the 7th will directly oppose Uranus, indicating brilliant ideas, especially surrounding professional growth. Then, the full moon in Scorpio around the 22nd brings the energy to settle issues and strengthen your own foundations.
Your April Trax:
If any immature behavior takes hold of you this month, do try to refrain from tantrums, but don’t refrain from good, angsty pop punk songs that will remind you of 2007, but not necessarily make you re-live it. There’s an album called Everywhere, Everywhere (2012) by Everywhere, Everywhere that might be well-suited at this time. Creative outlets could benefit you immensely at this point, and so could an EP like Soft Serve by Charly Bliss, and so could Sept. 2015 release Sleep Talk by Diet Cig.
Dates to watch: 24th, 25th, 26th
Your events: Evil Sword, Listening Woman, Tiffany's House, Blood Club, The Cavemen @ Out Of the Blue Too, April 24th
Julien Baker, Pheobe Bridgers @ The Sinclair, April 24th
The Thermals, Summer Cannibals @ The Sinclair, April 25th
Sour Spirit, Birthing Hips, Pucker Up, Wrists @ ZuZu’s, April 25th
Try the Pie, Great Hart, Laika's Orbit, Maxi's World @ Flywheel, April 26th
Fleabite, Katherine, Ursula, Long Gone @ Mid East Up, April 26th
Virgo
Virgo (Ruling Planet: Mercury; Element: Earth) You’re a natural problem solver, Virgo, and you are extremely practical. Your intelligence, trustworthiness, and attention to detail usually make you the best person for the job. You’re adaptable, for an Earth sign. You’re also analytical, sometimes to a fault. You can be overly critical and a harsh perfectionist, but only because you’re afraid of exposing your own vulnerabilities.
Venus enters Aries on the 5th, and you’ll feel more passionate about researching a certain subject. Wrap yourself up in this serious energy, and embrace the fiery influence of Venus, the planet of love, while it’s in your intimacy sector. When the planet transits Taurus on the 29th, you’ll feel more daring, and yearn for new experiences. The new moon on the 7th also occurs in Aries and in your intimacy sector, prompting a forging or improvement of emotional bonds with more determination and willpower than usual. Mercury and the Sun also enter Taurus this month, keeping you optimistic and dreaming big. But when Mercury, your ruler, turns retrograde on the 28th, your big dreams could tread the line of unreality. Try to on learning and unlearning, giving space to others and taking space for yourself until the retrograde ends in May. Look at your choices and evaluate. Make big decisions later. Next up, Mars retrogrades while in Sagittarius starting the 17th. For you, this means feeling more defensive when insecure, and needing more comfort to keep calm. You also might have less patience with family. Just focus on reinforcing your emotional core and move forward. Then, on the 22nd, a full moon in water sign Scorpio will help remake the connection between your heart and mind, and help you express this month’s emotions more effectively.
Your April Trax:
With the planets in these positions, Virgos might feel slow, bold, and daring this month, and it’s only natural that your recs this month reflect that. Infusion, an album released in March by Ithica, NY rapper Sammus, frickin rules. L.A. band MUNA is self-described “dark pop,” and there single Winterbreak is to die for. Just as dark and dauntless is this album called Get Lost, from wistful, post-rock Portlanders Genders. And if none of that suits your fancy, there’s always Shrines by Purity Ring.
Dates to watch: 1st, 27th, 28th
Your events: Savages @ The Paradise, April 1st
Kal Marks, Left and Right, Lady Bones, Sneeze @ O'Brien's, April 1st
Junior Boys @ Brighton Music Hall, April 1st
Out of the Blue Too Fool's Fest, April 1st & 2nd
SALES, Tangerine, People Like You @ Mid East Up, April 27th
Julianna Barwick, Nat Baldwin, Skinny Bones, St. Nothing @ Mid East Up, April 28th
Libra
Libra (Ruling Planet: Venus; Element: Air) You, Libra, are the charming, tactful one. You have a magnetism about you. Socially, you are gifted. You can talk your way out of anything, and justice is a valued virtue to The Scales. But like most air signs, you can become detached and unreliable. You’re so indecisive sometimes that, more often than not, you bail completely, and you don’t do well with confrontation.
