On Another Note

Pet Ghost Project; A Sonic Boomerang That Grows Louder With Each Pass

2009-09-22T14:21:00.013-04:00

I have been touting the genius of Pet Ghost Project since the inception of this music soapbox. I love Justin Stivers like a brother, and am getting to know his bandmates Justin Gonzalez and Jake More a bit better every day. I consider myself lucky to know them and even luckier at how much faith they placed in myself and Jenn months ago.

What makes Pet Ghost Project so special? A lot, actually. What you get from them is a stunningly honest messages weaved throughout layers of sound that draw on everything from classic jazz, to surf rock, to indie pop. There's a line in what you would call "experimental noise" and "music," and Pet Ghost Project knows exactly where that line is. They push it as far as it can get without ever crossing the boundary. Everything, no matter how crashing and pounding and intense it gets, remains harmonic and melodious. They know when to push, when to pull, when to break. They let you go for a moment or two, then come right back at you with songs that go from thought-provoking to heart-wrenching, but never give you a cushion to land safely on.

I can say with all honesty, that nearly everyone who has sat down and put in a CD from Pet Ghost Project has come away completely transfixed. They create music that is unique and truly special. And we are so proud that Justin had the faith in our passion to to sign on and allow us to promote his creations. We're watching him finally catch on. We watch him get excited by every review, and every bit of deserved praise. And we know it's only a matter of a bit of time before he won't be able to keep up with it all. We've got so much in the hopper for Pet Ghost Project, so look for some big announcements coming soon. Until then, Justin, Justin and Jake were kind enough to put together a smashing cover of Pavement's "Box Elder" to promote the showcase this Saturday at Cameo. Grab it below!

Listen: Box Elder (Pavement Cover)
Listen: I Throw Away Pennies, from "The Great Satisfactory"
Listen: Violent Dreams, from "Cheer Up ~ It's Raining"
Listen: The Consequence of Thinking, from "Idiot Brain, Genius Heart"
Listen: They Built a City in My Country Mind, from "The Wordless Conversation"

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On Another Note

The Rest; Watching Colors Dance Through the Air

2009-09-20T17:29:00.005-04:00

When you listen to The Rest's "Everyone All At Once," you immediately know you are listening to something very special. It's such a complete and enchanting album, with such a smart, luscious sound, you can't help but be drawn in, and you can't help but lose yourself in it. Let me assure you, nothing is lost in their live performances. I was one of the people lucky enough to catch them on their first trip to New York for an NYC Taper showcase, and after seeing them, I immediately began plotting to get them back to New York, for my sake, theirs, and everyone who had not gotten to see them the first time. So to me, I could not be more thrilled to have them play on Saturday at Cameo. And when you walk away from their performance, you will be asking yourself, "How have I not heard these guys (and gal) before?"

Their 2009 release will more certainly be in my year-end's best, as it will in many others. The reviews of their album are more than likely only eclipsed by The Antlers' "Hospice." So it's not just me sitting here touting them, it's everyone who has heard them. That's how well it's constructed. Listening to it from cover to cover is like watching "Fantasia," without the visuals, and they aren't needed. The music creates them for you.

Adam was my first interview (which seems like ages ago.) And since then, I've watched them rocket to be the best sound coming from Canada (yes, I said 'best.') They bring something to the table that ebbs, flows, works you into a frenzy, relaxes you, charms you, challenges you, digs at you, and ultimately leaves you wanting more. And more. Adam Bentley, Anna Jarvis, Blake Bowma, Dwayne Brydon, Jordan Mitchell, Matty Buzanko, and Steve Jones are a family. They function as one, and when you watch them, you see them feed off each others' energy. And there's a lot of that. They bring it when they have to in a fury, they are subdued when they should be.

It's our extreme pleasure to bring The Rest back to New York for our showcase this Saturday at Cameo. The 150-ish people there when they play are going to be witnessing something incredible.

Listen: Walk On Water (Auspicious Beginnings)
Listen: With Every Heartbeat (Robyn Cover)

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Photos used with permission: ©2009, Sara Collaton (Official Site)

'The Hush Now' is Making Some Noise

2009-09-16T00:28:00.001-04:00

So many times when I sit down to listen to music, I look at the titles of everything before I even pop in the cd or press play on iTunes. Such was the case with Boston's 'The Hush Now,' and their track listing of songs tickled my emotional buttons before I heard a single note. Then I listened.

What is wonderful about The Hush Now is that their songs ring true to their titles, and what you get is an almost storybook weaving of tales from the tender to the forlorn sung in the alluring voice of Noel Kelly. They aren't always songs to make you feel good, but they always make you feel. And that, to me, is the best mark I can give. I liken The Hush Now to how I felt when listening to "Cerulean" by the Ocean Blue, that same evocation of emotion. There's a crispness that lulls the listener into a trance, and transports them to a more innocent time, a different place; one that was simpler, less grays, more black and white.

Combing through the endless praise of The Hush Now, you'll see the word "dripping." A lot. There's reason for that. The music is the foundation to The Hush Now, and off that foundation, the crooned words drip off, leaving a rippling puddle that reverberates with every song. This is what indie pop is supposed to be: a collection of music and lyrics that are relative to everyone who has gone through life, had a heart broken, been torn apart and put back together.

Now set to release their second LP in January 2010 (and believe me, it's a gem,) "The Hush Now" are growing their fan base with their signature sound. It’s dream-pop elevated, a brand of music pulled from the past and modernized with their own hook that soothes the soul and teases the heart. The Hush Now most definitely have carved their path in the ears of many, and 'Hoping and Waiting' is already winning over fans and critics alike. We're thrilled to have The Hush Now come down to play on September 26.

Listen: Hoping and Waiting
Listen: Bedtime Stories

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Download the Debut LP FREE!

Meeting of Important People: Brittney Lane Don't Care Video

2009-09-15T23:40:00.001-04:00

Meeting of Important People; A Steel Curtain of Sound

2009-08-23T16:44:00.009-04:00

I held off on this post when I learned that Meeting of Important People was playing a show with Ladybug Transistor at Union Hall. It's one thing to tout an album (which I've done quite frequently with MOIP, as I devoured the album after just one listen) and another to tell you what you you're in for for a live show.

What I (and a nice collection of others) were privy to was a sonic onslaught from a tight trio who brought a high-energy show to New York from their hometown of Pittsburgh. I had high expectations; those were blown away.

Seeing Meeting of Important People live allowed me to hear their influences more clearly, because when they played live, in one song, you could hear Brian Wilson or the Beatles, and the next would project a more raw, witty post-punk feel of say, Dead Milkmen. But it's all streamlined through a powerful indie-pop sound that's as catchy as anything I've heard this year. It was a set that left me wanting more and made me even more excited to have them back to New York for our showcase at Cameo.

Meeting of Important People have carved their niche and know themselves well as seen on their bio on their MySpace: "Haunting melodies over garage pop, mod-folk, even some dancy punk." Perfect. But there's an element to MOIP that's intangible. They have that charisma on- and off-stage that's infectious. It makes you want to know them and their music more.

What can you expect from Meeting of Important People? A lot of "wow." A lot of verve. A lot of reflection of the music they make that translates oh so well onto stage. Expect loud. Expect melodic. Expect to be floored.

Listen: I Know Every Streeet

Look for Meeting of Important People on:
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Authentik

Weekender 8/21. A quickie.

2009-08-21T11:50:00.006-04:00

Everyone likes a quickie, right?
We've got friends playing all over the place tonight.

Hopefully you didn't miss it last night, but Dinosaur Feathers had their (stellar) EP release party with Shark? and is giving their EP away.
Listen: Dinosaur Feathers - Don't Fear the Vagabonds
Listen: Shark? - Oh My

Moving forward to tonight:
Friday
Pet Ghost Project, and Phil and the Osophers at Shea Stadium
Listen: Pet Ghost Project - They Built a City in my Country Mind
Listen: Phil and the Osophers - We Have All Summer

You Can Be a Wesley at Trash Bar
Listen: You Can Be A Wesley - Feed the Moon, Starve the Sun

The Antlers (Sold Out Re-Release Party for 'Hospice') with Murder Mystery at Mercury Lounge
Listen: The Antlers - Sylvia
Listen: Murder Mystery - Love Astronaut

Saturday
Nine Inch Nails, and The Horrors at Bowery Ballroom
Listen: Nine Inch Nails - Something I Can Never Have
Listen: The Horrors - Primary Colours

My Teenage Stride at Bruar Fallls
Listen: My Teenage Stride - To Live and Die In the Airport Lounge

Sunday
Girl Talk at East River State Park
Listen: Girl Talk - Like This

Bear in Heaven at Pianos
Listen: Bear in Heaven - Werewolf

Swimming in Speakers; Sonic Fluid That Spills from the Soul

2009-08-17T19:31:00.005-04:00

Chris Clarke certainly knows a good thing when he hears it, and hearing Meadow Eliz sing for the first time was no exception. The story of these two came to be "Swimming in Speakers" is an adorable tale of happenstance and persistence, and could be a blog entry all it's own.

Over the past few months, I've gotten to know Chris quite a bit after falling quite hard for Swimming in Speakers' music. What catches you off-guard about them, is the underlining innocence beneath their extraordinary talent. If you listen to their EP, you'd never know that most of the tracks were captured in just a couple takes, which speaks volumes about a) how well they work together and b) how talented they are. From the undeniably catchy "Serve them Well" and "In Knowing," to the moody and insightful of "Near My Ear" and "Evergreen," these two have created a sound that is accessible to everyone.

Chris is an incredible multi-instrumentalist and uses Meadow's voice (we'll get into that in a moment) as the lead, often layered, never compromised. He knows exactly how to complement it, when to push other sounds, when to hold back. There's a rich, but delicate aspect to what they create, and I haven't quite figured out how they've achieved that. There's so much depth that it makes your head, well, swim. The effects he adds create a mood, but never take away from the focus of the songs. He and Meadow push each other and are musical siblings.

Meadow's darling voice, at one listen, is a drug. It turning the listener into putty as she bends, lifts, stabs, and caresses with her voice all so effortlessly. To compare her to Harriet Wheeler or Caroline Crawley is not a stretch in the least, and she might be better than both. She has that certain quality that separates her, a tonality that sets her apart from the many talented sirens out there. And, I'm told, she plays a hell of a guitar.

Both Chris and Meadow have a theater background. Both have a very distinct personality, even from each other. But they work frighteningly well together, and I hold great hope for a good career from them. Even more so, I cannot wait to see what they do live.

Listen: Swimming in Speakers - In Knowing

Swimming in Speakers on MySpace

Label Launch Showcase Event - Reasons for My Absence

2009-08-17T15:44:00.007-04:00

I've been busy. Life has taken some interesting turns over the past eight months, and it's come to a head. I'm happy to announce our label launch showcase at Cameo Gallery on Saturday, September 26.

Over the next few weeks, in addition to some interviews (O+S, Ume, A Million Years, and some others) I'm going to post a short write-up of the bands that will be playing at the show. Hope to see you there! This is the first of a few showcases we have over the next six months!

To do one a week, I had better start promoting the bands playing, beginning with internet phenom Swimming in Speakers, who is leaving the confines of upstate New York and playing their first live set together...

Pet Ghost Project
The Rest
The Hush Now
Meeting Of Important People
Swimming in Speakers

Weekender Concert Calendar, 8/6

2009-08-05T18:20:00.004-04:00

Hello, New York. I'm hoping you've had a bit of recovery time from APW last weekend (at least the first two days) because you have more shows to attend to this weekend. These are just a few of the many great artists to see around the city over the weekend.

As always, if you're playing a gig in New York and I haven't mentioned it, feel free to drop me an email. I hate to exclude anyone.

Thursday
Cursive, and The Love Language at Maxwell's (Hoboken)
Listen: Cursive - From the Hips
Listen: The Love Language - Lalita

Mark Kozelek at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Listen: Mark Kozelek - New Partner (Palace Music Cover)

Bad Veins, The Boxer Rebellion, and Now Now Every Children at Mercury Lounge
Listen: Bad Veins - Gold and Warm
Listen: The Boxer Rebellion - Misplaced
Listen: Now, Now Every Children - Sleep Through Summer

Friday
Finding Fiction at Cameo
Listen: Finding Fiction - I'll Buy

The Pernice Brothers at Bowery Ballroom
Listen: The Pernice Brothers - My So-Called Celibate Life

Deer Tick, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at Prospect Park Bandshell
Listen: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Paint it Black (Daytrotter Session)
Listen: Deer Tick - Hell on Earth

Free Energy at Mercury Lounge
Listen: Free Energy - Dream City

Saturday
Harvey Danger at The Bell House
Listen: Harvey Danger - Save it for Later (English Beat cover)

Sunday
Simian Mobile Disco, The Fiery Furnaces, and Dark Meat at Beacon Theater
Listen: Simian Mobile Disco - Sleep Deprivation
Listen: The Fiery Furnaces - The End is Near
Listen: Dark Meat - Well, Fuck You Then

Pet Ghost Project at Cameo
Listen: Pet Ghost Project - They Built a City in My Country Mind

Photons Rock

2009-07-28T00:14:00.006-04:00

Tonight, a fellow blipper (blip.fm) remarked to me "(Photons) sound like they have a lot of fun making music." They do. One listen will tell you that. Seeing all seven (sometimes eight "when they're lucky") of them live performing confirms that. From the pre-show huddle-up that looks like something between a group hug and a rugby scrum, to the interaction on-stage with each other, and with the audience, they love what they do. You hear it, you see it, you feel it. They (Calvin, Mary, James, Erica, Ben, Casey and Elysha; and yes, I did that from memory. Sarah, I hope your arm is better) are truly some of the most endearing, personable people I have met in this business. But underneath their fun-filled exterior, they're serious about the music they make.

In the one year they have been together, this band of San Franciscans have self-released two EPs and are working hard towards their first LP. That's not saturation, that's lucky for us. Their brand of indie pop is something of an experience. It's light and rich all at once. It captures the heart and puts a smile on your face. And there's one thing I noticed whether seeing them live or listening to their EPs, when it's over, I think to myself, "That's it?" To me, that's the simplified mark of a great act, the one that leaves you wanting more.

