Tonight, Saturday, November 24th, One Might Ugly Backpack has organized a great show at the Ding Dong Lounge in Manhattan. Performers include The Bloody Muffs, Cycles, Strange Things Done in the Midnight Sun and The Best Lies.
It's no secret that Chris Andrews from NY band The Best Lies is a pretty active individual. In addition to playing out on a regular basis, he's constantly booking shows in the area under the auspices of One Might Ugly Backpack. Most of the time, he works with and through The Place Bar & Lounge in Greenpoint, but tonight he's set up a show on the other side of the East River at Manhattan's Ding Dong Lounge.Tonight's show gets started at 8PM, and costs $5 at the door. The bands include The Bloody Muffs, Cycles, Strange Things Done in the Midnight Sun and The Best Lies. Below are brief glimpses at all of the acts.
The Bloody Muffs
Cycles
According to their Facebook page, this three-piece band from Brooklyn/Long Island, has been making magic together since August 2011. I couldn't find much more about them on the internets, so they shall remainshrouded in mystery for the time being.
Strange Things Done in the Midnight Sun
The Best Lies
Further information about the show can be found via Facebook.
Writing by Stephanie Augello
Video Flyer by Jeff Shipman
Book Club Video by Emer Reilly & Robbie Horlick
On Saturday, November 17th, Book Club, Blake Rainey & His Demons and Jeremy Ray will hold a triple EP Release party at The Earl in Atlanta.Below is some more information,including a video flyer by Jeff Shipman, and Book Club's latest music video.
For all that I've come across regarding independent music over the past few years, this is the first time I've heard of a Triple EP Release party. It kind of made me happy to learn of it, because my inner hippie felt that it expressed a notion of togetherness; of three different artists convening on one night to show their new creations to their city. All cheesy sentiment aside, that's exactly what it is.
Tonight, Saturday, November 17th, at The Earl in Atlanta, Book Club, Blake Rainey & His Demons and Jeremy Ray will be the acts releasing their achievements to the public. As a publicity method, they worked with visual artistJeff Shipman to release the video flyer posted below. It's a really cool pixilation animation piece, which I think you should take a look at. Yes, it's aesthetically appealing, but it also consists of all of the information about tonight's show.
Additionally, Book Club has also launched a brand new music video for their track 'Oh, You Lied," the first single off of "Shapes on the Water." Created by Emer Reilly and Robbie Horlick, it "... is a mish-mash of old-school claymation and stop-motion animation,
featuring a sasquatch named Frank, and was actually shot entirely on an iPhone."
On Thursday, November 8th, Cusses and Brother Reverend played at Lit Lounge in Manhattan. Here's a photo recap of the event.
This is one of those moments where I'm staring at the computer screen in astonishment, saying to myself, "Wow. I'm totally updating my blog the day after a show." Wonders never cease. Anyway, last night, Brother Reverend and Cusses played a great show at Lit Lounge on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Instead of being overtly wordy (you're welcome), I'll let the photos do the talking. Brother Reverend
Cusses
If you didn't get a chance to see Cusses last night, they'll be playing at The Flat in Brooklyn tonight, Friday, November 9th. The show starts at 9PM.
Tomorrow night, Thursday, November 8th, Savannah, GA band Cusses will be playing at Lit Lounge on Manhattan's Lower East in support of their new self-titled release. They will be joined by local band Brother Reverend.
What the Hell Just Happened?
With all that's gone on since Hurricane Sandy, it's hard to believe that I'm living in the same New York as I was on October 28th. Having lost power for nine days, I definitely missed most of the news coverage of the storm's aftermath, and even now feel like I can't fully comprehend the devastation that has occurred. I had been able to periodically check Facebook from my phone (when it was charged, at least), and what I'd noticed is how well those involved with the greater indie music scene(s) have been banding (no pun intended) together to benefit those effected by Sandy.
