NYC

Weekly Feature: Julia Easterlin releases “vestiges” EP

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Her precise pair of vocal chords and one looping machine is all Brooklynite Julia Easterlin needs to surround a stage. During her live shows, she deconstructs the process and builds layers slowly – the performance is part learning experience, part live recording process. Julia brought her brand of vocal-led experimentation to the TEDx Women conference, audiences in Cuba and the Dominican Republic and a few major festivals. She recently released a new EP entitled ‘vestiges’ that cristallizes her unique songwriting process – and talent. – LINK: Bianca Seidman’s interview with Julia Easterlin.

 

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, December 6 – 8

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So I’ve been encouraging the Levee Drivers to get back into the studio for years now, and after over five long years of nothing since their debut self-titled EP, they finally have a new release, which is definitely a good reason to throw down tonight. Come on out to Kung Fu Necktie, and grab your copy of Speakin’ Bourbon Coated Blues! You should buy them a shot to celebrate, or just punch August John Lutz II in the face for it taking so long. I plan to do both. They’ll also be joined good friends and music brethren The Lawsuits and Toy Soldiers’ Ron Gallo. Cheers! Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Q.D. Tran
 
More things to do instead of shopping…
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI (Downstairs) Levee Drivers Record Release Show w/Ron Gallo, The Lawsuits, (Upstairs) Mohican, SAT (Downstairs) Lesch-Nyhan, (Upstairs) School Girl, (Late) Walls, sleep in., Taking October
 
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Swedeland, SAT Vulcans, Mason Porter
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Moistboyz, Ammunition, Ape!, SAT Tungsten, Skeleton Hands, Hollander Crouse Duo
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Colors, Very Americans, The Fleeting Ends, Bedroom Community, SAT Supreem and The New Experience, J Pope and Funk Friday, SUN Dear Althea, Weekender, Dollys
 
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Alright Junior, The Escape, SAT Mock Suns
 
World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT A Tribute to Lou Reed
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI Stereo Coma, Seeing Snakes
 
TLA (334 South St.) FRI The Terribles
 
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Cold Roses, The Quixote Project, The Defused and The Lost Will Follow, SAT Manny Slay a Verse, Nobody Yet
 
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Eat the Turnbuckle
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Thom McCarthy, Brad Hinton, SAT (Early) 56 Men, (Late) Ashley Leone, Aubreylyn, The Funky T
 
Field House (1150 Filbert St.) SAT Burnt Sienna
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI East of the West, Torsion, The Big Empty, SAT Midwestern Exposure, Bosom Band, John Kelsey
 
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI Bad House, Polarbear Lars, The Blithedale Romance
 
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Local Smokes, Matt Gauss, Andrew Jude, Lovers League, SAT Alberta’s Court, Mike Nappi
 
Yell Gallery (2111 E. Susquehanna Ave.) FRI Jonagold, Drums Like Machine Guns
 
Studio 34 (4522 Baltimore Ave.) FRI Ladies Rock Camp
 
Golden Tea House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Ma Jolie Record Release Show w/Address, The Weaks, SAT Radiator Hospital, Martin, SUN Bad Side, Michael Cantor, Dark Blue
 
Motel Hell (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Braille, American Spiritual, Two Suns, Wet Food, Hypoxia
 
NYC

Interview with Bosley: DC Deli’s Band of the Month (December)

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Baltimore’s Bosley is more than pop rock and r&b rolled into one. The description on his soundcloud page says it all "imagine the Rolling Stones piled into a candy-apple red 1969 Eldorado Convertible, and every girl group from the ’60s Motown Stable in a Greyhound Bus –plus Louis Armstrong riding the side car of a WWII motorcycle helmed by Tom Waits all screeching tires in a torrid, fiendish, madcap car-chase tearing through downtown traffic at night." And because there are no fans like Bos fans, he skyrocketed to the top of our recent poll to be named Band of the Month, so we got a hold of him to find out more. Here he tells us about his upcoming album The Dirty Dogs Radio Show, Elvis, and how he formed his cleverly nicknamed crew. Now onto the interview…

Be sure to catch Bosley and the Beautiful Band live at the 8×10 in Baltimore on Friday Dec. 13. And get caught up with their sound from the latest LP Honey Pig below.