What are you asking for? A group from various walks of life (one member played with The Dodos back in the day, another's favorite band is Isis,) different parts of the country, a lot of personality that comes through in seven (sometimes eight) different ways: a bassoon, a glockenspiel, a clarinet, keys, two guitars, a bass, and drums. And, a lot of chorusing a la The Go! Team. Sound a bit overwhelming? It's won't when you listen. Because Photons make it sound all so seamless. The comparison I keep coming back to for them is an American, west-coast "James." Music that feels like whipped cream, and tastes like crème brûlée. These guys and gals have a formula that more than works; it thrives. It's more than refreshing; it's a great exhale of relief. For all the genre's and formulas and catches you hear in much of today's music, there's a great comfort to have an eclectic sound that hooks you in its sincerity, then reassures you in its quality.

Music from Photons
Listen: Where Were You Last Night, from "Glory!" EP
Listen: Something Left to Live For, from "Photons" EP

Photons Links:
Official Site and Links to Purchase
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The Weekender Concert Calendar, 7/23

2009-07-23T16:39:00.003-04:00

With All Points West lurking around the corner, this weekend is a little light on acts that readers might want to see, but there's a couple shows of note to tell you about. And fair warning, for next week, here's your weekend concert calendar.

If you're playing in the NYC area and I have stupidly neglected your show, feel free to drop me an email and let me know when and where you'll be playing.

Thursday
Finding Fiction at Trash Bar
Listen: Finding Fiction - I'll Buy

Suckers at Pianos
Listen: Suckers - It Gets Your Body Movin'

Ted Leo at Pier 54
Listen: Ted Leo - The Sons of Cain

Friday
Deer Tick, and These United States at Bowery Ballroom
Listen: Deer Tick - That Ghost
Listen: These United States - The Business

Black Moth Super Rainbow, and Dan Friel at South Street Seaport
Listen: Black Moth Super Rainbow - Twin of Myself
Listen: Dand Friel - Desert Song

Saturday
John Wesley Harding at Bell House
Listen: John Wesley Harding - Love or Nothing

Joan as Policewoman at 92Y Tribeca
Listen: Joan as Policewoman - To Be Loved

Sunday
Coyote Eyes at Cameo
Listen: Coyote Eyes - Out of Mind

Get out and see a show!

The Weekender Concert Calendar - The Siren Festival

2009-07-16T15:10:00.007-04:00

There are a ton of great shows this weekend, but the primary focus will the the Siren Festival, complete with afterhours party.

The good folks over at Knox Road have put together a very well-done preview of what the festival is and the artists who will be there. So I'm going to cheat my way out of this weekender by directing you there to get their take on things and get some samples from who's going to be there as a bit of enticement. Here's a few hints of my own:

Listen: Frightened Rabbit - Fast Blood (Live)
Listen: Micachu & The Shapes - Curly Teeth
Listen: Tiny Masters of Today - La-La Land
Listen: Built to Spill - The Plan (Live)
Listen: Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire

Heard Like They Are, A Chat With Saara from "You Can Be A Wesley"

2009-07-14T16:12:00.011-04:00

Having left more than a bit of myself in Boston, the music scene there is of keen interest to me. I look into who is making waves weekly, who is playing where, what the new sounds of the city are. A few months ago, I started seeing ‘You Can Be a Wesley’s” name springing up everywhere in the local press, in the venues and showcases, and on the Boston indie music blogs I tend to favor. After one listen, and learning a bit more about them, I devoured them.

Their promotional style and personalities are audaciously delicious. They’re confident, in-your-face, and fearless (there’s a promo shot of them covering their bits with nothing but their hands.) They’re funny as all hell, and can laugh at themselves with confidence, they are brutally honest, they don’t pull punches and there is an amazing sense of adventure that surrounds them “off the court.”

“On the court,” however, it’s a different story. There isn’t anything fancy about them, in the sense of pushing the barriers that they do with their promotion. But what people get in return is a captivating onslaught of sonic pleasure. It’s moody without being melodramatic. It’s simple without being over-simplified. They play their guitars, keys, bass, and percussion somewhere between a lullaby and rock-n-roll. Or is it somewhere between dream pop and shoegaze.

Whatever the case may be, it’s catchy as all hell. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve personally played “Feed the Moon, Starve the Sun,” a track that introduces itself as a fantasy with delicate picks of layered guitar, but somewhere (I get so lost in it that I can’t pinpoint where) builds itself into crescendo of riffs, a perfect see-saw to Saara’s voice, which would bring most men to their knees, then subtly backs off before building again, causing this listener to hit repeat again, and again, and again. Winston, Nick and Dan pluck, strum, pound and tinker away in perfect harmony, never taking away from Saara’s siren-esque voice, or Winston’s backing vocals, but are never downplayed. This Boston Univesity quartet is a class act, and I’ve wanted to get to know them, and introduce you to them for a while now. And Saara has been more than accommodating with her time, considering they are releasing their first full-length album, “Heard Like Us,” is available now on Amazon.com.

OAN: I’ve read several stories, tales, recollections about the origin of the name from the straight-forward to the fantastic. Would you care to share how the name “You Can Be a Wesley” came to be, and how the four of you came together?

Saara: It’s funny we get asked this name question almost every interview. I guess with an obscure name we have to come to accept that. We started playing together freshman year of college (spring of 2006). I met Nick through a mutual friend and we both were playing guitar. Nick knew Dan and he came over for a jam with a micro-korg. I met Winston with Nick and Dan at the Islands show in Cambridge and we all started talking about playing. Winston played guitar and Dan played drums and we figured we didn’t need 3 guitars so we told Nick he should play bass. He borrowed his friends bass the next time we jammed and started writing songs.

The name came about when we were in the market for a band name after writing a few songs. We would text each other ideas, most of them bad, and most of them getting a simple response of “No.” One night we were all sitting around the dining hall with some friends and one of our friends told Nick “You can be a Wesley” referencing both the Princess Bride and Nick’s look and the name. We all liked it so we used it.

OAN: The album has been awhile coming, and you’ve run into some roadblocks and hit a few bumps in the road, one of them being that nasty little thing called ‘education.’ Can you shed some light on some of the others, now that they are a thing of the past and the album (praise [insert deity here]) has been completed.

Saara: The album was fully recorded and ready to be mixed by the middle of August 2008, but Winston was going to Ecuador for a semester and Nick and I were going to Sydney (poor Dan was left in Boston) so there was a four month hiatus where we were all spread across the world and our reels of tape were sitting in Jeremy from Pretty & Nice’s basement. Once we got back the issue was more about money considering we spent most of our savings abroad. Finances have definitely been the biggest road block and the reason it has taken a little longer than we first thought. It’s hard when you don’t have someone financially supporting you and putting the album out for you but it’s also nice to have free reign over what we do and how we want to do it.

OAN: So let’s talk about the upcoming LP “Heard Like Us.’ From a music perspective, what differences should people expect from the EP “Feed the Moon, Starve the Sun?” Is this LP a true labor of love in the sense of getting it made? Did the material come together fairly easy from the four of you?

Saara: It’s a completely different piece of work than “Feed the Moon” (although one song carries over, “Rearrange The Sea” is a different version on Heard Like Us than on FTMSTS). For one we had been playing some of the songs on Heard Like Us for a while so we knew how we wanted them to sound and what we wanted to do with them. However, there are also songs from HLU that we finished in the middle of recording. But overall, we had a better idea sonically of how we wanted the record to sound. It also helped having J Mendicino of P&N behind the controls because he is a musical genius. For real. Most of the time our material comes together pretty organically I think. It definitely grows and changes the more we play it, taking out parts we don’t like, things that are unnecessary and adding bits and pieces to make it more interesting. If there is a song we are fully stuck on we usually leave it for a while and work on something else or we just trash it and forget about it. A lot of love went into this album in basements and practice spaces and late night bedroom sessions.

OAN: Speaking of creating material, how do you all do it? What’s your process as far as writing lyrics and music? Does everyone contribute or is YCBAW more a brainchild of one or two of you?

Saara: As far as the music goes its really a collaborative work. We get together to “jam” and see what we come up with. Whether it’s a bass line first or guitar riff we work best when we build and mold the song together as a group. Other times one person will come in with a specific idea and we try to fit pieces into what they have and build on that Then I usually come up with a melody of nonsensical sounds and I go home with that and write lyrics on my own. I like to think a lot about what I want the song to be about and what I want to say while simultaneously making it interesting and aurally pleasing.

OAN: I mentioned your marketing in the intro to the interview because you do take bold, refreshing steps. There’s so much personality behind how and what you do and I am going to assume that you do most if not all of it yourself. Do you just go with your gut feelings? Do you think it’s helped contribute to your exponentially growing fan base?

Saara: Most of our art direction is the brain-child of graphic designer and close friend Nick Zegel (zeegisbreathing.com). He’s the one that does our art work and web design and recently directed and edited our music video for “Creatures”. We owe a lot to him and pretty much consider him part of the band. He is just a super talented, inspiring person to be around and it gets us going. We also want YCBW to not just be music but a community, or a collective of inspiring individuals who Do Things. Makers and Do’ers. We came out with a couple of ‘zines (homemade mini magazines) with contributions from friends, colleagues, acquaintances and family that we give out at shows. On tour last summer we made stuffed animal “Wesley’s” that we hand sewed with button eyes to sell on the road. It’s nice to do things a little differently than the norm and people appreciate it and get psyched on it so that makes us want to do it even more. And it’s just fun.

OAN: Which leads me to this: your fan base is growing rapidly, but it all started in Boston. Talk about the music-scape of Boston today, if it influenced you, encouraged you, and / or supported you. Is it a tight-knit group of musicians? I guess I want to give readers a feel of what a great music town Boston is, from both a musician standpoint and how the fans respond.

Saara: There is so much good music coming out of Boston right now and it’s refressing because there is no specific “Boston sound” like there is in New York or Portland. There are so many different types of music and people seem to really support the local music that comes out of Boston. We are totally inspired by bands we play with around town and there is a nice tight-knit of really talented bands we have become friends with through the scene i.e. Magic Magic, Mean Creek, Hooray For Earth, Ketman, and so many more. It’s nice to go to pretty much any show in Boston and see people from other bands that you know out there supporting other local acts. I felt like for a while that I knew every band in Boston but the reality of it is there is so much music coming out of this town I don’t even know 1/3 of it. I guess once you get into a scene and keep seeing the same faces it just feels smaller. And that’s a nice feeling.

OAN: I mentioned an off-the-court personality because you definitely like to have fun and seem to be quite the daredevil. Take us through some of your favorite extracurricular activities. And, are there other creative outlets that you explore to balance how much time you put into the music?

Saara: Music is an enormous part of my life. It’s my passion and my escape and there are few other things in this world that do that for me but I do have a few. Snowboarding and surfing are my drugs next to music. I get the same kind of escape from those sports and I do music and they have been in my life almost as long ( music for a bit longer). I started surfing when I was 11 and started snowboarding around the same time. It’s just a way for me to be able to turn off my brain and only focus on exactly what I am doing at that moment and nothing else. There’s a rush involved too, a natural “high” that happens. That moment when you get the chills; I’m hooked on it. I find surfing and snowboarding to be highly creative. You have to be able to see something that isn’t there and make it happen that way you want to and the way that only you can.

All of us enjoy making things and I think that is what keeps our music inspired. Winston builds bikes, Nick writes, and Dan works with computer programming and designing. There’s a great satisfaction in creating something that didn’t exist before you got your hands on it.

OAN: Have you gone through any “be careful what you wish for?” Or are you exactly where you want to be as far as the venues you’re playing, the material you’re creating, etc. And what can we expect in the future from YCBAW?

Saara: There haven’t been any careful what you wish for moments yet. Maybe we’re just being careful with our wishes. It’s awesome to be in a band of best friends. We all love each other like family and see each other all the time. We are actually moving in together next year along with two other friends in a big house in Brighton, so that should make for some late night song writing and good times and probably a few careful what you wish for moments. I think we are in a good place as of now.

We would all like to do bigger tours, a national gig, play with some national and international acts that we look up to, etc. As far as the material we’re creating now, we are all really excited we are trying some new things but keeping the old formula that seems to be working for us. We all feel like it keeps getting better so hopefully listeners will too. In the future expect a bunch more albums, a bunch more shows, tours, videos, zines, dancing, smiling and fun!

OAN: OK, Saara, this is an open question. Say whatever comes to mind, pimp, promote, BS, joke, tell a funny story about a gig or the band. Whatever you’d like.

Saara: Our album release show is July 20th at Middle East Upstairs so come check that out! Add us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, get on that social networking game and find us! [OAN note: I added the links to make it easy to find them.]

If you want to contribute anything for a zine, send your pictures, drawings, stories, comics, dreams, poems, and anything else you can think of to our email!

OAN: Get on it, kids! And Saara, thanks you so very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule with all all you have going on. I very much look forward to a gig or two down here in New York. Maybe I’ll sneak up to Boston as well.

Songs from Heard Like Us, the full-length debut from "You Can Be a Wesley:"
Listen: Creatures
Listen: Stuck in a Battle
Listen: Wildlife

What's Playing on Saara's iPod:
Listen: Andrew Bird - Masterswarm
Listen: A.C. Newman - The Palace at 4 A.M.
Listen: Metric - Combat Baby
Listen: School of Seven Bells - Half Asleep
Listen: Yo La Tengo - Sugarcube
Listen: M83 - Kim & Jessie
Listen: Deerhunter - Little Kids
Listen: XTC - 1000 Umbrellas
Listen: The Wrens - Boys You Won't Remember
Listen: Ogre You Asshole

Links:
Purchase Heard Like Us from Amazon
MySpace

A Quick Weekend Calendar

2009-07-10T17:02:00.006-04:00

I've been busy, so apologies to you all for neglecting the weekender that I know a few of you have written and thanked me for.

I'm actually out of town, going to check out and chat with:

Photons at The Lounge Underground in Monterey, California on Saturday.
They'll be celebrating their first birthday. How time flies.
Listen: Photons - Where Were You Last Night

For those I leave behind in New York, here are a couple shows for you to hit tonight (Friday) and tomorrow.

