The StereoFidelics: the definition of Indie

MUSICIANS TO WATCH FOR:

The StereoFidelics

Lindsay Van Osten

We here at the RED BANANA thrive on all that is indie.  Exposing our readers to new ideas, delivered to us by relatively unknown artists, is our ultimate goal.  When I was introduced to the StereoFidelics, I knew I would have to write something on them.  Self run, self produced, self promoted- this group is the definition of indie. 

Who are the StereoFidelics, you ask?  

They are a brilliant duo out of Asheville, NC, comprised of Chris Padgett and Melissa McGinley.  McGinley can be heard on violin, drums, and vocals, while Padgett covers 6 and 12 string guitars, electric guitar, loops, vocals, and keyboard. 

First known as the Quick Sixers in 2006, they began playing under their current name in October of 2007.  They are my favorite type of band, because it is virtually impossible to label them as a specific genre.  Their music crosses a multitude of style lines, fusing everything from rock, classical, jazz, and world music, into one.  Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the StereoFidelics is that the two of them play all of their own instruments. Simple, right? Wrong. All kinds of musicians put out records where they cover several parts in each track, but how many pull this off live?  Somehow Padgett and McGinley have developed a rhythm in the orchestration of their songs, that enables their live performances to exhibit the same instrumental richness as their recordings.  Because of their amazing talents on multiple instruments, and their keen ear for musical texture, their small size allows them additional artistic freedom, while other bands would be hunting for additional members.  

Here is a montage of concert footage:

One of my favorite tunes by this duo is "Spanish Radio".  Although this is not the greatest example of their multi-instrumental acheivements, their level of instrumental skill is made quite clear.  I absolutely love how the violin is showcased in this piece, and the level of emotional dedication that pours out of the music is extraordinary.  

Here is a live clip of "Spanish Radio":

Their debut album, Only Sleeping, is set to be released in September of this year.  If the tracks I was sent are any indication of what is to come, I assure you this record will be golden.  It is difficult for me to realise that I was only sent 2 tracks.  I have been listening to them on repeat for a few weeks now, and they have yet to grow old.  You can purchase your own copy of the singles here:

the StereoFidelics store

The first track is "Black Elephants".  Underneath the dark meaning of the lyrics, you can feel the music infiltrating your body and spreading through your veins.  McGinley's work on drumset locks into a groove that hooks the listener immediately, while the honest vocals Padgett produces work magically to tell the story.  The second track, "Me, You, And Everyone We Knew", is a self-described homage to the Invasion of the Body Snatchers.  This has easily become one of my current iTunes favorites.  Everything in the song fits together perfectly, and works to create a phenomenal music experience.  I encourage you to listen to this track through headphones, because you will feel as if you are floating in a sea of musical bliss.  You will be completely surrounded by various instruments, swirling with harmonic fever.  I love that the vocals add to the music, rather than distract us.  I also love hearing the fiddle/violin enter into the soundwaves(of course).

The StereoFidelics have recently embarked on their second independently booked national tour.  This 50-day run will include stops from coast to coast, so if there is a show scheduled in a city near you, I highly recommend checking it out!  Sadly the one area not covered is the Northeast, which means there are no shows around us to cover!   We will keep you up to date on the happenings of this dynamic indie force, and hopefully after the tour we will be able to steal some time with the band to discuss what is sure to be an incredible debut record.

REMAINING NATIONAL TOUR DATES:

June, 21 2008 10:00 PM - Rumba Cafe w/ The Great Mad Hoax
2507 Summit Street, Columbus, Ohio 

June, 22 2008 10:00 PM - CANCELLED - Nite Owl is closed
430 E. 5th St., Dayton, Ohio - $5

June, 24 2008 08:00 PM - Reggie’s Music Joint w/ Mr. Blotto
2105 s state st., Chicago, Illinois

June, 25 2008 10:00 PM - The Alchemy
1980 Atwood Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53704

June, 26 2008 12:30 AM - DEMO Showcase @ The Acadia
329 Cedar Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota - suggested donation at door

June, 27 2008 09:00 PM - The Eclectic
216 s 8th street, Brainerd, Minnesota

June, 28 2008 08:00 PM - Shaky Tree
5 W. 2nd St, Spencer, Iowa - Suggested donation $10

June, 30 2008 09:00 PM - Kirby’s Beer Store
3227 E. 17th St. N, Wichita, Kansas

July, 2 2008 10:00 PM - Conor O’Neills w/ t.Mule
1922 13th street, Boulder, Colorado - $2!!!

