Quirky NY Chick

Song of the Day: Nabiha - "Deep Sleep"

2012-01-31T02:49:00.004-05:00

Today we have for you "Deep Sleep" from Danish-African pop singer-songwriter Nabiha. I'm totally digging this song and wondering why I'm just now hearing about this woman?! I apparently need to listen to more pop music. Her debut album Cracks was "re-edited" and released as More Cracks and will be available stateside soon. Scroll down to the bottom of the post and grab "Deep Sleep" in our MP3 Grab.

Nabiha is currently working on a new record to be released sometime in 2012. She will making her US performance debut later this month. And guess what New York? She'll be on the LES at Rockwood Music Hall on February 21 at 8:30PM.

Nabiha Bensouda, the award-winning, chart-topping Danish-African pop soul-singer, is currently dominating the pop music scene in Scandinavia and is poised and ready to take on the US.

Nabiha, whose family has both Danish and North-West African roots, grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark listening to a wide variety of music ranging from African lullabies to disco, soul, reggae, rock, R&B, and electronica, all of which are present in Nabiha’s style today. “Deep Sleep” her first single includes one of her mother’s favorite African lullabies. “I grew up with a welcoming, loving, strong mother and grandmother who taught me so much about life. I was constantly inspired by the love of people around me. I feel lucky.”

Nabiha is currently writing and recording her next album, due out in 2012, and on February 3, she will perform at an already sold out show in Denmark. In late February Nabiha will be making her US performance debut, first at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC on 2/21/2012 at 8:30pm, and then at Hotel Café in LA on 2/25/2012 at 7pm.

MP3 Grab: "Deep Sleep"

Audio Fiction Working On New Record & Launch Kickstarter Project

2012-01-31T02:29:00.004-05:00

New York based band Audio Fiction are working on a new record. That's good news folks! The band has launched a Kickstarter project to help the process along. The upcoming self-released record is being produced by their former bassist Darren (Korb). If you haven't see them perform, you're missing out. They put on a heck of a show. If you wanna show Kristin (Wilson), Charles (Park), Mark (O'Toole) and "new guy" Dean (Perry) some love and support, head on over to their Kickstarter page, learn more about the project and pledge options.

For those who aren't familiar with the band, check out the video below.

Upcoming: Herman Dune at Joe's Pub 1/16 + MP3

2012-01-06T19:27:00.004-05:00

Hey New York, got plans Monday, January 16? No? Head down to Joe's Pub and catch Herman Dune! The show is at 7:30PM and it'll cost you $15. The following day, January 17, their new EP, Tell Me Something I Don't Know is scheduled to be released via their own Strange Moosic Records.

To whet your appetite and to get you ready for the show, grab the title track, "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" in our MP3 Grab at the bottom of the post. You can also lay eyes on the video for the song down 'roun' there too. The video features Jon Hamm (info says he's from Mad Men) and a cute, fuzzy blue character...unless the cute, fuzzy blue character is Jon Hamm in which case it's featuring Jon Hamm and some all right looking, non-fuzzy, not blue guy.

More than a decade ago, in 1999, songwriter and vocalist David-Ivar Herman Dune and drummer Cosmic Neman let go of their secular life and created the French band, Herman Dune. John Peel picked the band as one of his favorites and invited them to more than ten of his glorious Peel Sessions that would allow Herman Dune to perform all over the world.

Herman Dune
Joe's Pub
425 Lafayette Street, NYC
7:30PM
$15
www.joespub.com

MP3 Grab - "Tell Me Something I Don't Know"

Album of the Year...According to Me: U.S. Royalty - Mirrors

2011-12-31T00:25:00.012-05:00

Normally at the end of the year, I put together a series of posts “reviewing” records I didn’t get around to mentioning throughout the year. This year, I wanted to change things up a bit. I considered putting together one of those nifty little best of lists. But then, I started thinking... that happens from time to time! There are several records that came out this year that I like be it because they were well crafted, catchy or just because. But, how many of those albums do I really listen to? By really listen to, I mean in regular rotation and can sing-a-long to sort of thing.