Friday
Japandriods at Cameo
Listen: Japandroids - Rockers East Vancouver

The Brunettes at Bell House
Listen: The Brunettes - Small Town Crew

mewithoutYou at Bowery Ballroom
Listen: mewithoutYou - Timothy Hay

Robbers on High Street at Mercury Lounge
Listen: Robbers on High Street - Love Underground

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (free, I believe) at South Seaport
Listen: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Orchard of My Eye

Saturday
Jason Lytle at Bowery
Listen: Jason Lytle - Yours Truly, The Commuter

Hip Like [Blank] at Crash Mansion
Listen: Hip Like [Blank] - Can I Get A Sick Day

"Broken Records" Parts the Earth

2009-07-09T15:20:00.005-04:00

As any music geek will tell you, the tradition of music from grand old Scotland is invariably strong with names like Simple Minds, Teenage Fanclub, Trashcan Sinatras, Travis, and Belle and Sebastian (I could do this for hours,) who paved the way for the recent onslaught of acts like Frightened Rabbit, We Were Promised Jetpacks, and The Twilight Sad; all croon as the soul of Scotland, each in their own way, but all tied together in some mystical way.

There is now, however, a new voice and sound (and considering my love for the company they are in, that is saying a lot) that may just out-do everyone, a seven-piece act out of Edinburgh called Broken Records.

I was first introduced to Broken Records late last year via Matt at 'Song by Toad', and to say that the few mastered tracks and demos I listened to were a tease is putting it very lightly. I almost would’ve rather not heard it at all, than to hear just a smidgeon. That’s how wonderful it was. Thankfully, we now have a full-length LP (which I’ve had on repeat for at least 4 straight hours) aptly entitled “Until the Earth Begins to Part.”

These seven artists have composed some of the most moving, lush, and dare I say, glorious, music I’ve heard in a long time. It’s a collection of songs that anyone who has had a sonic brush with them has been waiting for, since their self-titled EP. And let me revise: “Until the Earth Begins to Part,” is more than just a collection of songs, it’s versed poetry put to music, each track a passage of angst, apathy, distress, and resolve.

Each time, it feels as though Jamie Sutherland is singing to only you, each time the instrumental melodies live in perfect symbiotic harmony with his voice. From delicate strings and keys, to pounding percussion and blaring horns, Broken Records is an indie music symphony, the next evolution of Beruit or DeVotchKa. You will inevitably read comparisons to Arcade Fire as every band who has more than 3-5 pieces will get; put those aside. There are indeed similar elements, but Broken Records is more impassioned, more spiritual, more ethereal, and from the first alluring 1:40 of “Nearly Home” to the last crashing minute of “Slow Parade,” the listener will be nearly paralyzed in a sonic dream-state. As the music world begins to catch on to “Until the Earth Begins to Part,” it would not surprise me if the seas began to part for these gentlemen as well.

Listen: Nearly Home

MySpace
4AD
Purchase "Until the Earth Begins to Part" from AmieStreet.com

Talking While on Tour - Peter Silberman of the Antlers (and a Special Guest)

2009-07-02T15:57:00.011-04:00

Peter Silberman, Darby Cicci and Michael Lerner have had quite a few months as of late; a signing with Frenchkiss, a national tour with Au Revoir Simone, a second leg up the east coast, and their schedule is only getting tighter. They have an upcoming 5-show stint with Frightened Rabbit that takes them to play at Pitchfork Festival, then continuing the tour through the country and on to the Monolith Festival at Red Rocks. So if you take nothing else away from this, know that Peter Silberman is one of the kindest, most genuine people you'll meet. And his taking the time to do this little interview with everything else he had going on, well, that should demonstrate how giving of his time he is.

If you know me at all, you know what a fan of The Antlers I am. “Hospice” came into my life at the exact right time and I struggle to think of an album I can relate to as much as Peter Silberman's latest release. Anytime I write about what he has created, I become a little more fired up, a little more impassioned, a little more introspective. Which actually made this interview a little more difficult to construct.

I'm a lucky person to have the relationships I do with the people I do, and tucking away all the passion I have for what they create isn't always the easiest thing for me when I write about them in a journalistic manner. So let’s get that out of the way before we get to the man who created it. If any of you read you read my review of 'Hospice,' then you know how I feel about it. It’s a fluid symphony of sound and words, one song delicately bounding into the next, bravely leading the listener through a tumultuous time in one man’s life. If you haven't, now's your chance before we get to the questions.

Time's up.

OAN: Peter thanks for taking time out of your obscenely busy schedule. And it’s certainly been an interesting and exciting few months for you. The response to “Hospice” has been, to put it plainly, overwhelmingly fantastic. That said, you didn’t create the album for ratings or reviews, you created it for yourself, friends and family. You’re a humble guy, so how are you doing with all praise and attention? I suppose the better, more suitable question would be, talk about the release and everything that has happened since.

Peter: It's been sort of insane, but in a really amazing way. There's been a much bigger response than I ever could have hoped for, and a very personal response. People have been reaching out and writing letters about the way the record's affected them. That's sort of an unbelievable feeling, that kind of connection. But to be honest, it's been completely fucking terrifying having this many people listen to this record. I haven't quite adjusted yet to private becoming public.

OAN: Can we discuss that time when you were crafting "Hospice?" The album certainly explains everything that led up to its creation, but what about the time during. Would you like to talk about the experience of making the album?

Peter: It was strange. It was both isolated and social. I was bouncing back and forth between those two modes of living, and those two modes of recording. Sometimes I would stay up all night working on bits of detail exhaustively, other times Darby or Michael would come over and we'd set up instruments and see what happened. There were huge roadblocks, and months here and there where absolutely nothing got done. I didn't think the record was going to make sense, lyrically or sonically, until the day it was done. Vocals were recorded last, within a weekend upstate in an empty house, and while recording them, I remember feeling like everything was sounding terrible.

OAN: You crafted every sound and word from a very personal time in your life , then took it into studio with talent like Michael Lerner, Darby Cicci and Justin Stivers (who has since gone on to pick back up on Pet Ghost Project.) Talk about your relationship with these guys and what it’s been like to play surrounded people just as passionate about the work as you are.

Peter: The band was a very different animal while the record was being recording than it is now. We were still getting used to one another, trying to figure out our roles and what we wanted out of this. The record was started while The Antlers was just me, and expanded as the recording went on. Immediately after the record was finished, it became Darby, Michael & me. Since then, it's felt like a more stable entity, like a real band and not some strange collective-type thing. At this point, Darby, Michael & I have a weird, intuitive way of playing with one another. We don't really have to say much as far as guiding one another, we just sort of know how we want things to sound. It's kind of an unspoken thing.

OAN: How about the tour? You’ve had an unbelievable response from New York and you’ve played SxSW and a nice lounge session with the good people at WOXY, but this is your first big national tour, correct? The Antlers hype has been building for some time now, so talk about getting out there and playing before your ever-expanding fan base. And how did you end up with Au Revoir Simone?

Annie: Hi there! This is Annie from Au Revoir Simone. We dragged Peter in the van with us for a little bit of our tour driving from El Paso to Tucson and we were both doing interview questions so we decided to trade interviews for a little bit so I thought I could take over this part of his. We found out about the Antlers because their booking agent emailed us and asked us to consider bringing then on tour as support. We fell in love with their music and then they made an appearance at our Brooklyn Vegan showcase at South By Southwest and were so sweet and nice that we wanted to have them around. And their live concerts have been amazing! Every night they have a lush, beautiful set that always sounds spectacular, despite the fact we always take so long for sound check that they barely get enough time to do any sound checking at all. But it always sounds good. So if any of you reading this have a chance to see them live, you definitely should!

OAN: With “Hospice,” you toyed around with signing with someone, then ultimately decided to self-produce and release. What are the biggest advantages and disadvantages to having total creative control that you’ve experienced?

Peter: Well, I think we're all feeling that we like being control-freaks and want to continue producing and recording our own records. I won't say we'll NEVER go in a studio or use a producer, but it's not what we want right now. Recording is as much a creative thing as writing, and either way, we refuse to be on a clock or subject to someone else's will. As far as releasing records, it was an amazing learning experience to release the record ourselves. I'm glad we did it that way and have done it that way for a couple years. But the time came to hand that job over to someone more experienced, and Frenchkiss has been wonderful to work with.

OAN: This is an awful question, because I know you are just getting settled into everything, kicking off the tour, and trying to enjoy the moment, but what are the next steps for the Antlers? Do you think you may do another concept album? Have you started writing anything new?

Peter: It's all hush-hush right now... but we're writing something new.

OAN: Something I like to ask, because I always find the answers fascinating, what are your favorite extracurricular activities, because, surely, there is more to Peter Silberman than just music. Other creative outlets, perhaps?

Peter: Since I came home from the Au Revoir Simone tour, I've started writing, but not songs (I'm writing songs too, but that's not what I'm talking about). Short stories, sort of. Non-fiction. I haven't done that in a long time, if ever, but I'm really into it right now. I've been reading more as well, and getting back into photography. I always love really long walks. That sounds sort of lame, but I do. I walk a lot.

OAN: Say something you never thought you’d say in an interview.

Peter: I recently discovered that my favorite movie might be The Endless Summer.

OAN: Peter, thank you so much for your time. I know you’re swimming in the busy right now. It was great to see you out west with ARS, and I'm sure I'll see you soon. Annie, don't be surprised if I come knocking on your door for one of these.

The Antlers will be having a "Hospice" re-release party at Mercury Lounge on 8/21.

Music courtesy of "The Antlers"

Listen: "Kettering," from Hospice
Listen: "Sylvia," from Hospice
Listen: Tears are in Your Eyes (Yo La Tengo Cover), from New York Hospitals

What's playing on Peter’s iPod:

Listen: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Storm
Listen: Massive Attack - Risingson
Listen: Yo La Tengo - Damage
Listen: Talk Talk - New Grass
Listen: Smog - Teenage Spaceship
Listen: Okkervil River - So Come Back, I Am Waiting

Links:
MySpace
Facebook
Frenchkiss
Purchase Music from 'The Antlers'

The Weekender - Indie-pendence Day Celebration

2009-07-01T15:00:00.004-04:00

Well after a week away, I'm back with more on my plate than ever. My little project is taking off, the kids are gaining a lot of steam, and I'm going through a lot of "be careful for what you wish for." But, I'm fairly pleased at all the good that's come my way so far.

Here's a trio of groups for you to join on Facebook if you haven't already:
On Another Note
Pet Ghost Project
Swimming in Speakers

And just a little FYI, I have three interviews I'll be posting over the next few weeks I think you'll enjoy, and a couple more I am writing now. Let's get to the weekender! It's a holiday, so there's not as much going on, but plenty still to do, including another smashing performance by Julie Peel at Bar 4 on July 3, and Pet Ghost Project at Cake Shop on Independence Day. Quite a bit different than my July 4th last year.

Tonight!
Harlem Shakes, and Motel Motel at Bowery Ballroom
Listen: Harlem Shakes - Strictly Game
Listen: Motel Motel - Coffee

Thursday
The Feelies at Maxwell's (Hoboken)
Listen: The Feelies - Sooner or Later

Jay Reatard at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Listen: Jay Reatard - It Ain't Gonna Save Me

Friday
Julie Peel at Bar 4
Listen: Julie Peel - Unfold

Real Estate at Bruar Falls
Listen: Real Estate - Beach Comber

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone at Market Hotel
Listen: Casiotone for the Painfully Alone - Bobby Malone Moves Home

Papercranes at Le Poisson Rouge
Listen: Papercranes - Treasure

Sonic Youth at United Palace Theater
Listen: Sonic Youth - Sacred Trickster

Here We Go Magic, and Bachelorette at South Street Seaport
Listen: Here We Go Magic - Tunnelvision
Listen: Bachelorette - Mindwarp

Saturday, Independence Day
Pet Ghost Project, El Jezel, Mixtape and Quiet Loudly at Cake Shop!
Listen: Pet Ghost Project - Age of Automatics
Listen: El Jezel - Do You Love Me Now
Listen: Quiet Loudly - Over the Balcony

Conor Oberst, and Jenny Lewis at Battery Park
Listen: Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - Slowly (Oh So Slowly)
Listen: Jenny Lewis - Pretty Bird

Saturday 8-Track on Sunday - 20th High School Reunion Special

2009-06-21T23:46:00.005-04:00

My 20th reunion is this week.

Holy shit.

So the theme is songs from 20 years (or so) ago that might be played at one of those dances (Homecoming, Prom, Valentine's Day) we all stressed so much about. This list, of course, could be 150 songs long (and it has been.) But it's not called Saturday 150-track, now is it?

There will be no picture posted from that prom so don't ask.

Listen: Depeche Mode - Strangelove
Listen: New Order - True Faith
Listen: Echo & The Bunnymen - Lips Like Sugar
Listen: The Church - Under the Milkyway (Acoustic)
Listen: Erasure - A Little Respect
Listen: Prince - I Would Die 4 U
Listen: Psychedelic Furs - Pretty In Pink
Listen: The Cure - Just Like Heaven

How 'The Rest' Won, A Concert Review.

2009-06-21T17:20:00.005-04:00

This is a different entry for me, but it's a rare treat when you get to watch friends, acquaintances and complete strangers fall in love with a band as they play right before their eyes. Such as the case with The Rest at the NYC Taper event on Friday, June 19 at Monster Island Basement. Somewhere between Anna's first draw on the bow, and when Adam Bentley hit a high with ease and perfection, my friend Heather (who had never heard them) turned to me, eyes wide, and said something that I'll never forget, something that made me remember the power that music still has over people:

"Oh my god. My heart."

About that time, the audience honed in. The usual chatter that you hear at shows rippled back into silence and admiration. And their attention was held for the next 40 minutes of their set. It was a joy to see, and as the show went on, the band fed off the energy and attentiveness; keys hammered, drums beat, bows lashing, and strings picked in a synergistic unison of highs and lows. I could not have been happier for Adam and crew. This is not to take away a thing from the other wonderful acts that played at the intimate event (Coyote Eyes, for instance, gets their own write-up shortly.) But Hamilton, Ontario's 'The Rest' were playing in front of strangers in a strange land. But the audience responded with enthusiasm, and New York owes gratitude to Todd and Dan for bringing The Rest across the border to play. Here's to many happy returns.

