Austin

Girls, Girls, Girls Who Rock

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The fine folks of Do512 have collected a trio of female-fronted acts to take the stage this Friday (6/18) over at The ND venue (501 Studios), including Ume, Agent Ribbons, and Candi & the Strangers. For those who, like me, were unfamiliar with Agent Ribbons (above) until this morning, they’ve got something of the Ditty Bops, something of the Dresden Dolls, and very very much to like going on. Line them up with Ume + Candi & the Strangers and I believe the word we need is panache. These bands have it.  

NYC

Weekly Feature #207a: Darwin Deez, live at Santos, June 22

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“It’s interesting – being a new artist is a blessing, because you have the element of surprise,” says Darwin Deez (née Smith), the lanky, mustachioed guitarist in Brooklyn’s Creaky Boards. “No one’s expecting anything, so you just get to make your statement. People get it or they don’t. The next statement that you make has to be well received by the people who liked your first statement as well as other people, because you never get anywhere if you just make one statement to one group of people.”
Fresh off a whirlwind United Kingdom tour curated by NME, Deez appears to already be plagued with thoughts of a follow-up to his debut self-titled solo album. London-based indie label Lucky Number just released his record this past spring, and it’s already getting rave reviews across the pond. – Read Nancy Chow’s feature on Darwin Deez here.

NYC

Weekly Feature #207b: Harper Blynn, live at Public Assembly, June 27

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Harper Blynn is a combination of childhood friends, college buds and bonds through music that make them who they are today. Previously playing as a duo under the name Pete and J, the Pete Harper and J.Blynn realized they needed a band and called upon J’s friend since middle school Sarab Singh. The three then met Whynot (that is in fact his name) and became the now four-piece Harper Blynn, whose album “Loneliest Generation” was released in December. Their music is emotional and melodic, with throwbacks to The Beatles and Neil Young, but stepping in and out of newer sounds and genres. With lots of “man-singing” as they say and plucky piano or guitar parts, Harper Blynn seems to be aiming to pull at the heartstrings of their listener. – Read Lauren Piper’s interview with the band here.

NYC

Best of NYC #34: The Paper Raincoat

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We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record store personnel and DJs).

What do The Paper Raincoat and Wes Anderson films have in common? They are witty, eccentric and absolutely brilliant. The Paper Raincoat’s self-titled album is a splendid soundtrack full of fun folk-pop arrangements accompanied by the charming vocals of Alex Wong and Amber Rubarth. Lots of piano, catchy hooks and details like tambourine only add to the personality of each song. “Rough Cut” and “Rewind” are tracks that clearly demonstrate The Paper Raincoat is on the right track to becoming the next indie darlings. – Melissa Wong

Chicago

So I Ate Myself, Bite by Bite

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Ryan Graveface is several things, the owner of the great local label Graveface Records, a member of Black Moth Super Rainbow, and a solo artist known as Dreamend. As Dreamend he will be releasing a new album called So I Ate Myself, Bite by Bite this August. Just as with most Graveface releases the packaging for this album will be rather artistic. The LP version of this album will be presented like a phenakistoscope, a classic Victorian animation machine.

Portland

Kelli Schaefer Single Release and Tour Kickoff Show Tomorrow Night at Mississippi Studios

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PDX favorite Kelli Schaefer is playing this Thursday the 17th along with Aan, My Flag is on Fire and Oblio’s Arrow at Mississippi Studios! This show marks not only the release of another single, but also the kickoff to a 10-date tour for Schaefer.

This new release is especially exciting because it has two B-sides, including one with a special hip-hop collaboration (keep reading to find out who) that is, frankly, quite rad.  Schaefer recently posted some of her singles on her MySpace page, most of which have been released at previous shows, and through her own record label Amigo/Amiga Recordings.

In anticipation of her big tour send-off, Schaefer graciously agreed to answer a few questions for The Deli Portland via email for your delight. Please enjoy.

Deli Portland: When are you going to release a full album?

Kelli Schaefer: We’re shooting for November.

Do you like breakfast cereal, and if so what is your favorite?

I’m not a huge cereal fan. My roommate has this super blender that supposedly can blend gravel. Not that I want to eat gravel for breakfast, but I’ve been really into making smoothies.

Are there any places in town that you can buy your music?

If anyone wants a hard copy, they have to come to a show. Either that or you can get any of the singles or B-sides on Band Camp or iTunes.

What’s your favorite breakfast spot, coffee spot and bar?

I’ve been really broke soooo, for breakfast? …Fred Meyer. It’s a block from my house and I can use my food stamps. Coffee? I go to Peet’s. It’s two blocks from my house, and I’ve got the hook up there. And if I happen to save enough money for a drink, I’d go to the Sapphire.

Do you like to write lyrics or music first?

I would prefer to write the lyrics first, but as far as a method goes, I haven’t got one. Sometimes the lyrics come years before the melody. Sometimes the other way around. And sometimes I’ll have one line, write an entire song for that one line, and then no more lyrics come. Forced lyrics are the worst. I’d rather record myself barfing before I put out a track with forced lyrics.

If you ever left Portland, where would you want to move?

A big city, maybe New York or London. I just want to try out a big city, that’s all. See how long I can last before I come crying back to Portland.

What’s your favorite animal?

I’m a huge fan of the pig. Just a big old giant sow.

Do you have a favorite word?

I don’t have a favorite word of all time, no. But I will get stuck on one or two particular words for weeks at a time. Lately, I’ve been using the word ”conglomeration” and ”integrate.” Ha!

What’s a question you would ask someone if you wanted to make them feel truly uncomfortable?

I would ask someone standing next to me in line at the grocery store, in a whisper voice, "Hey, is my fly down?" Then when they look down, I would have my finger sticking out of my fly like a fake wiener. Gotcha!

Why should people come see you play this Thursday at Mississippi Studios?

It’s our tour kickoff! Also, I recently collaborated with Portland hip-hop artist Tope on a song that we will be performing that night. Should be a lot of fun!

Doors at 8 p.m. and the cover is $6. See you there.

– Joel Sommer

New England

The Doctors Fox 6/19 at the Lizard Lounge

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The Doctors Fox will be performing this Saturday, June 19th, at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, along with Brendan Boogie and The Best Intentions and This Blue Heaven. The Doctors Fox have made their mark on the Boston scene with their mix of soul, funk, ska and jam band rock, which they blend into catchy, energizing tunes that fluidly move from one genre to the next. From vocalist/bassist’s David Ladon’s wry lyrics to violin player Ryan Aylward’s dynamic melodies, the band’s energy is intoxicating. The Doctors Fox will be performing with guest vocalist Dave Hanft, ensuring a powerhouse performance of both original songs and classic covers that’s not to be missed. Doors open at 8:30.

1667 Mass Ave Cambridge, MA $8adv/$10 dos

–Meghan Guidry

Chicago

Daryl Cura

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Early we talked about Sean Hernandez and his current contribution to Chicago House, but Daryl Cura and his label Eargasmic Recordings is really at the center of it all right now. He has release work with Hernandez, but clearly has a strong sense and passion for house. His most recent release was a collaboration between himself and The Sun God (aka Jamal Moss) called The 3rd Wave. The above video is for the track “Waiting Room” from that album.