Friday, August 29, 2008
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 8/29
A Hard Day’s Night
Today in 1966 was the last live show the Beatles would ever play. San Francisco’s Candlestick Park (now 3Com Park) saw twenty four thousand fans screaming so loudly during the whole 33-minute set that the boys couldn’t hear themselves sing. Lukewarm ticket sales and other factors made the event a financial disaster for the promoters.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Your Weekly Helping of Random Musical Knowledge
You’ve all envisioned the Super Freak that Rick James wouldn’t bring home to Mama. Who hasn’t made it a priority to Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World with Neil Young? But did you know that these two powerhouses on seemingly opposite ends of the music spectrum were once in an R&B band together?
That’s right. The Mynah Birds was a short-lived act based in Toronto in the mid-60’s. In addition to James (lead singer) and Young (guitar), the cast of characters included Bruce Palmer, who would later form Buffalo Springfield with Young, and Goldie McJohn and Nick St. Nicholas who, in addition to having hilarious names, later would play in rock band Steppenwolf.
In 1966 The Mynah Birds signed a seven-year recording contract with Motown Records. They were in the process of recording their first album when James got arrested for going AWOL from the Navy. Motown dumped the band from their contract and the band’s name slunk into obscurity, overshadowed by the immense success of many of its members in their later groups.
Who knows? If Rick James hadn’t gotten arrested, would we have gotten to enjoy ‘Super Freak’ and the endless impressions everyone did of Dave Chappelle’s impression of the punk-funk legend? Anyone who loves funk and is highly amused by stories of gratuitous drug use in the 80’s would surely cringe to think about a world in which Rick James hadn’t become the mythical entity we know him as today.
Your Weekly Helping of Random Musical Knowledge
Saturday, August 16, 2008
WILL KNOX: In-Knox-icating!
Last week featured a couple of artists recently transplanted to NY from Nashville and another visiting from LA, but the one to whom the night unquestionably belonged, was an ‘Englishman in New York’ by the name of Will Knox. It was obvious from the set up that there was something unique about to happen. It isn’t often that one sees both a banjo and a violin on stage at the same time.
To center stage steps a handsome young man with tussled curls and an impish smile. He speaks with a proper English accent – though he is said to be from London…and he does, in fact, support one of London’s top ranking football teams, Arsenal (I’ll try not to hold that against him), he has no sign of the common cockney dialect, but rather presents himself as a charming and refined gentleman with a quick wit and a gleam in his eye.
Before he struck the first note I was silently rooting for him, ‘oh man, if this kid can play…this is a hell of a package …”
Gently plucking the strings he begins. Then, he sings. His voice dances with a lovely lilt, telling stories in the classic folk tradition; of emigrants, of the quest for fame and fortune, of the fear of moving to NYC, and of lost love. Crafted words and beautiful old world melodies updated with 21st century pop sensibilities. Music that would be as comfortable in an old Irish pub as it would be at any current venue on the Lower East Side. He is a classic singer/songwriter, but with a clever Celtic twist that separates him from the rest of his contemporaries.
Some sweet and simple melodies are coupled with beautiful, intelligent lyrics which draw you in like an old friend telling you a story:
The band harmonizes as the violin adds a sympathetic sound, all beautifully arranged to envelop the audience in the tales he tells. Looking around the room, it’s easy to see, they gladly follow the dimpled troubadour into the lives of immigrant workers or down Hollywood Blvd, wherever this stories lead. And judging by the encore they demanded, they would have done so all night long.
Check out his myspace www.myspace.com/willknoxmusic to hear for yourself – and find a show near you…then…
have the inkeeper stoke the fire, pour the wine, and settle in for a fine night of music from a songwriter you’re very likely to hear making quite a name for himself rather quickly.
WILL KNOX: In-Knox-icating!
Staying Fresh: Episode 2!
