The environment in which an album is recorded can often have a strong effect on a band’s music. It can also, on occasion, alter the perception of the listener. Such is the case for Boston indie-rockers Jack Romanov in their new EP, The Smoking Room Sessions: I, recorded, mixed, and mastered in an East Boston funeral home. The captivating sound of the quartet is amplified, creating a mixed atmosphere of curiosity, melancholy, and introspection. The first of four EPs to be released in the coming weeks, volume 1 is enough for us to pay close attention to future output from the band. Check out the album link below and let us know what you think. -Brian Varneke
Nashville
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Best of Nashville Folk/Americana Acts: Taylor Alexander and Aaron Lee Tasjan
Our Best of Nashville 2017 poll began last week with the Folk/Americana category and, after you-the-people cast your vote, we have the results to share with you!
Overall Poll winner (Jurors vote + Readers’ vote): Aaron Lee Tasjan
Readers’ Poll Winner (Readers’ Vote only): Taylor Alexander
This year’s Folk/Americana poll winners represent a genre looking back on the past and forward to the future. Aaron Lee Tasjan’s new record perfectly captures the new direction of alternative country while Taylor Alexander harkens back to the genre’s classic roots.
Aaron Lee Tasjan’s new record, Silver Tears takes a progressive political stance: "There’s a redneck bummer in an H2 Hummer / And he sure does hate the queers / I guess some life choices are cries for help / That nobody ever hears," Tasjan sings on "Hard Life." The genius of Tasjan’s songwriting takes the form of a Trojan Horse. He uses the vehicle of roots country to challenge often destructive established southern cultural norms. Songwriting ability isn’t the only creative muscle Tasjan flexes on the latest record either. There’s a wide variety of instrumentation and production that keeps things interesting. From pedal steel and reverb soaked slide guitar-based rockers to saloon style piano blues numbers, Silver Tears has something to offer country fans of all stripes.
Taylor Alexander makes the kind of music you’d be surprised to know still thrives in certain niches. Alexander’s retro style is decidedly Nashvillian. With numbers you’d expect to square dance to, the songs occupy a unique space in the city’s country scene and serve as a refreshing reminder of country music’s founding influences. With a country accent and deep cowboy-voice remiscent of George Strait, Alexander tactfully crafts everything from cheerful dance numbers to melancholy narratives about past experiences.
Honorable mentions go to George Shingleton (second in the overall chart) and Whiskey Wolves of the West (second in the Reader’s poll). The full list of nominees can be found under the streaming tracks.
Here is the list of all the finalists in the Nashville Folk/Americana category and their readers’ poll results:
 |
Aaron Lee Tasjan |
   |
8% | 6 votes |
|
Alyssa Bonagura |
|
1% | 1 vote |
|
Christ Stapleton |
|
1% | 1 vote |
|
David Newbould |
|
0% | 0 votes |
|
George Shingleton |
|
2% | 2 votes |
|
Margo Price |
|
1% | 1 vote |
|
SmithField |
|
0% | 0 votes |
|
Sturgill Simpson |
|
4% | 3 votes |
|
Taylor Alexander |
|
57% | 40 votes |
|
Whiskey Wolves of the West |
|
18% | 13 votes |
|
William Tyler |
|
2% | 2 votes |
Austin
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Melat Brings Sensual R&B to Central Texas
In Ethiopia, music is the lifeblood, and an endless trove of quality music and musicians have orginated from the East African nation as part of a rich tradition. Austin is lucky to have a seed of the Ethiopian diaspora end up in Central Texas where it/she has blossomed into one of the most intriguing and talented chanteuses in the Austin scene. Melat Kassa blends sensual R&B beats with jazz and electronic tinges that are accentuated by her otherworldly smoky vocals. It is no coincidence that Melat won the best emerging artist poll for Soul/Hip Hop given her stratospheric talent and overwhelmingly attractive looks. While Melat may not be the typical style of music to come out of Austin, she has all the tools to become the most succesful yet.
Nashville
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Thad Kopec’s New Dream-Inspired Soundscape
Thad Kopec’s music is the kind of stuff that makes you remember how alive you are. Like a sun-dappled forrest canopy or light reflected on rippling water, his new track captures a moving image. The soundscape is sparse only to let every instrument fully speak. Strings and horns arrive and depart within a frame, merging together and fragmenting in erratic waves, but they all have something equally important to say. "Second Best" is narrative, and the instrumentation is alive to it. If the song is about remembering yourself by making sense of the past, all the disparate sonic elements mesh so well because of the shared purpose of making a story. Kopec’s intuition is to make the unsconscious conscious, to make a pattern of the fragments of memory and dream. If you’re a fan of melancholy Sufjan Stevens-inspired folk that creates a space for reflection and self-discovery, this is what you’ve been looking for.