July, 3 2008 10:00 PM - Owsley’s Golden Road
2151 Lawrence st, Denver, Colorado

July, 5 2008 09:30 PM - Vault Martini Bar
20 E Vine st, Redlands, California - $5

July, 6 2008 09:00 PM - The Hotel Monte Vista Lounge
100 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff, Arizona

July, 7 2008 08:00 PM - ChyroArts w/ My Mind
1330 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona

July, 9 2008 10:00 PM - Aura NightClub
12215 Ventura Blvd, Studio City/LA, California - $5

July, 10 2008 09:00 PM - The Good Hurt
12249 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, California - $5

July, 12 2008 05:00 PM - Mountain Sage Concert Series
18653 Main st, Groveland, California - $12

July, 13 2008 03:00 PM - California Cider Company
3100 Gravenstein Hwy, Sebastopol, California - $5

July, 14 2008 08:00 PM - Mama Buzz Cafe w/ Toby Oler and Matt Lundquist
2318 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, California - $3

July, 17 2008 08:00 PM - The Falcon Bowl
3295 s Broadway, Englewood, Colorado

July, 18 2008 10:00 PM - Road 34 Bike Shop
1213 W Elizabeth, Fort Collins, Colorado

July, 19 2008 10:00 PM - Dulcinea’s 100th Monkey
717 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, Colorado - $10

July, 21 2008 08:00 PM - The Papio Bowl w TBA
, Omaha, Nebraska - $7

July, 22 2008 09:00 PM - Box Awesome
815 O st., Lincoln, Nebraska - $7

July, 23 2008 08:00 PM - Knucklehead’s w/ Off The Record
2719 Rochester, Kansas City, Missouri - $4

special guest, return from the grave, Quick six!
July, 24 2008 08:00 PM - Donna’s Ice House w/ TBA
2097 State Route ’Y’, Linn Creek, Missouri

July, 25 2008 08:00 PM - Cherry Street Artisan
111 s 9th street, Columbia, Missouri

July, 26 2008 05:00 PM - Underground at Red Sea
6513 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri - $6 in adv/$8 at the door

July, 27 2008 09:00 PM - Points East Pub w/ Bill Mallonnee (The Vigilantes of Love)
1501 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin - TBA

July, 29 2008 08:00 PM - The Modern Exchange
12219 dix-toledo rd, Southgate, Michigan

Doors at 8, debauch at 9...
July, 31 2008 08:00 PM - Constant Spring
219 s Main st, Goshen, Indiana - Suggested donation $5

August, 1 2008 07:30 PM - The Melody Inn
3826 N. Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana - $4

August, 6 2008 08:00 PM - The Lantern 

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, 14 2008 09:00 PM - The Westville Pub
777 Haywood Road, Asheville, North Carolina - nada

no opener
August, 16 2008 08:00 PM - Concert at Veterans Park

Columbus, North Carolina

August, 22 2008 08:00 PM - Rogers Park with Firecracker Jazz Band
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 w/ Banana Da Terra, Oso Rey
Asheville, North Carolina - $8

September, 13 2008 09:00 PM - The Back Room in Flat Rock
101B singleton center, Flat Rock, North Carolina - $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

You should take the time to check out their website, http://www.thestereofidelics.com, or http://www.stereof.com.  I'm told that even the fantastic design itself was actualised by McGinley!

The StereoFidelics MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thestereofidelics

The StereoFidelics: the definition of Indie

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 6/18

HAPPY 66th BIRTHDAY to PAUL McCARTNEY!

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 6/18

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 6/15

How does it feel, Mr. Dylan?

