NYC

NYC Artists on the rise: Weyes Blood

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Playing a unique blend of quiet folk and medieval music, Natalie Mering releases her music under the name Weyes Blood (pronounced like "wise blood"). With a voice that echoes masters from the early 1960’s folk scene, Natalie’s music has a soulful resonance that at times peaks in religious chanting. Traditional acoustic guitars are offset with distant rattle-chain percussion, echoed thumps and ethereal keyboards. She previously added her rare voice to notable works like Ariel Pink’s 2012 4AD release “Mature Themes,” (singing back up on the song “Early Birds of Babylon”), and she’s also accompanied the Haunted Graffiti live on tour. Recently signed to Mexican Summer, Weyes Blood has a new record in the works for 2014 that promises a further evolution to her uncommon sound. – Dave Cromwell

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best mellow songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

Philadelphia

Free Download: “Vibe” (Feat. Rich Boy & Charlie Stardom) – Gliss

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So we’ve been hearing about emcee Gliss‘ upcoming album High On A Weekday for a while now, but there still isn’t a release date in sight yet. Now, we’re all for getting high whenever, but we’re starting to think that it might be time to put down the blunt, and press record, homie…haha. Well, here is his latest single "Vibe," which recently premiered over at Vibe. It’s a collaborative effort produced by Bizness Boi featuring Alabama rapper Rich Boy and Charlie Stardom laying down the hook. The song will appear as a bonus track on High On A Weekday as well as part of Rich Boy’s upcoming release.

L.A.

Some Gifts play Old Towne Pub on 1.24

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Recent artist of the month nominees Some Gifts are a trio that writes open-hearted rock anthems bolstered with punchy riffs and subtle melodic awareness, laid bare with the passionate vocal delivery of singer Vic Lazar. The songs on their recently released EP "All These Ghosts" are small gifts that pack a walloping punch, ripping rallying cries that certainly bring back the fierce pop hooks of eighies college rock. They’re currently working the local pub circuit promoting the EP, making their next stop an especially special one with a record release party at Old Towne Pub in Pasadena on Saturday, January 24. Those who like their energetic brand of charging, no-frills indie rock shouldn’t miss this one. – Juan Rodríguez

 

Nashville

Congratulations to Blue Matches, our new Artist of the Month winners!

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Congratulations to the Blue Matches for winning our Artist of the Month Poll! Their victory coincides pretty handily with the recent (Dec. 29th) release of this official video for their single “Down and Out.” There are two opportunities on the near horizon to throw your panties at them (But make ’em nice.  The ladies of Blue Matches know quality): they play at fooBar Jan. 15th, and The End Jan. 18th.  They have also just put out a new EP titled “Starting Over” available here. Attend, download, follow their Twitter, Facestalk, just show your support! -Terra James-Jura

NYC

Album review: Lennon Bone – Call It A Custom (EP)

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Awhile back I spoke of the redeeming values of the EP during my review of the latest Katy Guillen and the Girls release (see that review here). I mentioned that one of two ways that the short-form album works best is to give a newer artist a chance to get their music out more quickly than waiting to have enough material for a full-length album. The second benefit of the EP, in my mind, is to let established artists work on their craft by experimenting with new material or a new sound, and in the process exploring their own capabilities.
 
Enter Lennon Bone, the drummer and co-vocalist for Ha Ha Tonka (a quick side note: if you haven’t already done so, add Ha Ha Tonka’s new album Lessons to your music collection as soon as possible). Bone, founder of Sharp County Records, released his first solo effort, Lost/Accolades, in late 2011—an eight-track album that was more like two EPs of vastly diverse inspiration joined together. It was his debut as a solo artist, giving him a chance to see where he could take his music on his own, and the results were very well received. Now he offers another four-track mini-album, Call It A Custom, which not only reveals Bone as having more confidence to express his voice and individuality, but also shows a conscious effort to establish himself as a man of his own style and not one to lean on the success of his collaborations with his bandmates. Bone looks upon his solo work as a way to express the musical side of him that he doesn’t have the opportunity to follow through with Ha Ha Tonka, but he readily admits that his band probably does influence him in a subliminal way.
 
