Quirky NY Chick

Video of the Day: The BellRays - "On Top"

2012-05-21T20:11:00.000-04:00

A band I totally dig, The BellRays, released a new video this month. For those who aren't familiar, they are a take no prisoners rock 'n' soul band out of California. If you haven't caught one of their shows, you're missing out. They're a must see live act. Frontwoman Lisa Kekaula is seriously bad ass. She sings her friggin' face off! Check out the video below it's from the album Black Lightning ("Living A Lie", "Sun Comes Down" and "Anymore" are the highlights for me but you should check out the whole album!) and was directed by Rennik Soholt. Enjoy!

Upcoming: MyNameIsJohnMichael In NYC

2012-05-21T17:22:00.000-04:00

A favorite of QNYC, MyNameIsJohnMichael, is coming back to New York! If you haven't had a chance to catch them yet, I highly encourage it. They're full of energy and New Orleans goodness which adds up to one hot, spanking good time!

GIG DETAILS!!! They have two shows. The first is over in Brooklyn at The Rock Shop on Sunday, June 3. Doors are at 8PM and it'll cost you $10/$12. The following night, Monday, June 4, they'll be on the LES at Mercury Lounge. It's an early show. Doors are at 6:30PM. Set time is 7:30PM and it'll cost you $10.

What You May Have Missed: Bob Schneider at The Bowery Ballroom

2012-05-08T17:04:00.001-04:00

Bob Schneider: May 1, 2012 @ The Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

Last week, I made it down to the Bowery Ballroom to catch Bob Schneider. I've said it once, I'll say it again, Schneider is someone you have to see live ... it's an experience. On that particular night, there were ribbon twirlers, girls in the balcony being questionable with glow sticks and some idiots throwing glow sticks. Grow up folks, no projectile launching at the artists or anyone else; it's rude and childish. His shows are eclectic which is one of the things I love most about them. Plus, you never know when he might decide to change things up a bit and remix a song or two.

Schneider and band all seemed to be in good spirits and playing well. Compared to the last time I saw him at the same venue about a year ago, the audience was a bit lackluster. Yes, we sang along in all of the appropriate places with many of us being horribly off key. Yes, we danced ... I was painfully reminded during "Bombanaza" that I had an injured toe. But for some reason, it just never really felt like we fully connected with Schneider. Regardless, I had a lot of fun and highly recommend you go to a show when Schneider plays near you or take a road trip if he's not.

Check out a clip of "Hanging Out With The Horny Girls" at the bottom of the post.

More Photos HERE.

HITS Set To Release New Record + NY Shows

2012-05-08T03:29:00.000-04:00

Hits, the band formerly known as Jump Into The Gospel, are set to release their new self-titled EP on June 26. I've given the track "Madness" a spin several times (listen to it at the bottom of the post). The song is certainly the most polished I've heard them. They sound tighter and the production more lush. The song has a throwback sound to it that reminded me of perhaps Howard Jones... maybe a bit like Simple Minds. I like the song. I don't like the flashbacks it induces though. I'd rather not be reminded of big hair, ridiculous make-up and silly clothes. But, I'm looking forward to hearing the new album...June feels so far away.

Set for release June 26th, the self-titled EP culminates HITS' major changes, commitments, and five months of studio-time into what has become their tightest material to date. The songs form a throwback 80s electro-synth sound with a contemporary feel only the year 2012 could allow. The new EP, produced and mixed with a little help from their friends, Cobra Starship, swings from high energy dance songs like "Veins" and "St. John" to the thoughtful musings on isolation in "Twin Peaks" and the skewed vision of love in "Madness."

GIG ALERT!!! New York, Hits will be playing a series of shows! Friday, May 11 they'll be at the Knitting Factory over in Brooklyn; doors are at 7PM and it'll cost you $12. On Tuesday, May 15 they'll be on the LES at Mercury Lounge; doors are at 8:30PM and it'll cost you $10. And, on Sunday, May 27, they'll be over in Brooklyn at Cameo Gallery. Go to a show or three and show them some love.

