2I :5 V:
0 J u n e 1, 2
12
Crowd Pleasers
Caravan of Thieves Sol Driven Train BoomBox The Wheeler Brothers
Panama Bound
Big Gigantic Rebelution
Celebrating food, culture, and music
I have always welcomed summer because it means FESTIVAL SEASON is here! Not to mention, the opportunity presents itself to travel and spend time with like minded music lovers. No boundaries, no worries, no commitments except how am I going to get to where I need to be to hear my band. Sheer Bliss! Our staff travelled 1300 miles back and forth to catch the Hang Out Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama this past month. Read about it (pg 40-47). Next year, you should go. It was worth every ticket, tear, and temptation. Some of our favorite musicians journey across the nation every summer to tear it up with their fans. Sol Driven Train (pg 10-15) loves the French Broad River Fest in North Carolina; while Caravan of Thieves (pg 20-23) is excited about Four Corners Folk Festival in Colorado. The Wheeler Brothers (pg 34-37) will always have an affinity for Austin City Limits Festival in Texas; and BoomBox (pg 84-87) is sure to tear it up at Hoxeyville in Michigan. And our furthest journey this year‌7800 miles to Panama (pg 64-71) to support TMI's 2012 emerging artist.
And I would walk 500
This month it really is all about how far we will go for music. I think we all go for it in a variety of ways. So people support their musicians monetarily through CD sales and downloads. Some people support their musicians with their time, spending days traveling to a location. Some people support a cause with music and volunteer. And the musicians, well, they go all the way. They put their time, their energy, their soul into their art giving us an experience, a memory,and levity from our daily lives. As long as you keep traveling, we will keep walking. Let the music drive you.
-B
miles and I would walk 500 more‌
The Music Initiative www.themusicinitiative.com Editor-in-Chief: Becca Finley editor@themusicinitiative.com Managing Editor: Kyle Cannon managingeditor@themusicinitiative.com Staff Writers: Justin Henderson, Nancy LaBarbiera Courtney Padove, Grayson Sandford Zach Stanton, TJ Weaver Creative Director: Joel Travis creativedirector@themusicinitiative.com Graphic Designers: Angie Brown, Devin VanTatenhove Cover Photograph by April Riley Logo Design: Martha Martin Director of Media Content: Joe Davies video@themusicinitiative.com Shooter/Editor: Heather Brewer Digital Communications Coordinator: Kara Klein website@themusicinitiative.com Promotions Manager: Carrie Cranford promotions@themusicinitiative.com Media Relations Manager: Acecily Alexander media@themusicinitiative.com Promotions Assistant: Kelley Floyd emergingartist@themusicinitiative.com Business Development Advisor: Taylor Rains development@themusicinitiative.com Interns: Matthew Becker, Nathan Etheridge, John Kaneday Jordan Mitchell, Christopher Silva, Kyle Victory, Oliver Wentworth Office: 253 St. Phillip Street Suite A Charleston, SC 29403 843-277-2483 Like Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheMusicInitiative Follow Us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MusicIntMAG www.twitter.com/TMIMagEditor Watch Us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/themusicinitiativeco
The Music Initiative is a monthly, online magazine produced by a group of music enthusiasts yearning to broaden and expand each reader’s music experience. We believe in the power of music to change a mood and enhance a moment; as well as facilitate change and link the past with the present. This is our community– seeped in passion, creativity and cultural awareness. Within the pages of each issue, we will bring you history, interviews, gadgets, CD reviews, art, new music outlets around the nation, and so much more. Among other exciting music related features, The Music Initiative features fans talking about music. TMI aims to uncover hidden gems found in up-and-coming bands, and also covers nationally recognized musicians and events.
HEY TMI STAFF! What’s the one item you wouldn’t want to forget to bring to a festival?
ACE
my will
CARRIE my face
COURTNEY energy drinks
HEATHEr baby wipes
JOHN
poncho and beads
ANGIE
chic-fil-a
CHRIS
love and goodwill
DEVIN
sunscreen
JOE
glow-in-the-dark condoms
JOEL
tickets
KARA
KYLE C.
KYLE V.
NATHAN
walkie talkies
hammock
OLIVER
portable bio lab
sunglasses
a good group of friends
ZACH
clean underwear
TABLE OF CONTENTS
it’s festival season:
HANGOUT FESTIVAL PAGE 40-47 Sol Driven Train PAGE 10-15
Caravan of Thieves PAGE 20-23 The Wheeler Brothers PAGE 34-37 BoomBox PAGE 82-85
Vinyl Roots: Woodstock, anyone?
30-31
16-17
Soundbites:
24-25
Gadgets & Giveaways:
76-77
Noteworthy Contributions:
82-83
Last Call:
90-91
Campus FM:
The Conscious Alliance: Art That Feeds
Great American Music Hall. College of Charleston & Spoleto Validation Parade
Our readers across the U.S. tell us how far they will travel for music.
Need a guitar pedal?
Eclectic Evening:
32-33
50-55
58-59
Artistic Rhythms: The key to victory.
TMI’s weekly filmed listening room series with musicians, visual artists, and designers.
92-93
Ode to the Web:
94-95
A-Side/B-Side:
Monthly Spin/Spin-Off:
Our staff reviews albums from 15 musicians.
3-Day Pass:
What’s your impulse?
60-61
Reel Music:
64-71
Musical Explorations:
74-75
Emerging Artist:
Laugh it up with The Royal Tennenbaums.
96-99
Festival Followers: Aloompa & Jambase
Get your iPod ready for our staffcompiled playlists.
104-131 Coast to Coast:
Check out what is happening in 24 cities around the U.S.
Rosa Negra
History and music in Panama.
T. Champagne’s festival dreams.
Balcony TV: Lisboa Portugal’s musical gem.
78-79
Sol Driven Train Sol Driven Train is well known for their zany costumes, kind hearts, and killer live show. Their dedication over the past decade inspires critics, other musicians, and fans alike. Festival season has arrived and the band is packing up to hit the road; but spent their last hour in town chatting with us about the season, their fans, and of course, the music.
So, you are about to hit the festival circuit pretty hard… Joel Timmons: You’ve got to call them “festies.” It’s just what we’re used to referring to them as. It sounds good, right? We think It’s a positive experience all around. Well, if the weather’s not cooperating, it can be not so fun. But generally, it’s the most fun we have performing, and it’s a really effective way of spreading the music. People are there
to discover new music, and have a good time. It’s a great place to connect with new fans, and just enjoy being outside. Wes Powers: We tend to thrive in the carnival atmosphere; and we enjoy the camaraderie amongst the other bands. It’s a bonding experience for our band. Sometimes the logistic hurdles just to make the show happen can be extreme; but we tend to excel in situations where we are put on the spot.
Which festie are y’all most looking forward to playing this year? JT: Well JazzFest was pretty awesome in New Orleans. WP: LEAF! JT: That will be awesome. We’re playing in Missoula, Montana for River City Roots Festival at the end of August. Just getting out there and back will be nice.
What’s your favorite festie to just hang? JT: We were just at the French Broad River Festival in Hot Springs. The campsite is along the banks of the French Broad River; it’s a long narrow campground with two stages and about 2,000 people. It’s has very loyal following, mostly people with a whitewater orientation. It started off as a raft guide party celebrating the beginning of rafting season; and now it’s grown into a music festival. We camp all weekend. I feel like a participant and a performer.
pictured left to right: Joel Timmons and Wes Powers
WP: Yeah, it’s awesome. You can head upstream and paddle back down. People kayak, canoe, raft, and then end up at the Take-out right where the festival is going on. JT: Yeah, that’s a great 9-mile section of whitewater where you come around the last bend, and can hear the band playing.
When you are on the road, do you break for outdoorsy activities? JT: We try to experience the different locations. Being outside helps to combat the nightlife style. We have stand-up paddleboards and boogie boards. And we’re always up for hiking. WP: Out west is a lot of fun. We’ve whitewater rafted and done some skiing and hiking out in Colorado.
“We try to experience the d outside helps to comba
How many days a year are you on the road?
Are you writing and arranging songs on the road?
JT: Somewhere between 150 and 200. And then add some travel days in there.
JT: We try and practice on the road. It’s great when we can do that. If we’re staying at a friend’s house who has space for us to set up in a garage or something and we have a day off, that’s a really effective use of our time. Then we get one more day off that we don’t have to see each other when we’re at home.
Is it difficult managing personal versus professional with all the traveling? JT: That’s the number one challenge with this job. But we’re fortunate enough to design our schedule collaboratively. We’ve got a really good booking agent and he really listens to all five members of the band. We build the schedule how we want it, schedule time off and try to be as effective as we can when we’re working.
different locations. Being at the nightlife style.”
Do you spend time together when you are home? JT: Wes and I have been living together for the last three years. Ward and I play gigs together on a regular basis. Wes also plays with Rusty. So, we’re still involved in each other’s lives. There’s a lot more to the business than just being on the road and playing shows. At home, all of us are still either mailing out posters or CDs or talking to the agent or working with the publicist and stuff. We’ve got to communicate!
Do you use social media as a form of communication?
Lyrically, what on the Watermelon EP brings you great pride?
JT: Well we just heard about this thing called myspace {laughter}. Not really sure what it is, but I think it’s going to be the next big thing. We do use all social media. It makes it possible for independent bands to share their music globally and that wasn’t possible twenty years ago. But, it’s also over saturated the market. It’s hard to separate yourself from all the noise.
JT: I think the last song. I’m really proud of that song. Ward and I wrote that song together and we haven’t done a whole lot of co-writing. Generally one or the other will bring a full lyric to the band and then we’ll arrange it. This one we wrote collaboratively. I also think Ward’s piano playing is really nice on it. I’m proud of it as a song, as well as a performance in the studio. It has a good feel.
WP: You just have to be crafty with the way you deal with those mediums nowadays. There has to be something about your act, about your art, that sets you apart.
WP: The overall sound of the album just sounded really great. That particular EP we jumped more extremely to different styles than we usually do and what we captured in each style was what we were trying for. The arrangements on those tunes really brought each song to its highest potential.
JT: Yeah, it’s content.
Do you think your lyrics set you apart? JT: Part of it, meaning the writing is ernest. The songwriting is from the heart. It hopefully puts us in line with the tradition of honest songwriting. Bob Dylan was a folk musician, but then started singing about his heart, in addition to telling stories and protest songs. We want to be in line with that tradition. We write about real life personal stuff, but then some nonfiction biographies and historical stories.
Wes Powers
You are working on a new album Underdog. Is the style similar to the Watermelon EP? JT: No, Underdog is a little more serious than Watermelon. Watermelon definitely shows our zany side. Underdog still has a pretty eclectic sound, but it reminds me more of Lighthouse with some acoustic songs, some more pretty songs. Ten songs, to be exact...songs about love and heartbreak and scrapping against the odds. It’s fairly concise; but
Rusty Cole
there are only a couple songs that really stretch out and sort of jam instrumentally. Also, our fans, in essence, sponsored it with our Kickstarter campaign. They raised money to promote and manufacture the album so we’re really partnering with our fans now in that sort of sponsorship role.
How would you describe your fans? JT: They’re all over the place and a wide age range. Most of ‘em tend to be a little bit of oddballs who have an eclectic taste. Like us. WP: They are dedicated. JT: And totally loyal. We’ve got a lot of unofficial sponsors. WP: A lot of people that help us out along the way. They feed us and let us sleep at their house.
Not only do your fans regard you highly; but also other bands sing your praises. Anyone you would like to give a shout out to? WP: Locally, Dangermuffin JT: Shovels and Rope too. And we’re all on the edge of our seat to see what Elise Testone’s next move’s going to be.
One last question before you hit the road, why the costumes? Any favorites through the years? JT: It’s just always been a part of what Sol Driven Train’s done…wear silly hats, you know? Our shows are supposed to be fun. We try to make it fun for us and fun for the audience too. I think diapers in Key West was one of my favorites. WP: The marching band thing’s always classic. And, on a side note, it’s always fun to go into a convenience store at 11 o’clock at night in Alabama dressed like that. That’s as much fun as being on stage for me.
Take care on the road boys. We know you will be well supported and we can’t wait to celebrate your successes upon your return from the FESTIES. -BF
WP: And Uncle Mountain. JT: And Yarn from Brooklyn.
Joel Timmons
Russell Clarke
Ward Buckheister
Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni both grew up in households that revered music. Fuzz and his dad shared time listening to the crooning of Sinatra and Martin, while Carrie’s grandmother kept gospel ringing in her ears. As both aged and grew musically, Fuzz found a love for the Brazilian music of the 60s, and artists that really put on a show like Jimi Hendrix or Angus Young. Carrie mastered harmonies with her dad and threw herself into the songwriting process. Fast forward to a meeting in Burlington, Vermont. Fuzz was playing a show and Carrie happened to be there. The two chatted, started playing recreationally and then booked their first gig as a duo opening for Dicky Bets from the Allman Brothers. Then four years ago, they started Caravans of Thieves: theatrical gypsy jazz with acoustic guitars, upright bass, violins & enchanting harmonies.
Tell me a little about the inspiration behind the new album, Funhouse. Fuzz Sangiovanni: We wanted to talk about life being like a funhouse. If you’re not paying attention to what you’re doing and you get out of the driver’s seat, you can let everything else around you influence you and get distracted. Today we hear, “Buy this, learn that, etc.” Things take you in a direction you don’t want to be going, sort of like being on a ride. You get to the end and get off and you say what just happened? I wish I would have been paying attention. We wanted to use the funhouse as a comparison because we don’t want to be too heavy. The idea was heavy, but we wanted to at least interpret it in a way that was colorful and fun.
Is the song “Candy” code for anything else? FS: You can make the comparison to being addicted to something else like drugs or alcohol, but we never veer off the subject of candy. We wanted to be literal about being addicted to candy, how you don’t want anything else in life and everything falls apart like a problem with a substance.
pictured left to right: Brian Anderson, Fuzz Sangiovanni, Carrie Sangiovanni, and Ben Dean
June 01, 2012 5:00 PM Mountain Jam Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY http://www.mountainjam.com
June 02, 2012 6:00 PM Herndon Festival 777 Lynn Street, Herndon, VA http://www.herndonfestival.net/
June 23, 2012 7:00 PM International Festival of Arts New Haven Green @ Church & Elm St., New Haven, CT
August 04, 2012 4:00 PM August 04, 2012 7:30 PM August 04, 2012 9:30 PM Bethlehem Musikfest 556 Main St, Bethlehem, PA http://www.musikfest.org
August 05, 2012 6:00 PM Tweed River Music Festival Intersection: Routes 100 & 107, Stockbridge, VT http://tweedrivermusicfestival.com/
August 25, 2012 1:00 PM Clinton Arts & Music Festival Main Gazebo Stage, Clinton, NY http://www.clintonartandmusicfest.org
August 31, 2012 5:00 PM September 01, 2012 3:00 PM Four Corners Folk Festival Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO http://www.folkwest.com/ fourcornersfolkfest/index.html
September 07, 2012 3:30 PM Catskill Chill Music Festival 350 Bouchoux Brook Rd, Hancock, NY http://www.catskillchill.com/ Price: See Website
We love the “Raise the Dead” video? Where did that concept come from? FS: We really like “Raise the Dead.” We started off playing the album live; so we wound up trying to take that whole atmosphere and bring it into the studio. We invited some friends and fans to join us and sing, clap, and stomp like at the live show. We thought that came across really well and wanted to make the video exactly the same as in the studio. So, we did. We try to have that atmosphere because the song’s got a little detail about throwing a party for the deceased, having them come back and telling them how great they were…in case they didn’t realize how much they were still being thought about.
