Animal Years (Brooklyn Roots Rock) Plays Free NYE (12/31) Show at Rockwood Music Hall

Brooklyn's Animal Years have had a busy 2014 - they released their album Sun Will Rise (Deluxe Edition) internationally, debuted the video "Forget What They're Telling You" (which starred True Blood's Bailey Noble) on Conan O'Brien's blog Team Coco, filmed a live session in Counting Crows' "Garden" as part of The Outlaw Roadshow, and opened up for Robert Randolph and The Family Band at Brooklyn Bowl in late November. The band is closing out the year with a free NYE show at Rockwood Music Hall.

Animal Years' free New Year's Eve show takes place at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2 (196 Allen St. at Houston St.) on Wednesday, 12/31/14 at 11PM.



Brooklyn’s Animal Years play indie roots rock with influences ranging from early Kings of Leon and My Morning Jacket to Young The Giant and The Avett Brothers. The band is the brain child of Baltimore-to-Brooklyn transplant Mike McFadden (lead vocals, guitar, and banjo), who adopted the moniker Animal Years to break out of the solo singer/songwriter category. McFadden is backed by Anthony Saladino (bass) and Anthony Spinnato (drums) and this three-piece lineup released their debut record, Sun Will Rise, in May which Deli Magazine described as "anthemic and powerful; a passionate work of thrilling crescendos fueled by bright and expansive guitar".

Links:
Animal Years

Rachel Ann Weiss (Blues/Soul) Announces EP Release Show at Rockwood Music Hall on Sept. 8th

According to TheReelSpin.com, Rachel Ann Weiss features “breathtaking lyrics, soulful vocals, and a debut album that demands to be an instant favorite.” Her method of personalized songwriting is indicative of Weiss’s desire to connect with audiences who long for vulnerability and sincerity. Inspired by the heart-on-his-sleeve styling of the late Jeff Buckley, Weiss seeks to “express in my music what is difficult to express in real life.”

Regarding the track streaming above, Weiss proudly acknowledges in her interview with American Songwriter that she wrote “Dark Is Coming Soon” with Jeff Buckley very much in mind: “I decided to use a few chords from Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should Have Come Over” in the chorus and that inspired me to finish the song with him in mind. So, ultimately, it’s about two men that have influenced me greatly: Jeff Buckley and a former love of mine.”

Rachel will release her next EP, Always, on September 9, 2014 and she is playing an EP release show on September 8th at Rockwood Music Hall. Weiss is scheduled to take the stage at 9:30PM and 'cover' is the usual 'one drink per set'.



Inspired by the work ethic of her mother, the famed actress Kathleen Turner, Weiss has worked tirelessly over the past year and a half. She is now capping off a successful first half of 2014 in which she performed a number of enthusiastically received shows. She kicked off the spring with sold-out shows in New York City and a March showcase at The Heart of Austin, presented by Sony. Weiss then made her London debut at The Match Bar in June. The Always EP release will include “Dark Is Coming Soon” as an ‘instant gratification’ track. With a pre-release purchase of the EP the fan will collect “Dark Is Coming Soon” immediately. The rest of the EP will be delivered on release date: September 9th, 2014. Weiss is now preparing to go back on the road in September in support of Always.

Links:
Rachel Ann Weiss

Emily Danger (Dark Cabaret) Plays Rockwood Music Hall on Nov. 23rd / New Album (2014 Release) Available for Pre-Sale

Substituting lead guitar for lead violin using electronic pedals, looping, and computerized drums, Emily Danger is known for their modern and accessible sound. Described as “Radiohead meets Jeff Buckley and Heart”, Emily's voice packs a punch with her over four-octave range and incredible versatility. Emily Danger is playing an early show at Rockwood Music Hall this Saturday, Nov. 23rd - the band takes the stage at 8PM and cover is the usual "one drink minimum per set".

The band just released, "Easy Remix" (streaming above), which is the first single off the upcoming Emily Danger full-length album Peace Arch (to be released in early 2014). Breaking out of their former folk rock shell, the NYC-based indie band Emily Danger dives deeper into their dark cabaret sound by remixing their catchy folk ballad “Easy” into a magnificent new rendition featuring the distinct operatic vocals of Emily Nicholas over shivering strings and minimalist percussion. The accompanying music video is a true work of art that abstractly explores the very dynamic between hunter and prey and what it means to be human. Shot in the San Bernardino Mountains, the video tells the suspenseful story of a man and his son who fall prey to an unexpected hunter. The band regularly address social, political, and feminist issues in their songs and desire to connect to their audience as well as inspire change with their words. The recording and music video for “Easy Remix” are the very embodiment of that change.