MADNESS (Single) by HITSNYC

Caught My Ear: The The The Thunder

2012-05-08T02:07:00.000-04:00

I was navigating my way around that wondrous thing known as my inbox when I happened up on an email about The The The Thunder (TTTT). TTTT are a six-piece band with half of the band in Seattle while the other half are in New York. Since their excessive use of "the" intrigued me, I decided to give them a listen. The album, All At Once kicks off with "Emergency Room" and I immediately decide it would fit nicely in my collection nestled between The Talking Heads and The Cars. Sometime during the third song and my favorite track, "Leave Us," I notice that I'm happily tapping my foot along and bobbing my head. I repeated the song a few times and came to the realization that I now have a new band crush. By the time "Hands Together," my second favorite track, comes on, I've decided that All At Once is a must hear record. There are strings on the album and, I must say, I really like them. I mention this because it adds a level of warmth and depth without sounding haughty.

On a whole, All At Once sounds familiar like all of your clever, 80's indie punk/pop albums rolled into one. It sounds comfortable like your favorite pair of Converse. It sounds fun, like the weekend sleep overs where you and your friends stayed up late talking about boys and dancing around the room. The The The Thunder feel like old friends and All At Once is the bottle of wine they've brought with them while visiting. Scroll down to the bottom of the post and stream the album.

GIG ALERT!!! New York, the band will be playing two shows in Brooklyn. On Friday, June 15, They'll be at King Killer Studios. It'll cost you $5. On Saturday, June 30, they'll be at Goodbye Blue Monday at 8PM.

<a href="http://thethethethunder.bandcamp.com/album/all-at-once">All at Once by The The The Thunder</a>

Shonen Knife To Release New Studio Album In June

2012-05-04T00:01:00.002-04:00

Japan's Shonen Knife are continuing their 30th anniversary celebration with the release of a new studio album. The album, Pop Tune is scheduled for release on June 6 via Good Charamel Records here in North America. The pop/punk ladies recorded Pop Tune in early 2012 after their Osaka Ramones world tour in 2011. Speaking of tours, if you missed them the last go around, they've recently announced a slew of North American dates. New York, they'll be at The Bell House over in Brooklyn on Saturday, July 21. Doors are at 8PM and it'll cost you $12 (tickets HERE).

New Single From Cowgill

2012-05-04T00:01:00.001-04:00

About a month ago we here at QNYC were hipped to Cowgill from the Boston area when their song "Plans" made an inbox appearance. Well, we're happy that they've presented a follow-up single titled "Extra Gravity" which you can grab at the bottom of the post. The song is from their debut release, Side One of Planted which is being released on May 17. For those of you in or near Cambridge, MA, they're having a record release show at The Middle East Upstairs on the 17th as well. Doors are at 7PM and it'll cost your $8.

This six-piece group has been breaking new ground in the music scene - their first single even drew comparisons to Wilco on MP3.com - no small feat! COWGILL’s unique blend of indie rock and folk music takes on many forms - from 60s rock to newgrass - and none are spared on their first-ever studio release, Side One of Planted, out next month. Come watch the band nimbly weave these genres together at their hometown CD release show at Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge, MA on May 17th.

COWGILL is Paul Cowgill (vocals, acoustic guitar), Mike Truskowski (piano, backup vocals, trombone), Dan Weissman (mandolin, backup vocals, trumpet), Leeann Hackett (violin), Ryan Rivers (bass guitar) and their newest member, Joe Pess (drums). The band formed in June of 2011 and has been steadily winning over the hearts and ears of fans ever since.

MP3 Grab: "Extra Gravity"

Upcoming: thenewno2 To Release thefearofmissingout on July 31

2012-05-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

thenewno2 have announced that their second full-length album, thefearofmissingout, will be released on July 31 via H.O.T. Recods Ltd. The album was produced by band members Dhani Harrison and Paul Hicks under the moniker pHd.