I did some highly complicated scientific calculations based on my listening habits and I determined the Quirky NY Chick Album of the Year...According to Me honor goes to, U.S. Royalty for their much listened to Mirrors.

The DC area band released Mirrors, their full-length debut, in January of 2011. When the record landed in my inbox (note to me, order physical copy!), I put it on and it has stayed in regular rotation since then. I’ve listened to it a lot. It’s um, playing right now as I type. Yeah, let’s just say, they would likely even say I’ve listened to their record too much! Is it a perfect record? No, but what is? There are a couple of songs, “Vacation Vacation” and “Old Flames,” that I don’t feel as much as the rest of the album, sorry fellas. That being said, the highlights far outweigh the “I ain’t feeling it” moments. I was initially drawn to “Hollywood Hollows.” I tend to listen to music before I listen to lyrics; it’s just how I work. The stumpy blues rock of “Hollywood Hollows” is frankly some of the sexiest sounding rock ‘n’ roll to hit my ears in a while. The first several times I listened to the song, I frankly didn’t care what the lyrics were. The music combined with vocalist John Thornley’s phrasing dripped of musical sexiness and, I happen to like when my rock ‘n’ roll is sexy and a little dirty sounding. However, it’s the catchy “Monte Carlo” that gets stuck in your head for hours at a time. It is quite simply one of those wonderful pop rock songs that is worthy of being #1 on the Billboard charts. The fact that it is reminiscent of some of those classic Buckingham/Nicks era Fleetwood Mac songs (check out Paul Thornley’s guitar work on the track, Buckingham would be proud) just adds to the charm. From there you’re led into “Equestrian” full of driving rhythms that sound incredibly grand. “The Desert Won’t Save You,” another song I listened to several times before even listening to the lyrics, is also rather grand in sound with it’s Zepplinesque vibe. It just sounds intensely heavy reeling you in with seductive guitar work that weaves throughout the song then it pounds you hard before easing you back down through a maze of rhythm to let you go gently. Put on some headphones, grab a glass of wine (or some mother nature if that’s your thing), light some incense and candles and just let it take you away; it’s that kind of song.

Mirrors is an incredibly strong body of work. When I first mentioned this record on my little corner of the internet world, I put it on my list of recommended listens. Almost a year later, I still feel the same way.

U.S. Royalty also get kudos for putting on one helluva live show. They’re full of Stones like bravado giving you a show full of sweat, swagger and good old fashioned, no holds barred, we came to entertain you rock music. My only complaint would be that due to some bizarre cosmic deprivation conspiracy happenings, I only got to see one of their many NYC shows this year!

For those who were curious, the remaining two on my top three ridiculous number of listens list were... Nicole Atkins’ seriously wonderful Mondo Amore and I’ve worn out Jump Into The Gospel’s four song Self-titled EP... more songs, please fellas.

Upcoming: WAZU at Cameo Gallery, January 10 + MP3

2011-12-07T19:50:00.004-05:00

New York based, Australian duo WAZU will be taking the stage over in Brooklyn at Cameo Gallery on Tuesday, January 10 at 8PM. Swing over and check them out. If you aren’t familiar with the duo, we have for you in our MP3 Grab at the bottom of the post, the first single, “Murder 1” from their upcoming debut EP. The Kevin McMahon produced EP is scheduled for release on January 10 via Anti-language Recordings.

WAZU is Matt and Rizz – an Australian-American glam/grunge/electronic/pop duo based in New York City by way of Sydney. Matt and Rizz met as freshmen at The University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, and after writing and performing together in several influential Sydney bands, including Open the Gates and Captains, the two decided to officially become a duo and further explore the chemistry and ideas that so naturally occur between them.

In their first week as WAZU, the duo performed seven shows in six nights at the Top 10 “Best of the Fest” Festival at Toronto Indie Week 2010. “We showed up planning to play three shows, but [we] kept winning!” Shortly after, the band performed as part of the CMJ Festival at Lower East Side staple The Living Room, the Neon Reverb Music Festival in Las Vegas, and the Dropout Party at Don Hill’s in New York City.