Emily Danger was formed in 2011 in New York after a sold-out cabaret show of oddball covers and original music written by lead vocalist Emily Nicholas and drummer Ryan Nearhoff. The entire band is classically trained and joined forces to shed their former conservatory backgrounds and create orchestral, dark rock ‘n’ roll. Emily's powerful vocals compliment Cameron's violin virtuosity while Ryan's theatrical arrangements create the band's unique sound.

Links:
Emily Danger Band

The Broadcast (70's "Grace Slick meets Janis Joplin" Rock) Play NYC Album Release Show at Rockwood Music Hall on Nov. 2nd

STREAM: The Broadcast - "Don't Waste It" (from Dodge the Arrow - released Sept. '13)

This looks like a fun show as there is certainly enough "Grace Slick meets Janis Joplin" in The Broadcast lead singer Caitlin Krisko's vocals. NYC-to-Asheville, NC transplants The Broadcast are playing their NYC record release show at Rockwood Music Hall on November 2nd in support of their latest disc, Dodge the Arrow, which came out last month. This is a late show (doors at 11PM) and advance tickets are $10.

It sounds like you are going to want to get to the show on the early side as this is the first time that I've seen Rockwood post "Very limited seating".





The Broadcast is hard-edged, soulful rock music bursting-at-the-seams. Drawing much of their ambiance from 70′s classic rock, they’re a band with an explosive female lead singer, riffing guitar, mood-altering keys and a rock-solid rhythm section. A dynamic ensemble known for their powerful live performances, The Broadcast continues to break new ground across the country with vocal powerhouse Caitlin Krisko leading every step of the way. Described by audiences as a modern day “Grace Slick meets Led Zeppelin”, The Broadcast’s infectious energy and authentic approach to rock & roll music has propelled them into the live music community spotlight.

Links:
The Broadcast

Eliza Moore: Montreal-Based Folk-Pop Violinist Plays Rockwood Music Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 9th

Montreal-based folk pop violinist Eliza Moore has traveled the world playing everywhere from street corners to opera houses. She was classically trained by composers in Boston and London and has recorded albums with acclaimed musicians like Deron Johnson (Miles Davis) and Michael Valerio (film scores for Sin City, The Hurt Locker). After taking some time to treasure the joy of becoming a mother, Moore returns to the spotlight to exhibit "stately presence and crystalline delivery" (Boston Globe) on her new album Everything to Me.

With influences ranging from the Irish landscape to early choral music to the triumphant sounds of Arcade Fire and Sigur Ros, Moore has an old world style with a new twist. Teaming up with sagely songsmith/producer Jay Nash, Moore achieves an exposed and authentic sound on Everything to Me that offers the most intimate experience of her "lovely, strong voice" (Portland Press Herald). From the intertwining melodies of "Everything to Me" to the dirty punk rock fiddling on "Humanity", the songs on the album represent different facets of Moore’s faith in life, humanity, and love.



As part of a short run of East Coast tour dates, Eliza is playing Stage 1 at Rockwood Music Hall this Wednesday night (Oct. 9th). She goes on at Midnight (so the show is 'technically' on Thursday) and 'cover' is the usual one drink minimum per set.

Links:
Eliza Moore

Loren Benjamin (Brooklyn Piano-Pop) Announces First US Tour / Show Tonight at Rockwood Music Hall

"This is no guilty pleasure and listening to Loren’s own music, especially songs like Lonely Boy and Barcelona, the impact of British piano-based songwriters like Elton John, Chris Martin and Keane’s Tim Rice-Oxley shines proudly through." -- Songwriting Magazine

Brooklyn singer-songwriter Loren Benjamin kicked off his first US tour last night in Pennsylvania and is playing Rockwood Music Hall tonight (11PM set time).  Loren is touring behind a new acoustic EP which will be available for sale at the show.

"After playing many hot clubs in New York City, I am embarking on my first ever tour in the US, playing 16 gigs from Boston to Nashville in local clubs with my musicians Segev ‘Sunny’ Haroosh on guitars and Ofer ‘Cozy’ Levy on percussion. Check out the Live page and please join us somewhere!! There will be more dates added later on.