Following their debut album You Are Here (2009), primarily written and recorded by Harrison, thefearofmissingout is the first recording as a band featuring Harrison, Hicks, Jonathan Sadoff, Jeremy Faccone, Nick Fyffe and Frank Zummo.

Employing a combination of live and programmed instruments and adding in obscure samples to create an intricate collage of electronica sounds, the sonic textures in thefearofmissingout were enhanced by Harrison as well as guest vocalists RZA, Ben Harper, The Black Knights, Throunn Antonia (Fields, Beck's Record Club) and Holly Marilyn (The Child).

The fear of missing out is the title and driving concept behind the album. To Harrison, everything in life boils down to FOMO. "Everyone suffers from it in a different way," he says. "We all have a fear of missing out on something." The result is an album with a multitude of themes, including avoiding change and of course fear.

Combining their inventive sounds with creative visuals, thenewno2 recruited notable London street artist Ben Eine to design the album art for the new project.

What You May Have Missed: Laura Warshauer at The Bowery Ballroom

2012-05-03T17:40:00.000-04:00

Laura Warshauer: May 1, 2012 @ The Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

This past Tuesday, singer/songwriter Laura Warshauer took the stage at The Bowery Ballroom. Warshauer, a tiny, effervescent lady breezed through a six-song set that left those in attendance charmed and wanting more. Three songs in, she played "Wishing Well" which was, judging by audience response, a crowd favorite; my personal favorite was "Will You Remember Me". With a slightly scratchy voice that gave her a bit of an edgy sound, there were moments in the set where it seemed like she was on the edge of tumbling into full-on rock chick.

Warshauer was joined onstage by Kiara Ana Perico (violin), whom I could barely see from my vantage point thanks to the keyboard apparatus of the nights headliner Bob Schneider, and Calle Lehmann (guitar). As someone seeing Warshauer perform for the first time, I was happy that she's the kind of performer that made you feel like you've known her all along. Check out a clip of her closing number "Rockstar" at the bottom of the post.

More photos HERE.

Set List

Who I Am
Sweet Seventeen
Wishing Well
Will You Remember Me
Black Crow
Rockstar

Upcoming: Antony Bitar at Rockwood Music Hall, May 5

2012-05-03T14:41:00.000-04:00

New York, Antony Bitar will be taking the stage at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 1, on Saturday, May 5. It's an early show! He goes on at 5PM. Hear tell he will be celebrating his 24th birthday, so swing by, hear some music and show him some birthday love.

A self-taught pianist, Antony Bitar had been writing songs ever since he was a teenager. Upon graduating college, Antony decided to collect some of the songs that he had written over the years and embark on the incredible journey of recording an album. After collaborating with producers, Eshy Gazit and Jason Cummings, Antony Bitar released his debut self-titled full length album on September 13, 2011.

Upcoming: My Goodness at Pianos, May 16

2012-05-03T01:28:00.003-04:00

New York, Seattle rockers My Goodness will be taking the stage at Pianos on Wednesday, May 16. They go on at 8PM and it'll cost you $8. The duo will release their debut single "C'mon Doll," digitally on May 21. A video for the track recently premiered on NME. Check it out at the bottom of the post.

My Goodness keep their blues-infused bluster simple. Economical. They pare it back to the bare bones with use of just one guitar and a drum kit. Vocals cutting through the middle. In their world, less is more. It’s all about the power of two. The strength of the duo. Synchronicity and simplicity. It’s about liberation too – and the unreconstructed idea of having fun. Just plugging in and letting rip. It’s about amplified, electrified music. Stroppy, wired and armed with tunes a-plenty. Just as it should be.

The band was born when Joel Schneider and Ethan Jacobsen closed a bar one night in January 2010 and went for a drunken jam in a nearby practice space. Both were working in iconic/historic Seattle venue Neumos and already in other bands but the two needed to bust loose. At the time Joel hadn’t even picked up a six-string guitar for five years and the sheer liberating power of writing three songs – all in open string tuning to keep it ultra-simple - in that one initial session was overwhelming.

