Bona Fide Darling

Stoney G

2009-11-09T22:08:00.001-06:00

I really shouldn't say anything since this song is on my iPod...

Designed To Rock

2009-11-09T00:03:00.001-06:00

In today's second installment of "Designed To Rock," we talk with Round Rock, TX gig poster designer, Todd Slater. Todd has designed for a variety of different artists ranging from Green Day to Elvis Costello. You can check out his portfolio of work here.

Bona Fide Darling: How long have you been designing?

Todd Slater: Well, I graduated in 2003 from Stephen F. Austin and worked in a t-shirt shop for a couple of years before going freelance. I've been designing professionally for seven years now.

BFD: What was the first design you did for a major band? How did you get that gig?

TS: It was for Pretty Girls Make Graves and it was a show at the Trocadero in Philadelphia. I knew from gigposters.com that the Troc commissioned tons of silkscreened posters and I was able to finally track down their promoter after numerous phone calls and emails.

BFD: What is your preferred medium to work in?

TS: All hand-pulled silkscreen if possible.

BFD: Why do you think there has been such a boom in screen print rock poster sales over the last several years?

TS: Several major books have come out on the subject: Art of Rock & Art of Modern Rock which have helped. I think that bands selling their music digitally has put less emphasis on album art and that posters can fill that void for some.

BFD: Is there a band you would really want to work with?

TS: Man, so many. Bob Dylan is really high on my list. Tom Waits and Beck too. I'd also really like to do a Fiery Furnaces print and a Daniel Johnston print. There's tons really. Ween was a big reason I got into poster art and I've been fortunate to get to work with them on many projects.

BFD: Are your concepts driven from the band, their songs or neither.

TS: It's evolving actually. When I first began everything was driven by a single song or a theme on the band's album. I think I focused on this because I wanted to make sure people "got it". I sort of feared people (or the bands) staring at my prints with blank expressions on their faces. In the past couple of years I've focused on that less and just concentrated on vibe and feeling and mood and atmosphere when working on a print. I think it can be better to make the imagery difficult sometimes.

BFD: Do you prefer to hand design or computer design your projects?

TS: It's an even mix I'd say since everything starts as a sketch. I use programs like illustrator and photoshop to refine and polish those sketches. A wacom is a really handy tool for drawing I must say and I wonder if I'll move to that full time at some point.

BFD: Is there an artist you wouldn't want to work with?

TS: Haha...well, yes. There are bands I don't listen to that I've done work for but I can't give you a list. Eventually, I'll detail every bad experience I've had in a retrospective or book but now is not the time to go scorched earth. It will happen though and I will spare no details.

BFD: What drew you to graphic design?

TS: Failure to develop as a painter? I'm kidding (sort of). I think my work has an equal balance of design and illustration. I'm interested in both equally and making prints has been the right balance for me. There's also some sort of boldness and immediacy in graphic design that I'm attracted too.

BFD: My brother and I have a debate as to what make a good rock poster. He feels that they have to be screen printed and not any type of photograph. Where do you fall in this debate for the ages... and poster nerds.

TS: This is a pretty common feeling, your brother is not alone. Screen-printing is a must I agree, but photography has it's place in rock posters. I use stock photos quite a bit in what I do. Poster art is evolving and while I agree that most of the greatest posters are illustrated I can't rule out photography.

BFD: Any tips for aspiring designers out there?

TS: Trust your instincts and make a poster that is as important to you as the music you're creating it for.

Early Friday Party Starter

2009-11-06T15:58:00.003-06:00

I saw this video a while back and just about instantly liked the song, even though it's very disco-ey. Brooklyn's Holy Ghost! have as they have said, something that is retro, yet relevant. The hook is extremely catchy and will serve you well as a part of your party time, night time city driving soundtrack.

Fun fact: the burly, bearded guy in the video is the same guy (who did the same thing) in New Order's "Confusion" video.

You can get the track, along with several remixes, here.

Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking Rock Your Universe

2009-11-05T10:57:00.004-06:00

Now, I posted an piece about this on "Today In Music News" over at DC9, and truth be told... this song is actually pretty good. And informational, it's entertaining... it's infotaining. I've always been fascinated by space and other planets, so, this came a quite a pleasant surprise to me. The songs is great and comes off quite nicely.

But, it's also interesting how much Carl Sagan sounds like Kermit The Frog.