MP3 Grab: “Murder 1”

Video of the Day: Lenny Kravitz - “Push”

2011-12-04T00:06:00.004-05:00

Today we have for you the new video from Lenny Kravitz. Why? 1) We like Lenny. 2) It’s in b&w. 3) It’s a good song. 4) He roams about shirtless in it. What? It’s my corner of the internet world and I can be shallow if I want! At least I refrained from making that the number one reason for posting the video. The video is for “Push” which is from his latest album, Black And White America.

Video of the Day: Amy Gore & Her Valentines - "Drivin' Around"

2011-12-03T00:01:00.003-05:00

Today we bring you the new video from Amy Gore & Her Valentines. The video is for the song "Drivin' Around" and was produced and directed by Brittin Richter. I'm a huge Gore fan and once again she has delighted me. Check out the video at the bottom of the post. Also, you can purchase the song using the handy dandy fantastical widget below.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thisisamygore.bandcamp.com/track/drivin-around"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Drivin' Around by Amy Gore &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Her Valentines&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Video Flashback: Hank & Cupcakes at Mercury Lounge

2011-12-02T03:37:00.003-05:00

Back in October, we were at Mercury Lounge to watch Hank & Cupcakes heat things up. So, today we have for you a clip from that show. They're performing their cover of "She's Lost Control." Even though the camera audio is a bit dodgy, you can see why they're a must see band; they're infectiously fun and funky.

What I Did This Summer: Newport Folk Festival, Day 2

2011-11-28T03:30:00.001-05:00

Today we have a look at day two of the 2011 Newport Folk Festival. The legendary festival was a great mix of classic and modern folk.

On the main stage where we spent most of our time, we got the soulfulness of Amos Lee, had one heck of a party with Miss Wanda Jackson and a musical journey with the Carolina Chocolate Drops who one minute played traditional folk from the 20's to beat boxing the next even tossing in a cover of R&B pop song "Hit 'em Up Style (Oops!)." Also on the main stage, Elvis Costello, headliner Emmylou Harris and the David Wax Museum who played one of the smaller stages as contest winners the previous year.

Meanwhile, over on the Quad stage, Middle Brother killed and The Secret Sisters charmed. At the Alex and Ani Harbor Stage, my guest blogger, Addison Braver Walsh, loved The Head and the Heart and I might have squealed a little bit and definitely sang along when Brown Bird, after an already impressive set, launched into the classic "Jackson" to close their set.

If you missed it or want to re-live it, this is what it looked like!

Fort Stage

Emmylou Harris

(more photos HERE)Above, folk legend Pete Seeger backstage with Harris.

Elvis Costello

Amos Lee
(more photos HERE)
Wanda Jackson
(more photos HERE)

Carolina Chocolate Drops
(more photos HERE)
David Wax Museum
(more photos HERE)

Quad Stage

The Secret Sisters
(more photos HERE)

Alex and Ani Harbor Stage

The Civil Wars
(more photos HERE)
Mountain Man
(more photos HERE)

In case you missed it, this is what we had to say about...

Wanda Jackson http://www.quirkynychick.com/2011/08/newport-folk-festival-wanda-jackson.html

Middle Brother http://www.flickr.com/photos/quirkynychick/sets/72157627381264017/

The Head and the Heart
by guest blogger Addison Braver Walsh
http://www.quirkynychick.com/2011/08/newport-folk-festival-concert-review.html

Brown Bird http://www.quirkynychick.com/2011/08/newport-folk-festival-brown-bird.html

Day 1 What I Did This Summer: Newport Folk Festival, Day 1

What I Did This Summer: Newport Folk Festival, Day 1

2011-11-25T23:30:00.003-05:00

This summer we once again visited the legendary Newport Folk Festival in scenic Newport, RI. The weather was great, the people were great and the music, of course, was fantastic! For those of you that missed the sold-out festival or perhaps want to re-live it, this is what it looked like!