Your ruling planet enters Aries at the beginning of the month, on April 5th. The planet of love will also be in your relationship sector, and you should want to give more affectionate attention to others, and more support, too. On the 7th, a new moon occurs in Aries (the sign opposite yours in the Zodiac), and this is the time to start a new relationship, or at least feel more commitment-driven in your current relationship. Spend this balanced energy on the right people at the right times, because the Mercury retrograde on the 28th could distance you from them, emotionally, til May. When the planet of communication retrogrades in Taurus, you could also have an easier time focusing, but be careful about becoming too obsessive or forceful with your opinions. The ruler of decision-making, Mars, also retrogrades this month, but in fire sign Sagittarius. The 17th will mark this planetary event, and may also prompt headaches, little arguments, and defensiveness throughout the next month. But the energy from the Sun and Venus’s shift into Taurus on the 19th and 29th, respectively, may counteract some of this frustrating energy. There’s also a full moon in Scorpio that’ll help you finalize a big purchase or settle something financially, but the water sign will also have you feeling more sensitive to what others think of you. Tune out their opinions, and instead take this time to weigh your interests, and understand your desires.
Your April Trax:
For the affectionate, driven month you’re to have this April, there’s some songs queued up to fuel those feelings. Clementine by Sarah Jaffe is an fast-paced alternative indie/folk tune with complex and winding lyrics. I Felt Your Shape by The Microphones is more softhearted, much slower, but could still provide some empathy and support while Venus moves around the sky. But if you need something to pick up the pace this month, listen to Sunshine on my Window by Spiderbait, a cultural landmark from the soundtrack of a seminal classic, 10 Things I Hate About You.
Dates to watch: 2nd, 3rd, 29th, 30th
Your events: Out of the Blue Too Fool's Fest, April 1st & 2nd
Wimps, Gravel, halfsour @ Out of the Blue Too, April 3rd
Autolux, Eureka, The Butcher - Mid East Down, April 3rd
Smith Street Band, Hard GIrls, Worriers at Mid East Up, April 3rd
Wolf Alice @ Brighton Music Hall, April 3rd
Blood Club, Space Fiend, Vaepors, Snot Knows @ Grandma's House, April 29th
Gravel, Patio, Stumpf, Gay Sin @ Make Out Point, April 30th
Mothers, Palm, Vundabar @ Great Scott, April 30th
Scorpio
Scorpio (Ruling Planet: Pluto; Element: Water) Scorpios are truly a mixed bag. You can be passionate, but resentful. You can be ambitious and determined, but manipulative in the process. And although the Scorpion is one the most faithful of the signs, you struggle with trust and possessiveness, with forgiving and forgetting. However, Scorpio, you are still indeed a true water sign— sensitive and intuitive. And your emotional strength is what sets you apart from every other sign.
Fire sign Aries will have a productive effect on you throughout the month, as Venus and a new moon pass through the sign on the 5th and 7th. So, spend this time gettin shit done and don’t be afraid to tap into your sense of creativity. You’ll find that you can get work more done with greater ease, and paying close attention to the details will benefit. In love, you can better attend all of the little things, and will seek someone who does the same for you around the beginning of the month. However, the Mercury retrograde on the 28th occurs in your relationship sector, and will try to f*ck with this sense of harmony, causing miscommunications and issues that need fixing. Mercury’s location in Taurus can also prompt the return of old loves or enemies. The Sun and Venus also pass through earth sign Taurus, your opposite in the Zodiac, and around the 19th and 29th, spending time with others will feel like the most important thing. The 17th marks another retrograde, Mars in Sagittarius, the sign after yours. The planet of decision-making in retrograde could make you feel lazier, more indulgent, and stubborn about it. Avoid shopping and eating on impulse if you’re trying to save money. The full moon in your sign occurs just days later on the 22nd, and could bring you the perfect energy to change your habits, fix a miscommunication, or break off a partnership.
