theneener.net

NX35 2010: Facebookin’

The Neener — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:22:45 +0000

No, you don’t have to RSVP to Facebook events to get in to these official and unofficial NX35 shows (you may need a wristband though!) but some of us actually use Facebook to organize our schedules. Who knew Facebook could be so handy?

NOTE: If you know of any showcase with a Facebook event not listed here, create the event and lemme know!

Updated: March 9, 2010 7:01PM CST

Thursday

1PM-2:30PM, Banter
NX35: DFW, the Arts, and the Future: A Roundtable Discussion

2PM-6PM, Cool Beans
NX35 Day Party presented by The Schoolhouse and Annex House
Balance Party, Tiger, Tooth and Paw, Cartright, Allie Farris

5PM-6:30PM, Cool Beans
Allie Farris

4PM-6PM, Dan’s Silver Leaf
Music Makers Mixer Denton NX35

8PM-12AM, Dan’s Silver Leaf
KXT 91.7 NX35 Showcase
OK Sweetheart, Jacob Metcalf, RTB2, Carrie Rodriguez

8PM-12AM, Texas 8-Ball
Savage and the Big Beat, The Bizarro Kids, Burywood, Lazy Native

8PM-12:30AM, Circa 77 (BYOB!)
Andrew Tinker, Jessie Frye, Small Time Ruffians, Har Herrar / alternate event info

8PM-1AM, J & J’s
The Daily Beat, Cocky Americans, Parata, The Virgin Wolves

8PM-3AM, Boiler Room
Snarky Puppy, Zorch, Kaboom, Zlam Dunk, Orange Peel Sunshine

8:30PM-9:30PM, Rubber Gloves
Native Lights

9PM-12AM, The Hydrant
NX35 – AM Ramblers, Jenn Gooch, Daniel Folmer, the cut*off, Roy Robertson

9PM-1AM
NX35 Annex House Showcase
Fox and the Bird, Sabra Laval, The Beaten Sea, Delmore Pilcrow

9PM-2AM, Andy’s
NX35: Gutterth Showcase
History at Our Disposal, New Science Projects, Nervous Curtains, The Timeline Post, Drink to Victory

11:45PM-2AM, Boiler Room
Snarky Puppy CD/DVD Release Show

Friday

12PM-8PM, 1035 Oak Street
The Unofficial NX35 Day Show – Picnic
The Lackadaisies, GioSafari, The Orbans, Darcy, Bronze Whaler, The Gypsy Bravado, Holy Mountain, Constant Seas, Balance Problems

2PM-6PM, Cool Beans
NX35 Day Party presented by The Schoolhouse and Annex House
Eerie Apartment, Kristall Nacht, EPDAGR, Noonday Morningstar

4PM-6PM, Dan’s Silver Leaf
Drink and Think at NX35

8PM-11:55PM, Rubber Gloves
Indian Jewelry, Babar, White Drugs, Hotel, Hotel, Vexed UK

8PM-11:55PM, Texas 8 Ball
The Rocketboys, Here Holy Spain, Bridges and Blinking Lights, The Phuss

8PM-2AM, The Hydrant
The Angelus, Robot Arm, Museum Creatures, Icarus Himself, Handbrake

8PM-2AM, Banter
Frontier Ruckus, The Demigs, Summer of Glaciers, Lane and Paul

9PM-10PM, J & J’s
The Hope Trust

Saturday

12PM-3PM, Cool Beans
NX35 Day Party presented by The Schoolhouse and Annex House
The Vessel Fleet, Cassavettes, Leg Sweeper

12PM-3PM, A Creative Art Studio
Unofficial NX35 Day Show @ Creative Art
One Hundred Flowers, Clint Niosi, Lalagray, Early Birds, Wheeler Sparks

12PM-5PM, 1017 Alice St.
Unofficial NX35 Day Show with Frontier Ruckus
Frontier Ruckus, Baruch the Scribe, Robert Ellis, Western Giants, Burywood

9:40PM-12:40AM, Hailey’s
MATAS & The Black Angels

10PM-1AM, Boiler Room
Trebuchet, Oso Closo, 420 Blues

Sunday

12PM-6PM, Recycled Books and Music
Words and Music
Kelly Evans, Shannon Goleman, Cody Robinson, Ryan Cornelius, Aaron Leis, Lara Campbell, Katey Margolis, Angela Gigi Foster, Jen Gooch, Aaron Anderson, Jason Ashbaugh, Darci Ratliff, Ashley Cromeens, Michael Constantine McConnell, George Neal, Haj Ross, Chris Welch