Showing Support
One such group is popular Savannah, GA act Cusses. They released their self-titled debut album on October 30th, which is available for purchase on a number of sites including iTunes, Amazon.com, Best Buy and Barnes & Noble. Prior to Sandy's landfall on October 29th, Cusses had already scheduled a few stops in the Northeast in support of their latest endeavor. Luckily, the weather has not forced them to cancel their dates up here, and they will be playing in Manhattan at Lit Lounge on Thursday, November 8th, and at The Flat in Brooklyn on Friday, November 9th. Prior to leaving for tour, the members also set up a Hurricane Sandy donation spot in Savannah, and will be bringing supplies to help out those hardest hit by the storm. That's a wonderful show of humanitarianism, folks.
Tomorrow night, Cusses will be joined at Lit Lounge by awesome NYC band Brother Reverend. According to their Facebook page, they "...cite the chords of Ray
Davies, the commitment of Bob Dylan, and the vision of James Brown as an
influence." Their latest record, 'Ike Turner Kills Fascists' was released in February 2012, and you can take a listen to it below.
Tomorrow night's show starts around 9PM, but due to potential transportation issues, I'd recommend trying to get there a bit early. All of the other information you might need can be found HERE. They'll also be playing on Friday, November 9th at The Flat in Brooklyn. Click HERE for more information about that. We're looking forward to seeing you!
After taking a few months away from posting, things are back in gear. The 2012 CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival kicks off on Tuesday, October 16th, and this blog is going to be having a little party at Brooklyn's Spike Hill on Sunday, October 21st. That night will be all about highlighting the talents of some of Long Island's finest bands.
Hiatus, Quietus
Taking a break from this here blog wasn't something I'd planned on doing. It sort of just gradually happened, and then "Boom!" I realized that this space had been basically dormant from July-September. Ya see, it was that thing called life. Yup, my overall existence took over, and overshadowed this endeavor. I unfortunately didn't have time to really make it out to shows, and most definitely did not have the focus to sit down and document anything. But, that time has since passed, and some pretty cool stuff is in the works.
As many of you know, the 2012 CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival will be running in NYC from Tuesday, October 16th-Saturday, October 20th. Last year, I worked as an official photographer for the Marathon, and I'm happy to say that I'll be doing it all over again in less than a week. If anyone in the area is interested in attending, badge prices range from $150 for a Show Pass to $549 for a full pass. There will also be a host of "unofficial" events going on that week, so keep your eyes peeled for those, as they're a great time as well. Uncounted Showcase
I was able to set up an "Unofficial CMJ After Party," which will be presented by this blog, at Spike Hill in Brooklyn for Sunday, October 21st. Since I felt that the night as a whole would require a theme (I read too many books in my younger years), I decided that the showcase should be geared towards highlighting some of the wonderful acts currently emerging from the Long Island Music Scene - Wiretap Crash, Vision Through Sound, The Best Lies, All New Episode and Playing Dead. The party will be hosted by popular local indie radio personality Radio J, and will run from 7PM (doors) until midnight. We've also put together a compilation of tracks by the bands who will be performing that night, which you can take a listen to below, or purchase for $1.00 via Bandcamp.com.All proceeds will go towards the showcase itself.
Lawnguyland
"What's so great about the Long Island Music Scene?" you ask. Good question! If I may, I'd like to provide you with a solid, yet brief, response. The whole "operation" is comprised of some really hard working people, who are in this game for the sheer love of it. That underlying meaning lends itself to creating one helluva fun-loving, welcoming atmosphere. On Friday, October 5th, local organization New Muse Productions, put together a show at Mr. Beery's in Bethpage. I took some photos that night, including shots of Playing Dead and Wiretap Crash, and I think that they can better express the idea that I was just attempting to convey in writing.
So, don't forget - Sunday, October 21st, come down to Spike Hill, and check out some of the best of what Long Island has to offer.
