Several music blogs are reporting that the long awaited Led Zeppelin reunion, is in fact, set to happen, starting in May of 2009.
However, Robert Plant may/may not be a part of it. Rumor has it that the band has been rehearsing with both Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge.
The latest rumor is that, when Plant found out about a possible replacement for him, he just might be jumping onboard, to take back what is so rightfully his.
Rumor has it, that the whole Tyler/Kennedy thing, was a ploy to get Plant to do the tour. Plant was hoping to do another album with Alison Krauss, but who knows.
It's all just rumors and speculation at this point, so who knows what will happen.
If they really need a replacement, why don't they just hop on YouTube, like Foreigner, Journey and Yes did - (I should note, that I was being sarcastic in the previous line). Nothing is more pathetic than a band who has established their place in rock and roll, who searches for a new lead singer on YouTube.
All I can say is, if this tour does happen and Plant isn't there, neither am I.
Now that I think about it:
ROBERT PLANT CAN NEVER BE REPLACED. IF THIS ZEPPELIN TOUR DOES HAPPEN WITHOUT HIM, THERE IS ONLY ONE MAN WHO COULD FILL IN FOR ROBERT PLANT. THAT MAN IS WARREN HAYNES FROM GOV'T MULE AND THE ALLMAN BROTHERS. NOT STEVEN TYLER OR THE FRONTMAN FOR THE CREED SIDEPROJECT, ALTER BRIDGE.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Let the 2009 Bonnaroo Rumors Begin...
Okay...so it's not even November and already, rumors have taken flight, about who may play the mid-June music festival which draws nearly 100,000 people to a small town in Tennessee.
There are plenty of music festivals that take place during the summer concert season, so I'm hoping to make my third trip to the farm next summer.
There's a place on the internet, Inforoo, where the 'Roo addicts flock to, in the offseason (also known as the time of year that Bonnaroo isn't taking place, which would be 361 days out of the year).
The official artist lineup is usually released anywhere from the end of January, all the way up until mid-February, with artist additions usually lasting up until the end of May.
If you remember when I was putting together my coverage/guide for MidPoint, then I'll tell you that I'll most likely be doing a similar thing for Bonnaroo 2009. I'm a member on Inforoo, and for the past several years, I have followed the Bonnaroo rumors/confirmations year round, as information was leaked.
I even had some speculations of my own/a wishlist you could say, and for the past several years, I have guessed a few of the bands that ended up playing the festival. As a music lover who has studied all of the Bonnaroo lineups, it really doesn't seem to hard to guess some of (or the types of bands) that Bonnaroo books.
Anyways...rumors are starting to fly, and it's very possible that we have the first confirmed bands to play. Here's what's going on:
Bands "Apparently" Confirmed:
Red Hot Chili Peppers (oh god no...yuck!)
Spiritualized (yeah!!!)
Strong Rumors:
AC/DC
The Allman Brothers Band - they canceled last year due to Greg Allman's health, and a lot of people are speculating that they will be making up for that gig, in 2009
The Cure
The Dead
Phish
My wishlist/guesses/hopes
(I guarantee you right now, AT LEAST ONE of these bands will be playing Bonnaroo 2009):
Animal Collective
Arcade Fire
Backyard Tire Fire
Band of Horses
Bloc Party
Cafe Tacvba
Coldplay
Conor Oberst
Dave Matthews Band
David Byrne
Does It Offend You, Yeah?
Explosions in the Sky
Fleet Foxes
Ha Ha Tonka
Heartless Bastards
Holy F*ck
Islands
Justice
The Mars Volta
M. Ward
Neil Young
Okkervil River
Old 97's
The Polyphonic Spree
Radiohead
Roger Waters
Saul Williams
The Shins
Spank Rock
There are plenty of music festivals that take place during the summer concert season, so I'm hoping to make my third trip to the farm next summer.
There's a place on the internet, Inforoo, where the 'Roo addicts flock to, in the offseason (also known as the time of year that Bonnaroo isn't taking place, which would be 361 days out of the year).
The official artist lineup is usually released anywhere from the end of January, all the way up until mid-February, with artist additions usually lasting up until the end of May.
If you remember when I was putting together my coverage/guide for MidPoint, then I'll tell you that I'll most likely be doing a similar thing for Bonnaroo 2009. I'm a member on Inforoo, and for the past several years, I have followed the Bonnaroo rumors/confirmations year round, as information was leaked.
I even had some speculations of my own/a wishlist you could say, and for the past several years, I have guessed a few of the bands that ended up playing the festival. As a music lover who has studied all of the Bonnaroo lineups, it really doesn't seem to hard to guess some of (or the types of bands) that Bonnaroo books.
Anyways...rumors are starting to fly, and it's very possible that we have the first confirmed bands to play. Here's what's going on:
Bands "Apparently" Confirmed:
Red Hot Chili Peppers (oh god no...yuck!)
Spiritualized (yeah!!!)
Strong Rumors:
AC/DC
The Allman Brothers Band - they canceled last year due to Greg Allman's health, and a lot of people are speculating that they will be making up for that gig, in 2009
The Cure
The Dead
Phish
My wishlist/guesses/hopes
(I guarantee you right now, AT LEAST ONE of these bands will be playing Bonnaroo 2009):
Animal Collective
Arcade Fire
Backyard Tire Fire
Band of Horses
Bloc Party
Cafe Tacvba
Coldplay
Conor Oberst
Dave Matthews Band
David Byrne
Does It Offend You, Yeah?
Explosions in the Sky
Fleet Foxes
Ha Ha Tonka
Heartless Bastards
Holy F*ck
Islands
Justice
The Mars Volta
M. Ward
Neil Young
Okkervil River
Old 97's
The Polyphonic Spree
Radiohead
Roger Waters
Saul Williams
The Shins
Spank Rock
Next Week of Events
Fri. Oct. 31
1. The Hiders, The Cincinnati Suds, Ugly Stick - Northside Tavern
Sat. Nov. 1
1. 500 Miles to Memphis - Vinyl Release Party for Sunshine In A Shotglass - 20th Century Theatre - 8 pm - Free
2. Frontier Folk Nebraska, The Tillers, Mike Fair and the Adventure Seekers and The Bones Dupree Band - Mad Hatter - 8 pm - Tickets are $5
Tues. Nov. 4
1. Election Day - Use Your Right to Vote
Wed. Nov. 5
1. Amos Lee with Mutlu - Madison Theater - 8 pm - Tickets are $25/27
2. The Tillers - Southgate House (Lounge) - 9 pm - Free
Thu. Nov. 6
1. Gov't Mule with Back Door Slam - Madison Theater 7:30 pm - Tickets are $28/30
Fri. Nov. 7
1. Sam Bush with Tanner Hill - Madison Theater - 8 pm - Tickets are $20/25
2. Johnny Cash Tribute - Southgate House (Ballroom) - 9:30 pm - Tickets are $10 for 21+/$13 for everyone else - performers include The StarDevils, Rumble Club, Kelly Thomas and Ryan Malott of 500 Miles to Memphis
3. One More Girl On A Stage Series - Southgate House (Lounge) - 9 pm - Free - performers include Beth Harris of The Hiders, Sharon Udoh of The Newbees, Wendy Oakley, Whitney B. and Kristen Kreft of The J. Dorsey Blues Band
1. The Hiders, The Cincinnati Suds, Ugly Stick - Northside Tavern
Sat. Nov. 1
1. 500 Miles to Memphis - Vinyl Release Party for Sunshine In A Shotglass - 20th Century Theatre - 8 pm - Free
2. Frontier Folk Nebraska, The Tillers, Mike Fair and the Adventure Seekers and The Bones Dupree Band - Mad Hatter - 8 pm - Tickets are $5
Tues. Nov. 4
1. Election Day - Use Your Right to Vote
Wed. Nov. 5
1. Amos Lee with Mutlu - Madison Theater - 8 pm - Tickets are $25/27
2. The Tillers - Southgate House (Lounge) - 9 pm - Free
Thu. Nov. 6
1. Gov't Mule with Back Door Slam - Madison Theater 7:30 pm - Tickets are $28/30
Fri. Nov. 7
1. Sam Bush with Tanner Hill - Madison Theater - 8 pm - Tickets are $20/25
2. Johnny Cash Tribute - Southgate House (Ballroom) - 9:30 pm - Tickets are $10 for 21+/$13 for everyone else - performers include The StarDevils, Rumble Club, Kelly Thomas and Ryan Malott of 500 Miles to Memphis
3. One More Girl On A Stage Series - Southgate House (Lounge) - 9 pm - Free - performers include Beth Harris of The Hiders, Sharon Udoh of The Newbees, Wendy Oakley, Whitney B. and Kristen Kreft of The J. Dorsey Blues Band
I'm Boycotting Guitar Hero and Rock Band
Why is it that people actually believe they can really play guitar or drums after playing these video games?
I've never played either because I grew out of the video game phase several years ago.
It's nothing like actually playing a real guitar! There are five buttons you hit, which take up an entire fret. Okay, so you can get practice moving your fingers from fret to fret, but what is it that makes these people think they can actually play?
And these buttons you hit, aren't even correct as to where to place your fingers in the actual songs you think you are playing.
The reason I won't play these video games is this: I prefer to play the REAL guitar! I may not be that great, but I don't suck. I'm trying and I'm trying to be more creative by learning an instrument and writing songs.
The creator's of this game are turning a generation into fool's to make them believe they have any speck of talent musically, when in fact, they don't.
So, to all of you who play this game, do yourself a favor: learn to play a REAL instrument.
Think of it like this:
1. Let's say there's a book. Any book you could or would read. Then, they make the movie version of it.
2. Now, take the guitar, or any instrument for that matter. Then, they make a video game to make you think you can play it, when the real truth is, you can't.
Guitar Hero and Rock Band are like the movie version of the book. It's just not the same.
Actually, it's nowhere near the same thing. It's a bit lazy, and it's for slackers.
Please do yourself a favor: learn to play a REAL instrument. Try to become a creative person. Being creative in life will benefit you so much more than sitting on your fat ass, eating chips, smoking pot all day, and playing video games. I know, because I was once there.
I've never played either because I grew out of the video game phase several years ago.
It's nothing like actually playing a real guitar! There are five buttons you hit, which take up an entire fret. Okay, so you can get practice moving your fingers from fret to fret, but what is it that makes these people think they can actually play?
And these buttons you hit, aren't even correct as to where to place your fingers in the actual songs you think you are playing.
The reason I won't play these video games is this: I prefer to play the REAL guitar! I may not be that great, but I don't suck. I'm trying and I'm trying to be more creative by learning an instrument and writing songs.
The creator's of this game are turning a generation into fool's to make them believe they have any speck of talent musically, when in fact, they don't.
So, to all of you who play this game, do yourself a favor: learn to play a REAL instrument.
Think of it like this:
1. Let's say there's a book. Any book you could or would read. Then, they make the movie version of it.
2. Now, take the guitar, or any instrument for that matter. Then, they make a video game to make you think you can play it, when the real truth is, you can't.
Guitar Hero and Rock Band are like the movie version of the book. It's just not the same.
Actually, it's nowhere near the same thing. It's a bit lazy, and it's for slackers.
Please do yourself a favor: learn to play a REAL instrument. Try to become a creative person. Being creative in life will benefit you so much more than sitting on your fat ass, eating chips, smoking pot all day, and playing video games. I know, because I was once there.
A Little Late, But Here Ya Go...
The Seedy Seeds CD Release Party for Count the Days at the Southgate House
(with special guests Lightning Love, Chris Haubner and Cam Cochran (aka Paul Bunyan) of The Sheds and DJ Evan Scott)
The Seedy Seeds picture
The Seedy Seeds video: "Earned Average Dance America"
(with special guests Lightning Love, Chris Haubner and Cam Cochran (aka Paul Bunyan) of The Sheds and DJ Evan Scott)
The Seedy Seeds picture
The Seedy Seeds video: "Earned Average Dance America"
The Sheds: covering Bob Seger's "Mainstreet"
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Album Review
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Cardinology
Tracklist:
1. Born Into A Light
2. Go Easy
3. Fix It
4. Magick
5. Cobwebs
6. Let Us Down Easy
7. Crossed Out Name
8. Natural Ghost
9. Sink Ships
10. Evergreen
11. Like Yesterday
12. Stop
Someone once told me that, as a musician, for every ten songs you write, chances are that only one of those songs will be good. An artist's life involves a constant creation/translation of personal feelings and emotions, and sometimes, an occasional block of creativity.
Years ago, Ryan Adams was known for releasing every line of every song he was writing at the time. In return, he was receiving a lot of flack from music critic's across the country, who were basically saying that you shouldn't release every single thing you write, but rather, an artist should take their time to master one project.
With Cardinology, we see only the second full album from Ryan and company, in the past two years. These past couple years have been clean and sober for Adams, and as far as his music goes, his maturity and growth as a person and songwriter is quite clear, resulting in quite possibly some of his best work yet.
Obviously I don't know Ryan personally, but if I had to say so, I would say that the Ryan Adams of 2008 is a much different Adams, say of the year 2000, when he released his first album, Heartbreaker, after leaving former band, Whiskeytown.
Cardinology is the next phase in his life, a road that may have seem somewhat expected, as the follow up to the very successful Easy Tiger of 2007.
As I previously mentioned, about critic's giving Adams flack, some will tell you that even his worst material is better than a lot of the music that is currently out there.
Cardinology may not be classic, old school Ryan Adams, but what it is, is a defining growth in his songwriting and vocals. 2008 brings a new look into the new life of Ryan Adams. Of course, his songs wouldn't be complete if it wasn't for his stellar backing band, The Cardinals, who perform at their very best on both the album and in concert.
After listening to this album a few times, I quickly caught onto the new songs. On the first few tracks, you'll hear some similar sounding, fairly catchy songs, both in melody and lyrics. His first single, Fix It, is everything you could hope for in a single: there's a nice mix of both flat out rock, but at the same there is enough for this song to make it on pop radio.