Fort Stage

The Decemberists
(more photos HERE)
Gillian Welch joined by David Rawlings
(more photos HERE)

Earl Scruggs
(more photos HERE)

Gogol Bordello
(more photos HERE)

The Wailin' Jennys
(more photos HERE)

Quad Stage

Mavis Staples
(more photos HERE)

Freelance Whales
(more photos HERE)

River City Extension
(more photos HERE)

Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside
(more photos HERE)

During their set, the sound went wonky and cut out. Plucky and professional lady that she is, Sallie Ford and her band made a quick set-up change and continued while the folks that handle the technical stuff sorted things out.

Alex and Ani Harbor Stage

Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three
(more photos HERE)

The Audience

In case you missed it, this is what we had to say about...

Earl Scruggs (from our sister site) http://www.lanitaadams.com/2011/08/newport-folk-festival-earl-scruggs.html

Mavis Staples http://www.quirkynychick.com/2011/08/newport-folk-festival-mavis-staples.html

Delta Spirit http://www.quirkynychick.com/2011/08/newport-folk-festival-delta-spirit.html

(from our sister site) http://www.lanitaadams.com/2011/08/my-favorite-images-delta-spirit.html

Day 2 What I Did This Summer: Newport Folk Festival, Day 2

What You May Have Missed: Blackbells at Mercury Lounge

2011-11-11T16:38:00.003-05:00

Blackbells: October12 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Last month I went down to Mercury Lounge to catch Brooklyn based band the Blackbells. Their new EP, IxI had been released the previous day so it was time to celebrate it! The audience was lively; they came ready to party. The Blackbells were excellent hosts with their all up in your ears, face melting rock 'n' roll. It's always a pleasure to have your face melted ... thank you fellas.

If you haven't picked up the EP, you should! If you missed the show, this is what it looked like!

More Photos HERE

The Sheriffs of Nottingham Kickstarter Project Ending Soon

2011-11-08T15:18:00.003-05:00

Memphis rock band The Sheriffs of Nottingham are working to finish their new record, Have Mercy. They launched a Kickstarter project and there are 3 days left for them to reach their goal. If you're not familiar with their music, check out a stream of "Sticks and Stones" from the upcoming record below. If you dig it and want to show 'em some love head over to their Kickstarter page located HERE, and make a pledge.

Q & A: Lisa Bianco

2011-11-07T00:13:00.009-05:00

One of my favorite rockin’ women, Lisa Bianco, has a new record, Momentum, coming out. It will be available Tuesday, November 15 via iTunes and other digital retailers. And for those who like to actually hold their music, physical copies will be available at www.lisabianco.com. On Momentum, Bianco has blended pop, alternative and punk into seven songs of melodic ear pleasure. With an upcoming record release show, Friday, November 11 at Bowery Electric, 7:30PM, I thought we should do a little Q&A with Bianco.

Quirky NY Chick (QNYC): Momentum, I think, is a bit harder edged than your previous record. Was that an intentional move or just a natural progression?

Lisa Bianco (LB): I think a bit of both. After my last album Post Data, I wanted to write different. I learned so much from the last album that I think it's natural to build on that. Or bring out some elements you discovered on that last album. I was writing so much on my acoustic guitar (kind of necessary since I live in an apartment). So instead I just plugged into Garage Band and headphones so I could be cranked how I want it at all times, lol. You write different that way and there's a resonance with electrics you don't get on acoustics. That resonance is sometimes responsible for the song ideas that some out. I also didn't want "mid tempo" to be the death of me. Ha. So I was writing more up songs. In fact "Erase You" started real slow on an acoustic guitar as an exercise to get out of writers block. I just decided that it would be really cool a lot faster...and it became a song; same thing with "Low." Originally "Low" was this strummy acoustic number. I knew that it wasn't quite right...but I knew there was a good song in there. So when my producer, Bryan Rusell, and I got together for pre pro we tore the song apart and tossed back and forth ideas of presenting it different. It's a dark song so we went for this deep picking and blasting chorus. The general rule for this album was throw out the book and do everything opposite to what you'd maybe normally expect to do. That's kind of how Bryan works. No predicable clichés and less is more.

(QNYC): You wrote all of the songs on Momentum. When you write, does the music come first or the lyrics?

