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7 years ago
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Toronto's Broken Social Scene closed out the band's first tour in many years last night at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey. The show which lasted around 2 hours and spanned their vast music catalogue, highlighted the strengths of a band that clearly loves playing together. The beauty in what they do comes through in how they seamlessly work through songs that range from indie rock, ska, experimental jazzy numbers and even punk, but there are no limitations. They can also do the heavier, guitar driven classic jam as well. Although the band's studio productions are at a high level, they are one of those bands that you have to see live. With as many as 9 or 10 players on stage (including a horn section), it could be quite challenging to replicate some of their intricate productions, but they were 100% in sync throughout the show with a consistent energy and enthusiasm that shined throughout their performance.
One of the highlights of the evening was the first live performance of "Mouth Guards of the Apocalypse" from their latest album "Hug of Thunder" which was released with very positive reviews in July, 2017. This pretty much set the tone for an upbeat, joyous crowd that appreciated getting to see a band of this caliber at the Wellmont Theatre. The band admitted that they didn't know what to expect, but were very pleased with the venue and crowd. I have to say it was a pleasure to see how much the band was enjoying the moment.
Personal highlight[...]
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7 years ago
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For music aficionados and the real heads that check out a lot of live shows, you know when you're in the presence of exceptional musicians, singer/songwriters. Where Mumford and Sons have in some respects brought a new wave of progressive folk music to the forefront of popularity, I can't say the results have led to many high quality bands. When I received an invite to check out the band Twain, I was a bit reluctant about attending, but after listening to some of their stuff I was ready to go.
On this night, they were playing the opening set, but it was obvious that the early crowd was gathered to see Twain, and by the end of the night it was clear they were worthy of the top billing for this show.
With 8pm fast approaching, the level of excitement was building as eager fans edged closer to the stage, and with their new album Rare Feeling dropping on October 20th, this would be the first opportunity for many to experience the new stuff live. As they got into their first song, the thing that initially caught my attention was the depth and warmth of their sound, and as their set progressed I heard glimpses of everything from Neil Young, The Doors and even The Grateful Dead.
This is the kind of music that grows on you, and as you continue to listen to Mt. Davidson (lead singer/songwriter) and the band perform, you're soon captivated both musically and lyrically. Though many of the songs deal with serious subject matter, there's an undeniable sense of enthusiasm in[...]
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8 years ago
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With each year the staggering list of shows grows larger, but we're here to help with this not so shiny, quite diverse list of recommendations to help you sort it all out.
Monday, March 13th
Idgy Dean - The Parlor Room, 88 Rainey St – 7pm
Sylvan Esso - AV Club Presents Just Another Manic Monday @ The Mohawk - 10:45 pm
Girl Pool - Do512 Party @ Hotel Vegas - 1 am
Tuesday, March 14th
Wu Tang Clan w/ Thievery Corporation - ACL Live at the Moody Theater - 11:00pm
The Districts - Buffalo Billiards - 1:10am
Spoon - The Main - 1:00am
Sleigh Bells - Stereogum Party @ Empire Garage - 1:00am
Plastic Pinks - Fine Southern Gentlemen - 2:00am
Wednesday, March 15th
Maybird - Taco Bell Feed the Beat - 1:00 pm
The Avett Brothers - ACL Live at the Moody Theater - 11:00pm
Tokyo Police Club - Bungalow - 12:00am
Grandmaster Flash - Clive Bar - 11:00pm
The New Pornographers - Stubb's - 12:20am
Field Trip - The Market - 1:00am
Thursday, March 16th
Julie Byrne - Pitchfork Day Party @ French Legation Museum - 12:30 pm
Lo Moon - YouTube @ The Coppertank - 3:00 pm
The Big Moon - South by San Jose @ San Jose Hotel - 4:00 pm
BBC 6 Music Presents @ Latitude 30 - 12:00 am
Beach Slang - BrooklynVegan @ Cheer Up Charlie's - 5:00 pm
Pell - Stub Hub party @ Bangers - 6:00pm
Ecstatic Vision - Grizzly Hall - South By South Death - 9:00pm
Girl Pool - Anti- Records Party @ Elysium - 11:00pm
Friday, March 17th
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8 years ago
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We recently caught up with musician, singer, song writer and visual artist Yoni Wolf to discuss the new album from his band Why?. Moh Llean will be released on March 3rd, and is the band's first release since 2013's Golden Tickets.
What was the band’s motivation/inspiration for the latest album, “Moh Llean” and how is it different than the band’s previous releases?
I can't say there is ever a specific motivation or inspiration. We are artists and we are drawn to making art in whatever state-- from whatever space we find ourselves. This one was no different, though of course it ends up with its own feel and identity based on our changes and developments as humans.