While the album may continue on with a similar feeling/vibe, Magick is where the album starts to break away from the three previous tracks. It remains catchy, but at the same time, there is more harder rock in it, with the distorted chords of Ryan's guitar and even a little country sound in the steel lap.
Cobwebs has often been used as the opening song of the current tour, and I couldn't think of a better song to start the show off with. It's a song that is driven by the pounding of the drums, and for nearly the first minute, it's an instrumental jam that just seems to build up into another catchy pop song.
The album starts to take a slightly different turn with Let Us Down Easy. It doesn't really sound like any of the previous tracks, and so far it has the most of their country sounding songs. I even feel that it offers up some of Ryan's best vocals of the entire album.
We then see a return to the overall album vibe with Crossed Out Name, which I think is more catchy musically, rather than lyrically. Natural Ghost goes back to the country feeling that Let Us Down Easy has. Sink Ships continues on with the country feel, but has possibly the strongest bridge out of any of the songs.
Evergreen has probably done the least for me out of all of the songs on the album, but it's still good. It's not as catchy as everything else, but I like the 1970's singer/songwriter feeling it gives me.
You wouldn't think this, but the Grateful Dead have played a big influence in Ryan's life, and Like Yesterday shows that occasionally, Ryan's guitar playing sounds much like Jerry Garcia is up there playing.
A lot of albums today wouldn't be complete without the ballad. A Ryan Adams album wouldn't be complete without a song that sounds very much like Neil Young. The ballad usually falls near or at the very end of an album, and Stop would be the ballad of Cardinology. It appears to be a song not about love between two people like a lot of ballads, but rather, it may be about Ryan's past substance abuses and the realization he has come to end that period of his life.
Tracklist:
1. Born Into A Light
2. Go Easy
3. Fix It
4. Magick
5. Cobwebs
6. Let Us Down Easy
7. Crossed Out Name
8. Natural Ghost
9. Sink Ships
10. Evergreen
11. Like Yesterday
12. Stop
Someone once told me that, as a musician, for every ten songs you write, chances are that only one of those songs will be good. An artist's life involves a constant creation/translation of personal feelings and emotions, and sometimes, an occasional block of creativity.
Years ago, Ryan Adams was known for releasing every line of every song he was writing at the time. In return, he was receiving a lot of flack from music critic's across the country, who were basically saying that you shouldn't release every single thing you write, but rather, an artist should take their time to master one project.
With Cardinology, we see only the second full album from Ryan and company, in the past two years. These past couple years have been clean and sober for Adams, and as far as his music goes, his maturity and growth as a person and songwriter is quite clear, resulting in quite possibly some of his best work yet.
Obviously I don't know Ryan personally, but if I had to say so, I would say that the Ryan Adams of 2008 is a much different Adams, say of the year 2000, when he released his first album, Heartbreaker, after leaving former band, Whiskeytown.
Cardinology is the next phase in his life, a road that may have seem somewhat expected, as the follow up to the very successful Easy Tiger of 2007.
As I previously mentioned, about critic's giving Adams flack, some will tell you that even his worst material is better than a lot of the music that is currently out there.
Cardinology may not be classic, old school Ryan Adams, but what it is, is a defining growth in his songwriting and vocals. 2008 brings a new look into the new life of Ryan Adams. Of course, his songs wouldn't be complete if it wasn't for his stellar backing band, The Cardinals, who perform at their very best on both the album and in concert.
After listening to this album a few times, I quickly caught onto the new songs. On the first few tracks, you'll hear some similar sounding, fairly catchy songs, both in melody and lyrics. His first single, Fix It, is everything you could hope for in a single: there's a nice mix of both flat out rock, but at the same there is enough for this song to make it on pop radio.
While the album may continue on with a similar feeling/vibe, Magick is where the album starts to break away from the three previous tracks. It remains catchy, but at the same time, there is more harder rock in it, with the distorted chords of Ryan's guitar and even a little country sound in the steel lap.Cobwebs has often been used as the opening song of the current tour, and I couldn't think of a better song to start the show off with. It's a song that is driven by the pounding of the drums, and for nearly the first minute, it's an instrumental jam that just seems to build up into another catchy pop song.
The album starts to take a slightly different turn with Let Us Down Easy. It doesn't really sound like any of the previous tracks, and so far it has the most of their country sounding songs. I even feel that it offers up some of Ryan's best vocals of the entire album.
We then see a return to the overall album vibe with Crossed Out Name, which I think is more catchy musically, rather than lyrically. Natural Ghost goes back to the country feeling that Let Us Down Easy has. Sink Ships continues on with the country feel, but has possibly the strongest bridge out of any of the songs.
Evergreen has probably done the least for me out of all of the songs on the album, but it's still good. It's not as catchy as everything else, but I like the 1970's singer/songwriter feeling it gives me.
You wouldn't think this, but the Grateful Dead have played a big influence in Ryan's life, and Like Yesterday shows that occasionally, Ryan's guitar playing sounds much like Jerry Garcia is up there playing.
A lot of albums today wouldn't be complete without the ballad. A Ryan Adams album wouldn't be complete without a song that sounds very much like Neil Young. The ballad usually falls near or at the very end of an album, and Stop would be the ballad of Cardinology. It appears to be a song not about love between two people like a lot of ballads, but rather, it may be about Ryan's past substance abuses and the realization he has come to end that period of his life.
Southgate House Tonight
Doors at 7 pm - Show at 8
Tickets are $15 at the door
Canadian singer/songwriter, Serena Ryder, is opening for acoustic/rock band, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
Tickets are $15 at the door
Canadian singer/songwriter, Serena Ryder, is opening for acoustic/rock band, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
Monday, October 27, 2008
Joseph Arthur/Jennifer O' Connor - Molly Malone's - Last Night
Although I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life, it wasn't until last night that I made my first trip to Molly Malone's (formerly Jack Quinn's).
I've been to Irish pubs before, so I knew what to expect, as far as drinks go.
What I wasn't sure about, was how this "rather-small" venue would host a "not-so-small" concert like Joseph Arthur. Another "not-so-small" name, Justin Townes Earle, played here a little while back.
Needless to say, this place is one of my new favorites to catch a show in town (sorry, but you'll never beat out the Southgate House).
Molly Malone's third floor (where the shows are) reminded me of a much nicer and bigger York St. Cafe.
I'm not a huge fan of Joseph Arthur, I don't know all of his material by heart, but I love music and respect what he does, musically and artistically (at one time I was an artist myself, but I've been in a little bit of a creative block for some time).
It was the song, In the Sun, which made me an Arthur fan. I think I either heard it first on the tv show, Scrubs, or it may have been on NPR's World Cafe. So I wasn't really sure what his setlist would consist of (Arthur is also a writing machine much like Ryan Adams, releasing nearly every single thing he writes, which can be good in a way).
I was really intrigued by the opener, Jennifer O' Connor. She's perfect for fans of Over the Rhine and Kim Taylor, her angelic voice sounding as if she could be Kim's long lost sister.
I've been to Irish pubs before, so I knew what to expect, as far as drinks go.
What I wasn't sure about, was how this "rather-small" venue would host a "not-so-small" concert like Joseph Arthur. Another "not-so-small" name, Justin Townes Earle, played here a little while back.
Needless to say, this place is one of my new favorites to catch a show in town (sorry, but you'll never beat out the Southgate House).
Molly Malone's third floor (where the shows are) reminded me of a much nicer and bigger York St. Cafe.
I'm not a huge fan of Joseph Arthur, I don't know all of his material by heart, but I love music and respect what he does, musically and artistically (at one time I was an artist myself, but I've been in a little bit of a creative block for some time).
It was the song, In the Sun, which made me an Arthur fan. I think I either heard it first on the tv show, Scrubs, or it may have been on NPR's World Cafe. So I wasn't really sure what his setlist would consist of (Arthur is also a writing machine much like Ryan Adams, releasing nearly every single thing he writes, which can be good in a way).
I was really intrigued by the opener, Jennifer O' Connor. She's perfect for fans of Over the Rhine and Kim Taylor, her angelic voice sounding as if she could be Kim's long lost sister.
CD Releases for October 28
Ten Albums Worth Checking Out:
1. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Cardinology - when I saw Ryan Adams at the Taft Theatre earlier this month, it seemed mostly like a "greatest hits" show, with a few new songs from the new album. I didn't discover Adams for myself, until just a couple years ago, but it didn't take long before I had his entire released collection. Some of those albums quickly grew on me, while others took a little more time. Easy Tiger was definitely what first made me a fan, but Demolition is probably my favorite album. The man writes a lot of tunes, some people saying that you shouldn't release every single thing you write. But the fact is, Ryan Adams "not best" material is still 100 times better than a lot of the crap out there today.
2. Jesse Malin, On Your Sleeve
3. Langhorne Slim, When the Sun's Gone Down
4. Hunter S. Thompson, The Gonzo Tapes: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
5. Rodrigo y Gabriela, Live in Japan (CD/DVD) - I saw these two on the first night of Bonnaroo 2007, and they were clearly one of the crowds favorites of that night, my personal favorite from that night (because I missed The National on the same night). Amazing what they can do, and how loud they can do it, with just two acoustic guitars. They're from Mexico but based out of Ireland, and although their influences include a lot of metal music, they play instrumental music on acoustic guitars, often beating on the wood of the guitar to create some bass, almost like having a drummer. You should get this DVD if you don't have the chance to see them live, but if you do get the chance to see them, you must go!
6. Deerhunter, Microcastle
7. The Cure, 4:13 Dream
8. Bloc Party, Intimacy
9. Kaiser Chiefs, Off With Their Heads
10. Susan Tedeschi, Back to the River
1. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Cardinology - when I saw Ryan Adams at the Taft Theatre earlier this month, it seemed mostly like a "greatest hits" show, with a few new songs from the new album. I didn't discover Adams for myself, until just a couple years ago, but it didn't take long before I had his entire released collection. Some of those albums quickly grew on me, while others took a little more time. Easy Tiger was definitely what first made me a fan, but Demolition is probably my favorite album. The man writes a lot of tunes, some people saying that you shouldn't release every single thing you write. But the fact is, Ryan Adams "not best" material is still 100 times better than a lot of the crap out there today.
2. Jesse Malin, On Your Sleeve
3. Langhorne Slim, When the Sun's Gone Down
4. Hunter S. Thompson, The Gonzo Tapes: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
5. Rodrigo y Gabriela, Live in Japan (CD/DVD) - I saw these two on the first night of Bonnaroo 2007, and they were clearly one of the crowds favorites of that night, my personal favorite from that night (because I missed The National on the same night). Amazing what they can do, and how loud they can do it, with just two acoustic guitars. They're from Mexico but based out of Ireland, and although their influences include a lot of metal music, they play instrumental music on acoustic guitars, often beating on the wood of the guitar to create some bass, almost like having a drummer. You should get this DVD if you don't have the chance to see them live, but if you do get the chance to see them, you must go!
6. Deerhunter, Microcastle
7. The Cure, 4:13 Dream
8. Bloc Party, Intimacy
9. Kaiser Chiefs, Off With Their Heads
10. Susan Tedeschi, Back to the River
Friday, October 24, 2008
Old Crow Medicine Show Tonight - Joseph Arthur on Sunday
Well, I was hoping that I'd be going to see Old Crow Medicine Show tonight at the Madison, but once again, my place of work failed to give me the night off, so I'm pretty upset that I won't be there because, well, they're awesome. It's okay though, I'll make it through.
I will be catching Joseph Arthur for the first time, at Molly Malone's on Sunday night. Okay, so maybe I became a fan when I first heard his pop hit "In the Sun" on the tv show, Scrubs, but that's a damn good song, and even Michael Stipe of REM and Chris Martin of Coldplay couldn't recreate the song to be as good as the original. Totally psyched about this intimate, stripped down show that Arthur will be playing, probably a solo acoustic show or something. I don't think his band, the Lonely Astronauts, will be with him. Should be amazing.
I will be catching Joseph Arthur for the first time, at Molly Malone's on Sunday night. Okay, so maybe I became a fan when I first heard his pop hit "In the Sun" on the tv show, Scrubs, but that's a damn good song, and even Michael Stipe of REM and Chris Martin of Coldplay couldn't recreate the song to be as good as the original. Totally psyched about this intimate, stripped down show that Arthur will be playing, probably a solo acoustic show or something. I don't think his band, the Lonely Astronauts, will be with him. Should be amazing.
Back to Back Nights at the Southgate House
On Wednesday night there were quite a few bands playing at the Southgate House. One of those shows, was a solo guitar show, from one of the members of The Sundresses (sorry, I don't know your name - it's either Brad or Remy).
The first song he played was Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and because of my more recent discovery of this song (didn't hear it until a couple years ago), I was beyond happy, and waiting to see what else he had in store. Amazing set man!
Downstairs in the ballroom, I caught one of Cincinnati's finest americana/bluegrass bands in Mark Utley and Magnolia Mountain. Later on, Railroad Earth would completely blow me away.
I saw a bit of Railroad Earth at Bonnaroo 2007, but for some reason I just wasn't feeling their set that day. I wasn't as into these types of music as I am today, so that may have played a factor.
What my second RRE show brought, was very unexpected, but I was quickly sold on what they were bringing this night.
During a number of times throughout the show, I told myself that this was one of the best live band's I've ever seen. I'm not sure what it is about bluegrass music, but it seems like the band's who put on the best live shows, are usually bluegrass/americana style.
Listening to Railroad Earth, I could hear bits of the Grateful Dead, Jethro Tull, String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon.
They've been quite a hit on the festival market the past few year's, and it won't be long until they're a staple act in that scene.
Another Show
Earlier tonight, I caught Mike Fair and the Adventure Seekers killer (and free) set in a nearly empty lounge. At one point in the show, Jeff and Misty Perholtz, from The Newbees, came up on stage, replacing Mike Fair. Jeff was playing electric guitar, and his solo's seemed to me, that they fell somewhere in between Trey Anastasio and Tim Reynolds, if you can imagine either of those two playing classic rock songs.