Listen: Walk On Water (Auspicious Beginnings,) from the album 'Everyone All At Once'
Listen: The Close Western, from the album 'Atlantis, Oh Our Saviour'

The Rest on MySpace
The Rest Official Site and Store

Andy J. Gallagher - 'Something Else' video

2009-06-13T14:36:00.003-04:00

I was going through some old comments on my MySpace page last night and watched this again. It takes a unique creative quality to make me put up a video, so that should speak volumes of what I think about this one.

And Andy, I think we'll have to up the ante to 14 pints. A piece.
Look for an interview with Mr. Gallagher coming soon.

The Weekender - 6/11

2009-06-10T14:33:00.000-04:00

Good lord there's a lot of shows to be seen in the New York City area, and unfortunately, I'll be out of town. If you're reading this, and you live anywhere near NYC, and you don't see one of these shows, you have no soul.

Thursday, June 11
The Hold Steady at The Music Hall of Williamsburg
Listen: The Hold Steady - The Swish

Brightblack Morning Light at Studio B
Listen: Brightblack Morning Light - Black Feather Wishes Rise

Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3 at The Bell House
Listen: Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus 3 - Up To Our Nex

Little Buddha at The Trash Bar
Listen: Little Buddha -Losing You

Band of Horses, and Arbouretum at Carnegie Hall
Listen: Band of Horses - The End's Not Near
Listen: Arbouretum - Song of the Pearl

The Fiery Furnaces at Le Poisson Rouge
Listen: The Fiery Furnaces - Blueberry Boat

Friday, June 12
Lucero at Maxwell's Lounge
Listen: Lucero - Until the Day I Die

John Vanderslice, and The Tallest Man On Earth at The Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Listen: John Vanderslice - D.I.A.L.O.
Listen: The Tallest Man On Earth - Where Do My Bluebird Fly

Detroit Cobras at Southpaw
Listen: Detroit Cobras - He Did It

Coyote Eyes, and Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers at Spike Hill
Listen: Coyote Eyes - Clumsy
Listen: Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers - Filthy and Free

The Posies, Tally Hall, and The Brunettes at The Bell House
Listen: The Posies - 20 Questions
Listen: Tally Hall - Good Day
Listen: The Brunettes - Loopy, Loopy Love

Sunset Rubdown, Elfin Saddle, Witchies and Deastro at Studio B
Listen: Sunset Rubdown - Silver Moons
Listen: Elfin Saddle - The Bringer
Listen: Deastro - Parallelogram

Golden Triangle, The Homosexuals, Sightings, Pterodactyl, and Aa at Union Pool
Listen: Golden Triangle - Prize Fighter
Listen: The Homosexuals - Slow Guns
Listen: Sightings - Perforated
Listen: Pterodactyl - First Daze
Listen: Aa - Thirteen

School of Seven Bells, and Violens at Bowery Ballroom
Listen: School of Seven Bells - Half Asleep
Listen: Violens - Violent Sensation Descends

Ida Maria at Hiro Ballroom
Listen: Ida Maria - Oh My God

The Avett Brothers, and Nicole Atkins at the Fillmore at Irving Plaza
Listen: The Avett Brothers - At the Beach
Listen: Nicole Atkins - The Way It Is

Saturday, June 13
The Hush Now at Fontanas
Listen: The Hush Now - Sadie Hawkins Dance

The Loom, and Phantogram at Monkey Town
Listen: The Loom - Song for the Winter Sun
Listen: Phantogram - Voices

Asobi Seksu, Cymbals Eat Guitars, and Elika at The Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Listen: Asobi Seksu - Me & Mary
Listen: Cymbals Eat Guitars - Indiana
Listen: Elika - The Whip

Death Vessel at Public Assembly
Listen: Death Vessel - Bruno's Torso

Times New Viking at The Bell House
Listen: Times New Viking - Drop-Out

The War On Drugs at Union Pool
Listen: The War On Drugs - Taking the Farm

The Strange Boys, The Coathangers, Mika Miko, and Fiasco at Market Hotel
Listen: The Coathangers - Stop Stomp Stompin'
Listen: The Strangeboys - Probation Blues
Listen: Mika Miko - I Got A Lot (New New New)
Listen: Fiasco - Steve Herman

Sunday, June 14
The Dodos at Studio B
Listen: The Dodos - Trades and Tariffs

Telekinesis! and Fol Chen at Mercury Lounge
Listen: Telekinesis! - I Saw Lightning
Listen: Fol Chen - No Wedding Cake

Saturday 8-Track

2009-06-06T16:26:00.000-04:00

Today I had a much-needed pep talk with my friend Corinne about, well, a lot of things. That combined with a much-needed pep email from Mr. Stivers led me to this week's theme for the Saturday 8-Track.

Eight bands I (shamefully) haven't talked about that you should give a listen to. I will be doing more about each of them in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. They area all just fantastic, and I really think you'll enjoy getting to know them better.

If you are, or know, an artist that you think I would like, please feel free to email me. And, as always, you can stay on top of the most recent posts by joining my Facebook group.

Listen: Logan Lynn (from Portland, OR) - Feed Me to the Wolves
Listen: Elika (from Brooklyn, New York) - The Whip
Listen: Photons (from San Fransisco, CA) - Where Were You Last Night
Listen: Hip Like! [Blank] (from the greater New York City area) - Can I Get a Sick Day
Listen: The Hush Now (from Boston, MA) - Bedtime Stories
Listen: Andy J. Gallagher (from London, UK) - Something Else
Listen: Foreign Born (from Los Angeles, CA) - Early Warnings
Listen: Meeting of Important People (from Pittsburgh, PA) - Hanky Church

The Weekender Concert Calendar - 6/4

2009-06-04T16:54:00.000-04:00

I'm going to have to start doing these on Wednesdays. The days and weeks are flying by. I'll squeeze in a couple quickies for tonight, and take you through Sunday. It's a blitz of a weekend:

Thursday
Art Brut and Cymbals Eat Guitars at Mercury Lounge
Listen: Art Brut - DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake
Listen: Cymbals Eat Guitars - And the Hazy Sea

The Postelles at Santos Party House
Listen: The Postelles - 123 Stop

Doves at Terminal 5
Listen: Doves - Jetstream

Viva Voce at The Music Hall of Williamsburg
Listen: Viva Voce - We Do Not Fuck Around

David Ford at the Living Room
Listen: David Ford - Go to Hell

Femi Kuti and BLK JKS at The Fillmore at Irving Plaza
Listen: Femi Kuti - Eh Oh
Listen: BLK JKS - Lakeside

Friday
Julie Peel and Dylan at the Movies at Bar4
Listen: Julie Peel - Unfold
Listen: Dylan in the Movies - Down to the Well

Love is All at The Music Hall of Williamsburg
Listen: Love is All - A More Uncertain Future

Pink Mountaintops and Quest for Fire at The Bell House
Listen: Pink Mountaintops - Vampire
Listen: Quest for Fire - Bison Eyes

TV on the Radio and Dirty Projectors at Central Park Summer Stage
Listen: TV on the Radio - Family Tree
Listen: Dirty Projectors - Stillness is the Move

Deadbeat Darling and Blip Blip Bleep at Bowery Ballroom
Listen: Deadbeat Darling - Without a Trace
Listen: Blip Blip Beep - Okay Lover

Saturday
AA Bondy, The Appleseed Cast, and Holly Miranda (of the Jealous Girlfriends) at The Bell House
Listen: AA Bondy - There's A Reason
Listen: The Appleseed Cast - As the Little Things Go
Listen: Holly Miranda - Waves

Disappears and Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band at Union Hall
Listen: Disappears - Hearing Things
Listen: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Anchors Dropped

Blind Pilot and Local Natives at Bowery Ballroom
Listen: Blind Pilot - Go On, Say It
Listen: Local Natives - World News

Dean & Britta at Le Poisson Rouge
Listen: Dean & Britta - Friday I'm in Love (The Cure Cover)

Sunday
Kevin Devine, and Miniature Tigers at the Music Hall of Williamsburg
Listen: Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band - I Could Be With Anyone
Listen: Miniature Tigers - Cannibal Queen

Music is What Feelings Sound Like, A Chat with Julie Peel

2009-05-31T13:22:00.000-04:00

Life, longing, love, loss: the four L’s, if you will. Everyone goes through them, and, more or less, they are the focus of what musicians write, play and sing about. But it’s a special occasion when you listen to an album that leads you on a sonic path that so well addresses, portrays and makes the listener feel every bit of the emotion involved with the “L’s.” Julie Peel’s “Near the Sun” does just that. Julie is a special artist, musician, lyricist and singer, so much so that the album had to be turned off while writing this because Julie has an uncanny ability to lull the listener into such a sense of self-awareness.

It’s not a sappy journey, but all-too-real. She doesn’t pull punches, but wears her heart on her sleeve, crooning about quixotic happenings and heartbreaking event in a way that few artists have done. The album isn’t a concept album, but a series of wonderfully crafted novellas, each lifts, bends, carries, and yes, breaks, the listener. The album is whole: a sunny drive with the top down, a box of tissues, an insightful reflection, a pick-me-up, a smile and a tear. It’s life through song on a level that is seldom experienced.

It’s a joy for me to present to you Julie Peel, who will be gracing her “third home” of New York twice this week: June 3, 9:00PM at Pianos, and again June 5, 9:00P at Bar 4 Bar 4 with Dylan in the Movies.

OAN: Jules, as always, it’s a pleasure. I said third home, because you’ve had quite an international journey to end up in Montreal and, to an extent, in New York (I’d personally still like to see you make that move permanent, nothing against the good people of Montreal.) Talk about your journey to get here, what led you from France to Quebec, and how you ended up joining forces with American Laundromat Records for your first full-length release.

JP: Joe (from American Laundromat Records) found me on MySpace, in 2006 I think. He offered me to be part of the Neil Young tribute (Cinnamon girls) and that’s how it all started. We talked about releasing the album through the years, but, it didn’t happen until now for different reasons. Last year, I decided to move to Canada. I was sick of Paris and needed to get away from Europe for a while. So it all came together, me moving closer to the U.S, and Joe wanting to release the record. For some reasons I got lots of replies from NY/Brooklyn venues, and very good feedback on my music, which is great! I love the city, and I met some brilliant musicians there. Maybe I’ll move there someday [she adds with a smile.]

OAN: The album, “Near the Sun,” is something you should absolutely be proud of. Every song is a powerful movement, whether it’s a high or low moment. How much of the material is drawn on a personal experience, and how much is a story? I ask because you’ve covered so many emotional bases, it seems as though it’s written over the course of many years. It seems as though you give a lot of yourself up through song, so how did you finally decide on the final content? Did you try to tie the work together in any way, or was it a matter of “these songs say the most about me and are the strongest?"

JP: As much as I’d like to be able to write fiction lyrics, it hasn’t happened yet. Even if I’ve been writing songs for maybe 9 or 10 years, the songs ending up on the album are pretty recent. The oldest are “The greatest story” and “The piece of my heart”(2004-2005), and I guess you can see the difference, in the sound of course, but also in the songwriting. I didn’t want my first record to be obsolete in term of who and what I am, now. Most of the songs on the ablum were written between last year and the beginning of this year. I think I just chose my favorite songs at the time. If I was to re-record it today, I’m pretty sure it would be totally different! When you write songs, your last one is always the best song you’ve ever written, and then, a few week later, you think “whatever," but sometimes it stays one of your fave.

OAN: What is your process for writing the words and music? Do you start with a guitar, and pad and paper? And for that matter, I know you reach for you guitar first; what other instruments do you play and/or like to build your melodies around?

JP: For this record, the process has been pretty much the same. Strumming the guitar, finding a nice vocal melody, and then writing the lyrics for it. I did compose 2 songs with the Ukulele though. But I mean, it can happen with any instrument, like the bass guitar or a piano.

OAN: Something I like to ask of every artist: what do you do in your off-time, stepping away from the music to keep the creative juices flowing in another regard, or give yourself a break from hammering away at writing, playing, mixing, etc.

JP: I like to walk for hours, in any city, with my ipod on. Watching people is one of my favorite thing to do! Movies movies movies! I wanted to be a movie director when I was younger, and it’s still affecting my music a lot.

OAN: I want to ask you about the cover you did of one of the Cure’s better (old school) songs, “A Night Like This” which is featured on Just Like Heaven – A Tribute to The Cure. So many times, covers leave a lot to be desired, but you made it your own. Did you pick the song yourself? Are you a fan? Was it at all intimidating to do a classic song for a tribute album? And do you have any urge to play it live?

JP: I knew Joe was putting this project together, but I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it. So I didn’t ask him to be a part of it right away. I had a period of time when I was a teenager where I was a huge fan of the band (I still love them very much, but not in a “I’m wearing black clothes only and having Robert Smith’s same haircut” way) [again, flashing a smile.] I’m not a big fan of live recordings, but I love “The Cure: Show”, and the “A Night Like This” version on it is dreamy. (I’m not a big fan of the saxophone on the original version). That song has always been my favorite. I tried like 4 different ways to cover it. But I wasn’t happy with it. I think I wasn’t even happy with it when I sent it to Joe. But he said he loved it, and that was good enough for me. I actually listened to it when the cd came out, and thought it was good. But kind of an alien on the tribute! People have asked me to play it live, but I never did. Maybe I will someday.

OAN: Speaking of playing live, do you have a preference to playing with other musicians or doing solo acoustic sets? And which will you be doing next week? The studio tracks obviously have a lot of layers to them, but you doing a solo live set (and I’ll find this out for myself soon) must give an even greater personal feel to already intimate material.

JP: I prefer to play with musicians, ‘cause like you said, it’s already intimate material, and I don’t really like to be the center of the attention. But I have to admit that playing by myself is teaching me a lot. I never really did that, and I think that’s the best school to learn how to be more confident, and a better musician. You don’t rely on anyone else but yourself. It’s one thing to be able to play a lot of instruments and record by yourself, but it’s another thing to be standing up in front of people you don’t know, in a city you don’t know, just you, and your guitar. it’s a sick feeling (in a good and a bad way!)