(LB): Music comes first. It's this one two punch for me. Usually I'll come up with a riff or a progression of chords. If a vocal melody enters the picture I usually go with it. That is kind of the test for me. If I naturally have a melody with the bed of music then I feel I got something. I have countless riffs that go nowhere too. I think the more you write you get a feel what's going to work or not. It may not be your best song but it's something to work on and develop. Lyrics will come after. It's usually the last refined process in the song for me. Finding the subject matter comes out of the ad lib lyrics that I initially have. I'll find a series of words that "give" me a title or something to explore. It's like this supernatural thing. Then I write what I know....

(QNYC): Where does your inspiration come from?

(LB): Of course I'm inspired by music but also it's other things like movies and books or even a memory of another time or place; images and stories, lol. I feel a lot of times it’s unexpected which is always great. It's like a nice little gift.

(QNYC): If you had to pick one song from Momentum to put in a time capsule to be opened in fifty years, which song would you pick and why?

(LB): I'd say "Breakin". I think it overall captures my style, my guitar playing, lyrical content/observation, and sonicness....if there is such a thing, lol.

(QNYC): I’m a guitar fan and you are a hell of a guitarist. Who or what inspired you to pick up the guitar?

(LB): I had a musical background growing up playing flute and piano. But I always loved Rock n Roll. I had an older brother so I was very aware of it at a young age. He played a lot of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd and had videos and posters of them. That image of playing guitar was so cool to me. It seemed out of this world to me. They channeled something from their guitars. That was appealing to me. But for some reason I didn’t think to actually play guitar. It wasn’t until high school a friend of mine taught me some basic chords. I thought it was going to be really hard. But he gave me the basics and how to "play by ear." So from that point I just listened to records and tried to play what I heard. Or downloaded guitar tabs to get me started on a song. It felt like home.

(QNYC): As a lyricist who has been your biggest influence?

(LB): I'd say I have a few. Kurt Cobain was a big influence. I liked his abstract touch. I remember thinking "wow this is different...I really need to think about these words," and the subject matter was not typical top 40 mainstream. To me it made sense. Also, Thom Yorke and Bono. More recently I "studied" Springsteen's lyrics. He's one twisted sad cat lyrically. What an imagination for lyric! lol. I really dig it and I think most people don't realize that cause his music is very uplifting. I'm floored.

(QNYC): I can remember a time when women with electric guitars, playing rock music, weren’t taken as seriously as their male counterparts. As an audience member I still sometimes hear guys talking about how hot a female musician looks but not take their playing seriously. Do you still feel that from your standpoint as the musician? Is that “women don’t rock as hard” or “she plays all right for a girl” attitude still lurking around?

(LB): Yeah, somewhat. I mean I definitely don't have it has hard as maybe Joan Jett and then later the Riot Grrl era had. If I tell someone I'm a guitarist/musician etc., I can feel that look on their face that "ok I bet she just strums and has a lead player guy". I can sense the doubt for sure. I always get offers "hey if you need a lead player or you want me to come into the studio and lay down some guitar parts...." I'm like hmm..."no I actually write all my guitar parts and track them all on my albums. But thank you (wink)." I can just imagine some horrible Eddie Van Halen solo mock up....eeek.

(QNYC): I follow you on Twitter and as a result, I’ve learned we like some of the same music. Is there an artist or song people would be surprised that you listen to?

(LB): I like a lot of pop music. I like a good dose of Gaga, Katy Perry and "the original idol" girl Kelly Clarkson. Ha. I have a few Chicago songs on my iPod. "If you leave me now......"

(QNYC): Time for the infamous “What was the last...” question.

What was the last…

...song you intentionally listened to?
"Charlie Brown" Coldplay

...record you bought?
The Kills - Blood Pressures

...concert you went to?

Duran Duran at MSG. (never cared for them until about 5 years ago!)

...book you read?
Mainlines, Blood Feasts, and Bad Taste A Lester Bangs Reader

...movie you watched?
Juno this weekend on Cable!