NYC

Interview with Rang Rang: DC Deli’s Band of the Month (November)

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DC/Philly electronic duo Rang Rang has a question that needs answering. Who pawned the Dave Smith Mopho at Crown Pawn near Black Cat, because it’s been a phenom addition on their s/t demo you can hear below. The impressive music this brother and sister have created lead to them being our band of the month in November, and we wanted to find out more. Here Winston and Devin Berg tell us about Chinese translations, Lady Gaga, and past indie projects. Now onto the interview…

Philadelphia

Shadowscene’s Surreal Reality at Exit Skateshop Dec. 6

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We interviewed photographer/DJ/musician Ellei Johndro, a.k.a. Shadowscene, earlier this year as part of our In the Indiestry segment, which you can read HERE. Tonight, she’ll be sharing a collection of photos entitled Surreal Reality at NoLibs’ Exit Skateshop. The exhibit will showcase: “A myriad of abstract portraits, fuzzy moments and blackout flashbacks. A glimpse into the forgotten moments of nightlife from midnight til 4am. You were probably there.” And there will be limited edition skate decks, prints and originals available this evening as well as free PBR. Sounds like a good pregame hang! Exit Skateshop, 825 N. 2nd St., 7pm – 10pm, Free, All Ages – Q.D. Tran
 
Philadelphia

Embrace the Sick & Twisted Rock of Moistboyz at North Star Bar Dec. 6

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Tonight, North Star Bar welcomes Moistboyz, an offshoot project of former Ween guitarist Mickey Melchiondo, a.k.a. Dean Ween and in the context of Moistboyz, Mickey Moist. Pairing the madcap dark humor lyrics of Guy Heller, a.k.a. Dickie Moist, with the raunchy indulgent riff-tastic work of Melchiondo, Moistboyz, who are currently filled out by guitarist Stephen Haas (Mondo Generator, Queens of the Stone Age), bassist Nick Olivieri and drummer Michael Wright, last month’s release of Moistboyz V finds the group unleashing tracks that capitalize on a mixture of intentionally sleazy classic rock/metal guitar-driven songs that take the outrageous yet memorable lyrical output, which is strengthened by Heller’s unique vocal styling. It may seem a bit strange at first, but sooner than later familiarity will normalize the zany stream of consciousness lyrics as they run on loop through your head. Embrace the sick and twisted rock. They will be joined by the heavy artillery metal of Ammunition and the night will be kicked off by the assertive attitude of retrofitted raucous rockers Ape! North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 9pm, $15, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Philadelphia

Pattern is Movement Taking on J Dilla Covers at the Barnes Dec. 6

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If you are in the mood to get down tonight but want to class it up a bit with a taste of culture, then FIRST FRIDAY! Philadelphia Artist Spotlight at the Barnes is where you want to be. Not only will you have access to its priceless collection of artwork, you’ll also have the rare opportunity to hear soulful experimental pop duo Pattern is Movement taking on selected works by the late, great hip-hop producer J Dilla for an entire set. Will they have guest emcees? Will you see Andrew Thiboldeaux and/or Chris Ward spitting some bars in the Barnes? They were in a rap group together as teenagers so that option doesn’t seem to be off the table just yet. Pattern is Movement will also be joined by Mr. Sonny James, co-founder of the Illvibe Collective, Las Gallas and more. The Barnes, 2025 Ben Franklin Parkway, 6pm – 10pm, $12.50 (free for members), All Ages – H.M Kauffman
 
Portland

Genders Record Release at Mississippi Studios 12.8

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Developing an appetite for darker, "nocturnal pop" is easy when it comes to Genders. After having recently returned from a nationwide tour with Built to Spill, the city is ready to engulf their sounds once again. In fact, we experienced a hole in the live music scene while they were gone. Things were interrupted. Things got weird. "Something To Get You By", the first track featured off of their full-length album, erupts with building tension. Broken by the soft crooning of lead vocalist Maggie Morris, it presents itself with the most enchanting introduction. The collaboration of all of the members’ instruments present a perfect example of how well they work together. Their sound is a revolution of introspection, a vortex of audible pleasure, the bittersweet ending to an intense experience. – Colette Pomerleau