Derek James: “Smoky Light”
myspace.com/derekjamesmusic
Dana Alexandra: “Jenny’s Song”
myspace.com/danaalexandraa
Five A.M.: “Be Still”
myspace.com/fiveam
Amy MacDonald: “Poison Prince”
myspace.com/amymacdonald
Kites: “Easy Now”
myspace.com/kitessite
Kaiser Cartel: “Oh No”
myspace.com/kaisercartel
Carlos Bertonatti: “Summer Days”
myspace.com/carlosbertonatti
Casey Shea: “Chelsea”
myspace.com/caseyshea
Ian Axel: “Heartbreak Girl”
myspace.com/ianaxel
Ernie Halter: “Cyclone”
myspace.com/erniehalter
Joy Ike: “City Lights”
myspace.com/joyike
South: “Better Things”
myspace.com/southofficial
Griff Parrish: “In The Next Life”
myspace.com/griffparrishmusic
Joshua Polk: “16and7”
myspace.com/joshuapolk
Lauren Zettler: “Call Me Out”
myspace.com/laurenzettler
Nathaniel Hoho and the Click Clack Boom: “Nightmares”
myspace.com/hohohosound
Will Knox: “Buckled Knees”
myspace.com/willknoxmusic
Joséphine: “I Think Of You”
myspace.com/josephineonmyspace
ThreadSpinner: “Follow”
myspace.com/threadspinner
Plushgun: “Just Impolite”
myspace.com/plushgun
Staying Fresh: Episode 2!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
NEW VIDEO PREMIERE: Derek James- "Smoky Light"
13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, Virginia 20176
http://www.tarara.com/experience-tarara/concert-series/
334 Mass Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts - 6
Lewiston, Maine - Free
September, 6 2008 08:00 PM - ROCK THE BOAT!
1084 Shennecossett Rd., Groton, Connecticut
September, 21 2008 12:30 PM - Celebrate Gaithersburg
CITY HALL PAVILION STAGE, Gaithersburg, Maryland
October, 18 2008 08:00 PM - Pumpkin Festival
Boston, Massachusetts
December, 5 2008 08:00 PM - University of Wisconsin
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
December, 6 2008 08:00 PM - University of Wisconsin
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
NEW VIDEO PREMIERE: Derek James- "Smoky Light"
Saturday, August 9, 2008
A Supreme Songwriters' Experience!
Ian Axel, who performed first, blew audience members away with his fresh, classically-influenced instrumentals, and honest, clever lyrics. The 23-year old New Yorker played some of his newer tunes, one of which had never before been performed! Audience members seemed impressed by his natural musical ability and impressive instrumentals. Axel's vocals bear a striking resemblance to those of Ben Folds, and his compositional structure is similar to that of Keane. Fans of these bands, and similar music, will undoubtedly appreciate him.
Erin Sax Seymour kicked off her tour at the Circle, and her Alternative-Country flare was one that truly brought something unique to the stage. Seymour began writing as a way to deal with difficulties as a teenager, and her vast understanding of the world at such a young age is evident at first listen.
Texas-born Bret Mosely also delivered an excellent Americana performance, where he made his folk-rock roots and influences evident. His wisdom-rich lyrics definitely brought something special to the stage. His debut album, Light & Blood, has faired extremely well since its 2007 release. Mosely can be heard throughout the United States in the remainder of the year.
Every artist involved in the event brought something uniquely theirs to the stage, and delighted the audience with equally excellent performances. It was very humbling and refreshing to see six of the most promising up-and-coming musicians all together for the same cause. It was great to see them feed off of, and appreciate, each other's sounds. Grammy winners Norah Jones and Vanessa Carlton got their start here, among others. It is amazing to think of what is to come for the fine musicians presented here. Whether it be for the refreshing lyrics, pleasant, soulful melodies, or the exposure to fine new music (not to mention an amazing eclectic venue with excellent food and drink), there is something for everyone at the Circle. Check them out monthly, in both Philadelphia and New York!!!!
songwriters-circle.com | myspace.com/thenewyorksongwriterscircle
A Supreme Songwriters' Experience!