* * *

My thanks to Lisa Bianco for partaking in our Q&A, it was great fun! And, don’t forget to head down to Bowery Electric this Friday, November 11 to see her rockin’ live. And as a treat for those of you who do go, you get a free CD with admission...NICE!

S.C.U.M. Releases New Video

2011-11-04T00:56:00.002-04:00

S.C.U.M. have released a video for their upcoming single, "Faith Unfolds." It was directed by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard. The single is scheduled to be released on January 13. Check out the video below.

This year has seen the band truly arrive in emphatic style. Live and on record S.C.U.M effortlessly bring together each band member’s individual listening habits in psychedelia, space-rock, avant-garde and ambient soundtracks to form a pop trip that neatly balances the innovative with the rapturously danceable to great effect. The band has toured with The Kills and played alongside Portishead in the UK.

S.C.U.M is Thomas Cohen (vocal), Bradley Baker (machines), Samuel Kilcoyne (moog), Melissa Rigby (drums) and Huw Webb (Bass).

PYYRAMIDS Release New Record & Video

2011-11-04T00:30:00.000-04:00

PYYRAMIDS, the new collaboration by Tim Nordwind of OK Go and singer Drea Smith released their new record, Human Beings earlier this week. I've put this record on my recommend list. The alluring vocals and catchy rhythms will have these songs stuck in your head all day and on repeat play. Check out the video for "That Ain't Right" and download the song as well as stream the rest of the album using the handy widget at the bottom of the post.

From the mystical, unGoogleable beyond comes PYYRAMIDS, a new collaboration by OK Go's Tim Nordwind and singer Drea Smith. Living in the dark, atmospheric grotto midway between the dance floor and the mopey teenage bedroom of the mind, PYYRAMIDS' six-song debut will be available on October 31st from Paracadute, the full-service 21st century record label OK Go founded on their 2010 parting from Capitol. Befitting the band's cross of banging beats with underground pop, PYYRAMIDS arrives on that most idiosyncratic of formats, 10-inch vinyl.

PYYRAMIDS comes as a reinvention for both players and steps into new, wild territory. For Nordwind, the guy with the bass, beard, and glasses in OK Go, PYYRAMIDS' expansive textures find him far from the bright indie pop and all-inclusive videos that have made OK Go one of the most recognizable - not to mention most-watched - acts of the digital age. (Though that doesn't mean PYYRAMIDS won't try their hand at videos.) For Smith, formerly the saucy half of the electro-pop duo He Say She Say - and a stint with Lupe Fiasco - it brings her songwriting into a place of bold new maturity without sacrificing the force of her singular presence. For both, it is an unlikely partnership entirely befitting of the new age.

Human Beings by PYYRAMIDS

What You May Have Missed: Jump Into The Gospel at Pianos

2011-10-26T00:08:00.005-04:00

Jump Into The Gospel: October 12 @ Pianos, New York, NY

When last I'd seen Jump Into The Gospel, they were finishing up a residency at Pianos about four months ago. Earlier this month, I was at the same LES venue to see the fellas once again. What do you get when you toss a bunch of adorable skinny guys on a stage with instruments and amplification? You get one happy me! The rest of the audience was equally happy.

In a compact set, they did what they do best, worked the crowd into a dance party that had folks wanting more. They've tightened up performance wise which gave them a bit of a harder sound, more edgy. They also look different. Body languages have changed. They look more rock star now. No, it's not the white outfits, those just make me crave ice cream. The rhythmic instrument guys, Chris Stein (drums), Erik Tonnesen (keys) and Lakis Pavlou (bass) had a laid back coolness about them and a subtle power that demanded you dance. Guitarist Ben Vescovi has stepped things up a notch. He sounded more streamlined, more precise. And visually, he has achieved that pretty, slightly vacant, 70's rock star look. Hm, he may take issue with that description! Front-man Louis Epstein is evolution. He is working the stage more and frankly, there were several moments that I got that larger than life feeling while watching him perform. At this rate, there will soon be too much Louis for the smaller stages; he'll need a grander setting. At one point, I was perched precariously on the steps beneath Epstein. I looked up, the lights were framing him and thought to myself, rising star. In all of the time I've been going to see their shows, Jump Into The Gospel have never sounded or looked so complete.

