Artist/Band Spotlight #19: GANGI!

Friends -

Gangi came into my life as I impatiently waited for Casteldoor to start their set at The Scene in Glendale. All L.A. concert goers know that bands never start on time, but this night things were running over an hour late. I was in luck though because I walked in just as this great band was about to play. Their music was intoxicating; I started dancing as if my body had been taken over by a goddess of higher enlightenment and my life's vision was starting to get hazy. There was more sound (and heart) coming out of these two guys than I had heard out of any sized band in a long time. That's it, I was addicted to the Gangi drug.

Official Gangi MySpace
Official Gangi Facebook


MEET THE BAND:
Matt Gangi - word processor (Lead vocals, guitar, synth, beat machine, percussion, foot stomping, clapping, etc.)
Lyle Nesse - translation machine (Back-up vocals, percussion, samples, beats, noises, etc.)
& Others


WHO ARE GANGI?
Let's start this off right, the band's name is Gangi: sounds like GAN-jee. According to Wikipedia "Gangi is a city in the Himalan region of India. The Indian name, Gangi, is another name for the revered Hindu goddess Durga." But that has nothing to do with what we are discussing here. Now, back to the music...

Gangi is fundamentally pop rock, but not in the "I love you" kind of way that the Jonas Brothers are pop. These guys are talented musicians and are masters at creating sound, They use all sorts of samples, beats, sound clips, styles, themes, and experimentation to compose their songs. I believe that lyrics are of the utmost importance in modern music, but Gangi's music is so good, I don't even think about the fact that I have no idea what they are talking about. I don't doubt Matt is exploring the damnation of human kind or the need for a change in worldly thought, but I couldn't confirm it.

I think there is a similarity between Gangi and The Black Keys. Not that these bands sound anything alike, but their fundamental foundation is the same. Each band relies on two men to deliver the words, sounds, emotions, and urgency that their songs exude. They both oversimplify bigger issues and include seemingly nonsense to draw people in and make them think for themselves. Now there is no denying the differences between these artists, The Black Keys stay true to their solid rock sound and Gangi plays around with psychedelic late-60s pop and retro-rock.

Gangi played the CMJ festival in 2007; was featured on the cover of September's L.A. Record; and is currently on the Large Hadron Collider Tour, crossing America with Rainbow Arabia, Hecuba, and others. Gangi records under the indie label Office of Analogue and Digital.


LISTEN UP!

Gangi, "A" Full LP - $10, purchase online through iTunes or Myspace, or in-person at a show


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Waiting on the Line" Video/Performance


"Animals" Video



WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE GANGI, TOO:
***Go see them live, you won't be able to stop dancing!
***The band is always playing live shows, so your need for Gangi won't go unfulfilled for long.
***Gangi is a perfect example of great music that you may never hear on the radio. Stop listening to formulated music and start exploring the sound of musicians who speak their mind.


UPCOMING SHOWS:
Oct 21 2008 @ 8:00P
CMJ Manimal Vinyl Showcase at CAKESHOP New York City, New York
Oct 23 2008 @ 8:00P
The Windup Space w/ Rainbow Arabia, Hecuba, and Red Headed Temper Baltimore, Maryland
Oct 24 2008 @ 8:00P
Inciting HQ w/ Rainbow Arabia and Hecuba Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 26 2008 @ 8:00P
The Triple w/ Rainbow Arabia Richmond, Virginia
Oct 28 2008 @ 8:00P
The Drunken Unicorn w/ Rainbow Arabia Atlanta, Georgia
Oct 30 2008 @ 8:00P
The Mink Backroom w/ Wicked Poseur and Rainbow Arabia Houston, Texas
Oct 31 2008 @ 8:00P
Rancho Relaxo w/ Rainbow Arabia Austin, Texas
Nov 2 2008 @ 8:00P
The Process w/ Rainbow Arabia Santa Fe, New Mexico
Nov 3 2008 @ 8:00P
TBA w/ Rainbow Arabia Phoenix, Arizona
Don't worry L.A.ers, Gangi will come back home very soon!


Thanks!
Julia

PS - Are we friends on MySpace yet? Come on, let be friends!