Is it difficult to create that same “close” atmosphere at a festival? FS: When we’re playing at a festival the stage is a little higher up and more spread out. It has a bigger feel. We try to invite people to come a little closer, and even up on stage. Kids are usually the first ones to get up there because they just don’t care. Then, their parents are up on stage with us singing, stomping, and clapping. We try to drag everybody in. But, it is first and foremost a music show about the songs and the songwriting.
Why do you call your fans “FREAKS”? Carrie Sangiovanni: We use that term as a term of endearment for anyone who dares to be themselves and is not so worried about what other people are thinking. Our fans genuinely become our fans. They come back show after show, learning the songs and the lyrics. They research and uncover the meaning beneath the lyrics. It feels like a community.
FS: We’re not a trendy band; we’re not trying to be. Our fans come out to see us for what it is. They enjoy the originality and the integrity. They have open minds; they’re looking for something different and we love them for that.
Acoustic vs Electric? CS: There’s a million rock bands out there. We like singing more than a lot of loud instruments being played. And we wanted to be able to perform anywhere, anyhow. We liked the idea of being completely mobile. If we want to go stand on the corner and play, we can. We like the intimacy. We liked the idea of being a little bit more subtle.
Anyone you have been blown away by at a festival that you wouldn’t have heard elsewhere? FS: We just played at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival and it was great to see Glen Campbell perform. He’s such a veteran. He and Emmylou Harris were the two headliners for the festival. It was kind of cool to see them perform because neither Carrie nor I would have said, “Yeah, let’s go see Glen Campbell tonight!” I don’t know if that ever would’ve happened. CS: As far as new bands that we probably wouldn’t have had a chance to see, the Decemberists at The Philly Folk Festival.
Professionally, what’s your dream collaboration? FS: We would love to collaborate with Tim Burton. We’re always trying to think of a new and creative way to express ourselves and convey the music that we keep hearing in our heads. There’s a lot of things that we talk about, but we figure we need a little more clout to get to those places. In the meantime we’re just trying to have the band get out there on the road and be successful. We’ll keep writing more albums and let them be better, more interesting, more colorful. -BF
Caravan of Thieves will be taking their gypsy jazz across the US this summer. Find the fun and “raise the dead” at a festival near you.
Vinyl
Roots The
of Festivals o you get excited at the thought of hundreds of thousands of people stranded with little food and water, limited accessibility to emergency personnel, and unrelenting heavy rains? If so, you may be a fan of massively destructive hurricanes (you need help)…or perhaps, you are a fan of the most influential music festival in history.
D
We are talking about Woodstock, people. You’ve heard the stories, listened to the music, and seen the documentaries. But do you know the real story behind all the amazing music, mud-caked nudists, and enough weed to choke a donkey? If not, put away that FEMA debit card, and let’s dig into some of the most mind-boggling factoids behind the greatest rock festival of all time. Despite the trending counter culture movement and the general stick-it-to-the-man mindset held by the masses in the late 1960s, Woodstock promoters come up with the idea of a 3-day music
and art festival with the sole purpose of making money. Capitalist pigs! Don’t get me wrong; the promoters are not the only ones with their hands out at Woodstock. Many of the headlining acts are there for one thing and one thing only: a big paycheck! Artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Janis Joplin, and The Grateful Dead hold Woodstock promoters’ wallets hostage in one form or another. Several of the aforementioned artists flat out refuse to play without seeing the cash in their hand, despite that the festival has already been going on for an entire day. That’s right, even the epitome of the counterculture movement, The Grateful Dead, are saying, “Show me the money,” à la Jerry McGuire. So, with the promoters in immediate financial trouble due to a skeptical talent base, the tide takes yet another turn for the worse just 30 days
Jimi Hendrix
before the festival is set to start. Originally, promoters agree to hold the festival in Wallkill, NY. However, just one month out the residents decide that they do not want their town overrun by thousands of doped up kids, and they veto the permits for the festival. Scrambling, the promoters seriously overpay a farmer in Bethel, NY for the use of his 600-acre farm. How are these promoters continuously able to talk people into letting hippies invade their quiet towns? Simply put, they lie. Woodstock promoters sell the idea of a maximum attendance of 50,000, all the while they have already presold close to 200,000 tickets (in anticipation of a max crowd of 250,000). With good presales numbers, overpaid talent booked, and a last minute venue secured, the promoters are feeling pretty good despite the minor setbacks. Upward and onward they go with stage erection, concessions, and bathroom facilities.
The latter two are set up for an attendance of 50,000 despite the presales of nearly four times that amount. Due to the limited amount of time with which to set up because of the late venue change, ticket taking booths and perimeter fencing are pushed down the list of importance. Three days before the festival is set to start there are already 50,000 hippies camping out in front of the stage with more arriving by the minute. By the time the first singer starts to play the perimeter is overrun, and the festival is declared a free event. Chaos ensues.
An estimated 500,000 people show up at Max Yasgur’s farm. This is twice the amount of people that promoters anticipate and ten times the amount accounted for in catering and bathrooms! By the end of day one restrooms are overflowing and concessions are completely out of food. On top of this, it is said that the roads into and out of Bethel are transformed into a 10-mile parking lot of abandoned VW vans. This land locks the now third largest city in New York. No one can get in or out. No food, no restroom services, and no talent. Promoters are forced to seek aid from locals for food, helicopters from the military to fly in performers (how’s that for anti-war!), and as for the toilet situation… let’s just say that isn’t JUST mud in which those filthy hippies are sloshing around. All of these things go wrong and yet not one instance of violence is reported. Maybe it was the weed? Or perhaps the LSD? We’ll just stick with the amazing music by some of the greatest performers of all time. It is said that Woodstock is the birthing grounds of what is known today as stadium rock, wherein rock shows ultimately move away from intimate venues and into massive stadiums and arenas where profits can be maximized. As for those overly eager promoters, it turns out that these yuppies-in-training end up walking away from Woodstock to the tune of $1.5 million in debt. Suck on that Occupy movement!
-JH
artistic
RHYTHMS This month we’re going to take a look at the innovative and eye pleasing work of TMI’s very own Kyle Victory.
Kyle is a visual artist who creates in a variety of mediums: charcoal, paints, and pen and ink to name a few; but in this issue, we are going to spend some time hearing what she has to say about a very unique art-item she has specialized in producing for quite some time, the key fob.
What are key fobs? A key fob is essentially a key chain, but it’s also more than that. It’s art. It’s a tchotchke, an elegant tchotchke. How do you make your key fobs? I start with a wooden ball. I get maybe 200 of them shipped to my house. I screw a screw eye into the top of the ball so it looks almost like a Christmas ornament. Then I paint the wooden ball. I use acrylic paint and let it dry. Then, I paint designs on it with a variety of media—paint pens, puff paints, stickers. I’ll shellac the key fob after all that is dry. I use a medium called Duraclear which helps keep the key fob weather resistant. How do you decide which designs will become key fobs? When I started I would get orders from people with specific designs that they wanted so I would execute those designs as they wanted, but then if I had downtime after I had completed orders I would love making some how I wanted to make them— landscapes—weird stuff just for myself. You’ve sold key fobs to a lot of people. Tell me about how you got started, and how your key fob business evolved. One of my friends at school saw the key fob I had made for myself when I came to school, and told me
she would pay me to make her one. I told her I loved making them and that she didn’t need to pay me, she wanted (a key fob) with her initials. So I made her the key fob and brought it to her. She paid me anyway and it became viral after that. Within a couple weeks I had fifty orders! You are bringing people a product that is both a creative output and a practical, everyday utility item. How has this duality affected your creative processes and your approach to production and marketing? It’s interesting that you ask that because I have a little bit of a story with that question. It started out just as an artistic pursuit, but once everyone started coming to me I had to cater to people who wanted specific designs. But then, I wanted to do key fobs for fun again, doing designs that I wanted to do, not really intending to sell them. I had an experience in high school in which I had to stay home from school for two days to make 30 key fobs for an art show in New Jersey, and (they) did not end up how I wanted them. It was kind of disappointing. That’s when I realized that I need to slow down and do what I want to do. From then on I would create the key fobs and attract people to my key fobs based on my art. I will still do custom orders from time to time, but people usually request one color, theme, or motif and then let me run with it.
This key fob has been donated by the artist to the TMI charity art auction to benefit Carolina Studios. Carolina Studios is an after-school and summer program providing students with a safe environment that fosters creative, educational, and career-focused initiatives through music technology and media arts. Mark Bryan, lead guitarist and founding member of Hootie and the Blowfish, serves as the Chairman of the Board.
Have you ever considered doing a musically themed series of key fobs? I have—my cousin plays the violin and I did a violin key fob for her. I love music and love The Music Initiative. I actually just did a key fob for the magazine. I play an instrument too, the banjo ukulele. I would love to do a music themed line. If you would like to purchase a special TMI key fob, go to www. themusicinitiative. com and hit our store. You can find them here.
-CS
gs, Nolan, a trio of real-life siblin e ar rs he ot Br er el he eW Danny Matthews and ds en Hailing from Austin, th fri r ei th by t ou d eler, rounde chat Tyler, and Patrick Whe utes from their day to in m w fe a ok to ick tr n and Pa ms. A.J. Molyneaux. Nola rtunities, and their albu po op w ne , ur to on e about lif What is your favorite part of being out on the festival circuit? Nolan Wheeler: We’ve played a couple smaller festivals, but this will be our first run to actually play 10,000 and up kind of venues. We just got into ACL, Summerfest, and Strawberry Fest. It’s a little bit of work, but it’s still a lot of fun. Where else do you get to play 14 shows and still have two or three days to hang out and catch a couple shows?
Are there any other festivals you have strong feelings about? NW: South by Southwest. That is one of the coolest festivals I’ve ever participated in or just gone and watched the shows. You can go to different bars; and everything turns into a bar in Austin during South By. And you get to catch your favorite band in a really intimate small, coffee shop rather than a huge festival or venue.
You’re playing Austin City Limits this year. Does this have a special meaning since you’re from Austin? NW: I’ve been to five years of ACL and there’s always been this dream that one day it could possibly be me on the other end, being on the stage and actually performing. It’s just a pretty humbling experience.
What does your ultimate music festival look like? Patrick Wheeler: This is a tough question; I need some pen and paper to work this one out like a set list. I’d like to tour with My Morning Jacket; I actually grew up seeing the Black Keys at ACL, those guys were killing it. And you’d have to close it with an extreme band like Slayer, just out of control.
If you were on the road to your ultimate festival what would you be listening to? PW: We’ve been jamming out to “And My Arrow” by Harry Nillson lately and Waylon Jennings. We usually don’t listen to country, but it’s kind of cool to listen to old school stuff once in awhile. What do you miss most when you’re out on the road? NW: I miss my Dad. We bunk up, share hotel rooms and try to run as trim as we possibly can financially on the road. It’s nice when you get home and have your bed to yourself and a good night’s rest. PW: I miss the restaurants I go to in Austin; but I also get to eat at some really cool places like an awesome Thai Restaurant in L.A. We try to get really good food and really good coffee when we’re on the road. So good food is important to you? PW: Definitely. Eating well and having a few minutes to yourself is pretty important because the rest of it can be a grind. When you’re touring with people, how do you find a couple of minutes to yourself? PW: Sometimes we’ll just be like “alright I’ll see you guys in an hour, I’ve got to go.” We’ll go for a walk, a coffee, or take a motorcycle out for a ride. Do you travel well on the road together? PW: Oh yeah, we do. We’ve heard everybody’s stories and know all the tricks. We all ride together; we have a giant black sprinter van with all of our gear, clothes, and camping gear. We’ve been camping lately.
WE’VE HEARD EVERYBODY’S
STOALLRItHEE STRICKS. AND
KNOW WE ALL RIDE TOGETHER.
Do you camp at festivals? PW: We have camped at festivals, which is really fun. We go in and hear a couple of bands play. Then we just hang out with everybody outside and meet people. We do like to camp at the festivals. It’s way better than motels when you’re traveling. You meet more people that way. How does meeting people play into social media sites? PW: You could see a guy that you don’t even know at your show; and you thought it was a bad show. The he comments, “Aw, man I saw you in Stockton, and I really liked you guys so I started following you.” We’ve corresponded with people, and then later met them at other shows. We actually had a guy drive the whole way to our family’s old business because he lived in Austin. He got a number from somebody we used to work with and called us and told us we could stay at his place next time we’re in California, which was pretty nice of him. What social media site do you find most beneficial? PW: Facebook is the easiest one because everyone uses it. But we’ve been involved with the Daytrotter Sessions which are pretty cool. They have new bands and even well-known bands like Wilco and they’ll play three live songs and distribute new music. We just casually listen to things and say “oh, that’s cool and we download it.” What’s in The Wheeler Brother’s future? NW: Some time off in the next couple of months, so we can start working on the new album. We spent about two weeks down in the studio together, just messing around and having a free flowing outline of like what we want to do and a strategy. Everything came together. I’m really anxious to get back to the studio and start finishing some of those ideas. This your second album, right? Has it been a hard follow up to Portraits? NW: It’s hard to start working on the next album when nobody really even knows your first one. We’re just a yearand-a-half or two years old. We’re ready to start working on the new stuff and get some new songs in our repertoire; but it’s hard, you’ve got to be conscious of people that haven’t heard anything about the Wheeler Brothers. I think we still have a little more promotion to go because it would be a shame to just move past Portraits without putting it in front of the right audience. It’s kind of painful sometimes. Releasing Portraits, we didn’t know anything about the process and how long it took. We finished the album and were like “alright, let’s print it, let’s put it out.” Artwork for Portraits? PW: My girlfriend is a teacher, so she’s always doing stuff with art and we were all like “here, go wild!”