OAN: You worked in a field that is seemingly about as far away from being a musician as one might think: a computer engineer. When and what happened that gave you the confidence in yourself to make the leap?

JP: I kinda had what people call a “nervous breakdown” last year. I’d say breakthrough! I’ve been recording my music for 4 years now, learning how to mix, how to record instruments and vocals properly (thing that I’m still learning!) and I knew at some point, I would have to make the jump and try things with my music. I’m not making a living out of it yet, and maybe I won’t. but I had to do it. So many people settle for a life that’s not what they want. Just because they think that’s the way it is ‘cause of society and that at some point you have to stop “dreaming”.. that’s precisely when they lose their “innocence”, when they become grown ups... I don’t know. But I want to believe that anything is possible if you give yourself the time and the energy, you’ll create opportunities. You can do anything and become whatever you wanna be. I have to believe in this. For me, life’s not worth living if you don’t give the best you’ve got to make great things happen.

OAN: Anything else you want to reveal about yourself? Maybe something they’d never imagine about Julie Peel?

JP: I’m kind of an open book. What you hear is what you get when you meet me I think. But, hey! You’ll tell me!

OAN: And I love that about you. Jules, you’re an absolute joy. Thank you for your time and apologize for being a professional throughout the course of this interview. Can’t wait to see you croon away.

Listen: Julie Peel - Unfold (Remastered Version,) from the forthcoming "Near the Sun"

Julie's Music Loves and Influences:

Listen: Coconut Records - West Coast
Listen: Joni Mitchell - River
Listen: Bruce Spingsteen - The Ghost of Tom Joad
Listen: Aphex Twins - Avril 14th
Listen: A Camp - Algebra
Listen: Aimee Mann - Wise Up
Listen: Broken Social - Lover's Spit (Redux)
Listen: Air - Alone in Kyoto
Listen: Bob Dylan - Positively 4th Street
Listen: Smashing Pumpkins - Ugly
Listen: Neil Young - I Believe In You
Listen: Elliott Smith - Angeles

Links:
Julie's Official Site
Julie Peel on MySpace
Purchase and Pre-Order Julie Peel from American Laundromat Records
American Laundromat Records Official Site

Saturday 8-Track, Cleveland Rocks (Until it Counts)

2009-05-30T22:59:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, the pains of being a Cleveland fan: loss, loss, and more loss. Hopes built, then dashed.
It's the circle of life for fans of the Browns, Tribe, and Cavs.
With that, eight songs about being a Cleveland fan:

Listen: Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart (Original Studio Mix)
Listen: Joe Henry - Ohio Air Show Plane Crash
Listen: Wavves - No Hope Kids
Listen: Fucked Up - Son the Father
Listen: The Kissaway Trail - Smother + Evil = Hurt
Listen: Glasvegas - Fuck You, It's Over
Listen: Broken Social Scene Presents: Brendan Canning - Take Care, Look Up
Listen: Yo La Tengo - Nowhere Near

(Join the On Another Note Facebook Group)

The Weekender Concert Calendar - 5/28

2009-05-27T17:29:00.000-04:00

An action-packed last weekend in May blesses the greater New York area, so let's get to it.

Thursday
The Helio Sequence at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Listen: The Helio Sequence - Hallelujah

Those Dancing Days, and Mancino at Union Hall
Listen: Those Dancing Days - Those Dancing Days
Listen: Mancino - L'amour (Or Less)

Grizzly Bear, and Here We Go Magic at Town Hall
Listen: Grizzly Bear - While You Wait for the Others
Listen: Here We Go Magic - Fangela

Friday
Pet Ghost Project's CD Release Party with Special Guests Quiet Loudly and Dinosaur Feathers (read a full post here)

Au Revoir Simone, and The Antlers kick off their national tour at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Listen: The Antlers - Sylvia (An Introduction)
Listen: Au Revoir Simone - Don't See The Sorrow

The Black Hollies at The Bell House
Listen: Black Hollies - Whispers Beneath the Willows

Cake at Terminal 5
Listen: Cake - Daria

X, and Steve Soto And The Twisted Hearts at Bowery Ballroom
Listen: X - Year 1

Saturday
Phantogram at Rockwood Music Hall
Listen: Phantogram - When I'm Small

Screaming Females, and Shellshag at Maxwell's (Hoboken)
Listen: Screaming Females - Bell
Listen: Shellshag - Little Birdy

1990s at Southpaw
Listen: 1990s - Everybody Please Relax

Tortoise, and The Hood Internet at The Bell House
Listen: Tortoise - High Class Slim Came Floatin' In
Listen: The Hood Internet - I'm Good, I'm Ghost (Lykke Li vs Holy Ghost)

Pelle Carlberg at Union Hall
Listen: Pelle Carlberg - 1983 (Pelle & Sebastian)

They Might Be Giants Le Poisson Rouge
Listen: They Might Be Giants - Havalina (Pixies Cover)

I Was A King, Mercury Landing, Rural Alberta Advantage at Mercury Lounge
Listen: I Was A King - Norman Bleik
Listen: The Rural Alberta Advantage - Four Night Rider

The Hardest Working Ghost in the Business - Pet Ghost Project's CD Release Party!

2009-05-26T16:35:00.000-04:00

Pet Ghost Project CD Release Party
Where: Fontana's
When: Friday, May 29, 2009 at 7:00pm

It's a pain-staking, birthing process to write, record, rehearse, produce and distribute an EP or an LP. To do one of each simultaneously is, at the very least, a daunting task. To have each be breathtaking, and breathtakingly different from one another, is, well, I'm not sure a word has been thought of for it. (Maybe by the end of this post, I'll have come up with one.)

But that's exactly what Justin Stivers has accomplished. My affinity for Justin and his Pet Ghost Project is no secret, as a musician, composer, and friend. Since the release of "Cheer Up ~ It's Raining" in the latter part of 2008, Justin has been quietly but furiously working away, going about his business of playing (with live ghosties Justin Gonzalez and Jake More,) composing, and crafting music that coerces the listener through new sonic boundaries, coming out the other side eyes a bit wider, ears a bit shell-shocked. His latest two efforts are, dare I say, his most adventurous and best yet. They are stunning movements each, "Idiot Brain, Genius Heart" an exploration into Justin's darker, more chaotic side, and "The Wordless Conversation" a 7-track instrumental LP where Stivers flexes his musical muscles, unraveling every reverberating fiber of his being.

So with that, I'm not sure there is anyone out there who deserves a party more than Justin and his crew. And they won't be alone. They'll have the support of friends of quiet Loudly and Dinosaur Feathers, two fantastic acts that round out a bill that promises to be a spectacular show. See you at Fontana's on Friday! (Oh, the best word I could come up with is "momentous.")

Listen: Pet Ghost Project - Death in a Pixel (from the forthcoming 'The Wordless Conversation')
Listen: Pet Ghost Project - Wires from the Ceiling (from the forthcoming 'Idiot Brain, Genius Heart')

Special Guests:
Listen: quiet Loudly - Over the Balcony
Listen: Dinosaur Feathers - History Lessons

Purchase Pet Ghost Project from CDBaby
Pet Ghost Project's Official Site
Pet Ghost Project on MySpace

Saturday 8-Track, Memorial Day

2009-05-23T14:23:00.000-04:00

This is Memorial Day Weekend in the U.S. It's a long, holiday weekend set aside to honor the men and women who have fought for our freedoms and protected us from harm. And so, this is a bit of a tribute to thousands in our armed forces, police, fire brigades, and emergency rescue that watch over us, keep us safe, and, all too often, are taken for granted.

Happy listening, all.

MP3: Army Navy - Saints
MP3: The Magnetic Fields - Heroes (David Bowie cover)
MP3: Faces on Film - I'll Sleep to Protect You
MP3: The Morning Benders - Worth the Fight (Daytrotter Session)
MP3: Betablokka - Scared (The Difference Between)
MP3: ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead - Worlds Apart
MP3: Adorable - I'll Be Your Saint
MP3: Swimming in Speakers - Serve Them Well

The Weekender Concert Calendar - 5/21

2009-05-21T12:28:00.000-04:00

There's just a ton going on this weekend, including what I think is the concert of the year thus far in our fair city. May 21, Bower Ballroom, White Rabbits, Cymbals Eat Guitars, and The Antlers. Of course, it's sold out, so if you have your ticket, consider yourself blessed.

Thursday
Disgustingly great night with a bevy of shows to choose from.
White Rabbits, Cymbals Eat Guitars, and The Antlers at Bowery Ballroom
MP3: White Rabbits - Company I Keep
MP3: Cymbals Eat Guitars - What Dogs See
MP3: The Antlers - Sylvia

Vampire Weekend, Pat Mahoney, and Hercules and Love Affair at Music Hall Of Williamsburg
MP3: Vampire Weekend - Ladies of Cambridge
MP3: Hercules & Love Affair - This Is My Love

Her Space Holiday and City Light at The Bell House
MP3: Her Space Holiday - Sleepy Tigers
MP3: City Light - New Kid Revival

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, and Lightning Dust at The Apollo
MP3: Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Cursed Sleep
MP3: Lightning Dust - Listened On

Friday
Holy Fuck, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Crocodiles at Music Hall of Williamsburg
MP3: Holy Fuck - Lovely Allen (Daytrotter Session)
MP3: A Place to Bury Strangers - Ocean
MP3: Crocodiles - Here Comes the Sky

Kaki King at Glasslands
MP3: Kaki King - Life Being What It Is

Sundresses at Trash Bar
MP3: Sundresses - An American American

Saturday
Straylight Run, and A Million Years at the Knitting Factory
MP3: Straylight Run - Existentialism on Prom Night
MP3: A Million Years - Cat and Mouse

Kingsbury Manx at the Cake Shop
MP3: Kingsbury Manx - Well, Whatever

Sunday (it being a holiday weekend and all.)
Junior Vasquez at Cielo
MP3: Daft Punk - One More Time (Junior Vasquez Earth Mix)

Saturday 8-Track, One Day Early

2009-05-15T20:18:00.000-04:00

Your Saturday 8-Track is going up a day early as I'm going to be busting out of this joint for the weekend. I'll be blipping and tweeting and all of that jazz, but for the most part, doing my own thing for a change. Theme? Hodge-podge. Fitting for the past year of my life.

MP3: Pet Ghost Project - Death In A Pixel
MP3: Cause Co-Motion - You Lose
MP3: Wheat - Hey, So Long (Ohio)
MP3: Glad Hearts - Nothing If We're Not Moving
MP3: Phoenix - Girlfriend
MP3: The Hush Now - Hiding in Corners
MP3: Deer Tick - Still Crazy After All These Years (Paul Simon Cover)
MP3: The Tallest Man On Earth - I Won't Be Found

In other news, I reluctantly started a group on Facebook for this little blog. If you're on Facebook and want to get updates as posts happen, join here.
Happy listening!

The Weekender Concert Calendar - 5/14

2009-05-14T17:34:00.000-04:00

Better late than never. I'll throw in a Sunday to make up for my lack of timeliness. Most of you don't even live here, anyway. =)

Thursday
Thao & Get Down Stay Down with Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers at the Bowery Ballroom
Mp3: Thao Nguyen & The Get Down Stay Down - Fear And Convenience
Mp3: Samantha Crain & The Midnight Shivers - Devils in Boston

Friday
quiet Loudly, Sammo, Akudama, and Peephole at Spike Hill
MP3: quiet Loudly - Over the Balcony

Cymbals Eat Guitars at Sound Fix
Mp3: Cymbals Eat Guitars - Indiana

Dan Deacon, Future Islands, and Teeth Mountain at Danbro Brewery Warehouse
Mp3: Dan Deacon - Snookered

Halloween, Alaska, and Jack Terricloth at Joe's Pub
Mp3: Halloween, Alaska - In Order

The Ghost Is Dancing at Fontana's
Mp3: The Ghost is Dancing - The Running Song

Rodriguez, and The War On Drugs at Bowery Ballroom
Mp3: Rodriguez - Sugar Man
Mp3: The War On Drugs - Buenos Aires Beach

Ssturday
"No Fun Fest" at Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Mp3: Blank Dog - No Compass
Mp3: Black Pus - Body On The Tide

Sunday
The Dexateens, and The Features at Union Hall
Mp3: Dexateens - Can You Whoop It
Mp3: The Features - The Drawing Board

Dead Leaf Echo - Ethereal Movements Through Time

2009-05-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

Dead Leaf Echo has been written-up more times in the past few months than most New York bands get in a year. With good reason. What LG, Mike, Liza and Ana have done is simply re-created the shoegaze sound for the modern era. You know, shoegaze: that UK-founded, skirting on post-punk subgenre of alternative that started with Jesus & Mary Chain, ended with Adorable and saw the likes of Ride, Lush and My Bloody Valentine in between. Not an easy task. To take on the great shoe-groups of the 80s and 90s is a daunting task at best, much less equal or better them. And though it’s probably inaccurate to say that Dead Leaf Echo is the sole-proprietor of this re-invented movement, they are certainly the new chairpersons.

They have quietly and subtly reached back in time, crafting a sound that rings with familiarity of creatively noisy guitars blended with that complementing croon of LG’s. But there is so much more to Dead Leaf Echo than a simple re-invention of a classic sound. LG knows exactly what needs to be done to modernize and re-introduce the genre to a new generation, as well as people like yours truly who long for yesteryear’s sounds. He has more than a list of influencers. He has gone out his way to tap into their minds and hearts to find out what made them tick, listened closely to what they did, worked with some of the greats, and, with his bandmates, crafted a crashing sonic onslaught that reverberates your mind and body to the core.

OAN: LG, let’s talk about the shoegaze movement for a minute. You and I have talked and shared some thoughts about it. Relay in your own words what shoegaze is and means to you.

