New Music, Emerging from your Local Scene
Tonight, April 18th, Bailiff will celebrate the release of their long-awaited LP "Remise". The album will be officially released on the 22nd. The band has release two singles from the new album, "Shake My Heart Awake" and "Helicopter".
You can catch Bailiff on April 18th with Smoker and Brother George at 1st Ward (2033 W. North Ave)
San Diego quartet The Donkeys previously released two sumptous, country-laden albums under the Dead Oceans imprint. Its dust-drenched melodies and stately arrangements were slack to say the least, but there was something about those twanging guitars that filled the room with a warm glow. Now under new LA-based label Easy Sound, they’re making their return with Ride The Black Wave, a slightly more ambitious effort that continues their tradition of melding chiming Americana hooks with the lush swing of seventies FM radio. Take a listen to the single "Scissor Me Cigs" below, a swaying pop ballad that nestles one with effortless ease. See them live at Church on York on June 6th.
Rock Bottom (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Pill Friends, Soda Bomb, Besting Tensions, Boss Logic
A very hip and all-local lineup graces The Fire’s stage tonight to start up a busy weekend of warm weather and live music. Planning the release of their upcoming June album If You Were Here I’d Be Home Now (in homage to the 51st and Market Love Letter mural), Monday Appreciation Society has released two catchy and smart singles under their signature lo-fi filters. Drummer/Singer Mark Rybaltowski and guitarist Dan Wisniewski joined forces and have been picking up speed since the breakup of their band The Quelle Source last year, and tonight’s show will be the duo’s first-ever performance featuring their “full band” including members of The Chairman Dances, Bird Watcher, and The Quelle Source. Headlining the show is the indie quintet Goodnight Lights playing one hit after another with their smooth alternative rock sound. Also recently added to the bill are the “post-modestmousecore” Bone Bats and the innovative folk-star Thom McCarthy. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 9pm, $8, 21+ -Maggie Grabmeier
It’s time we set aside our previous notions that Mufassa is the King of the Jungle, or that unfortunate condition of the male genitalia that you’ve read about on Urban Dictionary (here).
Rather, Mufassa is one of Portland’s most promising new bands who play a powerful blend of soulful, bluesy garage rock, reminiscent to the genious of King Kahn. And, as voted by the people, Mufassa is The Deli Portland’s current Artist of the Month! The group is currently working on a new album, of which they gave listeners a taste last month with their single Johnny. The track is an epic dancy rocker, showcasing classic rock’n roll guitar riffage, and gentle soulful vocals like that of a higher pitch Elvis. Take a listen for yourself and keep an eye out for their next album. – Travis Leipzig
Moon Bounce has been making a name for himself with juicy, R&B-informed electronic music that is impossible to pin down. Corey Regensburg aka Moon Bounce, is a classically trained musician who creates all of his own samples, something that is quite uncommon among electronic contemporaries. The musical shape shifter recently released his newest EP Dress Rehersal, as well as a slew of disturbing videos. Moon Bounce has a show coming up on April 20th at Silk City, so in anticipation we chatted with him about his vast influences, the new record label he started, and what the future holds for the promising young chap. Check out the entire thing HERE. – Adam G.
We all know how hard it is for emerging musical acts to get any kind of recognition, and it’s safe to say that making music that can be described as "mournful" doesn’t help trigger word of mouth nor buzz. But then there’s that crucial component that changes everything: the moving power of music – live music in particular. That’s probably why these days – in spite of the mournfulness of her music – it seems like everybody wants to book Weyes Blood (aka Natalie Mering, who placed 34th in our latest year end Best of NYC Poll for Emerging Artists).
In 2011 the then Baltimore based songstress released "The Outside Room,"a heavyhearted sounding 6 tracks mini-album filled with songs that had their ideal ambiance in decadent medieval churces – or even catacombs. After a recent move to Brooklyn, Natalie struck a deal with powerful label Mexican Summer, and now keeps landing on really good bills on an almost weekly basis. She’ll be opening for Liam Finn tonight at Union Pool (where she’ll be performing her soon to be released new record in its entirety), and then she’ll be opening for Woods at the Red Bull sponsored show at Baby’s All Right on April 22. More dates are on the horizon at The Rock Shop, Mercury Lounge and Northside Fest.
If this is not an emerging artist you want to check out now – what is? Here’s a track from Weyes Blood debut album.
