Random Musings

Watch This: Ram’s Pocket Radio’s New Music Video

Posted on by Kristen

All the way from Northern Ireland, Peter McCauley (AKA Ram’s Pocket Radio) caught my attention this year at SXSW with his catchy tune “1+2”. He just released a new video for the song “Deiter Rams has got the pocket radios” and I love it! Must share:

 

For more info on Ram’s Pocket Radio:

http://ramspocketradio.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/ramspocketradio?sk=info
http://twitter.com/#!/ramspocketradio
http://www.myspace.com/ramspocketradio

Listen and Love!

 

~ Kristen

Live Concert Streaming: The End of The Show or A Great New Beginning?

Posted on by Kristen

Okay, I was skeptical of this concept when it first came out. Why would I want to watch a show online when I could go out and see one live? I still feel that what I love most about the live performance simply cannot come across through a video camera. I also feel that having a show streaming for all to see really takes something away from the people lucky enough to be there. But as I sit here giddy in my office chair watching my fave Chicago rockers, Empires, stream a performance live on www.audiotreemusic.com, I realize that I am slowly becoming a convert to these computer concerts.

Watching Empires rock out in a studio actually marks the third time I’ve sat in front of my computer to hear “live” music just in the past week or so. For the past several Sundays fellow Philly to LA transplant, George Stanford has broadcast live from his home, playing requests, chatting with anyone who comes into the chat room or just…talking. Also last week 2/3rds of TFDI, Matt Duke and Tony Lucca, did some video hobnobbing mixed with a few live tunes (again, mostly requests).

What I like about the current state of live music streaming is that is has evolved beyond a simple transmission of a concert. I’m watching Empires performing in a studio, something that would be nearly impossible in any other circumstance. I find myself excited to hear the band’s answers to questions ranging from the typical (what album has inspired you), the more interesting (describe being out on the road in two words), to the absurd (what color and shape would you be). I would be far less titillated by a previously recorded video, similar in nature. With the live stream, I feel an energy akin to watching a sporting event. I find myself anxious. What song will they play next? How silly will the next question be? How will everyone respond??

The unedited band interaction is also something that has previously been unique to a live concert experience. One of the reasons I love acts like TFDI, almost as much as the music itself, is the interaction between the artists. Seeing Tony and Matt’s playful banter as they respond to questions and play tunes captures an element of a live show that you don’t often get in a recording. The immediate fan to musician contact is also unique and exciting. Even at a live show you’re not going to get a hello from Tony’s adorable daughter, Sparrow, or Matt’s equally adorable, visually challenged cat. The chat service also connects fans from all over as they debate the best tune or live show while their favorite musician sings away.

So where is this all going? While I think that streaming live shows or having live chats with your favorite artists is veeery far away from replacing the actual event, I hope that it doesn’t deter people from going out and actually experiencing the music. I had someone remark recently that they were much happier watching Lady Gaga from the comforts of their home with their XL TV screen and surround sound than they would have been seeing the spectacle from a distance dealing with the crowds and the traffic. All this live streaming of major concert festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza has allowed many people from all over the world to “attend” these events, but I’ve heard from avid concert goers that they now feel they never need to go to a festival again. Remarks like these concern me…

Another thing I’m unsure about is the new trend of having artist charge money for a “private” live show via the computer. Tickets for an online event? Really? Hrrrmm….  While I feel that this venue is great for getting the word out the about who you are and what you do, and I appreciate the artists’ ingenuity in finding a way to use technological advances to make money, I know I’m certainly not at the point where I’d be willing to pay for such an experience. I think asking for donations or whatnot is great, but I hope I never find myself wanting to buy a ticket for an online show.  I just see this going down a terrifying path into the depths of the haunted woods; dark shadows, spooky sounds, etc. etc. Maybe when I’m once again living in a music wasteland or in another year when selling tickets for online shows becomes the norm, I’ll change my tune, but for now, call me unnerved.