Writing by Stephanie Augello Photo by England in 1819 Video by Stephen Kinigopoulos
This week, Baton Rouge, Louisiana band England in 1819 will be playing a series of shows in New York City. Andrew Callaway, one member of this family-oriented group, took some time to share thoughts on the origin of their name, touring and the band's first time playing in the Big Apple.
"An old, mad, blind, despised, and dying king,--/Princes, the dregs of their dull race, who flow/ Through public scorn,--mud from a muddy spring,--" begins 18th Century poet Percy Bysshe Shelley in his politically charged poem England in 1819. Drawing not from the political sentiment of the piece, rather the sense of distance in it's title, a contemporary band of the same name is pushing their way through the size and depth of their musical creations, connecting with a distant time and location in the process. England in 1819 consists of Andrew Callaway, Liam Callaway, Dan Callaway and Sean Barna. Yes, all of the Callaways listed are relatives. According to Facebook, the band was born in 2007, when brothers Andrew and Dan found themselves "...living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the entire family together for the
first time since their childhood spent in the English countryside."They began writing songs with their father Liam, creating "...an unusual combination of Southern edge and
English introspection, with haunting lyrics and massive chamber rock
unfurling in a sweeping, evocative surge of sound." The band expanded and intensified with the addition of Barna on drums, and recently released their latest album "Alma," which can be purchased on iTunes.
England in 1819 is currently engaged in a tour to support "Alma." This week, they'll be making a two day stop in New York City - first at Fontana's on the 18th, and then on the 19th at Arlene's Grocery. They also recently released a beautiful video for their track 'Waterfall.' Directed by Stephen Kinigopoulos, the work as a whole feels like a snapshot trip through time, helping to further affirm the band's roots, and define their overall philosophy.
Andrew Callaway was gracious enough to take a few minutes out of his tour schedule to answer a few questions I'd sent him. I've posted the conversation below.
1) Is your band named after the Percy Shelley poem? If so, why?
It is a Shelley reference! We were looking through some poetry books at the house and came across the title. England in 1819 is a heavily political poem, written about the corruption and misguided values of the current political situation. We are not a political band. We connected more with the title than the message. We really loved the sense of distance. Distance in location and distance in time. The name by itself implies size and depth and that's central to our music as well. 2) What's it like playing with family?
It's very interesting to tour as a family. We've had a rotating cast of musicians play with us through the years, but the core has been the three of us. We've got a line-up right now that we are thrilled about. The band also includes Sean Barna on drums and we will soon add the very talented Flanna Sheridan on piano and backing vocals which will really
expand the sound!
As far as touring with your dad, it's a great experience. Liam is very laid back and we're more comfortable with each other and have an easier time communicating because we've known each other for our whole lives. 3) How arduous has your tour been? Arduous?
That's one way to say it, haha! It's stressful for sure. We had only toured for a few days at a time before we headed out for this 10 week stretch, so we pretty much just dove in. It's really important to like the people you're with because you just spend so much time together. It's also been an absolute blast. We try to balance performing, business (booking, press) and fun/sight-seeing - and that has definitely makes it more enjoyable. 4)
Have you played NYC before? We have not played NYC before. I've driven through a few times, and went with my high school girlfriend and her family to see The Rockettes. We walked around and saw some street performers too - very touristy stuff. I think we're all really excited to see the city. Our little sister goes to school at Parsons and she's given us a whole list of places to go, so we're going to try to get to as many as possible!
Writing by Stephanie Augello
Videos by Video Rahim and Terence Rushin
This weekend, Atlanta bands Gun Party and Baby Baby will be playing in the nighttime summer swelter of Savannah, GA. Those of you who know those nights will know that this will be a good night.