Although The Newbees aren't a bluesy band, this husband and wife team possesses the musical skills to be whatever they want. The first song they played was "Me and Bobby McGee", and Misty showed the few of us there, that she has the vocal talent and range similar to Janis Joplin.
The first song he played was Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and because of my more recent discovery of this song (didn't hear it until a couple years ago), I was beyond happy, and waiting to see what else he had in store. Amazing set man!
Downstairs in the ballroom, I caught one of Cincinnati's finest americana/bluegrass bands in Mark Utley and Magnolia Mountain. Later on, Railroad Earth would completely blow me away.
I saw a bit of Railroad Earth at Bonnaroo 2007, but for some reason I just wasn't feeling their set that day. I wasn't as into these types of music as I am today, so that may have played a factor.
What my second RRE show brought, was very unexpected, but I was quickly sold on what they were bringing this night.
During a number of times throughout the show, I told myself that this was one of the best live band's I've ever seen. I'm not sure what it is about bluegrass music, but it seems like the band's who put on the best live shows, are usually bluegrass/americana style.
Listening to Railroad Earth, I could hear bits of the Grateful Dead, Jethro Tull, String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon.
They've been quite a hit on the festival market the past few year's, and it won't be long until they're a staple act in that scene.
Another Show
Earlier tonight, I caught Mike Fair and the Adventure Seekers killer (and free) set in a nearly empty lounge. At one point in the show, Jeff and Misty Perholtz, from The Newbees, came up on stage, replacing Mike Fair. Jeff was playing electric guitar, and his solo's seemed to me, that they fell somewhere in between Trey Anastasio and Tim Reynolds, if you can imagine either of those two playing classic rock songs.
Although The Newbees aren't a bluesy band, this husband and wife team possesses the musical skills to be whatever they want. The first song they played was "Me and Bobby McGee", and Misty showed the few of us there, that she has the vocal talent and range similar to Janis Joplin.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Playing on my iPod
Band of Horses
Dave Matthews Band
Explosions in the Sky
The Hold Steady
The National
Old Crow Medicine Show
Ray LaMontagne
Ryan Adams
Wilco
Dave Matthews Band
Explosions in the Sky
The Hold Steady
The National
Old Crow Medicine Show
Ray LaMontagne
Ryan Adams
Wilco
Friday, October 17, 2008
Music, Politics and A Movie Star Sighting
Thousands of people showed up on Fountain Square last night for "Vote Early, Rock Late", a rally supporting our probable next President, Barack Obama.
Many sported Obama gear, which included shirts, hats, buttons and stickers. The event also featured speeches from several local politicians and activists, and even the beautiful actress, Natalie Portman, made an appearance, giving about a five minute speech.
But the highlight for many seemed to be the music of The Breeders and The National. People packed the area near the stage for hours, despite the chilly winds that blew water from the fountain.
When I arrived, The Breeders were just finishing up their set, and I was impressed with the turnout.
But it wasn't all about music. In between bands, and aside from the guest speakers, there was a video collection of what seemed to be a never-ending list of celebrities, with their reasons for voting.
I've never been much into politics, but Obama secured my vote when he got the nomination. I'm not voting for him because many of my favorite bands are endorsing him, which some may think is why I'm choosing him. And I'm not choosing him because I'm a young man, and it would seem like the likely thing for someone my age to do.
I've only voted once in my life, the last election, and I went with the Kerry/Edwards campaign. We all know how that turned out or didn't turn out for that matter.
I haven't been watching any of the political coverage or debates, so I guess I'm not as up-to-date as I should or could be on the whole thing.
Basically Obama is getting my vote because of change. While some have said that he is still kind of too young or inexperienced to run our country, I say take a look at his track record, and you will see that this man is the best candidate we have had since Bill Clinton. And don't tell me that Clinton wasn't a good President because of the whole Monica Lewinsky thing. The fact is, that Clinton did wonderful things for the economy, unlike G.W., a former cocaine user.
Like a lot of Americans, I am fed up with the crap that we have seen over the past eight years, with Bush and his gang of heathens.
I have had friends who have fought in the unjust Iraq/Oil war, and luckily they have made it home safely. I grew up across the street from someone who was killed in the 9/11 attacks. These two things are the biggest reasons why G.W. angers me.
I could keep going on and on about my hatred towards Bush and how it seems as if he's trying to flush our country down the drain, but I won't.
What I will say is this: in a few weeks when Obama will more than likely be chosen as our next President, I really believe that he will be a man of his word. He appears to be trustworthy, and I feel that he is a man who truly cares for Joe Everyman, you and me, unlike Bush who seems to only care about himself. At the same time, Obama is still a politician, and for some reason, politicians seem to be a little different than you and I.
Anywho, enjoy some pics and footage below of last night's "Vote Early, Rock Late"
Natalie Portman
The National: "Squalor Victoria"
Many sported Obama gear, which included shirts, hats, buttons and stickers. The event also featured speeches from several local politicians and activists, and even the beautiful actress, Natalie Portman, made an appearance, giving about a five minute speech.
But the highlight for many seemed to be the music of The Breeders and The National. People packed the area near the stage for hours, despite the chilly winds that blew water from the fountain.
When I arrived, The Breeders were just finishing up their set, and I was impressed with the turnout.
But it wasn't all about music. In between bands, and aside from the guest speakers, there was a video collection of what seemed to be a never-ending list of celebrities, with their reasons for voting.
I've never been much into politics, but Obama secured my vote when he got the nomination. I'm not voting for him because many of my favorite bands are endorsing him, which some may think is why I'm choosing him. And I'm not choosing him because I'm a young man, and it would seem like the likely thing for someone my age to do.
I've only voted once in my life, the last election, and I went with the Kerry/Edwards campaign. We all know how that turned out or didn't turn out for that matter.
I haven't been watching any of the political coverage or debates, so I guess I'm not as up-to-date as I should or could be on the whole thing.
Basically Obama is getting my vote because of change. While some have said that he is still kind of too young or inexperienced to run our country, I say take a look at his track record, and you will see that this man is the best candidate we have had since Bill Clinton. And don't tell me that Clinton wasn't a good President because of the whole Monica Lewinsky thing. The fact is, that Clinton did wonderful things for the economy, unlike G.W., a former cocaine user.
Like a lot of Americans, I am fed up with the crap that we have seen over the past eight years, with Bush and his gang of heathens.
I have had friends who have fought in the unjust Iraq/Oil war, and luckily they have made it home safely. I grew up across the street from someone who was killed in the 9/11 attacks. These two things are the biggest reasons why G.W. angers me.
I could keep going on and on about my hatred towards Bush and how it seems as if he's trying to flush our country down the drain, but I won't.
What I will say is this: in a few weeks when Obama will more than likely be chosen as our next President, I really believe that he will be a man of his word. He appears to be trustworthy, and I feel that he is a man who truly cares for Joe Everyman, you and me, unlike Bush who seems to only care about himself. At the same time, Obama is still a politician, and for some reason, politicians seem to be a little different than you and I.
Anywho, enjoy some pics and footage below of last night's "Vote Early, Rock Late"
Natalie Portman
The National: "Squalor Victoria"
The National: "Daughters of the Soho Riots"
The National: "Fake Empire"
The National: "Mr. November" - song used in Obama Campaign, thus becoming his nickname - this is when vocalist Matt Berninger left the stage to get close to the crowd, having a couple members sing along
Thursday, October 16, 2008
2008 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards
November 23 will be a special night for Cincinnati music. The annual Cincinnati Entertainment Awards (CEA) will not only be honoring the best in music this year, but will also be paying tribute, with the 65th anniversary of King Records, with a special performance by the legendary bluegrass musician, Ralph Stanley. They're also saying that another special performance is in the works. The event will taking place at The Emery Theatre in Over-the-Rhine.
For more details on this event, you can visit here, here or you can even cast your vote right here. You can also keep reading, to see my perspective on the whole thing.
Our music scene here in Cincinnati, grows stronger every year, with more talented bands popping out of the wood work. More and more bands from the tri-state are starting to make names for themselves, and are beginning to build fanbases across the country. The CEA's honor the best in every type of music genre you can think of, but even though there is only one winner, these categories are loaded with a great array of talent.
Here's what you, the public, gets to vote on:
And the nominees are...
Bluegrass
Comet Bluegrass Allstars
Katie Laur
Moonshine Drive
Mt. Pleasant String Band
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Tanner Hill
Blues
J. Dorsey Blues Band
Dallas Moore Band
Kinsey Rose
Straw Boss
The Turkeys
Dan Varner Band
Country
The Bad Words
Dallas Moore Band
Kinsey Rose
Straw Boss
The Turkeys
Dan Varner Band
Experimental/Electronic
Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar
Eagle to Squirrel
Pete Fosco
IOVAE
Johnnytwentythree
C. Spencer Yeh
Folk/Americana
Greg Mahan
Daniel Martin Moore
Jeff Scott Roberson
Jake Speed & the Freddies
The Tillers
Mark Utley & Magnolia Mountain
Hard Rock/Metal
Angels of Meth
Banderas
Chakras
Foxy Shazam
The Host
noctaluca
Hip-Hop
Billfold Entertainment
Eclipse
Ill Poetic
IsWhat?!
Khadijah
da muttss
Indie/Alternative
Bad Veins
The Chocolate Horse
Pomegranates
The Seedy Seeds
The Sundresses
Wussy
Jazz
Rusty Burge
Phil DeGreg/Brasilia
Dan Faehnle
The Faux Frenchmen
Gordy Horn
Dan Karlsberg
Punk/Post Punk/Hardcore
A Decade to Die For
The Dopamines
The Frankl Project
Knife the Symphony
The Read
John Walsh
R&B/Funk
II Juicy
Daughters & Sons
Iolite
Los Honchos
Shades of J
SOUSE
Rock
Alone at 3AM
Buffalo Killers
The Cincinnati Suds
Pete Dressman & the Soul Unified Nation
500 Miles to Memphis
The Lions Rampant
Singer/Songwriter
Chris Arduser
Dusty Bryant
Wake the Bear (aka Scott Cunningham)
Nathan Holscher
Daniel Martin Moore
Kim Taylor
World Music/Reggae
Baoku & the Image Afro-Beat Band
Dark Moll
duppy a jamba
Lagniappe
Poco Loco
Super-Massive
Best Musical Ambassador for the City
Bad Veins
Bootsy Collins
Buffalo Killers
Foxy Shazam
Josh Hisle/Lost in Holland
Daniel Martin Moore
Seabird
C. Spencer Yeh
Best Live Act
The Chocolate Horse
Foxy Shazam
The Host
The Lions Rampant
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Straw Boss
The Sundresses
Wussy
The Critical Achievement Awards (unfortunately, we cannot vote for these categories. The votes specifically come from a committee)
New Artist of the Year
Bosco Rossi
Cash Flagg
The Chauncers
Cut in the Hill Gang
The Emeralds
The Flux Capacitors
The Harlequins
The Koala Fires
Daniel Martin Moore
Wonky Tonk
Album of the Year
Peter Adams: I Woke With Planets in My Face
Banderas: Beast Sounds and Parlour Tricks
Buffalo Killers: Let It Ride
The Faux Frenchmen: Oblivion
The Hiders: Penny Harvest Field
Pomegranates: Everything is Alive
Jeff Scott Roberson: Summer's Here
Seabird: 'Til We See the Shore
The Sundresses: Barkinghaus
Super-Massive: Super-Massive
Artist of the Year
Bad Veins
Buffalo Killers
Eat Sugar
Daniel Martin Moore
Pomegranates
Kelly Richey
Seabird
The Sundresses
Wussy
C. Spencer Yeh
For more details on this event, you can visit here, here or you can even cast your vote right here. You can also keep reading, to see my perspective on the whole thing.
Our music scene here in Cincinnati, grows stronger every year, with more talented bands popping out of the wood work. More and more bands from the tri-state are starting to make names for themselves, and are beginning to build fanbases across the country. The CEA's honor the best in every type of music genre you can think of, but even though there is only one winner, these categories are loaded with a great array of talent.
Here's what you, the public, gets to vote on:
And the nominees are...
Bluegrass
Comet Bluegrass Allstars
Katie Laur
Moonshine Drive
Mt. Pleasant String Band
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Tanner Hill
Blues
J. Dorsey Blues Band
Dallas Moore Band
Kinsey Rose
Straw Boss
The Turkeys
Dan Varner Band
Country
The Bad Words
Dallas Moore Band
Kinsey Rose
Straw Boss
The Turkeys
Dan Varner Band
Experimental/Electronic
Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar
Eagle to Squirrel
Pete Fosco
IOVAE
Johnnytwentythree
C. Spencer Yeh
Folk/Americana
Greg Mahan
Daniel Martin Moore
Jeff Scott Roberson
Jake Speed & the Freddies
The Tillers
Mark Utley & Magnolia Mountain
Hard Rock/Metal
Angels of Meth
Banderas
Chakras
Foxy Shazam
The Host
noctaluca
Hip-Hop
Billfold Entertainment
Eclipse
Ill Poetic
IsWhat?!