 

As long as it’s free and easy, however, I think I’m becoming a fan of these live events. While I would much prefer Empries’ front man, Sean Van Vleet, singing in my face and getting the opportunity to have a brief one-on-one conversation with guitarist/producer, Max Steger, after a show, I’d take this over nothing at all. Especially considering that the band is from Chicago and does not travel out to Los Angeles that often. I’m getting to hear new songs, I know which band member likes The Smashing Pumpkins and which considers himself a diamond…who likes to answer ridiculous questions and really who just wants to be out on the road…I find myself wishing more of my favorite bands, especially those stuck in distant cities, would do things like this (Philly bands do you hear me?).

While I’m still getting to know what sites are best for streaming and which bands put on the most ridiculous shows, here are a couple on my radar. I’m hoping to use this as another new way to both promote and discover great new music! Let me know if you have any suggestions…

 

Sites that offer live streaming:

http://www.audiotreemusic.com/audiotree_live.html (where I just watched the Empires set)

http://www.vokle.com/ (where Tony and Matt conducted their chat with the help of Rockridge Music)

http://www.facebook.com/GeorgeStanfordMusic?sk=app_142371818162 Livestream where George Stanford plays some Sunday afternoons at 3pm

http://www.ustream.tv/ (where Chris Wilson of Endoxi hosts his Wilson Wednesdays: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wilson-s-room#utm_campaign=www.facebook.com&utm_source=8134646&utm_medium=social

http://www.justin.tv/ (where I was once caught singing back up on stage…thinking it was just to the friends I had in the small room…ha)
ALSO where San Diego music guru Lauren Scheff (ScheffXP) often streams. Monday nights with the incredibly entertaining Kevin Martin. (http://www.justin.tv/scheffxp)

 

~ Kristen

 

because I couldn’t resist:

Vegas, Baby!

Posted on by Amanda

It was at this time just a week ago that I was still driving back from Las Vegas. No, I wasn’t there for Evo2k11, the giant gaming tournament. Nor was I there to gamble. But, I was there to see a show. If you haven’t guessed already, I was there for the 4 day residency of The Silent Comedy and Saint Motel at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

The great thing about Vegas is that it is a mere 5-6 hours away from cozy little San Diego. I was itching for a vacation and what better way to have one than to spend it seeing a band you love? My friend Beau and I made the drive out there to the Monte Carlo where we were staying on Wednesday while my other friends would be joining me late the next day. While I’m not going to detail out every day and every show (really, who wants to read all that?) I will tell you what an amazing time it was.

First off, nothing compares to seeing a band you love playing an unfamiliar stage and watching new admirers form. However, that level of rad is magnified when you are surrounded by friends that you never see enough of. It was magical. It was as if we all made a pilgrimage to Vegas so we would convene at one hotel, for one purpose. Some familiar faces were missing from the fold so we took it upon ourselves to be rowdier in their absence. But by Friday, anyone who was coming out was in attendance and it made everything so special.

The bar itself was an interesting place to be. The Book and Stage Bar was more bar than stage. Don’t get me wrong, there was ample stage space for the bands to utilize but not much any fan could stand in front of. Granted, this was more of a lounge anyway but more than half the stage is covered by the bar. There was a nice little nook off to the side but I think most of us preferred standing in the way of the bar staff because it had the best view. I know this because they sectioned off an area for people to stand the following day. But don’t take my word for it, this is a picture of the bar with San Diego’s own Nervous Wreckords.