To have recorded such a massive hit, on this very day?  

It was on this day, in 1965, that Bob Dylan recorded the phenomenon of "Like a Rolling Stone."  This cult classic made it to #2 on US charts, and #4 in the UK, and I'm sure it will be remembered by all for many decades to come.

Here is a live performance of the tune from 1966.  It's quite long, so take your bathroom break now.:

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 6/15

FEATURED ARTIST 6/15/08- INGRID MICHAELSON

A First-hand Experience

Kristen Kozub

Early last summer, I was flipping through channels looking for something to watch, and nothing seemed to catch my interest. After about fifteen minutes of disinterested channel surfing, something stopped me dead in my tracks. On a local programming channel I had never even stumbled upon, I was captivated by a calypso-like drumline, a pleasant melody, and cute, witty lyrics—the sweet sounds of none other than Ingrid Michaelson. I didn't know it then, but I had just been introduced to someone who would quickly become one of my favorite musicians.  Anyone who knows me personally can attest to this.

What I was hearing was Michaelson's hit single, "The Way I Am," but in the days prior to the airwaves, Ingrid's face (and her music) were completely unfamiliar to me. I ravenously searched for her music and told everyone I knew about her. I instantly identified with her lyrics, as I'm sure almost anyone, particularly in my age group, would. They have an unbelievable innocence about them—one that seemed to fit my mood no matter what it was. Whether I just needed to sit and think, be distracted at work, or have a companion for long trips in the car, Ingrid's music was what I
would reach for. A year later, this remains true.

The best way I can think to describe her is a modern-day Joni Mitchell, but one with more innocence, and a gentler tone. There is something for everyone to relate to in her witty lyrics, whether it be the freshness and purity of "The Way I Am", childlike innocence of "The Hat", or heartbreaking fragility experienced in "Breakable".

On June 1, I was lucky enough to see Ingrid live, and my admiration for her more than tripled. The thing that was the biggest surprise for me was that not only were her lyrics witty, but she herself had the whole crowd laughing from start to finish. She seemed to know how to make the audience feel like they had known her for years, and she was doing nothing more than performing in their living room. She is on tour all summer, and if any of you get the chance to catch her, you will not be disappointed. It is impossible not to love the ukelele-strumming diva, whose fan base has grown at lightning speed. At age 28, she already has a lot under her belt, and most definitely has a bright future ahead.

Here is a tale of my concert experience:

It's a Sunday night on South Street in Philadelphia, and it's relatively quiet for an early summer evening, with the exception of the Theatre of the Living Arts, whose featured guest this evening is--you guessed it--none other than Ingrid Michaelson. Since she surfaced last summer, I have been a diehard fan, and although I was chomping at the bit for the performance, I had no idea just how fantastic it would be.

I had gone there expecting a show that was nothing short of stellar from the New York native, but what I wasn't expecting was to be laughing almost the entire time. I would highly recommend seeing her live, if only for the sole purpose of a good comedic musical performance. Her stage presence is unbelievable, leaving the crowd chuckling constantly, and leaving everyone feeling as if they have known her their whole lives.

As for the musical aspects of the performance, Michaelson's set included the hit "The Way I Am", and her newer single, "Breakable". She opened with "Die Alone", which seemed to wake the audience up, and appropriately announce her presence. One particular highlight was her performance of the upbeat single "The Hat", during which Ingrid proclaimed that she would be "unhappy and bitter" if anyone in the audience chose not to sing along. Fortunately, it was clear that neither performer nor audience was left in this state during this evening. Other song choices included "Overboard", "The Chain", "Keep Breathing", and "Giving Up", which many audience members recognized from the hit show Grey's Anatomy.

Not only did Michaelson's set list include favorites from both of her fantastic albums, Slow the Rain (2005), and Girls and Boys (2007), but impromptu performances of "Edelweiss," several television show themes, and even a few classical pieces, also graced our ears. Much to the delight of the audience, Ingrid broke into renditions of the Who's the Boss and Full House themes, along with a participatory Full House trivia game. Her sweet encore performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" practically had everyone eating out of the palm of her hand.