Artist/Band Spotlight #18: RIC VEDA

Hello again old friends -

Sorry for the lag in reviews, but I have been a busy little bee! I am proud to announce that I just started a brand new job working as the US marketing director for EMI Music Publishing's legendary KPM library. It is a bit of a change working with instrumental music, but I am sure that the change of working with commercial musicians to composers will be a smooth one. I love music and feel so fortunate to be able to help promote great musicians across many genres.

Getting back on track, I am very excited to present you an outstanding band that is anything but the pop-infused rock that I have focused on recently. Ric Veda is a collaboration of exceptional musicians who combine Indian hymns with a very modern approach to percussion and vocals. They use trance to draw you in to their world where they speak of love and understanding in a way that skips past your head and goes right to your heart.

Ric Veda MySpace Page
Ric Veda Official Site
CDFuse.com/RicVeda
SoundClick.com/RicVeda




(View all 17 pics from this gig at the Unknown Theatre HERE!)

MEET THE BAND:
Ric Veda: Vocals, Harmonium, 12-string Guitar, Ektar
Nishtan Motyka: 7-string Violin, Vocals
j stare: Drums, Hand Drums, Percussion (also from the band The Submarines)
Jason Paul Bennett: Bass, Percussion
...with many guest appearances


WHO IS/ARE RIC VEDA?
Ric Veda is Indian-inspired folk-rock music, brought into the present day by men who thrive on expression and believe in love. The choice of an Indian sound is not a pretentious fad, but rooted in the member's backgrounds: Ric Veda's mother was a healer and a promoter of new age meditation, and Nishtan Motyka received his name while living in an ashram.

Ric Veda started his musical experience in a dark place. Life was not being kind, and beyond the day-to-day struggle he was loosing faith in faith. He felt "spiritually fucked," resulting in music that was dark, depressing, and angry. He delved deep into Indian spirituality, meditation, and chanting. It took time, but the music changed from a vehicle of hate to a communication of connection. The new songs have not forgotten the hurt, but have moved on to embrace a better understanding of the world's gifts.

"Ric Veda's songs are a reflection of all come to pass; from the spiritual Indian devotional bhajans and the authenticity of traditional folk songs, to the honest punk attitude and acoustic breakbeats. Ric Veda combines these genres and more to create a place in music that could only exist with the love of all music (past, present and future) and all spiritual teachings (past, present and future) now available to all of us. " - Ric Veda's MySpace


LISTEN UP!
"Ric Veda Loves You"

Purchase in-store at Amoeba Records; or digitally on iTunes, digstation.com/ricveda, and cdbaby.com/ricveda
An EP is schedule to be released in the near future; check MySpace for updates.


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Love is All I Know" on Westside Sessions



"Savasana" Official Video:


"Now" LIVE version with harmonium:


"When It Goes" LIVE version with ektar:



WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE RIC VEDA, TOO:
***
***The beats are simple and straightforward, the harmonium is hauntingly welcoming, and the lyrics force you to think about who you are.
***The name 'Ric Veda' stems from the Rigveda, an ancient Indian sacred collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns dedicated to the gods.


UPCOMING SHOWS:
Ric Veda has held many residencies including a Summer-long Monday gig at Cafe Mariposa and is currently holding a residency at The Unknown theater in Hollywood every third Saturday of each month.
September 30: Bordello - Los Angeles
November 15: The Unknown Theater - Hollywood, $5, 21+, Free Beer all night
December 20: The Unknown Theater - Hollywood, $5, 21+, Free Beer all night

Thanks!
Julia

Are we friends on MySpace yet? If not, Click Here!

Artist/Band Spotlight #17: THE ROYALTY

Friends -

I wish every time I went out to see a band they rocked, but that only happens about 36.15% of the time. The Royalty was definitely in that percentage and really lit up the Knitting Factory when I saw them a week ago. Actually, there was an incredible line up at the Dramaturgy show that night: Jake Incao Band, The Active Set, The Royalty, ((SOUNDER)), and The Young Whiskey. Thinking back, I believe the only bad thing about the whole night was the sound...but really, what can be expected from the AlterKnit Lounge??