Their debut single ‘CMon Doll’ and b-side track ‘Lost in the Soul’ was recorded in Red Room Studios, Seattle with producer Chris Common from These Arms Are Snakes. Everything was recorded to tape – no Pro-Tools, no digital enhancing. This live and raw approach carries over into My Goodness’ live shows too.

NY Pin Up Club Burlesque, TONIGHT, May 3

2012-05-03T01:13:00.000-04:00

The Alchemist

New York, the NY Pin Up Club is having their monthly show tonight, Thursday, May 3. The shows are always a helluva lot of fun. Join host Brandon Herman as a lovely group of ladies shake and shimmy the night away. The theme, Black and White Burlesque ... the ladies will be performing to songs by the Black Keys and the White Stripes. Scheduled to perform, Baby Blue, Vada James, Little Motown, go-go by The Alchemist and stage kitten Ivory Askew. So, head on down to the Bowery Poetry Club and be extra loud when hoot, holler, applaud and in general enjoy yourself! Doors are at 7PM, show is 8PM and it'll cost you $15.

The Broadcast Launch Kickstarter Project

2012-05-03T00:14:00.000-04:00

If you've visited this little corner of the Internet world, then you may have seen The Broadcast mentioned. In case you haven't, they used to be New Yorkers but now they're down in North Carolina doing the rock 'n' roll thing full-time. Full-time means, touring and making new music. Speaking of new music, they're working on a new record and have launched a Kickstarter Project to help get things finished and in the hands of the masses. Check out the project details HERE. If you dig them, show them some love. They're a fun band. And if they happen to be playing near you, go and shake your booty!

Check out the project video.

George Harrison Documentary & Unreleased Music

2012-05-02T23:54:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week, Martin Scorecese's documentary was released on DVD and Blue-ray. George Harrison: Living in the Material World takes you on a journey through George Harrison's life. A lot of it is told in his own words and of course through the those that knew him. Also, available is a companion music collection containing unreleased works by Harrison. The collection, Early Takes Volume 1 offers up demo versions and other unreleased material.

Martin Scorsese’s GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD, which premiered on HBO last October, is getting a proper release on May 1st. Universal Music Enterprises will be releasing the film on DVD, Blu-ray, and a Deluxe Edition that will include the DVD, Blu-ray, special packaging and a 96-page book of photography to accompany the film.

The film focuses the imaginative and inspired eye of one of cinema’s most pre-eminent filmmakers on one of the world’s most influential men. The film takes viewers on the musical and spiritual voyage that was Harrison’s life, much of it told in his own words. The result is deeply moving and touches each viewer in unique and individual ways.

There is also an exclusive 10-track album called EARLY TAKES VOLUME 1 on CD and LP featuring previously unreleased music from George Harrison coming on May 1st. The album is a pivotal companion piece to the documentary and features previously unreleased recordings from Harrison

Tracklist

My Sweet Lord (demo)
Run Of The Mill (demo)
I'd Have You Any Time (early take)
Mama You've Been On My Mind (demo)
Let It Be Me (demo)
Woman Don't You Cry For Me (early take)
Awaiting On You All (early take)
Behind That Locked Door (demo)
All Things Must Pass (demo)
The Light That Has Lighted The World (demo)

Trailer: George Harrison: Living in the Material World

ResidentBand Episode 035: Jules Larson - "You Know It's True"

2012-04-26T04:23:00.000-04:00

Our friends over at ResidentBand have put Episode 035 online! You can check it out below. The clip features Jules Larson performing "You Know It's True." The studio version of the song can be found on her EP A Lot Like You. Check out the video below and enjoy.

Upcoming: Crazy Mary at The Delancey, Friday 4/27

2012-04-26T03:47:00.000-04:00

New York based band Crazy Mary will be taking the stage at The Delancey on Friday, April 27. They go on at 8:45PM and it'll cost you $5. They're celebrating the release of their record, Dreaming In Brilliant Color. The band has a classic sound, check out one of their tunes below. Head on down to The Delancey and show them some love.