 

But I digress…

Music wise, each night was special and unique. Saint Motel and The Silent Comedy would rotate set times. One night, Saint Motel would close out the show and the next, it would be The Silent Comedy. Saint Motel had their usual video production going with their set and I could feel their energy increase with each show they played. Not one to be predictable, The Silent Comedy switched up their set every night! The first night, I made it in time to catch part of Daisy which they rarely play these days. Every night was an eclectic mix of new and old tunes from “Lyin'” and “Victory” to “Gasoline” and “Moonshine.” And not being one to waste space, Josh Z. would walk onto the space behind the bar and be silhouetted amongst the many bottles it held. It definitely made each night special and unique. I suppose the best night show wise was the final one on Saturday. Saint Motel had a rowdy crowd there cheering for them and it was no different for The Silent Comedy who busted out “Beware” amongst the rowdy uplifting tunes. The kicker was during “Road Song” where Joe got on stage, grabbed a tambourine and danced off the stage, leading a pack through the bar and out to the casino area where we proceeded to get crazy. Needless to say, we had some sideways glances from onlookers who didn’t know what to make of it, but no one cared. We were dancing our hearts out as if possessed ourselves. I should also note, were as sweaty as the band after all that dancing. I distinctly remember seeing nothing but smiles from everyone after that.

Each night after the show, there was adventuring of sorts. One night we ended up in the Downtown area of Vegas to find all the fun bars closed. So, we ended up at a place called Insert Coins which is essentially a gaming bar that plays 80’s music. Another night involved a strip club. Don’t ask me the details on that because I won’t tell you. Ha! Another night ended in a quiet peace with everyone going separate ways after a walk over to Caesar’s Palace in an attempt to get into Pure. The last and final night, a dance party ensued at another bar in the hotel. It didn’t really matter what we ended up doing though because there was always excellent company involved. It wasn’t really what we were doing, it was who we were doing it with. From poolside hangouts to yummy pizza from a hidden place on the third floor at 3:30 am, everything seemed just so perfect.

I guess that’s the beauty of Vegas. Everything seems so shiny and perfect but like all good things, it eventually came to an end. I know both bands gained new fans from the experience as I overheard people asking “who is that playing on stage?” Friends and fans alike enjoyed a musical vacation of sorts and bonds were deepened and new friendships forged. It’s an experience I will not be forgetting anytime soon.

While I don’t have anything to post from Vegas apart from my words, I think I’ll leave you with a new song and a classic…

Listen to This!: When I Stop Running – TFDI

Posted on by Kristen

Tony Lucca, Matt Duke, and Jay Nash are three of my favorite singer-songwriters. Last year they went on a tour christened the “Totally F*ckin’ Doin’ It” (TFDI) Tour. The tour was a smashing success, spawning a 4 song TFDI EP that had the masses demanding more. This summer, the trio announced another TFDI tour coupled with the release of a full length album, When I Stop Running. I downloaded the album a couple days ago and I can’t stop listening. It’s a combination of tunes, familiar and new, all sung by some combination of voices that alone have the ability to stir the soul and together…well, can we say super group?  I’m enjoying the group takes on classics like Lucca’s “Darlin’ I” and Nash’s “Sweet Talking Liar”, but I’m even more excited about songs I hadn’t heard before like “Hurtin Kind” and the titular “When I Stop Running” as well as fun covers like a slowed down version of Tom Petty’s “American Girl” and the incredibly apropos “On the Road Again.”

If you want a description of what the trio has to offer, I’d point you to the TFDI facebook page where each of the three artists relays their take on this unique “bromance” and the upcoming tour. Here’s what Jay Nash had to say:

“It’s a simple equation, but it works incredibly well,” says Nash. “Three distinct songwriting voices and three guitars is the general blueprint, but this time around, expect surprises. Lucca gravitates toward an R&B and soul vibe, Matt Duke brings in the alternative rock, and I suppose that I am the hippie/Americana fan. Somehow it all blends together into beautiful cacophony. Last fall, I think that we found a great starting point and I cannot wait to continue on stage and in the studio. Also, Matt Duke, if you could bring an extra toothbrush along, that would be great.”

The TFDI Tour is coming through California in August. The Hotel Cafe on the 18th, Saint Rocke on the 19th, The Ventura Folk Festival on the 20th, Anthology in San Diego on the 28th. Check out the tour page for more info on cities and dates that take the trio all over the country through the fall months.

