Lilly Wolf is the electro pop brainchild of Lilly Wolfson and (invisible) producer Alex Neuhausen, who recently relocated to NYC from the San Francisco Bay Area. Described as “pop music for pop music snobs,” the duo crafts melodic, sophisticated tunes that don’t shy away from melancholy or sadness, like in single ‘Pop Dream," whose video we are premièring here. Entirely shot in the big apple, the video contrasts the deep greenery of an empty Forest Park, Queens, with the concrete, graffiti-covered landscape of East Williamsburg. Video release party tomorrow (09.19) at Hail Hail Bar at 10.30.
NYC
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Weekly Feature: Elaphant plays CMJ on 10.23 at Rockwood
Bandmates Andrew James, Aynsley Powell, James Cleare, Tom Deis, and Grant Zubritsky have come together to form the elusive Elaphant, an edgy quintet with rock and roll at its heart. The group kicked off the summer of 2014 with their self-titled debut EP, a short but powerful collection of raw and genuine musicality. While Andrew is the songwriter and mastermind behind the project, it is his bandmates who translate the compositions and transform them into something truly compelling. The result is a big band sound threaded with authentic blues and commanding instrumental interludes, and we’re dying to hear what they have in store for their next release. Elaphant is scheduled to play the CMJ Music Marathon at Rockwood Music Hall on 10.23.
LINKS: Read Jillian Dooley Interview with Elaphant
Philadelphia
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New Lawsuits EP Available for Streaming
The Lawsuits made their new EP Tumbled available for streaming at Culture Collide. Frontman Brian Dale Allen Strouse shares: "I think we were trying to make universally relatable songs that sound like they were created in a studio. We feel strongly attached to this project because it serves as a snapshot for what the future album is gonna look like." The band will be releasing it on September 23, and will celebrate its arrival on Friday, September 26 at Johnny Brenda’s with DRGN King and Tutlie.
NYC
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Spotlight on Plaza Art Fair artist: Key Party
(Photo by Jeremy Rockwell)
This week, we’ll be highlighting some of the artists playing INK’s stage at the Plaza Art Fair this weekend, September 19-21.
With a well-established and acclaimed musical career, Kirsten Paludan has proven to be an invaluable asset across various facets of the local music community. From the haunting, celestial sounds of Olympic Size to the country charm of Starhaven Rounders to her catalog of solo work, Paludan possesses a versatility unlike other vocalists and songwriters.
Earlier this year, Paludan wrote and released an album with Key Party, a project that began with her and bandmate Jessica Gomez, eventually becoming a five-piece. We talk with Paludan about her music and the evolution of her group.
The Deli: Down and dirty: 1 sentence to describe your music.
Paludan: Ethereal, soulful, dynamic, and dreamlike music interwoven with stories of life, love, loss, and everything that happens in between.
The Deli: Give us some background on Key Party. What’s the lineup?
Paludan: Currently, the lineup is yours truly (vox, acoustic guitar, keys), Jessica Gomez (electric guitar, keys, background vox), Dalin Horner of Black Christmas (electric guitar), Garret Brown (bass), and Ryan Pope of The Get Up Kids (drums). Key Party started as just me and Jessica in the winter of 2010. I had recently moved back to Lawrence from KC—where I had been living for 10 years—due to a family tragedy, and hadn’t been playing much music. I was offered a show at the Jackpot and was without a band at the time. Jessica and I were good friends and she mentioned that she used to play. I said, “What the heck, join me for this show!” I had to twist her arm since we only had like two practices, but she did it, and the rest is history.
The current lineup has only been together since early spring of this year. There have been several different incarnations since 2010, but this group of people is like family. We all collaborate on a separate project together (LongShadows—our first show will happen this winter) and it’s like we have this little music collective of our own.
The Deli: You’re an accomplished songwriter who’s done a lot of solo work and has been in several notable bands in the area. What is your approach to Key Party’s music? And what are you learning through this experience as a songwriter and musician?
Paludan: When this incarnation of the band first got together earlier this year, I was asking them to recreate the songs from my album Up All Night (recorded with Dave Gaume at Element Recording with an entirely different lineup, other than Jessica). As I continue to bring in new material, the band is giving more and more input.
I really appreciate having people on my side whose opinions I can trust. Sometimes when you are the songwriter, it’s hard to be unbiased and objective about a song, and that’s where having a deep bench really helps. Ryan and Garret are a great rhythm section and always have awesome ideas about arrangement. Dalin is an amazingly versatile and soulful guitarist and one of the nicest guys on the planet. Jessica’s simple yet incredibly tasteful approach to her playing makes her one of the band’s secret weapons. Everyone has taken the songs from the record to another level and has really made them their own. When you have such smart and talented people on your team, it only makes sense to use the knowledge they bring to the table. I’ve found that when you can let go and release the need to control the outcome, the results can be better than you ever imagined.