More photos HERE

Setlist (to the best of my memory)

Flagship
St. John
Start A Following
My Man
Humvee
2012

What You May Have Missed: Hank & Cupcakes at Mercury Lounge

2011-10-25T00:01:00.007-04:00

Hank & Cupcakes: October 8 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Earlier this month I was down at Mercury Lounge. On the bill that night, New York based duo Hank & Cupcakes. Until now, they were one of those bands that I kept missing. Something always came up when they were playing around town. I must say, it has been my loss and I'm happy to have finally rectified the situation. I already knew I liked their music. In fact, if I'd been spinning vinyl, I would have worn the grooves off their self-titled EP. Luckily for us, they've just finished recording a new record so we have that treat to look forward to.

Hank & Cupcakes put on a fun, funky, sexy, infectious, "ah hell, it's a party up in here!" show. The audience was in party mode, cheering them on, singing along and dancing up a sweat. If you don't have fun at one of their shows, seek therapy immediately! They're are a must see. Do yourself a favor and go see them up close and personal before they blow up to Gaga status and you're in the nose bleed section at Madison Square Garden watching the fun.

More photos HERE

Video of the Day: Some Velvet Morning - "Don't Think"

2011-10-24T15:43:00.003-04:00

Today we have for you, "Don't Think" the latest video from UK band Some Velvet Morning. The single comes out in the UK on October 30. Check out the video below.

Upcoming: MyNameIsJohnMichael at The Living Room, 10/21

2011-10-19T17:45:00.003-04:00

New York, head on down to The Living Room on Friday, October 21 and get your groove on! MyNameIsJohnMichael is coming back. The show is at 11:30PM and it’s FREE! That’s right folks, hot New Orleans flavor for free, what more could you ask for?

What You May Have Missed: The Broadcast at Mercury Lounge

2011-10-18T23:56:00.005-04:00

The Broadcast: October 8 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

When last I saw The Broadcast perform, it was at Mercury Lounge, they were still New Yorkers and they were rockin' a filled audience with earthy soul based music. Since then, they've left NY for Asheville, NC to do the full-time musician thing and released a new record, Days Like Dreams. I had a chance to catch The Broadcast, once again at Mercury Lounge. It's been two years since I've seen them. Excuse me, what? How did that happen? I need to get out more!

The band took the stage to an enthusiastic audience. Front-woman Caitlin Krisko has gone from soulful bohemian to rockin' soul. The band launched into a set that had the audience cheering them, singing a-long and dancing. You can't help but feel good at one of their shows. One of the first things I noticed was that their sound has gotten edgier, more funky. They sound more Memphis soul now. Krisko, in a pink and purple shimmy dress, started out in platform pumps which gave way to bare feet, all the better for dancing which she does a lot of. She has gained a richness to her voice allowing for a deeper sexier sound.

While Krisko has killer pipes, she is surrounded by suburb band-mates that you have to see live to fully appreciate. The tight rhythm section, Rich Brownstein (keyboards), Matthew Davis (bass), Tyler Housholder (percussion) and Michael Davis (drums) cook with gas. If they can't make you dance then, well, you probably have issues you need to deal with. Y'all know I'm a guitar fan and well, the new face on stage (new to me!), guitarist Aaron Austin was scorching. The dude tore it up...damn. They play the small stage like they're playing an arena. They play it with lots of energy, sweat, passion and heart filling the room like they know we're not promised tomorrow so they give it all they've got.

Check out the video footage at the bottom of the post for a taste of what you may have missed. Oh, and please excuse the dodgy camera audio!

More photos HERE

What You May Have Missed: Robbers On High Street At Mercury Lounge

2011-10-16T23:40:00.007-04:00

Robbers On High Street: October 7 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Brooklyn based Robbers On High Street have released their excellent third record, Hey There Golden Hair, which was produced by front-man Ben Trokan with engineer Matt Shane. So, what does a band do when they release a new record? They toss a record release party!