From soulful and simple tales of American heritage, to roots rock filled with melodic fervor, Kwesi K has been drawing people in with his colorful storylines and carving his niche in folk music. His latest EP Lovely dropped this week and has already been receiving a plentiful amount of praise for its smooth lyrics and musicianship. So Kwesi, and his band which features the likes of seasoned musicians Ross Bellenoit and Jaron Olevsky, have much to celebrate during tomorrow’s release party at Boot & Saddle. The show will also feature the atmospheric folk music of Maitland, and Anthony D’Amato. Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St, 8PM, $10 21+ – Bill McThrill
Here was have a new mixtape from the hard working and frequent Reef The Lost Cause collaborator, Haj of Dumhi. The laid-back mixtape from the South Philly producer features of plethora of rappers, including Skrewtape, Rich Quick, Von Pea and, naturally, Reef The Lost Cause. Stream the whole thing below.
Between Good Friday and Easter lie ample opportunities to see some of Nashville’s finest perform (twice), as well as pick up some swag, sample from food trucks, and contribute to the scrappy brick and mortars that keep independent music alive and humming.
Saturday, April 19th:
Start the day off at Third Man Records, where you can check out Jack White’s stunt of performing, recording, pressing and selling the "Lazaretto" off his upcoming album. The performance will start at 10am, and the single will be available for purchase by 4pm. Additional sets by Waxed and Jawws will start at noon.
The most logical option for your next stop is Grimey’s, just about a mile down the road. Starting at 11:30 am and going on until 7pm are performances by Lower Caves, Secret Sisters, Needtobreathe, John Oates, Promised Land Sound, PUJOL, Bully, Ranch Ghost, Majestico, and Apache Relay.
Since you’re there, you might as well cross the street and check out 8th & Argyle’s Rock’n’Roll Yard Party in honor of Record Store and Earth Day. Vendors will be offering crafts, vinyl, and food for your perusal. The event is schedule from 10am to 5pm.
This is where you are going to have to cross the river and find out what the East Side has to offer. Head to The Groove to see Shy Guy, Bully, Blank Range, Nudity, Nikki Lane, Mouth Reader, and Gay Vibes; the whole show is hosted by Olivia Fancytramp.
Go a little further up Gallatin to Fond Object’s blowout, featuring Joey Plunket, The Tendoor, Buffalo Clover, Fly Golden Eagle, Kings of the F**King Sea, PromisedLand Sound, PUJOL and Misfruits. Infinity Cat and Palaver Records are also setting up pop-up shops, and this is the only event on Saturday that has a freakin’ petting zoo.
If you’re in Murfreesboro, Little Shop of Records has bands playing from 12-5pm, including Forrest York, Hoodoo Men, Tomato Face, That’s My Kid, and Josephine and the Wildfront. The day’s performances will be recorded for a future album, "Live at the Little Shop of Records."
If you’re still raring to go on Saturday night, you can catch one of these shows:
Feedback Revival, De La Torre and Swampbird at The High Watt, 8pm, $8
Tennessee Scum, Bare Knuckle and Mouth Reader at Springwater, 9pm, $5
Peaceful Warriors, Applegate Nance, Easy Roscoe and Brandon Brains at The End,9pm, $5
Juston Stens and the Get Real Gang, Richie, and Samantha Harlow at Exit/In, 8pm, $10
With their sharp guitar riffs and pounding drums, fraught with sexy attitude and soulful edginess, Brooklyn-based The VeeVees epitomize rock ‘n roll in its most strict definition. The duo’s sound and presence will be growing by 33.3%, officially transitioning from a two-piece to a trio, since Garrett Cillo (vocals/guitar) and Andrea Belfiore (drums) are welcomimg bombshell Sophia Urista on vocals. The inaugural show is slated for May 2 at Pianos NYC, where The VeeVees will take the stage for a special hour-plus set, sharing the stage with local bluesy rockers Butchers of Sky Valley. Check out The VeeVees’ newest, “Groovin’ Swoon” – and imagine a female vocalist on it!
With Record Store Day just on the horizon, here’s an item worth hunting down this Saturday between Bully sets and taco breaks. #RAPCLUB stalwart kidDEAD released his debut album a few months ago, and it’s an intense, quick-witted effort that demands a space in anyone’s catalog. While you might have missed his set last weekend at Tour de Fun, hang around the East Room long enough and you’ll be sure to catch another. For now, read the full review of "Rap and Destroy" HERE, and for kicks, watch this video for "Thieves" below. -Terra James-Jura