I’m in love
wIth some of the stuff that we’re coming up wIth right now.
How about the title? NW: We labeled it “Portraits” because it was our first album, so it’s that feeling when you look back on a picture book…the idea that everything we’ve worked on in the past couple of months we finally put together on the album. Everything is so diverse and dynamic. No two songs are really the same. Describe Portraits for those who have not been fortunate enough to have a listen yet? NW: The actual literal meaning and translation of the songs is the story of a love story gone completely wrong. I will say one thing, working on this new album, we’re trying a completely different approach. We’re working with our good friend, singer-songwriter and producer Drew Smith out of Austin. And we’re building the songs from like the ground up in the studio. I’m in love with some of the stuff that we’re coming up with right now. Last question, what’s one thing you need on the road? NW: {laughing} A toothbrush.
Between hanging out at the festivals and working on their new album, the Wheeler Brother have a few busy months ahead of them. Good luck guys! -CP
wheelerbrothersmusic.com
Let’s just
hang out!
J
ust as recorded music provides the soundtrack to our lives, a festival experience expands upon this realization as the lines between life and live music merge into one. From May 17th to 20th, creative forces from around the world buried their toes in the plush sand of Gulf Shores, AL to kick back and rock out with old favorites and new discoveries. Whether the Red Hot Chili Peppers closed out Saturday
night’s festivities with timeless hits to an audience that spanned the entire beach, or The Revivalists’ soul blasted rock got the weekend rolling at Thursday’s KickOff Party, music of all shapes, sizes, and styles swept through the venue like the cool ocean breeze that capped off the picture perfect weather. From tan lines to tank tops, and bikinis to body paint, spirited fans of all ages left positive impacts on one another, as their upbeat vibes danced to the rhythm of life.
Welcome to the Hangout Music Festival.
Aside from the astounding numbers of musicians that could be heard all throughout the weekend, Hangout’s success lies in three key areas: location, location, location. Surrounded by palm trees, teal water, and the smell of coconut tanning oil, attendees dug chairs into the sand and lounged in hammocks while listening to the mellow grooves and sweet sounds of some of the most laid back reggae groups, including
Nobody Beats the Drum
Rebelution, Julian Marley & The Uprising, and Tribal Seeds. With a style of music most often associated with an island atmosphere, Rebelution’s lead singer and guitarist, Eric Rachmany, was stoked for such a well-received response from the early afternoon crowd at their kickoff set on the main stage: “Having a festival at a place like this so close to the ocean is really special, especially with such beautiful weather and great energy all around.
We started off the festival on Friday with some reggae music out in the sun. It doesn’t get much better than that.” Building along with his band mate, bassist Marley Williams added, “When you put the ocean
and music together, one being a physical wave and the other a sound wave, people tend to want to dance more. I think we’ve all experienced it in this band, particularly since our sound is derived from island and coastal areas. You put music and the beach together, and people really want to let loose. But it doesn’t have to be just reggae music, either. I think that’s the whole vibe of what Hangout is all about.”
The Kingston Springs
And oh, how the people danced! While the crowd went bonkers during a late afternoon rave with electronic legend Paul Oakenfold, some of the scene’s grooviest acts such as STS9, Big Gigantic, and BoomBox provided the weekend’s best boogie after the sun settled over the horizon and each band’s dazzling lights illuminated the shore. Say goodbye to Hangout’s serene atmosphere once the beat kicked in and the bass started thumping. The nighttime was the right time for all the wild and raucous kids to come out and play. “There was so much adrenaline pumping,” Big Gigantic’s drummer Jeremy Salken reminisced after putting the exclamation point on Thursday night’s M. Ward
Perpetual Groove
closing set. “I literally felt the euphoria flowing through me. It was such a crazy rush. I wish I could bottle it up and sell it to people because it’s the best feeling ever.” But with all that adrenaline came just as much fatigue as the humidity rose among the sea of glistening crowd-goers jammed packed under the party tent. “I felt like I was going to throw up a couple of times during our set from going so hard,” chuckled production guru and saxophonist Dominic Lalli about not letting the elements get the best of him from delivering the spectacle that their fans came to see. “If you can imagine, what I’m doing up there is kind of like jogging and playing sax at the same time. After an hour and half, I sort of want to take a nap.” Delta Rae
With so much mainstream and underground talent churning out from one of the festival’s five stages at any given time during the event, sleep was the last thing on most people’s minds. Whether they were doing a jig with Irish punks Flogging Molly, belly dancing with Gypsy punks Gogol Bordello, or clogging with folk punks The Devil Makes Three, there was something for fans of each and every genre of music to enjoy, admire, and uncover. One moment they were smiling in appreciation of the classic, unmistakable sound of Randy Newman or Steve Winwood, and next they were trying to wrap their heads around the outrageous clatter of Skrillex. “It’s really great to be part of such a diverse line-up like this,” remarked Jori Collignon of Amsterdam’s Nobody Beats The Drum. “Everyone’s been so friendly. This is one of our first times touring around the United States, and we’re really excited to be able to play our big set, especially at a festival with palm trees. You don’t get many of those in Europe. After we’ve been driving around for several days, we’re just happy to be able to get out there. We’re like caged monkeys who get to come out every now and then to perform our trick!” And trick after trick after trick, Hangout’s lineup delivered.
Even though the festival has only completed it’s third run, it’s no wonder why tickets are increasingly becoming a precious commodity. Spectacular views accompanied by spectacular talent make for one spectacular, professionally executed event. Add in beautiful people, literally and
figuratively, and the mix is spot on. “This is what it’s all about,” reiterated Lalli. “We make it a point to come back every year. Once we’re done, we’re just hoping it’s cool they invite us again. Regardless of whether we’re here as performers or fans, we’re all here for the same reason; we love music!”
For four worthwhile, easygoing days, every moment revolved around the music, the artists who perform it, and the fans who love it. Music became life, and life became music. Just another good ole’ fashioned Hangout for the books. “I’ve been playing music for over 60 years, and I will be until the day I die,” said Roger Lewis, original baritone sax player for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, spreading his expansive wisdom. “I still learn something new every day I pick up my instrument. It’s a continuous learning process just like life itself.” -KC -JK
Life and music. We learned it all goes together. And one more lesson fans share at Hang Out: be nice… or go home! See ya next year!
BoomBox
Hangout Festival
The Monthly Spin Lotus / Live from The Melkweg, Amsterdam, NL 3/16/2012 Free stream/download at http://www.archive.org
Nowadays, when people think of electronic music, they tend to envision computers doing much of the work; however, this cannot be said of Lotus. Exploring improvisational jams channeling rock n’ roll and electronic beats, this upbeat dance music showcases the fusion of genres like jazz and funk through live instrumentation. Even though listening at home lacks the group’s incredible light show, it still provides a great party atmosphere. The guys don’t hold back with the opener, “Age of Inexperience.” The heavy bass drum and fast guitar licks will get you moving in no time. Their soft and sweet sides come out on “Disappear in a Blood Red Sky” as the melody circles around the venue. The playful and dreamy aspects are a welcome break. But just as they begin to mellow out, they pick it right up again with “Lucid Awakening.” Speaking through their instruments while tossing the melody back and forth, the members expand upon the musical space to create a funky piece. Lotus pumps you up but kindly brings you down. To get a full understanding, experience a live show–a guaranteed get down!
-CC
Michael Kiwanuka / Home Again This British singer-songwriter has created quite a stir with his debut album, Home Again. Michael Kiwanuka, 24, has already been compared to Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Randy Newman, Van Morrison, and even the likes of The Temptations. These are in no way unjust comparisons. The moment Home Again starts, you are immediately transported into a 70s hodgepodge of upbeat acoustic tunes mixed with some psychedelic grooves, all backed with more soul than you can shake a leg to. Kiwanuka smoothly slides in and out of the 11 songs on this album; it’s like one big soul river that flows faster and slower depending on his mood. He has no problem switching from a truly vulnerable and soothing ballad into an upbeat, groovy tune full of flutes and bell chimes. No one instrument is overpowering during the album. However, since Kiwanuka’s vocals are showcased rising above the rest, the backup instruments serve as perfect light accompaniment. With his truly rooted and uncompromising R&B sound, it’s no wonder that he has already won BBC’s Sound of 2012 award. Do not miss “I Won’t Lie,” “Home Again,” and “Rest.”
-GS
Hey Today! / 83 In its true essence, Hey Today!’s 83 is nothing shy of unrestricted electro house madness. Building in all the right places like only Germany’s finest electronic musicians know how to do, it hooks you in with its rhythmic progressions until it smacks you upside the head with its blitzkrieg-like beats. Hailing from Hamburg and backed by the Kitsuné crew, France’s freshest indie and electronic record label, Raik Krause, the producer behind Hey Today!, has no qualms with pushing your sound system to capacity. Like a flashback to the days of Mega Man blasting his way through levels at hyper speed, the title track’s four on the floor claps hold it all together as a decorative assortment of synthesizers rev their way through this galactic banger. Mixing tribal beats with a massive thump that bounces to the moon, “Guru Guro” hits on a level that’s so unmistakably primal that it feeds and fulfills every natural desire to want to shake your body. Keep this up, and Hey Today! will definitely be around tomorrow.
-KC
Sleigh Bells / Reign of Terror Just as we thought the music couldn't get any louder, Sleigh Bells kicks it up a notch with their most recent album, Reign of Terror. The duo, made up of Edward Miller and Alexis Krauss, takes a new spin on their already infectious flare by amplifying their energy. The instrumentals in Reign of Terror are less devoted to hip-hop and more so infused with the electric slashes of buzzing guitar. However, the change to more masculine beats in the new album does not overpower the airy and feminine vocals that we have always loved. The metal-like rock riffs and wild progressions contrast so effectively with the bubble-gum nature of Krauss' melodies that the product may as well be compared to the chants of a blunt and badass cheerleading squad–and it works. With claps, screams, grunts and moans, Sleigh Bells delivers the whole package with a punch. Rendering an extraordinary antithesis of sounds as hardcore guitar unexpectedly bleeds in with the punk-like girly tones of Krauss’ voice, “Demons” epitomizes everything that Sleigh Bells set out to accomplish with this new endeavor. This simultaneously harsh and seamless album is something worth listening to… and perhaps even preparing for.
-KV
Storm Corrosion / Storm Corrosion Quite possibly the progressive music scene’s most anticipated album of 2012, Storm Corrosion’s self titled debut album presents the meeting of two masterminds: Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth and Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree. Don’t expect Opeth’s harsh material or Wilson’s space rock style, though. This album, released as the final part of a trilogy between Opeth’s Heritage and Wilson’s Grace For Drowning, is a quiet, minimalistic, and somber gem. Minimalism’s tendency to slowly grow on you has always been the driving quality behind its replay value, and this release especially proves no different. Percussion, in comparison to other releases, has been greatly reduced to a solely atmospheric effect. Blending together in perfect harmony, Wilson’s emotional symphonies and Akerfeldt’s melancholy guitar work emit eerie effects throughout the melodies of tracks “Lock Howl” and “Drag Ropes.” Wilson’s knack for angelic vocals shines on the title track, as he sings alongside acoustic guitar picking that swells to an unsettling orchestral climax. Closing out the album, Akerfeldt’s falsetto opens “Ljudet Innan,” presenting a warm and welcoming surprise to an unforgettable ending.
-ZS
Phish / Live from Lemonwheel Festival, Limestone, ME 8/16/1998 Free stream/download at http://www.nugs.net
Not many bands can host a two-day festival featuring only them and attract over 60,000 people. Then again, there aren’t many bands like Phish. This old school show closes out their third solo festival, Lemonwheel, with three sets of rocking, improvisational music. Swirling out as the second song of the night, the quirky, storytelling “Bathtub Gin” takes on a whole new dimension as pianist Page McConnell’s staccato style playing produces intense emotion. Once Trey Anastasio’s lengthy, neo-psychedelic guitar jam takes off, it definitely becomes a crowd favorite. “Down With Disease” brings back the rage for the second set. Perhaps symbolizing the gathering, the song’s lyrics paint a perfect picture of the weekend’s festivities: “There’s a thousand barefoot children outside dancing on my lawn.” After being born in the middle of the third set, “Wilson’s” heavy rocking vibe gets the crowd chanting with excitement, and the boys make sure it’s one to be remembered. After an obviously successful two-day run, Phish has gone on to host six more solo adventures. Challenge accepted.
-CC
The Mars Volta / Noctourniquet The Mars Volta’s sixth studio album, Noctourniquet, possesses an enigmatic quality. While shortening the songs to a more standardized pop verse/chorus structure, the music has somehow become less accessible in term of musicality. This enigma becomes immediately apparent on the opener, “The Whip Hand,” and the first single, “The Malkin Jewel,” as their sonic danceability melts across the tracks to the off kilter simplicity of latest drummer Deantoni Park’s contribution. Fans of their last offering, Octahedron, will eat up the track “Empty Vessels Make the Loudest Sound,” with vocalist Cedric Bixler’s ballad style melancholy firing off in top notch. Most noticeable is his tendency to sing in lower tones as opposed to his often manic soprano style. Songwriter Omar Rodriguez’s guitar craft that sets the band apart continues to morph into extraordinary textural planes, especially on “Noctourniquet” and “Dyslexicon.” Though The Mars Volta continues to grow, they’re sticking to their progressive roots. Bixler stated in an interview, “It's about embracing life for what it should be. There's a view of the elitist lifestyle—that being an artist is unattainable. I'm trying to write this story that reminds people that we're all artists.”
-ZS
B.o.B. / Strange Clouds As this album begins, a string section starts to play with a deep, epic resonance of something big happening, only to surprise with a monologue read by none other than Morgan Freeman. Following Freeman’s speech about life, death, darkness, and light, B.o.B. drops in hard with an ambitious and larger-than-life verse. If your brain can keep up, this alone will have you hooked on B.o.B.’s second studio album, Strange Clouds. Nowhere near as mainstream or pop-oriented as his first record, this Atlanta, GA homegrown is much more concerned with inner passion and soul rather than shoes and cars, a refreshing outlook for a genre often aimed at materialism. On Strange Clouds, B.o.B. proves himself to be both an exceptional rapper in the game, blending extreme wit and intellect with hard hitting flows and beats, and an incredibly multi-talented musician, playing guitar, piano, drums, and singing backup and lead vocals for much of the record. The guest appearances are outstanding here as well. Check out “Arena” (feat. Chris Brown & T.I.), “Bombs Away” (feat. Morgan Freeman), and the truly complete, “Chandelier” (feat. Lauriana Mae).
