New England

Jenna Paone proves herself on debut album “Hammers and Strings”

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Boston’s Jenna Paone is gearing up to release her debut album, Hammers and Strings, on September 30, with a release party at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall on the first of October. Having spent time studying at Boston’s Berklee College, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Michigan’s Interlochen Arts Academy, Paone has crafted her own sound somewhere between jazz club headliner and adult alternative radio staple. Highlights include the catchy, horn-driven “Prove It” and the wary tango “Got Myself a Gun.” Be sure to give the whole disc a listen on September 30 – you won’t regret it. – Jake Reed (@jakejreed)

NYC

The Record Machine brings a formidable lineup to Crossroads Music Fest next Saturday

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This week, we’ll be highlighting some of the events and artists at the 10th annual Crossroads Music Fest on Saturday, September 6. Please visit cmfkc.com for more information.
 
This is the first year that The Record Machine will be curating its own stage at CMF. The record label, based in Kansas City, was launched in 2003, has released more than 50 albums, and has powered breakout area [and national] acts such as Cowboy Indian Bear, Minden, Soft Reeds, and Making Movies. The Record Machine also curated and has helped organize Ink’s Middle of the Map Festival each year since its 2011 inception. 
 
Today, Nathan Reusch (who co-founded TRM with Mike Russo and Richard Robinett) owns the label and works with more than a dozen indie acts, many of whom are based in Kansas City. By booking them on widely attended showcases, helping them with touring, putting out records, among other invaluable services, The Record Machine has been a viable resource for the KC/Lawrence music community. We ask Reusch a few questions about what we can expect at the fest and in the future.
 
The Deli: Do you have any surprises in store for the CMF showcase?
 
Reusch: We will be unveiling some new branding for the label and we are excited about it. We will be launching a new website and video series from footage that we’re going to be making that weekend. We will likely have a pinata or two to smash in between bands.
 
The Deli: The showcase includes five artists on The Record Machine label. Why did you choose these acts?
 
Reusch: We are excited to have Max Justus, La Guerre, The Noise FM (pictured above), Chambers, and Ghastly Menace all on one show. They all have new records that either just came out or about to come out next year. So it’s really an accurate picture of where the label is at.
 
The Deli: What are some of the label’s greatest accomplishments?
 
Reusch: We are lucky to have released great records over the last few years from some of our favorites like Capybara, Cowboy Indian Bear, Soft Reeds, Spirit Is The Spirit, and a lot more. Between the work we do with The Record Machine and curating Ink’s Middle of the Map Fest, I feel like the label has hit a really great stride.
 
The Deli: Why did you decide to curate a stage at CMF? What value does it have for the KC music community?
 
Reusch: We were super honored to be asked to curate our own stage by CMF founder Bill Sundahl. I think it’s a great fest that shows a broad swath of what is going on in KC. It’s nice for us who have bands from around the region to join in the fest. A lot of our bands call KC a second home with The Record Machine being here.
 
The Deli: What else does The Record Machine have coming up that you’re looking forward to?
 
Reusch: We have an EP coming out this fall from Stolen Nations. It’s KC native Jon Terrey (The Chariot, The James Dean Trio). It’s really cool and fun to have Jon back on the label; he was in The James Dean Trio back in 2003 when we first started the label and was part of our first release. We also have new records coming out from Ghastly Menace, La Guerre, and Max Justus that we hope to have release dates for soon.
 
We’re currently starting work on 2015’s Middle of the Map Fest, which is always an exciting and fun event to plan but takes a lot of time for everything to come together. We also always try to throw a pretty sweet free Christmas party/winter showcase and looking at doing that in early December.
 
 
Be sure to make The Record Machine’s showcase one of your CMF stops on Saturday night. It takes place at Czar, with Ghastly Menace (6:00), La Guerre (8:00), Chambers (10:00), The Noise FM (12:00), and Max Justus (1:00). Facebook event page.
 

–Michelle Bacon

 

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NYC

Artists on Trial: Doby Watson

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(Photo by Alison Claire Peck)
 
Doby Watson has been writing songs since he was a child. His songwriting invites—or rather, pulls the listener in to the miserable but beautiful world in his mind. Though sparse in instrumentation, his music is poetic, shrouded in a dense fog of melancholy and pain. A young but seasoned songwriter, Watson has gone on numerous US tours and released several albums. With his next album, Live-In Son, being released in October, we asked him a few questions about what he has happening.
 
The Deli: Down and dirty: 1 sentence to describe your music. What is it?
 
Watson: One of the only things keeping me from killing myself.
 
The Deli: You mainly work solo, but do you collaborate with other musicians very often?
 
Watson: I’ve historically avoided accompaniment (with the occasional exception of my dear friend Austin Swearengin). However, lately I have been lucky enough to play alongside Adam Brumback (guitar, vocals, percussion), Grant Buell (keys/piano) and Chad Toney (bass) live. And on record Grant Buell (My Oh My, Kansas City Bear Fighters), Jerad Tomasino (Everyday/Everynight), Chad Toney (Hidden Pictures, Leering Heathens), Lennon Bone (Ha Ha Tonka), Ryan Brewer (Hank., Good Night & Good Morning), Richard Gintowt (Hidden Pictures), Austin Swearengin, Matt Dill, Margo May, and a multitude of others have joined me. There are countless other folks I’d love to work with, as well.
 
