Now you’d never believe Tropic Culture was a band from North Carolina. You may say to yourself, “This is island music! This is colorful, exciting, danceable Latin music that can’t possibly have been inspired without innumerable palm trees present!” But, believe it. Tropic Culture brings, well, tropic culture to the mainland.

Tropic Culture’s members bring Puerto Rican, Mexican, Venezuelan and other backgrounds into the mix, which sheds  light on their sound. Also richly diverse is their instrumentation: plenty of Latin percussion and electric bass supports solid horn and string sections including multiple guitars. Energetic male and female vocals add the finishing touches on this colorful portrait.

The band refers to their own work as “feel good” music and easy to tell why. On top of the upbeat music, their lyrics boast social awareness and encourage positive thinking and action. Listen to “Freedom Fighters” or “Eliminate the Hate” and you’ll hear what we’re talking about.

Hit the tropics with the playlist below, and stop by Tropic Culture’s MySpace page for upcoming shows!

Lucky Men

A song that truly makes you stop and reevaluate all the blessings you have in life is most certainly Montgomery Gentry’s “Lucky Man”. Eddie and Troy admit to falling victim to self-pity when things get a little tough. Like, hating your job, your small town and even the weather. But, they snap themselves out of it and remind themselves of all the things they do have.  Good friends, family, health and love are things that make them thankful that they are “lucky men.” Check out the lyrics to truly appreciate this song and all the great things you may not remember that make you so lucky this Thanksgiving.

Just one thing Keith is thankful for

He may be singing it to his wife, Nicole Kidman, but Keith Urban came out with a song that anyone can be grateful for. If you’ve ever had someone there for you when “the light that used to guide (you), has faded from (your) heart” or when you “find (yourself) in places (you’d) never thought (you’d) go,” then Keith’s appropriately titled “Thank You” is a great addition to any Thanksgiving mix-list. Remembering to be gracious for the people who make life a little easier is something everyone should do this holiday. Life is rough sometimes, and no matter where you are, you’ll need someone to help you when you’re “surrounded by strangers…so far from home.”

Miss Medina's life is so good

The ultimate Turkey day music mix-up would be incomplete without a little slice of Jo Dee Messina and her track “Life is Good”. Whenever you start comparing your life to the Jones’ (like Jodee did) just remember, life isn’t about “climbing the ladder” because you’re “missing all the things that really matter.” Messina is grateful she’s got her “two feet on the ground. Breathin’ in and breathin’ out.” So make like Ms. Messina and “Grab onto today; live every minute in the way (you) know (you) should.” That truly is the best way to show how grateful you are this year.

So, this Thanksgiving, if you think you’re a Lucky Man, make sure to say Thank You, because hey, at the end of the day Life is Good!

Painted on Water is Turkey’s ultimate jazz/rock duo. This team mixes its cultural influences into its music and has a firm hand in all aspects of their sound. From vocals to production it seems as there is nothing members Sertab Erener and Demir Demirkan can’t do. Make sure to check them out!

And if you’d like to see some new spins on Turkish music, Kung Fu-Turkey is the band for you. Having won contests throughout The Republic, this band of four amazing musicians has the following, to match their musical chops. Kung Fu-Turkey is the epitome of an original cover-band.

India and B. Rhyan of Astronauts of Antiquity are kind of like Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan from When Harry Met Sally—emphasis on kind of. If Meg Ryan was a seductive lounge songstress and Billy Crystal a virtuosic guitarist, the analogy would be much more accurate. As the pillars of AoA, the pair initially crossed paths at an airport while India was rushing to make a flight. Three years later they coincidentally reconnected at one of India’s concerts in Milwaukee. Rhyan was so impressed with her stage presence and talent he couldn’t help but go behind stage and introduce himself. Their connection was strong enough to pry India from her then boyfriend and pit the two together as musical partners and lovers from there on out. Anyone who has heard their music will most likely suggest their reconnection wasn’t merely a coincidence after all.

India

AoA’s sound is nearly unclassifiable. While fans and critics alike dabble in the labeling game, the result is nothing but an alphabet soup of meaningless mash up genres (urban-electro-organica). Every now and then music comes along that simply cannot be pigeon holed into one genre, so why try? The fact of the matter is AoA produce a hip concoction of jazz, funk, electronic, soul, lounge and dub—five genres that magically compliment one another when formatted correctly— in turn providing an unforgettable live experience. This eclecticism stems from the member’s extensive musical knowledge along with the wisdom gained from performing and living all over the world.