MP3: Carl Sagan Ft. Stephen Hawking - A Glorious Dawn

Neko Case Tickets Giveaway

2009-11-04T15:15:00.004-06:00

So, again, the Granada has given us three pair of tickets to give away for... Neko Case. I guess the post title and image up there kinda gave it away. But, what can I do?

~~So, if you would like a pair of tickets to the show, email bonafidedarling (at) gmail.com with "I Too Love Neko Case" in the subject line and one pair will be yours.~~

I would like to extend a very special thanks to the Granada for working with BFD to bring great music to the people.

Update: All the tickets have been given away, congrats to our winners!

Great Lake Swimmers "Palmistry"

2009-11-04T15:12:00.002-06:00

The video for Great Lake Swimmers new single "Palmistry" is pretty fitting for the feel of the song. Late afternoon, on the water on a big-ass boat, laid back. The only difference is... it's like a clipper ship and not a bass boat.

Pretty Lights Tickets

2009-11-04T14:57:00.004-06:00

Next Tuesday Colorado's own Pretty Lights will hit the stage at Granada Theater with sound/light/video spectacular. If you're a fan of DJ Shadow and have witnessed the spectacular feat that is his live show, then you will love this one as well.

It's no secret that we here at BFD are BIG fans of Pretty Lights, so, the Granada has given us 3 pairs of tickets to give away.

~~All you need to do is email us at bonafidedarling (at) gmail.com with "Pretty Lights Tix" in the subject line and you will get a pair.~~

*UPDATE - congrats to our winners!

Until then, check out his newest single "City of One."

MP3: Pretty Lights - City of One

Spoon Transference

2009-11-03T10:22:00.000-06:00

We told you about the Spoon's new song "Got Nuffin'" a while back. Now comes word that it's the first single on their new album Tranference. Can't-wait.

MP3: Spoon - Got Nuffin

Halloween Hijinx With Pearl Jam

2009-11-02T18:36:00.005-06:00

If you're a fan of the Pearl Jam, you know there are certain things to expect at their shows.

1) They are probably not going to play "Leash"... even if you call them pussies.
2)They probably aren't going to play "Bugs" and they probably they aren't going to play "Sweet Lew" either, because they've never played either of them live.
3) If it's Halloween, they will more than likely dress up, you know, 'cause it's fun!

The fans in Illedelphia got a treat on Halloween as they played "Bugs," "Sweet Lew" and dressed up as Devo and covered "Whip It," all of this on top of a 40 song set. Pretty good for rock dinosaurs who don't mean much any more, right?

"Whip It"
"Sweet Lew"
"Bugs"

Designed To Rock

2009-11-02T00:01:00.002-06:00

Today we're starting a new feature here on BFD that will be recurring somewhat regularly. As much passion as I have for music, I have the same amount of passion for graphic design of all kinds... advertising art, web design, stencil design and especially rock n' roll poster design. Our hope is to have Q&A's with some of our favorite designers around North Texas and the nation.

In the beginning when I first became interested in graphic design I was drawn to the work of Ames Bros, since then my taste has changed a little. Currently my favorite designer around is Jason Munn who designs for his own design company, The Small Stakes. I first saw his work in a design book I have, I Googled him and found his web site and from there... that was it. There are a lot of talented designers around the country and in the DFWd area, but, Jason is my favorite one around right now.

So, I'm absolutely thrilled to present a little Q&A he took part in this week... enjoy.

Bona Fide Darling: How long have you been designing and why did you get into graphic design?

Jason Munn: I've been designing pretty consistently for about the past 8 or so years. I worked in a couple different studios for awhile before going out on my own about 6 years ago. I got into design through growing up skateboarding and listening to punk and independent music. Skateboard graphics, magazines and album covers were really my introduction to art and design and after going to school for a couple of years as a fine art major I was steered in graphic design by a teacher of mine and things began to click a little.

BFD: What is your approach to each poster design? Do you feel like the band, venue or band's subject matter hold any importance to your designs?

JM: The band holds the greatest importance to me, but sometimes locations of shows and so on can play a role. I approach each design essentially the same way, research and listen to the band and do a lot of sketches and see what I can pick up on.

BFD: You use a lot of nature in your pieces--bugs as instruments and what not. Do you get a lot of inspiration from nature?

JM: I don't think I do, but I must in some way. I'm just trying to come up with something appropriate for the band and I know natural objects are used quite a bit in my work, so there is usually something in the music or identity of the band that will lead me this way.

BFD: Your Josh Ritter poster, where Idaho is a piano is one of my favorites of yours. Do you have a favorite you've done? Is there one you wish you could redo?