Your April Trax:
A lot of positive energy is in store for you this month, so why not encourage that state of mind with music from some feel-good punk bands? Ugly Cherries by PWR BTTM is sure to put you in some kinda mood. Local band Bent Shapes should have a similar effect, and their March album Wolves of Want has a poppy, noisy sound. Then, a little more lo-fi, more experimental, and definitely more Providence, give Bath w/ Frozen Cat by edgar clinks a shot.
Dates to watch: 4th, 5th
Your events:
WRBB's Spring Bliss 2016: Kevin Devine (Solo),The Hotelier, Petal @ AfterHours, NU Only, April 4th
Gogol Bordello @ The Paradise, April 5th
Sagittarius
Sagittarius (Ruling Planet: Jupiter; Element: Fire) Sagittarians are crazy fun, and wild. You’re a generous friend, and always try to be straightforward. The Archer is an intellectual, passionate about philosophy and travel. But with this passionate energy, and your constant need for independence, comes a carelessness typical of most fire signs. When honest, you tend to be tactless. When ambitious, you can be impatient and inconsistent. And you are prone to taking things for granted.
Mercury and Venus both have movements in store on April 5th; Mercury into earthy Taurus, and Venus into fellow fire sign Aries. These locations will help your productivity levels with work, and bring details to your attention. Lovely Venus will occur in your love sector, and will light a fire in your belly, as far as your hobbies and relationships go. You’ll take more pleasure in the things you genuinely enjoy doing, so feel free to play the field a bit, if you’re into that kinda thing. Next, the new moon in Aries on the 7th. New moons often signal the start of something. For you, this could mean an ingenious idea, and the self confidence to back it up. On the 17th, Mars will be the first planet to retrograde this month. The planet of decision-making in Sagittarius at this time could mean spark a short temper in you, along with erratic energy. If you feel like you’re going backwards instead of forward, try revisiting a past issue, and wait for the retrograde’s end in May to take on anything new and strenuous. The Sun will join Mercury in Taurus two days later, on the 19th, and the easygoing energy from this event will help you focus on thinking about how you can make up any time you’ll loose during the retrogrades. Speaking of which, Mercury retrograde on the 28th is going to stress you out. Take care and try to stick to your routine, decompress on the regular, and give yourself more time to get things done. The full moon on the 22nd could give you stronger sense of intuition, which could be helpful if you need guidance during the events a full moon usually brings-- focusing on any backburner issues that are coming to a forefront, and letting go of what you no longer need.
Your April Trax:
To heighten your sense of lightheartedness this month, some airy, surfy, retro-pop for ya: Forget Me, an EP by Summer Twins. Similarly, the Australian and self-described “easy chill” act St. South has a song called Slacks that might suit you. But if you’re tryna feed into the retrogrades toward the end of the month, try something a little darker, a little more raw, like Our Hearts are Wrong, a tune by by Jessica Lea Mayfield.
Dates to watch: 6th, 7th
Your events:
Lucy Dacus, Animal Flag, Moving Panoramas, The Western Den @ Mid East Up, April 6th
Paige Chaplin, Saccharine, Grammar, Stone Irr, Glitterbug - HI, April 6th
Boston Two Piece Fest @ Out of the Blue Too, April 7th & 8th
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes @ The Sinclair, April 7th
Capricorn
Capricorn (Ruling Planet: Saturn; Element: Earth) Another practical Earth sign, Capricorns are more calculated than most. You are also a natural goal-setter, and tend to get what you want by being sensible, patient, cautious and disciplined. The Seagoat is not a rule-breaker. And, sometimes, all this hard work can make you pessimistic, stubborn, and shy.