The Deli: What is the heart of your songwriting all about?
 
Watson: Just a beer-soaked, privileged white guy complaining about his relatively nice life, I suppose.
 
The Deli: You’re releasing Live-In Son on October 17. What can we expect from this?
 
Watson: Imagine the emotional equivalent of locking yourself in your parents’ bathroom for 5 years, filling the tub with terrible beer, getting in said tub while chain smoking, occasionally letting loved ones in and asking them to hold your head down in the tub until you drown in beer, but instead of helping you drown (or lifting you up from the tub), they simply walk away in disappointment and shame.
 
I recorded the songs live in Ross Brown’s basement about a year ago here in KC. The following day, Grant Buell (Rhodes) and Jerad Tomasino (vocals) came in and improvised over the live recordings, having never rehearsed with me or each other. Hannah Jensen added some viola drones at Ross’s, and Richard Gintowt added additional vocals at his home in San Francisco. The songs sat for some time until Ryan Brewer was kind enough to mix them and add some electric guitars, field recordings, and auxiliary percussion, etc., in Champaign, IL. Finally, Cory Schulz has been kind enough to beautifully master the results in Milwaukee. Essentially, I’ve been riding on the backs and good will of my talented friends to piece together a slow, creepy, sob-fest about some of the most unpleasant years of my life (so far).
 
Not to mention the visual side of the record, which has been/is being put together with help from Alison Claire Peck, Adam Brumback, Tim Williams, Megan Inghram, as well as my parents.
 
The Deli: You are releasing the album on Error Records and Double Shift.
 
Watson: Error Records is an amazing record store, venue, and DIY label based in Champaign, all masterfully run under the ironclad beard of Nathan Landolt. Double Shift is a new label based in Queens, NY, operated by Cameron Matthews (as fantastic a journalist as he is a musician) of which I am lucky enough to be the flagship artist. The two labels are working together to release a cassette and digital version of Live-In Son.
 
The Deli: You’re kicking off an extensive tour soon. What are you looking forward to most?
 
Watson: Seeing all of the wonderful friends I’ve made over the years and miss dearly. At that, making new wonderful friends as I get back on the road.
 
I’m also thrilled to be accompanied by Adam Brumback on this tour. He brings a lot to the songs, so much so that I wish he was around for the recording sessions. I’m equally excited to be joined by ZXO on this tour, a new solo project from Ryan Brewer, who was also heavily involved in the completion of the record.
 
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?
 
Watson: That’s a hard question for me to answer. I don’t feel like I’m very involved in much “local” music or go to enough shows in KC. I should fix that.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?
 
Watson: There are so many. I feel like Kansas City is in a bit of a renaissance. I have so many amazingly talented friends and am introduced to countless wonderful performers I was previously unaware of every time I go to a show. So, really, anyone who is trying and cares about what they are doing is my favorite. That being said…
 
Manipulator Alligator (Matthew Hoppock). He doesn’t play much, if at all anymore. But he’s one of the only artists I have ever covered and has remained one of my greatest influences. I sincerely believe he is one of the greatest songwriters to have ever lived. It amazes me that I am able to call someone so talented a friend as well. Honestly, that goes for all of my musical friends, local or not.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite not-so-local musicians right now?
 
Watson: Again, there are so many. I will simply list what I’ve most recently listened to: Mandarin Dynasty, Pill Friends, What Moon Things, Blood Orange, Shahman, Gem Club, Stars Of The Lid, Temple, Year Of Glad, Inc., Nevada Greene, The Body, Portraits Of Past, CJ Boyd, Brambles, FKA Twigs, American Football, ZXO, Scott Walker, Olive Drab, and Grouper.
 
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
 
Watson: Well, considering I don’t want to shatter the deity-like status I have attributed to most of my favorite artists… I would love to play a show with myself from 10 years ago and myself 10 years from now. I guess I could also just masturbate in front of a mirror while holding up old pictures of myself. That would probably be more entertaining.
 
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why? 
 
Watson: John Prine. Just four giant sculptures of John Prine’s face. Listen to John Prine and you’ll know why.
 
The Deli: What other goals do you have for 2014?
 
Watson: Not die. Get sad about more sad stuff. Make more sad songs about being sad. Repeat.
 
The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?
 
 
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
 
Watson: Don’t talk during anyone’s set. Ever. They worked very hard to share something very important to them with you. It means a lot if you pay attention. If what you are talking about is so important you can’t shut up long enough to watch a set, go outside. If you simply don’t like what you’re hearing, leave. Don’t be the asshole who fucks up the show for everyone else.
 
Also, fuck the police.
 
 
The next time you can catch Watson will be this Friday, September 5, at Prospero’s Books. The show starts at 8 pm. He’ll be performing with Shahman (Toronto), Nevada Greene (Columbia), and Not Like Igor. Facebook event page. Then, on September 13, he’ll be at Art Closet Studios with Temple (Milwaukee) and Riala. Facebook event page.
 