Khadijah
da muttss
Indie/Alternative
Bad Veins
The Chocolate Horse
Pomegranates
The Seedy Seeds
The Sundresses
Wussy
Jazz
Rusty Burge
Phil DeGreg/Brasilia
Dan Faehnle
The Faux Frenchmen
Gordy Horn
Dan Karlsberg
Punk/Post Punk/Hardcore
A Decade to Die For
The Dopamines
The Frankl Project
Knife the Symphony
The Read
John Walsh
R&B/Funk
II Juicy
Daughters & Sons
Iolite
Los Honchos
Shades of J
SOUSE
Rock
Alone at 3AM
Buffalo Killers
The Cincinnati Suds
Pete Dressman & the Soul Unified Nation
500 Miles to Memphis
The Lions Rampant
Singer/Songwriter
Chris Arduser
Dusty Bryant
Wake the Bear (aka Scott Cunningham)
Nathan Holscher
Daniel Martin Moore
Kim Taylor
World Music/Reggae
Baoku & the Image Afro-Beat Band
Dark Moll
duppy a jamba
Lagniappe
Poco Loco
Super-Massive
Best Musical Ambassador for the City
Bad Veins
Bootsy Collins
Buffalo Killers
Foxy Shazam
Josh Hisle/Lost in Holland
Daniel Martin Moore
Seabird
C. Spencer Yeh
Best Live Act
The Chocolate Horse
Foxy Shazam
The Host
The Lions Rampant
Rumpke Mountain Boys
Straw Boss
The Sundresses
Wussy
The Critical Achievement Awards (unfortunately, we cannot vote for these categories. The votes specifically come from a committee)
New Artist of the Year
Bosco Rossi
Cash Flagg
The Chauncers
Cut in the Hill Gang
The Emeralds
The Flux Capacitors
The Harlequins
The Koala Fires
Daniel Martin Moore
Wonky Tonk
Album of the Year
Peter Adams: I Woke With Planets in My Face
Banderas: Beast Sounds and Parlour Tricks
Buffalo Killers: Let It Ride
The Faux Frenchmen: Oblivion
The Hiders: Penny Harvest Field
Pomegranates: Everything is Alive
Jeff Scott Roberson: Summer's Here
Seabird: 'Til We See the Shore
The Sundresses: Barkinghaus
Super-Massive: Super-Massive
Artist of the Year
Bad Veins
Buffalo Killers
Eat Sugar
Daniel Martin Moore
Pomegranates
Kelly Richey
Seabird
The Sundresses
Wussy
C. Spencer Yeh
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Ryan Adcock's 10th Anniversary
This month, my favorite local singer-songwriter is celebrating his ten-year anniversary as an artist and performer.
Ryan Adcock, an acoustic-folky, pop artist that fans of Dave Matthews, John Mayer and Rob Thomas would enjoy, will be playing a free show on Saturday, October 18 at the College Hill Coffee Company, located on Hamilton Avenue.
Over the years, Ryan has played over 600 shows, released five albums (with a sixth on the way), and won a number of awards (including CEA's, the Cammy's and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest). His music has also been featured in tv shows, movies, and he even played to 2.5 million listeners on Mitch Albom's Radio Show.
He has made quite a name for himself all over the midwest, and along the way, has made many friends in the local music community. Many of Cincinnati's best artist's and producer's have joined him in the creation and production of some of his album's, which only brings out the very best in what he is capable of.
Before the 2008 MidPoint Festival, I contacted Ryan about doing an interview, to let my reader's get to know who Ryan is as a person. You can read that interview by clicking here.
For nearly the first half of his career, Ryan played with an exceptional backing band, which included none other than the beautiful Kim Taylor on background vocals. The second half of his career, Ryan has been going at it alone, giving his live show a more intimate feeling, when you see one barefoot man alone onstage with his guitar.
Ryan has some special things planned for this anniversary show, so why would you want to miss one of Cincinnati's premiere storytelling songwriter's? Did I mention that this show is free?
Ryan Adcock, an acoustic-folky, pop artist that fans of Dave Matthews, John Mayer and Rob Thomas would enjoy, will be playing a free show on Saturday, October 18 at the College Hill Coffee Company, located on Hamilton Avenue.
Over the years, Ryan has played over 600 shows, released five albums (with a sixth on the way), and won a number of awards (including CEA's, the Cammy's and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest). His music has also been featured in tv shows, movies, and he even played to 2.5 million listeners on Mitch Albom's Radio Show.
He has made quite a name for himself all over the midwest, and along the way, has made many friends in the local music community. Many of Cincinnati's best artist's and producer's have joined him in the creation and production of some of his album's, which only brings out the very best in what he is capable of.
Before the 2008 MidPoint Festival, I contacted Ryan about doing an interview, to let my reader's get to know who Ryan is as a person. You can read that interview by clicking here.
For nearly the first half of his career, Ryan played with an exceptional backing band, which included none other than the beautiful Kim Taylor on background vocals. The second half of his career, Ryan has been going at it alone, giving his live show a more intimate feeling, when you see one barefoot man alone onstage with his guitar.
Ryan has some special things planned for this anniversary show, so why would you want to miss one of Cincinnati's premiere storytelling songwriter's? Did I mention that this show is free?
2008 CEA Nominees Coming Tomorrow
CityBeat music writer, Mike Breen, is reporting that the full list of nominees for this year's CEA (Cincinnati Entertainment Awards) will be announced tomorrow (October 15).
All the voting will be done online this year, so make sure to stop by http://www.citybeat.com/ tomorrow, to cast your vote for the best of the best in local music.
Breen mentioned some of the artist's up for awards this year, and it reminded me of how strong the local music scene is, and that it just keeps getting better every year.
Up for New Artist of the Year we have Cash Flagg, The Chauncers, Cut in the Hill Gang, The Emeralds, The Flux Capacitors, The Harlequins, The Koala Fires, Daniel Martin Moore, Bosco Rossi or Wonky Tonk.
Album of the Year will go to one of the following: Peter Adams, Banderas, Buffalo Killers, The Faux Frenchmen, The Hiders, Pomegranates, Jeff Scott Roberson, Seabird, The Sundresses or Super-Massive.
Bringing home Artist of the Year will be either Bad Veins, Buffalo Killers, Eat Sugar, Daniel Martin Moore, Pomegranates, Kelly Richey, Seabird, The Sundresses, Wussy or C. Spencer Yeh.
All the voting will be done online this year, so make sure to stop by http://www.citybeat.com/ tomorrow, to cast your vote for the best of the best in local music.
Breen mentioned some of the artist's up for awards this year, and it reminded me of how strong the local music scene is, and that it just keeps getting better every year.
Up for New Artist of the Year we have Cash Flagg, The Chauncers, Cut in the Hill Gang, The Emeralds, The Flux Capacitors, The Harlequins, The Koala Fires, Daniel Martin Moore, Bosco Rossi or Wonky Tonk.
Album of the Year will go to one of the following: Peter Adams, Banderas, Buffalo Killers, The Faux Frenchmen, The Hiders, Pomegranates, Jeff Scott Roberson, Seabird, The Sundresses or Super-Massive.
Bringing home Artist of the Year will be either Bad Veins, Buffalo Killers, Eat Sugar, Daniel Martin Moore, Pomegranates, Kelly Richey, Seabird, The Sundresses, Wussy or C. Spencer Yeh.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Local Band of the Day
Jake Speed & the Freddies
(Acoustic/Americana/Bluegrass/Country/Folk/Humor/Roots)
They're having a CD release party tonight at Northside Tavern for their new album, "World Come Clean"
Read Mike Breen's review of the album here.
Other Upcoming Shows:
Sun, Oct 12 - Black Walnut Festival at the Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve - Noon to 4 pm
Fri, Oct 17 - Jasper's - 8 pm
Sat, Oct 18 - McGlasson Farm - 1 to 4 pm - "Northern Kentucky's home for fresh fruits & vegetables" - Check out their Harvest Calender right here.
Sat, Oct 18 - Arnold's - 9 to 12 am
(Acoustic/Americana/Bluegrass/Country/Folk/Humor/Roots)
They're having a CD release party tonight at Northside Tavern for their new album, "World Come Clean"
Read Mike Breen's review of the album here.
Other Upcoming Shows:
Sun, Oct 12 - Black Walnut Festival at the Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve - Noon to 4 pm
Fri, Oct 17 - Jasper's - 8 pm
Sat, Oct 18 - McGlasson Farm - 1 to 4 pm - "Northern Kentucky's home for fresh fruits & vegetables" - Check out their Harvest Calender right here.
Sat, Oct 18 - Arnold's - 9 to 12 am
Friday, October 10, 2008
Band of the Day
The Swell Season
(Acoustic/Folk)
Who are they?
Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Czech singer and pianist, Marketa Irglova. The name "The Swell Season" comes from Hansard's favorite novel by Josef Skvorecky, bearing the same name.
The Swell Season's rise to fame came about because of the 2007 film, "Once."
They won an Academy Award in 2008, for Best Original Song, with "Falling Slowly."
You may like them if...
you like The Frames, Damien Rice or bands with "a penchant for vocal harmonies and acoustic-based songcraft."
(Acoustic/Folk)
Who are they?
Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Czech singer and pianist, Marketa Irglova. The name "The Swell Season" comes from Hansard's favorite novel by Josef Skvorecky, bearing the same name.
The Swell Season's rise to fame came about because of the 2007 film, "Once."
They won an Academy Award in 2008, for Best Original Song, with "Falling Slowly."
You may like them if...
you like The Frames, Damien Rice or bands with "a penchant for vocal harmonies and acoustic-based songcraft."
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Band of the Day
The Black Keys
(Akron, OH)
Rock/Blues/Alt
Brief Description:
Duo of Dan Auerbach (guitars, vox) and Patrick Carney (drums), often compared to The White Stripes.
Other Links:
MySpace
Fan Site
Rolling Stone Magazine
Pitchfork Review of their latest album, Attack & Release
They are playing a sold-out show at the Madison Theater in Covington, on Friday, October 10. I was planning on going, but I didn't think it would sell out, so I'm out of luck.
(Akron, OH)
Rock/Blues/Alt
Brief Description:
Duo of Dan Auerbach (guitars, vox) and Patrick Carney (drums), often compared to The White Stripes.
Other Links:
MySpace
Fan Site
Rolling Stone Magazine
Pitchfork Review of their latest album, Attack & Release
They are playing a sold-out show at the Madison Theater in Covington, on Friday, October 10. I was planning on going, but I didn't think it would sell out, so I'm out of luck.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Band of the Day
The Old 97's
(Dallas, TX)
Alt. Country/Roots Rock
Where the Name Comes From:
Johnny Cash song called "Wreck of the Old 97"
Other Websites:
MySpace
Rhett Miller
Similar Artists/For Fans Of:
The Pixies, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown, Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo, Drive-By Truckers, 500 Miles to Memphis
Discography:
11 albums over a 14-year career
Why to Go See 'Em Live:
Plain and simple - they rock. They combine country, rock and punk, which doesn't lean towards any of those genre's specifically, so you don't have to worry about saying "I don't like country or punk, so I won't go see them". It's not really the type of country or punk music you would think it would sound like.
They're playing the Southgate House this Sunday. Opening the show is the country legend, Charlie Louvin. Tickets are $22/$25 at the door. Doors open at 7pm, the show is at 8pm.
(Dallas, TX)
Alt. Country/Roots Rock
Where the Name Comes From:
Johnny Cash song called "Wreck of the Old 97"
Other Websites:
MySpace
Rhett Miller
Similar Artists/For Fans Of:
The Pixies, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown, Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo, Drive-By Truckers, 500 Miles to Memphis
Discography:
11 albums over a 14-year career
Why to Go See 'Em Live:
Plain and simple - they rock. They combine country, rock and punk, which doesn't lean towards any of those genre's specifically, so you don't have to worry about saying "I don't like country or punk, so I won't go see them". It's not really the type of country or punk music you would think it would sound like.
They're playing the Southgate House this Sunday. Opening the show is the country legend, Charlie Louvin. Tickets are $22/$25 at the door. Doors open at 7pm, the show is at 8pm.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Band of the Day
I'm going with this idea, in hopes of spreading word about some great bands.
Today's Band:
Fleet Foxes
Album:
Fleet Foxes (self-titled) - debut album, released on June 3, 2008, given 4 stars by Rolling Stone magazine
Label:
Sub Pop
Their Sub Pop Page
Other Sites:
NPR Music
Similar Artists/For Fans Of:
The Beach Boys, Crosby Stills & Nash, My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, Animal Collective and Blitzen Trapper
My Take:
The Fleet Foxes are what you'd get if My Morning Jacket teamed up with The Beach Boys. It's that simple.
Today's Band:
Fleet Foxes
Album:
Fleet Foxes (self-titled) - debut album, released on June 3, 2008, given 4 stars by Rolling Stone magazine
Label:
Sub Pop
Their Sub Pop Page
Other Sites:
NPR Music
Similar Artists/For Fans Of:
The Beach Boys, Crosby Stills & Nash, My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses, Animal Collective and Blitzen Trapper
My Take:
The Fleet Foxes are what you'd get if My Morning Jacket teamed up with The Beach Boys. It's that simple.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Song of the Day
Every night, I'll be posting my song of the day. This will basically be a song that I heard, that for whatever reason, stood out from all the other songs I heard that day. Maybe this song made my day complete or something.
I'll try and provide you with a link to buy or download the song via the internet. Hope you enjoy and take advantage.
Song of the Day
My Morning Jacket - "Across 110 St." - Bobby Womack cover - Live at Bonnaroo 2008
This may be from the greatest My Morning Jacket show ever. Unfortunately, I was not there. But I have seen them, so I can only imagine how it went down.
For nearly four hours, My Morning Jacket dominated the late night crowd at Bonnaroo 2008, bringing together metalheads, indie hipsters and jamband hippies.
They did this by playing over thirty songs, having a few guest appearances and playing several cover songs.
I came across this song, randomly, as I was browsing through my iPod. In this particular song, we see Jim James and company, taking on disco music.
I'm not positive that I've heard the orginal. It seems vaguely familiar, but it's just not that clear. I'll have to search for it.
I'm not sure what it is about this version of this song, but My Morning Jacket nails it for me.
Did I mention that they are joined by the Nashville & Louisville Horns?
I'll try and provide you with a link to buy or download the song via the internet. Hope you enjoy and take advantage.
Song of the Day
My Morning Jacket - "Across 110 St." - Bobby Womack cover - Live at Bonnaroo 2008
This may be from the greatest My Morning Jacket show ever. Unfortunately, I was not there. But I have seen them, so I can only imagine how it went down.
For nearly four hours, My Morning Jacket dominated the late night crowd at Bonnaroo 2008, bringing together metalheads, indie hipsters and jamband hippies.
They did this by playing over thirty songs, having a few guest appearances and playing several cover songs.
I came across this song, randomly, as I was browsing through my iPod. In this particular song, we see Jim James and company, taking on disco music.
I'm not positive that I've heard the orginal. It seems vaguely familiar, but it's just not that clear. I'll have to search for it.
I'm not sure what it is about this version of this song, but My Morning Jacket nails it for me.