Our radio cherry has been POPPED!
Staying Fresh: Artists of "the RED BANANA"
Episode #1
as heard on Sentient Radio
(http://www.sentientradio.com)
Original Airdate: 08/08/08 @ 8PM EST
PART I:
Artists you will hear in this episode:
Dana Alexandra, Will Knox, Liz Longley, Abstrakt, Remote Control, Casey Shea, The Walkup, Jesse Payne, Zach Hurd, Sydney Wayser, Blind Kae, Empathy, The Elizabethan Report, Turkuaz, The Stereofidelics, Laura Brino, Rich Ferri, The Polaroid Truth, Ian Axel, and 6 Day Riot.
Track Listings:
Dana Alexandra- “Swallow”
http://www.myspace.com/danaalexandraa
Will Knox- “Never Letting Go”
http://www.myspace.com/willknoxmusic
Liz Longley- “She’s Beautiful”
http://www.myspace.com/lizlongley
Abstrakt- “Beetle Without Its Rock”
http://www.myspace.com/abstraktmuzik
Remote Control- “The Urge”
http://www.myspace.com/remotecontrolgalaxy
Casey Shea- “Wave of Walls”
http://www.myspace.com/caseyshea
The Walkup- “Conversation”
http://www.myspace.com/thewalkup
Jesse Payne- “Skeletons”
http://www.myspace.com/jessepayne
Zach Hurd- “Til The Morning”
http://www.myspace.com/zhurd
Sydney Wayser- “Silent Parade”
http://www.myspace.com/sydneywayser
Blind Kae- “The Whale And The Lamp”
http://www.myspace.com/blindkae
Empathy- “Go After Her”
http://www.myspace.com/theempathyprofile
The Elizabethan Report- “Sweat Swat Swote”
http://www.myspace.com/elizabethanreport
Turkuaz- “Monkey Fingers”
http://www.myspace.com/turkuaznation
The Stereofidelics- “Me, You, And Everyone We Knew”
http://www.myspace.com/thestereofidelics
Laura Brino- “Elephant”
http://www.myspace.com/laurabrino
Rich Ferri- “June”
http://www.myspace.com/richferri
The Polaroid Truth- “Mind Over Heart”
http://www.myspace.com/thepolaroidtruth
Ian Axel- “Stand Tall”
http://www.myspace.com/ianaxel
6 Day Riot- “Gerald and the Gliders”
http://www.myspace.com/6dayriot
Other important links:
the RED BANANA
http://www.myspace.com/redbananamedia
Sentient Radio
http://www.sentientradio.com
http://www.myspace.com/sentientradio
Galaxy Smith
http://www.galaxysmith.com
http://www.myspace.com/galaxysmith
Our radio cherry has been POPPED!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Staying Fresh--- OUR RADIO DEBUT!
Staying Fresh: Artists of "the RED BANANA"
TONIGHT at 8PM EST...
the RED BANANA is launching its first ever radio show through Sentient Radio! For those of you who have been following the RED BANANA, you know that we've made connections with some of the best indie musicians around. Well, THIS is your opportunity to listen to all of these great tunes, compiled lovingly for you!
We are in the middle of a redesign, so everything will be 1000000x more awesome very soon!
This will be a regular broadcast on Fridays from 8PM - 10PM. All you have to do is visit http://www.sentientradio.com, click, and ENJOY!
A podcast will be available for download very soon, if you can't make it to listening when it airs! I will post the links very soon, so you can subscribe! There will also be a re-broadcast, but the times have not been finalized, so if there is a time that works for you, and you want to listen, please post it here!
SO TUNE IN! INVITE YOUR FRIENDS! Spread the word, and help spread the music!!!