Formed by veteran Lower East Side guitarist and songwriter Charles Kibel and drummer Nick Raisz, Crazy Mary has been conjuring its refreshingly oddball avant-garage rock since 1998. A bubbling cauldron of chiming and scraping guitars, creepy organ, spacey, experimental sounds, Dada-ish pranksterism, and absurdly danceable rhythms, the band distills it all into a surreal cocktail of post-punk/psychedelic weirdness. And now, with the recent additions of legendary underground violinist Walter Steding and expatriate Australian vocalist Em Z, things have gotten even weirder. In a good way, of course.

Miss Guy Releases "Sometimes"

2012-04-25T04:02:00.000-04:00

Miss Guy has released a video for his song "Sometimes." The video was directed by Nicole Brending.

The clip features a cast of dolls. Normally, I find dolls to be a bit creepy. But, I ended up fascinated by the sad junkie doll with its vacant eyes. Did I just see a doll orgy? Wow. In the end, it hit me that I know some people who closely resemble that doll.

The song didn't catch my ear as much as other songs on Miss Guy's Dumb Blonde EP when I first heard it. But, the video just ties things together into this sad, but beautiful package. It has you feeling sorry for the heartbroken doll who's trying to cover his pain in all the wrong ways. It has given me a new appreciation of the song.

Check out "Sometimes" below.

Yuna Releases Self-Titled Album

2012-04-25T03:21:00.000-04:00

Malaysian singer/songwriter Yuna released her self-titled album this week! Those of us in the States, we can find it on sale HERE. Now, for those of you not in the know, Yuna has one of those pure voices that just captures your ear. Check out the album and enjoy. Also, if you get the opportunity to see her live, don't walk, run to the show. You will without a doubt enjoy yourself.

GIG ALERT!!! Yuna will be at (le) poisson rouge on Thursday, June 7. It'll cost you $14. Doors are at 6:30PM.

Laura Warshauer To Play Bowery Ballroom, Tuesday, May 1

2012-04-25T00:36:00.000-04:00

New York, Laura Warshauer will be taking the stage at Bowery Ballroom on Tuesday, May 1. Doors are at 8PM and she goes on at 9PM. It'll cost you $23. Head on down and check her out!

In 2010, Songmaster’s and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, based on a nomination by BMI, awarded Laura Warshauer with the prestigious “Holly Prize,” an award named after Buddy Holly and presented to only one singer-songwriter per year. Now, after a string of high-profile shows (including a headlining set at the Official MPressFest CMJ Showcase, tour dates with Bob Schneider, Frankie Moreno, and Scars on 45, and an appearance at WXPN World Café), two national television appearances (including an interview and performance of “To Will And Kate, Meet Me At Exit 109” on the E! True Hollywood Story: Kate and Pippa Middleton”), a twelve-week chart run on MediaBase with “Wishing Well,” and an album release that garnered national praise and features in outlets such as People Magazine, Paris Match, and London Daily Mail, Laura’s career has “blossomed beyond [her] wildest dreams." But Laura’s success comes as no surprise, and although positively compared at times to Stevie Nicks, Cindy Lauper and Alanis Morrisette, this Jersey-girl’s wisdom and youthful spirit render her sound incomparable.

As a result of successful one-off performances together, including gigs at Rams Head Live in Annapolis, MD and The Stanhope House in Stanhope, NJ, Laura will be opening for Bob Schneider on his forthcoming tour of the United States. Beginning in Atlanta, GA in late April, the two will travel to at least 16 different cities, including, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles. Specific venues and times are TBA.

Laura recently spent time recording multiple songs in Nashville with producer Marshall Altman (Matt Nathanson, Natasha Bedingfield, Marc Broussard). Her forthcoming album, tentatively titled “Wicked Wicked,” is slated for a Spring 2012 release. “That Game” is one of a number of tracks produced by Bleu (Demi Lovato, Kate Voegele).