I have also recorded an acoustic EP in my home studio with 6 favorite live songs, you can already listen to them on my Music page. We will be bringing the EP on tour with us so if you want to get a unique musical souvenir you can find it at the clubs near you."  - from Loren Benjamin's Blog



Loren Benjamin Spring 2013 Tour Dates
Sat. May 11th – Doylestown, PA @ 8pm – Puck Live
Sun. May 12th – New York, NY @ 11pm – Rockwood One
Wed. May 15th – Philadelphia, PA @ 9pm – The Grape Room
Thu. May 16th – Harrisburg, PA @ 8pm- The Midtown Scholar
Fri. May 17th – Thomas, WV @ 8pm – The Purple Fiddle
Sat. May 18th – Louisville, KY @ 8pm – The Hideaway Saloon
Sun. May 19th – Nashville, TN @ 8pm – Centerstate
Mon. May 20th – Nashville, TN – Blue Bird Cafe
Tue. May 21st – Knoxville, TN @ 9pm – Long Branch Saloon
Fri. May 24th – Burlington, VT @ 8pm – The Skinny Pancake
Sat. May 25th – Cambridge, MA @ 7:30pm – All Asia
Sun. May 26th – Boston, MA
Mon. May 27th – North Hampton, MA @ 8pm – The Elevens
Thu. May 30th – New York, NY @ 9:30pm – Rock Shop
Sun. June 2nd – Mapleton, NJ – House Concert

Links:
Loren Benjamin

Loren Benjamin Plays Pre-New Year Show at Rockwood Music Hall, Friday, Dec. 28th at 7pm

NYC-based singer-songwriter Loren Benjamin, is influenced heavily by the music of the 60's and 70's, including classic songwriters like Elton John and Billy Joel as well as The Beatles, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Born and raised in New York City, he consistently delivers stunning performances at many great NYC venues, including Highline Ballroom last April and BB King in Times Square earlier this month. Loren plays the guitar and the piano, and is an extremely talented and prolific songwriter, with catchy instrumentals and sensitive lyrics that touch the heart.


(Loren Benjamin's cover of Rihanna's "We Found Love", Highline Ballroom - May. '12)


Benjamin and band are playing as an acoustic trio at a pre-New Year Show this Friday at Rockwood Music Hall. Benjamin goes on at 7PM and is followed by Sophie Auster (8PM) and Jay White (9PM).

Links:
Loren Benjamin

Railbird Posts School of Seven Bells Remix of "MIRRORs" as a Free Download

DOWNLOAD: Railbird - "MIRRORs" (Posted on Consequence of Sound)

Brooklyn-based experimental psych-rock band Railbird is excited to premiere a new School of Seven Bells remix of their recent single "MIRRORs" on Consequence of Sound. To Railbird, the remix is "A journey in three movements. Benjamin [of SVIIB] established his own dreamy world within the song, then dropped it while simultaneously playing with mood and meaning throughout." Consequence agrees, stating the Benjamin's methodically slowed down version of the original jittery cut creates a "dreamy pool of contemplative reverberation and airy synth."

Railbird released their latest EP, "Lucky", in late November which includes two previously unreleased songs, as well as "Jump Ship," a track that made waves this summer after a residency at Pete's Candy Store. The video for the song, which features guest vocals from Anti recording artist Sean Rowe and Phantogram's Sarah Barthel, premiered on Brooklyn Vegan in late August.



A limited edition run of physical copies of "Lucky" will be available at shows and online as part of a bundle that includes a t-shirt with Jisoon Park's original design.

Railbird's next show is January 25th at Rockwood Music Hall. Railbird is playing with #1 Kid (feat. members of Rubblebucket), who are making their NYC debut. Tickets are $10.

Links:
Railbird

black bird white sky (BBWS): Electro-Rock Trio Announce "Remix" EP Release Party at Rockwood Music Hall on August 1st

black bird white sky released their debut full-length in September of last year and is following that up with the release of a new EP on July 31st called "The Remixes". Three of the tracks are remixes from the band's debut self-titled album -- remixed by the band's producer Nic Hard, who also produced The Bravery, The Kin, and Ghost Beach. The 4th track, "Emergency", is a new single.

black bird white sky is playing a (free) CD release show on Wednesday, August 1st, 8PM at Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 1).