Is there a particular story you wanted to tell or message you wanted to send with “Moh Llean.”
I would say that whatever the album conveys thematically, it does so naturally without pre-conceptions or agenda. That said, I think it is an attempt at openness in the heart and acceptance and peace.
How did the hip hop element of the band’s sound come to be? Are you guys hip hop fans? Classic or modern day hip hop? Or, was it organic?
I started out as a rapper. Hip hop is at my roots and core. I don't think this album is very hip hop though.
Tell me about the band’s creative process. Do you work remotely or do you go off to the woods to write together as a group?
I wrote most of the stuff myself. My brother Josiah and I produced and arranged the stuff together. We have a couple musicians-- [...]
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8 years ago
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We recently caught up with Brooklyn based band Slothrust, who are releasing their long awaited third album, Everyone Else on Dangerbird Records October 28th.
1) Are you native New Yorker's or transplants?
Will and I are from Boston and Kyle is from New Jersey.
2) How would you describe your sound?
Blues / jazz influenced rock music with a lot of dynamics and time signature changes ;)
3) How has the crowd responded to the new music from Everyone Else?
Crowds we have performed to have responded really positively to the new music. We are very excited to tour and share it with more people.
4) Was there a particular story you wanted to tell or message you wanted to send with Everyone Else?
There is not one story in particular that I am trying to tell with this record. Thematically, it deals a lot with water and dreams. I like thinking about different states of consciousness and things infinitely larger than the self.
5) What do you enjoy most about touring and performing live?
I like seeing new cities and the exchange of energy that happens between performers and difference audiences.
6) Tell me about your creative process. Do you work remotely or do you go off to the woods to write together as a group?
It's a combination of a lot of things. Generally songs come to me in pieces and we go about executing them in a variety of ways. In the past there hasn't been a particular formula for us.
7) Where do you find your inspiration[...]
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10 years ago
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Haven: Saturday, July 25th at The Mothership, Brooklyn- 7pm - 1am
It's summer and it's time to celebrate with great music and art! AFP is co-hosting this rooftop soiree with our good pals over at NOoSPHERE Arts.
Barry Komitor's (AFP's Art Education Manager) band Bad Faces is set to perform with solo music performances from Lesley Kernochan and Charles Davi. Also, AFP's Executive Director Frank Jackson (aka DJ Gatto) is breaking out some select choices from his vast vinyl collection, and longtime friend DJ/Producer SR SERGE will be spinning a late set for your dancing pleasure. To add to the flavor, we have AFP artists Daniel Maldonado (Gashouse Films) and Jeanne Wilkinson creating video installations, while Cat Del Buono will present her "Beauty Box" installation. Last but not least, the very talented performance artist Duckie L'Orange will intrigue us with her creativity. Check out the invite below, grab a six pack or a bottle of wine and let's celebrate!!
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10 years ago
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NYC non-profit Art for Progress hosts this special event Wednesday, April 22nd at The Bowery Electric to celebrate Earth Day and to raise awareness. The night will feature an outstanding line up of artists with local pop rockers Wyland headlining the night. The amazing Blythe Gruda will open the show and feature some very special guests followed by a one woman psychedelic rock performance from Brooklyn's Idgy Dean. Indie rockers Polyvox will close out the night with a set of synth driven beats. Tickets are $10 and include the chance to win amazing door prizes from Gibson Guitars and tickets to The Museum of Natural History.
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10 years ago
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Brassland recording artists People Get Ready will open for Blonde Redhead on upcoming dates including Tuesday (November 26th) night at The Bowery Ballroom.
The Brooklyn based band released a new album (Physiques) this past June to exciting reviews.
The band is known for high energy live performances which showcase a blend of rock and performance art. NPR's Bob Boilen, placing their performances among his top 5 concerts two years running, put it best: "No single show took my breath away the way this one did- part rock concert, part performance art, part dance, all perfectly melded together. Having seen so many dudes with guitars ... it was incredibly refreshing to find a group challenging and changing the norm."
The first thing I thought was- sounds like an Art for Progress event!
I caught up with Steven Reker from the band to learn more about these multidisciplinary artists, and here's what he had to say.
How did the band come up with the name People Get Ready?
I was at a play and one of the actors said ‘...people get ready...' in his dialogue - the phrase stayed with me. Then I named the first piece I did at The Kitchen (before the band was a band) People Get Ready and as the project developed we just kept the name.
Are the band members originally from New York or are they transplants?
We're transplants - mostly. Jen and I are from Arizona - James comes from California - and Booker is from Nyack, NY.
Which artists/bands have been the most[...]
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