12:05PM-6:05PM, 816 W. Sycamore St.
Unofficial NX35 Syc House Day Show
Icarus himself, Glen Farris, Br’er

2PM-6PM, Cool Beans
NX35 Day Party presented by The Schoolhouse and Annex House
Boom Box Society, Teamwork, Sydney Confirm, T0MMYL33J0NEZ

3PM-9PM, Little Guys Warehouse
Paperstain Records Day Show
Douche aka Last Men, Seth Sherman, Dust Congress, Shiny Around the Edges, Geistheistler, Drink to Victory, Kampfgrounds, Piccline, Kaboom

8PM-2AM, Boiler Room
Parade of Flesh at NX35 / alternate event info
Fishboy, Math the Band, The Shakes, The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, Giggle Party, Smile Smile

10PM-2AM, Jupiter House
Quiet Company, Strangers Family Band, Thunder Power, Drive Like Maria, The Diamond Center

Countdown to NX35 2010: 3 days ’til half of Denton almost passes out…

The Neener — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:02:04 +0000

…from exhaustion! I keep in touch with a few of the NX35 team that has put in so many hours into this music conferette, it should count as a second job. Except this one doesn’t pay. In money, that is. In a few days, however, their hard work along with a hundred other volunteers will finally pay off as thousands flock to the multiple venues in town to check out over two hundred bands. And those thousands of people will have no idea how many phone calls, late nights, last minute changes, dry erase board plans, meetings, buckets of paint, Red Bulls, and hours of sleep lost have gone into this festival, and I think that’s how the NX35 administration would want it. Because, mind you, this is not a corporate-run event. This is a love child of many music lovers in the area willing to put forth the energy and work required to make it happen. If you want to pay your respects to the volunteers, the best thing you can do is have fun. Or throw your own damn festival.

photo credit: sakphotography.wordpress.com

Jacob Metcalf

I started this countdown mentioning my friend Petra Kelly who was basically my gateway into the Denton music scene. At the time, she was mainly playing with Denton bands, Leatherwood and Spooky Folk, but now my favorite local violinist has started to head south to the big city. I can’t blame her though as she has joined the likes of Fox and the Bird and Early Birds (who played at DayBowBow’s Blogiversary and totally won me over). This post is both a thank you to Petra for giving me such a warm welcome to the beautiful music around me and a heads up that you should definitely check out all of the new projects she is in. And that includes Jacob Metcalf and his ever-growing, inclusive band.

The first time I saw Jacob Metcalf was by mistake. I was running late to The Local Edge Show at Trees because it was raining. And Texans don’t do well with rain on the highways. But I happened to make it there to see a string section – violins, cellos, and bass – along with other musicians dressed as if they were in a symphony. I learned later that Jacob Metcalf likes surprises. Of course, his performance at Trees was amazing especially after finding out the string section was put together within two weeks. Jacob’s not your regular indie folk guy. I caught him again at Dan’s in January as he and the band were covered in warpaint and feathers. You’d think the various costumes would be distracting but they aren’t. Not when he starts playing. He seems to find the most talented folk artists in the area to come play with him and he credits them to writing his songs alongside him. The songs are as much their songs as they are his. Watch this DC9 in Sibil video to catch a glimpse of a musician that will definitely capture more attention as the year rolls by.

DC9 Live at El Sibil: Jacob Metcalf from Dallas Observer on Vimeo.

By the by, Jacob Metcalf will be part of KXT’s showcase on Friday night at Dan’s Silver Leaf. This showcase should be one of the best so go out and support local music and the radio station that supports local music!

Notable tunes to preview online: The real gems are the videos of his most recent work online like this one. And this one. / Myspace / Facebook

Countdown to NX35 2010: 4 days ’til we’re shoutin’ from the rooftops.