I often pride myself on the quirky titles and quasi interesting story lines I insert into these posts. Sometimes, they're really easy to conjure up. Other times, it feels as if the well has run dry. Right now is one of the latter times. In my head, I want to go on and on, discussing some aspect of the music scene in Savannah, and how that city has a lot to offer both residents and visitors in terms of subculture. That sentence is about as far as my brain will go right now. Grown up things have made me tired (insert yawn). Now, I'll get to my point. Yes, I have one.
This June weekend in Savannah should be a damn good time for those who seek such a thing. Two energetic, popular acts from Atlanta will be making their way(s) across highways to perform at The Wormhole. You know that place. You like going there. It's all sorts of enjoyable, and you should check out Baby Baby and Gun Party when they play there on Friday, June 29th.
I had the chance to check out both bands at Atlanta's IMR Music Festival back in April. In my subsequent write-up, I zeroed in on Gun Party's performance, referring to them as being like behind the scenes footage from an Andy Warhol film. The band recently released a new video for their track 'Nothing Like a Sheep to Make You Feel Like a Wolf,' which was directed by Video Rahim.
To tie this up with a nice little bow, I will offer you a description of Baby Baby, crafted by the members of Gun Party. Quit hatin. These dudes are fun. Raucous party tunes. Sometimes feete
shufflink , sometimes a touch of metaltastic. These guys like hard work
and ball sweat. If you haven't started moving yet, then you are really
really running out of excuses at this point. Save your excuses for when
you need them, like the next day when you were supposed to meet this
cute girl for coffee at eleven AM, which you make but then have to
explain your godawful smell because you met her at bible study and want
her to think you are something that you are not. They have an album. That they recorded. Do that. Represented by The Gospel of Rhythm Recordings, Baby Baby also has a video. It's for their song 'Fire.'
So, remember kids, Gun Party and Baby Baby this Friday, June 29th at The Wormhole. Each and Every Opus will be opening, and DaxExclamationPoint will be your host. Baby Baby will also be making an appearance at Taco Abajo tomorrow night, Thursday, June 28th.
These United States have released their latest full-length album. They will be playing this Friday, June 15th, at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn.
This week, alt-country band These United States released their fifth full-length album - a self-titled piece that expands upon the energy, fluidity and overall clever construction of their previously endeavors. When speaking with Vermont publication Seven Days, front man Jesse Elliott referred to the album's themes as being about "people and places and all the wacky shit" in this fair country. This hard-touring group has also been dubbed by Paste Magazine the "Least Lazy Band in America," having played over 800 shows since 2008, which has included performances at South by Southwest and the CMJ Music Marathon. You can stream "These United States"below, or pick up your own copy by following this link.
Members Elliott, J. Thom Hnatow, Justin Craig, Anna Morsett and Aaron Latoswill be opening for Willie Nelson on June 18th at the Shubert Theater in New Haven, CT. If you happen to be in the NYC area tomorrow, June 15th (That's a Friday, kids...), check them out at Brooklyn's The Knitting Factory. If you live further down south, These United States will grace the stage at The Earl on Saturday, June 30th.
Writing by Stephanie Augello
Photos by Nate Watters
Video by Eratosthenes Fackenthall
Thanks to Kari Gruber for the title.
With a new album, new video and recent nod as Deli Magazine Seattle's "Artist of the Month," Long Island native Debbie Miller is tearing up the music scene in that Pacific Northwest city.
Singer. Songwriter. Multi-instrumentalist. Student of Naturopathic Medicine. The closer you look into the repertoire and skills of Seattle-based artist Debbie Miller, the more astounding she becomes. "Miller, a classically trained pianist who studied under a Julliard
alumna for ten years," released her full-length debut album 'Fake Love' in 2010. Shortly thereafter, she moved from New York to Seattle, where she dove into the latter city's already noteworthy music scene.