– Andrew Strader
Portland
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Stream Get Real’s Debut EP
It’s about time for us to all get real, dude.
There’s nothing wrong with having lofty dreams and aspirations, just as long as they come with a reality check. Though their name may have been inspired by some wall graffiti in the bathroom of their old practice space, that message is still relevant.
Aside from its bathroom wall writings, it’s thematically written all over the self-titled, debut EP from Get Real. Five songs worth of the band’s fun rock explore living with modest means while coming to terms with one’s own unsavory actions. Sonically, the album blends bits of surf, late 90’s indie and a tinge of garage pop, making for a pleasant way to take in empathetic subject matter.
"The songs are pretty much all about low living. Being fucked up all the time, sleeping with people you have no interest in, fantasies of escaping, feeling trapped in a body and personality you’re not comfortable with," says Get Real frontman Alex Erickson.
Stream their EP below to prep for their release show tonight with Dogheart and Sea Fuzz at the American Legion.
Portland
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Turn! Turn! Turn! Keeping Tonight’s Show Despite General Strike
Portland is a city of protesting. Our propensity to come together in revolt against major issues afflcting society is one of the greater characteristics of the city, as is what is offered locally in music. Today, most of the country has been participating in the General Strike against President fuck up Donald Trump prior to Monday’s President’s Day. Those striking haven’t been partaking in any activities, especially ones that benefit the country’s capatlistic benefit.
For the most part, everyone wants to aid in spreading this message of strong displeasure, which obviously leaves venues with things scheduled today at a bit of an impasse. Northeast all ages venue Turn! Turn! Turn! was presented with this same problem, and has decided to move forward with the great show they have scheduled for tonight, where Blesst Chest, Sad Horse and Lithics are set to play.
On the decision, Turn! Turn! Turn! said:
After much deliberation between Turn! Turn! Turn!, its employees, the bands and others willing to share their input, we have decided to be open and have our show as scheduled February 17, the day of the general strike. This was a difficult decision, as everyone involved with this show sympathizes with the aims of the strike. Ultimately, we had the opportunity to do more good by having the show than not. To that end, we are making the show free so you don’t have to open your wallet. However, we will be accepting donations at the door for IRCO (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization) and Portland Homeless Family Solutions. In addition, Turn! will be offering an all-Portland tap list and spirits by Portland distilleries. Those willing and able to spend a few bucks at the bar will also be supporting IRCO and PHFS, as we’ll donate between 25% (for non-donated kegs) and 50% for donated kegs to these organizations.
End your day of striking the right way by heading up to Northeast Killingsworth with some cash in hand.
NYC
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New Hand Grenade Job tracks build off the band’s minimalist punk sound
The two teaser tracks from the forthcoming Hand Grenade Job album highlight the band’s minimalist punk sound. Eerie, mystical, and somewhat mournful, the tracks feature the unusual instrumentation and solemn vocals that defined earlier HGJ releases. Often vocally monotone, but always harmonically tonal, the music is evocative, and pleasing for the ear.
Here’s “July” from the album Devotionals, set to be released February 22nd.
-Written by Michael Dranove
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, February 17 – 19
Cayetana began the year teaming up with Melbourne’s Camp Cope on a split release. And last week, to the elation of their fans, the Philly indie-rock trio shared a teaser video via Facebook for its forthcoming LP, New Kind of Normal, which is scheduled for release on March 5. For those who simply can’t wait to hear some new tunes, the band is currently on tour with Lemuria, who have come together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their beloved album, Get Better, and will be rolling into town ready to rock this Saturday at the First Unitarian Church. They’ll also be joined by tourmate Don Giovanni’s Mikey Erg. This is definitely going to be a rare evening of music at one of Philly’s most historic DIY spaces. – Alexis V.