New Jersey native Ronnie Shingelo formed black bird white sky in early 2011 originally as a 5-piece with a drummer and electric guitarist. After further collaboration with producer/engineer/mixer Nic Hard (The Bravery, The Kin, Church, Ghost Beach), Ronnie decided to pursue a more electronic sound and pared the group down to a trio, consisting of Ronnie (lead vox, guitar), Jenna Perry (synths), and Luke Wagman (maschine, beats). “It made a lot more sense to me as we performed more shows,” says Ronnie about this evolution. “Nic had some great ideas about remixing some of the songs off our first album, and after hearing them, I knew this was a much better fit for our sound.”

Nic Hard drew on a lot of his own history as a club DJ in the downtown London underground scene infusing his techno and remixing expertise into the making of the Remix EP while allowing Ronnie’s overall style and vision to remain throughout. What resulted were remixes of “Before Sunrise” (which includes cameo guitar riff from Joel Hoekstra of 80s hard rock band Night Ranger), the dancier “Lay You Down”, and the moodier “I Saw Your Soul” – all from the band’s debut release. “Emergency” is the fourth and newest track that showcases Ronnie’s signature broad vocal range.

Far from a newbie on the indie music scene, Ronnie fronted two other electronic rock bands from Brooklyn: Silvercord, who shared stages with Kansas and Twisted Sister and opened for Bruce Springsteen at Giants Stadium, and SkinGod whose music was licensed to Guitar Centers throughout the country and got attention from ATO and RCA Record label reps. Ronnie broke off in 2010 to pursue his solo project and formed black bird white sky with 4 friends and fellow musicians that he met through the New York City indie music scene over the past decade. After bringing BBWS together in early 2011, Ronnie teamed up with Nic Hard and co-producer/engineer Jonathan Goldstein to create the band’s first album, which released in September 2011.

The band’s songs typically center on heavy subjects, such as addiction, fear of loss, and guilt while juxtaposed to upbeat melodies romance, love and longing and bouncy tempos that keep the album’s vibe from becoming tragic and dark. “Every song draws on something hidden deep inside me,” explains Ronnie about his music. “I’m a deeply emotional person, and I write from my gut. I’m hoping these songs will resonate with other people who have felt the same way I did at some point in their lives—and maybe even make them dance a little.”

Links:
black bird white sky

Mutts - Chicago Blues Rock Band Release New Full-Length as a 'Pay What You Want' Download / Show at Rockwood Music Hall on March 10th

Chicago's Mutts have been called a cross between Tom Waits and Nirvana...while I can hear the Tom Waits comparison, I think the band's music is sounds closer to 70's blues-rock though the band can quickly switch from a psychedelic head-nodder with a pulsing bass and drums beat to a mellow number driven by an acoustic piano and Mike Maimone's vocals. Regardless, this is great stuff and the inability to put an exact label on the band's music is a complement to their unique sound.

Mutts first played together with tape rolling on "Pretty Pictures" EP in July 2009. Bob Buckstaff pitched the idea of recording Mike Maimone’s new material after they met as hired musicians for Company of Thieves. The pair instantly clicked over respect for honest, unrefined recordings and love of Tom Waits, Nirvana and Elliott Smith. They called mutual friends Jon Alvin and Chris Faller to engineer and play drums, respectively. Over a 3-day session in an old warehouse on the north side of Chicago, Mutts wrote, arranged and recorded their seminal release.

In their first year together Mutts independently put out 3 EPs: "Pretty Pictures", "We Float" and "The Tells of Parallels". Having quickly developed a unique sound and composed a repertoire of genre-bending tunes, Mutts are “poised to become one of Chicago’s top acts,” according to Loud Loop Press. Mutts decided from the outset to give away their first 3 EPs. By tracking them in a few days and releasing them immediately, the band has kept fresh, honest and spontaneous music flowing to their growing fan base. They have sold out of the first pressing of each CD, but all three are available as free downloads. The new album, Pray for Rain, is also a name-your-price download, and available on CD with a fold-out poster as well.

Mutts are playing two local shows in March. The first is on March 9th at Hank's Saloon in Brooklyn and the second is March 10th at Rockwood Music Hall. At the Rockwood Music Hall show, Mutts are sharing the bill with Sara Lewis, Monica Allison and Caroline Smith & the Goodnight Sleeps.



Links:
Mutts

Second Dan - "Angeline" CD Review

NYC-based Second Dan released their second full-length disc, Angeline, last year which is full of well-crafted Brit-Pop. It has been a couple years since I've heard the band and their sound has matured significantly since the release of their 2008 debut full-length Bringing Down Goliath.