LG: It's a funny word word isn't it? Once something of degradation is now worn with pride by many. Almost purely a British colloquialism 15+ years ago. I remember they called Ride - grunge here in the states when it came out. But now it's made it's big comeback especially with MBV last year and everybody loves dropping that word on anything. Any thing with reverb now on it is Shoegaze isn't it? Use delay? Oh! Shoegaze band. Press buzz word eh? But how many people really know what it references? Sure more people now than ever, but still if you asked somebody on the street, they'd probably wouldn't even look at you. Remember the old saying about the Velvet Underground? How nobody really bought their records but everybody that did started a band, it's kinda of like that with Shoegaze. There's more bands than there are fans. Are we a shoegaze band? No. Sure people say we wear our influences on our sleeves, whether you want to call that dream-pop or etherial post-punk or Regional Mexican is up to you.

OAN: There is an air of mystery about Dead Leaf Echo, meaning, you have indeed very quietly gone about your business, remained focused, created fantastic work and let it speak for itself. You’ve had two pressings of “Pale Fire” sell-out completely which is quite a feat. “Faint Violet Whiff” as well. You haven’t done many interviews, but have very much been showered with the attention and affection of the media and fans. If you would, talk about the attention your two releases have gotten (not to mention the hype coming from the soon-to-be-release) and enigma the mystery is purely incidental or crafted a bit. And are there thoughts of re-printing the first release?

LG: Well as to re-printing the 1st release- no. Because I don't feel “Faint Violet Whiff” is what it could have been- I don't much care for it, sonically and feel that some of the songs on there should be given the chance to be re-birthed under different circumstances. As far as the mystery part of it, I just think we're very private people who haven't put that much of ourselves out there, not that we've really been thrown under any spotlight or anything.

OAN: LG, Dead Leaf Echo is your creation, your passion, and clearly the band shares in your enthusiasm and creativity in what you play, but how much collaboration is there in writing and composing each song? Do you construct by yourself then tap into them to expand? Or are there concept sessions where each member brings ideas to the table?

LG: I am the carrier of the torch for this band, but it would simply not exist without the passions and drive of everyone involved, period. Mike DiLalla has been there since the beginning and has encouraged me and helped throughout all the struggles that we've faced. What Liza has given has also been tremendous, and they have both have stamped their own distinct personalities on the songs. Ana in the last year has given so much of her time to helping us out in anyway she can that I'm forever indebted to her. Regarding the song, they all grow organically from the root up and continue to evolve even after they have been recorded live.

OAN: What does it mean to you to be in New York and having this kind of passionate atmosphere supporting you. Do you think you could do this anywhere, or is the character of New York and the music scene here a big influence? I ask because your sound just seems to fit here.

LG: New York awakened me to many things, and gave me a much needed ass-kicking. It's very hard here but for good reason, if you can survive here you will position yourself well in the world. As far as the music scene here being an influence that would only extend to certain friends in my close circle, as I feel there's always an extraordinary amount of extraneous waste you have to wade through on a daily basis. Of course there's not really any one scene here, its way too big for that, that's the conflict right? Everywhere else nothing to do, here too much on your plate. And no I don't think we could pull off what we're doing here in most parts of North America, I think New York or maybe parts of the West coast are the only places that could accept it. Europe on the other hand I think would take to it with open arms.

OAN: I actually might take those as words to live by. Thanks.
Your contacts, your collaborations, your work with outside personas is a must-discuss. We’ve talked about your conversations that you’ve had with Piotr Fijalkowski (Adorable). And you’ve worked with both John Fryer and Ulrich Schnauss. Describe what your experience in working with some legends has been like and how it’s affected your music.

LG: Well I've only spoken to Pete briefly over email, but he's a major influence for me and I hope to cross paths with him one day. I've been extremely lucky to work with both John and Ulrich. Especially with Ulrich- he's like no one else I've met. He's most the most supportive person I've meet in regards to this crop of new artists that are coming into focus now.

OAN: Are there any other creative outlets you explore to kind of step away from music? I ask because you have some very interesting album art. So perhaps photography is something you dabble in? Or do you leave that to better hands?

LG: The complete visual image is of integral importance to the band. Vision+Sound is a complete package especially when in regards to Dead Leaf Echo. Album artwork is very important to the work whether I'm designing it or working with someone else on it, and then there's moving images. Live we use original visual projections on the band created both from digital and celluloid formats. The 1st three videos we released were shot all on Super 8. We're now working on a new video for 'Half-Truth' shot on 16mm.

OAN: Anything else you want to tell the fans? Anything at all?

LG: Vinyl! We're gonna bring it. Hopefully a 7 inch first. But really the band hasn't even really started yet, everything up to this point has purely been experimental in terms of exposition. We've only done these small collection of pieces so far, but the band has to grow first as a unit in addition to outside factors stepping in to elevate the band to the next level on both an artistic platform and as a functioning entity.

OAN: LG, my friend, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions and letting myself and everyone get some wonderful insight into someone who is truly passionate and frighteningly well-versed about what they create. I thoroughly enjoyed the show at Public Assembly and am looking forward to many more. Cheers!

MP3: Act of Truth - from "Truth"
MP3: Pale Fire (Ulrich Schnauss Mix) - from "Pale Fire"

LG's Mix-Tape
MP3: The Moon Seven Times - Her House
MP3: Orange Yellow Red - Into Your Arms
MP3: The Mary Onettes - Dare
MP3: Adorable - Vendetta
MP3: Her Vanished Grace - Sirens
MP3: New Fast Automatic Daffodils - Bruises
MP3: The Boo Radleys - Alone Again Or
MP3: The Durutti Column - Believe in Me
MP3: Kitchens of Distinction - Elephantine

Official Site
MySpace
Purchase "Truth," First Pressing

Saturday 8-Track

2009-05-09T11:31:00.000-04:00

Today's 8-Track is about beginnings and beginning again, idea courtesy of friend C.C. What better way to celebrate that with some fantastic demos to kick off life, rebirth, or whatever you feel needs to be revamped in your life.
Go get 'em, Tiger.

MP3: Drink Up Buttercup - Gods and Gentlemen (Demo)
MP3: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Statues (Demo)
MP3: Swedish for Beginners - This City is Not For Me (Demo)
MP3: Say Hi - Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh (Demo)
MP3: The Velvet Underground - I Found a Reason (demo)
MP3: The National - Forever After Days (Demo)
MP3: Sunny Day in Glasgow - Best Summer Ever (Demo)
MP3: Grand Archives - George Kamisky (Demo)
Bonus MP3: The Jesus & Mary Chain - Just Like Honey (Demo)

Making Tiny Changes to Earth, A Chat with Frightened Rabbit

2009-05-07T21:49:00.000-04:00

About two years ago at this time, I was given three tracks from a self-released album off home-grown label “Hits the Fan” by a band quirkily named “Frightened Rabbit.” It took one listen for me to run to anyone who would listen proclaiming “you gotta hear this.” I was not the only one who took notice. Fat Cat Records quickly reeled in the talented Scott Hutchinson and brother grant to polish the not-quite-demo, not-quite-studio first full-length LP for release in Autumn 2007, which I quickly devoured and again put into the ears of anyone who would listen. A most unique holiday track was released a few months later. Then, Frightened Rabbit went into the studio and recorded one of the most inspiring, gut-wrenching collection of songs these ears have heard, “The Midnight Organ Fight.” It’s an album that thrust them into the limelight of music rags, new adoring fans, and won over critics the world over, none of whom could get enough of Frightened Rabbit. And they were happy to oblige, putting out a live track-for-track show of “Midnight.”

OAN: Scott, you, Grant and Billy are playing like mad and very busy, so I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to sit down and chat. Let’s start with Midnight: we seem to be coming into an age of a rebirth of the concept album, an album that tells a complete story. Do you consider Midnight to be one, as it seems to tell a very personal story from a moment of time in your life.

Scott: It wasn't conceived as a concept album, but when we put the tracks together, it became quite plain that there was a story there. I am a fan of albums that take you somewhere, start to finish, and feel like a slice of someone's (or a group's) life. There is definitely that aspect to the MOF. When I grab on to a subject, I often become rather obsessive, and explore it to its bitter end. That's really all that happened there.

OAN: You write with a unique mix of poetry blended with plain language. How do you conjure the words and combine it with a truly uncommon instrumentation? Which comes first, your endearing Scottish croon, or the twangy, catchy melodies?

Scott: Melody is always first. If you don't have that to hang the words on, then I don't think you have a song. One of my favourite responses to our music is when people say they have been singing along to our tunes for days or weeks before they realise what they are singing. The content kind of creeps up on them, because before they were simply enjoying the melody and the beat. This may sound weird, but when I listen to other bands, I'm not really a lyrics person. Its always something else that draws my ear in first, so that 'other' draw will always be a high priority.

OAN: Let’s talk about your relationship with Fat Cat and how influential they were in promoting your work, putting that much time into Sing the Greys and carefully marketing your assault on the music world. Your relationship with them seems to be completely symbiotic. But clearly, they were a big propellant for your current success.

Scott: They have been incredibly supportive from way before anyone else (perhaps even our families!) knew that Frightened Rabbit existed. Our relationship spans back about 4 years now, from the day they put our Tascam demos up on their website, then we began emailing, then they put us on a FatCat showcase at The Great Escape in Brighton, even though we didn't sign to the label until about 18 months after... They're the only external force that has always been there, and that is a really wonderful thing.

OAN: Something a bit different now: I’ve seen you perform four times. And your on-stage persona is, well, quite a bit different from the material you sing and play. On stage you are this warm, joking guy who has been known to crack a chuckle while playing some of the most woeful material out there. Is it a mind-set you have to prepare for? The contradicting personas you have within writing his songs and performing them?

Scott: I feel really at ease in front of a group of people. There's an element of control when you perform for an audience, which i really love. Its another, very seperate skill to presenting a live show that many bands seem to ignore. I quickly found that, even if we sounded like shit, a few wry observations would set the show on the right track. Its a fucking life-saver some nights.

OAN: The live album really shows if off. Why did you decide to record a live version, track-by-track, of Midnight. And though I haven’t been a personal witness to it, why did you decide to occasionally cover “Fake Empire” as a prelude to “Backwards Walk?”

Scott: The label were keen for us to perform the whole record, as a kind of bookend. Lots of people really took to that record in a rather intense way. It was important that we recognised that by playing the show in our hometown. The disc is essentially a souvenir of that for ourselves and those who were there, if nobody else. As for Fake Empire, I fell in love with that song and with that band, and played it for that reason really. Plus they are both in the key of C, I think.

OAN: Album art has to be discussed. I know quite a few people impressed with your diverse artistic talents. Is illustrating something you’ve always had an interest in? And what else do you do to stimulate that creative charge?

Scott: Illustration is the only thing I'm actually qualified to do. I studied for 4 years at the Art School in Glasgow, got my degree and then didn't draw for around 2 years. I'm drawing more regularly now for the sleeves etc, but its always interested me to give new things a go, things that I have no training in, to see if I'm any good at them. Might give astrophysics a bash after this record...

OAN: Too funny, Scott Hawking. Are you working on any new material or are you just enjoying playing live for right now? What are some of the most memorable shows you’ve done (I ask because you play some very intimate venues and have a lot of personal interaction with the audience. Surely, there has to be a great story or two in there.)

Scott: The new album is pretty much written, and I've demo-ed it up with the exception of the drums. I prefer this aspect of the band to the live stuff. The touring can feel a bit mechanical and draining. That said, some of our shows have been the most memorable times of my life. I'm not much good at anecdotes... The ones that stick out for me at this point were our recent London show at the Scala, and our shows in Chicago and Ann Arbor during the last US tour. Specific stories escape me now. I'm not very funny when I'm not on stage. Sorry!

OAN: You're too humble. I hear a bevy of sounds that emanate from your guitar and keyboards, not to mention your brother’s percussion. What are some of your biggest influences, either genres or bands or songs. I hear everything from twangy American southern soul to flat out rock-n-roll. But it all has that Frightened Rabbit twist, no pun intended.

Scott: Its all in there. Our influences are pretty wide, which hopefully keeps it fresh. I don't care for sounding like just one band, but as far as the next record goes, I think there's a fair bit of The National, TV on the Radio, disco, Jens Lekman, Death Cab, LCD, King Creosote and the usual dose of country and Dylan nad The Band (mine and Grant's greatest obsession). I'm a total thief when it comes to carving out a sound, but hopefully the pieces I've taken and put together originated far enough away from one another that it doesn't come through too obviously in the final song.

OAN: Anything else you want to tell the fans?

Scott: Eat three pieces of fish a week.

OAN: Heading out for sushi now. Scott, again, thank you for your time. I look forward to your next trip over to the States and whenever you release shiny new material. I owe you a beer or three when you come to New York City next. Cheers!

Mp3: Square 9 - Sing the Greys
MP3: Old, Old Fashioned - Midnight Organ Fight
MP3: Fast Blood - Liver! Lung! FR!
MP3: Be Less Rude - Live Acoustic Session

Scott's Mix-Tape
MP3: The National - Fake Empire
MP3: TV on the Radio - Wolf Like Me
MP3: Death Cab for Cutie - Your Heart is an Empty Room
MP3: Bob Dylan - Lay Lady Lay
MP3: The Trammps - Disco Inferno
MP3: LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
MP3: King Creosote - No Way She Exists
MP3: Jens Lekman - I'm Leaving You Because I Don't Love You
MP3: The Band - Up On Cripple Creek

Links:
Official Frightened Rabbit Site
Frightened Rabbit on MySpace
Fat Cat Records
Buy Frightened Rabbit on iTunes

The Weekender Concert Calendar

2009-05-06T23:27:00.000-04:00

A little something I will try to do every Wednesday, but as you know, in the New York Metro area, there's a lot going on all the time. So these are some personal highlights.