Robbers On High Street took the audience on a ride filled with catchy, hook filled songs. The band were impressively tight capturing their modernized throw back sound superbly. They were joined for several songs by a horn sections which kicked an already great set up a notch.

If you haven't already, give Hey There Golden Hair a spin, you'll enjoy it. And, treat yourself to a show when they're playing near you; there will be no regrets.

More Photos HERE

Upcoming: Surprise Attack! CMJ Showcases

2011-10-09T23:21:00.004-04:00

Mark your calendars, Surprise Attack! Management will be presenting three CMJ showcases. The first will take place at the Studio at Webster Hall on October 18, doors are at 6PM and it'll cost you $10. The second showcase is at Spike Hill on October 20. Doors are at 7PM and it'll cost you $7. The third showcase is at Lit Lounge on October 22. Doors are at 8PM. Check out full details below.

October 18th, 2011 (Tuesday)-
Studio at Webster Hall (6PM Doors) $10

Edelweiss (1st)
Wild International
Mainland
The Click Clack Boom
The Rassle
Night Fevers
The Twees
Black Taxi
The Death Set

October 20th, 2011 (Thursday)
Spike Hill ( 7PM Doors) $7

Beast Make Bomb (1st)
Wild Palms
Balkans
The Twees
Hollerado
Chappo
Chateau Marmont
Chad Valley

October 22nd, 2011 (Saturday)
Lit Lounge (8PM Doors)

Wild International (1st)
Grand Rapids
Edelweiss
Shapes
The Venetia Fair

Upcoming: Bang This! CMJ Showcase, 10/19

2011-10-09T22:51:00.005-04:00

Guitar fans, mark your CMJ calendars! If you like things on the guitar rock side of things, the Bang This! CMJ Music Marathon show is the place for you to be. Swing by Bowery Electric on October 19 to catch a rockin' line up. Details are below!

TAB THE BAND
THE DEAD EXS * THOSE MOCKINGBIRDS
LOST ROMANCE * INVISIBLE LINES
MARVIN GLOVER
October 19, 2011
Bowery Electric
327 Bowery, NYC
2PM - 7PM
$7/FREE WITH CMJ MUSIC MARATHON BADGE
21+

BANG THIS! A DIT (Do It Together) self-organized collective of Tri-State Area labels, bands, and music media outlets will be held on Wednesday, October 19th 2011 at the Bowery Electric in New York City in tandem to the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival. BANG THIS! celebrates the DIT “strength in numbers” credo helping new bands to spread the new roots of alternative rock & roll by teaming together and embracing the return of the glorious guitar that still champions the world of rock!

There will be a total of 5 solid hours of music from revivalist garage blues to modern alternative rock at this rock & roll matinee.

Video of the Day: Florence + The Machine - “Shake It Out”

2011-10-06T02:49:00.003-04:00

Today we have for you the newest video from Florence + The Machine. It’s from the upcoming release Ceremonials which will be released October 31 in the UK and in November here in the US. Check out the video below.

Upcoming: Mr. Gnome at Union Pool TOMMOROW, 10/6 + MP3

2011-10-05T16:49:00.003-04:00

Cleveland duo Mr. Gnome will be over in Brooklyn TOMORROW, October 6 at Union Pool. The show is at 9PM and it'll cost you $8. Swing by and show them some love.

Also, Mr. Gnome will release their third record, Madness In Miniature on October 25. Check out the first single from the record, "Bit of Tongue" at the bottom of the post.

Singer/guitarist Nicole Barille and drummer/pianist Sam Meister bring an unfiltered approach to their craft, allowing for emotional and sonic variance. The duo's mood swings are mirrored by the band's surreal album artwork, and forthcoming music videos, all created by Barille and Meister themselves. Madness in Miniature twists from soft lullabies to interstellar chaos, represented well by "Bit of Tongue." The intricately woven musical tapestries and hallucinogenic interludes pounded out by the duo represent an expansion and perfection of the stylistic character Mr. Gnome had previously become synonymous.

Mr. Gnome
Wednesday, October 6
Union Pool
484 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
9:00PM
www.union-pool.com
$8

MP3 Grab: "Bit of Tongue"