This past March, the Pacific Northwest transplant put forth her latest, the EP "Measures + Waits." The album has been noted by blog The Other Woman as being "...poignant and beautifully put together." Artist Direct has a "crush" on this clever girl, and Seattle Weekly feels that her "...sweet vocals and restrained melodies give all the songs a clean and peaceful aura." The praise for Miller and her latest endeavor expanded even further when she was overwhelmingly voted "Artist of the Month" for May by Deli Magazine Seattle. You can check out the video for her single 'What She's Got,' as well as a link to all of "Measures + Waits."
According to her website, Debbie Miller began her live music "...career in the Brooklyn and East Village
music scenes in 2007." Her talent quickly helped her infiltrate the Manhattan circuit, where she began to make appearances at a number of popular venues, including Rockwood Music Hall. Of the performance spot, Miller has stated, "I love playing at Rockwood, simply because the
atmosphere is so lovely and intimate. It lends itself both to solo
artists and bands, which I think is a hard thing to pull off. It also
serves as a kind of 'hang" for musicians which I think help fosters a
community for artists. I have always have a great time playing at
Rockwood, and play there nearly every time I am back in NY."Of course, her love for intimate live shows did not end when she transferred her career to the West Coast. In mid-April, Debbie held a release party for "Measures + Waits" at Seattle's Columbia City Theater. The photos below are from that show, and all were shot by Nate Watters.
Debbie Miller and I had a little Q & A session via email about her new EP, video, live ensemble and overall music career. The girl has some good things to say, but we know this already. I've posted our exchange, pretty much unedited, below. 1) Why pursue a career in music?
When did you 1st begin writing/performing as a solo artist?
I never thought I would be a singer
songwriter. I was under the impression that you needed to be really
prolific like Bob Dylan - and the music and words flow through you and you
didn't have to think too much. Once I started learning how to play the
guitar in college, I thought about writing songs, but I didn't know where to
start. In 2007ish after I'd moved back to NY from Boston post-college, I
started singing backup & playing a little piano (I'm a classically trained
pianist) with Shanna Zell - a talented singer/songwriter and also one of my
best friends. That was my first formal introduction to the music scene in NYC.
I think being in that environment re-sparked my desire to write.
When I was 24, I wrote my first full song at work. It was called
"Fake Love", and it was about.... fake love. That was around
February, and by June I'd written 2 more songs. When I was offered my first
official gig in Feb 2008, I still didn't have enough songs to fill up a 45
minute set, so I wrote a bunch more. And the rest is... the rest. (comedic
drumroll)
My music is an extension, and sometimes at
the core of who I am. That is why I do it. When I have hard days
and think about quitting I literally can't - it is too much a part of me.
Also, in music - just as a general statement - there is always room for
you somewhere, and there is always a place to play whether its at an open mic,
on the street busking, or in a stadium. That is beautiful to me.
2) You perform live w/ an ensemble.
Does the cast of characters rotate often? Who are these people and the instruments they play? Did they play on the album tracks as
well?
When I am in New York, I often play with the same musicians unless someone has
another commitment. Jeremiah Birnbaum has been playing lead guitar for me
for over 4 years now, and he even came out to Seattle for my west coast album
release show to play on the set which was really special. My New York
peeps often include Leah Goldstein (vocals), Greg Coladarci (guitalele - he
produced both of my albums), Amanda Gookin & Madeleine Craw Corliss(cello),
Fred Kennedy (drums). My bass player always seems to rotate - I have been
lucky to have the talents of Matt Wigton, Daniel Foose, and Tony Maceli join me
on stage. Sometimes, though, I also perform solo or just with Jeremiah.
When I moved to Seattle last year, I met violinist Jason Welling. We have
played a few shows together as a duo. Once I had my album release show
organized, I decided it was time to get a band together out here. My band
consisted of Tara Kelly Kearns (vocals), Scott Shrock Jr (bass), Ivan Gunderson
(drums), Jason Welling (violin), Lijie (vocals, glockenspeil), Amanda
Winterhalter (vocals, accordion). I'm sure there will continue to be a
rotating cast of characters.