THURSDAY
at the Bell House:
These United States opens for San Fransisco visitors Vetiver and Papercuts.
MP3: These United States - First Sight

at the Music Hall of Williamsburg
Drop the Line opens for Fischerspooner
MP3: Fischerspooner - Emerge

at Roseland Ballroom
Born Ruffians open for Franz Ferdinand
MP3: Born Ruffians - Badonkadonkey

at Mercury Lounge
U.S. Royalty opens for Cut off Your Hands
MP3: U.S. Royalty - Raincoats
MP3: Cut Off Your Hands - Turn Cold

FRIDAY
at Cameo
The Antlers open for Drink Up Buttercup
MP3: The Antlers - Two
MP3: Drink Up Buttercup - Sosey and Dosey

at Bowery Ballroom
Shaky Hands open for The Thermals
MP3: Shaky Hands - Summer's Life
MP3: The Thermals - I Called Out Your Name

SATURDAY
at Bell House
Joe Pug opens for Horse Feathers
MP3: Joe Pug - Hymn #101
MP3: Horse Feathers - Curs in the Weeds

at Mercury Lounge
The Giraffes and Freshkills open for Adam Ezra Group
MP3: The Giraffes - Haunted Heaven
MP3: Freshkills - My House

at Public Assembly
True Womanhood throws a CD release party with Dead Leaf Echo and Dinowalrus, among others.
MP3: Dinowalrus - I Hate Numbers
MP3: Dead Leaf Echo - Pale Fire (Ulrich Schnauss Mix)
MP3: True Womanhood - The Monk

Have a rockin' weekend, peeps.

Belated 8-Track

2009-05-05T18:23:00.000-04:00

Normally, the Saturday 8-Track would be reserved for Saturday. But I was a tad busy, so better late than never. The theme is basically about the weekend: Eight bands in four nights, with lots of beer. Lots.

mp3: Guided by Voices - How's My Drinking?

But man, what a blast. So, here's your mix, from Friday to Monday.

Friday night, new friends Coyote Eyes played a stellar set at Cameo.
mp3: Coyote Eyes - Clumsy

Saturday, I went to check out Fires of Rome (a friend's brother's band) at Church Lounge.
mp3: Fires of Rome - Dawn Lament

Sunday, The Antlers, Papercuts and Vetiver at Bowery Ballroom. I don't think this show needs any further commentary.
mp3: The Antlers - The Universe is Going to Catch You
mp3: The Papercuts - You Can Have What You Want
mp3: Vetiver - More of This

Monday I went to see friends Phantogram bring it at Santos, and had a couple pleasant surprises.
mp3: Phantogram - Voices
mp3: Big Bang TV - Hollywood
mp3: Free Blood - Grumpy

I'm exhausted recapping that.
Enjoy.

PS - New segment tomorrow!

Updates and Thanks

2009-04-29T14:01:00.000-04:00

A couple quick updates on some friends of On Another Note for you:

The Rest's LP, "Everyone All At Once" is now available for digital download at AmieStreet.com at an unbelievable price, for a very limited time. They will be gracing New York's presence in June. Cannot wait.

Phantogram will be playing a show at Santos Party House on May 4. I'll be there.

Pet Ghost Project's CD Release Party will be Friday, May 29 at Fontanas with performances from friends like Quiet Loudly and Dinosaur Feathers.

There's a lot in the hopper for this little page, and I will try to post more. But, quality over quantity (I hope.)

I do want to thank you all for the support and praise thus far. It's been truly overwhelming and I cannot thank you enough. Any suggestions or comments you have for me, feel free to email them.

Lots coming up. I promise.

mp3: The Asteroid #4 - My Love

Phantogram - Sounds That Grab a Hold of Your Heart in a Beautiful Way

2009-04-26T17:30:00.000-04:00

On April 2, I walked into the Mercury Lounge at 8:00 sharp to have a beer and get ready for night of great music. I am not one to come for the headliner, missing the opening acts. Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel are the reason I don’t. They were a most unexpected surprise for me. The sound that started churning and flowing off the stage left me in a trance-like state, ready for the next song, and the next, and the next. They will not stay an opening act for long, and I feel very privileged to talk to them and let them introduce themselves and their music to you.

OAN: Josh, Sarah. Thank you for taking the time to chat and shed some light on what you do and how you do it. I guess first of all, I wanted to ask you about that show at the Merc. The energy just poured from the stage. How did you feel about playing in that venue and the love from the crowd?

Josh: We have played at Mercury Lounge a couple of times now. It is a fun venue to play at. We had a blast! The audience seemed to enjoy themselves. After each song we played, the crowd response intensified more and more.

OAN: I have to ask about how you two came together. Music class? Bulletin board? Afterhours party?

Sarah: We've been friends for about 12 years. We grew up together in a VERY small town called Greenwich (upstate, new york) We were both raised on small farm houses a few miles from each other. We both moved out of the area for a few years- I went to college to find my "creative niche" and Josh moved to NYC to pursue his goals in being in a band. I came home to discover I was unsatisfied with the direction I was going with my creativity. I decided to study theater and musical theater.... absolutely hated it. Then Josh moved home after his break-up with his previous band...

Josh: ...we sparked-up our friendship again and started hanging out a lot.

Sarah: He let me listen to some of his short beats and ideas that he had been working on. I thought they were super unique and had a lot of potential to become something and I was instantly inspired to work with him.

Josh: We started making music together. I had an idea of what i wanted to do musically for a few years. After accumulating loads of random sketch ideas on 4-track tape, and eventually digital files (thank you mr. computer), Sarah encouraged me to take some of these ideas more seriously. She helped me finish some ideas. Satisfied with the outcome of these songs, we decided to start a band together.

OAN: Your sound is so rich and unique. You two aren’t your average 3-5 piece rock band. It’s part electronica shoegaze throwback, part modern indie rock. You’ve carved out a nice niche for yourself. How did you arrive at this sound?

Josh: We don't favor any particular genre of music over another. We love so many different kinds of music, styles, and textures. I think by combining the elements that we enjoy most of certain genres , we have developed our own sound. It's fun to experiment. But, overall, following our emotions has been key. Too much thinking can ruin the flow from your heart.

Sarah: The path to find this sound was carved out from our influences and visual ideas, I guess. We are inspired by all types of music. - french pop, old soul and doo-wop, classical, jazz, krautrock, hip-hop, indie, electronica - whether it be a simple hand clap pattern from an old Herbie Hancock song or or a gritty analog synth from The Silver Apples, they all have some sort of influence on our music. It has been hard to describe our music to people who haven't heard it. When a stranger asks us what kind of music we make, we refer to it as "STREET BEAT PSYCHE POP"

OAN: Are the songs a total collaborative effort? Do you share in the composition, lyrics and layers like you do on stage? And do you get sick of each other?

Sarah: It is mostly a collaborative project. A lot of our songs were written together in our rehearsal space, some on our own. Josh writes most of the lyrics with a little help from me here and there. As for us getting sick of each other, oddly enough, we manage to get along great. There are a few minor disagreements here and there, but it amazes me how well we work together.

Josh: It depends on the song. Some songs start from a beat that i make that we jam over in our rehearsal space. Some are ideas that were written on guitar or piano by either of us. Sometimes we hum something over and over again until we figure out how to translate it into a song. Not all of the songs are totally collaborative. Of the songs that were created individually, we weed out the ideas that we both agree are good.

OAN: Did you have any formal music training? When did you know that this is what you wanted to do? What drives your passion behind the music?

Sarah: No formal instrument training. I play the piano and am learning to play guitar. I've been singing my entire life. Playing in a band and writing original tunes is something I have always wanted to do. Josh helped inspire me to do so. My passion comes from textures, beauty, and experiences. Creating music motivates me. It is an outlet for my imagination.

Josh: I am self-taught. I grew up in a very musical family. My parents, brother and sister all play instruments. I started playing drums in my late teens and picked up the guitar and piano a bit. My parents bought me a 4-track machine for my 18th birthday, and I became obsessed with making strange textures and writing songs, messing around with loop pedals, drum machines, and whatever instruments i could get my hands on. Music is something that I have to do. It is something that I tend to fixate on at all times. I can't see myself not making music or being creative in some way or another.

OAN: Well, you do it very well. Each song is so unique. The themes are all different. The music is diverse. The pace for each takes puts you in a completely different mind-set from the others. It’s so well thought out. Is this a conscience effort on your part, to make each song an individual journey?

Josh and Sarah: It is not always a conscience effort. Usually what comes out, comes out in our songs. But we try to start off with a fresh canvas for each song. It starts with an idea, then turns into some sort of a theme and works from there. We pull a lot of these ideas from our imaginations, dreams, or past experiences. sometimes we start off by writing a simple melody or beat and visuals come to our heads.. I think the best way to describe this process, is visualizing short stories or films in our minds, and creating the theme of a song around that.

OAN: Springboarding off of that question, how do you arrive at a final result? Because again, the sound is so layered, with so many parts that have to work together. What’s the process you work through to create?

Sarah: From there, they continue to grow and develop their emotion. I like to hear sounds that can grab a hold of your heart in a beautiful way.

OAN: Let’s touch on the lyrics.Many of them are dark, haunting, sad. All of them are moving. Do you write together, drawing on individual experience? Or do you use the outlet to tell a story?

Josh: A lot of our lyrics tend to be on the darker or sad side. I suppose that's what comes out the easiest. But we like to offer a bit of hope within our music. Like a light at the end of the tunnel. Generally speaking, our songs are about life and death, love, meaning, existence, pain and joy, isolation, relationships with friends...

Sarah: ...Some of them are driven from personal experience in one way or another. When the lyrics are written, we grab personal experience for the emotional aspect and grab visuals in our imagination the thematic aspect.

OAN: What gets your blood flowing outside of music? What do you do to have fun and unwind.

Sarah: Hmmm, outside of music. That's a tough question because music is the main reason behind my blood flowing. Comedy would have to be the other reason. Tim and Eric at the moment. They are comedic geniuses. Josh and I spend a lot of time being amused by them in our free time.

OAN: Josh, Sarah. I cannot thank you enough for your time. The EP is fantastic and just from personal experience, your fanbase is growing every day. Don’t forget me when you’re famous. (kidding)

Josh and Sarah: A big big big THANK YOU!!! cheers!

mp3: When I'm Small

Official Site and EP Purchase

An Indie Mix from Josh
mp3: Why - Fatalist Palmistry
mp3: Snowden - Anti-Anti
mp3: Slowdive - Dagger
mp3: Lambchop - The Old Fat Robin
mp3: Morphine - In Spite of Me
mp3: The Pixies - Alec Eiffel
mp3: Deerhunter - Nothing Ever Happened
mp3: Sparklehorse - Eyepennies
mp3: The Walkmen - In the New Year
mp3: Robyn Hitchcock - Television
mp3: My Bloody Valentine - No More Sorry

A Beat Mix from Sarah
mp3: Elzhi - Guessing Game
mp3: Madlib - Take it Back
mp3: Quasimoto - Come On Feet
mp3: Oh No - Oh Zone
mp3: Dosh - Naoise
mp3: J Dilla - Airworks
mp3: Jay-Z - Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)
mp3: Flying Lotus - Massage Situation
mp3: Animal Collective - My Girls
mp3: Black Moth Super Rainbow - Sun Lips
mp3: J Dilla - Time: The Donuts of the Heart

Saturday, Er, Afternoon, 8-Track

2009-04-25T17:09:00.001-04:00

Better late than never, right?
Some personal changes are taking place, and some lingering doubts and questions. Thus, the theme for today, the first hot day in New England.

mp3: Earlimart - Answers & Questions
mp3: Handsome Furs - I'm Confused
mp3: You Can Be A Wesley - Feed the Moon, Starve the Sun
mp3: Hope for Agoldensummer - Old Questions
mp3: Woodpigeon - Oberkampf
mp3: Luna - We're Both Confused
mp3: Mimicking Birds - New Doomsdays
mp3: Dead Leaf Echo - Act of Truth

The Rest - NPR's Song of the Day

2009-04-23T14:16:00.000-04:00

Friend of On Another Note has just earned some props from NPR, who has selected "Walk on Water (Auspicious Beginnings)" as their song of the day. Well-deserved, boys.

Justin Stivers and his Pet Ghost Project

2009-04-19T21:17:00.000-04:00

I'm late. And not happy about it. I've had this day circled on my calendar for a week; a one-on-one with who I consider to be one of the most original composers out there. I actually got off the train and went out to the street to call Justin Stivers at Union Hall to let him know I was late, fully expecting him to reschedule. Lucky for me, he did not.
I set my stuff down, grabbed a beer, and within 10 minutes, the interview turned into a night out just talking to an incredibly humble Mr. Stivers about music, life, and future plans. The way his mind works and how he creates is nothing short of enthralling, and it's easy to see why Pet Ghost Project is being tagged by just about every local press as the band to watch.

From an early age, music is what Justin did. His grandfather was a jazz drummer, and this is how he started his path into creating. A self-taught instrumentalist (aside from a few loathed lessons on bass guitar) Justin grew up in eastern Washington, then spent time in Seattle and Portland crafting his first two albums pushing sonic barriers using everything from the traditional to a recording the chirping of a box of 500 crickets.

His move to New York, coincidentally, was under similar circumstances as my own. Arriving with a single backpack of clothes, he soon connected with Peter Silberman of the Antlers, who he recorded in studio and played with live, as well as The Stoics and Darby Cicci. But he wasn't done with Pet Ghost Project. A rolodex of influences, sounds, ideas, on tape, cd, vinyl and stored inside was ready to come out again. This time in his most recognized collection, "Cheer Up ~ It's Raining."

Justin Stivers is a one-man wrecking crew of sound and composition. Everything you hear from Pet Ghost is him: every sound played, sung, composed and written, then, with the utmost care, pieced together. He creates patterns, moods and waves of emotion through sound. He pushes barriers and knocks down the walls of traditional music. When he composes, he departs, isolates, and let's it all out. On stage, he employs the help of a few friends (Justin Gonzales and Jake More) to churn out a sound more raw, but nonetheless just as powerful, all of them taking turns playing percussion, guitar, bass, keyboards, and still including his trademark effects.

In his upcoming EP (Idiot Brain/Genius Heart, due out May 19), he explores a bit of a darker side. The lyrics flow seamlessly with the sound, filled with ebbs and flows, exploring cobwebbed corners and blinding light with a 5-song assault that feels like 9. It's raw, melodic, relaxed, grinding and reflective. It's the unique sound of Justin Stivers and his Pet Ghost Project.

You can catch Justin and company playing at various venues around New York and the CD release party for Idiot Brain/Genius Heart is May 29 at Fontanas. I'll be there with bells on.