I'll meet you on the interweb! :)
Who will you hear tonight?:
Dana Alexandra, Will Knox, Liz Longley, Abstrakt, Remote Control, Casey Shea, The Walkup, Jesse Payne, Zach Hurd, Sydney Wayser, Blind Kae, Empathy, The Elizabethan Report, Turkuaz, The Stereofidelics, Laura Brino, Rich Ferri, The Polaroid Truth, Ian Axel, 6 Day Riot..........
.....and our Featured Artist this week: Nathaniel HoHo and the Click Clack Boom!
information on all of these artists will be posted on our webzine tonight after the broadcast!
and if you haven't added us on myspace by now, get on it!
http://www.myspace.com/redbananamedia
stay fresh!
xx
Staying Fresh--- OUR RADIO DEBUT!
Friday, August 1, 2008
SENTIENT RADIO HAS LAUNCHED!!!
SENTIENT RADIO HAS LAUNCHED!!!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
DANA ALEXANDRA: Now on iTunes!!!
204 South Newtown Street Rd, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073
July, 31 2008 8:00 PM - Tin Angel
20 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
August, 9 2008 9:30 PM - Caffe Vivaldi
32 Jones Street, Manhattan, New York 10014
412 Girard Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
August, 15 2008 11:30 AM - SPLASH! lunchtime summer series
the Boat Basin at Foundry Park on Grant St., York, Pennsylvania
August, 22 2008 07:30 PM - Milkboy Coffee (Ardmore)
with Hulihees and Dawn Iulg
August, 27 2008 08:00 PM - The Bitter End
147 Bleecker Street (between Thompson and LaGuardia), Manhattan, New York 10012 - $5
August, 29 2008 07:00 PM - The Crimson Frog
1104 Carlisle Rd, Camp HIll, Pennsylvania 17011
August, 30 2008 12:30 PM - Carroll Community College
Westminster, Maryland
September, 5 2008 09:30 PM - Assumption College Charlie’s Pub
Worcester, Massachusetts
September, 11 2008 07:00 PM - Regency cafe
14 South Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, Pennsylvania 19050
September, 18 2008 07:00 PM - The Living Room
154 Ludlow street. (between stanton and rivington), Manhattan, New York
September, 27 2008 09:00 PM - Harp and Fiddle
with Kenton Shelly
DANA ALEXANDRA: Now on iTunes!!!
NEW MUSIC ALERT: MIRACLES OF MODERN SCIENCE
NEW MUSIC ALERT: MIRACLES OF MODERN SCIENCE
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Jay Brannan Tour Footage: Stop 6
Jay Brannan Tour Footage: Stop 6
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
BUSHWALLA: Mayhem is Beautiful
BUSHWALLA: Mayhem is Beautiful
NEW MUSIC ALERT: EMPATHY
NEW MUSIC ALERT: EMPATHY
Jay Brannan Tour Footage: Stop 5
Jay Brannan Tour Footage: Stop 5
Monday, July 21, 2008
FEATURED ARTIST 7/20/08- IAN AXEL
The Ian Axel Story
Lindsay Van Osten
ATTENTION IAN AXEL: Stop, drop, and roll! That's right, this boy is on fire! Though this 23 year-old is just breaking into the music scene, his debut album, I'm On To You, makes him seem like a seasoned professional. He is an extremely accomplished pianist, and the classical training shows, both technically and compositionally. This foundation has allowed him to shape his music in a much richer way. Unlike many artists in today's music scene, Axel does not have to hide weak instrumentals or songwriting abilities behind a vocal mask. In fact, the vocals did not even erupt from his larynx until he was 20! Luckily for him, they are naturally flawless, and fit perfectly with his apparent personal and pianistic quirk.
With solid parallels easily drawn between the sound of Ben Folds and his own, there is no doubt Ian Axel will be able to attract a large and diverse following that will keep expanding for as long as he continues his career.