You’ll want familiarity and emotional support as Venus rolls around into Aries on the 5th, and it’s important that you work on solidifying your relationships, both platonic and romantic, before Mercury retrograde occurs in your love sector at the end of the month. Until then, April 5th also marks Mercury entering earthy Taurus, and you may be feeling more silly than usual, and get more enjoyment out of your hobbies and passions. Taurus will retain planetary prominence when the Sun and Venus, too transit the sign on the 19th and the 29th, and that need to please your creative self and inner child will remain strong throughout the month. You’ll experience more activity in Aries as the new moon occurs on the 7th. New moons often prompt the beginning of things, and for you, this could be a good time to make a daring decision. You just gotta have the confidence to back it up. As a new moon signals new starts, so does a full moon signal an ending. April 22nd indicates a full moon in water sign Scorpio, and your settlement should deal with any issues within a social group. This could mean walking away from friends, but it could also mean a decision to commit or quit a dedication to a cause or dream. Lastly, the end of the month brings the influence of the retrogrades. On April 17th, Mars retrogrades in Sagittarius, and Mercury retrogrades in Taurus on the 28th. Decision-maker Mars in retrograde could reveal a lot of subconscious motives and entanglements. Decide to do the right thing (even if it feels like the universe just keeps shitting on your decisions), and carve out time to rest after this retrograde is over in May. Mercury in retrograde may just make dividing your time more difficult than usual. If you find this balance difficult to maintain, try reconnecting with an old hobby or project.
Your April Trax: This month, you’ll need songs to reconnect to, so here’s one from the 2008-era: Some Are Lakes, an album by indie Land of Talk is blood-red and raw, and perfectly post-punk. If you’re into it, Sometimes Bad Happens by Adult Mom, is more pared down, and could supply a short and vocally sweet and lyrically not-so-sweet soundtrack while you’re getting back into your hobbies. Similarly, Dark World by Pity Sex, although only 6 tracks long, is lyrical, loud, and loveable.
Dates to watch: 8th, 9th
Your events: Flasher (DC), Blood Club, Daephne, Maxi's World, RUUNE @ Black Lodge, April 8th
People Like You, Invalids, Bat House, Floral, Thickets @ The Banana Hammock, April 8th
Boston Two Piece Fest @ Out of the Blue Too, April 7th & 8th
Strange Mangers, Peaer, Pupppy, BLOOM, Puppy Problems @ Trixies Palace, April 9th
Stumpf, Floral Print, Plant Parenthood, Harmoos @ The Record Company, April 9th
Andrew Bird @ Citi Wang, April 9th
Big Eyes, Laika's Orbit, The Scamps, Blase Blue @ O'Brien's, April 9th
Aquarius
Aquarius (Ruling Planet: Uranus; Element: Air) The most loyal of the air signs, Aquarians are known for their ability to make a lot of friends and their wide range of interests. The Water Carrier is the weird but charming, creative, independent type. But your independence can easily read aloof and detached. And like any air sign, you can be particularly inconsistent and unpredictable. Though, of all the air signs, you’re the most set in your ways, partially because of your strong moral compass and humanitarian instincts.
There are two important retrogrades this month. On the 17th, Mars in retrograde means an inclination to make impulsive decisions, as the decision-maker planet transits fire sign Sagittarius. Sidestep some of this frustrating influence by looking to the past. Reconnect with old friends or groups, or refocus on an old dream around this time, and try especially hard not to get defensive about your goals and ideas this month. Then, Mercury retrogrades at the end of the month, this time in Taurus, which may rattle you and convolute your sense of subjectivity. Try to remain aware of how logically and emotionally you interpret situations from the 28th of April through May. The planet of love experiences two shifts this month, first into Aries on the 5th, then to Taurus on the 29th. Overall, you’ll be feelin that need to talk to your romantic partner(s) for hours upon hours throughout the month, with clear lines of communication and intellectually stimulating conversation-- and the energy from a new moon in Aries may even fuel this state of mind. Mercury’s location in Taurus for the majority of the month will help you express this need more clearly. The Sun also shifts into Taurus on the 19th, prompting your need for comfort. Use this energy after the retrogrades to get in touch with your heart and your emotions. You may find that the watery full moon in Scorpio on the 22nd lends its energy to this way of thinking, but it may not be the best time to take on a life-altering activity.