The Royalty Official MySpace Page
The Royalty on Pure Volume



MEET THE BAND:
Nicole: Vocals
Jesus: Guitar
Val: Guitar
Will: Bass
Dan: Piano/Organ
Joel: Drums


WHO ARE THE ROYALTY?
The Royalty are friends from El Paso, Texas...where you see America on one side of the highway and Mexico on the other. The first thing that caught my eye was how they instantly converted a bare stage turned into a dance party, without hesitation. It was almost like a light switch: readyyyyy....ON!

I hear a lot of Paramore in The Royalty, minus the crazed aggression. Their songs are catchy and addictive. On the other hand, I heard this band described as a "female-fronted Alkaline Trio." Either way, they are 100% KROQ-friendly and could easily snag up fans across the country. They are hot!

The media already loves these kids:
"A band with a knack for melody and wall-of-sound instrumentation, has been a hit with the scene kids since they debuted more than two years ago...Expect good things from this band very soon." - Ryan B. Martinez, What's Up Magazine

"The female singer is quite popular, and adorable to boot. Her voice is raw, and the melody is absolutely bitchin'. The sound reminds me of milkshakes and bobby socks, all while rocking my bobby socks off. The crowd is really into them. This is obviously supposed to be the showcase band for the evening." -Kristi Harben, Verve Magazine

"In September 2008, the band will record its first full-length album, shoot it's second music video and tour the following winter." - The Royalty's MySpace page


LISTEN UP!

The Royalty EP (2008)
Available on iTunes and Amazon


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Chinese Fire Drill" Official Music Video


The Royalty LIVE! on Jam Session, El Paso TV



WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE THE ROYALTY, TOO:
***One word: ENERGY!
***Every modest, hard-working band deserves at least one listen. Let them convert you.
***For Christ's sake, Jesus is in this band!


UPCOMING SHOWS:
The group just finished a California tour that included gigs everywhere from San Francisco to San Diego. Maybe California, and other luck states, will see them in the cold months after their finish up their debut full-length album.
Sep 3 2008 12:00P Wednesday Music Cafe @ UTEP UNION El Paso, Texas
Sep 5 2008 8:00P MINERPALOOZA '08 El Paso, Texas


Thanks!
Julia

Are we friends on MySpace yet? Let's be!!

Artist/Band Spotlight #16: ACE ENDERS...and a Million Other People

Friends -

I am new to the indie scene, but if you are not, you probably know Jersey's-own The Early November (TEN), an essential band in the indie scene a few years back. Ace Enders fronted that band until they split up early Summer 2007. Now he is running his own show, kickin' ass, and takin' names!

Ace Enders' MySpace Page
AceEnders.com



MEET THE MAN:
Arthur "Ace" Enders - Vocals/Guitar/Vox
...and a million other people


WHO IS ACE ENDERS?
The man known as "Ace," Arthur Enders, grew up in Hammonton, New Jersey and started creating music at a young age. He was well beyond his years when he put together The Early November in 1999; he was 17-years-old. TEN quickly exploded onto the indie-rock scene and in 2002 independent label Drive-Thru Records snagged up the young, hot band. The guys had their fun for several years, but after they finished up a tour with The Rocket Summer and Mêlée in March 2007, they posted a note on their web site declaring the band on "infinite hiatus."

As cliché as it is, the biggest problem for TEN was creative differences. Ace took his creative mojo and quickly started a solo project after the split. He began writing and recording I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business, an acoustic rock album on which he wrote every word and played almost every note.

These days, Ace is playing for thousands of people who don't know his name, as well as thousands who have grown with him. He was eager to release a sophomore solo album, always with the intention of making it available to download for free; that is The Secret Wars.

Ace Enders records on Indie label Drive-Thru Records. He just finished up a tour with Angels and Airwaves and is currently on tour with Cute is What We Aim For, Powerspace, and Danger Radio.