3) What's your view of your personal music style; new album; video? What direction do you feel like your music career is headed in?
I'm still not quite sure what my style is. When people ask me my genre, I
resort to "indie-folk". But the truth is, I just write what I
feel like without thinking about what category I am trying to fit into.
Some of my songs are folky, some have a classical twist, some are funny, some
aren't. Having the ability to play both piano and guitar gives me a lot
of freedom to experiment with different styles. My musical style is
really just an extension of myself. My goal is always to be honest - and
I never feel more honest than when I am performing my songs in front of others.
My new album is similar to my first album in some ways - there are serious
songs, there are light hearted songs, and songs that I hope people laugh out
loud at. I think there is a slight difference in the feel of the new EP
(Measures + Waits) when compared to Fake Love. Fake Love was recorded
over the course of a year, so my producer (Greg Coladarci) and I were able to
create several versions of songs, tweak things lots of times. The new EP
was mostly recorded in 4 days. I think that gives it a more organic feel.
My music video for "What's She Got" was so ridiculously fun to
envision, brainstorm, and shoot. The song is silly, there is flashmob-ish
choreography, I have a giant bra and I get hit by a gargantuan courderoy heart
that I got from Target (best $20 ever spent). My mom keeps asking me if I
can "make the video go viral", or if I am "trending".
I still don't know how she learned all of those words, but I tell her...
"I'm trying my best."
My music career is continuing to grow, and I am continuously getting really fun
opportunities to share my songs. I am going anywhere and everywhere it
will take me, whether it's someone's living room or at a big venue. The
most important thing to me is that I stay true to myself and my art - it's this
way I feel like I am succeeding.
4) How long ago did you move to
Seattle? What drew you to that location? Describe how you perceive
the music community in that city in comparison to NY.
I moved to Seattle in Sept 2010 to attend graduate school. (I don't know if
this will be interesting for your blog.) I am in a full-time medical
program studying naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University. Like my
music, what I am studying I feel is an extension of myself. I am so lucky
I am in a situation that I have time for both of these things in my life.
The Seattle and New York communities are quite different - but then again when
I moved to Seattle, I was in a much different place with my music. When I
started out in NY, I literally was starting from scratch - writing songs,
learning how to books shows, trying to figure out how to put a band together,
networking, etc. When I arrived in Seattle, I already had an album under
my belt. To say I "hit the ground running" is an overstatement,
but I certainly had a lot more experience that gave me a difference
perspective. Seattle is of course a much smaller city, and so is the community.
There are lots of opportunities to play a lot of different type of shows.
Back in New York I was playing a show once or more a month, usually at Rockwood
or Bar 4. In Seattle, I have played at songwriter-in-the-round shows, art-walk
shows, cafes, large venues, benefit shows. Most recently, I have gotten
involved with The Bushwick Bookclub Seattle (actually originating in Bushwick,
Brooklyn) which presents songs inspired by books, performed in front of a live
audience. This clearly exists in NY as well, but I think because Seattle
is smaller, it tends to draw somewhat of a larger audience. Soon, I will
be playing at my first outdoor festival, which is very exciting!
When I started out in New York, I was so fortunate to have been a part of the
Local Correspondents music community in Brooklyn which is largerly based out of
Bar 4 in Park Slope. I miss that community a great deal - it is really
where I feel I grew the most at a writer and a performer. It is comprised
of a highly talented group of musicians, whose presence I am usually humbled in
and whose songs I still am continuously inspired by. New York also has
amazing venues for singer-songwriters that are intimate like Rockwood Music
Hall and The Living Room. I think Seattle would truly benefit from venues
of this type - they are slightly harder to find here. That is not to say
that Seattle doesn't have fantastic venues as well, sometimes they are just
slightly more conducive to band shows.
The one thing that both Seattle and New York have is an amazing crop of
talented musicians and bands. I am so lucky to have experienced being
immersed in both scenes.