-GS
Shiny Disco Club / Millenium Disco Vol. 2 Intent on spreading their deepest affections for disco-infused dance numbers with mutual lovers of big beats and shoulder shuffling rhythms, French record label Shiny Disco Club’s 24-track compilation unites producers from all around the world with a divine mix that takes listeners on a journey through this technologically progressive yet retro fitted world. Whether it’s impromptu poolside dance parties or the flashiest discothèques, dance floors everywhere better plan for reinforcement if they hope to withstand the dynamic nu-disco pulse of Louis La Roche’s “Fake Tan” and The Phantom’s Revenge’s “Bananas.” Like a polished present of bouncing horns and dynamite soul tied together with a French house bow, Cherokee’s “Do It Again” pushes this evolving sound to new expectations and represents everything that is pure within a style of music that is all about bustin’ loose. From the glittery groove of Quinten 909’s “Magic” to the compelling electro funk love cry of Jean Tonique’s “My Baby,” Millenium Disco Vol. 2 shines through and through.
-KC
Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile / The Goat Rodeo Sessions
Urban Dictionary describes a goat rodeo as “a chaotic situation involving many people in a high risk situation that requires 100 things to go perfectly right at once if you intend to walk away from it.” A collaborative effort between cellist Yo-Yo Ma, fiddler Stuart Duncan, bassist and composer Edgar Meyer, and mandolin player Chris Thile, The Goat Rodeo Sessions blends classical and bluegrass music with a slightly Celtic feel. From start to finish, these four masters of their respective crafts utilize the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their careers in the industry to create a progressive yet traditional sound. Sit back and relax with “Attaboy” or feel dangerous and sassy with “Quarter Chicken Dark.” From the dramatic ending of the purely classical “Where’s My Bow” to the vocally driven “Here and Heaven” (feat. Aoife ‘Donovan from Crooked Still), there’s definitely no need to worry about walking away from this one. These boys hit this album spot on!
-KF
Cold Specks / I Predict a Graceful Expulsion Al Spx’s vocals are as sweet as honey on her debut album, I Predict a Graceful Expulsion. Hailing from Ontario, the young singer is known to be shy and soft spoken, but her rich and powerful voice makes it clear that she has something to say. Her songs have a serene, nostalgic mood and express a sense of weariness and disillusion. Evocative of gospel, blues and jazz, each song’s instrumentation blends beautifully with Spx’s voice. The second track, “Hector,” couples restrained, steady percussion with Spx’s breathy, mournful crooning, resulting in a tune that is ethereal and haunting. The next track, “When the City Lights Dim,” is similarly somber, but also strangely optimistic, repeating “My oh my, don’t you know my will is good?” Her lyrics are beautifully simple and poetic, with a sense of inner strength that makes you want to belt it out along with her. The last track, “The Mark,” is another powerful, slow tune that ends the album on a sorrowful note with a slow repetition of “Take my body home, take my body home.” Though it consists of a mere six songs, I Predict a Graceful Expulsion is elegant and moving, a true work of art.
-NJ
Fireflight / Now On Fireflight’s fourth full-length album, Now, they continue to prove it’s possible to rock and embrace their faith all at the same time. The album opens with “Stay Close,” an intense rock number that almost borders on metal. But worry not; Fireflight remains consistent with their previous albums with the inclusion of several slower, but equally passionate songs, such as “Rise Above” and “He Weeps.” Despite the challenges of introducing a new drummer, Adam McMillion, after the amicable departure of Phee Shorb last year, Fireflight holds on to the sound that has made them one of the most popular Christian alternative rock bands to date, while still progressing and growing in a way their longtime fans can appreciate; and of course, never swaying from the uplifting messages of the songs. From start to finish, Fireflight sings powerful anthems of defeating your past and embracing the new life you’ve been given.
-CP
Flight Facilities / With You feat. Grovesnor No need to buckle up for this flight; it’s smooth the whole ride through. Kick back with Australia’s Flight Facilities as they bob and weave with the fluidity of an F-22 fighter jet and luxury of a Gulfstream G650 on their latest offering, With You feat. Grovesnor. Along with a collection of remixes and an extended mix, each rendition of “With You" offers a crisp, innovative take on the track’s suave undertones and sonorous guest vocal work of Hot Chip drummer Grovesnor. Whether it be the divine bass hook that rounds out the extended mix, the hypnotic groove of David August’s remix, or the luscious funk appeal of MAM’s remix, Flight Facilities’ spot on selections offer a perfect pick for all of summer’s favorite pastimes. Even though the guys rarely put out a new hit their precise production techniques are well worth the wait. And contrary to the song’s message, this is one album you definitely want to be seen with.
-KC
Meshuggah / Koloss Colossal Swedish metal forerunners Meshuggah have grinded out their seventh studio album entitled Koloss. Harking back to a less rigid and more organic sound and production than their previous effort, Obzen, this album will surely satisfy fans of old material and serve as a fresh platter of metallic goodness to new ones. This doesn’t mean Meshuggah’s unfathomable time signatures and density aren’t present, though. “I Am Colossus” opens the album with a lethargic crawl of heavy percussion and crunchy guitars that build up to the beautiful, off kilter catharsis fans have come to love. The wide range of vocals are as maddening as ever, especially accompanied with such thought provoking lyrics courtesy of drummer Thomas Haake. “Break Those Bones Whose Sinews Gave Them Motion” references humanitarian Albert Schweitzer on the thoughtlessness of violence and the inevitable backlashes from it. With nauseating roller coaster ride qualities, “Demiurge”’s hypnotic melodies are capped off with Fredrik Thordendal and Mårten Hagström’s unique guitar work. With skill sets as brilliant as theirs, it’s no wonder that they helped coin the genre now known as djent.
-ZS
The Lumineers / The Lumineers The Lumineers have something very special in the sea of mediocrity that many folk inspired artists have fallen into lately. They have originality. The Denver, CO trio brings about a large and vibrant sound while keeping the simplicity of their songwriting very true to the roots of folk. Even when they are fusing other musical styles with their sound, including rock and strong gospel qualities, it always has a constant foot stomping heartbeat of true folk. Songs like “Submarine” are littered with several instruments, creating a large, happy sound. Others, such as the haunting love song “Ho Hey,” sport just a guitar with accented shouts and tambourines. Just when you think you’ve captured their style, songs like “Big Parade” will catch you by surprise, starting somewhere pure and quiet and ending with a full band of powerful handclaps and screaming vocals. What’s most notable is their accessibility to all listeners. You really don’t have to be a diehard folk fan to enjoy them; their influences are so broad but fully realized that you’ll be hooked by first listen.
-GS
The Spin-Off Staff-selected tracks from the Monthly Spin
1. Sleigh Bells / “Demons”
9. B.o.B. / “Bombs Away”
2. Louis La Roche / “Fake Tan”
10. Michael Kiwanuka / “I Won’t Lie”
3. The Lumineers / “Ho Hey”
11. Storm Corrosion / “Drag Ropes”
4. Yo-Yo Ma, Stuar Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile / “Attaboy”
12. Meshuggah / “I Am Colossus”
5. The Mars Volta / “Noctourniquet” 6. Phish / “Character Zero” 7. Lotus / “Age of Inexperience” 8. Hey Today! / “Guru Guro”
13. Cold Specks / “Hector” 14. Flight Facilities / “With You feat. Grovesnor
(Extended Mix)” 15. Fireflight / “Rise Above”
Musical
Explorations
Panama
An international travel series featuring
The Music Initiative’s Editor-In-Chief and 2012 Emerging Artist T. Champagne journeyed to Panama to experience three vastly differing regions of the country in 10 days. The purpose of this experimental trip? To see, interview and experience how music and the arts, nature, food & spirits, architecture, and the human spirit transcends borders. One more day in Panama City (time for a bit of history) Wednesday 7am After waking a bit groggy from our wine-hazed romantic evening, we slowly treaded down the winding staircase to our breakfast nook at The Canal House. Delighted by a first class private breakfast of fresh fruit, granola and huevos de jambon, we had the healthy jump start needed to kick us into gear for our much anticipated day of historical sightseeing and interviewing.
Before we left the Canal House, we chatted with the manager Olga a bit about its history. The house apparently had been built-in the late 1890s by one of Panama’s founding fathers. Through the years, like most of the buildings in the historical Casco region, it became a bit weathered and neglected. But when
the gentrification of this historical district began, the house rallied, basking in its former glory and re-opened as the first high-end, Green Globe certified, boutique hotel in Central America. As the conversation progressed to lighter topics of fun and travel, Olga shared adventure stories and suggested places for us to truly unwind (Bocas del Toro). From the corner of the room, we saw a hand briefly flutter in the air as our sweet breakfast server waved goodbye. We complimented Olga on the courtesy and service-oriented nature of her staff, and how impressed we were by their efforts to speak our language. Olga beamed with pride and she explained The Canal House’s unique hiring policy. Seeped
in stewardship and love for its community, The Canal House employs its staff from within the neighborhood, and more importantly each was trained by the non-profit organization, Fundacion Calicanto. This foundation helps residents break the physical and emotional cycle of poverty by offering them practical job skills, as well as self-esteem training. After the training, the foundation works toward placing each person in a job within the neighborhood to keep it from losing its significant cultural heritage, due to lower income residents being pushed out by developers and foreigners. We were so inspired by this story and the struggles, and Olga assured us that the people of the neighborhood are filled with pride and hope for a brighter future.
Wednesday 11am Armed with our shades, we took to the streets and wandered aimlessly through the city, as we had a few hours to kill until our tour guide meet up with our afternoon tour guide. We checked out Iglesia San Jose (the famous golden altar), strolled through the the Plaza Herrera to view the statue of Panamanian independence crusader Tomas Herrera, and marveled at Los Bovedas Monument (the Spanish torture dungeons). Eventually, we stopped in at the Havana Club for a drink and a bite. We decided to rely on the special board and ordered the Ropa Vieja,
a shredded brisket in a tomato sauce base, and a Cuban sandwich, coupled with
the National Beer of Panama, appropriately named Panama. As we enjoyed our meal listening to rumba, mambo, and bolero, the bright sun pierced through the open air restaurant, illuminating the local artwork & giant wooden chandeliers.
Replenished, we went in search of our next evening respite. Like most of the boutique hotels in Casco Viejo, Casa Sucre was hidden. After finding an address and a bell, we glanced at each each other and silently wondered what this door would uncover. A loud buzz announced our arrival, we entered and climbed a wide staircase looking forward. As we approached the top, a glorious creature with the kindest voice welcomed us with a hug and a smile. Alyce Sherman, jazz vocalist and arts enthusiast extrodinaire, ushered us into her home. (Not going to lie, but I am pretty sure this may be my Panamanian soulmate.) Adorned with beautiful local art, Casa Sucre is a haven for international artists and musicians. As we begin to feel the textures of the textiles on the wall, and admire the delicate stitchings of the Kuna (indigenous people) Molas, Alyce instructs us to drop our bags. As if a scene from the movie, like clockwork, a door opens and our own personal ambassador of Panamanian tourism, Jonathan enters. A quick hello and out the door again. Our hostess had planned an afternoon of sightseeing and a special meet-n-greet with one of Panama’s premiere authors and art curators, Carlos Weil. Born in Brazil, and raised in Switzerland, this lawyer/ banker/ former Christie’s art auctioneer settled in Panama in 1987 and never looked back.
Wednesday 3pm We quickly discovered this revered member of the international art community owns an upscale gallery, as well as Panama’s only art auction house. Upon entry of the gallery, we were overwhelmed with the sheer enormity of stock; everything from models to manuscripts, from jewelry to hats, and everything in between. Stacks of paintings and an army of sculptures engulfed his gallery. Eclectic can not even begin to describe the treasures here. From our perspective, it resembled an art collector’s fantasy playground. Suddenly, the man, known by his friends as “Uncle Carlos” glides toward us, his thick accent fills the space and welcomes start flowing like wine, and in a moment we find ourselves in yet another sincere embrace. Uncle Carlos escorts us around the gallery and explains that while living in France, he worked as an artist, as well as an art collector. For an hour, we dug through each corner, every nook to cranny, as he in elaborate detail deconstructed the processes of making
art and verbally sketched portaits of the personalities behind their creators. When asked which pieced he loved the most, he blushed, and like most good parents, said each was special in its own way. However, he did relay two things he had great passion for: artwork revolving around the Panama Canal, and Panamanian musical scores Carlos Weil’s most well known gift to the country of Panama consists of a series of original French Canal Bonds that he commissioned artists to paint . The painting on the bonds were intended to reflect the history of the canal and the world around us through the eyes of the world of art. To date, he has commissioned over 2000 bonds for artists to paint. To see them in person was baffling; the detail of the painting on the bond was beautiful. And not only were the bonds themselves a work of art interns of penmanship & paper quality, but also a piece of history, a literal bill of sale, to a place where international travel and commerce was made possible. (For more information on this, you may find his book, The Canal of Many Colors, a fun and informative read.)
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, he pulls out a collection of original musical scores, all from the era of the Panama Canal’s construction. Ok, so now our inner music geek rears its nerdy head, we sit and thumb through these for about an hour. Giggling, I am fascinated by the phrasing while Thomas is in awe of the arrangements, and Weil just wants to know if it will sound like good music. He clarifies that none of these, to his knowledge, have been recorded, or at least not yet. Hmmmm, if you know anything about us, we are always looking for a fun opportunity and this screams PROJECT! (Keep up with the series to find out what happens with these.)
of construction to widen the canal to three lanes was cranking into high gear as well. The diversity of structures within the city and the outlying jungle was astounding. We were both so glad to have someone who had watched the city grow, over the course of 30 years, to be able to interpret it for us. **Quick plug, book Jonathan for a tour. This native Panamanian had plenty of his own adventures traveling and studying abroad before he came home to his homeland. What better thing for him to do than open his our tour guide service, Truly Panama. And when I tell you he gets IT, he gets it. The love for his country, its history, and his wealth of knowledge shines through in each details.