I remember telling some musician friends about Second Dan a few years ago and, when the inevitable questions arose "What do they sound like?", I described the band as sounding like one of the bands that Steve Lillywhite produced in the early 80's. With this release, the frenetic energy of the early material has been smoothed into memorable and melodic Brit-Pop songs. It has been a good three years since I've last seen Second Dan but the band was able to capture a mood on this new disc so the brunt of the songs felt pleasantly familiar and not at all derivative.

The disc starts out strong with the track "Today", which is a Pulp/The Verve style alt-rocker, with hooky melodies that lead to falsetto vocals on the exploding chorus. The band also wears their Beatles influences proudly and this comes out prominently on the tracks "Angeline" and "Wake Up". The songs vary across the disc and range from mid-tempo rockers to stripped-down ballads ("I Want It, I Need It", "More Than The End") to high-energy rock tracks ("Let It Go") that re-capture the sound of Bringing Down Goliath. The disc ends with the anthemic "Advantage" which soars higher than anything Oasis produced in their last few years as a band.

Second Dan - "Angeline", Live at Rockwood Music Hall


Links:
Second Dan

Darlingside Play Free Show at Rockwood Music Hall on Jan. 5th

Roots-rock quintet Darlingside are playing a free show this Wednesday at Rockwood Music Hall (8PM set time). The band describes their music as "string rock" and they prominently incorporate often intertwined violin, mandolin, cello and saz (I had to look this one up) into their music.

The band is touring behind their new six-song EP, "EP 1", and band's music skirts and incorporates a number of genres seamlessly. The disc starts with two up-tempo roots-rock style numbers and the leadoff track, "Good Man", sounds like something that a more talented version of Nickleback could have written. The third track, "Malea", is the closest that the band comes to indie-rock and features some creative percussion along with Jeff Buckley-like falsetto vocals. The band slows things down for the EP's final three tracks. Five-part vocal harmonies and prominently featured strings make these tracks sound like something that could have some out of the early 70's Laurel Canyon country-rock scene. Across this disc, the band is able to blend their influences into something that sounds both organic and fresh.

Here is a live recording of "The Catbird Seat" (which is from the new EP).



Links:
Darlingside

Keegan DeWitt Plays Rockwood Music Hall on Dec. 12th // Ltd. Edition 7" single out Dec. 14th

DOWNLOAD: Keegan DeWitt - "Two Hearts"

Keegan DeWitt is playing a show tomorrow night at Rockwood Music Hall in advance of the release of a new limited edition 7" single, "Two Hearts" // "Reluctance", which is due out on December 14th, 2010 via Nashville's Theory 8 Records.

The forthcoming single's two tracks, "Two Hearts" // "Reluctance", were written this summer while DeWitt toured in support of his recent "Nothing Shows" EP (released July 13th exclusively through Daytrotter). The tracks expand upon the cinematic, orchestral feel of "Nothing Shows", finding DeWitt moving in a notably different direction than either the EP or his debut full-length, Islands (Izumi Records, 2009).

The driving, dance-inflected pop of "Two Hearts" follows in the footsteps of "Nothing Show"'s propulsive, rhythmic closer "Hearts Beat Loud". The second track "Reluctance" - featuring vocals by Isaaca Byrd of The Bridges - has a delicate, shimmering uncertainty and might be the prettiest song he's penned. Each song deals with transition, fittingly, as the single itself continues DeWitt's passage from a solo singer/songwriter to a collaborator: the songs were written to be played live with his current touring band of Byrd, Matt Shaw (Hymns), Jeremy Bullock (Pico vs. Island Trees), and Dylon York (Band Marino), who back him on the recordings. Both songs will also be included on a forthcoming new EP, due Spring 2011.

Keegan DeWitt is going on at 9PM tomorrow night and cover is free with a one-drink minimum per set.



Links:
Keegan DeWitt

Keegan DeWitt Announces Ltd. Edition 7" single, "Two Hearts/Reluctance", out 12/14/10

DOWNLOAD: Keegan DeWitt - Daytrotter Session 7/13/10 (requires free registration)

Keegan DeWitt will release a limited edition 7" single, "Two Hearts" // "Reluctance", on December 14th, 2010 via Nashville's Theory 8 Records.