But you don't have to take my word for it! (I have waited so long for Reading Rainbow references to fit into context!) I am certainly not the only one who thinks this to be true. For instance, MTV can't seem to get enough! Both "Heartbreak Girl" and "Stand Tall" were featured on The Real World in June of this year, and "We Are" was not only featured on The Read World Award Bash in April, but on The Hills as well! Maybe it's time for them to give in to their true desires, and give him his own show!
Axel also enjoyed a residency at Rockwood Music Hall in New York City during the month of June, is a member of the NY Songwriter's Circle, and has graced 5 states, from coast to coast, with his musical presence! He is also B-Line Entertainment's featured artist for the month of July!
Here is a video that may help you get to know Ian a bit better:
I spent quite a lot of time sucked into the Tube of You and I, watching countless videos of Mr. Axel performing, even as young as 3! (I'm not kidding. Click here after you're done reading this feature, and watch. It is adorable.) They are all so excellent! I really had no idea which to post, but I finally decided on "You Don't Love Me At All". It can not even be found on the record!
This performance makes me wish I could have been there live!!!
"You Don't Love Me At All" @ Rockwood Music Hall:
Now let's talk about this album! I'm On To You may seem like a short record, but don't let the number of tracks fool you! Only 6 tracks are listed (There's a hidden track! I know, I love them too!), but each one packs quite a punch. They provoke a level of joy similar to a Church service like the ones in Sister Act! For those of you who have not seen Sister Act: First of all, where have you been?! Secondly, I apologize that I have made this visual difficult for you, but just imagine the most enthusiastic choir party you've ever experienced! Trust me, as you listen to this album, you'll be singing your hallelujahs as you give in to the undeniable temptation to join the Ian Axel choir!
I can honestly say this is a record I am unable to find flaws in. Each track is thrown out with a poised enthusiam, yet manages to be raw at the same time. "Heartbreak Girl" is wild and fun, while "We Are" is simply beautiful. My favorite track, however, is "Stand Tall". Perhaps opening the album with it was the most brilliant move of all. It is inspirational, and immediately involves the listener. A connection between the musician and audience is automatically set in place for the rest of the record, with exposure to highly relatable emotions, and a call that can be directed not only at himself, but to everyone. After this we are sold. Ian is now our friend, and we love him. It's a magical moment when you can dance and cry simultaneously. It is one of life's sweetest releases, and it is carried directly to our ears by Ian Axel- our servant of delicious pop sounds.
In summary, I'm On To You is a hearty and empowering meal for the soul... much like Peanut Butter and Jelly.
While I'm not quite sure of the significance of PB&J in Ian Axel's life, I can honestly say it's been a huge part of my own, so I know where he's coming from!
Here is a video of Ian walking us through the finest PB&J building techniques:
So be joyful! Be empowered! Be free! Begin your journey by constructing the perfect PB&J, and blaring Ian Axel to your heart's content! Do it! It'll be good for your soul.
Future Show Dates:
July, 24 2008 08:00 PM - World Cafe Live (NY Songwriter’s Circle in Philly)
3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 - $13
August, 8 2008 07:00 PM - tba
San Francisco, California
August, 9 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Los Angeles, California
August, 15 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Atlanta, Georgia
August, 16 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Miami Beach, Florida
August, 21 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Houston, Texas
August, 22 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Austin, Texas
August, 23 2008 07:00 PM - tba
San Antonio, Texas
August, 30 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Denver, Colorado
September, 6 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Las Vegas, Nevada
September, 18 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Westchester, New York
September, 19 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Boston, Massachusetts
September, 25 2008 07:00 PM - tba
Chicago, Illinois
Ian Axel on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ianaxel
Ian Axel's Official Website: http://www.ianaxel.com/
FEATURED ARTIST 7/20/08- IAN AXEL
Jay Brannan Tour Footage: Stops 3 & 4
Jay Brannan Tour Footage: Stops 3 & 4
Sunday, July 20, 2008
ON TOUR with The StereoFidelics!