The stirring “Supa Soul” begins with nothing more than hand percussion and hooky bass riff, but before the listener can get their bearings the track elevates to a diverse mix of panning guitars and electric organ, all of which support India’s soaring and suggestive vocals. The climax of the song hits with the powerful bridge exhibiting India’s vocal fortitude, a section that actually sounds more like a rock song with layered power chords than the funky dub vibe it begins with. Songs like this one prove AoA’s masterful chameleon-like ability to blend genres within songs, a spontaneous quality that assures their material remains fresh and unpredictable with every phrasing. Other songs like “Soup Du Jour” begin with a melting relaxation and maintain the same vibe throughout, even though the instrumentation and harmonies eventually increase.

Whether genre-altering or not, AoA’s infectious tunes continue to win over fans and rake in the local awards like “Best Band,” “Best Vocalist” and “Best Songwriters.” These die hard Do-It-Yourselfers are currently recording a new album and are looking to get back on tour as soon as possible. Show them some love before they’re nationally known!

Share and Enjoy:

]]> http://blog.ourstage.com/2009/11/21/omnivores-delight-8-astronauts-of-antiquity/feed/ 0 http://blog.ourstage.com/2009/11/21/omnivores-delight-8-astronauts-of-antiquity/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ejcentral/~3/_9M65qB2OPc/ http://blog.ourstage.com/2009/11/20/liner-notes-apple-trees-tangerines-orange/#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:00:19 +0000 Sam C. http://blog.ourstage.com/?p=22938

Jax and Seth Anderson are a brother and sister indie pop duo with a somewhat unusual songwriting process.  For most of the year, the siblings live in different states collaborating back and forth via e-mail to produce their music. Jax handles melody, lyrics and vocals while Seth takes care of the backing music. They’ve named their ongoing project, Apples Trees & Tangerines. For this week’s “Liner Notes” edition, we asked songstress Jax about their peculiar track  “Orange”. Despite the upbeat sound, the lyrics reveal a much different story as the underlying theme speaks to the effects of alcoholism on personal relationships.

The song “Orange” was written about a very personal event in mine and Seth’s life. Over the years, a person very close to us had come to develop a drinking problem. Every time either of us would see them they would be nearly incomprehensible with the way they carried themselves. It got to the point where we could hardly stand to be around them. They would consistently make a fool out of themselves while the company we kept sat watching thinking it was hilarious. I felt helpless in the situation because it was as if Seth and I were the only ones who noticed how bad it had really gotten. I guess, in a way, this song was our method of calling them out. The line “When you’re gone” is a reference to what our friend was most of the past few years; drunk.

Every Friday on the OurStage blog, I’ll be featuring a great example of flow and lyricism in hip hop songs pulled from the OurStage ranks. I’ll get the artist’s thoughts on the song, as well as post the lyrics or best verse so fans can follow the flow themselves.

Our “Friday Flow” this week comes courtesy of Underground Realroad (and Mr. Bits). Bricc and DJ Drex know what it is like to be down and out, and have some great perspective about climbing their way from the bottom. With an addiction to rhyming and a passion for music, Underground Realroad do it for the love of the game. Here’s what the guys had to say about “Maybe”:

The song is about making the best out of all the negative situation life puts you in, optimism basically. It’s also about our love of music. We don’t make money of our stuff but we still sit down at least 2 or 3 times a week to write cause we enjoy it and we’ll keep going whether we blow up or never make a penny. I would have to say our favourite line is “Depression is what excels my expression,” it really sums up our entire project.

Verse 1:
I feel like I ain’t got nothing to loose
No girl, no car, no cash no jewels,
But I wanna put my my mama in a house with a pool.
I wana put my brother and my sister through school.
Music I use as a tool to get through my nights when life is cruel.
Life is a b****, but I smack that chick like Ike would do.
Killing n***** like I got a license to.
With the mics I bruise
Hip-Hop, this hop is the life I choose.
And who’s gonna stop me? Nobody!
Trying to get doe but i ain’t in it for the money.
I’m a reach my goals, I’m in it from the soul, not for the gold,
Or the platinum, action cameras role,
From the concrete, I’m a grow that rose.