Wednesday 7pm
After an extended “Uncle Carlos style” au revoir, Jonathan whisked us out and taking the wheel’s helm, narrating tales of historical, cultural, and natural significance as we weave through the old city, passing the towering skyscrapers, and finally descend into the lush rainforest that the US military had occupied for so many decades. Suddenly, our first view of the Panama Canal loomed ahead and we saw the last lock before the Pacific Ocean. One always hears stories of the Panama Canal, but until you are close, the magnitude of the structure, as well as the fact that it is an engineering feat, can’t possibly settle in. In the foreground,train cars and tugboats navigated the oversized shipping vessels through the channel. In the background, the final stage
Arriving back at Casa Sucre, we realized we have birthday dinner reservations in one hour, as well as our first music gig bringing the reggae/ funk/ pop sounds of T. Champagne to Casco Viejo. As we alternated between getting dressed and enjoying cockail hour, we made a new friend in co-founder and Grammy Award-winning audio engineer Rob Griffin (2003 Best Instrumental Jazz Recording with Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker & Roy Hargrove). Rob conveyed he is in town working on a new album, as well as visiting and making plans with the Mamoni Valley Preserve to help with the creation of Junglewood, a center for ecological and cultural renewal. This project blew our minds. Deep within the rainforest where the indigenous Kuna live “at the narrowest point in the Western Hemisphere, where a mere 35 miles separates the Pacific and the Atlantic,” a biodiversity project, unlike anything we had ever heard, grows. Earth Train, BioMuseo, Grammy Awardwinning jazz musician Danilo Perez, the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, and Dr.Jane Goodall are
collaborating to create a community, complete with an amphitheater and recording studios, where the indigenous Kuna , scientists, ecologists, musicians, and a variety of people can go to celebrate and use the rhythms, sounds and structures of nature for creation, preservation, and sustainability. Our minds were numb with the possibility that such a perfect project fusing stewardship, science, and the arts was working so beautifully.
With a guitar in hand and food on the brain, we ran through the streets hoping to keep our much coveted dinner reservation at Manolo Caracol. Always packed, you must make a reservation well in advance (you will be turned away at the door). Once inside, we hear the open kitchen warming up with sounds like instruments tuning before a symphony. Its chefs are working the metal skillets, wooden spatulas, and steam pots. No time to waste, we are seated. Don’t even think to ask for a menu; you won’t get one. Recognized for the best small plates in Casco, Manolo Caracol also prides itself on a
knowledgeable, superb, and amenable waitstaff. They take their time and expect you to do the same. You will not be leaving any time soon- think 2 hours minimum. The plates may be small, but this 12-course meal was meant to be savored. Favorite dishes of the night… Andalusian gazpacho with a cucumber sorbet, and the squash pumpkin soup. And savor we did…until we realized, we had 15 minutes to run through the streets AGAIN to make our gig at Mojitos. (Notice a theme on this trip… RUNNING!)
Wednesday 10pm One minute before showtime, we hit the stage, damp from the humidity of the balmy climate. Mojitos is an open air bar, set in the midst of an old stone building. The stage occupies a corner with a wall spanning some 50 feet high. Thomas takes the stage to a welcoming crowd of 20, 30 and 40 somethings from across the globe. The mood: friendly, the libations: plentiful, and the atmosphere: epic. Something about sitting admidst stone and centuries of history while listening to music just sent shivers down our spines and seemed to accentuate moment with a grandiose light. What we deduced after the set… no matter where you are people like to dance. And dance they did. TMI’s emerging artist T Champagne was well-received on our first international run.
the stairs inside led you to an underground bar, Relic. Inside the bar itself, a dungeon filled with late night partiers and incredible, inexpensive drinks. As the delicate glow of light bounced off of the old stone walls and onto the patrons, Relic’s funky vibe infused with preserved, architecturally tasteful setting became our sanctuary for the rest of the night, to mingle with travelers from around the world. We finally bid our goodbyes and sauntered back to our sweet Casa Sucre retreat, sat on our iron balcony that reminded us of our dear New Orleans, and popped a glass of champagne that our hostess had Kindlyly left in our room. Here’s to a great night! Late night in Casco Viejo couldn’t get any better than this. -BF -TC
Another interesting thing we found in Panama is that no one is a stranger. At Mojito’s Jason, musician & the manager of Lunas Castle/Relic Bar, invited us over to see his space and share a quick cocktail. As exhausted as we were and as early as knew we had to wake, we also knew that this was probably one of those experiences we didn’t want to miss. How right we were! Luna’s Castle serves as an upscale hostel (with a more than reasonable nightly rate) with more amenities than the average hostel-goer could imagine, coupled with stunning murals and a gumbo of international travelers and expats. A vast outdoor atrium opened itself to the balconies of Casco and a quick walk down
Travel Tips: ¬ Buy an international cell phone or a special SIM chip when you arrive http://www.movistar.com.pa/onsite/index.php ¬ Know the name of the specific neighborhood where you are staying. ¬ Take a map of the city to your concierge or host where you are staying and have them mark the areas of town that are safe to walk. ¬ Go to the wharf and try as many types of ceviche as you can.
emerging Artist
You don’t get much better conversation than over a plate of chili cheese fries and hot wings. Just before Champagne with Friends hit the road for their month long tour, Thomas took some time to tell about his accomplished past and hopeful future. photo by: Glyn Cowden
pho
What’s the best way to beat the summer heat? Shade, plenty of water, and ICEEs. I’m a fiend for those things.
Summer leisure activity of choice?
Anything water oriented, especially floating the river. When I was living in Austin, we used to blow up inner tubes and cruise down the Guadalupe. You can’t beat 100° temperatures and ice cold water. Two thumbs up for that!
Where’s your ideal vacation getaway?
Wishful thinking, but I want to own four homes: a beach house in Charleston, an international retreat somewhere in South America, Wild West living in New Mexico, and a mountain lodge in Canada. If you divide it up throughout the year, you can get the best of all these places.
Aside from performing, do you have any particularly memorable festival moments?
I used to work with the recording squad at Austin City Limits Music Festival years ago, and I actually made it on the credits two years in a row for the albums that they release. It’s such a great festival. Tom Petty, Widespread Panic, Phish, Ben Harper, Robert Randolph, you name it; they’ve all played there.
Why do you think music and arts festivals attract such wide and diverse audiences?
You can just let go! If it’s a camping festival, you get to rough it for three to four days. You can immerse yourself in music, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a lifestyle; a big social scene of different people that you meet from all over the world. People flock to these events, and it’s a great way to learn about each other.
If you had the opportunity to organize your own festival, who would you have play, where would it be, and what would the atmosphere be like?
I’m envisioning a blues and jazz festival at a winery. Let’s incorporate the best of both worlds and have a laid-back beach vibe somewhere in the mountains. Jazz headliners include John Scofield, Medeski Martin & Wood, Bill Frisell, and Wynton Marsalis. As for the blues aspect, I’ve got to have B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Taj Mahal. I’ll let John Mayer come, too. He can play some pretty mean blues.
-KC
And to you, what stands out about that event? Since it’s in the city, the music has to be over by around 10 or 11pm. A lot of times, bands will end up playing at venues around town. Years ago, R.E.M. did a secret set under a different name at the Continental Club. That place was packed once the word got out.
oto by: Glyn Cowden
Once you hit it big, let’s plan on hosting it at one of your newly purchased pads. Fingers crossed!
photo by: Glyn Cowden
From San Francisco, CA to Athens, AL, Zion Rock Godchaux has spent his life dancing to many different grooves. Along with Russ “The Captain” Randolph, these two are taking their beat driven, rock n’ roll rendition to festivals and campgrounds all across the United States this summer, including Impulse Music & Arts Festival, Bele Chere Festival, and Hoxeyville Music Festival. Whether you’ve heard it before or not, it’s always better late than never. Ladies and gentlemen, this is BoomBox.
BOOM
BOX What are some favorite summertime memories from your childhood?
Zion: When I was a kid, we lived all throughout Marin County in the San Francisco area, and there was nothing quite like driving over Mount Tam to get to Stinson Beach. Beautiful sunny days, gorgeous views, that whole area is magical, especially during the summertime. I started surfing when I was about 12 and did that pretty much every day. That and skating. Living the classic California lifestyle, ya know.
What’s the story behind the fuzzy hats and feather boas?
Before we ever even did our first show, Russ and I were down in New Orleans for my birthday. We were walking along Bourbon Street looking in the windows, and it was as if a light shone down from the heavens onto this ensemble. It was like the universe was telling me that if I was serious about taking the job as guitarist and singer of BoomBox, this was the uniform I was going to have to wear. It had nothing to do with me thinking that I was going to look cool. It’s just always felt natural.
And how did Russ earn the nickname “The Captain?” When he and I first met, we were working on a record called At the Table. We brought him on as the sound engineer, and we were always asking him to do various things to the tracks. Since he seemed to be navigating his way around the songs, I just started calling him “The Captain.” And it stuck. I still call him that. That’s his galactic name for the band, whether he likes it or not.
For BoomBox, what’s the biggest difference between playing at festivals as opposed to typical venues?
It’s definitely much more of a controlled environment at a club. We have more say over what we have on stage and more leeway as far as what we want to do for our production. We have a well hammered out system for sound checking and dialing everything in properly. At festivals, it’s usually more of a throw-and-go type of thing. You don’t get to put that same attention into the production. There’s a lot more left to chance.
Do you think the element of unpredictability makes festivals a unique experience?
For sure. It’s a whole other type of vibe with people from all over coming to see different styles of music. It’s more volatile, but it leaves a lot of potential for good stuff to happen.
Do you typically check out what’s going on around the rest of the grounds?
If we at all have the time to do that, it’s definitely something we try to capitalize on. We love checking out what else is going on with the other artists. It’s one of the perks of what we do.
What’s your ideal timeslot to play?
Earlier on in the festival, either the first or second night somewhere between midnight and 2am. People’s ears are fresh, and they’re still really excited to be getting there.
Your live set is definitely built for late night dance parties. What gave you the inspiration to incorporate house beats into BoomBox’s music?
I got turned onto house music in the early 90s going to raves in old warehouses out in San Francisco and Oakland. It was a real special time in the history of that music. I was there, and I got affected by it. The whole swing and form of house is so simple yet so sophisticated. I grew up playing instruments, and when I first saw the magic of house, I immediately set out wanting to experiment with writing songs over that medium to see what would happen if you were to turn that back in rock n’ roll. If you could, would you have house plus rock n’ roll? And if you did, would that not be some of the sickest sounds ever? When Russ and I met, he had heard electronic music but had never been exposed to the real deal. I had just come from inspiration central, so that’s why I had to take him to Burning Man out in Nevada to get a crash course on all the possibilities. And that’s kind of how we started combining house and rock n’ roll through live, original and spontaneous music.
pictured from left to right: Russ Randolph
h and Zion Godchaux
If you’re rummaging through stacks of old records at a garage sale, what’s one original copy of an album you hope to come across?
Karuna Supreme by John Handy and Ali Akbar Khan. It’s a beautiful collaboration between Indian percussion and jazz.
What’s the first thought that comes to mind when you wake up in the morning?
It seems like there’s always a different song in my head. They’re not necessarily the most bangin’ tunes, either. A lot of the times it will be a theme song from a kid’s show that my 3½ year son old watches. Sometimes it’ll be Michael Jackson; ya never know!
Are there any particular idiosyncrasies you perceive about Russ? And vice versa?
Recently, I’ve begun to notice that I’ll know when he’s about to come in the room. Our clocks have been locked together for so long that we know where each other are going to be without even talking to one another. I can be sitting backstage by myself and know 100% that Russ is going to be walking in within the next 30 seconds even though we haven’t talked in hours.
When you’re out touring from festival to festival, what do you miss most about home?
My son, Delta. He’s at such a cool age. When I’m at home, we’re together constantly. He’s my best friend. I miss him when I’m gone. If you blink, you’re missing major milestones everyday.
Don’t blink! Or you just might miss an opportunity to catch one of BoomBox’s elaborate live productions and psychedelic dance sets coming to a festival near you! -KC
CampuS
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College Charleston
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The College of Charleston immerses itself in the cultural explosion that is Spoleto. For 17 days and nights each summer, a cultural explosion takes over Charleston, SC as Spoleto Festival USA fills the Holy City’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with more than a hundred cultural, theatrical and musical Piccolo Spoleto Festival performances of the Charleston, SC highest artistic caliber. The event was founded in 1977 as the American counterpart to the Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds) in Spoleto, Italy. Spoleto showcases both established and emerging artists from around the world, while expanding the local public’s appreciation of art. Each year, audiences experience anything from ballet to modern dance, symphony to opera; theatre and comedic acts, visual arts, and jazz. As the festival draws crowds from around the country, Charleston—already an ideal travel destination—sees one of its busiest seasons of the year.
Spoleto USA is one of the world’s major performing arts festivals, and the College of Charleston is eager to participate in many forms. For several years, the college has offered students a Maymester course revolving around the festival. Music and the Arts in the Spoleto Festival USA is team taught by faculty from CofC’s School of the Arts. Utilizing Spoleto as a vehicle for introduction to the arts, the course invites performers and directors into the classroom as guest lecturers, and students are invited to dress rehearsals. Many times, students will see people in these productions that they’ve already met in class.
A city-organized companion festival, Piccolo Spoleto, takes place simultaneously, producing hundreds of local acts.
The historic Cistern Yard is a centerpiece of the College of Charleston campus, and a venue for Spoleto Festival USA.
Simultaneous to the national event, a city-organized companion festival, Piccolo Spoleto, takes place, producing hundreds of local acts. CofC plays a substantial role in Piccolo, contributing greatly to its schedule of events. Each year their Department of Music presents the Young Artists Series, featuring some of the college’s most accomplished, award-winning students alongside alumni and special guests. Whether it’s opera performances, piano recitals, or the College of Charleston Concert Choir, this is an exciting opportunity for students to shine in front of their community. Additionally, award-winning students and alumni from CofC’s Department of Theatre perform in the Stelle di Domani (Stars of Tomorrow) Series. Stelle’s 7th incarnation of “Under the Lights” showcases a series of original student written 10-minute plays. Every year the college lends their historic Cistern Yard, the campus centerpiece, as an official Spoleto venue for live music under the starry sky and ancient oaks. After selling out crowds during the 2009 festival, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro returns to the atmospheric venue. With lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary playing techniques, Shimabukuro has been compared to the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis. He plays an eclectic mix of jazz, rock, folk, classical and traditional Hawaiian music. For all you Spoleto goers out there, expect to feel CofC’s presence throughout the weeks of the event. Whether you find yourself on their campus, watching their talent on stage, or at the least, sitting next to a cluster of culturally appreciative students that flock to these shows, their presence will be hard to miss.
-KK
Jake Shimabukuro returns to Spoleto after selling out crowds during the 2009 festival.