Three Tracks From Justin
Pet Ghost Project - Of God and Science (The Great Satisfactory)
Pet Ghost Project - Age of Automatics (Cheer Up ~ It's Raining)
Pet Ghost Project - The Consequence of Thinking (forthcoming EP, Idiot Brain/Genius Heart)

Influences and Favorites (A Playlist from Justin Stivers)
Pedro the Lion - Rapture
Orchestre Baobab - Sibou Odia
High Places - Head Spins
Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger (Medley)
Orchestre Baobab - Sibou Odia
Tom Waits - Singapore
Art Blakey - Are You Real
Duke Ellington - Night Creatures
Pixies - Bone Machine
Fugazi - Full Disclosure
Youssou N'Dour - Tan Bi
Eureka Farm - Terraforming
Pterodactyl - Esses
Neutral Milk Hotel - Song Against Sex
Battles - Race (Out)
Charles Mingus - Better Git It In Your Soul
Brian Wilson - Wonderful
Animal Collective- Leaf House

Purchase Pet Ghost Project from CDBaby
Official Site
MySpace

French Kicks "Abandon" Video

2009-04-18T21:42:00.000-04:00

A year later, "Abandon," a track that found itself on heavy rotation at the time of its release, has a video. Worth the wait.

French Kicks "Abandon" from THE FEAR on Vimeo.

Your Saturday Morning 8-Track Mix

2009-04-18T00:03:00.000-04:00

Let's call it "desire" and leave it at that.

>Grenouille - City of Sirens
>Papercuts - You Can Have What You Want
>O+S - We Do What We Want To
>The Wheel - My Hanging Surrender
>Asteroid #4 - My Love
>In Tua Nua - All I Wanted
>Swimming In Speakers - In Knowing
>Longwave - Everywhere You Turn

Review: The Veils "Sun Gangs"

2009-04-15T23:24:00.000-04:00

Last week I was tapped to write a review of The Veils new LP, "Sun Gangs." It was a most pleasant surprise. This was my review.

Is the mark of a great album one that moves you from song to song, or one that freezes you in place, making you want for it over and over. This was my first thought as I put on “Sun Gangs,” the new LP from The Veils. This is because the lead track, “Sit Down by the Fire,” completely sucked me into an album that I never expected from Finn Andrews. And I was compelled to replay the song at least three times before forcing myself to move on to the rest of the album. I have always liked The Veils, but from afar. Their music has always seemed somewhat inaccessible to me. That is, until now.

What Finn Andrews has done with “Sun Gangs” is invite you into his life. He shares with you his deepest passions and darkest moments through rich composition of keys, strings and percussion. It will take you on a ride from the forlorn (Scarecrow), to the reflective (The House She Lived In,) to the disruptive (Killed by the Boom.) The album runs the gamut of human emotion in 10 songs. There is no mood you can be in where a song from Sun Gangs will not fit. It will reach into your gut and tinker with your heart and soul and mind. In short, it’s an accomplishment. With “Sun Gangs,” Finn will make you feel, not simply on the surface, but deep within.

So, is the mark of a good album one that carries you for a journey on its back, or freezes you in place. In the case of The Veils “Sun Gangs,” it doesn’t matter. The album accomplishes both. And extraordinarily well.

Begin Again - Sun Gangs
Three Sisters - Sun Gangs
Under the Folding Branches - Nux Vomica
Vicious Traditions - The Runaway Found

Visit friend Music is Art for a smashing interview with Finn
The Veils on MySpace
Purchase "Sun Gangs"

Seeking "Hospice"

2009-04-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

About a month ago, I was tapped to write a review of Peter Silberman's Antler's new album "Hospice." It was one of those times when an alum comes into your life at just the right moment. A month later, the album touches my soul deeper with every listen.

In 2006, Peter Silberman, the soul of the Antlers, moved to Manhattan. And disappeared.

For a year and a half, he stayed in his apartment, shutting himself away from friends, family, and life. Then, in 2007, he re-emerged, 21 years-old, free but broken. He wanted to explain his absence to those who cared about him through song. It would take that would take another year and a half to complete. A year and a half worth the wait.

The intention was an explanation, but ultimately, it transcended into a personal memoir, no less than allowing the listener to peer into the mind of a tortured soul, full of dysfunction and isolation, and a reminder never to lose oneself again. It’s a seamless tale of one man conquering his own demons, then bravely putting them out there for everyone to see. Nothing short of courageous, the lyrics alone will put this album in most listeners top five for the year. Then add the composition; rich, lush, moody, ambient; none of these words fall far short in describing the range this ballet for your ears accomplishes. There isn’t a single word or a single emotion that can describe it. These aren’t pop singles, this is an orchestrated masterpiece to be listened to as a single movement, each song documenting a moment in time, over a period of time.

Peter Silberman does it better than Ian Curtis, better than Will Sheff, better than Pete Townsend. What he has accomplished with ‘Hospice’ is not just music, it’s something that holds the hand of every one of your senses. The reason for the album title is easy to see after one listen. It’s a journey, and a refuge. For those of us you have been down the road he traveled, it will be relative and poignant. For those of you who haven’t, it will be insight. For anyone who appreciates music, it will be an experience.

Antlers - Sylvia (Hospice)
Antlers - Shiva (Hospice)
Antlers - Cold War (Cold War)
Antlers - Uprooted (Uprooted)

Download "Hospice"
Antlers on Myspace

*All music used with permission by Peter Silberman and Antlers.

A Chat with Adam Bentley of The Rest

2009-04-12T17:49:00.000-04:00

OAN: Adam, thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions about the slew of projects you have going on. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and your music over the past weeks and months. I know you’re busy so let’s get to it.

First off, I had a bit of a laugh at your description of the process that went into creating the new work, and I think it deems rehashing your experience creating “Everyone all at Once” if you would be so kind. There’s woods, lakes, food, alcohol, and a lot of noise involved, if I’m not mistaken.

Adam: Sure, I think I can give a good breakdown of each. I’m not much of an outdoorsman I think I should mention that. So, going up to Anna’s cottage was unlike any cottage I’ve really been to. Most people in Canada that have cottages, well, basically just have another home, except this home has some trees, and a boat. Those were the cottages I was accustom to growing up. At Anna’s you are truly surrounded by the outdoors. Trees never stop; your eyes just aren’t powerful enough to see the end. Or I guess if we were taller, like 20 feet in height you might know where the forest ended, but again that would be a strain on your new enlarged eyes. One lake flows into the next, her cottage is very close to a provincial park (Algonquin) and the similar regularity of lakes can be found around her family’s property. Jordan (multi instrumentalist) is a cook in his day-to-day life, so he really treated us to some fine meals. I sometimes felt bad about him cooking when he was suppose to be getting away from that, but I think he found it much more frustrating watching us try to make something edible. Also, his dishes were so good you didn’t want him to take a break. With alcohol we again find ourselves very lucky because Matty (Bass) makes beer for a living. Each trip we were accompanied with a kegs worth of delicious beer, an IPA one time, a smoked stout another, plus a variety of other great delicious brews. Noise obviously followed from the alcohol, so I don’t really need to go into that, but also when we were experimenting with ideas we’d sometimes make music closer to noise than what we’re known for.

On our second trip up three of us had been working on an idea that required some very specific instrumentation, and about a half an hour in a neighbour showed up. Side note: when I say neighbour, I mean someone who lived a couple of miles away. Anyways, this neighbour knew that Anna is quite an accomplished cello player, and was very interested in hearing a song from us. Now we weren’t really prepared to show him anything but the idea we had been working on. What took place must have been of the most confusing circumstances this gentleman had ever seen. We were truly awful, as everyone forgot what they were suppose to play, but we continued to play at a blistering volume until probably 10 minutes went by and we gave up. Now for us this was a worthwhile experiment, but for Tom the Mayor (which we had begun calling him for no reason) this didn’t really jive. His musical experience was playing “big band” music, and since he knew we were a big band I think he had similar expectations. He left quite dumbfounded, but we had a great time.

OAN: Were you prepared for the response you’ve gotten from critics, bloggers and the fans (new and old) about the new album? Most everyone that listened or reviewed already has it as a contender for album of the year.

Adam: It really has been overwhelming. I had hoped that this time around we would be able to connect with more people, and I thought we had made a much stronger record, but at the same time it has been almost universal praise so far, which definitely has taken me aback. What was most striking is that the record didn’t even have a release date yet when most people began to pick up on it, so I think we’re very appreciative of everyone that has given the record a chance, and let it grow with them.

OAN: If you’d like, talk about the people that went along with you on the journey to create “Everyone All At Once."

Adam: Well there are seven members in The Rest, and we’ve all played together in at least one group prior to the formation over six year ago. I think we all learned how to play music with each other, or if not play, I think expand our idea of what a song could be. I couldn’t imagine taking this journey with anyone else, and I do feel quite; umm blessed I guess is the word, as not many bands stay together for six years, and even fewer when you consider that some of us went to elementary school together. I think we also strove to be a great band, a band that had our own voice/sound, and I think for that reason there’s been more failure than success, and that failure can put a great deal of stress on everyone, but somehow we’ve been able to support each other and get to a place that we’re extremely proud of.

OAN: The new album seems like a almost a third iteration of you. There’s a quite a departure, as far as the composition, instrumentation, and lyrics from the debut (Atlantis, Oh Our Saviour) and your other project Allegories (album, “Surreal Auteur”.) Other than your environment, what did you do differently this time?

Adam: "Atlantis, Oh Our Saviour" was a record that came from a band that thought were ready to record a really good record, but soon found out we needed a lot of work. It was however extremely important in our development as a band and I think we ended up with a good record, but more significantly it taught us that we needed to stay hungry and keep growing as musicians. Allegories was originally a way for Jordan and I to explore our experimental side, but as we moved further with the project in started to slide over to more of a pop realm, and in the end it’s somewhere in between. We approach the album as something very self indulgent, but we wanted to make a record that both of us would want to hear. Surreal Auteur is a record I’m extremely proud of, and wished we had more time to give to promote it and play shows, but people still keep finding it, which is quite exciting, because it’s an album that needs to be played over and over again before it true core is revealed. There’s going to be more Allegories this year, with a song released every month starting in July, and I’m really excited to go back to it! Now, I think the biggest difference between Everyone All At Once and the other two records is the importance of song. I think we all realized that we wanted to have very strong foundations before we started to expand on them. I think this opened up melody, and supported more focused ideas that probably weren’t found on previous releases.

OAN: Tell me about your background. Did you have any formal music training? When did you know that this is what you wanted to do? What drives your passion behind the music?

Adam: I do not have any formal musical training, and aside from Anna none of us really do. I think for me it’s been a blessing because I let me ears make decisions for me, and not some ingrained theory. For other people (like Anna) that works great, but at this point it’s been helpful to be self-taught. I’ve wanted to play music ever since I was in grade seven. I, to be honest, had no real interest in music beforehand, I was more enamored with sports, but once the bug hit me I’ve been chasing it for years. I actually have trouble understanding why I have thus passion, not just for playing but listening too. I just need it. I think in most people’s lives they have trouble knowing something for sure. Making a final decision. At least I’m that way. There always seems to be some self-doubt. With music I don’t have any. I know I want to play music. I know I need to listen to music. Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t have self-doubt making music because I most certainly do. I just feel I have to make music.

OAN:Talk about what having your own label means to having the final product, the pros and cons of self-releasing, especially in a time of such change in the industry, and the age of the digital download.

Adam: Auteur Recordings gives us the freedom to find the scenarios that we feel comfortable in. It doesn’t put us in situation that could be harmful to us making music in the future. However, by doing everything ourselves it’s much more time constraining, and you make a great deal of mistakes along the way, since we’re learning as we go. It also doesn’t have the same exposure or financial backing that an established label can give you. I think we looking into partnering up with people to make those flaws less recognizable, and I’m really excited with the situation we’ve made for us, and hopefully we can keep growing! The more we learn the easier it’s becoming to navigate through the collapsing industry’s potholes.

OAN: What, if anything, do you want people to take away from the album? Creating music is such a personal thing, how do you translate it to your audience. Or do you?

Adam:I’m not sure if it’s up to me to decide what people take away from the album. I have my set thoughts on what things mean or why we did something, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the only viewpoint. I hope that people do come away with a reaction, that the music moves them to some opinion. This music is extremely personal, and I hope that it will be given the time to percolate in peoples heads. The album has a bunch of different layers, and like my favourite albums, I hope people find it more interesting as they go along.

OAN: What gets your blood flowing outside of music? What do you do to have fun and unwind. Not that there’s been much of that lately.

Adam: It really hasn’t been much of that lately, music seems to be taking up more time than ever, but one the activities that I’ve been getting into is watching more movies. I recently found the Hamilton Library to have an amazing catalogue of new and old films, and my girlfriend and I have been taking advantage. Also, I have found myself playing sports again. I like it, but I’d much rather tour than play on a team, that’s for sure.

In His Own Words
Notes on three songs from "Everyone All At Once," by Adam:

Blossom Babies Part Two
There’s going to be some talk about this being part two when there’s no part one on the record, but I’m just not fucking around with people, there is a part one and one day hopefully it’ll be on a record. I just ran out of time to finish it for this album.

Sheep In Wolves' Clothing
This was originally intended to be part of Apples & Allergies, but it quickly formed it’s own narrative and structure. I think it’s sometimes looked over because of its brevity, but I’m quite proud of how it turned out.

Phonetically, Phonetically
The first song we started working on for this record around September of 06. It went through a bunch of formations before we settled on this one…two weeks before we went in to record.

Heavy Rotation (A Mix from Adam)

The Walkmen - On the Water
Bon Iver - Blood Bank
James Blackshaw - Running to the Ghost
Jorge Ben - Take it Easy My Brother Charles
Arthur Russell - I Couldn't Say it to Your Face
Harry Nilsson - Me And My Arrow
Animal Collective - My Girls
Hüsker Dü - Something I Learned Today
Chad VanGaalen - Rabid Bits of Time
Bat For Lashes - Daniel
Electroluminescent - Stained Glass Salt Mine
Leonard Cohen - Last Year's Man

Purchase "Everyone All at Once" from Auteur Recordings
The Rest on MySpace
Allegories on MySpace