Geoff McDonald (cello), Josh Hirshfeld (mandolin, vocals), Geoff McDonald (cello),
Evan Younger (double bass, lead vocals), Tyler Pines (drums), Kieran Ledwidge (violin).
I miss the space suits too, but now they can fly. Good exchange?
Remember our beloved friends, Miracles of Modern Science? (Here's our New Music Alert from back in 2008!) WELL--- We've got exciting news! MOMS is finally releasing the hugely anticipated debut LP, "Dog Days." The show is next Tuesday at Pianos in NYC and it is going to be ridiculous. All the info for their release show can be found at the bottom of this post.
Haven't heard the full record yet, but this one is exciting. I've heard a few tracks and I am absolutely dying to hear the whole thing after getting a taste for where their sound is going! As soon as I get my hands on a copy I'll review it for all of you and let you know how to get yours.
To hold you over, here is MOMS with their rendition of, "Pumped Up Kicks." I know, I know, a seemingly Top 40 hit is sneaking its way onto the pages of the RED BANANA, but fear not, this is a sick track and it will get you up out of your seat before you can stop yourself. When I posted this video on my own Facebook page everyone went crazy for it. The views went up over 10,000 in a week. Enjoy!
Billy Galewood, aka Bushwalla, has always been a favourite of the RED BANANA's. He keeps it fresh. That is definitely the case with this new music video for the single "I'm Alone" from his latest record The Man Who Invented The Sky. Hope your eyes and ears enjoy the feast.
Upcoming Shows (& the rad fliers to get you there):
Derek James is one of my absolute FAVORITE artists in today's indie scene! His music takes on a playfulness that is guaranteed to lift your spirits even on the rainiest of days! Today he premiered his brand new music video for "Smoky Light". This is perhaps my favorite tune in his songbook, so I am thrilled that he chose to turn it into a video.
James is a true showman, and he makes this quite obvious within the 3 minutes of this video, which features FANS as extras! It is absolutely charming and fresh, and it will definitely make you want to excitedly run and put the kettle on! (Watch the video and you will understand.)
August, 29 2008 08:00 PM - NYC Showcase @ All Asia 334 Mass Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts - 6
Featuring Derek James w/ The Bloodsugars, Wakey!Wakey!, Matt Singer, Kyle Ervin, and Jay Mankind. We all play on each other songs and play all night rotating every few songs, it’s a lot of fun hope to see you there!
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.
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!
The time is finally here!!! SENTIENT RADIO has begun broadcasting, right here on the internet! Our first show with Sentient will be airing next Friday, 8/8/08, at 8pm, but you can join the Indie Music Revolution RIGHT NOW! There are already many Red Banana artists being played!
Click below to explore all there is in store for you:
Remember Dana Alexandra? That hot little number we featured back in June? (If you didn't read the feature, please do! You can get to it by clicking here.) Well, back then we reviewed her debut record, Fashionably Late, and I am absolutely THRILLED to announce that you can now purchase your very own copy through iTunes!!! You can also purchase a hardcopy of the record online, or at any of Ms. Alexandra's shows! If you buy only one record this summer, I highly suggest that it be this one. This is definitely an album that will become a staple in your musical library for years to come! I guarantee that each time you listen will be as refreshing as the first, so grab your copy now!
I am excited to be bringing new music to your ears from a band that, over the past 3 years, I have grown to love immensely. The Miracles of Modern Science. This is not your typical rock/pop. Instead, MOMS is like a futuristic orchestra on Mars, with their uniform of silver space suits to prove it! Their music is richly textured and original, and, from everything I've been told, is absolutely electrifying live! Everything I have heard coming from them is characterized by bold, creative choices, conquered with artistic care. While listening to MOMS, the music takes on an organic identity, which the brain allows to wander and embed into the depths of your imagination. Their latest track, "Eating Me Alive", is no exception. It is edgy enough to sate any musical appetite, and the mindscape painted by the instrumental introduction alone is worth listening for. You can guarantee we will be bringing you more information on this band in the future. I'm sure there will be much to report!
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.
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!
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
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
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.
It was on this day in 1991 that Whitney Houston married Bobby Brown at her home in New Jersey. Their ever-tender marriage resulted in a daughter, Bobbi (now 14), and many joyous arrests. How shocking that the couple filed for divorce in 2007. They always seemed so consumed by marital bliss. (The photo on the right is a perfect example. Look at that tender embrace!)
Happy Birthday to the eternal Virgin!
Virgin Records founder, Sir Richard Branson, celebrates his 58th birthday today!
For those of you who loved Shortbus (and all things edgy and risque), here comes a new film for you!
Press Release:
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.
Here are two versions of trailers for the film!
Trailer 1:
Trailer 2:
It looks absolutely brilliant and bizarre! I can not wait for it to be released. I will keep you up to date, so continue to check back! You can also visit the film's official website for more details: http://www.watchoutfilm.com
When writing a feature on Jay Brannan, where does one even begin? He is one of the most beautiful singer-songwriters I have ever come upon in my lifetime. Not only is his music remarkable, but he has a beautiful soul as well, and it is luminous in his work.
Jay Brannan is originally from Texas, and has lived in California, but luckily for us East Coasters, he has found a home in NYC. He first entered my life last Spring, through the wonderful world of MySpace. I was browsing the folk database, and there he was. As so many before me, and so many after, I was instantly captivated by his painfully honest, yet quirky, lyrics, as well as his crystalline vocals. Brannan's music encapsulates an ever-present feeling of broken innocence, and once you begin to listen, you are left gasping for more- as if his music were the oxygen that filled your lungs.