Did I mention that they are joined by the Nashville & Louisville Horns?
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Upcoming Shows On My Radar
Oct 8 - Daniel Martin Moore Stray Age CD Release Party with the Dan Dorff Trio and the Comet Bluegrass Allstars at the Southgate House
Oct 10 - The Black Keys with Royal Bangs at the Madison Theater
Oct 12 - Old 97's with Charlie Louvin at the Southgate House
Oct 14 - The Walkmen with the Little Ones and Peter Adams at the Southgate House
Oct 16 - The National with The Breeders - Free Show on Fountain Square
Oct 17 - The Seedy Seeds CD Release Party with The Sheds, Lightning Love and DJ Evan Scott at the Southgate House - Souse is playing upstairs in the parlour and The Tillers are playing in the lounge as well
Oct 24 - Old Crow Medicine Show at Madison Theater
Oct 10 - The Black Keys with Royal Bangs at the Madison Theater
Oct 12 - Old 97's with Charlie Louvin at the Southgate House
Oct 14 - The Walkmen with the Little Ones and Peter Adams at the Southgate House
Oct 16 - The National with The Breeders - Free Show on Fountain Square
Oct 17 - The Seedy Seeds CD Release Party with The Sheds, Lightning Love and DJ Evan Scott at the Southgate House - Souse is playing upstairs in the parlour and The Tillers are playing in the lounge as well
Oct 24 - Old Crow Medicine Show at Madison Theater
Friday, October 3, 2008
Adams & the Cardinals Rock the Taft
Just got back from the Ryan Adams show. Wish I would've taken my digital camera - I saw several people up front with theirs, but I guess security doesn't check people anymore.
Full Setlist:
Cobwebs
Everybody Knows
Come Pick Me Up
Wonderwall (Oasis Cover)
Fix It
La Cienga Just Smiled
Goodnight Rose
Sun Also Sets
Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.
Magick
Desire
Let It Ride
Please Do Not Let Me Go
Love Is Hell
Crossed Out Name
Afraid Not Scared
Natural Ghost
Two
Rescue Blues
Sink Ships
When Stars Go Blue
How Do You Keep Love Alive
Shakedown on 9th Street
Mockingbird
Off Broadway
Note to Self: Please Don't Die
Cold Roses
Bartering Lines
Meadowlake Street
This Is It
Quick Notes:
There wasn't definitely a lot more rock tonight than country, with Ryan taking nearly all of the leads, at times even making a sound reminscent of Jerry Garcia, with the Cardinals turning into the Grateful Dead.
A little bit of their Alt. Country sound was still visible with Jon Graboff mastering the pedal steel.
They even got heavy at times, showing Ryan's love for 80's Hair Metal & Glam Rock - Ryan was sporting a black Dio t-shirt.
Overall, the setlist was amazing. A lot of new material, coming out on Cardinology at the end of the month.
I was kind of suprised (but very happy) to hear songs like La Cienga, Desire and Come Pick Me Up.
They played over 30 songs, for nearly 2 1/2 hours, only stopping a few minutes before the encore.
A couple times during the night, fans shouted for Halloweenhead, but Ryan only tricked us by "sort-of" singing a couple of lines from the song.
Wish I had some pics or video for you, I would've had some great shots, because I was in the third row left center, with a clear shot of Ryan, only about 15-20 feet away.
This was one of the best shows I've seen over the past several years.
YouTube Videos
Although I didn't take my digital camera to the show, I couldn't resist searching around YouTube for some 2008 Ryan Adams shows, specifically the Cincinnati show. I can't find anything from the Taft Theatre just yet, but here are some more recent videos of their current tour. Enjoy!
Cobwebs (new song)
La Cienga Just Smiled
Sink Ships (new song)
Everybody Knows
Come Pick Me Up - Jon Graboff giving them their country sound on the pedal steel.
Goodnight Rose - feels a little bit like Neil Young and the Grateful Dead.
Let It Ride - pedal steel again.
Why Do They Leave - more Neil sounding.
Cold Roses - more Dead sounding.
To Sum It All Up:
At times, when you're watching Ryan & the Cardinals up there, it sounds as if you're listening to Neil Young front the Grateful Dead as if they were experimenting in country music, rather than other things.
Full Setlist:
Cobwebs
Everybody Knows
Come Pick Me Up
Wonderwall (Oasis Cover)
Fix It
La Cienga Just Smiled
Goodnight Rose
Sun Also Sets
Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.
Magick
Desire
Let It Ride
Please Do Not Let Me Go
Love Is Hell
Crossed Out Name
Afraid Not Scared
Natural Ghost
Two
Rescue Blues
Sink Ships
When Stars Go Blue
How Do You Keep Love Alive
Shakedown on 9th Street
Mockingbird
Off Broadway
Note to Self: Please Don't Die
Cold Roses
Bartering Lines
Meadowlake Street
This Is It
Quick Notes:
There wasn't definitely a lot more rock tonight than country, with Ryan taking nearly all of the leads, at times even making a sound reminscent of Jerry Garcia, with the Cardinals turning into the Grateful Dead.
A little bit of their Alt. Country sound was still visible with Jon Graboff mastering the pedal steel.
They even got heavy at times, showing Ryan's love for 80's Hair Metal & Glam Rock - Ryan was sporting a black Dio t-shirt.
Overall, the setlist was amazing. A lot of new material, coming out on Cardinology at the end of the month.
I was kind of suprised (but very happy) to hear songs like La Cienga, Desire and Come Pick Me Up.
They played over 30 songs, for nearly 2 1/2 hours, only stopping a few minutes before the encore.
A couple times during the night, fans shouted for Halloweenhead, but Ryan only tricked us by "sort-of" singing a couple of lines from the song.
Wish I had some pics or video for you, I would've had some great shots, because I was in the third row left center, with a clear shot of Ryan, only about 15-20 feet away.
This was one of the best shows I've seen over the past several years.
YouTube Videos
Although I didn't take my digital camera to the show, I couldn't resist searching around YouTube for some 2008 Ryan Adams shows, specifically the Cincinnati show. I can't find anything from the Taft Theatre just yet, but here are some more recent videos of their current tour. Enjoy!
Cobwebs (new song)
La Cienga Just Smiled
Sink Ships (new song)
Everybody Knows
Come Pick Me Up - Jon Graboff giving them their country sound on the pedal steel.
Goodnight Rose - feels a little bit like Neil Young and the Grateful Dead.
Let It Ride - pedal steel again.
Why Do They Leave - more Neil sounding.
Cold Roses - more Dead sounding.
To Sum It All Up:
At times, when you're watching Ryan & the Cardinals up there, it sounds as if you're listening to Neil Young front the Grateful Dead as if they were experimenting in country music, rather than other things.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Cincinnati's Week in Music
MidPoint's three magical days are done and gone, but there's still plenty of good shows happening around town this week.
Check out these:
Wed, Oct 1 - Alanis Morissette w/ Alexi Murdoch at the Taft Theatre
The only reason I would attend this show would be for the opener, Alexi Murdoch.
This London-born, Scottish-bred, singer-songwriter's first EP, Four Songs, went on to become CD Baby's #1 selling record in history. His rising success is partly due to having songs featured in a number of tv shows and movies, including Garden State, however, it wasn't featured on the official soundtrack. His music recalls the sounds of British folk singers of the 70's such as Nick Drake and John Martyn.
Thu, Oct 2 - Heartless Bastards w/ Langhorne Slim at the Southgate House
Erika Wennerstrom returns to her old home (she's now living in Austin), fresh off the 2008 ACL Festival. She brings with her new bandmates, a new website, and new album in the works. Come out and see the new Heartless Bastards, but make sure to catch opener, Langhorne Slim.
His song "Electric Love" was recently #5 on the Rolling Stone editor's top ten pick list, and he has toured with bands such as Cake, The Avett Brothers, Murder By Death, Violent Femmes, Lucero and Rocky Votolato.
Other Thursday Happenings:
For those who didn't get to check out Souse at MidPoint, you have another chance to see the funky, jamband, 9pm at Rohs Street Cafe.
Fri, Oct 3 - Ryan Adams & the Cardinals at the Taft Theatre
Finally, I'm going to see Ryan Adams. While I've only been a fan for a couple of years, I have quickly fallen in love with his extensive collection of recordings, throughout his career with the Cardinals and even Whiskeytown.
The writing-machine Adams, has been promoting Cardinology, which is due out at the end of October. See what Spin Magazine had to say about the new album, here.
Other Friday Happenings:
If you can't find a ticket for the Ryan Adams show, why not go across the river to the Southgate House? The White Trash Bash will be happening with fourteen bands, horseshoes, grillin' out on the porch and even an awards show for the trashiest outfits.
After hearing about this, I have to say that I'm happy to be going to the Ryan Adams show.
For those who aren't rednecks or into country music, check out the Riverside Rollergirls Benefit at the Gypsy Hut. It's a free show that begins at 10pm with Ghost Monster, Riverside Revival, Team Stray and Behead the Tyrant.
Check out these:
Wed, Oct 1 - Alanis Morissette w/ Alexi Murdoch at the Taft Theatre
The only reason I would attend this show would be for the opener, Alexi Murdoch.
This London-born, Scottish-bred, singer-songwriter's first EP, Four Songs, went on to become CD Baby's #1 selling record in history. His rising success is partly due to having songs featured in a number of tv shows and movies, including Garden State, however, it wasn't featured on the official soundtrack. His music recalls the sounds of British folk singers of the 70's such as Nick Drake and John Martyn.
Thu, Oct 2 - Heartless Bastards w/ Langhorne Slim at the Southgate House
Erika Wennerstrom returns to her old home (she's now living in Austin), fresh off the 2008 ACL Festival. She brings with her new bandmates, a new website, and new album in the works. Come out and see the new Heartless Bastards, but make sure to catch opener, Langhorne Slim.
His song "Electric Love" was recently #5 on the Rolling Stone editor's top ten pick list, and he has toured with bands such as Cake, The Avett Brothers, Murder By Death, Violent Femmes, Lucero and Rocky Votolato.
Other Thursday Happenings:
For those who didn't get to check out Souse at MidPoint, you have another chance to see the funky, jamband, 9pm at Rohs Street Cafe.
Fri, Oct 3 - Ryan Adams & the Cardinals at the Taft Theatre
Finally, I'm going to see Ryan Adams. While I've only been a fan for a couple of years, I have quickly fallen in love with his extensive collection of recordings, throughout his career with the Cardinals and even Whiskeytown.
The writing-machine Adams, has been promoting Cardinology, which is due out at the end of October. See what Spin Magazine had to say about the new album, here.
Other Friday Happenings:
If you can't find a ticket for the Ryan Adams show, why not go across the river to the Southgate House? The White Trash Bash will be happening with fourteen bands, horseshoes, grillin' out on the porch and even an awards show for the trashiest outfits.
After hearing about this, I have to say that I'm happy to be going to the Ryan Adams show.
For those who aren't rednecks or into country music, check out the Riverside Rollergirls Benefit at the Gypsy Hut. It's a free show that begins at 10pm with Ghost Monster, Riverside Revival, Team Stray and Behead the Tyrant.
Me On Guitar and Keys
Since I have a camera now, I thought why not post some video of me playing guitar and video.
Here's the link to my MySpace profile with the video:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.showvids&friendID=8241934&n=8241934&MyToken=42f167d6-5e4b-4085-9c71-b68dcadc639e
Here's the link to my MySpace profile with the video:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.showvids&friendID=8241934&n=8241934&MyToken=42f167d6-5e4b-4085-9c71-b68dcadc639e
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Highlights of 2008 MidPoint Music Festival
This could take me a week to complete - for videos, BlogSpot only allows up to 100mg's for each video, and I'm finding it difficult to post video that lasts more than a minute or two.
I've got 135 minutes of video, and I'm still trying to learn some things with my camera. If I've learned anything from what I spent the three nights doing, it's that I need to invest in a very nice camera, which I just can't afford right now.
1. Seabird
2. Ryan Adcock
3. Daniel Martin Moore
4. Why? "The Hollows"
5. Ruckus Roboticus's Dance Party
6. The Hiders "I Still Do"
7. Jake Speed & the Freddies
8. AA Bondy
9. The Felice Brothers - "John the Revelator" feat. AA Bondy
10. 500 Miles to Memphis - America's Finest Country, Punk-Rock band
11. Ha Ha Tonka - covering "Black Betty"
12. Backyard Tire Fire
13. Radio 4
2008 MidPoint Top Ten
Top Five Local:
5. Ryan Adcock
4. Jake Speed & the Freddies
3. Daniel Martin Moore
2. 500 Miles to Memphis
1. The Hiders
Top Five Not Local:
5. Backyard Tire Fire
4. Ha Ha Tonka
3. Why?
2. AA Bondy
1. The Felice Brothers
Yes, that's right, I missed the Bob Pollard show at the Southgate House, as well as Mates of State and The Sadies. But there was still plenty of good music to be found at every venue, and I have very few regrets about the way I planned out my MidPoint schedule.
I've got 135 minutes of video, and I'm still trying to learn some things with my camera. If I've learned anything from what I spent the three nights doing, it's that I need to invest in a very nice camera, which I just can't afford right now.
1. Seabird
2. Ryan Adcock
3. Daniel Martin Moore
4. Why? "The Hollows"
5. Ruckus Roboticus's Dance Party
6. The Hiders "I Still Do"
7. Jake Speed & the Freddies
8. AA Bondy
9. The Felice Brothers - "John the Revelator" feat. AA Bondy
10. 500 Miles to Memphis - America's Finest Country, Punk-Rock band
11. Ha Ha Tonka - covering "Black Betty"
12. Backyard Tire Fire
13. Radio 4
2008 MidPoint Top Ten
Top Five Local:
5. Ryan Adcock
4. Jake Speed & the Freddies
3. Daniel Martin Moore
2. 500 Miles to Memphis
1. The Hiders
Top Five Not Local:
5. Backyard Tire Fire
4. Ha Ha Tonka
3. Why?
2. AA Bondy
1. The Felice Brothers
Yes, that's right, I missed the Bob Pollard show at the Southgate House, as well as Mates of State and The Sadies. But there was still plenty of good music to be found at every venue, and I have very few regrets about the way I planned out my MidPoint schedule.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Video Coming Soon
I'm having a hell of a time uploading video on my site for some reason. It only allows each video to be 100 meg's, and I've spent countless hours just trying to get some of the videos up on my site.