The single's two tracks, "Two Hearts" // "Reluctance", were written this summer while DeWitt toured in promotion of his recent "Nothing Shows" EP (released July 13th exclusively through Daytrotter). The tracks expand upon the cinematic, orchestral feel of "Nothing Shows", finding DeWitt moving in a notably different direction than either the EP or his debut full-length, Islands (Izumi Records, 2009). The driving, dance-inflected pop of "Two Hearts" follows in the footsteps of "Nothing Show"'s propulsive, rhythmic closer "Hearts Beat Loud".



The second track "Reluctance" - featuring vocals by Isaaca Byrd of The Bridges - has a delicate, shimmering uncertainty and might be the prettiest song he's penned. Each song deals with transition, fittingly, as the single itself continues DeWitt's passage from a solo singer/songwriter to a collaborator: the songs were written to be played live with his current touring band of Byrd, Matt Shaw (Hymns), Jeremy Bullock (Pico vs. Island Trees), and Dylon York (Band Marino), who back him on the recordings. Both songs will also be included on a forthcoming new EP, due Spring 2011.

"Two Hearts" // "Reluctance" will be available as a 7" via DeWitt's website and at his upcoming shows, and a download card for MP3s of the two tracks will also be included with each copy. A digital download version will also be available at all major digital retailers and includes the bonus track "Shut Your Eyes", a demo of "Reluctance," and a radio edit of "Two Hearts."

DeWitt will spend the month of November in Paris working on the new EP and playing a handful of solo shows. He'll return home to play a single release show at the Exit/In in Nashville on December 15th, where the first 100 fans through the door will receive a free copy of "Two Hearts" // "Reluctance".

Keegan DeWitt tour dates:

NOV. 16 PARIS, FR -- POP IN
NOV. 24 PARIS, FR -- FARGO (In-store)
DEC. 10 NYC, NY -- ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL
DEC. 15 NASHVILLE, TN -- EXIT/IN (Record release show)

Links:
Keegan DeWitt

Black Taxi Play CMJ Shows on Thursday,Oct. 21st and Saturday, Oct. 23rd

DOWNLOAD: Black Taxi - "Do What You Gotta Do"

Brooklyn new-wave/psych-rock band Black Taxi scheduled five CMJ Shows this week and they are playing the last two of these shows on Thursday and Saturday.

Thursday's show is at Rockwood Music Hall and Black Taxi plays at 10PM. Saturday's show is at The Studio at Webster Hall and Black Taxi is playing at 11PM. Get to the shows early to make sure you get in as Black Taxi recently sold out shows at Bowery Ballroom, Brooklyn Bowl and Bowery Electric.

Here is a live video from the Brooklyn Bowl show:


Links:
Black Taxi

Alexa Wilding Plays Solo Show at Rockwood Music Hall on Tues., July 27th in Support of New Solo EP

DOWNLOAD: Alexa Wilding - "Black Diamond Day" (from new self-titled EP)

Alexa Wilding just finished a very successful tour with Au Revoir Simone and she is playing a homecoming show at Rockwood Music Hall on Tuesday (set time at 8PM). Alexa will be playing in support of her self-titled debut EP, which was mixed by Fred Smith of Television and features Tim Foljahn (Cat Power, Townes Van Zandt) on additional guitars and lap steel.

The recent tour with Au Revior Simone got great reviews and I particularly liked Nylon Magazine's preview: "Today, Au Revoir Simone announced they'd be joined by the Brooklyn singer-songwriter Alexa Wilding on their summer tour, which means you can see some cool girls with guitars, without having Sarah McLaughlin breathing down your back."

Alexa began her career performing with International Shades, the art-rock project of ex-Pussy Galore/Sonic Youth drummer, Bob Bert, and guitarist Mark C (Live Skull). "My time playing with the Shades is very dear to me. I was like the kid sister the older boys let into the club house! There would be times in practice where I’d wonder, why did they let ME in. I was thrown into a musical landscape very different from my own, and I had to learn, fast, how to swim – all the while playing it REALLY cool. I was too embarrassed to let on how exciting it was to play in a real rock band, opening for my idols like Mudhoney and Genesis P’Orridge, and maybe they thought it was pretty funny that a little girl in a dress had idols like that!" (from a in-depth interview with MeetYouAtTheShow)

Links:
Alexa Wilding

Waking Lights Kick Off WP 88.7 Brave-A-Thon Fundraiser this Friday / May Show at Rockwood Music Hall

DOWNLOAD: Waking Lights - "Where It All Began" (from The Rabbit Hole)

NJ-based indie/folk band Waking Lights are kicking off the 2nd annual fundraiser for William Paterson University's 88.7FM Radio Station. The Brave-A-Thon fundraiser starts on Friday morning, April 23rd, and 15 bands will be playing live on-air at the studios. Waking Lights kicks off this event with a 9AM live set.