Omaha, Nebraska - $7
July, 22 2008 09:00 PM
815 O st., Lincoln, Nebraska - $7
July, 23 2008 08:00 PM
2719 Rochester, Kansas City, Missouri - $4
special guest, return from the grave, Quick six!
2097 State Route ’Y’, Linn Creek, Missouri
July, 25 2008 08:00 PM
111 s 9th street, Columbia, Missouri
July, 26 2008 05:00 PM
6513 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri - $6 in adv/$8 at the door
July, 27 2008 09:00 PM
July, 28 2008 08:00 PM
S. State St., Chicago, Illinois
July, 29 2008 08:00 PM
12219 dix-toledo rd, Southgate, Michigan
July, 31 2008 08:00 PM
219 s Main st, Goshen, Indiana - Suggested donation $5
August, 1 2008 07:30 PM
3826 N. Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana - $4
August, 2 2008 08:00 PM
Indie Music Extravaganza
August, 6 2008 08:00 PM
Blacksburg, Virginia
August, 7 2008 10:00 PM - The Acoustic Coffee House
Johnson City, Tennessee
August, 8 2008 06:00 PM - The French Broad Brewery
101-D Fairview Rd., Asheville, North Carolina
August, 9 2008 08:00 PM - Concert at Veterans Park
Columbus, North Carolina
August, 14 2008 09:00 PM - The Westville Pub
777 Haywood Road, Asheville, North Carolina - nada
August, 22 2008 08:00 PM - Rogers Park
Rogers Park, Tryon, North Carolina
August, 24 2008 08:00 PM - The Five Spot
1123 Euclid Ave, Atlanta, Georgia - $5
August, 29 2008 08:00 PM - The Orange Peel
Asheville, North Carolina - $8
August, 30 2008 12:00 AM - Northeast Tour begins 8/30-9/11!!! Dates up shortly!
VA, PA, NY, NJ, NH, ME, MA, VT, CT, -
September, 12 2008 09:00 PM - Next Door to The Acoustic Coffee House
Walnut St., Johnson City, Tennessee - $5
September, 13 2008 09:00 PM - The Back Room in Flat Rock
101B singleton center, Flat Rock, North Carolina - $5
September, 19 2008 09:00 PM - The DownTown
Morristown, Tennessee - $5
September, 27 2008 08:00 PM - The Purple Onion
US 176 Downtown Saluda, Saluda, North Carolina
October, 4 2008 04:00 PM - FRAW Fest
101 B singleton center off sr 225, Flat Rock, North Carolina
ON TOUR with The StereoFidelics!
Friday, July 18, 2008
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 7/18
Today, in 1953, Elvis Presley made his first recording ever. The two songs he recorded were "My Happiness", and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin". The recordings cost him $4 through a Memphis recording service. He was working as a truck driver at the time.
She Will Always Love You! ...or at least for a few years.
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 7/18
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Watch Out- Theatrical Trailers
Based on the controversial best-selling novel by Dr. Joseph Suglia, WATCH OUT stars dreamy MySpacer Matt Riddlehoover as Jonathan Barrows, and co-stars Peter Stickles (SHORTBUS, HERE! TV'S THE LAIR) and Jillian Lauren (MARGARET CHO'S THE SENSUOUS WOMAN), among others.
WATCH OUT is the story of Jonathan Barrows, a man who falls in love with himself, literally. He is attracted to his own body, carries out an erotic relationship with a blow-up doll that resembles him, and takes pleasure in rejecting the advances of his many admirers. He descends into a world of carnivorous priests and Prozac-popping Polish prostitutes and eventually assassinates the world's most popular pop-diva. "You strange creatures," Barrows declares, "you are nothing more to Me than a meal at the fast-food restaurant of life." But who will end up being devoured?
Filmed in an eye-popping style that will shock the most jaded of viewers, WATCH OUT is based on the best-selling novel by Dr. Joseph Suglia and is destined to become a cult classic.
Watch Out- Theatrical Trailers