He certainly fills the shoes of one-man band quite nicely; the credits prove that Bone isn’t content to just sit behind a drum kit, as he provides vocals, guitars, bass, trumpet, keys, and computer wizardry as well as percussion duties. The result is a sound that’s gentle, warm, sleepy, and unhurried—making Call It A Custom an easier-than-easy listen. From the retro-Casio sound lending a sterile comfort to the opening track, “They All Seem To Know” to the reservedly-bouncy “Sinking Feelings” to the sublime slither and Tom Petty-esque feel of “Leave It To Us” to the atmospheric stop-and-go of the title track, Bone covers quite a bit of territory in fifteen short minutes. It’s a journey that he seemingly enjoys taking… and one that may be more of a reality at an undetermined point. When asked if he would like to eventually take his own music on the road, Bone said that it’s a possibility but many factors would have to be weighed before making that jump—putting a band together, booking shows while working around Ha Ha Tonka’s schedule, and most important of all, being a doting father to his baby daughter Brada.
 
Whether a full-fledged tour ever happens, it’s clear that Lennon Bone is a gifted musician and songwriter in his own right. With the wonderfully-presented Call It A Custom furthering his overall musical output, both as a band member and an individual artist, it appears that one could look at his career thus far…
 

 

…and call it a good one.
 
 
–Michael Byars 

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Austin

Well-Being for Women Showcase, 1/18/14, Spiderhouse Ballroom

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In honor of women everywhere, Austin’s Deli Magazine has put together a showcase to celebrate female fronted bands! It’s also a chance to raise awareness about issues affecting the women and youth in our city.

Not only will Grace London, Tameca Jones, Serafia, Megafauna, Holiday Mountain and The Love Leighs be playing but Totally Cool Totally Art will be selling teen made art. 50% of the art sale proceeds will go to Allies Against Slavery and 50% will go to the student artists themselves. Come support a good cause!

 

Spider House Ballroom, 6pm-close, 1/18/14

$10.00/door (includes a FREE Meditation CD!)

$2.00 Lonestar Pints

ALL AGES WELCOME!

 

Sponsored by do512.

Partnered with The Recording Conservatory of Austin, Carla DeSantis Black of MEOWCon, Outlander Productions, The Good Music Club, and GENaustin – Girls Empowerment Network.

Live music recording provided by Amandatory Records.

Philadelphia

Rock to the Future Announce Free Music Workshops at The Philadelphia Free Library!

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Rock to the Future just announced that it’ll be partnering up with The Philadelphia Free Library to provide free music workshops! Starting Saturday, January 11, they’ll be taking place on the 2nd Saturday of every month at the Central Philadelphia Library (1901 Vine St.) in the children’s section. You can check out their schedule below, and register HERE to save your spot. They’ll also be taking 10 walk-ins (first come, first serve). BTW:  Ages 3 – 5 must be accompanied by parent/guardian for the entire workshop!
 
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
January 11th, 2014
10am – Ages 3 – 5 – We Can Make Shakers
11am – Ages 6 – 8 – Intro to Guitar
1pm – Ages 9 – 17 – Intro to Guitar

February 8th, 2014
10am – Ages 3 – 5 – Music & Parachutes
11am – Ages 6 – 8 – Learn the Recorder
1pm – Ages 9 – 17 – Intro to Songwriting

March 8th, 2014
10am – Ages 3 – 5 – We Can Sing!
11am – Ages 6 – 8 – Let’s Sing!
1pm – Ages 9 – 17 – Vocal Workshop

 
Portland

Charts and Hands In at Rontoms 1.5

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Calling on their spaced out, summery, surf-pop good vibes, Charts are the perfect remedy to lift the grayness cast by old man winter here in Portland. These guys killed it so hard in 2013 with their short but tasty summer release, Vacation, I have no doubt that 2014 will be the year of Charts. Also on my “killing-it radar” is Hands In, the electro psych pop solo project of Erick Crosby, front man of rad Chicago transplant band Yourself and The Air. According to his Facebook page he has a new album coming out soon titled Polyester Itch so keep your ears to the ground, but in the meantime he leaves us with this weirdo teaser. Join me this Sunday night, January 5th, at Rontoms to kick 2014 off right. Hands In at 9:30 and Charts at 10:30, the show is free. -Travis Leipzig

 