NGAM and Newport Jazz Festival Announce Sponsorship Agreement

2012-04-25T00:03:00.000-04:00

2012 Senior All-State Jazz Ensemble

Natixis Global Asset Management (NGAM) and Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. announced a new three-year sponsorship agreement highlighting young jazz performers. The Newport Jazz Festival will feature The Rhode Island Music Educators Association Jazz Band, an all-state band of high school jazz musicians from Rhode Island. The band will be the opening performance at the festival on Saturday, August 4. The agreement includes a $5,000 NGAM scholarshi for a student musician from the band.

The festival will also welcome back musicians from the Berklee College of Music for the fourth consecutive year. The Berklee Global Jazz Ambassadors, a handpicked group from the college's Global Jazz Institute. The will be opening the festival's main stage on Sunday, August 5 and joined by special guest Adam Cruz.

“Although the social and academic benefits of music education have been well documented, throughout our national educational system the performing arts are continually threatened by budget cuts,” said John Hailer, president and chief executive officer, Natixis Global Asset Management – The Americas & Asia. “Working with the Newport Jazz Festival, it is our goal to provide additional opportunities for extraordinary young artists to participate in professional venues as they pursue their dreams.”

Newport Jazz Festival impresario and Chairman of the Newport Festivals Foundation George Wein said the idea of featuring the RIMEA musicians at the festival originated with a suggestion from Hailer, who expressed the desire to help young performers. “The end result,” said Wein, “is a new partnership with Natixis Global Asset Management that now reinforces the joint commitment of both our organizations to help talented young performers develop future careers as professional musicians.”

A non-profit organization, RIMEA was founded in 1917, making it the second oldest state music association in the country. As part of its commitment to provide a variety of music opportunities for students and music educators, each year the group selects high school musicians to participate in workshops and perform in concerts throughout the year.

The members of the 2012 Senior All-State Jazz Ensemble are: Rachel Hill (Barrington High School) and Ben Pallant (East Greenwich), alto saxophone; Nathaniel Schaffer (West Warwick) and Chase Ceglie (Rogers in Newport), tenor saxophone; Steven Jacquard (Scituate), baritone saxophone; Paul Spetrini (North Kingstown), Nathan Ward, Dan Andsager, Jacob Greenberg (Barrington) and Walker Harris (Moses Brown), trumpet; Lily Pavao (Scituate), Fred Crudale (South Kingstown), Aaron Schwartz and Willy Gutman (Barrington), trombone; Elizabeth Marcotte (North Smithfield), vocalist; Andrew Wynsen (North Kingstown), piano; Erik Broess (Lincoln), guitar; Jonathan Elyashiv (Providence Country Day School), bass; Jesse Ray Leich (North Kingstown) and Peter Craig (South Kingstown), drums.

Natixis Global Asset Management is also a sponsor of Berklee College of Music’s Summer in the City program, with concerts throughout metro Boston, as well as the Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival. Over the decades, Berklee jazz musicians have had the honor of performing at the Newport Jazz Festival on numerous occasions. This year, the Berklee Global Jazz Ambassadors – Matthew Halpin (Dublin, Ireland), tenor saxophone; Lihi Haruvi (Tel Aviv, Israel), alto saxophone; Alex Hargreaves (Corvallis, Oregon), violin; Christian Li (Horseheads, New York), piano; and Spencer Stewart (Vancouver, Washington), bass – will open the Festival’s main stage on Sunday, August 5. The international composition of the group gives a sense of the Berklee student body, which represents some 85 countries worldwide.

I had a chance to catch the RIMEA Jazz Band in action recently. They are certainly a talented group of young people. More photos HERE.

2012 Senior All-State Jazz Ensemble

Chester French Have A Thing For Black Girls...

2012-04-18T13:09:00.009-04:00

Pop duo Chester French released the video for their new song "Black Girls" via Karmaloop TV's YouTube channel. Judging by the video, it looks more like a girl on girl action fetish thing than simply a black girl love thing.