So far I've shot 90 minutes of video (My crappy camera basically only allows me to do 45 minutes of video a day).
So please bare with me, I'm thinking I'll probably have all my video footage up at some point during next week.
A Few Words From AA Bondy
I ran into AA Bondy outside the Know Theatre after his set and we exchanged a few words. He's getting ready to head down to Texas to play the Austin City Limits Festival on Sunday.
He joined some of his brother-in laws (The Felice Brothers) on stage for several of their songs. They also played a bad ass cover of "John the Revelator", a traditional blues and gospel call and answer song, first recorded by Blind Willie Johnson in 1930.
He joined some of his brother-in laws (The Felice Brothers) on stage for several of their songs. They also played a bad ass cover of "John the Revelator", a traditional blues and gospel call and answer song, first recorded by Blind Willie Johnson in 1930.
MidPoint Day Two
Day Two Recap
The Hiders - Proving They Are the Greatest Unsigned Band in the Country
AA Bondy
The Felice Brothers - watch an opening clip of "Frankie's Gun"
The Hiders - Proving They Are the Greatest Unsigned Band in the Country
Jake Speed & the Freddies
AA Bondy
The Felice Brothers - watch an opening clip of "Frankie's Gun"
Friday, September 26, 2008
MidPoint Day One
Day One Recap
So I figured I'd just chill out a bit, have a couple more drinks, listen to some beats, and watch some eye candy. I didn't mind the music selection or the weird video's playing on the screen behind the young Ohio DJ. Like I said earlier, it's not really my thing, but it was interesting to see how a DJ operates.
My afternoon felt like it was taking forever. I kept saying to myself, "MidPoint!" Since I couldn't wait for this thing to start, I arrived at Fountain Square about an hour early. I sat at the Square, watching the herds of people walking around everywhere. The two beers I drank while waiting, made me forget how slow time was moving, and shortly after six 'o clock, new MidPoint producer, Dan McCabe, took the stage giving a near ten-minute introduction speech.
One of the things that sticks out to me the most from his speech, was when he said something about how it's nice to hear something great about Cincinnati, rather than 0-3 or another losing season.
MidPoint is quickly becoming one of the biggest music festivals of its kind, this side of the Mississippi, and the annual, three day event is the biggest reason our city is becoming known as a music city.
The music got off to a late start, with local, rising rockstars, Seabird, taking the stage about twenty after six. But that's okay. The late start not only proved to be worth the wait, it also bought time for more people to show up on the Square.
This was the first time I had ever seen them live, much less, it was the first time that I had heard more than a few of their songs. They kind of reminded me of an American version of Coldplay, possibly mixed with a little bit of The Fray. Maybe even a little Ben Folds, without the dry, sarcastic humor.
They seem to fit in the category of piano-driven, alternative/pop-rock, and at times you could even say they are experimental, when they would break into a noisy jam session. I think they have the perfect mix of both a pop band and a jamband. Speaking of their poppy side of things, their song "Rescue" was chosen to be used as the theme song for ABC's new drama, Pushing Daisies.
Overall, I think the people on Fountain Square really enjoyed what Seabird gave us, and having them play the kick-off party may have been the best way to start MidPoint. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say, I look forward to following the career of these young, twenty-somethings.
After they finished, I started making my way up to the New Stage Collective in Over-the-Rhine. I walked about a block, and then hitched a ride in one of the new Scion xB's. It was a nice, little car, but I'm not much of a car person, so I can't really tell you much other than that.
I arrived at New Stage Collective a lot sooner than I had planned, and I walked into a nearly empty room with The Newbees doing a soundcheck. Ryan Adcock was actually who I was there to see. The Newbees were up after him, so I'm guessing they were doing soundcheck because a lone Ryan and his Taylor acoustic guitar, didn't need much of a soundcheck.
Ryan is probably the one local artist, that I've been listening to the longest. I started listening to him back in 2002, and I have to say, that every time he writes a song, he just gets better and better.
He played nearly all new material, to a rather disappointing crowd of about fifteen to twenty people. But it doesn't matter how many people Ryan is playing to. Whether it's one person or a hundred, Ryan plays with more passion than any artist I've ever seen. You can honestly hear the passion in his voice.
Before Ryan came on, he mentioned how this venue was being sponsored by WNKU, and even said that it is the greatest station in the world. I couldn't agree with him more.
By this point I was starting to get a little hungry, so I stopped by Donato's as I made my way to the Aronoff's 5/3 Theatre, sponsored by WOXY.
As a venue, I wasn't sure what to expect of the Aronoff. I had been there once in high school, for the play, Of Mice and Men, and I didn't think that they'd be using that particular stage. Much to my suprise, I walked into a room with black walls and a black floor, that I believe holds a couple hundred people.
What I also wasn't sure what to expect from, were the next two artist's that I was about to see here at the Aronoff - Daniel Martin Moore and Why?
I had only heard a handful of songs by each artist, but the things that I've been reading online about them, were enough to make me want to check them out.
I was pleasantly suprised with Moore's set, especially since he hasn't even released his first album yet. He's often been compared to Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley, Neil Halstead and Chet Baker. But I don't really know much about any of those artists, aside from Buckley's Grace, so I wasn't really sure who to compare him to.
It's not like it matters anyways. There's no need to compare him with other artist's or say "who does he remind you of." This is Daniel Martin Moore and it's nice to see that a gifted musician from a small town like Cold Spring, Kentucky, is making a name for himself.
Although there are eleven other people that play on his debut album (Stray Age - coming out Oct. 7), Moore was accompanied by two others (I didn't catch their names). He had piano man, who also played some mandolin, and a drummer who was playing "unplugged" style.
While I thought that I would more than likely enjoy Moore's music, I didn't think I would fall in love with it and his sound. His myspace page lists him as folk and pop, but it's a brand of folk and pop you've never heard. If I ever put a band together, I would want us to sound very similar to what Moore's got going on.
I've only seen three bands so far, all locals, two of them being some of the tri-state's very best, and most promising talents. I can't wait to listen to some of the albums Moore will be making down the road. Scratch that. That's too long from now. I can't wait to see him at his CD release party on October 8 at the Southgate House.
Next up was California's indie/hip-hop act, Why?, featuring a couple of former Cincinnatians, the Wolf brothers. Frontman Yoni Wolf attended the University of Cincinnati, and joined his brother in 1997's Scribble Jam, competing against none other than Eminem. During Why?'s set, Yoni gave several shout outs, to nearly every suburb of Cincinnati.
Saying that Why? is an indie and hip-hop act, doesn't really explain too well, the sound they create. It's not what you would think of when you hear the two genre's. I've never heard anything like them, and I don't think I've ever seen a band that uses a xylophone.
After a couple more drinks, the night was quickly becoming a blur. I don't really know what else to say about these guys, other than the fact that you should check them out if you ever get the chance.
I walked a couple blocks down the street to the Lodge Bar to check out Ruckus Roboticus's Dance Party. I'll admit that I've never been a big fan of the whole "dance" thing, but nothing else was going on, and I didn't want my first night of MidPoint to end just yet.
So I figured I'd just chill out a bit, have a couple more drinks, listen to some beats, and watch some eye candy. I didn't mind the music selection or the weird video's playing on the screen behind the young Ohio DJ. Like I said earlier, it's not really my thing, but it was interesting to see how a DJ operates.
2008 MidPoint Music Festival - Day One
What a night. And to think, that the festival just gets even better with the two remaining days left. I literally just got in from a crazy night around downtown and Over-the-Rhine.
I hate to do this, but I gotta get some sleep. Before I leave, I'll tell you who I saw.
Seabird, Ryan Adcock, Daniel Martin Moore, Why? and Ruckus Roboticus's Dance Party.
I'll post my reviews, pics and video clips when I wake up this afternoon.
I hate to do this, but I gotta get some sleep. Before I leave, I'll tell you who I saw.
Seabird, Ryan Adcock, Daniel Martin Moore, Why? and Ruckus Roboticus's Dance Party.
I'll post my reviews, pics and video clips when I wake up this afternoon.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
MidPoint Has Arrived!!!
In just under three hours, the 7th annual MidPoint Music Festival will kick off with a free show on Fountain Square from local rising alt/pop/rock stars, Seabird.
After that, more than fifty bands will play at 15 venues tonight, spread throughout downtown, Over-the-Rhine and Northern Kentucky's Southgate House. Too bad I can't be in fifty places at once!
Robert Pollard from Guided By Voices is marking the debut of his new project, Boston Spaceships, tonight at the Southgate House. It features another GBV member and the drummer from The Decemberists.
I've got a schedule planned out, but who knows exactly what will happen!
When I get back home tonight, I'll be working on my site, with reviews, pictures and some video shots. Your best bet is to probably check back tomorrow for my coverage of day one of the festival.
After that, more than fifty bands will play at 15 venues tonight, spread throughout downtown, Over-the-Rhine and Northern Kentucky's Southgate House. Too bad I can't be in fifty places at once!
Robert Pollard from Guided By Voices is marking the debut of his new project, Boston Spaceships, tonight at the Southgate House. It features another GBV member and the drummer from The Decemberists.
I've got a schedule planned out, but who knows exactly what will happen!
When I get back home tonight, I'll be working on my site, with reviews, pictures and some video shots. Your best bet is to probably check back tomorrow for my coverage of day one of the festival.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Stars and Bell X1 at Southgate House
Although I knew very little about these two rising bands, what I did know was that I would regret it if I didn't go see them. What I have found over the years is that, the best place to discover new music is by actually going to see a band live.
Opening the night was Ireland's Bell X1. They've been around for nearly ten years, have released three critically-acclaimed albums, and are rapidly gaining success in the United States. Their music has been featured on television shows such as The O.C. and Grey's Anatomy. They were once known as Juniper, a band that included none other than Damien Rice. It was after Rice's departure, that they became a four-piece known as Bell X1.
Here is some video I shot of Bell X1's performance:
Next up was a fine indie product out of Canada, otherwise known as Stars. In more recent years, Canada has dominated the indie scene with bands such as Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Wolf Parade, Tegan and Sara, Islands, The Dears, The Stills, Black Mountain, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and You Say Party! We Say Die! I could keep listing bands, but this isn't a history lesson on the Canadian Indie scene.
Three of Stars members also play in Broken Social Scene. At one point last night, Stars broke into The Flaming Lips, "Do You Realize?"
Opening the night was Ireland's Bell X1. They've been around for nearly ten years, have released three critically-acclaimed albums, and are rapidly gaining success in the United States. Their music has been featured on television shows such as The O.C. and Grey's Anatomy. They were once known as Juniper, a band that included none other than Damien Rice. It was after Rice's departure, that they became a four-piece known as Bell X1.
Here is some video I shot of Bell X1's performance:
Next up was a fine indie product out of Canada, otherwise known as Stars. In more recent years, Canada has dominated the indie scene with bands such as Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, Wolf Parade, Tegan and Sara, Islands, The Dears, The Stills, Black Mountain, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and You Say Party! We Say Die! I could keep listing bands, but this isn't a history lesson on the Canadian Indie scene.
Three of Stars members also play in Broken Social Scene. At one point last night, Stars broke into The Flaming Lips, "Do You Realize?"
MidPoint SpotLight: One on One with Michael Bond of Coltrane Motion
Chicago masterminds, Coltrane Motion, are returning home to Ohio, to play Cincinnati's MidPoint Festival in a couple days. They're finishing up some recording, so they'll be bringing some new jams, along with some homemade instruments.
Composed of Michael Bond and Matt Dennewitz, these two brilliant musician's create an interesting blend of both indie rock and electronica, blending of number of sounds together on vintage gear and modern electronics, that will keep you moving and shaking, so as long as they're up there on stage.
I caught their set at last year's MidPoint, only because I heard the buzz that was going on about them (literally) on the street. They ended up being one of the best electronica acts I've ever heard.
Note: If you've ever been to Bonnaroo, and are into the latenight electronica shows the festival has had in the past, this may be the perfect show for you.
Anywho, I recently contacted lead singer, Michael Bond, because I wanted to get an interview with an out of town band, for my 2008 MidPoint Interview Series, and Coltrane Motion was the first out of town band I had heard, that I could think of.
On with my question's and Mike's answers:
Question #1
Nate Rosing: How long has Coltrane Motion been around? Who is in the band, and where did you guys form?
Michael Bond: I started making music as Coltrane Motion in 2000, recording lo-fi songs in my University of Cincinnati dorm room. I tried a few different live lineups in 2002/2003, then moved to Chicago, where Matt and I started performing as a duo in 2004. I'm originally from Amanda, OH (pop. 700) and Matt's from nearby Lancaster.
Question #2
NR: How long have you been a musician, and what, if any, are some of the bands or types of bands you have played in, in the past?
MB: I was a band geek in junior high and high school, playing drums, mostly. Matt was in post-rock and garage-punk bands in high school, and has recorded folkier solo material under the names Compiler and Blackbear. I also play keyboards for The Most Powerful Telescope in the Universe, a recording project that's about to release thier second EP, and have also produced a few records for other artists.
Question #3
NR: Who are your major influences, musical and non-musical?
MB: A bunch of stuff that we don't really sound like - Phil Spector, The Kinks, Neutral Milk Hotel, early Beck..most of teh music that Matt and I agree on is either hip-hop (Clipse, Dr. Dre) or folk (Neil Young, Will Oldham). Non-musical? David Foster Wallace, Saul Bass, Woody Allen. Kurt Godel & Alexander Calder.
Question #4
NR: How did you come up with the idea for Coltrane Motion's sound? Is it something you planned, or is it something that was born just from playing?
MB: The size of my car trunk (and what we can fit in there to tour with) has probably had the biggest influence on our sound for the last few years, from the lack of live drums to trying to get the most sound possible out of a single guitar.
