Thursday, July 24, 2008

Jay Brannan Tour Footage: Stop 6

Jay Brannan:
The "FAT IS A FEELING, NOT A SHAPE" Tour

Stops 5: Los Angeles, CA



Jay's Official Website: http://www.jaybrannan.com

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

BUSHWALLA: Mayhem is Beautiful

Bushwalla is one of my favorite musicians.  He is ridiculously hip, and you can always depend on him to deliver something fresh and original.  This time is no different.  The long awaited video for "Mayhem is Beautiful" is now complete!  It was produced by Lisa B, and it is absolutely gorgeous.

Check it out:



Bushwalla on MySpace:

Bushwalla on the Web:

Lisa B on MySpace: 

Lisa B on the Web: 


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NEW MUSIC ALERT: EMPATHY

Okay people, I tried my best to keep this to myself until I had a proper write-up in the works, but I only lasted about 2 hours.  This music is AMAZING.  It's from a band called Empathy in Kansas, which features Ryan McAdoo and Sean Morey.  They are only 17...and it's some of the best music I've ever heard in my life.  While I may sometimes be overly dramatic, I'm also very accurate!  You will understand once you hear it for yourself.  If you do nothing else before you go to bed tonight, take a listen to their MySpace.  (Go to the bathroom and grab a snack, because you'll be there for a while.  Good luck breaking away.)  I will work on getting you all a more in depth feature with these two, but until then, enjoy!

Empathy on MySpace:  

Empathy the Official Site:  

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Jay Brannan Tour Footage: Stop 5

Jay Brannan:
The "FAT IS A FEELING, NOT A SHAPE" Tour

Stops 5:  Dallas, TX



Jay's Official Website: http://www.jaybrannan.com

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Monday, July 21, 2008

FEATURED ARTIST 7/20/08- IAN AXEL

IT'S PEANUT BUTTER-JELLY TIME!
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:

(Note:  He likes bananas!  I'm glad, because we like him too!)

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/

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Jay Brannan Tour Footage: Stops 3 & 4

Jay Brannan:
The "FAT IS A FEELING, NOT A SHAPE" Tour

Stops 3 & 4:  New York, NY + Atlanta, GA



Jay's Official Website: http://www.jaybrannan.com

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Sunday, July 20, 2008

ON TOUR with The StereoFidelics!

As we reported to you earlier this summer, The StereoFidelics are valiantly taking over the world's soundwaves, beginning with their 50 day musical trek across the country.  They began their travels at the end of June, and currently have dates set through the beginning of October!  What started out as a 50 day venture, appears to have expanded!  As they bravely battle exhaustion, extreme heat, and high gas prices, they have been kind enough to post some montages from tour for us all to enjoy!  

You can read our June review by clicking here.  (But watch the videos first!)


Here is footage from their shows in LA on July 9th and 10th:



Here is footage from their outdoor show on July 12th at Mountain Sage in Groveland, CA:



Here are their updated tour dates:

July, 21 2008 08:00 PM 
The P.S. Collective 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
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, 28 2008 08:00 PM
Reggie’s Music Joint
S. State St., Chicago, Illinois

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

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, 2 2008 08:00 PM 
The Launching Pad w/ Empty Orchestra and TBA 
1609 W. University Ave., Muncie, Indiana - TBA
Indie Music Extravaganza

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, 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 
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

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 
w/ Andrew Hoover, TBD
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


The StereoFidelics on MySpace:

The StereoFidelics on YouTube:

The Official StereoFidelics Website:


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