The Deli: Tell us more about Up All Night, your latest release.
Paludan: I released Up All Night in Spring 2014; it is available on Bandcamp, iTunes, and all other major online retailers. It was recorded and co-produced with Dave Gaume and features John Anderson on drums, Dave Gaume on bass, Jessica on guitar and keys, plus guest appearances by Hermon Mehari, Wade Williamson (guitar), Mike Harte (cello), Chris Tolle (guitar), and Adam Stafford (guitar, pedal steel, background vox).
The Deli: What have been your greatest accomplishments as a band?
Paludan: Well, since this is a fairly new band, I would say our greatest accomplishment so far is having a great time playing music. It may sound silly, but it is very hard to find that right balance in a band. Where egos don’t get in the way and everyone is there to give their all to the songs. At this point, I’d say I’m the happiest about finding a group of people who I feel really get me and the songs I’m writing. From here, everything else is gravy.
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?
Paludan: To me, it’s not just about supporting local music—it’s about supporting the community. Most people know that a vibrant art scene is the pulse of any city worth its weight, and making the effort to cultivate and elevate that element is just common sense. I am grateful to be a part of a culturally rich area that understands how important this is.
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?
Paludan: I don’t like to play favorites, because I think we have an amazingly talented group of people creating music in our scene and unfortunately, I don’t get out to see bands as much as I’d like (usually because I’m performing myself). However, there are a couple of bands/singers that I always love listening to: The Hips, Drakkar Sauna, The Caves, The Belles, Your Friend, Ghosty, Lauren Krum… to name a few. Also, I am a fan of all of the people I play music with—every single one is a talented artist in their own right. I am damn lucky!!
The Deli: Who are your favorite non-local musicians right now?
Paludan: I’m attracted to a mix of genres and eras when it comes to non-local listening. Currently on my playlist: Loretta Lynn, Ella Fitzgerald, cast recording of The Nervous Set, Lower Dens, Warpaint, Sharon Von Etten, Neko Case, The National, Leonard Cohen, Blonde Redhead, Prince, Emmy Lou Harris, Ray Price, Wye Oak, Fleetwood Mac, Cat Power, Patsy Cline, Sade, the list goes on…
The Deli: Who are you looking forward to seeing at Plaza Art Fair?
Paludan: I’m looking forward to seeing everyone! It’s an event that attracts so many types of people, and it’s great to have a spotlight on local music. Thanks to Ink, a lot of Plaza Art Fair goers are being introduced to the great music being made in their community.
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
Paludan: Current: Warpaint + Sharon Von Etten + Neko Case
Super duper fantasy bill where time and space don’t matter: Fleetwood Mac (Tusk era) + Sade (of any era, because she is a goddess).
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
Paludan: This is a really tough question! I’ve been mulling it over and decided on these four (and I cheated a little) for what they have contributed to music overall.
Beethoven: His music is like the primer for all music that followed it.
Prince: He is a bad ass. That is all.
Lennon/McCartney: No one can deny their influence on popular music and their ability to inspire generations of songwriters and bands.
Loretta Lynn: A force of nature with the voice and personality to match. To me, she is the undeniable queen of country music.
The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?
The Deli: What other goals does Key Party have for 2014, and beyond?
Paludan: We have plans to begin recording sometime this winter starting with demos in Dalin’s basement studio and more than likely working with Dave Gaume on the final product (as long as he is available, busy as he is these days). Future plans include continuing to have a great time and playing awesome shows. Hopefully, having that as our goal will lead to greater success. If not, we still win.
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
Paludan: These are things I’ve learned from my family, my bandmates, and friends over the years: Learn as much as you can from other people, even those with different opinions than you. Be open to alternate possibilities. Live your truth. Always try to do your best and you’ll never be disappointed. Be kind. Don’t forget to say please and thank you.
Key Party is:
Kirsten Paludan: lead vocals, acoustic guitar, keys
Garret Brown: bass
Jessica Gomez: electric guitar, keys, vocals
Dalin Horner: electric guitar
Ryan Pope: drums
Key Party will be playing on INK’s stage at Plaza Art Fair on Saturday, September 20 at 12:00 p.m. The stage is located at Ward Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue, next to Gram & Dun and Plaza III. Facebook event page.
You can also catch Paludan in a production of The Nervous Set—a Beat Generation jazz musical—at the Lawrence Arts Center. It runs the first three weekends in October, Thursday through Saturday. Ticket link.
–Michelle Bacon
Michelle Bacon is editor of The Deli KC and plays in bands.