Question #5
NR: What does the name Coltrane Motion mean, and where did it come from?
MB: It's a 70's blaxploitation slang, but I'm proud to say we've made the phrase fairly ungoogleable, so I'll leave it up to your imagination.
Question #6
NR: How many albums have you guys made, and what is the current status? Are you working on a new album/in the middle of a tour?
MB: We've had a handful of smaller releases in the past, but last year's Songs About Music was our first 'real' album. We're just now finishing up recording a 7" single that will be released next month on Datawaslost.
Question #7
NR: For the sake of my readers, are there any bands out there that you would say you're similar to or sound like? I, for one, haven't heard anything like Coltrane Motion before.
MB: Heh - maybe a mix between LCD Soundsystem, Yo La Tengo, and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion? I think we take a little from each of them and kind of mix it up.
Question #8
NR: Are you signed to a label or do you self release your stuff, or have you had any big showcases or shows that were a pretty big deal for you guys?
MB: We release our music through Datawaslost, which is a small indie label we also help run, so yes to both I suppose.
Question #9
NR: How good is the music scene in Chicago? How does it compare to a place like Cincinnati? Are there really any differences at all? How do you like playing in Chicago? What are some of your favorite clubs, or clubs you play at regularly in Chi-town?
MB: It's very different - not sure if its better or worse, but definitely big enough to challenge you, and to keep things interesting. I miss the close-knittedness you get from a scene the size of Cincinnati's and the great venues you have here, but there's definitely benefits to being a band in a larger city - I think it pushes you a lot harder, at the very least - you've got a lot more competition. We love to play Empty Bottle & Schuba's in Chicago, and are excited about the Bottom Lounge's new space too.
Question #10
NR: What do you guys think of Lollapalooza, and do you hope to play there one day? What does something like Lolla do for the city of Chicago?
MB: I think I'm too cheap for Lollapalooza, I can't imagine going *unless* we were playing and got in free :) The best part of Lolla for me is catching all my favorite bands play in smaller venues for the afterparties..
Question #11
NR: I saw you guys at last year's MidPoint, strictly based on word of mouth. I was walking along the street, overheard someone talking about you, and when it was time, I headed to the venue to see you guys play outdoors in a tent. What are your thoughts on MidPoint, and how will your showcase this year, differ from last year's?
MB: Well, for one, we won't be in a tent..I love MidPoint, it's always a lot of fun, and we always have people come up to us afterwards with similar stories about discovering us randomly, and that's the greatest part, for me - that there's one weekend a year where checking out new bands is the norm, not the exception. I'm looking forward to seeing what changes CityBeat is bringing - the lineup looks great this year. We're bringing some new jams and new homemade instruments this time around, it should be fun..
Question #12
NR: Do you have any funny or interesting stories from touring on the road? What is being on the road like? How do you prepare for that type of lifestyle? Is being in a band, difficult, does it take certain kind of people, or is it just something you adapt to over time?
MB: We've toured a lot in the past few years, and it's all kind of melted into a blur of car troubles and police interrogations. I love getting to experience cities like Montreal or Atlanta in therse short, concentrated doses, where you get the best (or worst) of what someplace has to offer 24 hrs..It's not something I could do every week, and I'm a little scared of people who can - like performing, touring is basically an extended stress test to see how you'll act when surrounded by strangers. Half of being in a touring band is having a reliable vehicle, and the other half is having bandmates who have already pissed you off as much as they ever will, but are still your friends.
Question #13
NR: What has been teh biggest challenge of being a musician?
MB: Figuring out what your goals actually are, beyond just fooling around w/ an instrument. Still working on that one, honestly..
My thanks to Michael Bond, for taking the time out of his busy life, to answer some questions, to get a deeper look, and understanding of the world of Coltrane Motion.
Catch Coltrane Motion's set on Thursday, September 25, at the Inner Peace Holistic Center at 10 pm. It should ge a good night at that venue, kicking off with Ill Poetic and Eagle to Squirrel, and The Turnbull AC's closing the night.
Composed of Michael Bond and Matt Dennewitz, these two brilliant musician's create an interesting blend of both indie rock and electronica, blending of number of sounds together on vintage gear and modern electronics, that will keep you moving and shaking, so as long as they're up there on stage.
I caught their set at last year's MidPoint, only because I heard the buzz that was going on about them (literally) on the street. They ended up being one of the best electronica acts I've ever heard.
Note: If you've ever been to Bonnaroo, and are into the latenight electronica shows the festival has had in the past, this may be the perfect show for you.
Anywho, I recently contacted lead singer, Michael Bond, because I wanted to get an interview with an out of town band, for my 2008 MidPoint Interview Series, and Coltrane Motion was the first out of town band I had heard, that I could think of.
On with my question's and Mike's answers:
Question #1
Nate Rosing: How long has Coltrane Motion been around? Who is in the band, and where did you guys form?
Michael Bond: I started making music as Coltrane Motion in 2000, recording lo-fi songs in my University of Cincinnati dorm room. I tried a few different live lineups in 2002/2003, then moved to Chicago, where Matt and I started performing as a duo in 2004. I'm originally from Amanda, OH (pop. 700) and Matt's from nearby Lancaster.
Question #2
NR: How long have you been a musician, and what, if any, are some of the bands or types of bands you have played in, in the past?
MB: I was a band geek in junior high and high school, playing drums, mostly. Matt was in post-rock and garage-punk bands in high school, and has recorded folkier solo material under the names Compiler and Blackbear. I also play keyboards for The Most Powerful Telescope in the Universe, a recording project that's about to release thier second EP, and have also produced a few records for other artists.
Question #3
NR: Who are your major influences, musical and non-musical?
MB: A bunch of stuff that we don't really sound like - Phil Spector, The Kinks, Neutral Milk Hotel, early Beck..most of teh music that Matt and I agree on is either hip-hop (Clipse, Dr. Dre) or folk (Neil Young, Will Oldham). Non-musical? David Foster Wallace, Saul Bass, Woody Allen. Kurt Godel & Alexander Calder.
Question #4
NR: How did you come up with the idea for Coltrane Motion's sound? Is it something you planned, or is it something that was born just from playing?
MB: The size of my car trunk (and what we can fit in there to tour with) has probably had the biggest influence on our sound for the last few years, from the lack of live drums to trying to get the most sound possible out of a single guitar.
Question #5
NR: What does the name Coltrane Motion mean, and where did it come from?
MB: It's a 70's blaxploitation slang, but I'm proud to say we've made the phrase fairly ungoogleable, so I'll leave it up to your imagination.
Question #6
NR: How many albums have you guys made, and what is the current status? Are you working on a new album/in the middle of a tour?
MB: We've had a handful of smaller releases in the past, but last year's Songs About Music was our first 'real' album. We're just now finishing up recording a 7" single that will be released next month on Datawaslost.
Question #7
NR: For the sake of my readers, are there any bands out there that you would say you're similar to or sound like? I, for one, haven't heard anything like Coltrane Motion before.
MB: Heh - maybe a mix between LCD Soundsystem, Yo La Tengo, and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion? I think we take a little from each of them and kind of mix it up.
Question #8
NR: Are you signed to a label or do you self release your stuff, or have you had any big showcases or shows that were a pretty big deal for you guys?
MB: We release our music through Datawaslost, which is a small indie label we also help run, so yes to both I suppose.
Question #9
NR: How good is the music scene in Chicago? How does it compare to a place like Cincinnati? Are there really any differences at all? How do you like playing in Chicago? What are some of your favorite clubs, or clubs you play at regularly in Chi-town?
MB: It's very different - not sure if its better or worse, but definitely big enough to challenge you, and to keep things interesting. I miss the close-knittedness you get from a scene the size of Cincinnati's and the great venues you have here, but there's definitely benefits to being a band in a larger city - I think it pushes you a lot harder, at the very least - you've got a lot more competition. We love to play Empty Bottle & Schuba's in Chicago, and are excited about the Bottom Lounge's new space too.
Question #10
NR: What do you guys think of Lollapalooza, and do you hope to play there one day? What does something like Lolla do for the city of Chicago?
MB: I think I'm too cheap for Lollapalooza, I can't imagine going *unless* we were playing and got in free :) The best part of Lolla for me is catching all my favorite bands play in smaller venues for the afterparties..
Question #11
NR: I saw you guys at last year's MidPoint, strictly based on word of mouth. I was walking along the street, overheard someone talking about you, and when it was time, I headed to the venue to see you guys play outdoors in a tent. What are your thoughts on MidPoint, and how will your showcase this year, differ from last year's?
MB: Well, for one, we won't be in a tent..I love MidPoint, it's always a lot of fun, and we always have people come up to us afterwards with similar stories about discovering us randomly, and that's the greatest part, for me - that there's one weekend a year where checking out new bands is the norm, not the exception. I'm looking forward to seeing what changes CityBeat is bringing - the lineup looks great this year. We're bringing some new jams and new homemade instruments this time around, it should be fun..
Question #12
NR: Do you have any funny or interesting stories from touring on the road? What is being on the road like? How do you prepare for that type of lifestyle? Is being in a band, difficult, does it take certain kind of people, or is it just something you adapt to over time?
MB: We've toured a lot in the past few years, and it's all kind of melted into a blur of car troubles and police interrogations. I love getting to experience cities like Montreal or Atlanta in therse short, concentrated doses, where you get the best (or worst) of what someplace has to offer 24 hrs..It's not something I could do every week, and I'm a little scared of people who can - like performing, touring is basically an extended stress test to see how you'll act when surrounded by strangers. Half of being in a touring band is having a reliable vehicle, and the other half is having bandmates who have already pissed you off as much as they ever will, but are still your friends.
Question #13
NR: What has been teh biggest challenge of being a musician?
MB: Figuring out what your goals actually are, beyond just fooling around w/ an instrument. Still working on that one, honestly..
My thanks to Michael Bond, for taking the time out of his busy life, to answer some questions, to get a deeper look, and understanding of the world of Coltrane Motion.
Catch Coltrane Motion's set on Thursday, September 25, at the Inner Peace Holistic Center at 10 pm. It should ge a good night at that venue, kicking off with Ill Poetic and Eagle to Squirrel, and The Turnbull AC's closing the night.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Awesome Non-MidPoint News
I just saw on Mike Breen's Spill It blog, that The National and The Breeders will be performing a free show on Fountain Square, Oct. 16. Read the full article here.
MidPoint SpotLight: The Hiders - The Greatest Unsigned Band in the Country
I recently contacted Billy Alletzhauser of The Hiders (formerly of The Ass Ponys and Ruby Vileos) to see if he would participate in my interview series for this week's MidPoint Festival. Billy was ever so kind to take the time out of his busy life, to help me out with my coverage of the festival. Here's what I asked, and what he responded with:
Question #1
Nate Rosing: How long have you been a musician? Did you start playing guitar or singing first, and when did you notice you had a talent for both?
Billy Alletzhauser: I used to make up songs and sing them to myself when I walked to school, so I guess I sang first. My sister got a guitar when I was 11 or so and I started playing around with it. When I was about 15, I formed a band with friends as a bassist and writer. I kept singing by default because I would write lyrics and no one else seemed to sing them right. Guitar and writing always came a bit easier than singing.
Question #2
NR: I've read that you're also talented in the arts. What kind of pieces of art do you create?
BA: I majored in Fine Arts in college and mostly did figurative or illustration type things. Now it's mostly graphic design. I've done all the design work for the band.
Question #3
NR: What kind of bands have you played in throughout your career? How have you evolved as a musician and live performer?
BA: I've played all kinds of music from punk to new age-y jazz. I like to think I'm evolving. There are always nuances to explore. We've been practicing as a four piece a lot lately with Beth on acoustic guitar or keys. My focus has been to improve on being lead singer and lead guitarist at the same time.
Question #4
NR: You often hear the Neil Young comparison a lot. When I see you up there on stage, I feel like I'm watching the perfect combination of Neil Young, Ryan Adams and Jeff Tweedy. At the same time, The Hiders' music has a sound all its own, remaining original and inspiring. How did the band form? How has the lineup changed over the years? Who is in the current lineup, and how in the hell did you come in contact with such amazing musicians?
BA: Ever since I first started playing, I always tried to play with people I could learn from and people I thought were better than me and I've always tried to play with people who care more about music than they do all the other bullshit. It's real obvious when you see a band or performer who is doing it because they think it's cool or they want attention. By avoiding them I've ended up with the real deal. The original Hiders were myself, Toby Ellis, Victor Strunk, Beth Harris, Dave Gilligan and Todd Drake. Now it's me, Tony Franklin, Michael Horrigan and Beth with some peripheral members like Brad Meinerding, Sylvia Mitchell, Jesse Ebaugh. We've also had Tyler Ramsey here and there before he got busy with Band of Horses. It formed like anything I guess, call and see who shows up.
Question #5
NR: How do you feel about the music? Do you think it's some of the best music you've ever created? Are The Hiders your favorite band that you have played in? What is being a frontman of a band like?
BA: I do feel like its the best music I've created, with exception to some of the things I did with Ruby Vileos. I feel like it's still getting better all the time. When it doesn't feel like that I will probably stop. My newest songs are always my favorite. The Hiders have been my favorite, only because it's been built so much around my own tastes so it'd be strange for it not to be. As a live band it has easily been my favorite. Being front man or whatever is weird. I still feel most at ease just playing guitar. I feel a little pressure sometimes to be entertaining when I'm singing, so I'm more aware of the crowd and how they are reacting, but when the crowd seems to really be into it I think I feel that more because of that hyper awareness and that feels fantastic. Higher risk, higher reward I suppose. Some nights though I just want to stare at my amp and make feedback but then people lecture me and tell me I'm not being a good frontman. Ultimately you can't care too much. It's a tightrope between pleasing yourself but not being self indulgent. I just do what feels right gig to gig and usually it goes over ok.
Question #6
NR: What can you tell us about the Batcave?
BA: To know it is to love it. You can spill red wine and not really notice. Your eyes need to adjust. You leave better than when you came. Night and day lose all meaning. The joker keeps trying to find it but he never will.