What made this show particularly spectacular was the combination of Michaelson's soft vocals, unsurpassed innocence, and sense of humor. It was these elements, along with the occasional addition of her ukulele, that made the performance one that was undoubtedly human-- one you should make a point to see this summer. I left that venue feeling as if I had known her for years. Her love of performing was evident, as was her connection with her band, particularly "musical sister" Allie Moss, who was a wonderful addition to the ensemble. With voice colors similar to that of Ingrid's, she was the perfect complement.

The first opening act consisted of Philadelphia- born George Stanford, whose debut album Big Drop hit stores this past Tuesday. Stanford's vocals had a rough quality, but not in a negative sense. He was a pleasant opening to the evening, particularly with the song "Downriver", which had a especially interesting guitar accompaniment.

Following Stanford was the up and coming Greg Laswell, who will be touring with Ingrid for the entire run of her tour. His melancholy lyrics, gentle tone, and beautiful piano lines, make him someone worth scoping out. For a taste of Laswell's sound, check out the single "What a Day". Greg's debut album, How the Day Sounds, is available on Vanguard Records.

If you get a chance to catch Ingrid (and Greg) in the coming months, you will not be left disappointed. It was clear that Philadelphia is near and dear to her heart, as it was her first performance spot outside her hometown. 

Watch out for the possible "wedding tour" she spoke of, in which audience members will have to attend wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. It is amazing how much Ms. Michaelson's fan base has expanded, just in the last year alone, and she will surely be a face we see frequently in the coming months.

Ingrid Michaelson's MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ingridmichaelson

FEATURED ARTIST 6/15/08- INGRID MICHAELSON

Knock Knock... Who's there? SHEER TERROR.

NEW MOVIE REVIEW
The Strangers

RELEASED: May 30, 2008
Jenna Avery-Lawyer

My heart was not able to relax throughout this entire film, nor was my sphincter. I'm just saying I was tense, extremely so, and was also scared shitless.

I'd begun to lose hope in horror flicks. They all seem so uniform, and tend to lean towards a boring mediocrity that appears to have become the norm for scary movies these days. The Strangers does not fall into this category. Instead of lumping it with recent films such as One Missed Call or Boogeyman, which fit the genre of boring and predictable horror, I would instead compare it to Rob Zombie's films House of a 1000 Corpses and Devil's Rejects. It is brutality at its best. There is nothing scarier than real people destroying real people, especially, when they wear eerie white masks.

Brutality without a visible motive, and torture with no apparent escape, create the scariest feeling of all; Hopelessness. I was reminded of a movie released a few months ago, Funny Games. That movie showcased pointless violence, with no resolution in sight. Ironically enough, that supposedly pointless movie was made with the intent to make a point. People like violence. They like to watch it. They like to pretend to look away as they cringe at the inhumanity of it all. Even though these movies featured similar plots, the outcome was completely different. While Funny Games amused and intrigued me, The Strangers successfully made me uncomfortable with fear.

There is a rather long set up between the brutalized couple, played by Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, that may stretch just a bit too long. However, the lengthy set up between the two only helps build tension, and it made me even more anxious knowing that they had relationship problems.

Slowly, very slowly, it builds until that initial knock on the door. I never knew a knock on a door could be so horrifying. The couple is toyed with for about 60 minutes by the three masked assailants (it felt longer though). It got to the point where I felt like I was submitting myself to voluntary torture. I was willingly making myself uncomfortable by watching this movie.

Now the question arises: Was it good? I think I have sufficiently stated that the film was indeed horrifying, but was it good? I would have to say yes, it was. The quality of acting was fine, and the camera work didn't go unnoticed. It was like the camera itself was a character, following these poor people, but unable to help them.

I suggest seeing The Strangers in theaters. Those masked figures might not seem as terrifying on a TV. Plus, the audience adds personality to the room that becomes infectious. I don't think I'd watch it again. Not because it was bad, but because once is definitely enough.

Here is the official trailer:

Knock Knock... Who's there? SHEER TERROR.