the RED BANANA: 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