Exclusive Interview: Kevin Robinson of Blue Giant
Too often these days, I find that in trying to produce an accurate description of a band’s sound, I end up beating my head against a figurative wall, not especially sure where they might fit in to the vast expanse of available music these days. And although Blue Giant isn’t particularly difficult to classify, the best, most accurate and most succinct description comes from the band itself: “Rock and grass served with blues and sass." I literally could not have said it better.
The influence of country music is undeniable, but it isn’t really prevalent enough for Blue Giant to fall under a “country” label. Formed from members of Swords, The Decemberists and Viva Voce, it would seem that this eclectic group is poised on the edge of something big. Lead vocalist Kevin Robinson possesses an even, smooth voice which is showcased especially well in the anthem-like “Blue Sunshine” and undeniably catchy “Wesley” – both from the band’s self-titled debut album.
Robinson’s wife Anita provides much of the aforementioned sass, with her sweet voice and incredible guitar work providing an interesting layer to this smorgasbord of a band. Kevin Robinson took some time out of his busy schedule for the Deli Portland to discuss Coast To Coast AM, The Black Keys and the future of Blue Giant.
How did Blue Giant come to be?
2008, Anita and I started Blue Giant, mainly as an excuse to play with other people. Start a "proper" band. The results were insanely rewarding so we fired on all cylinders.
Any meaning or story behind the name?
We mashed up Blue Oyster Cult and Gentle Giant. Blue Giant sounded cooler than The Gentle Oysters.
What’s the ultimate goal that you’d all like to see this band progress to?
Touring in a bus would be an attainable goal to aspire to. I don’t know if that’s "ultimate" but it would be really cool to let someone else drive for a change.
What have been the standout high and low moments on tour so far?
High moments on tour: the 45 min to 1 hour you get to play for people who paid to see you perform your songs. Low moments on tour: trying to pay bills.
Where can your fans expect you to progress to as a group?
I think if people like the trajectory we’re aiming at, then they’ll dig the trip that we’ll take em’ on.
What do you listen to in the van on tour?
The usual iPod madness. Every band your fingers can type. Lots of Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell.
Most underrated band of 2010?
The Black Keys. People really need to listen to them. I think they’re really good and could catch on!
What projects do you have in the works that we can look forward to?
I’ve got an ever growing stack of Blue Giant songs – that when we get the green light, we’ll fire that up for the follow up album. It’s been really rewarding writing songs for the band, so I’m well into the third or fourth records’ worth of tunes right now. Just storing them up like a musical squirrel.
—Catch Blue Giant live at the following dates next week:
July 13: On TV! KATU Channel 2 at 9 a.m.
July 13: Music Millenium at 7 p.m.
July 14: Jackpot Records at 6 p.m.
– Arielle Mullen
NYC Artist on the Rise: Twin Shadow, live at Cake Shop, July 22
Terrible Records’ "signee" Twin Shadow is a NYC artists that music fans of the world should check out. Terrible Records is a tiny new label that puts out music that’s actually not terrible at all, being run by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor – who also seems to produce all the artists under his label’s wing (that’s what you call a "vanity label, for the record). The Grizzly man seems to find production comfort in a genre that’s rather melodic and moderately electronic (see also Class Actress), but not as experimental and daring as the one of his own band. Twin Shadow, as far as we can tell from listening to the only track available for stream, entitled "I can’t wait", plays very elegant pop songs blessed by melancholy and by a smooth, sympathetic tenor. Check him out live at Cake Shop on July 22.
Nashville Bands to Play Forecastle Festival, July 9-11, Louisville, KY
The Deli Nashville is pleased to be providing coverage of this year’s Forecastle Music Festival, in Louisville, KY, this weekend, July 9-11. Our very our Mackensie Grosser will be attending, and will keep us posted about the Nashville bands that will be playing, which are….
Two Fresh: Saturday, 5-6pm
Paper Route: Saturday, 7:30-8:10pm
John Napier: Sunday, 1-2:15pm
Lucero: Friday, 10:30-12:00am
More juicy info and photos to come from The Deli. We’ll give you the low-down 😉 —Deli Editor
Hip Hop for hipsters (let’s call it Hip Hopster): METERMAIDS
METERMAIDS get in your face like marshmallow dentures; they have great taste and you can’t help but smile. MCs Swell and Sentence are so adept at crafting intricate and clever verses that you usually don’t even notice how deep they get; you’re too busy lunging around the room in an unrestrained blissful frenzy. In preparation for their upcoming album ROOFTOP SHAKE (produced by beat maestro 9th Wonder), they have released yet another in a slew of free EPs featuring indie-rock remixes and live performances with their band. The HELLO SP is available for free download on metermaidsnyc.com and features remixes of Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective, Dead Weather, and more. In the struggle to create smart, awesome, and startlingly emotive music, it seems METERMAIDS have written their own ticket. – BrokeMC
The Deli SF’s Weekend Highlights For 7/9-7/11
On Friday, put your gloves on and head down to the Knockout where The Magic Bullets will be celebrating the release of their LP with Dreamdate, Wax Idols, and The Lambs, 9pm.