JM: Thanks, that was one of the rare posters where the artist or band had a request and Josh's was to have something to do with Idaho on the poster and I came up with the piano. I've got a few favorites, the couple I've done for The Books and for Deerhunter have always been some favorites. There are plenty I wish I could redo, or sweep under the rug.

BFD: How did you get your start working with bands and creating show posters?

JM: Most of my early posters were for a venue in Berkeley, CA called The Ramp. It was located in the basement of a church and the shows were quite small, and really amazing. Some friends of mine booked the shows there and they asked me to make all the posters. There was typically 1 - 2 shows a month, so the shows were pretty special and unique. Deerhoof, Why?, Damien Jurado, and Animal Collective were some of the shows to play at the The Ramp. Unfortunately, the venue only lasted a year, but I've continued to work with some of the bands that played there.

BFD: Is there a band you would like to work with that you haven't had a chance to work with yet?

JM: I actually don't think about this too much, but TV On The Radio is one band I haven't had a chance to do anything for that I would really be happy to create a design for.

BFD: You have a very particular style, your designs have a very clean and minimalist feel. Do you think that style works best for the bands you've worked with?

JM: I'm just trying to come up with ideas that work for the band, whether it is clean or minimal is not exactly the goal, but my ideas can be pretty subtle sometimes and adding more aspects to a design can make it feel confusing and the idea can be lost quickly, so I typically try to keep to what is needed to convey the idea or mood.

BFD: Do you approach your designs differently for publications than you do for music?

JM: Not really, my approach is pretty much the same. Sometimes other client work can have more guidelines in general, which is sometimes welcome.

BFD: Would you rather design for a band or venue? Which one would be better?

JM: Most I've my work is through the band, but I occasionally do work through venues, but the bands typically approve the designs either way, so its becoming one in the same.

Under The Cover

2009-10-29T18:30:00.005-05:00

...To know me is hardly wonder.

That line from Band of Horses "The Funeral" has always stuck in my head, beside the beautiful "ooohs" at the beginning of the song I always found that line to be particularly poignant and heart felt.

Serena Ryder & The Beauties have done a pretty faithful, although minimalist, cover of that song. She doesn't necessarily add to the beautiful sadness of the song. But, she does give it her own little spin.

MP3: Serena Ryder & The Beauties

Laughing On The Outside

2009-10-29T12:53:00.004-05:00

The Laughing will take part in this year's Fun Fun Fun fest down in ol' Austin... the hometown of Gov. Good Hair.

They sound like a combination NYC bands Stellastarr* and Radio 4. They've got the punk aesthetic with the exaggerated vocals that are just right for partying. But, being that the band is from Austin, that kinda figures right in.

MP3: The Laughing - Runner

Can't Get It Out Of My Head...

2009-10-26T22:15:00.002-05:00

Great song... great video.

Paper Champs

2009-10-22T18:25:00.003-05:00

Chicago's Hey Champ have given the remix treatment to The Cool Kids "(We Are) Champions" that appeared on their very underwhelming Gone Fishing mixtape.

It sounds better than the original, which leads me to believe that maybe Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks need to work with some different producers. Hey Champ hits all the right buttons with this one.

MP3: (We Are) Champions - The Cool Kids vs. Hey Champ

A-Trak Makes Karen's Head Roll

2009-10-22T13:01:00.003-05:00

It's not really hard to fuck up a song if it has Karen O's voice on it. You could probably have a garbage can as a drum and barking dogs for the backing vocals and as long as the lovely weirdness of Karen O is singing, it will probably be good.

A-Trak remixed Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Heads Will Roll" and turned it into a dance friendly, little electronic number.

MP3: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (A-Trak remix)

Falling Into The Temper Trap

2009-10-20T20:05:00.005-05:00

I finally watched some of my episodes of Subterranean the other night ago and noticed the first song video was from Temper Trap. Our good friends over at SubEx posted the remix of their song "Sweet Disposition," but, I absolutely fell in love with the original version.

Something very sweet and Brit poppy about it. Reminds me of young love... but, I digress.

Take a wissen.

MP3: Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

Kanye Gets All Dramatical

2009-10-20T20:01:00.002-05:00

Despite being an overall jerk and supreme narcissist most of the time, I have a lot of respect for the art he makes. He has gone against the grain in hip-hop and done things the way he wants to do them.

We Were Once A Fairytale is actually a good little short movie. Sure, 'Ye plays drunk very badly, but, it's actually pretty good.