A-Side B-Side Heather’s Mix:
Woodstock ‘69 Jimi Hendrix
“The Star Spangled Banner”
Arlo Guthrie
“Wheel of Fortune”
Joan Baez
“We Shall Overcome”
Santana
Janis Joplin
“Summertime”
The Who
“Pinball Wizard”
Jefferson Airplane
“White Rabbit”
Joe Crocker
“Fried Neckbones”
“With a Little Help From My Friends”
Grateful Dead
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
“Turn On Your Love Light”
Sly and the Family Stone
“Everyday People”
Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Bad Moon Rising”
“Marrakesh Express”
Jimi Hendrix
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)/ Stepping Stone”
Kelley’s Mix:
A Field Day of Harmonizing Diversion Alabama Shakes
“Hold On”
BoomBox
The Werks
“Hard to Find”
Papadosio
“500 Miles”
“All I Knew”
Phish
The Infamous Stringdusters
“Bathtub Gin”
STS9
“Circus”
The Devil Makes Three
“Shades”
String Cheese Incident
“Joyful Sound”
“Black Rock”
Hot Buttered Rum
“Waiting for a Squall”
Zoogma
“Jerry Diesel”
Thievery Corporation
“Lebanese Blonde”
Trampled by Turtles
“Wait So Long”
2
Coast Coast
New Orleans N.Y.C. Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Omaha San Francisco Santa Fe Seattle Tulsa Washington, D.C.
Denver Los Angeles Miami
M N
Our staff writers set out on discovering the nation’s h
Denton/Ft. Worth Madison Minneapolis Nashville
n a musical roadtrip, hottest local bands.
ENTERING Atlanta
Austin
Asheville
Athens
Birmingham Boston Charleston
Chicago
Seattle
Local Scene Fences
Fences is not merely the recording alias of the Seattle songwriter; it is the distillation of Christopher Mansfield’s entire being. After a stint in rehab, this Berkeley College graduate is now completely open about his sobriety and uses music as a way to triumph over life’s struggles. Mansfield’s style attempts to chart out the formidable territory between emo and Americana. Even though it seems like an odd pairing, it makes for an extremely successful mix. Fences speaks with audible affection and creates a consummate, all-encompassing aesthetic. Now recognized as more than just a local favorite, Fences is now in high demand for festivals nationwide. -KV
Hot Spots Fremont Fair
Phinney Neighborhood Center Gallery / June 16th – 17th Founded in 1972, the Fremont Fair is one of Seattle’s most beloved neighborhood street festivals, featuring a weekend of eclectic activities that celebrate the quirky community.
Patrick Watson
Columbia City Theatre / June 13th This Montreal singer is known for blending cabaret pop and classical music with indie rock. He has been compared to Andrew Bird and Jeff Buckley.
Crow Quill Night Owls
Sirens / June 16th After his days in The Inkwell Rhythm Makers, Kit Stovepipe teamed up with female vocalist and tenor banjo player, Caliope Kane, to form Crow Quill Night Owls. They’ve built their sound around Kit’s signature resophonic guitar playing and oldtimey charisma.
Kimbra
WaMu Theatre / June 26th Harboring smoky soul, flights of dazzling invention, and intricate layers of deeply felt emotion, Kimbra’s music is heavily thematic and laced with quirky jazz chords.
Mates of State Tractor Tavern / June 29th Mates of State is an indie pop duo from Lawrence, KA. Over the course of the band’s fourteen-year career, they have released three EPs and six fulllength albums.
San Francisco
Local Scene The Limousines
From hooks that beckon you to sing along to exceptionally well drafted verses, The Limousines’ electro pop formula isn’t something you can expect to find in any old average textbook. Originally formed around 2007 through the online exchange of beats, lyrics, and melodies, Eric Victorino (vocals/ songwriting) and Giovanni Giusti (multi-instrumentalist/ producer) released their debut full-length album, Get Sharp, in July 2010. Featuring pepped up indie dance hits such as “Internet Killed the Video Star” and “Very Busy People,” Get Sharp crosses a fine line between sophistication and fun. Not only does this emerging duo produce thought provoking and catchy songs, their music videos for them are equally well crafted and entertaining. Hop aboard and take a ride with The Limousines! -KC
Hot Spots Donavan Frankenreiter
The Independent / June 9th It must be a hard life being both a professional surfer and musician. Mixing his experiences in the water with his laid back music, Frankenreiter’s shows are best seen with shoes off.
Stephanie Mills
Yoshi’s / June 14th – 17th Come be a part of these rare, intimate performances by this illustrious R&B/soul singer and former Broadway star. Makes for a great Father’s Day present, too!
Kate Miller-Heidke
Café Du Nord / June 17th Down Under’s pop sweetheart and satirist takes over The City by the Bay. Be sure to check out our exclusive feature interview with her in our October ’11 International Issue.
Otis Heat
Bottom of the Hill / June 23rd From the quirky, high-pitched vocals to the psychedelic funk sounds, this Portland, OR threepiece explodes with potential greatness. After meeting in the hospital from a near fatal car crash in 2008, destiny is now in their hands.
Justin Townes Earle
Great American Music Hall / June 29th The son of country rocker Steve Earl, Justin has been making quite a name for himself in the Americana world over the past few years. His newest album, Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now, is out now on Bloodshot Records.
Los Angeles Local Scene the Allah-Las
The Allah-Las continue in the creative direction of the “new oldies.” The group conjures up the most quintessential LA sound, with a hint of surf, 60s Sunset Strip, downtown city grime, and a trace of Americana desert folk, creating their own blend of beach rock. The quartet was featured in LA Weekly’s “Bands who will be big in 2012” and is growing in popularity in and out of the state of California. Their music has been compared to the products of the Paisley Underground movement, and the group members have been dubbed “retrorevivalists” because of their sounds that take listeners back to the lazy haze of summertime in Los Angeles. Though the majority of the band grew up surfing, they don’t try to create music that is ‘psychedelic’ or a spin-off of The Beach Boys. They aim for something that brings back the past, but is also new and infectious. Definitely a dynamic duo in the least! -KV
Hot Spots Motion City Soundtrack
Troubadour / June 15th With influences from the Pixies, Ben Folds, and The Flaming Lips, Motion City Soundtrack creates their own original emo pop sound, making for a solid, fun show.
Make Music Pasadena
Pasadena, CA / June 16th Come out to Southern California’s largest free music event with four main stages and hundreds of performances. The festival is set to feature a number of local and nationally known indie pop groups throughout the day, including appearances from Grimes, Grouplove and Cults.
Katchafire
Saint Rocke / June 20th Originally formed in 1997 as a Bob Marley tribute band, these New Zealanders have since gone on to release their own original roots reggae tunes. Get ready to spread some positive vibrations.
Ceu
El Ray Theater / June 21st The Brazilian singer/songwriter is coming to share her love for traditional music from her homeland in a whole new way—Ceu mixes in her pure voice and modern flair to create a nearly heavenly sound.
Friends Echo / June 26th This indie pop dance band wants to spread their infectious beats with any city who will surely appreciate them. Come out and make some new Friends while you’re at it.
Portland Local Scene The Quick & Easy Boys
Formed in 2005, this band made a name for themselves in Eugene before making the move to Portland. The Quick and Easy Boys quickly and easily gained the reputation for having the ability to make music that could keep a crowd moving all night long. The tempestuous trio consists of Jimmy Russel on guitar, Sean Badders on bass and Michael Goetz on drums-three driven fellows whose music continues to evolve. The boys ventured out on their first United States tour in September of 2009 and have gained infectious popularity since. Now, they can proudly say that they have opened for big names such as Blitzen Trapper, Deer Tick, The Thermals, Orgone, and more. So what’s all the buzz about? The Quick and Easy Boys blend funky R&B, psychedelic rock, and garage pop with a slight pinch of honky tonk into one vibrant and dynamic style that is guaranteed to keep audiences dancing. -KV
Hot Spots Maps & Atlases
Bunk Bar / June 11th Even though they’re considered indie rock, Maps & Atlases is equally influenced by alternative, folk, and experimental music. Additionally, their math rock roots have gained some serious pop sensibility over the years.
Jukebox the Ghost
Portland City Music Hall / June 16th Sporting a quirky, brainy pop sound similar to that of Ben Folds and They Might Be Giants, these guy graduates are nothing short of dynamic. Their newest album, Safe Travels, comes out June 12th.
The Temper Traps
Roseland Theatre / June 17th Come see why The Temper Traps are becoming one of Australia’s hottest indie rock bands. After forming in 2005, they’ve had a stream of successful hits including the critically acclaimed “Sweet Disposition.”
Closer Electronic Music Festival//PDX 2011
Various Venues / June 21st – 24th Audioelectronic, George Holland, Mercedes, DJ Tronic, Chris Caldwell, and many more are going to be blowing the roofs of venues across the city with their entrancing beats and hypnotic progressions.
Oregon Bach Festival
Ariene Schnitzer Concert Hall / June 29th – July 15th The emotional power of great performances and the monumental passion of J.S. Bach are at the heart of Oregon Bach Festival’s 42nd season. Featuring Helmuth Rilling, Joshua Bell, the Portland Baroque Orchestra, The 5 Browns, and more.
Denver Local Scene Hearts of Palm
An eight piece ensemble, Denver’s own Hearts of Palm decided to change their name from the previous Nathan & Stephen to accurately reflect their large size. There is nothing traditional about Hearts of Palm’s music or the way they create it. Their roots go back more than fifteen years starting with impromptu Sunday gatherings of free and improvisational synthesis of music. The band didn’t actively pursue recording an actual album until 2006. Most of their first responses and reviews were from the UK, including coverage in Wire, England’s modern music journal. Hearts of Palm multitasker Jay Wilson also puts his talent to work with Mike Hancock in their electronic duo French Crisps, contributing to the diverse background of the big band. -KV
Hot Spots The Indigo Girls
Mickey Avalon
The Moondoggies
Bone Thugs – NHarmony
Hyatt Regency Denver / June 8th Consisting of Amy Ray and Emily Sieler, this duo met in elementary school and have radiated harmony ever since. Now sensations of the American folk genre, these girls are ready to show Colorado what they’ve got. HI-Dive / June 13th The Moondoggies’ manly, heavy brand of Americana rock employs great strength from their vocal harmonies. Watch out Rockies! These guys are on a hot streak and are coming your way.
Jimmy Cliff
Ogden Theater / June 19th Jimmy Cliff is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and actor famous for his reggae music. Cliff is the only singer to hold the Order of Merit, which is the highest honor a person can receive from the Jamaican government for achievement in the arts.
The Bluebird Theater / Jun 20th Known for his live shows and lack of reservations, a Mickey Avalon show isn’t only good for the laughs. His avant guard hip-hop style makes his music truly one of a kind.
Little Bear / June 26th The Nineties hip-hop group from Cleveland is back and better than ever. Don’t miss the entertaining trio of Lazy bone, Bizzy bone and Flesh-n-Bone as they attempt to give the hip-hop industry another run for its money.
Omaha Local Scene The Mynabirds
The Mynabirds are a collective of musicians fronted by singersongwriter Laura Burhenn. Founded in 2009 following the split of her previous D.C. based band, Georgie James, the Mynabirds are currently operating out of Omaha. The group is characterized by Burhenn’s full-blown, soulful yet feminine sound combined with indie pop instrumentals. The band released their debut album in 2010 titled What We Lose In the Fire We Gain In the Flood. After good reviews and wide acclaim for their debut, Laura Burhenn decided to take a short break. In 2011, after traveling as a part of Bright Eyes’ touring band, Burhenn headed back into the studio with Richard Swift to start something new. The Mynabirds recently performed at SXSW, and their sophomore album, Generals, will be released on June 5th. -KV
Hot Spots Omaha Summer Arts Festival
Downtown Omaha / June 8th Greg Laswell has been consistently producing music since 1998. He is most well known for his intriguing indie folk music.
Three Legged Fox
Knickerbockers / June 9th Together for six years, Three Legged Fox is working on a third album to be released later this year. After a spontaneous start on the outskirts of Philadelphia, this rock band has come a long way.
Turtle Moon
Shamrocks Pub & Grill / June 9th Turtle Moon formed in Omaha in early 1993 and consists of Scott Jochim (vocals, guitar), Dan Dwyer (lead guitar, vocals), Scott Hedrick (bass), and Pat Rejda (drums). Their genre influences include pop, blues, rock and country.
The Rocketboys
Barley Street Tavern / June 28th The Rocketboys is an indie rock band from Austin, TX. Since their formation, they have gained popularity from playing such festivals as ACL Music Festival, Next Big Nashville, CMJ, and SXSW.
Quartus
Sumtur Amphitheatre at Walnut Creek / June 28th Quartus brings together a unique blend of rock unlike anything else in the region. Hard to classify musically, their sound oozes of rock, jazz, blues, and funk.
Tulsa Local Scene The Pretty Black Chains
The Pretty Black Chains make you remember why you love rock and roll. While the band doesn’t commit to a specific genre or category, their energy and ambition remains constant. Combining vintage garage rock with classic rock undertones, they douse the mixture with punk rock flair and sprinkle on a dose of pop, making for a nostalgic and infectious sound. After making their live debut in February 2009, The Pretty Black Chains spent their first year and a half building a fan base by headlining many local and regional shows. After playing at larger events such as SXSW and Norman Music Festival, they have gone on to release two albums. Their music is as intriguing as they pin it – in the words of the band, their sounds are like a “psychedelic nuclear bomb.” -KV
Hot Spots Cheap Trick
JB & The Moonshine Band
Dash Rip Rock
Bright Giant
Hard Rock Casino / June 7th Relive the golden days of rock n’ roll with Cheap Trick! Rated number #25 in VH1’s “Greatest Artists of Hard Rock,” the guys are sure to take Tulsa on one heck of a ride. Mercury Lounge / June 9th This New Orleans based rock trio is known for their unique roots music. For over 25 years, they’ve been inspired by a variety of styles and have amassed quite an eclectic following.
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Community Center / June 14th Hailing from Durham, NC, this old time string band won a Grammy in 2010 for Best Traditional Folk Album. Come get a taste of their sound that’s even sweeter than their name.
Cain’s Ballroom / June 22nd For these four young Texans, it’s all about the country sound and outlaw attitude. Expect a raw, real time with no apologies necessary.
Mercury Lounge / June 23rd From the roots of noisy, in-your-face rock songs, Bright Giant has been shaking the foundations of venues across the country since January 2009.
Denton/ Ft. Worth
Local Scene Midlake
Founded in 2004 in Denton, TX this fiveperson band is now on their third album with an ever-increasing fan base. They have gained critical acclaim both in the states and abroad, as well as captured the attention of many celebrities including actor Jason Lee who directed the video to their song “Balloon Maker”. Their unique alternative/indie sound speaks to the listener’s soul and has no sappiness about it. -NL
Hot Spots Concerts In The Garden feat. Ft. Worth Symphony
Ft Worth Botanic Garden / June 1st “Fort Worth’s best seasonal outing!” kicks off for the first of seventeen summer shows on June 1st. This family friendly event under the stars has been a crowd pleaser for the past 21 years.
KXT’s Summer Cut
Gexa Energy Pavilion / June 1st Get ready to rock with The Flaming Lips, Saint Vincent, Fitz and the Tantrums, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Telegraph Canyon, Smile Smile, Air Review & more!