San Francisco
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Down and Outlaws Open for The Silent Comedy and Strange Vine at Bottom of the Hill – 9/18
San Francisco heavy garage rock band, Down and Outlaws are playing a show with influential San Diego based rock/folk band, The Silent Comedy and the Fresno based band, Strange Vine. This strong line up promises to be a show that will totally be worth your while. This is going to be a great California drenched rock and roll event, so head out and have a great time!
Toronto
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Junction Music Festival-9/20
The Junction Music Festival is going on Saturday 9/20! Dont miss Dear Blackwolf @ the Junction City Music Hall. Be there by 9pm! Listen below to their latest track ‘Baby Blue‘, a surf- rock song with 50’s inspired guitar riffs and a gritty-soulful vocal. Catch bands like Teenage Kicks, The Beauties, WHIMM and Sun K… just to name a few playing on Saturday. Get the full line up here!
NYC
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Black Bananas drop music video for “Creeping The Line” featuring a gigantic teddy bear and strippers!
Black Bananas, the alternative rock band lead by the fur-adorned, aviator-wearing, erstwhile DC heroine Jennifer Herrema, has released the music video for "Creeping The Line" on September 11th. The band formerly known for their rock roots as RTX, garnishes laid-back auto-tuned melodies sung over an electric guitar. The Jess Holzworth directed video is creatively intriguing- prepare your eyes for crazy pops of color, 1 gigantic teddy bear, 2 very-skilled pole dancers, and 3 chic-looking dogs! Be sure to check out the rest of the tracks off their summer album Electric Brick Wall, out now. And if you’re heading to Los Angeles, catch them October 23rd at Los Globos in Hollywood. – Sade A. Spence
Chicago
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G “Outer Space”
G is the new collaboration between Jimmy Giannopoulos (LOLAWOLF, Reputante) and Genevieve (Company of Thieves). The duo’s first single is called "Outer Space" and the duo released the single and video this week. Their debut EP will be released later this year via Innit Recordings.
The sound is a beautiful change of pace for Genevieve musically into a much more electronic and beat driven sound.
Chicago
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Tom Schraeder & His Ego “Gush”
Gush is the forthcoming release from Tom Schraeder & His Ego. The album with be released on October 10th and Schraeder has released two singles from Gush thus far. Last month the band performed the album in full at The Hideout to give fans a sneak peak at the refreshing Brit Pop sound on the new project.
The record release show for Tom Schraeder & His Ego’s new album "Gush" will take place on October 10th at Schubas with Ryan Joseph Anderson
Chicago
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Tyler Sjöström
Folk musician Tyler Sjöström will be releasing his new EP What We Say We Are on Sept. 30th. You can preorder the release now. Tyler’s style is both simple and authentic in sound and complex is songwriting and lyrics. It is a beautiful balance that is well represent on the lead track "Red River".
You can catch Tyler at Quenchers Saloon on October 18th with Abbi Rajasekhar.
Philadelphia
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R5 Productions Shows Coming to an End (Kind of) at the First Unitarian Church
Earlier today, the good folks at R5 Productions sadly announced that this upcoming series of shows at the famous basement hall of First Unitarian Church will most likely be their last. With newer venues such as Union Transfer, The Boot & Saddle, etc. taking on the bulk of their shows, R5 has relied less heavily than it had in the past on the church. As a result, because the church relies on the incoming rent, an after-school group is going to be utilizing the space. However, R5 will continue to present seated events in The Sanctuary or the smaller Side Chapel. You can read the official post HERE. Cheers to a great run of excellent, sweaty DIY shows!
NYC
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We were incredibly serious about everything in Quiet Corral. While we still hold ourselves to a high standard musically, we’ve learned to have way more fun throughout the entire creative process.
Spotlight on Plaza Art Fair artist: Hembree
(Photo by Rusty Wright, The Waldron Photograph Co.)
This week, we’ll be highlighting some of the artists playing INK’s stage at the Plaza Art Fair this weekend, September 19-21.
With the release of a brand-new single and its upcoming debut performance, Hembree is picking up where Quiet Corral left off, but with a renewed vigor and sensibility.
The group—who makes up five of the six members of Quiet Corral (vocalist/guitarist Jesse Roberts left the band last year, shortly after the release of its debut album Ancestors)—retains much of its former identity of compelling, captivating Americana, but with a pop appeal.
Hembree’s lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Isaac Flynn answers some questions about the new outfit and what we have to look forward to from them.
The Deli: Down and dirty: 1 sentence to describe your music.
Flynn: I’d like to think that our music sounds like a 1980s pop band that decided to start an Americana rock band, but they forgot to tell the keyboard player.
The Deli: How long have you all been making music under this moniker?
Flynn: The lineup is all of the remaining members from Quiet Corral. It consists of Garrett Childers, Jim Barnes, Zach Mehl, Matt Green, and myself.