About Last Night... Har Mar Superstar

2009-10-19T21:20:00.004-05:00

So, it was technically like three days ago, but, it's all good. You can check out pics from the show here. And you can check out the "Last Night Review" of it here on DC9.

Ft. Worth's Best Fwends were, for me, the unlikely hit of the night. You have to give it to two nerds who perform back by music loaded on their iPod. Their stage presence was stellar and they knew how to work a crowd. And, throwing two large gargoyles into the crowed for them to bounce like balloons didn't hurt either.

OU/Texas Weekend

2009-10-16T10:33:00.006-05:00

Ease Your Mind With A Naptime Shake

2009-10-15T23:08:00.005-05:00

When I received an email announcing The Naptime Shake's Blood And Panic I wasn't sure what to do. I know their singer Noah Bailey through writing with the Observer and I was kinda afraid of what would happen if I didn't like it. But, my fear was eased from the first track of the album.

Once I got Blood and Panic started, the first track "Nourishment" reminded me of two things: Dr. Pepper and Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas--two things that always make-ah-me happy.

Don't get me wrong, not every track on the album is a winner, but, the band connects more times that it whiffs. I like the twanged-up ragtime sound of "Honeybear" and "Ease My Mind." It's not a sound that you often hear, if ever, coming from a twang band from The D. Oh, and did I mention they rock the kazoo on "Wolves And Water?" I didn't? Well, I should. Not since Old Crow's Eutaw album have I heard a kazoo... on anything... of any kind. But, I digress.

There are several tracks on Blood... that are really good songs, the first five songs on the album come to mind...

Noah can rest easy knowing he's joined the ranks of Neil Tennant and Chrissie Hynde as music journalists who've moved behind the mic and onto the stage and don't suck at it.

MP3: The Naptime Shake - Nourishment
MP3: The Naptime Shake - Ease My Mind

Headlights "Get Going" On Video

2009-10-14T16:21:00.002-05:00

The Headlights may have churned out a less chipper version of their indie-pop than before, but, at least their videos are still entertaining. And Erin still looks like the indie darling she always is.

But, if you've ever been part of an office meeting you can see why they aren't as excited as you would expect... but, looking bored to tears while sitting on a couch doesn't scream excitement either.

Blind Pilot/The Low Anthem Ticket Giveaway

2009-10-14T12:19:00.004-05:00

Hey kids! The good folks over at the Granada have given us two pairs of tickets to give away for the Blind Pilot/ The Low Anthem show on 10/28.

~~If you would like to get your grubby lil' hands on them send me an email at bonafidedarling (at) gmail.com with "Blind Anthem" in the subject and one pair will be yours. First come, first serve.~~

Congrats to our winners!

Have A Friendly (One-Sided) Conversation With Pearl Jam

2009-10-13T12:38:00.003-05:00

Have you ever been sitting at work and thought "I'd rather be listening to Pearl Jam talk right now"? Well, my friends--today you can.

They are going to talk about Backspacer, touring and all kinds of jazz. Go here to listen at 2p. Enjoy.

Under The Cover

2009-10-13T12:29:00.004-05:00

When I read that an electronic artist is compared to some of my favorites like Underworld, Depeche Mode and New Order you can bet my interest has been piqued. And, add that to the fact said band covered a favorite song of your my interest is piqued x2.

However, once you get into it you find out the group sounds nothing like your favorite bands and instead sound like a slightly better version of Neon Indian.

But, Relation have given the electronica treatment to the Pixies "Here Comes Your Man." It's definitely interesting to hear that song in a different genre and without my love Kim Deal singing on it.

MP3: Relation - Here Comes Your Man (Pixies Cover)

New Ronnie Fauss

2009-10-12T23:27:00.004-05:00

Ronnie Fauss seems to be on a roll this year. He released his fantastic Songs For The Old Frontier, Vol. 1 earlier this year... and we really dug it. Now he's released I Can't Make You Happy, a lil' three-song EP that is available on iTunes.

Fauss is one of the alt-country/roots/indie/americana acts in Dallas that doesn't seem to get any kind of recognition. His songwriting teeters on heart string tuggers like "I Can't Make You Happy" and songs ready made for the honky tonks like "One Eye Open."

But, coming in January you'll get to see him open up play with Elkhart when both bands open up for Bosque Brown at our first show at City Tavern! Yes, I'm very excited about these developments... deets to come.

MP3: Ronnie Fauss - I Can't Make You Happy