Toadies
Palladium Ballroom / June 16th With the release of their first new single, the Toadies are taking it on the road again. This rock/ alternative band has a strong fan base that is apparent at most of their shows. Hits from the past include “Possum Kingdom” and “Tyler.”
Scorpions and Tesla
Verizon Theater at Grand Prairie / June 29th It seems to be the trend this summer for 80s hair band comebacks! Be sure to check out this show and let them “rock you like a hurricane.” Tesla and Lita Ford are just the icing on the cake.
Merle Haggard
Billy Bob’s / June 30th Be sure to check out one of country’s greats at “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk.” Good ‘ol Merle is going to be recording a live album at this show, so be sure to catch some of the boot scootin’ action.
Austin Local Scene John Evans Band
I recently had the pleasure of catching Austin local John Evans doing what he does best for an intimate crowd at Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar. Being my first time to catch him live, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this tall, gangly musician with thick glasses. The music started and it was a smooth, blues-country-rock mix that I found myself easily moving with. I could easily compare his sound to Johnny Cash, and at times, his low, smooth voice made me feel like Johnny was right there in the room. His originals such as “Whiskey Song,” with its driving bass, and “Tunnel of Love,” with its haunting David Lynch style melody, also showed the crowd that John has many sides to his musical talent. John is quickly becoming a familiar face around Austin for good reason. -NL
Hot Spots Blues on the Green
Zilker Park / June 6th This free concert series hosted by 93.3 KGSR happens every Wednesday all summer long. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and sit back and enjoy. This summer’s line-up to be announced soon!
White Ghost Shivers
Antone’s / June 8th White Ghost Shivers brings its eclectic, vaudeville style to the famous Antone’s. With kindred band Whiskey Shivers opening, it is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
The Head and the Heart
Stubb’s BBQ / June 8th The Head and the Heart has quickly become a recognizable name. Their music is unique and appeals to all ages. With the wonderful acoustics of Stubb’s outdoor amphitheater, this show is sure to showcase their musical talent.
Dierks Bentley
Whitewater Amphitheater / June 15th Popular country music star Dierks Bentley comes to this down home venue located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Tube the river all day, then head over to Whitewater to see the show that evening.
Unplugged at the Grove with The Wheeler Brothers Shady Grove / June 28th Shady Grove restaurant not only gives its patrons tasty food, but they provide some tasty music as well. Free to patrons; be sure to arrive early to enjoy the many popular bands that grace the Shady Grove stage each week.
Minneapolis Local Scene Howler
Continuing the lineage of fuzzed-out guitar pop bands, Howler is the brainchild of vocalist/guitarist Jordan Gatesmith. As a fixture in the city’s music scene from playing in numerous bands on every end of the genre spectrum, Gatesmith began his musical journey at age seventeen when wrote the song “This One’s Different.” After acquiring a keyboardist, drummer, guitarist and bassist, Howler had its main ingredients. With a contagious, energetic indie punk rock feel, this group is climbing the ladder to success at an alarming rate. After the quintet released their first EP in 2011, the UK’s Rough Trade Records brought them aboard. Howler continues to gain buzz in the UK and have been featured in NME’s “Best Bands of 2011” and have a spot in the “Top 100 bands of 2012.” -KV
Hot Spots Greg Laswell
Cabooze / June 8th Greg Laswell has been consistently producing music since 1998. He is most well known for his intriguing indie folk music.
Walk the Moon
First Avenue / June 14th This Ohio indie rock band is on a roll with their artistry. Named one of Nylon Magazine’s Band Crushes for their “swirly pop beats, infectious guitar riffs, and loud sing along choruses,” they are definitely a smart pick for show-goers.
Brandi Carli
Minnesota Zoo / June 20th This American singer/songwriter is known for her alternative country and folk music. Don’t be alarmed if the lions, tigers, and bears swaying along right next to you.
Anthony Green
Station 4 / June 23rd Currently the lead singer of the indie rock band Circa Survive, you may recognize this multi-talented artist as a previous member of Saosin, The Sound of Animals Fighting, or Audience of One.
Deep Blues Festival
Bayport BBQ / June 30th The Deep Blues Festival is back! Get a taste of some delicious barbeque while you indulge in some down home, dirty blues.
Madison Local Scene Golden Donna
For those looking to get an ethereal, dreamlike listening experience that is simultaneously stimulating, Madison’s Golden Donna, composed solely of Joel Shanahan, is here to deliver. These alluringly hypnotic electro-beats are truly special and nearly impossible to turn off. Often pegged as New Wave, low-fi and indie electro, Golden Donna is recently up and running, getting the music out via Internet and playing at local venues in the Madison area. Word of Golden Donna’s stellar sound is spreading like wildfire, giving the chill-wave scene something to look forward to. -KV
Hot Spots David Dondero
East Side Club / June 7th Former lead singer of the band Sunbrain, David Dondero is taking a new spin on things and traveling solo this time around. Come get a taste of his indie rock music.
Mighty Short Bus
Regent St. Retreat / Jun 8th This Madison band has coined their own genre and style as “roots rock country soul.” While you’re there, be on the lookout for the group’s red GMC known as Red Zeppelin.
Summer Concert Series
Warner Park / June 10th Madison’s Downtown Concert Series is back! Shows are every other Friday evening from June through September in front of the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts. Rock, jazz, blues, funk, and many other genres of local Madison bands will be on display.
Nervous But Excited
Marquette Neighborhood / June 16th This pleasantly aggressive Michigan based band is composed of two singer/songwriters, a ukulele, mandolin, violin, harmonicas, and a few guitars. Their original repertoire ranges from narrative to political, meant to tug on their hearts of audiences.
Garden Music Festival Froth House / June 23rd – 24th Come celebrate summertime in Wisconsin with the Garden Music Festival. Dozens of bands of different genres are scheduled to play at this celebration of music, food, friends, and fun.
Chicago Local Scene Fort Frances
According to many Chicagoans, Fort Frances has the city’s music scene on its toes. The band initially began as a singer/songwriter project for David McMillin and has evolved into a trio whose debut album represents more than two years of executing their blueprint for musical discovery. With an allinstruments-on-deck approach, their heavily textured style can be compared to that of the Beatles with a rougher touch. Their whispers, moans, belts and raspy vocals mesh perfectly with the pianos and claps of their unique yet cohesive instrumental approach to music making. Their eclectic nature can even be seen through the band’s marketing; fans get a free glow in the dark frisbee featuring the Fort Frances logo with the purchase of their latest album, The Atlas. -KV
Hot Spots Chicago Blues Festival
Grant Park / June 8th – 10th For three days of performances across five stages, more than 500,000 blues fans prove that Chicago is the “Blues Capital of the World.” Past performers include Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, and Koko Taylor.
Radiohead
First Midwest Bank Amphitheater / June 10th There’s nothing quite like Radiohead’s alternative, experimental, and entrancing rock melodies. This is one dynamic show not to be missed.
Iron and Wine
Ravina Pavilion / June 10th Now known as Iron & Wine, South Carolina native Samuel Beam has released 4 studio albums, along with several EP’s and singles. Famous for his relaxing and complex riffs, Beam is a revolutionary of the folk rock genre.
Tokyo Police Club
Congress Theater / June 22nd This post-punk revival band is coming to Chicago to share their indie grooves. Three albums in, the band is widely acclaimed and totally worth a trip to the Windy City.
Collective Soul
House of Blues / June 23rd An American rock band from Georgia, Collective Soul was recently inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. The band keeps on kickin’ and is ready to show Chicago that they’ve still got it.
New Orleans Local Scene Eric Lindell
It’s never easy adapting to a new city. Singer/songwriter Eric Lindell was born in California and relocated to New Orleans to start his musical career anew. In 2006, Eric was picked up by Alligator Records and made his television debut on Late Night With Conan O’Brien. His sound is saturated in rock influence meshed with blues and a hint of hip-hop and reggae that sets him apart from much of the Cajun influenced area of New Orleans. Lindell has since been compared to Van Morrison and Delbert McClinton. He was nominated for the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards for the Jam Album of the Year and won over music critics with his unique musical blend. -ZS
Hot Spots Andrew Duhon and the Lonesome Crows
The Sword
Chappo
The Dan Band
The Howlin’ Wolf / June 2nd New Orleans singer/songwriter Andrew Duhon has recently released his EP entitled Dreaming When You Leave. He serves up acoustic country inspired pop. The Howlin’ Wolf / June 6th Chappo, made up of David Feddock, Zac Colwell, Chris Olson, and Alex Chappo, is an indie blend of soft rock and spacey ear candy for your listening pleasure. There newest album, Moonwater, is out now.
Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie
Rock N’ Bowl / June 7th Geno Delafose is the son of the famous Zydeco accordion player John Zydeco and has followed in his father’s footsteps accordingly. For some Cajun and western inspired soul, come check out the 2007 Grammy nominated singer.
House of Blues / June 18th Come jam out with The Sword’s 70s inspired stoner rock. Red Fang and Honkey will join them for a night full of sludgy southern metal.
House of Blues / June 23rd The Dan Band, fronted by Dan Finnerty, gained fame through the movie Old School with his hilariously profane rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Now you’re invited to see the hilarity backed by additional vocalists Gene Reed, John Kozeluh, and Matt Pollock.
Birmingham Local Scene JAWS
The sea of talent that we know as Birmingham Alabama is constantly churning with new talent. Other fish in the sea, beware! JAWS is the new band that is bound to have audiences on their toes. A few months old, this reverb pop group has received an incredible amount of acclaim so far. Having a limited web presence because of their recent birth, JAWS’ popularity is obvious as their demo song “Cameron” has averaged about 1000 views a week since its posting on soundcloud. Organs, jangly guitars, and reverb are defining features, along with the obscurity of their public image. Fans are able to track the band’s progress through Facebook and Soundcloud; and they continue to pop up in local magazines and news blogs. Look out for this creature who is sure to stir up a bit of a storm in the next few months. -KV
Hot Spots Surf Shop
Blue Bagel / June 13th Surf Shop is an acoustic duo featuring Ron (guitar, vocals) and John (bass, vocals). Ron and John...get it? Surf Shop. They play classic rock and classic country music and are ready to give Birmingham quite a show.
Zoogma with The Juice
Zydeco / June 22nd Zoogma combines the sonic diversity and precision of a DJ with the excitement and immediacy of a five piece rock group. Known for their energetic performances and light show, the band consistently dishes out heavyweight beat-driven dance parties across the nation.
El Caminos
The Nick / June 27th A name like The El Caminos can only signify one thing: top-notch cover rock coming straight out of the heart of the Midwest. The El Caminos are a virtual all-star lineup of the regional replicated rock music scene.
Summer Strings Concert
Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham / June 29th The Music Opportunity Program presents Summer Strings. All concerts are free and open to the public.
Perpetual Groove
WorkPlay Theatre / June 30th An international touring act for over four years, Perpetual Groove has built the reputation for creating an entrancing experience for audiences through their flowing music and visually stimulating light show.
Miami Local Scene Radioboxer
Like an energetic clash of power pop, dance punk, and groovy rhythms, it’s no wonder that Radioboxer has devised the term “Bi-Polar Pop” as the most simplistic way to describe their raucous sound. If you have no idea what means, just take a listen and decide for yourself. After forming in 2009 in a warehouse in Hialeah, FL, the guys and gal, consisting of J, Santos, Esteban, Orestis, and Vanne, released their bilingual debut album, Radio Drama, not too long afterwards. From the escalating thrash of “White Trash” to the bouncing beats of “Deborah,” each songs myriad of styles keeps listeners guessing for what’s coming next. Bi-polar? Maybe so. In-your-face awesome? Definitely. -KC
Hot Spots Jazid 16th Anniversary Weekend Party Jazid / June 8th – 9th
Explosions in the Sky
SoundClash DJ Battle: Closing Night Party Miami Art Museum / June 9th
The Jezabels
Come celebrate 16 years of “live music every damn night of the week” with Miami’s longest running nightclub. A variety of featured acts and styles include Locos Por Juana, Dangerflow, Spam Allstars, and Jahfe.
As The Record: Contemporary Art and Vinyl exhibition comes to close, come watch as DJs LeSpam, Mr. Brown, Induce, Keen One, and select surprise guests pit their turntable skills against one another.
Chico Trujillo
PAX / June 13th Don’t miss your chance to dance the night away with Chile’s premier Cumbia band! Spicing up their sound with hints of rock, ska, and reggae, this nine piece is sure to be the life of the fiesta.
Grand Central / June 20th Formed in Austin, TX in 1999, Explosions in the Sky live up to their name with their melodically composed guitar work that soars to the heavens. Completely free of vocals, the four members let their instruments do all the talking. The Electric Pickle Co. / June 23rd Get a taste of Down Under with Sydney’s own indie rock quartet, The Jezabels. After a series of successful EPs, the guys and gals released their beautifully crafted debut full-length album, Prisoner, this past year.
Atlanta Local Scene Joe McGuinness
Blues, folk, Americana, or a combination of all three, regardless of how you describe Joe McGuinness’ music, one thing is for certain: it’s downright real. Singing of love lost, a heavy heart, and heavenly repentance, Joe’s authentic passion for his music shines through each note he skillfully picks along his guitar. Whether it’s one or 100 people watching, he graciously opens his mind and soul to share with the world. This is his craft and what he was meant to do since the early days of his childhood. While we patiently wait for the opportune time for him to release a new album, his first two endeavors, From These Seeds and Tin Umbrella, maintain replay value that’s as long as his unmistakable dreads. -KC
Hot Spots Graffiti6
Vinyl / June 11th Formed by Jamie Scott and DJ Tommy D in 2008, these Englishmen specialize in a soothing mix of indie rock, upbeat melodies, and pop sensibility. They’ll be joined by Malaysian sensation Yuna.
Lost in the Trees
The EARL / June 18th With an assortment of string and brass instruments, Ari Picker and his crew blend orchestral bliss with folk pop. Their latest work, A Church That Fits Our Needs, was released this past March.
Passafire
The Masquerade / June 21st With four studio albums under their belt since forming in 2003, this Savannah, GA quartet continues to progress their reggae rock sound with each new release. After years of relentless touring, these guys definitely know how to command a crowd.
Matthew Perryman Jones
The Loft / June 22nd Currently living in Nashville, TN, singer-songwriter Matthew Perryman Jones pours out his deepest emotions into his music. Join him for the release party of his newest album, Land of the Living.
Easter Island
The Drunken Unicorn / June 29th Inspired by the likes of My Bloody Valentine and Pedro the Lion, Easter Island creates sonically driven dream rock. Be on the lookout for their debut fulllength album this June.