We had talked about starting a band called Hembree as soon as Quiet Corral ended in October of 2013. During our time in the studio throughout 2014, we came up with several other names, but for some reason we couldn’t escape Hembree. We have a great friend named Hembree, and he was instrumental in convincing me to write more music after QC ended. His encouragement meant a ton to us, but we also just thought he had a really sweet name.
The Deli: Your appearance at Plaza Art Fair will be your debut as Hembree. Since disbanding Quiet Corral, what has changed about your music and how have you grown from that experience?
Flynn: So much has changed since Quiet Corral. Several of us were very young when we started Quiet Corral. Like 19 years young. I remember a show in Bowling Green, KY, where our bassist Matt [Green] and I had to watch the headliner play through a window because we weren’t legally allowed in the venue. We learned so much during that time period, and now we are trying to take what we learned in Quiet Corral and apply it to Hembree.
We were incredibly serious about everything in Quiet Corral. While we still hold ourselves to a high standard musically, we’ve learned to have way more fun throughout the entire creative process.
The Deli: You just released the single "New Oasis.” Are you going to release an album with it? What can listeners expect from the new material?
Flynn: We are planning to release an EP later this year. We kind of holed up in the studio, and we’re starting to show folks what we made. It was an amazing experience. We had no expectations or deadlines. We’re excited for everyone to hear the songs.
The new material is going to have some of the elements that listeners enjoyed with Quiet Corral, along with a heavy focus on melody, electric guitar, and keyboards.
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?
Flynn: For me, supporting local music means getting to know as many people as possible in our music community. I’m an audio engineer, and I’m very fortunate to have worked with a lot of bands from Kansas City and Lawrence. I’ve learned that we have some of the most talented and genuinely amazing individuals living in our area. Whether they’re musicians, promoters, journalists, DJs, fans, etc., KC has some incredible people. I love how supportive musicians are of other musicians in the community.
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?
Flynn: In no particular order…
CJ Calhoun (Cowboy Indian Bear): CJ is a dear friend of mine, and he happens to be one of the most talented musicians I know. CJ has the unique ability to craft infectious music with just the right amount of darkness.
Spencer Mackenzie Brown: Spencer is another great friend of mine. He delivers lyrics in a way that make you feel like you’ve lived the exact experience he’s writing about.
Alex and Austin Ward (The Noise FM): The Wards are also dear friends. As you can tell, I really admire my friends. These guys live in Chicago now, but they’re KC natives. Their music hits so hard, and they never fail to blow my mind during their live shows. They’re also some of the funniest dudes ever. Check out their Boy Meets World fan fiction and see for yourself.
The Deli: Who are your favorite non-local musicians right now?
Flynn: I’m really digging this band called Snowmine from Brooklyn (thanks Middle of the Map!). They write brilliantly crafted indie-pop songs.
The Deli: Who are you looking forward to seeing at Plaza Art Fair?
Flynn: The lineup is fantastic this year. Just a few of the bands that I’m excited to see are Wells The Traveler, Josh Berwanger Band, Carswell & Hope, and She’s a Keeper.
The Deli: Besides Plaza Art Fair, what other shows do you have coming up?
Flynn: We’re in the process of booking several shows right now. It’s looking like we’ll have EP release shows in Lawrence, Kansas City, and Austin in November.
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
Flynn: Arcade Fire, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and The Beach Boys of 1966 headline (not to be confused with The Beach Boys of 1996 with John Stamos on drums).
Side note: if you’ve never seen it, check out the episode of Full House where Uncle Jesse sings the song “Forever” with the Beach Boys…perfection.
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
Flynn: Prince: The man can play every instrument!
Quincy Jones: Perhaps MJ deserves this spot (maybe the best performer of all time), but I can’t get over Quincy’s production. So incredible.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney: I can’t split these two up. They definitely both deserve a spot.
The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?
The Deli: What other goals does Hembree have for 2014, and beyond?
Flynn: In Quiet Corral, we wanted to be the first band to play on the moon. I think it’s safe to say that goal still remains for Hembree.
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
Flynn: Visit the Space Jam website. It hasn’t changed since 1996. You’ll love it.
Hembree is:
Jim Barnes: drums, vocals
Garrett Childers: guitar, vocals
Isaac Flynn: vocals, guitar
Matt Green: bass
Zach Mehl: keys
Be sure to catch Hembree’s debut on INK’s stage at Plaza Art Fair on Friday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m. The stage is located at Ward Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue, next to Gram & Dun and Plaza III. Facebook event page.
–Michelle Bacon
Michelle Bacon is editor of The Deli KC and plays in bands. Seriously, check out the Space Jam website. It’s unreal.