LISTEN UP!
Solo Recordings:
When I Hit the Ground (to be released 9/2008)
The Secret Wars (2008)
***Download the album for FREE HERE!!!
I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business (2004)

TEN Recordings:
For All of This [EP] (2002)
The Room Is Too Cold (2003)
The Mother the Mechanic the Path [3-CD Set] (2006)


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Body Like Mind" - LIVE! 6/18 - Allentown, PA



WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE ACE ENDERS, TOO:
***It is easy to pigeonhole Ace into the "Warped Tour" sound, but he does what he does very well. His songs are well-written, the lyrics are very catchy, and his voice is passionate.
***It is clear when you see Ace perform that he is no rookie. He works the crowd, understands the importance of getting fans involved, and is humble enough to promote himself as if no one has ever heard of him.
***All in all, his music is fun!


UPCOMING SHOWS:
Aug 4 2008 7:00P Club Sound w/Cute Is What We Aim For Salt Lake City, Utah
Aug 5 2008 7:00P The Marquis Theatre w/Cute Is What We Aim For Denver, Colorado
Aug 6 2008 7:00P Beaumont Club w/Cute Is What We Aim For Kansas City, Missouri
Aug 7 2008 6:00P The Loft Madison, Wisconsin
Aug 8 2008 5:30P Station 4 w/Cute Is What We Aim For St. Paul, Minnesota
Aug 9 2008 7:00P The Eagles Club w/ Cute is What We Aim For Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Aug 10 2008 6:00P Metro w/Cute Is What We Aim For Chicago, Illinois
Aug 12 2008 7:00P Creepy Crawl w/Cute Is What We Aim For Saint Louis, Missouri
Aug 13 2008 7:00P Madison Theatre w/Cute Is What We Aim For Covington, Kentucky
Aug 14 2008 7:00P Frankies Toledo, Ohio
Aug 15 2008 7:00P Grog Shop w/Cute Is What We Aim For Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Aug 16 2008 7:00P Magic Stick w/Cute Is What We Aim For Detroit, Michigan
Aug 17 2008 7:00P The Basement w/Cute Is What We Aim For Columbus, Ohio


Thanks!
Julia

PS - Are we friends on MySpace? We should be! Let's be Friends!

Artist/Band Spotlight #15: MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND

Friends -

Sometimes, on very special occasions, you get a whole lot more than you paid for. I was out with a few friends on a Tuesday night and we decided to stop by the Hotel Cafe, knowing that they never book bad music. Our stars must have been inline that night, because we walked into My Brightest Diamond playing their sophomore album A Thousand Shark's Teeth. I was so blown away, I e-mailed everyone I could think of while I was still standing in the crowd.

MBD Official MySpace Page
MyBrightestDiamond.com


..

MEET THE (WOMEN BEHIND THE) BAND:
Shara Worden: Vocals, lyricist, many instruments
A variety of other musicians, depending on show or album


WHO IS MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND?
My Brightest Diamond is the project of an incredible woman named Shara Worden; she is the captain of this musical ship. Shara is based out of Brooklyn, New York, but has lived in many corners of the United States. "Picking up an opera degree at the University of North Texas, Shara immersed herself in the songs of Purcell and Debussy. After college, she moved to New York City to simultaneously continue her opera studies and pursue her songwriting ambitions, releasing two albums with her band Awry." - asthmatickitty.com

After Awry, Shara ventured out on her own and started My Brightest Diamond. Although the music and lyrics are always the same, much changes about MBD; no one can predict the number of musicians on stage, the instruments used, and Shara's costume for the night. There is theatre and storytelling in each vowel. She reminds me a lot of a stronger, louder Tori Amos or a female Damien Rice.

One of my favorite songs played at the Hotel Cafe was "Apples." This song felt like it was sung as a memoir of a carnival side show act before his life came to this. This person is remembering the summers with his Grandfather spent in an apple orchard and the innocence of a simpler time.

All of MBD's recorded music has been released on independent Asthmatic Kitty Records.


LISTEN UP!
A Thousand Shark's Teeth (June 17, 2008)
***Stream A Thousand Shark's Teeth here!
Tear It Down [Remixes] (March 6, 2007)
Bring Me The Workhorse (August 2006)


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Golden Star" LIVE!


"Dragonfly" Official Video



WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND, TOO:
***You have never heard or experienced as much musical force as from this five-foot powerhouse!
***Much like the songs on Missy Higgins's "Sound of White" album, MBD's songs tell emotional and intense stories that make your imagination run wild.
***Music + charity + merchandise = a perfect combination. Shara created a t-shirt for the Yellow Bird Project, an organization that gets musicians to sell tees and donate the profit to charity. Check out here design here!