Athens Local Scene The HEAP
With growling vocals and soulful instrumentals, this Athens born band is not worth missing. The HEAP takes old sounds and creates something new and unfamiliar. Now famous in their southern town full of cultural flair, this nine-piece is garnering demand from other cities. In 2009, the HEAP was nominated, along with Athens’ legends Widespread Panic, for a Flagpole Music Award in the funk/jam category. With a voice that radiates the intensity of Tom Waits, lead singer Bryan Howard maintains continuity with older eras, while at the same time, being a pioneer in twisting their Motown and bluesy roots into something revolutionary. -KV
Hot Spots Dawes w/ Sara Watkins
AthFest
Man Man
The Voodoo Fix
Melting Point / June 10th A quartet from LA, Dawes brings their folk-rock and Americana melodies to Bulldog country. Sarah Watkins, previously the progressive fiddler of the bluegrass band Nickel Creek, will accompany the soulful group. 40 Watt Club / June 15th An experimental band from Philadelphia, PA, Man Man is known for their bizarre live shows. Even though their sound centers around the piano, expect to hear a number of other instruments including the sousaphone, bass clarinet, and xylophone.
Explosions in the Sky
The Georgia Theatre / June 21st Explosions in the Sky is a post-rock band from Texas who is famous for their dreamlike instrumental music. Their euphoric tunes are beautifully rendered and definitely something worth seeing.
Downtown Athens / June 20th – 24th The 16th annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival showcases the town’s best regionally and nationally recognized talent. Around 200 bands and artists will perform on three outdoor stages and in over a dozen of the town’s best music venues. Terrapin Brewery / June 30th Originally from Whittier, CA, The Voodoo Fix are on their fourth national tour. With raw, blues-drenched vocals and an airtight rhythm section, the band has ventured from coast to coast with their electrifying live shows.
Charleston Local Scene rocky horror
Rocky Horror is sprinkling a little hell across the Holy City. Featuring tracks with such names as “Panic,” “Death March,” and “The Drums of War,” this DJ/producer’s newest album, Mayday, drops electro house bombs that are sure to blast open the doors to any house party they’re spinning at. Consistently releasing his high-octane Hell House Mixes, as well as including other underground dance artists into the action through guest appearances, Rocky Horror is giving this traditionally driven city something to tremble about. Best be on the lookout, too. There’s definitely much more madness to come. -KC
Hot Spots T Bird and the Breaks
The Pour House / June 7th It’s time to get funky with Austin’s T Bird and the Breaks. Be sure to get a taste of their soulful swagger on their newest release, Dancehall Freakin EP.
Fitz & the Tantrums
Music Farm / June 9th Since their inception in 2008, Fitz & the Tantrums’ neo soul sound and tireless work ethic has propelled them to new heights. Their upbeat, feel-good grooves are best experienced live.
Megan Jean & the KFB
The Pour House / June 21st This duo, comprised of Megan Jean and Byrne Klay, are the definition of working musicians. Between living out of their cars and busking on city streets all across the country, their genre defying performance is a must-see in order to be fully understood.
Ras Bonghi Reggae All-Stars
Home Team BBQ, Sullivan’s Island / June 21st The trio from Folly Beach, SC brings the jams to any venue. With a new album, Olly Oxen Free, coming soon, Dangermuffin’s southern style with a hint of folkjams is sweet to the ear.
Carbon Leaf
The Windjammer / June 30th Tiptoeing between country, folk, and Celtic, these Richmond, VA rockers have been going strong since the early 90s. Come sway to their sweet melodies as you take in the cool ocean breeze.
Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill
Local Scene Delta Rae
Who needs one lead singer when you can have four? An Americana gospel group steeped in the tradition of Carolina pride, Delta Rae’s poise and fully developed, cohesive style has set them on a path where only they can determine the outcome. With continued inspiration and perseverance, Ian Hölljes (vocals/guitar), Eric Hölljes (vocals/keyboard/guitar), Brittany Hölljes (vocals/percussion), Elizabeth Hopkins (vocals/ percussion), Mike McKee (drums), and Grant Emerson (bass) are bound to make headlines in the not-so-distant future. Their debut album, Carry the Fire, featuring the soul reviving sounds of “Bottom of the River,” is due out on June 19th. Be sure to grab a copy before they’re all gone. -KC
Hot Spots The Foreign Exchange
Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh / June 8th Phonte (vocals) and Nicolay (drums, bass, keys, guitars) are the two masterminds behind this dynamic force that incorporates a smooth mix of hiphop, R&B, and electronica. Come get a taste of their fun, authentic performance.
The Bouncing Souls
Cat’s Cradle, Chapel Hill / June 13th New Jersey’s The Bouncing Souls have been keeping punk rock alive and well since 1987. Their ninth studio album, Comet, is set for release on June 12th.
Driftwood
Local 506, Chapel Hill / June 15th Don’t miss your chance to dance the night away with Chile’s premier Cumbia band! Spicing up their sound with hints of rock, ska, and reggae, this nine piece is sure to be the life of the fiesta.
Royal Southern Brotherhood
The ArtsCenter, Chapel Hill / June 17th New Orleans’ Royal Southern Brotherhood is putting the soul back in rock n’ roll. Consisting of Cyril Neville, Devon Allman, Mike Zito and Charlie Wooten, these boys were bred to rock!
Orgone
The Pour House Music Hall, Raleigh / June 20th Drawing inspiration from the early days of funk and soul, Orgone’s afrobeat style definitely gets dance floors grooving. This is one upbeat brass section you don’t want to miss.
Asheville Local Scene Sirius B.
Pinning their style as “absurdist gypsy, folk funk punk,” this new band is all the rage in their mountain city. Mountain Xpress describes the band as “impressively irreverent, combustible, three-ring circus of sound [and] high-energy style that is difficult to neatly categorize. They play foreign music, as well as upbeat and serious originals, with a lyrical style ranging from the quirky to the absurd.” Their strange harmonies and myriad of mystical instruments contribute to the original sounds of this talented group. The nine members mesh together seamlessly to create a product that is revolutionary. -KV
Hot Spots Orgone
Pisgah Brewing Co. / June 8th Originating out of LA, Orgone employs their funk, soul, and afrobeat music to create a dynamic ensemble for listeners. Consistent for over twelve years, the group is still fired up and ready to play.
Long Miles
The One Stop / June 13th Local to Charleston, SC, this reggae rock group is all about spreading their positive melodies. Combining the island feel of traditional reggae with the energy punk, a Long Miles show is a great way to spend an evening.
Cherokee Bluegrass Festival
Happy Holiday RV Village / June 14th – 16th Come indulge in the mountain bluegrass scene at this three-day festival. Featuring over 14 bands, this family friendly festival has hot food, concessions, vendors, and free parking!
Yeasayer
Orange Peel / June 20th Brooklyn-based Yeasayer plans to share their psychadelic pop and experimental rock grooves. Don’t miss the duo’s appearance at the Orange Peel on the 20th!
Wasted Wine
Lake Eden Rd. / June 23rd Describing their music as a product of “Eastern European-inspired melodies, bizarre sounds, classic rock guitar, cryptic narratives, and suite-like song structures,” Wasted Wine creates their own brand of strange, dark, and homemade progressive rock. Come discover this under-the-radar quintet before the rest of the world does!
Nashville Local Scene The Birchtree Band
The quintet that is now known as The Birchtree Band first congregated in Nashville and began synthesizing sounds in 2010. The Birchtree Band consists of lead singer and songwriter Barreti Jaques, violinist William Clinkscales, drummer John Wyse, bassist Travis Snyder, and mandolinis Robert price. Stemming from a variety of influences, The Birchtree Band has been compared to the music of Ryan Adams, Nickel Creek, Counting Crows, Mumford and Sons, and Needtobreathe. The Birchtree Band seeks to create honest music that “incorporates the simplicity and truth of how we choose to be” with the goal of openly reflecting the feelings of listeners. The Birchtree Band just released their first EP, Up the River, on April 23rd. Be on the lookout for the rise of these new pioneers. -KV
Hot Spots 12th Annual Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park / June 16th 12th Annual Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival is taking it back to the Bicentennial Mall from noon until 9 pm. Plenty of parking, food, live music and a children’s pavilion, so bring the whole family out for great time!
ZZ Top
Bridgestone Arena / June 20th Formed in 1969, these Houston legends consists of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. And the ‘beard doesn’t stop here... These bluesy, bearded boys will put on a show that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Keane
Marathon Music Works / June 21st This beloved English alt-rock band has returned and wants to prove it to Nashville. Their latest endeavor, Strangeland, was released this past May.
RAW Nashville
Mercy Lounge / June 23rd Come celebrate some of the best independent visual art, film, fashion, music, hair & makeup artistry, photography, and performing art in the area at one of RAW’s monthly showcase events.
These United States
The Basement / June 29th This Brooklyn rock band consists of Jesse Elliott (songwriter), J. Tom Hnatow (pedal steel/ electric guitar), Justin Craig (keyboards/guitar), Anna Morsett (vocals/bass), and Aaron Latos (drums/percussion). They have released five fulllength albums since 2008 and are consistently in high demand.
Washington, D.C. Local Scene U.S. Royalty
U.S. Royalty hailing from Washington, D.C.? No, we’re not talking about the First Family. This indie rock n’ roll quartet, consisting of John Thornley (vocals), Paul Thornley (guitar), Jacob Michael (bass), and Luke Adams (drums), happens to be a little more entertaining than croquet on the South Lawn and tea in the West Wing. And with style that looks straight out of the pages of GQ, there’s no wonder these guys didn’t need any extra record label help when putting out their debut album, MIRRORS, back in 2011. If you can play it and promote it all yourself, the fans will come. With approval ratings down and the country in need of a shake up, Mr. President better watch out. U.S Royalty is poised to pick up a number of new votes. -KC
Hot Spots Brodinski
Reel Big Fish and Goldfinger
DDC Funk Fest with Jason Cowan & The Flash Mob
The Young Dubliners and The Fighting Jamesons
U Street Music Hall / June 2nd Nobody does dance quite like the French. Mixing in everything from noisy techno to bass heavy house, Brodinski is sure to be one wild party!
Jewish Mother, Virginia Beach / June 8th Feeling funky? Get your groove on for a good cause. Proceeds benefit the Denis D. Cowan Healing and Wellness Foundation.
The Magician
U Street Music Hall / June 20th Who doesn’t love a good magic show? Watch in amazement as The Magician spins his way around some of the freshest dance tracks coming out from all corners of the globe.
9:30 Club, DC / June 26th Regardless of opinion, ska will always be cool. Come relive the glory day of the 90s with some of Southern California’s most fun punks.
The National, Richmond / June 23rd This is a show for all you folks feeling lucky out there. Raise your Guinness high, and let loose with these two groups of Celtic rockers!
New York City Local Scene swans
Front man of the band Swans, Michael Gira explained the original intention of his career had been to kill himself with his own music. It’s not surprising when you check out their early live shows from the mid 80s, which are notoriously known for being excessively loud and chaotic. Thank heavens he didn’t carry the goal out long term so we can enjoy more of that classic, primordial sound. Swans’ highly anticipated follow up to their successful 2010 album, My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky, is set for release this August. Current band members include original guitarist Norman Westberg, Christoph Hahn, Thor Harris on percussion, Chris Pravdica on bass, and Phil Puleo on drums. The highly influential scene they were apart of and ascended from was quite unlike any other scene in music history and defied what is commonly called “music.” But like the story of the ugly duckling, Swans’ sound transformed into something ethereal and quite unlike the devastating darkness they emerged from off the unforgiving streets of NYC. -ZS
Hot Spots Bela Fleck and The Marcus Roberts Trio
The Blue Note / June 5th Feelin’ jazzy? Stop in to The Blue Note and check out originals and improvisations by two modern jazz masters. That’s Bela Fleck on banjo alongside pianist Marcus Roberts. The trio features Jason Marsalis on drums and Rodney Jordan on the bass.
United Battle Drum and Bass
Music Hall of Williamsburg / June 9th Hosted by vocalist Sopheye of Urban Chemistry, The United Battle Drum and Bass pits U.S.A. vs. U.K. via drum and bass. The event includes A-Sides with MC Fats vs. Stunna, Random Moment vs. Komatic, Squake vs. Overfiend and many more talented DJs.
Six Feet Under
Music Hall of Williamsburg / June 11th Front man of Six Feet Under, Chris Barnes is often referred to as “the godfather of modern death metal.” Come find out why at this death metal onslaught with some of the genres top bands. Opening talents include Dying Fetus and Revocation, as well as Don Jamieson of “That Metal Show.”
Exitmusic
Mercury Lounge / June 28th Ethereal band Exitmusic’s sound will give you goosebumps. Prepare yourself for their experimental goodness that’s sure to light up the stage.
Moonface
The Bowery Ballroom / June 30th Featuring indie musician Spencer Krug, the music of Moonface exhibits pop/experimental organ lead chemistry through lengthy sonic structures in a feast for the emotions. Doors open at 8pm so don’t be late!
Boston Local Scene The New Collisions
The New Collisions are a band with a big heart and an unexpected start. They formed in early 2009 when lead singer Sarah Guild and guitarist Scott Guild began swapping songs with bassist Alex Stern and drummer Zak Kahn of Britpop band The Sterns. Their post punk pop sound was complete when Casey Gruttadauria’s imposing rig of organ, keyboard, and synths was added to the mix. With vocal sounds similar to Tegan and Sara combined with Paramore-esque energy, The New Collisions are bred for success and are surely making Boston proud in the process. Consistent, fun, and spunky, the band’s shows are definitely worth catching. -KV
Hot Spots Yanni
Bank of America Pavilion / June 10th Greek self-taught pianist, keyboardist and composer, Yanni, is here to share his gorgeous melodies. Having performed live in excess of two million people, he has showcased in talent in more than 20 countries around the world.
Widowspeak
T. T. The Bear’s Place / June 13th This indie-grunge band released three different EP’s in 2011. The group’s growing popularity is sure to convert Bostonians in fans of their newfound clan!
Joe Purdy
The MiddleEast Downstairs / June 15th Joe Purdy is an American singer/songwriter who has released ten albums in eight years. Don’t plan on this talented multi-instrumentalist slowing down any time soon.
Mogwai
House of Blues / June 16th This Scottish post-rock band is known for their fluid instrumental progressions. The cosmic group’s goal is to create “serious guitar music,” and so far, these guys are doing a darn good job at delivering.
Built to Spill
Paradise Rock Club / June 22nd An indie rock band from Boise, ID, Built to Spill has released seven studio albums and dozens of singles and EP’s. Come rock out as the guys celebrate ten solid years in the business.