Your April Trax: Long winded conversations and the chance to re-dream this month sounds like a Lady Lamb rec is in order. Today, that’ll be Lady Lamb’s wordy and winding 2013 indie-folk album Ripely Pine. Ghosting by Mother Mother is a layered, kitschy folk-pop tune that almost reaches the 5 minute mark, but remains engaging. For something totally different, Space Lion by The Seatbelts is a seven minute long, sax heavy hit from the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack.
Dates to watch: 10th, 11th
Your events: Iggy Pop, Noveller @ The Orpheum, April 11th
Yuck, Saintseneca @ The Sinclair, April 11th
Weatherbox, Enemies, Leaner @ Charlie's, April 11th
Owen Winter, John Cushing, Eisenberg-Winter-Harper Trio @ Out Of the Blue Too, April 11th
Foxes in Fiction, Emperor X, Emily Reo @ Mid East Up, April 11th
Crusher, Black Sky, Maxi's World, RUUNE @ Flywheel, April 11th
Pisces
Pisces (Ruling Planet: Neptune; Element: Water) Your head is in the clouds, Pisces, and you have a grand imagination. But this way of thinking can often delve into escapist territory, and you have no problem deluding yourself to avoid harsh realities. You can be a pessimist who blames things on bad luck. And like any other water sign, you’re sensitive. But The Fishes in particular are intuitive to others’ feelings, and, although you often feel misunderstood by most, you have the ability to understand many people from all different walks of life.
Aries, the sign after yours in the Zodiac, is quite present this month, first as lovely Venus transits the sign on the 5th, then when a new moon occurs in the sign on the 7th. For you, this means a more sensual, stable sense of romance. In the ways of money-making, a calm, focused mindset will make it easier to honestly assess your abilities, start a new venture, and rely on yourself at this time. Use this balanced energy wisely. Taurus appears in the sky three times this month, and will, overall, activate and help you express what’s on your mind, and it’s ok if you might not be feelin’ particularly theatrical this month. When Mercury retrogrades in Taurus on the 28th, however, this ability to express yourself could get totally thrown off, leading to miscommunications and alternations. So, try a different approach to being heard-- like writing things down, and taking the time to navigate any confusing feedback. Mars also goes through retrograde this month, on the 17th in Sagittarius. For you, this could feel like a setback, a roadblock, or like whole universe is working against you. In this case, if you rise to the occasion, you will be rewarded. It might just take some time, so be patient during these temporary delays. The full moon in fellow water sign Scorpio is only a few days later, on the 22nd, and it’s energy will help you feel more settled and optimistic, as you finalize any big plans at the moment.
Your April Trax: If you’re feeling more stable and sedated at the beginning of the month, Breakfast by Ohio’s cross country is a quirky lil’ “living room pop” EP. Listen to Birthday by The Sugarcubes, Bjork’s old band from the late 80’s, for more avant-pop/alt. Rock tunes. A more soothing and ambient rock rec could be Low Light by The Soundcarriers.
Dates to watch: 12th, 13th
Your events: Porches / Alex G @ Mid East Down, April 12th
Thao and the Get Down Stay Down @ The Sinclair, April 12th
Esperanza Spalding @ Shubert Theatre, April 12th
Palm Spring Life, Roof Doctor, Friendship, Tuxis Giant (solo) @ Midway Cafe, April 12th
Bayonne, Plastic Waves @ Great Scott, April 13th
Music/Poetry Night with Moonish Brute, Cop Graveyard, Ethan Smith, Christopher Lee-Rodriguez, Melissa Lozada-Oliva @ Ol’ Yeller, April 13th