Our list of places for enjoying global warming in Philly this weekend…
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) SAT Cayetana
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Malik Ninety-Five, SAT Mt. Joy, Levee Drivers, SUN Vexxed, Brian Cassidy
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Goddamnit, SOLD, Hawk Tubley & The Ozymandians (Record Release), The Chairman Dances, Lovers League
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Rentboy, Telyscopes/Gordon Bombay, Shizz Lo, Nah Mean?, Brainrack, WhiteRice/Jesse Tyler, SAT Vicious Embrace/DJ PHSH, Craig Dash, SUN The Tisburys, University Drive, Dave Joyce, Old Charades/Berdmajik, Static Brothers
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Tweed, Wax Future/The Wallace Brothers Band, TC Cole Riot, SAT Hezekiah Jones, Black Horse Motel, SUN Chill Moody, Voss, Mars Parker
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) FRI Vincent John
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Wonder Junkies
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) SUN Truant Minds, Mud Guppies
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Richie Navigator, DJ Kirsh
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Church Girls, FRI New Sound Brass, Las Palablas, SUN ACLU Benefit: Straw Hats, Pine Barons, Mumblr
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI Bo Bliz, Low Budget, SAT DJ Deejay, SUN DJ Lean Wit It
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SUN Rusty Cadillac
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Infant Mortality, Beer Me
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SAT Extractus, Lost Continent, SUN Young Graves
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Chad Jenkins, Zymotic Flow, Rob Swift Band, Naps Past Noon, Blubird, SAT Spicy Meatball, Tom’s Attic, P-Rents
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Run to Sandy, Dirty Purple, SUN Boy Wonder, Julia Levitina
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) SAT Splintered Sunlight, Sparkle Pony
Vox Populi (319 N. 11th St.) SAT Sirius Ju Ju, Michael Foster, Brandon Lopez, Ben Bennett, Unseen Rain
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) FRI Backroom Dreamers, Thought Patterns, Sing, Bird of Prey, Adventure Lost, SAT Thief, Steal Me A Peach, Pauline, Steve Layman/Control Top, Preen, So Totally, Clasp
The Sound Hole (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Blood Sound, QQQ, Janelle, RE235 (DJ Set)
The Waiting Room (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Snu Snu Dolls, Secret Nudist Friends, Blushed, Full Bush
All Night Diner (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Boy Lawyer, Secret Seahorse, Witch H.c.unt
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, February 17 – 19
Cayetana began the year teaming up with Melbourne’s Camp Cope on a split release. And last week, to the elation of their fans, the Philly indie-rock trio shared a teaser video via Facebook for its forthcoming LP, New Kind of Normal, which is scheduled for release on March 5. For those who simply can’t wait to hear some new tunes, the band is currently on tour with Lemuria, who have come together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their beloved album, Get Better, and will be rolling into town ready to rock this Saturday at the First Unitarian Church. They’ll also be joined by tourmate Don Giovanni’s Mikey Erg. This is definitely going to be a rare evening of music at one of Philly’s most historic DIY spaces. – Alexis V.
Our list of places for enjoying global warming in Philly this weekend…
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) SAT Cayetana
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Malik Ninety-Five, SAT Mt. Joy, Levee Drivers, SUN Vexxed, Brian Cassidy
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Goddamnit, SOLD, Hawk Tubley & The Ozymandians (Record Release), The Chairman Dances, Lovers League
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Rentboy, Telyscopes/Gordon Bombay, Shizz Lo, Nah Mean?, Brainrack, WhiteRice/Jesse Tyler, SAT Vicious Embrace/DJ PHSH, Craig Dash, SUN The Tisburys, University Drive, Dave Joyce, Old Charades/Berdmajik, Static Brothers
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Tweed, Wax Future/The Wallace Brothers Band, TC Cole Riot, SAT Hezekiah Jones, Black Horse Motel, SUN Chill Moody, Voss, Mars Parker
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) FRI Vincent John
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Wonder Junkies
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) SUN Truant Minds, Mud Guppies
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Richie Navigator, DJ Kirsh
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Church Girls, FRI New Sound Brass, Las Palablas, SUN ACLU Benefit: Straw Hats, Pine Barons, Mumblr
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI Bo Bliz, Low Budget, SAT DJ Deejay, SUN DJ Lean Wit It
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SUN Rusty Cadillac
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Infant Mortality, Beer Me
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SAT Extractus, Lost Continent, SUN Young Graves
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Chad Jenkins, Zymotic Flow, Rob Swift Band, Naps Past Noon, Blubird, SAT Spicy Meatball, Tom’s Attic, P-Rents
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Run to Sandy, Dirty Purple, SUN Boy Wonder, Julia Levitina
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) SAT Splintered Sunlight, Sparkle Pony
Vox Populi (319 N. 11th St.) SAT Sirius Ju Ju, Michael Foster, Brandon Lopez, Ben Bennett, Unseen Rain
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) FRI Backroom Dreamers, Thought Patterns, Sing, Bird of Prey, Adventure Lost, SAT Thief, Steal Me A Peach, Pauline, Steve Layman/Control Top, Preen, So Totally, Clasp
The Sound Hole (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Blood Sound, QQQ, Janelle, RE235 (DJ Set)
The Waiting Room (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Snu Snu Dolls, Secret Nudist Friends, Blushed, Full Bush
All Night Diner (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Boy Lawyer, Secret Seahorse, Witch H.c.unt
Philadelphia
Posted on:
Weekend Warrior, February 17 – 19
Cayetana began the year teaming up with Melbourne’s Camp Cope on a split release. And last week, to the elation of their fans, the Philly indie-rock trio shared a teaser video via Facebook for its forthcoming LP, New Kind of Normal, which is scheduled for release on March 5. For those who simply can’t wait to hear some new tunes, the band is currently on tour with Lemuria, who have come together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their beloved album, Get Better, and will be rolling into town ready to rock this Saturday at the First Unitarian Church. They’ll also be joined by tourmate Don Giovanni’s Mikey Erg. This is definitely going to be a rare evening of music at one of Philly’s most historic DIY spaces. – Alexis V.