–Michelle Bacon

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San Francisco

The Asteroid #4 California Raga Association and Powder Support Rain Parade At Brick and Mortar Music Hall Tonight

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Tonight is going to be a very auspicious musical occasion. The legendary Paisely Underground band, Rain Parade will be performing at Brick and Mortar Music Hall tonight.

Local veteran psych bands, The Asteroid #4 and California Raga Association will be supporting Rain Parade along with Britpop band, Powder and San Francisco shoegaze staple Joel Gion who will be DJing throughout the entire show.

This evening will be a night of nostalgia and a time for younger music lovers to discover music that defined an era in the West Coast music scene. A large chunk of the town will be heading to this show so make sure you get there a little early so you can get close to the stage! –je

Philadelphia

Free Download: “Forever” – DAODA

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It’s hard not to reflect on the end of summer when Labor Day weekend rolls around. And this latest dreampop ditty, "Forever," by DAODA, a new project from Mike Sacchetti of pop-punk outfit Bad News Bears, creates those wide-open space for your thoughts to get lost in – reminiscent to Captured Tracks’ Beach Fossils. So hold on or let go, and download for free below – enjoy!

Toronto

JoJo Worthington

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Check out JoJo Worthington! What a delight!!! This alt-folk ukulele pink princess will stop you in your tracks with her angelic vocals and divine stage presence. Listen below to her latest track-Roots (ft. Grant Bielefeld). Go to JoJo’s FB page to catch her next show.

San Francisco

Luke Sweeney Celebrates Album Release at Brick and Mortar Music Hall TONIGHT

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Luke Sweeney will be celebrating his album release at Brick and Mortar Music Hall in San Francisco TONIGHT. Sweeney’s full length debut album, Adventure: Us is complete and ready for your consumption so you should definitely go out and celebrate the occasion!

This San Francisco based musician is awesome and his music videos and singles have been great indications of what his full album has to offer. Again, we totally suggest you make it a solid plan to head to Brick and Mortar Music Hall and celebrate this hardworking musician’s accomplishments thus far!

Philadelphia

Lil Sean Day at PhilaMOCA Aug. 30

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When PhilaMOCA’s Eric Bresler first noticed Sean “Lil Sean” Coleman dancing outside during a Mad Decent Block Party a few years ago, it ignited into a friendship that saw Bresler take the mixed media venue’s neighbor under his wing, showing him the ropes. Over the years this mentorship has made Lil Sean an enigmatic presence during many of PhilaMOCA’s events, and the 1st ever Lil Sean Day will be a celebration of his many contributions. Lil Sean will be present for the screening of a short film that he had written, directed, and starred in – UNDERCOVER COPS, which is an homage to his policeman father. Scranton-based comedian/singer Pat Finnerty will also be on hand to perform one of Sean’s favorite songs "Reggae Dog," and PhilaMOCA will unveil their new Lil Sean Mural. Afterwards the event’s namesake will host a music showcase that will include Langor, Mumblr, Pushin’ It 2 The Limit, and Velvet Crayon. PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St, 5pm, $5 – $10 donation, All Ages, – Bill McThrill

Philadelphia

Seagulls Record Release Show w/Tutlie at Bourbon & Branch Aug. 30

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Hypnotically soothing vocals will be front and center this evening at Bourbon & Branch as a pair of rising local acts in Seagulls and Tutlie are set to perform. Seagulls, who recently signed to Yellow K Records, is celebrating the release of their debut LP Great Pine, which develops texturally rich waves of sound that peacefully crashes upon one’s ears. Utilizing well-honed harmonies and catching folk-dream-pop vibes, the record incorporates swells of steadily building backend, oriented grooves, and refreshing guitar runs. The expanded lineup of twinkling baroque-pop outfit Tutlie envelops finding a balance between intoxicating vocal interplay and pace-determining instrumentation, which adaptively orchestrates a tunnel-like setting. Maryland-based pop-rock/psych hybrid New God, who released a new LP Fireworks via Yellow K Records, fills out what promises to be a harmonious evening. Bourbon & Branch, 705 N. 2nd St., $10, 8pm, 21+ – Michael Colavita

San Francisco

Music Video Premiere: RZN8R – Tell Me

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Oakland based electronic trap musician, RZN8R has released a new music video entitled, Tell Me. This post modern Alice in Wonderland-esque short film scenerio stars three young women (Melissa Hyatt, Heather Carlson and Katie Mroczek) who gather in a graffiti laced abandoned haven to have a weird psychedelic tea party. Upon drinking a blue elixir, the women’s bodies begin to contort in strange ways. Directed by Haylee Warner, the music video is mind altering and RZN8R’s music guides you through the tripped out storyline. What more can you want?

If you like what you see, you can check out RZN8R at his upcoming live dates in San Francisco and Oakland.

September 18th — Neck of the Woods – San Francisco
November 7th— Warehouse416 — Oakland

Tell Me from Haylee Warner on Vimeo.