Question #7
NR: Describe the writing process for The Hiders.
BA: I usually bring songs in with some vision of how it should go, then they play along and it gets much, much better. Tempos, structures and arrangements are the big things that get worked out as a band. Lyrics and chords I usually have ready. I keep waiting for the day we write as band, it's coming.
Question #8
NR: Tell us about the idea for "Penny Harvest Field."
BA: The song or the album? The title comes from a project called Common Cents. New York school kids harvested a million dollars in pennies. The pennies were placed on display at Rockefeller Center. It's worth googling. A million dollars in pennies is an impressive sight. It tied with the song that I was working on and as a theme for the album which, in my mind, is value basically. Something small and easily overlooked or even discarded as bad luck or simply a waste of pocket space can become something great.
Question #9
NR: What are your thoughts on WXPN, the World Cafe and David Dye? Can you tell us about your connection to those things?
BA: Well, it's a wonderful station and radio show. We were thrilled to be featured so prominently. Look for more from us there in the not too distant future.
Question #10
NR: You've also been called "The Greatest Unsigned Band in the Country". What is the current status, and why?
BA: We are still the greatest unsigned band in the country. And better than most signed bands too. Why? Who said life is fair?
Question #11
NR: What was the experience of recording in Nashville like?
BA: It's good to go away, but the next record I think we'll do at home. Probably a combination of the Batcave and UltraSuede. Brad Jones is pretty great to work with but he always talks me out of backward guitar solos, I personally think every other solo should just be backwards. And lots of songs that are way too long, that's an ambition.
Question #12
NR: I've heard that some Hiders songs, predate the Ass Ponys. Can you tell us anything about that?'
BA: "Take Me Back" on Valentine predates Ass Ponys, and maybe "Let's Forget". I've been writing songs my whole life. There are plenty kicking around.
Question #13
NR: Going back to the unsigned thing. Would you rather be signed on a major label or would you rather be doing things your way? What are the differences between major/indie labels?
BA: You could wax on this forever. The label thing can go a lot of different ways. It costs a lot to tour and do promotion and everything so a label can be great for that, if they back you up. You give up some control though. I'm interested in help because I simply don't have the money to do all the things we should do to promote ourselves but I've had help in other ways. At this point I would settle on a good booking agent. Ultimately, label or no, you just have to satisfy yourself as an artist and musician. It sounds cliche' but it's true. I'm very satisfied with the music we make. There's always more you can do to get it out there, label or not.
Question #14
NR: How do you feel about the music scene in Cincinnati? Who are some of your favorite bands and what are your favorite places to play? Billy, I'm sure you've played MidPoint a number of times, is this The Hiders first MidPoint? What do you think of MidPoint?
BA: I've always liked the Cincinnati scene, I've made some great friends here through music. There's a certain artistic integrity here. Some of my favorite artists are The Great Depression, Kim Taylor, Ali Edwards, The Chocolate Horse, Pearlene....Southgate House and The Northside Tavern are my favorite places to play. This is The Hiders second MidPoint. They seem to have made some positive changes this year, MidPoint seems to still be coming into it's own somewhat. This year seems like it's going to be one of the best yet.
Question #15
NR: How do you feel about Wussy? What is your current relationship like with Chuck Cleaver? Do you both come out to each other's shows, to show your support?
BA: I don't keep up with them really. I engineered and produced some of the first Wussy record. It seems more like Lisa's band, she would do better on her own I think.
Question #16
NR: Name one band, that would be a dream for The Hiders to open for.
BA: Tom Petty or Tom Waits. If I could go back in time, The Dead maybe!
Question #17
NR: Name 5 albums/artists that you would have to have, if you were stranded on a desert island.
BA: Bitches Brew-Miles Davis, some Ravi Shankar, some Fred McDowell, Zeppelin III, maybe Opal "Happy Nightmare Baby".
Question #18
NR: Are there any other instruments you play besides the guitar?
BA: I play anything I can get my hands on. I play some keys, bass, banjo, sitar...been trying to learn drums. I play around with drum machines and looping a lot.
Question #19
NR: What are you hopes for The Hiders over the next five years?
BA: Make at least 3 more albums, tour overseas. Find our elusive fifth member that will stay in the band.
Question #20
NR: What has been the biggest challenge in being a full time musician?
BA: Rent, sanity...in no particular order.
Question #21
NR: I read online that you were reviewed in both Rolling Stone and Spin Magazines. I did some searching, but wasn't successful on finding either one. What did the "big dogs" have to say about you guys?
BA: Those were for Ass Ponys. 4 stars baby!
Question #22
NR: Are you guys fans of South By Southwest? It seems that every year, Cincinnati is represented at SXSW, by a few of our great bands at a "bigger version of MidPoint". This past year we had Bad Veins, Kim Taylor, Wussy, and The Chocolate Horse. Do you guys think that you are next in line for that gig? Is that something The Hiders have though about in the past, or is it something you dream about for the future?
BA: Kind of a waste of gas money unless you wanna see other bands or be a schmoozer. I have an aversion to lanyards. I just assume go play on our own, which we'll do eventually when we get our solar powered van. Austin's a great town and we've done well on radio there..It's a shame it's in Texas.
My thanks to Billy from The Hiders, for taking the time to answer some questions.
Catch The Hiders MidPoint set, this Friday (Sept 26) at 9 pm in the ballroom at the Southgate House. They're opening up for Canada's, The Sadies.
Question #1
Nate Rosing: How long have you been a musician? Did you start playing guitar or singing first, and when did you notice you had a talent for both?
Billy Alletzhauser: I used to make up songs and sing them to myself when I walked to school, so I guess I sang first. My sister got a guitar when I was 11 or so and I started playing around with it. When I was about 15, I formed a band with friends as a bassist and writer. I kept singing by default because I would write lyrics and no one else seemed to sing them right. Guitar and writing always came a bit easier than singing.
Question #2
NR: I've read that you're also talented in the arts. What kind of pieces of art do you create?
BA: I majored in Fine Arts in college and mostly did figurative or illustration type things. Now it's mostly graphic design. I've done all the design work for the band.
Question #3
NR: What kind of bands have you played in throughout your career? How have you evolved as a musician and live performer?
BA: I've played all kinds of music from punk to new age-y jazz. I like to think I'm evolving. There are always nuances to explore. We've been practicing as a four piece a lot lately with Beth on acoustic guitar or keys. My focus has been to improve on being lead singer and lead guitarist at the same time.
Question #4
NR: You often hear the Neil Young comparison a lot. When I see you up there on stage, I feel like I'm watching the perfect combination of Neil Young, Ryan Adams and Jeff Tweedy. At the same time, The Hiders' music has a sound all its own, remaining original and inspiring. How did the band form? How has the lineup changed over the years? Who is in the current lineup, and how in the hell did you come in contact with such amazing musicians?
BA: Ever since I first started playing, I always tried to play with people I could learn from and people I thought were better than me and I've always tried to play with people who care more about music than they do all the other bullshit. It's real obvious when you see a band or performer who is doing it because they think it's cool or they want attention. By avoiding them I've ended up with the real deal. The original Hiders were myself, Toby Ellis, Victor Strunk, Beth Harris, Dave Gilligan and Todd Drake. Now it's me, Tony Franklin, Michael Horrigan and Beth with some peripheral members like Brad Meinerding, Sylvia Mitchell, Jesse Ebaugh. We've also had Tyler Ramsey here and there before he got busy with Band of Horses. It formed like anything I guess, call and see who shows up.
Question #5
NR: How do you feel about the music? Do you think it's some of the best music you've ever created? Are The Hiders your favorite band that you have played in? What is being a frontman of a band like?
BA: I do feel like its the best music I've created, with exception to some of the things I did with Ruby Vileos. I feel like it's still getting better all the time. When it doesn't feel like that I will probably stop. My newest songs are always my favorite. The Hiders have been my favorite, only because it's been built so much around my own tastes so it'd be strange for it not to be. As a live band it has easily been my favorite. Being front man or whatever is weird. I still feel most at ease just playing guitar. I feel a little pressure sometimes to be entertaining when I'm singing, so I'm more aware of the crowd and how they are reacting, but when the crowd seems to really be into it I think I feel that more because of that hyper awareness and that feels fantastic. Higher risk, higher reward I suppose. Some nights though I just want to stare at my amp and make feedback but then people lecture me and tell me I'm not being a good frontman. Ultimately you can't care too much. It's a tightrope between pleasing yourself but not being self indulgent. I just do what feels right gig to gig and usually it goes over ok.
Question #6
NR: What can you tell us about the Batcave?
BA: To know it is to love it. You can spill red wine and not really notice. Your eyes need to adjust. You leave better than when you came. Night and day lose all meaning. The joker keeps trying to find it but he never will.
Question #7
NR: Describe the writing process for The Hiders.
BA: I usually bring songs in with some vision of how it should go, then they play along and it gets much, much better. Tempos, structures and arrangements are the big things that get worked out as a band. Lyrics and chords I usually have ready. I keep waiting for the day we write as band, it's coming.
Question #8
NR: Tell us about the idea for "Penny Harvest Field."
BA: The song or the album? The title comes from a project called Common Cents. New York school kids harvested a million dollars in pennies. The pennies were placed on display at Rockefeller Center. It's worth googling. A million dollars in pennies is an impressive sight. It tied with the song that I was working on and as a theme for the album which, in my mind, is value basically. Something small and easily overlooked or even discarded as bad luck or simply a waste of pocket space can become something great.
Question #9
NR: What are your thoughts on WXPN, the World Cafe and David Dye? Can you tell us about your connection to those things?
BA: Well, it's a wonderful station and radio show. We were thrilled to be featured so prominently. Look for more from us there in the not too distant future.
Question #10
NR: You've also been called "The Greatest Unsigned Band in the Country". What is the current status, and why?
BA: We are still the greatest unsigned band in the country. And better than most signed bands too. Why? Who said life is fair?
Question #11
NR: What was the experience of recording in Nashville like?
BA: It's good to go away, but the next record I think we'll do at home. Probably a combination of the Batcave and UltraSuede. Brad Jones is pretty great to work with but he always talks me out of backward guitar solos, I personally think every other solo should just be backwards. And lots of songs that are way too long, that's an ambition.
Question #12
NR: I've heard that some Hiders songs, predate the Ass Ponys. Can you tell us anything about that?'
BA: "Take Me Back" on Valentine predates Ass Ponys, and maybe "Let's Forget". I've been writing songs my whole life. There are plenty kicking around.
Question #13
NR: Going back to the unsigned thing. Would you rather be signed on a major label or would you rather be doing things your way? What are the differences between major/indie labels?
BA: You could wax on this forever. The label thing can go a lot of different ways. It costs a lot to tour and do promotion and everything so a label can be great for that, if they back you up. You give up some control though. I'm interested in help because I simply don't have the money to do all the things we should do to promote ourselves but I've had help in other ways. At this point I would settle on a good booking agent. Ultimately, label or no, you just have to satisfy yourself as an artist and musician. It sounds cliche' but it's true. I'm very satisfied with the music we make. There's always more you can do to get it out there, label or not.
Question #14
NR: How do you feel about the music scene in Cincinnati? Who are some of your favorite bands and what are your favorite places to play? Billy, I'm sure you've played MidPoint a number of times, is this The Hiders first MidPoint? What do you think of MidPoint?
BA: I've always liked the Cincinnati scene, I've made some great friends here through music. There's a certain artistic integrity here. Some of my favorite artists are The Great Depression, Kim Taylor, Ali Edwards, The Chocolate Horse, Pearlene....Southgate House and The Northside Tavern are my favorite places to play. This is The Hiders second MidPoint. They seem to have made some positive changes this year, MidPoint seems to still be coming into it's own somewhat. This year seems like it's going to be one of the best yet.
Question #15
NR: How do you feel about Wussy? What is your current relationship like with Chuck Cleaver? Do you both come out to each other's shows, to show your support?
BA: I don't keep up with them really. I engineered and produced some of the first Wussy record. It seems more like Lisa's band, she would do better on her own I think.
Question #16
NR: Name one band, that would be a dream for The Hiders to open for.
BA: Tom Petty or Tom Waits. If I could go back in time, The Dead maybe!
Question #17
NR: Name 5 albums/artists that you would have to have, if you were stranded on a desert island.
BA: Bitches Brew-Miles Davis, some Ravi Shankar, some Fred McDowell, Zeppelin III, maybe Opal "Happy Nightmare Baby".
Question #18
NR: Are there any other instruments you play besides the guitar?
BA: I play anything I can get my hands on. I play some keys, bass, banjo, sitar...been trying to learn drums. I play around with drum machines and looping a lot.
Question #19
NR: What are you hopes for The Hiders over the next five years?
BA: Make at least 3 more albums, tour overseas. Find our elusive fifth member that will stay in the band.
Question #20
NR: What has been the biggest challenge in being a full time musician?
BA: Rent, sanity...in no particular order.
Question #21
NR: I read online that you were reviewed in both Rolling Stone and Spin Magazines. I did some searching, but wasn't successful on finding either one. What did the "big dogs" have to say about you guys?
BA: Those were for Ass Ponys. 4 stars baby!
Question #22
NR: Are you guys fans of South By Southwest? It seems that every year, Cincinnati is represented at SXSW, by a few of our great bands at a "bigger version of MidPoint". This past year we had Bad Veins, Kim Taylor, Wussy, and The Chocolate Horse. Do you guys think that you are next in line for that gig? Is that something The Hiders have though about in the past, or is it something you dream about for the future?
BA: Kind of a waste of gas money unless you wanna see other bands or be a schmoozer. I have an aversion to lanyards. I just assume go play on our own, which we'll do eventually when we get our solar powered van. Austin's a great town and we've done well on radio there..It's a shame it's in Texas.
My thanks to Billy from The Hiders, for taking the time to answer some questions.
Catch The Hiders MidPoint set, this Friday (Sept 26) at 9 pm in the ballroom at the Southgate House. They're opening up for Canada's, The Sadies.
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