The song, I like the music... The vocals have a rough, for lack of a better word, edge to them.

I like getting props as much as any other black chick but did we really need a white boy song about it? I just thought I'd ask. Someone is either going to get a lot of black girl love or a lot of eye rolling. I could go either way really. How about showing your love the old-fashioned way, standing proud with your black woman by your side and taking care of business, no public justification needed. But thanks for saying you love us in song, I guess. Will a black girl now do a response song declaring love for Harvard educated white boys who make music? And while I'm at it, it's not the most sing-a-long friendly song for a chick to walk around singing. People will give you the side eye over that one folks unless that actually is your preference. In which case, rock on lady!

As for the video, I'd say kudos for using a sister with natural hair but considering it's a lesbian video the first thing that comes to mind is the butch stereotype thing. I would have much rather have seen the adorably nerdy D.A. (since I'm placing my bets on him being the one full of black girl love... but Max, if you're down too...) rolling around with a natural sister. Maybe that's just me though.

Check out the video below. It stars Rie Rasmussen and Jodie Smith and was directed by Francesco Carrozzini.

Video of the Day: Karima Francis - "Wherever I Go"

2012-04-13T01:23:00.003-04:00

Today we have for you "Wherever I Go" by Karima Francis. The song is the title track of her upcoming EP which is scheduled for release in May with a full-length album to be released in August. Last week after being hipped to Francis via Just Music That I Like, I made her song "Forgiven" my Song of the Day. Check out this acoustic, black and white video for "Wherever I Go" below.

Andy Kuncl Releases New Record + MP3

2012-04-06T16:06:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, Andy Kuncl released his new EP Musik/Dance/Love via 3KB Records. I would describe his sound as danceable pop so if you're prone to dancing around the room when you hear something that inspires you to shake your 'groove thang,' then perhaps you shouldn't listen to the EP at work. For a taste of what you're in for with this record, we have for you the infectious "In Your Arms." Grab it at the bottom of the post in our MP3 Grab.

As a child, Andy Kuncl would come home from boys choir rehearsals and spend hours recording three part harmonies on his boombox, teaching himself how to play Lionel Richie, Phil Collins, and Harry Connick Jr. songs on the piano, and learning all the dance moves to Janet Jackson and Madonna videos.

At age 19 Andy started writing folksy singer/songwriter tunes inspired by Ani DiFranco, toured the East Coast extensively and signed a short-lived record deal w/ Trans Continental Records. Shortly after that he switched gears altogether and spent the next 10 years cultivating his interests in organic farming, food politics, and his dance career.

Fast forward to 2010, Andy Kuncl has been pulled by the dance floor and sound system to create his own blend of electro dance-pop and is ready to share it with the world on his new album musik/dance/love out now via 3KB Records.

MP3 Grab: "In Your Arms"

Song of the Day: Karima Francis - "Forgiven"

2012-04-06T15:22:00.005-04:00

Today we have for you "Forgiven" by UK artist Karima Francis. I happened upon Francis' work when I stumbled upon the music blog Just Music That I Like. Not only did I find a blog I like but, I found an artist I hadn't been privy to and like as well, so thanks for that. The song can be heard at the bottom of the post via the handy little widget embedded down there.

Francis I've learned released released an album, The Author, in 2009 though it seems it can only be found as an import here in the US. You can however find the title track from the record on iTunes as a part of a compilation album. Anyway, according to her website, her new EP Wherever I Go is scheduled for release on May 14 though I'm not sure if that applies to those of us in the US as well.

I'm looking forward to hearing more from this lady. She definitely one of those "why on Earth am I just now hearing about her" artists that I've put on my recommend you check out list.

Forgiven by Karima Francis

"Wherever I Go"

New Video From Garbage

2012-04-06T14:34:00.003-04:00

Garbage premiered the video for their new single, "Blood For Poppies" earlier this week. The single is the first from the bands upcoming album Not Your Kind Of People. The album is scheduled for release on May 15 via the band's own Stunvolume record label.

Check out the video below.