Verse 2:
No matter what I have it never seems to be enough,
Been doin’ dirt, the time came to clean it up.
Dreams are achieved, I got cream and live it up.
But it will be a life I said I wouldn’t give it up.
I died to bring back the lives that I’ve lost
And to know they live on I’d pay any cost.
‘Cause that’s a hole in my heart I can’t fill
Look it don’t work, it’s a pain I can’t kill.
But still, I get by. I won’t lie I, try to stay high.
Keep a smile on my face almost at all times,
Picture and perfect because it’s all lies.
This is the type of feeling that never hides
Deep down inside is where it resides,
I can’t escape the fate bestowed upon me,
Makin’ it the best I can, rest on me.

Verse 3:
I used to have it all, on top ’cause I rocked at ball.
But no premonition could have stopped that fall.
So maybe one day I will not be sad,
‘Til then my friend it’s my pen and my pad.
I never had a role model keep me on track,
Except for my big ’cause but he sold crack.
taught to be a man by my mom, not my dad,
So when he dies, I’m not gon’ cry.
I don’t talk about money ’cause, I never had.
I’m grinding 9 to 5 to get cash.
Depression is what excels my expression,
Stressing lines that entail my life lessons.
rhymes that I’m blessed with help me get through.
times is hard and I don’t know what to do.
All I need is my family, rap, and my homies,
So why the f*** am I so sad and lonely.

Local Boston band The Needy Visions opened the show. Astutely described by OurStage’s Sam C. as “Dr. Dog without the folk,” The Needy Visions play pop rock informed by the 1960s psychedelic and garage movements. Features two guitars, bass, keyboard, drums and ambitious five part vocals harmonies, the band managed to sound full without being overpowering. While their harmonies weren’t always spot on, the audience didn’t seem to mind: heads were nodding and toes were tapping all over Great Scott. The Needy Visions are definitely a band to watch.

Jake Orrall of JEFF The Brotherhood

Back in 2006, Jamin Orral left buzz band (and Thurston Moore favorite) Be Your Own Pet at what might have been the height of their popularity. One of the main reasons he gave for his departure was his desire to focus on JEFF The Brotherhood, his band with brother Jake Orral, also formerly of Be Your Own Pet. While some may have questioned his decision at the time, it’s clear now that Jamin knew exactly what he was doing. JEFF The Brotherhood delivers both live and on record. Somewhere between a punk and a rock place,  they play straightforward rock music with a punk attitude and a touch of psychedelic guitar experimentation.  Whatever you want call their music, it is fast and it is loud. Drummer Jamin was pounding away so hard on his kit that he knocked over his floor tom. He quickly assessed the situation and righted his drum without missing a beat. The band is currently touring behind their October 2009 album Heavy Days, released on their own label Infinity Cat.

Naoko reaches into the crowd during 'Giant Kitty'

Shonen Knife walked out on stage in matching tunic and pants ensembles to an almost full house and a barrage of applause. Together as a band for over 20 years, their audience runs the gamut from college students in their late teens and early 20s to aging ponytailed rockers in their 40s. After giving a shout-out to Allston, MA, the band got right down to business by kicking off the show with a blistering version of their usual opener “Konichiwa,” urging the audience to “Have a good time tonight,” and asking “Are you ready to rock?”

One person who was more than ready to rock was bassist Ritsuko Taneda. While Ritsuko  joined the band as a support bassist in 2007 when founding member Atsuko Yamano retired, this was her first tour as an official member of Shonen Knife. Her bass sound—reminiscent of early Green Day—and her unbridled enthusiasm, manifested itself in spontaneous headbanging and jumping up and down which made for a great performance.

Ritsuko and Naoko show Allston how to rock

Shonen Knife adeptly mixed material from their new album Supergroup, released on Good Charamel records, in with older material like “Bear Up Bison,” “I Like Choco Bars,” and “Devil House.” The band seemed genuinely surprised to hear audience members shouting for their favorite songs, telling the crowd that they didn’t think so many people were familiar with their material. One crowd pleaser from Supergroup that seems destined to become a fan favorite is “BBQ Party.” Guitarist Naoko Yamano joked about this latest addition to Shonen Knife’s large catalog of songs about food: “We like to eat,” she told the audience, “In America, barbecue is so delicious, so we wrote a song about it.” The pogo-inducing chorus of ‘Pig Out! Pig Out! Pig Out” was one of the show’s highlights.