NYC

Truest releases “Lush” debut LP on December 13 at Pianos

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A band’s recordings have a better chance of sounding good when two of the five members are accomplished studio engineers. Such is the case for the Brooklyn based 5 piece Truest. New single “The Machine” sparkles with a sonic shimmer wrapped around cleanly defined instrumental separation. A tour-de-force of (David Bowie-sque) vocal hooks, percussive undercurrents, guitar breaks and unique keyboard textures all fit seamlessly together. “Independence Day” weaves an initially gentle and seductive approach before a passionate vocal performance provides gravitas to song composer Elliott Smith’s thought-provoking lyrics. Previous single "Cities" (released in September) features an inventive and textured arrangement that builds up to a larger than life chorus. Cited influences like Wilco, Here We Go Magic, The Flaming Lips and Radiohead are certainly apparent, underscoring the band’s inclination for a sophisticated pop sound. The band will be celebrating the release of debut album ‘Lush’ at Pianos on December 13. – Dave Cromwell

NYC

NYC folksters on the rise: Poor Remy

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Formed in Ohio when they were still in college, indie folk band Poor Remy plays songs influenced by Mac Demarco, Angel Olsen and Radiohead. After graduating, founding trio Andrew, Adrian and Kenneth moved to New York where they share an apartment in Queens. I managed to squeeze in to their super packed EP release show at Rockwood a few weeks ago and (barely) see the faces behind the harmonica solos, the violin fiddling, the banjo parts and the voices. In a 45 minutes set they made the crowd go through a variety of emotions, enriched by a sincere and passionate delivery. Extremely comfortable on stage, they nailed harmonies and distributed smiles, which is kind of crucial since their lyrics often describe a feeling of loss and desperation. Check out the video for "Ghost" below, and keep an eye on their live schedule. – Anna Chalon

New England

Boston Music Awards Nomination Party Showcases Immense Talent of Local Bands

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The Boston Music Awards Nomination Party was held on Wednesday night at Redstar Union in Cambridge, MA and there was certainly no shortage of talent among the lineup. Ruby Rose Fox, Tigerman, WOAH!, Young Adults and New Highway Hymnal each played with an intensity that’s rarely heard (at least from my perspective) in the Boston area. 

Ruby Rose Fox led off the night with her jazzy, 50s-influenced rock that was magnified by her seductive vocal melodies. The band was tight and no one tried to do too much with the songs–everything blended together seamlessly. 

My favorite band of the night, Tigerman, WOAH!, brought the roughest, most country, blues-rockin’ set that I’ve seen in quite awhile. Their sound kind of reminded me of Left Lane Cruiser getting together with early Kings of Leon, drinking heavily, and having a backwoods jam. 

Young Adults came up third, bringing their mix of poppy post-punk steeped in distorted vocals and insanely loud choruses. I was really impressed by the sound coming from these guys, given that they’re only a three-piece.

New Highway Hymnal closed out the night with perhaps the most badass 2-song performance I’ve ever seen. It started when lead singer/guitarist Hadden Stemp had issues with a stompbox, which he promptly kicked into the crowd in frustration. Shortly thereafter, bassist Amelia Gormley had some issues with her bass amp, prompting Stemp to ask the audience if everyone was there to watch them destroy their equipment. After the bass amp malfunctioned a second time, Stemp quickly grabbed his guitar and hurled it through his amp, dragging the entirety of the tangled wreckage offstage with him. If that isn’t a flashback to an old Who performance, I don’t know what is.

All of these performers put on such amazing sets, I’m excited to see who will emerge victorious from the main awards show this Sunday, December 8. Tickets are still available for the event, which is being held at The Liberty Hotel on December 8. You can purchase them here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/500664.

For more information and updates about the show, check out the Boston Music Awards Facebook page. 

-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)

 

Philadelphia

Free Download: “Mama I Wanna Go Home” – City Rain

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Below is a new track from City Rain called "Mama I Wanna Go Home," which is a sampling of the duo’s upcoming album Songs From a High School Dance that you can download for free. You may notice that this song is far from the beat-driven, hyperactive tunes that dominate the group’s catalogue. With the opening acoustic guitar strums, the band delves into the yet-to-be-seen folky side of the project, layered with the humming loop and later on a drum track, adding some finesse and delicate textures that usually get lost amid their signature booming electro-beats and knob-turning. We highly encourage them to build off this sound for their next release.