Alternatively, out at the Bottom of the Hill on Friday, SFIndie.com’s Summer Fest will be hosting Music for Animals, The Hundred Days, and the Foreign Report, 9:30pm.
This Saturday Social Studies, who will be celebrating their CD release early next month, will be playing at the Great American Music Hall with Au Revoir Simone and Alexa Wilding, 8pm.
Lastly, on Sunday Head up to Cafe Du Nord where Birds and Batteries, whose latest album is currently the Deli’s album of the month, will be sharing the stage with Grand Hallway and The Moanin’ Dove, 8pm.
–Ada Lann
LC Fest starts tonight with 12 NYC artists at Bar4
Luke Wesley and Debbie Miller (pictured) are two of the 12 NYC artists who will perform at the inaugural night of the 4th Annual LC Fest, organized by independent music community Local Correspondents at Bar4 in Park Slope. Wesley’s piano-based melodic pop-rock can be heard on his brand-new CD, Because We Never Talk About It (Engine Room Records), while Miller’s self-released Fake Love CD features quirky songs that blend humor with heartbreak. Performances begin at 8 p.m. You can find the complete schedule of all five nights (from July 7th to the 11th) here. For 42 free MP3s from festivals artists, split into four volumes for easy downloading, go here.
Reds and Blue
Addenda Records will be releasing the debut album, Son of the Stars, from Reds and Blue next month. The album is perfect example of the consistently high-quality psychedelic pop that is coming out of Chicago right now. The band is solid and each member has seen success in other bands around town, but the centerpiece of Reds and Blue is the sultry vocals of Ellen Bunch. Her is delivery is at times lazy and drifting, at times heated and mesmerizing, and at times full of force and energy, she is a complete package. The album will be released in an addition of 500 hand stamped vinyl on August 17th, so it is set up like a traditional Side A/Side B release. I think that style, that nostalgia, lends itself to the band’s psychedelic feel. The five tracks on each side fit together and give that natural progression.
Reds and Blues will be performing at Schubas on July 30th.
Alchemilla CD release @ Middle East Down 7/10
Alchemilla is releasing their first full-length album this Saturday. Chasing Ghosts is an intense collection of hard alt-rock influenced by Led Zeppelin and 90’s alt like Sonic Youth and Pearl Jam. Kat Burke’s vocals are powerful and lovely (so is she) at the same time. They make the rock beautiful. The band has been together for a decade and has probably played more venues than you have been to. The bill for the release show is insane:Alchemilla will be joined by The Force, Planetoid, Captain Cutthroat and The Few. Get tickets HERE
Middle East Downstairs 480 Mass Ave 18+ 10bux
–The Deli Staff
Best of NYC #23: Motel Motel
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)
From a harder attitude of “Coffee” to emphasizing softer strings of “Harlem,” Motel Motel skillfully designs variety in composition of each of its single-word titled songs. Whether changing tempo or delivering inspired slant rhyme lyrics, Motel Motel keeps listeners interested and attracted to its eccentric, unpredictable flow and commendable attention to detail. While its character may appeal to fans of Cold War Kids, Motel Motel introduces a unique style of indie rock with country influences. – Gina Alioto – Read a Q&A with the band here.
Summer 2010 – Alt Rock Bands invade NYC: The Gaslight Anthem
I don’t know if it’s the summer of what, but since July a bunch of Alt Rock bands have jumped on top of our NYC charts (see orange top 20 on the left), including our beloved Semi Precious Weapons, but also Status Green, boy band Stereo Skyline and The Gaslight Anthem – where are we, in friggin’ LA? I guess summer is the ideal season to promote optimistic music like The Gaslight Anthem’s one, who have just released this video for their single "American Sland", reminiscent of some of the best anthemic songs written by the Boss. Brooklyn indie bands will surely have their revenge as soon as the depressing NYC winter approaches…