While I originally sold my soul to his music through MySpace, the true home for Jay Brannan fans can be found on YouTube. It is through this site that Jay has been able to open up to fans, and provide an extremely intimate experience. His sass and humour provides endless entertainment! He has also never been afraid to expose his emotions (and if he has been afraid, he does it anyway), and the rawness and relatability he brings to viewers has gained him diehard fans all around the globe. He has performed live for his international fans in the UK, Paris, Brazil, South Africa, and countless other locations.
Those who do not know Brannan from his wealth of exposure on the internet, may recognize him as Ceth from John Cameron Mitchell's film, Shortbus. This film needs a separate write-up in itself, perhaps a dozen, before the degree to which it has touched so many can begin to be explained. In short, it is a film about self exploration, and discovery, through sexuality. It is in Shortbus that Jay is able to showcase his song, "Soda Shop", which has become somewhat of cult classic.
Here is a video of "Soda Shop" that Jay uploaded on YouTube. It does a great job of exposing you to his sass if you have not experienced it already. haha You will soon understand what I mean:
Not long after I discovered Jay on MySpace, I suddenly found myself watching him perform at my college. He was opening for Jason Mraz, and since Mraz himself was a last minute booking (I know, I have no idea how they got him to play on such short notice), I had no idea beforehand that Jay would be playing. By the time he started playing "26-Hour Day", I was completely breaking down.
Here is a video of "26-Hour Day" that Jay posted for us all on YouTube:
"Marinettes for Presidents, strung out on wars..."
When he left the stage to make way for Jason, my heart completely dropped! How could he be leaving! I want--- no, I NEED more! At this point in time, I would have been completely content if Brannan had continued to play all night long, and we had skipped the Mraz set entirely. My love for Mraz has been made clear on countless occasions throughout this publication, so the level of admiration I have for Jay should be easy to gage. I have only seen him play twice since; once on my 21st birthday last July at Joe's Pub, and once this Winter at the Bowery Ballroom. Both shows were sold out. If any of you have been to these venues, you know how different they are. Joe's Pub is one of the most intimate venues in NYC, while the Bowery Ballroom is far larger. This being said, the performances were barely different at all.
I encourage you, with all of my being, to get out and see Jay Brannan play live. His performance with captivate you. His personality will woo you. His vulnerability will produce unshakeable chills across your body. You will laugh a lot, you will cry more, and you will love it. Lucky for all of you, Jay is currently embarking on his first official tour! The "FAT IS A FEELING, NOT A SHAPE" Tour will be passing through a city near you very soon! The dates and ticket information can be found on his website: http://www.jaybrannan.com. They are also posted in the entry directly before this one!
Jay launched his "FAT IS A FEELING, NOT A SHAPE" Tour to publicize his newly released debut record, Goddamned. I will be writing a separate review for this record, but for now all you need to know is that it is amazing, and you need to buy it. It is available on iTunes, and hardcopies are also available through his website and at shows! This makes things ridiculously convenient, since you will all be attending shows throughout his tour! :)
One song that I am very happy made the record is "On All Fours". Here is a version Jay did for YouTube last April. It's different than the one heard on the cd, but still equally as fabulous!
Jay has a way of formulating ideas and choosing the exact words to strike a nerve. Every line is poetic, and in my mind, brilliant. He is able to bring to light issues that other musicians would not touch, and he does so with a flawless elegance. I will be seeing him perform again tonight, at the Highline Ballroom in NYC. Ironically, the last person I saw there was Jason Mraz. Jay Brannan is clearly no longer just an opening act. He is a force to be reckoned with.
"Your text messages are like no calorie food for my soul..."
JAY BRANNAN is coming to a town near you... SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS! You won't want to miss this!
July 11, 2008 - Boston, MA
July 13, 2008 - Washington, DC
July 16, 2008 08:00 PM - Highline Ballroom 431 W 16th St, New York, New York 10011
July 18, 2008 08:00 PM - Vinyl 1374 W Peachtree NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 July 20, 2008 08:30 PM - The Loft 1135 S Lamer Street, Dallas, Texas 75215 July 22, 2008 08:00 PM - El Rey Theatre 5515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90036 July 24, 2008 08:30 PM - Bottom of the Hill 1233 17th Street, San Francisco, California 94107 July 25, 2008 06:00 PM - Doug Fir 830 E Burnside St, Portland, Oregon 97214 July 26, 2008 07:30 PM - Triple Door 216 Union St, Seattle, Washington 98101 July 28, 2008 09:00 PM - Lakeshore Theatre 3175 N Broadway St, Chicago, Illinois 60657 August 23, 2008 07:00 PM - Bodega 23 Pelham Street, Nottingham, UK August 24, 2008 07:00 PM - Cabaret Voltaire 36 Blair Street, Edinburgh, UK August 26, 2008 07:30 PM - Night & Day 26 Oldham Street, Manchester, UK August 27, 2008 07:30 PM - Komedia 44 Gardner Street, Brighton, UK August 28, 2008 07:30 PM - Bush Hall 310 Uxbridge Road, London, UK August 30, 2008 07:00 PM - Thekla 2 East Mud Dock, Bristol, UK August 31, 2008 08:00 PM - Orange Rooms 1-2 Vernon Walk, Southampton, UK September 19, 2008 08:00 PM - El Mocambo Toronto
Here is the YouTube video for "Goddamned", the title track of Jay's full-length debut, now available on iTunes and through his store at http://www.jaybrannan.com!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Remember 
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 
As we reported to you earlier this summer, 
Press Release:
When writing a feature on 
Posts