Our list of places for enjoying global warming in Philly this weekend…
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) SAT Cayetana
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Malik Ninety-Five, SAT Mt. Joy, Levee Drivers, SUN Vexxed, Brian Cassidy
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Goddamnit, SOLD, Hawk Tubley & The Ozymandians (Record Release), The Chairman Dances, Lovers League
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Rentboy, Telyscopes/Gordon Bombay, Shizz Lo, Nah Mean?, Brainrack, WhiteRice/Jesse Tyler, SAT Vicious Embrace/DJ PHSH, Craig Dash, SUN The Tisburys, University Drive, Dave Joyce, Old Charades/Berdmajik, Static Brothers
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Tweed, Wax Future/The Wallace Brothers Band, TC Cole Riot, SAT Hezekiah Jones, Black Horse Motel, SUN Chill Moody, Voss, Mars Parker
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) FRI Vincent John
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI (Upstairs) Wonder Junkies
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) SUN Truant Minds, Mud Guppies
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Richie Navigator, DJ Kirsh
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Church Girls, FRI New Sound Brass, Las Palablas, SUN ACLU Benefit: Straw Hats, Pine Barons, Mumblr
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI Bo Bliz, Low Budget, SAT DJ Deejay, SUN DJ Lean Wit It
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SUN Rusty Cadillac
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Infant Mortality, Beer Me
Voltage Lounge (421 N. 7th St.) SAT Extractus, Lost Continent, SUN Young Graves
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Chad Jenkins, Zymotic Flow, Rob Swift Band, Naps Past Noon, Blubird, SAT Spicy Meatball, Tom’s Attic, P-Rents
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Run to Sandy, Dirty Purple, SUN Boy Wonder, Julia Levitina
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) SAT Splintered Sunlight, Sparkle Pony
Vox Populi (319 N. 11th St.) SAT Sirius Ju Ju, Michael Foster, Brandon Lopez, Ben Bennett, Unseen Rain
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) FRI Backroom Dreamers, Thought Patterns, Sing, Bird of Prey, Adventure Lost, SAT Thief, Steal Me A Peach, Pauline, Steve Layman/Control Top, Preen, So Totally, Clasp
The Sound Hole (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Blood Sound, QQQ, Janelle, RE235 (DJ Set)
The Waiting Room (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Snu Snu Dolls, Secret Nudist Friends, Blushed, Full Bush
All Night Diner (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Boy Lawyer, Secret Seahorse, Witch H.c.unt
L.A.
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Stalgia releases new video for “BDY”
Sensuality takes center stage on Stalgia’s latest video for their indie-electronic fused single “BDY.” The Los Angeles duo highlights desire and pairs the synergism with a back-bone of alternative R&B, resulting in a simple shot build directed by Nova Rockafella. As Lauren Day falls into the immersion of what is felt when “The rhythms of my body feed off you,” the after math becomes a sensory exploration. Focusing on intimate shots fueling the build of the video, Rockafella’s direction maintains a fresh feel by mirroring Stalgia’s sound. Jumping from party scenes, to stripped-down shots of Day understanding the meaning of touch, “BDY” embodies everything it is to carry a heartfelt desire. – Janette Ayub
NYC
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A Deli premiere: Steady Sun unveils “Benthos” + play Arlene’s on 03.10
NYC psych rockers Steady Sun‘s latest single, which we are premiering below, bears the aquatic title "Benthos," a term used to describe the flora and fauna found on the bottom of a body of water. Music and water have many things in common, in particular a fluid, "streamy" nature. But the concept of underwater recalls an extra set of attributes (like "dreamy, calm, slow-moving") that perfectly fit the profile of a mellow, psychedelic song. The track, with its plodding pace and dreamy atmosphere, certainly keeps faith to its title. Dylan Nowik’s warm falsetto draws semi-unintelligible but arresting melodies, while ghostly strings and backing vocals float in a pool of reverb, creating a sonic environment that’s as surreal as it is serene. If you dig this tune, check out the quintet’s 2016 EP ‘FLORA‘ and don’t miss their upcoming show at Arlene’s Grocery on March 10, opening for Indigo King. Check out also their previous single "Life At One Twenty Two," at the bottom of this page.