The Neener — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:38:57 +0000

The awesomeness behind house venues The Schoolhouse and Annex House have teamed up to ensure NX35 is an all-day and all-night event. If you can’t make it to any of the NX35 daytime programming or would rather listen to music than discussions, head to the rooftop of Cool Beans for an afternoon of music. FOR FREE, Y’ALL! Over fifteen bands will keep you company as you wake up and prepare for even more music in the evening. Check my list of NX35 Facebook events for more info on what’s happening during the daylight hours this weekend.

photo credit: Ha Ha Tonka's myspace profile

Ha Ha Tonka

Texas 8 Ball will be a good place to be on Friday night if you want some good, solid rock n’ roll. I’ve already featured The Phuss and The Rocketboys, and I do believe Ha Ha Tonka will fit right in the showcase. Hailing from the Ozarks, they make a nod toward their heritage by naming themselves after a Missouri state park and with their grand Southern rock sound. It’s easy to draw a similarity to Kings of Leon as singer Brett Anderson has the same soulful voice but Ha Ha Tonka has been bringing their own rock far before KOL became mainstream. With both of their albums garnering the respect of several “best albums of the year” lists, they will definitely be a treat for anyone in the mood for some good ol’ rock with soul.

Notable tunes to preview online: “St. Nick on the Fourth in a Fervor”, “Close Every Valve to Your Bleeding Heart” / Myspace / Facebook

Countdown to NX35 2010: 5 days ’til you buy a brand new album.

The Neener — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:38:18 +0000

Unless you live in some kind of social networking closet, you have probably noticed several NX35 bands announcing their plans to release new albums at the music conferette. RTB2 will be releasing In People, a live album featuring last year’s NX35, Western Giants will be releasing their second EP, Long Live the Live Long Day, and my personal favorites, Spooky Folk, will be releasing their much anticipated debut album. Hopefully I’ve given you ample time to save up because these albums will be worth purchasing. No, seriously.

photo credit: GioSafari's Facebook profile

GioSafari

Speaking of NX35ers working hard, Gio Andollo will be making his way to NX35 from New York through his singer-songwriter moniker, GioSafari. A survivor of a motor vehicle / bicycle accident, Gio found life again through busking and sharing his stories and thoughts through song. You may not agree with his beliefs but you have to admire this folk artist doesn’t take the high road, having lived life as a homeless man, volunteering with AmeriCorps, and traveling throughout the world sharing his talents and life through his heart-revealing lyrics. And from the looks of his blog and sounds of his words, he’s got a big heart. Grab some pizza at J&J’s on Friday night and let’s show Gio that Denton’s got heart too.

GioSafari Live @ Tea Lounge NY from Roll®Blade A on Vimeo.

Notable tunes to preview online: “Homeless Thursday”, “The Silence and the Sound” / Myspace / Facebook

Countdown to NX35 2010: 6 days ’til I don’t have to play catch up so much!

The Neener — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:30:49 +0000

Technically, I am writing this on a Tuesday with NX35 ’round the bend. Um, like two days ’round the bend. Last weekend, I took a much welcomed mini-vacation to the exotic land of Keller, Texas where I proceeded to care about nothing except for my allergies. I think it’s springtime, y’all! Well, now it’s game time and I’m ready to plow through these updates, bring you all the news that’s fit to tweet at NX35, and get ready to do it again for SXSW. It’s a tough job and no one has to do it but dammit, it’s been fun.

photo credit: www.matthewbrush.com

Via Audio

If you’ve been keeping up with the countdown, you’ve probably seen me gush over the international acts that will be showcased at Dan’s on the final night of NX35. Because, come on, this is Denton, Texas and there’s really no reason for someone from Australia, Ireland, or Denmark should come visit. Our mall doesn’t even have a food court for crying out loud. But here we are, throwing our own music festival that has garnered all sorts of attention, respect, and critics. You know you’re doing something wrong if you don’t have critics. But I digress. What I haven’t mentioned about the Sunday night show at Dan’s is the fact that two national acts will be sharing the stage with our new friends overseas, Pattern is Movement and today’s featured band, Via Audio.

Having met while in college in Boston over five years ago, Via Audio brought their indie pop/rock outfit to New York where dreams come true. Well, at least theirs did. I mean, not many year-old bands are named one of Chris Walla’s “new favorite bands” and rarely does handing a demo over to Jim Eno from Spoon result in him producing your album. Singers Tom Deis and Jessica Martins complement each other as they share lead vocals over their smooth, authentic version of indie pop. Listen to where they’ve taken their sound with their newest album, Animalore, dropping March 9.