You can download When I Stop Running on Amazon where you can get “Stranger in a Strange Place” for free!

Here’s a promo for their tour last fall…

 

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 7/26/11

Posted on by Kristen

It’s Tuesday! New music comes out today! Here’s what I’ve got on the top of my shopping list (there are some really good ones this week):

 

Living Like Kings in Confined Space – Halos

I’ve enjoyed this band every time I’ve seen them. Their song “Amalgam” made my SXSW 2011 mix. I’m really looking foward to finally having this album. If you like soaring rock songs, you should check it out. And if you’re in LA, come to their record release party TONIGHT at The Viper Room. 8pm.

Download the album here

 

 

Indians – Indians

Joe Hursley (The Ringers) strikes again with this first album from his new band, Indians. This high energy debut does a decent job at capturing the crazy intensity of a live Indians performance. I’ve been listening to it since the CD release party at The Viper Room last Friday. Songs like “Long Way Home” and my favorite (at least thus far) “Dream Store” are perfect “get pumped up songs” and I’m finding this CD a perfect mood setter for a night out on the town.

Download the album here

 

 

Pressure and Time – Rival Sons

I had no idea this CD wasn’t officially released yet. I’ve been groovin’ with it for weeks now. This LA based bluesy rock band has been on my list of acts to see ever since I first heard singer Jay Buchanan sing his first note at an intimate Hotel Cafe mini set. Rival Sons seem to be getting more notice lately; playing gigs around the world, having their video played on MTVU, and being nominated for classic rock Hall of Honour awards.  Definitely a group to keep your eyes on.

Buy the album here

 

 

LP1– Joss Stone 

I haven’t heard any of this yet, but I’ve been a fan of this soulful Brit since 2003’s Soul Sessions and I’m definitely interested to see what she’s been up to lately.

 

Buy it here

 

 

Happy Listening!

 

~ Kristen

PS: apparently Nico Vega’s debut LP was not available worldwide on ITunes until today. This is one of my very favorite CDs so if you don’t yet have it, give it a download. You won’t regret it.

 

Check this out: Pawnshop Roses’ new website

Posted on by Kristen

One of my very favorite bands, Pawnshop Roses, unveiled a new website today.

http://pawnshoproses.com/pawnshoproses.com/Home.html

It’s a typical site, allowing any interested party to check out tour dates, buy merch, keep track of the band’s goings-on via their blog, etc. The best feature of the new site is the music page where you can  listen to just about every Pawnshop Roses song in its entirety. Be sure to scroll down to the Let It Roll album and click on that album’s title song (one of my personal anthems).

If you know nothing about this band, check out their bio which begins “Philadelphia’s Pawnshop Roses combine good old fashioned American jangle rock ‘n’ roll with the rollicking blues-rock of The Stones and The Black Crowes. Throw in a touch of Motown and bit of Zeppelin–esque riff rock and you’re almost there…”

Here’s a video from their video page. One of my favorite tunes from their most recent record, Solid Gold. For a special treat, however, check out the video for the unreleased gem “Little Star.”

Here’s to hoping that one day their tour page will feature a date in Southern California!

 

~ Kristen

 

Local Music Nation Goes to Nashville

Posted on by Kristen

After Bonnaroo, we were covered with dirt and grime. Unshowered and not having slept, the last thing we wanted to do was immediately get on an airplane for 4 hours. Instead we decided to hit up the nearest Steak N Shake, find a hotel with a pool, and spend a little time in Nashville…it is, after all, the music city. We explored the Country Music Museum learning about the history and nuances of country music as well as a lot more about Hank Williams and his family than I really cared to know. There were some fun artifacts including horse lover Webb Pierce’s tricked out car, Elvis’ golden piano, and most excitedly (for me), Carl Perkins’ actual blue suede shoes! In association with the museum, we also toured RCA Studio B where hits from the likes of Elvis, Dolly Parton, and The Everly Brothers were recorded. I picked up a t-shirt with the museum’s slogan, “Honor Thy Music”