Waking Lights released an impressive EP, "The Rabbit Hole", at the end of last year that is available as a limited edition vinyl 7" (which comes with a digital download card). On this release, the band's sound ranges from indie-folk to 70's-style county/rock and I haven't quite made up my mind whether the band sounds more like Motel Motel or Steely Dan. Either way, it is engaging stuff that translates well to the live stage (check out the live video below).



Here is the band's upcoming tour dates, which includes a show at Rockwood Music Hall next month.

Apr. 23, 2010 -- WP 88.7 FM, Wayne, New Jersey (Note: 9AM set time)
Apr. 30, 2010 -- Wayne Firehouse, Wayne, New Jersey
May 19, 2010 -- Rockwood Music Hall, New York

Links:
Waking Lights

Rock/Funk Band KiNDERGARTEN Play Rockwood Music Hall on March 4th

DOWNLOAD: KiNDERGARTEN - "Man on the Stairs"
DOWNLOAD: KiNDERGARTEN - "Just a Little (Shook)"

Earlier this month, rock/funk band KiNDERGARTEN released their second disc, Small (click the band's photo to go to iTunes). The band is playing a free show next Thursday night, March 4th, at Rockwood Music Hall. The show is 21+ and KiNDERGARTEN go on at 10PM.

Small, which is the follow-up to KiNDERGARTEN’s debut album River of Slime (2007), is a collection of 12 hook-heavy songs that the band has been performing live for at about a year prior their recording. The lyrics focus on dark themes relating to the end of the world, the growing role of machines in our society, and the recession. This isn't as dark as it sounds though as KiNDERGARTEN mixes ‘70s funk and ‘80s rock with influences that range from Lou Reed and David Bowie to Earth Wind and Fire and Michael Jackson. There is a review of the new disc posted to iTunes where the reviewer says "This album is going to be classic...I've danced, smiled, cried and at least once got pretty scared while listening".

Links:
KiNDERGARTEN

Ann Courtney & The Late Bloomers Play a CD Release Show @ Rockwood Music Hall on April 25th

Download: Ann Courtney & the Late Bloomers - "Perfect Medicine" (MP3)

Following up their 2006 release, The Pollyanna EP, Ann Courtney & the Late Bloomers are releasing their full-length debut, Crocodile, on April 28th (on The Cougar Label).

I've listened to the first few cuts from the disc and was immediately impressed. Ann Courtney sings with a sultry cool and her voice is somewhat similar to artists like Chrissie Hyde and PJ Harvey. How Marvelous (UK Music blog) described Crocdile as "a surprising range of styles, bound together by Ann's voice, which could be described as a uniquely splendid amalgam of Chrissie Hynde, PJ Harvey & Patti Smith, with a Loretta Lynn feel."

Ann Courtney and the Late Bloomers' record release show is at Rockwood Music Hall on Saturday, April 25th. The show is free (one drink minimum) and starts at 10PM.

Here is a video of Ann Courtney performing "Perfect Medicine" live on Fearless Music.



Links:
Ann Courtney & the Late Bloomers MySpace Profile

Monika H. Band - Live @ Rockwood Music Hall, November 19, 2008brellas We Slept CD Review

While I enjoyed Monika H.'s latest CD, Disguised as Umbrellas, We Slept (see previous review), the band's live show is extraordinary. I caught the band's live set at Rockwood Music Hall a few weeks ago and was blown away.

The musical structure of the live set was a cross between the downtown jazz of artists like John Zorn and the free-form experimental sounds of artists like Robert Fripp and Throbbing Gristle. As seemingly spontaneous and unpredictable as the music was, there was a clear sense of structure beneath the complex intertwining of the instruments and Monika's voice.

At Rockwood, Monika was playing with a full brass section and the song arrangements were fairly different from that on the new CD. Check out some of the videos that I filmed at the show:

Monika H. Band - Rockwood Music Hall 11/19/08


Monika H. Band - Rockwood Music Hall 11/19/08


Monika H. Band is playing Southpaw on December 16th along with Viva and Nation Beat. Tickets are $10.

Links:
Monika H. Band's MySpace Page
Monika H. Band's Website