Check the video below for a performance of “Modern Day Saint” from their critically-acclaimed debut full-length album, Say Something.

Notable tunes to preview online: “Summer Stars”, “Babies” / Myspace / Facebook

Countdown to NX35 2010: ONE WEEK, ONE WEEK, ONE WEEK!

The Neener — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:48:15 +0000

Do you know what this means, folks? The light at the end of the flippin’ tunnel. The NX35 administration and volunteers will see the fruits of their labor, I will have to find something else to blog about and, of course, best of all, over 200 bands will play for people that love music. Short intro today, folks, so you can get back to preparing for next week’s awesomeness. And… go!

photo credit: www.billellison.com

RTB2

I don’t have many regrets in life. But having lived in Denton for about five months now without hitting up an RTB2 show? Inexcusable. The first time I heard of Ryan Thomas Becker, I was at a show at The Schoolhouse and a friend told me I shouldn’t miss his set. I was there but for some unknown reason, I missed it. And I’ve managed to do so for five freaking months. The same friend told me I should definitely go to an RTB2 show, and I haven’t. No good excuses for missing any of his many, many shows as he is in two other bands (Eaton Lake Tonics, The Slow Burners) in addition to his solo project and RTB2. His dedication to music far, far outweighs mine to say the least as he manages to juggle a day job along with all of his bands. Does he sleep?

It has been said that Ryan Thomas Becker is the “best guitarist in Denton.” That’s a mighty large claim to make but from the recordings I’ve heard, I will not argue with that declaration. Combined with Grady Don Sandlin on drums (another musician that someone recently told me was the best in town), RTB2 is definitely a bluesy-rock force to be reckoned with. Although I’ve managed to miss every RTB2 show, there was a good solid month where I played the DOMA XXI compilation disc in my car, giving extra play to “When Hammer Hits Stone.” No lie. And yesterday, the video for the song was unleashed. It accentuates the pure badassery of the song well. (And I’m not the first one to use the word “badassery” to describe this video.)

RTB2 – “When Hammer Hits Stone” Super 8mm from Andy LaViolette on Vimeo.

I swear one day I will experience this live. You can, too, if you start the festival off at Dan’s next Thursday night.

edit: Also, RTB2 is releasing a live album next week called In People which covers their set from last year’s NX35. Don’t say I didn’t warn you to bring some extra cash!

Notable tunes to preview online: “When Hammer Hits Stone”, “Wire to the Walls” / Myspace / Facebook

Countdown to NX35 2010: 8 days ’til you learn a thing or two.

The Neener — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:50:39 +0000

The daytime programming has now been announced and scheduled with full details listed on each day’s schedule on NX35.com. Of course, there is the much anticipated keynote speaker, Steve Albini, who will share his knowledge on Friday afternoon of the conferette. Other conversations will take place each day of the event, giving us a reason to wake up before noon (daytime programming begins on noon on most days) to learn a few things or two about the music industry. Most definitely a good idea for musicians who want to be a step ahead of the rest, journalists, music lovers, and anyone who is part of the Denton DIY music scene. Check it out but make sure you have a wristband for access first!

photo credit: www.manitouphoto.?com

The Phuss

In case you haven’t noticed, Cold Fusion is no longer a NX35 venue but not to worry, Texas 8 Ball has stepped up to the game as a replacement venue. As long as there is a place for The Rocketboys, Here Holy Spain, Bridges and Blinking Lights, and The Phuss, we will have a place to freakin’ rock on Friday night at the festival.

Based in the DFW (claiming home to both Dallas and Fort Worth), this rock duo is comprised of Joshua Fleming on guitar and vocals, and Trey Alfaro back at the drums. Set to make “dirty, Texas devil rock,” The Phuss does so in a very solid and big way, making you wonder how they manage to do so with just two band members. They released their debut EP, Wanted, last fall and took it upon themselves to use the album to create a story about an murderous outlaw. Tall order for a first release but The Phuss made it happen. It’s gritty and dirty and something you want to listen to before you go kick someone in the face. Er, I mean, when you want to get pumped up about something.