Their new album also sees Shonen Knife experimenting with heavier styles of music. Naoko explained that Supergroup track “Muddy Bubbles Hell” is her attempt at writing a heavy metal song. Her admission that she was inspired after listening to 70s British rockers like Judas Priest & Black Sabbath drew cheers and “devil horns” hand gestures from the crowd.

'Pyramid Power' with Ritsuko, Atsuko and Naoko

For the encore, the Allston crowd got a special treat: The band invited former bassist/drummer and founding member Atsuko Yamano, who happened to be in attendance, up on stage. To the delight of the audience, Atsuko and the band performed  “Fruits & Vegetables” from their 1997 record Brand New Knife. After Atsuko left the stage, the current members of Shonen Knife closed out the show with one of their most popular songs, “Twist Barbie.”

Shonen Knife will be heading back to Japan for their SPACE bootleg Xmas TOUR 2009 this December.

Talk to the Mano: Domino Saints

If Domino Saints prove anything, it’s that a lot of sound can come from just a few people. The duo, comprised of singer Giselle Ojeda and percussionist David Leal, infuse their dance music with contemporary trends and vintage textures that span several cultures. Nothing is off limits in this melting pot. Expect anything from time-honored Latin traditions like bomba and plena to island music like reggae and dancehall, old school funk and soul and new school reggaeton.

Domino Saints’ Puerto Rican heritage is never more apparent than in their single, “Buenos Dias San Juan,” which won a Billboard World Songwriting Contest award and was featured as an iTunes single of the week. The song opens with guitars that nod to Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” and a burping horn section that leads into a raw bomba groove. Sung in Spanish, the lyrics may be obscured to Gringos, but the message comes through loud and clear—standing still is not an option. On the subversive, darker funk track “Machiavelic,” Ojeda sings, “I’ve got a plan to take over the world / I’m gonna do it with music.” Let’s hope Domino Saints follow though on the threat.

In Head-to-Head judging you compare two songs side by side then gauge which song you like more.

Head to Head Judging Mode

To change Head-to Head judging  to Sort 4, all you have to do is click on the Sort 4 button in the Judging Influence box. In Sort 4 judging you listen to four songs then rank them in the order you like them. With this option it helps to hover over the media player and keep track of the songs you like or dislike by thumbing them.

Sort 4 Judging Mode

Of course you still need to earn the title of best predictor to win most grand prizes for judging, such as Cakewalk’s mobile studio package. So don’t forget to judge insightfully! To be eligible, you have to judge at least 25 Sort 4 battles or 100 Head-to-Head battles. And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for; this week’s Judging Power Hours!

1. Thursday, November 19th, 8PM – 9PM (US EST):

Cakewalk “Your Music Anytime, Anyplace”: Urban

2. Monday, November 23rd, 9PM – 10 PM (US EST):

Cakewalk “Your Music Anytime, Anyplace”: Rock

Hey Rock and Urban artists! The deadline for entering your songs into Converse’s Get Out of the Garage contest is coming up. Don’t miss your chance to open for Flying Machines at The Levi’s/FADER Fort in Austin this March! That’s right, two high ranking acts from the Rock and Urban “Get Out of the Garage” Contest Channels are going to be selected to open one of the hottest industry showcases of the year! And as if a career-changing gig wasn’t enough, the two grand prize winners will also receive a $1000 gift card from Guitar Center along with $1000 in cash from OurStage. Enter before November 22nd and get your fans to judge the “Get Out of the Garage” Contest Channels.

Don’t forget to judge often! Journeys is still doing daily giveaways of $10 gift certificates to lucky judges picked at random. The judge who’s named best predictor of the final rankings will be eligible to win a trip for two to Austin to see the show at The Levi’s/FADER Fort for themselves!

Here’s what’s popular with the fans on OurStage in the “Get Out of the Garage” competition right now. Agree? Disagree? You have the power to let your voice be heard! Keep judging the channels through the rest of November for your chance to win big too.