My favorite part of our Nashville adventures, was the evening we spent at local bar, 3rd & Lindsley. I wanted to get a taste for the local scene (as well as some fried pickles) and I was overly pleased when I noticed that 3rd & Lindsley was having an evening jam-packed with Nashville-based artists! The evening began with a group from Winston-Salem, NC (a town I incidentally spent a summer living in back in ‘05). Katelyn Marks and her two guitarists got the evening off to a great start, even playing a cover of Nashville natives, The Civil Wars’ hit “Barton Hollow”.

The second act was a songwriters in the round featuring three Nashville-based musicians; Jaron Boyer, Jared Crump, and Neal Carpenter. I enjoyed each of these artists for different reasons. Jaron Boyer was the country boy with fun, smartly-crafted tunes that would flow seamlessly on the local radio. Jared Crump was the sensitive singer-songwriter with the heartfelt love songs that can make you feel all mushy inside. But it was something about the way Neal Carpenter sang his tunes that made me stop and put down my fried pickles every time he picked up his guitar. I was dismayed to find only one tune available on itunes. Give a listen to “Don’t Give Up”…this guy is definitely going on my watch list. Can’t wait ‘til he comes to LA!


 

The ‘Round was fantastic, but the evening was really just beginning. The final portion of the night was reserved for The Podunk Sessions, a family of Nashville-based musicians who like to get together and play music with each other. Each artist would get on stage and play a mini-set of 3-5 tunes…perfect for sampling. The evening began with Dave Pahanish, a guy whose name you might not know, but whose songs have been sung by the likes of Toby Keith, Keith Urban, and Tim McGraw. My favorite part of Dave’s set was when his wife, Kristin Lee joined him for a tune or two adding her soulful voice to his country twang.

The night continued with an impressive line-up. From the too cute for words Rachel Loy and the up-and-coming country star Eric Paslay to Brain Wright’s Nashville doppelganger Hugh Mitchell and self-proclaimed “downer” of the group, Brad Tursi, there was seemingly no end to the talent that took the stage. My favorite of the evening was probably the still nervous when she sings but will knock your socks off with her stunning vocals Bonnie Bishop. There were also a string of guests whose names I just didn’t get who were equally impressive and most likely great artists in their own right.

Individually, all the artists were such a treat to listen to, but the true magic of the evening lied in their collaborations. As the evening continued, musicians seemed to be coming out of the woodwork. I began to wonder if there was anyone in the place who wouldn’t at one point get on stage to sing, pick up a guitar, or at the very least lend some enthusiastic background clapping. The event left me with the most favorable impression of the local scene as a talented and collaborative community of singers and songwriters.

We left the party early (a bit after midnight) because we had one more aspect of Nashville to explore: the late night dining experience. We ended up at Cafe Coco which had a comfortable indie vibe, plenty of interesting artifacts on the walls, and an impressive array of food options. We each tried a couple of different things and it was all quite scrumptious. I was especially pleased with the turtle cheesecake…

All in all, I’d say LMN’s first trip to Nashville was a smashing success…plenty of music to investigate and new artists to keep tabs on. We got to visit some historic sites and got a tiny glimpse of the local scene. I found myself wishing I could live in Nashville for awhile. As much as we saw, there are so many more music venues to explore and artists to discover! Maybe someday…

 

Want to learn more about all these great artists coming out of Nashville? Here are some links to the music and pages of the musicians we came across on our trip:

Neal Carpenter
Jared Crump
Jaron Boyer
Katelyn Marks
Dave Pahanish
Kristin Lee
Rachel Loy
Eric Paslay
Hugh Mitchell
Brad Tursi
Bonnie Bishop

and if you’re ever in Nashville:

3rd & Lindsley
The Country Music Museum
Cafe Coco
Jack’s BBQ