Tomorrow is the inaugural run of Philadelphia Local Music Day, where local businesses will be playing recordings of five featured local music acts for one full workday. It was created with the intention to bring more awareness about local artists and the Philly music scene in general. The five bands that will be featured this Saturday are The Extraordinaires, Buried Beds, Work Drugs, Cheers Elephant and Bandname (all of whom you should have some familiarity with if you’ve been checking out our site). Philadelphia Local Music Day is brought to us by Loves Local Music, which was founded by musician, DJ and avid local music supporter Monika Julien. If you happen to be unfamiliar with this event or just want to learn more about it as well as Loves Local Music, go to their website at LovesLocalMusic.com. But first, check out some info that you might not find there by reading our recent interview with the always kind-hearted and personable Julien HERE.
Idgy Dean releases video for “Onion’s Milk” + plays Deli B.E.A.F. on 05.24
Listen to just ‘Show Me All The Sounds You Know,’ and you might mistakenly think Idgy Dean‘s only weapons are her positive energy and sultry voice. But stick around for harder-hitting songs like ‘Bang Bang Sun’ and the new "Onion’s Milk" (whose video, directed by Gravity Sleeps, we are premiering below) and you’ll soon discover some of the depths to this roaring personality. Like a cross between tune-yards and Marnie Stern, Dean’s vocals soar over a backdrop that can include anything from her tympani drum and electric guitars, to double-tracked vocals that surround and pulse through your skin with a physical energy too dynamic to ignore. Idgy Dean will perform at The Deli’s B.E.A.F. 2012 (Best of Emerging Artists Fest) at the 2 stages Public Assembly show on May 25 with 13 other local bands, including In One Wind, Xenia Rubinos, Illumintr, Wazu and OhNoMoon. – Mike Levine
New Music Video: “Rise” – The Heat Run
Below is a new music video from The Heat Run (featuring former members of Oso) called “Rise” off their new EP The Blue Sea, which they just dropped today. You can celebrate its release with them tonight at World Café Live.
Free Download: “Chai” – Sunny Ali & the Kid
Check out the new “crunchery” track from Paki gunslingers Sunny Ali & the Kid called “Chai,” which premiered yesterday via RCRDLBL! You can download it for free below. Enjoy!
Strapping Fieldhands Laying It Down at JB’s May 11
One of Philly’s pioneer indie rock acts, Strapping Fieldhands is returning to Johnny Brenda’s tonight for a show with P.G. Six, Chris Forsyth and Kohoutek. Since their original formation in the early 90s, the local four-piece has been making a name for themselves with release on much-beloved indie label Siltbreeze and touring with legendary rockers Guided by Voices and Pavement. The group combines the rawness of 60s garage punk with the grunginess of 90s alternative to create their own original sound. Head down to JB’s this evening to catch the instrument-wielding masons who’ve helped to lay down the foundation of our local indie music scene! Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, $8-$10, 8 pm, 21+ (Photo and video from Weathervane Music) – Dan Brightcliffe
New Season of Carnivolution Kicks Off at Tiberino Museum May 11
Modoc releases new music video, “Coward”
This new video for "Coward," from Modoc‘s LP Fortune & Fame, was released the other day. Directed, shot and edited by Solomon Davis. Catch Modoc at 12th & Porter tomorrow night with The Jompson Brothers and Bear Cub.
Ruby Fray Releases Debut Album
Combining elements of folk, lounge, Americana, and the western ballad, all infused with a strange, dark sparsity, Ruby Fray has an uncanny way of leaving her listeners warmed and chilled at the same time. Ruby Fray is the solo project of Emily Beanblossom, the singer for the psyche/surf-punk band Christmas. While not nearly as spastic and exuberant as her work with Christmas, the more subdued backdrop of her new solo project allows room for her hauntingly powerful voice to take center stage. Her debut album Pith was recently released by Olympia based K records, and features guest performances by Calvin Johnson, Arrington de Dionyso, and many more. Catch her official album release show this Sunday, May 13th, at Wardenclyffe along with Briana Marela, Benjamin Cissner, and Carlton Bostock.
White Blush: dark lush poptones
The music of White Blush, the artistic moniker of recording artist Carol Rhyu, is still very much a guessing game. But on the strength of her debut single, entitled Without You, envisaging what it may evolve into becomes a pleasurable exercise. It starts with a gauzy, loop-based synth wash that begins to unfurl once Rhyu interlaces her gossamer-thin voice. The violet-tinted atmosphere it emits invites with a sultry, seductive tone, yet the despondency of its lyrical content suggests that there’s something lurking deep within her words. Although Rhyu has just released a pair of tracks, she’s instantly become one to watch out for in the coming months.- Juan Edgardo Rodríguez (@juanerodriguez)
Introducing: Natalie Angiuli
For Natalie Angiuli, love doesn’t come easy. It comes in hidden moments where time can be stolen away with your special someone. And her greatest strengths lie in these quieter moments, in songs like Bel Air Anthem, where Angiuli channels her inner Karen Carpenter to present a throwback anthem on love’s crimes. For her latest record, entitled New Hands, Natali branches out to find these places, and you’ll make them your own secret too. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)