Philadelphia

Three Man Cannon Sharing Their Inner-workings at Michael Jordan Jan. 4

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Tonight, The Guild presents an evening of music featuring Three Man Cannon at DIY space Michael Jordan. The quartet performs rousing, user-friendly, emotion-driven pop-punk – the kind that grabs with honest, semi-perfected harmonies and has the ability to translate lyrical sentiments into instrumental displays capturing the mood on multiple levels, making each song simulate a performance of their inner-workings. The blend of burning-energy instrumentation and heart-wrenching vocals that remain reserved enough to draw on a listener’s empathetic strings, ultimately pulling them all together in a series of songs that ride the full spectrum, from sad to euphoric and back again. Michael Jordan House, (Please email michaeljordanhouseshows@gmail.com for more info.), 7:30pm, $5 – $7, All Ages – Michael Colavita

New England

Exclusive Premiere: Ula Ruth – “Shake It Off”

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Hear it here first: Connecticut-based Ula Ruth has just released the track “Shake It Off” in advance of its upcoming EP Restless Nights, set for release on January 14. The EP has already delighted critics at the Celebrity Café and Rust Magazine, and “Shake It Off” doesn’t disappoint. With a bass line crafted for blasting through a car stereo and a growl that can compete with alternative rock’s best vocalists, the song has what it takes to dominate rock radio. Check out “Shake It Off” below and, if you’re up for a road trip, stop by Ula Ruth’s record release show at the Mercury Lounge in New York City on release day. – Jake Reed

New England

Nashoba Hits the Road with New East Coast Dates

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I’m usually not a huge fan of straight-up instrumental bands, but Massachusetts-based Nashoba has proved me wrong in a big way. Their unique guitar melodies and super-tight rhythms are quite impressive. They remind me a little bit of American Football, but without the vocals to distract the listener from the talented musicianship taking place. The band are currently touring the east coast, with a show tonight at Cold Spring Hollow in Belchertown, MA. They were supposed to play a show last night in Allston, MA at O’Brien’s, but the gig was cancelled due the recent snowstorm.

For updates about that tour (and other band info), head on over to their Facebook page.

-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)

 

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, January 3 – 5

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The beginning of a new year is a great time to start fresh, to branch out and embrace different elements and explore the possibilities one may have shied away from in the past. This Saturday, Golden Tea House will be hosting an exhibition of sonic exploration. Hermit Thrushes reach past the typical expectations of folk, injecting psychedelic ambiance and noise resulting in free-flowing pop-feeling songs that are intriguing in their approach enlisting uncharted, captivating musical territory. Without a clear path or destination, one is forced to quit thinking ahead and simply enjoy the scenery. The idea is to continuously push the envelope and with a new album Interrupt due out on Kanine Records next month, Bleeding Rainbow may do just that. The duo, which has evolved into a quartet, etches an astro-haze-littered distorted guitar atmosphere with steady snapping streamlined percussion and Sarah Everton’s vocals creating a clear expanse for the spaceship of sound to drive through. Northampton, Massachusetts post-punk, grunge-rockin’ foursome Speedy Ortiz headline the bill bringing an edge of lingering intensity that seems ready to spill over at any moment. Golden Tea House, (Please email goldenteahouse42069@gmail.com for more info), 8pm, $5 – $7, All Ages (Illustration by Sarah Everton) – Michael Colavita
 
Other places to hang for the brave this weekend…
 
The Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Psychic Teens, Ladder Devils, Faking, SAT Goodnight Lights, Shorty Boy Boy, Roof Doctor
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI The Writhing Squares, Left & Right
 
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) SAT No Other, Thee Glitterbomb, Kevin Karaoke Obscura
 
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT Voletta, Tenderkill, Attic Dancers, SUN Alustrium
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) SAT Sic Bacchus
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Big Tusk, SAT Nobody Yet, Rushmore, Seeing Snakes, Philabuster
 
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Big Terrible, Demonstrative Girls, Static Mountain, SAT Catullus
 
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) SUN Red Skiles’ Country Ramblers
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Benefit for David Wannop, SAT Amy Faden
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Baffle the Cat
 
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) FRI Bosom Band, Squalor Folk, Milhaus, Hangmans Cry
 
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI The Lesinskis, Lito & The Shepards, Los Festingos, SAT Mike Roi, I Am Buffalo, Borrowed Equipment
 
Eris Temple (602 S. 52nd St.) FRI Ron Gallo, Fletcher VanFliet
 
Motel Hell (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Bubonic Bear
 
Michael Jordan (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT NONA, Three Man Cannon
 
Wolf Cycles (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Plague Dogs, Mindless Attack, Wimp Talk
 
Freedom 25 (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT blankbook, Children’s Books, Goddamnit