NYC

Weston Minissali releases singles for his latest musical venture, Erica Eso, from upcoming album, “2019”

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The name Erica Eso may sound like some music making beauty, but it’s actually the latest musical brain-child of Weston Minissali, also known as the synth player from Cloud Becomes Your Hand. Erica Eso’s synth-heavy pop melodies are a clear departure from the otherworldly avant-rock sound of Cloud Becomes Your Hand, but Erica Eso’s first singles make it clear that Minissali’s talents as an experimental composer span across genres. As of last week, the first singles from Erica Eso’s upcoming album, "2019," are now available for streaming (below) on SoundCloud and Bandcamp with the full release coming later this year. – Sam o’Hara

NYC

Heavenly Beat working on new LP and preparing for upcoming tour

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Heavenly Beat is the Brooklyn based solo project of former Beach Fossil’s bassist John Peña, and it certainly lives up to it’s title. the project’s latest and third release, entitled "Eucharist," is a glistening 40 minutes of refreshingly laid-back indie pop. Peña’s wispy voice elegantly floats over a procession of airy guitars, drum machine beats, and ethereal pop melodies, resulting in a record that lives up to the heavenly moniker. A fourth LP, tentatively titled either "Designer" or "Latino," is currently in the works and Peña is also gearing up for a new tour in the fall. Heavenly Beat will be returning to New York on October 9th for a performance at Baby’s All Right, and the first track’s from the upcoming LP are expected to be released sometime this summer, so be sure to keep an eye out. – Patrick Wolff

Nashville

First Year on Earth Plays Nashville

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Everyone’s had it: That urge to sell everything you own and take to the road for a life of adventure and self-discovery. After a tragic loss, Ryan Murphy acted on that urge, and luckily for us, he took his guitar with him.

Fast forward a few years, add a couple of other talented musicians, and First Year on Earth was born.

With crystal clear vocals, upbeat down-home rhythms and well-crafted lyrics telling tales of life on the road, First Year on Earth is shaking things up on the roots scene. And in support of their self-titled EP, they’re bringing their folksy/pop sound to Nashville.

The award-winning Austin trio will be at Mad Donna’s TONIGHT with Noah Peterson and local bands Little Raven and North N South, and at The Bluebird Cafe’s Sunday Spotlight on 7.12. -Caroline Bowman

 

 

Philadelphia

New Juston Stens & Friends Soundtrack Available for Streaming & Download

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After leaving Philly indie-rock faves Dr. Dog to pursue his own voice in music, Juston Stens took off in the fall of 2011 on his 1972 Triumph motorcycle to travel around the U.S. and collaborate with his numerous musician pals that he had connected with over the years while touring and performing. He was also followed by videographer Drew Stubbs, who recorded his adventures and created the documentary I Lay Where I Fall. Stens also just released Share The Road, the soundtrack that accompanies the film, featuring appearances by members of Wilco, Spoon, Generationals, Floating Action, Brass Bed, Apollo Sunshine, and solo artists such as David Vandervelde and Jessica Lea Mayfield, which you can stream and download for free below.

Nashville

Whoa Dakota Releases “Banshee” Video

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With bold, smoky vocals and a straight-shooting live show, Whoa Dakota is making quite a name for herself in Nashville’s flourishing underground scene.

Proving she is just as impressive in the studio, Whoa Dakota has released a new single, "Banshee," and an accompanying music video. Chris Gil and Gavin Shae use rhythmic flashing lights, dramatic close ups and smeared makeup to highlight Whoa Dakota’s greatest strength: lyrics that sink their teeth right in to your bones.
 
Watch the video below and catch her at Tin Roof 7.16 as part of Lightning 100’s On Tap series. -Caroline Bowman
 
 
Philadelphia

The Homophones Emerge From Their Slumber at The Fire July 9

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The Homophones emerge from their slumber to make a somewhat rare appearance at The Fire this evening. The Jason Ferraro-led group burrows under your skin with a haunting ease. Musically, there’s a polished folk backdrop erecting a familiar space for one’s mind and body to sink into. With hints of those quirky, slightly warped lyrics, they offer an alternate prism of experience that catches your attention with its ability to establish comfort from a set of twisted images and a captainly baritone. The Homophones will be hosting a trio of New York acts, including the somber yet percussively forward electronic songs of Goste and the crisp soulful R&B of On the Sun, which incorporates that bass-bumping, horn-blasting funk, while folk-rock trio A Penny’s Worth kick things off. The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 8pm, $8, 21+ (Photo by Brandi Lukas) – Michael Colavita

New England

Get Introspective with The Mallett Brothers’ Lights Along the River

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It’s not easy to write a song that’s universally relatable without an ounce of cliche, but that’s exactly what Portland, Maine natives The Mallett Brothers Band accomplished on the title track of their fourth studio album, Lights Along The River.  The story of reflection on a long journey home is delivered in layered vocals that rise to a powerful climax, while bluegrass-style instrumentals manage to evoke the feeling of floating down river as clearly as the lyrics themselves. The Mallett Brothers are currently touring New England to promote their new album – find a list of their upcoming shows here: http://www.mallettbrothersband.com/#tour-section


Glori Blatt
Photo credit: Nicole Wolf Photography



Toronto

Operators “True” Official Video

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Dan Boeckner, shows us there is no stopping him with his latest project Operators. Their latest track “True” is a sleek, synth-pop digital dance track with rousing vocals that will have your body swirling. The official video shows of some sneaky spy moves to this “True” track. See them live tonight 7/9 @ the Garrison.

Philadelphia

Ticket Giveaway: Meatbodies, Tough Shits, The Bad Doctors & Harsh Vibes at Underground Arts This Friday

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We are doing a ticket giveaway for tomorrow night’s Meatbodies/Tough Shits/The Bad Doctors/Harsh Vibes show at Underground Arts. To enter for a chance to win a pair of tix, just send an email to thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line "I Want Your Meatbodies!" Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good luck!

NYC

MaG: Songs for Charles EP

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Joel, aka MaG, serves up a fresh slice of humble pie with “Songs for Charles” which he describes as an “open letter to his pops.”  The introspective and plangent vibe prevalent throughout the album conjures the anxiety associated with confronting the expectations of one’s parents.  His flow, somehow simultaneously effortless and thoughtful, leans into his dusty beats as if to procure some lost volume, as if the answer is in there.  He sounds like Kanye mixed with Mos, or maybe Kanye back when he used to rap with Mos.  Or maybe he’s just his own wizard practicing hip hop with respect for it like the alchemy it is.  As he vamps on the jazzy “Better late than never,” “I would rather die than let go of one of my dreams.”  It’s precision wordplay; Charles would be proud.

Philadelphia

New Music Video: “Dried Out” – Creepoid

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Creepoid become sacrificial lambs in their new music video for “Dried Out,” off the four-piece’s latest LP Cemetery Highrise Slum (Collect Records). They journey to their doom along the landscape near the Salton Sea, led by Kurt Heasley of Lilys. The video was directed by Mitchell Wojcik. (Photo by Jammi York)