Here’s their recently released music video for “Preacher, Preacher.” Seriously, try not to destroy something while watching this. It’s so aggressively, wickedly good.

Notable tunes to preview online: “Preacher, Preacher”, “Wanted” / Myspace / Facebook

TROLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO

The Neener — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:09:40 +0000

Instead of writing today’s countdown post (don’t worry, I’ll postdate one tomorrow!) I bring you something that is neither here nor there. Just a break from all the madness that will occur this month. Enjoy.

http://trololololololololololo.com

Countdown to NX35 2010: 9 days ’til you wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care.

The Neener — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:13:11 +0000

In case you ever wondered, “conferette” is not a real word. It’s a term coined by the brains behind the music conferette who wanted the name of the festival to reflect its “antagonistic, off-festival” attitude. Denton Record-Chronicle published an article today about the origin of the word and the conferette which is in its third year if you count its first year as an afternoon fest at SXSW. Brush up on your NX35 knowledge and make sure you can go!

photo credit: www.benshawver.com

Damaged Good$

I don’t think there’s a showcase on the closing night of NX35 that I don’t want to hit up. You have your pick from rock shows, party shows and international acts but Andy’s is the place to be if you need to feel a thumping bass in your heart and a desire to jump and shake it ’til the festival ends. Damaged Good$ will help make sure you wake up Monday morning with your dancin’ muscles sore. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t listen to hip-hop or rap often but this hipster-hop duo keeps popping up on my local music radar. Quite recently, they released an album, $pread Love Not Germ$, for free on their site along with other free singles. And check out their statement:

$pread Love Not Germ$ is our first charity based project. We felt that this project was perfect considering the economic climate. Every month we released a single, coupled with a charity event to benefit certain organizations. We wanted this project to spark a movement of selfless actions in a world where everyone is driven by material things and are obsessed with money. We put this event together without spending/making a dime. So now you have absolutely NO EXCUSE to not do your part wherever you are on this planet. If you buy rims…then you can donate to the Haiti fund. If you are making it rain….then you can organize a food drive…..That simple.

If their selfless attitude and grooves aren’t enough to win you over, DC9 taped them last year as Coool Dundee supported Trak Bully while he got a tat… then they proceeded to perform “Dopest Flyest”. Pretty rad.

Notable tunes to preview online: “Saltshaker”, “Yo That’s Righteous Bassline” / Myspace / Facebook

Countdown to NX35 2010: 10 days ’til you preview a bit of SXSW.

The Neener — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:49:42 +0000

It’s no mistake that NX35 happens a week before SXSW. Nicknamed SXSW’s “baby cousin”, the music conferette offers a chance for musicians heading to Austin to warm-up and for music lovers to catch a little extra live music for the month. More bands than I can accurately count will debut albums and tunes, work out kinks and tricks, and give dedicated fans a chance to see their favorite bands at least twice in March. I know I’ll be making the trek down south the week after NX35 but most importantly, I’ll be wearing this wristband first. Get excited folks, it’s March!

photo credit: www.sunnyoldsoul.blogspot.com

Western Giants

Well, the sun has disappeared again on this March Monday morning, hidden beyond the rainclouds and wind. Among catching up with posts I missed this weekend, I decided to listen to a few tunes Western Giants so graciously gave to me. (Apparently, writing a music blog has its perks. Who knew? Obviously I didn’t!) I let them know that I may or may not include them in the countdown since I have almost finished planning the last two weeks of posts. But that was before I actually listened to them.

Western Giants brings a “southern charm” that has been an excellent soundtrack for this cloudy, slow start to the month. Quite a bit of Texas is present in this Denton-based folk/rock band that was initially a solo project started by Kennon Talley two years ago. Indecisive about many of life’s choices, Talley decided on doing something he knew he loved, music. He set out to record one song a week for seven weeks in hopes to record a full album. Whether or not he actually followed through with the idea is unknown to me but it did blossom into a full band that released a self-titled EP with five solid songs last year. Western Giants are set to release a new EP, Long Live the Live Long Day, at their showcase on the closing night of NX35 before heading off to play a few shows at SXSW. It’s going to be an exciting month for these guys so be sure to help them kick it off.

Notable tunes to preview online: “Heavy Skies (Bring Blind Eyes)”, “River Cry Bayou” / Myspace / Facebook