UPCOMING SHOWS:
Aug 8 2008 4:00P Haldern Festival, Rees


Thanks!
Julia

PS - Are we friends on MySpace yet? No? Click HERE!

Artist/Band Spotlight #14: "I heard these guys are good..."

Friends -

This week I thought I would switch things up a bit and list off some of the great bands that have come to my attention recently. I haven't seen any of these bands perform live yet, so I can't justify a full review, but I want to get the music out there so we can start to love them together.

As always, if there is a great band below the radar that you are passionate about, please let me know!


LUDO (St. Louis, Missouri)

Ludo's Official MySpace Page
LudoRock.com
"Love Me Dead" official video


I was driving through Hollywood listening to Love Line on KROQ and heard Ludo's single "Love Me Dead." I fell in love with the song the same way I couldn't stop listening to Cute Is What We Aim For's "Curse of Curves." This is a 100% pure fun pop-rock band like Panic at the Disco and Bowling for Soup. Ludo has been a band for eights years now, but they are just picking up speed. The guys are on Warped Tour all Summer, so no matter where you call home, you can probably catch these guys sometime soon. Their latest album, "You're Awful, I Love You" was released on Island Def Jam Records.


BRYAN SCARY AND THE SHREDDING TEARS (Brooklyn, NY)

Bryan Scary's Official MySpace Page
BryanScary.com
"Purple Rocket" LIVE! at the "Flight of the Knife" CD release party, Halloween 2006


Bryan Scary is many things, and many sounds, at one. His music can be described as "semi-psychedelic art pop," which I think fits well because I know Andy Warhol would have been a fan. The band's biggest influences are the Beatles, the Kinks, Queen, and XTC; all of which blend beautifully in each song. I also hear a lot of Silverchair's latest sound in BSATST's latest album "Flight of the Knife," available on indie label Black and Greene Records. I can't think of many other modern bands that groove like this one, but if you are into theatrical pop-rock (The Matches) and idolize Freddie Mercury, you are sure to love Bryan Scary!


THE FORMAT (Phoenix, AZ)

The Format's Official MySpace Page
TheFormat.com
"Dog Problems" official video


The Format, from Peoria, AZ, started as a two-man band with vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means, but has grown into a full band over the last half-decade. I love that this band has a very mellow, indie rock feel with lyrics that catch your attention as they float by. The songs are melodically simple but deep in their comprehension and analysis of modern relationships. Some of The Format's Top Friends on MySpace are Steel Train and The Honorary Title. These guys have struggled with Elektra/Atlantic Records and finding their way, but they kept on and eventually took back the reigns; the band's latest album "Dog Problems" was released July 2006 on their own Vanity Label.



Great Shows This Week in L.A.
July 7: Under the Influence of Giants (Monday residency) w/ Bridges and Mico Stai @ Spaceland, Silver Lake (FREE)
July 7: Princeton (Monday residency), Dirty Mittens, Le Switch, and Young Animals @ Silver Lake Lounge, Silver Lake (FREE)
July 8 - Gene Simmons is signing his new book, "Ladies of the Night: A Historical and Personal Perspective of the Oldest Profession in the World" @ Borders, 1360 Westwood Blvd., Westwood (7:00P p.m., FREE)
July 9: Natasha Bedingfield w/ The Veronicas and Kate Voegele @ House of Blues, Sunset Strip
July 10: Tilly and the Wall w/ Castledoor @ the EchoPlex (below the Echo), Echo Park
July 10: Glare Of Rockets, The Holy Rolling Empire, The Monthlies, The Forward, and The Young Whiskey @ The AlterKnit (Knitting Factory), Hollywood
July 11: Flobots @ House of Blues, Anaheim
July 12: OneRepublic @ Pacific Ampitheatre, Costa Mesa
July 12: The Who w/ Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and The Flaming Lips @ The Hollywood Bowl
July 13: Live w/ Collective Soul and Blues Traveler @ Greek Theatre


Thanks!
Julia

PS - Check out all of my Monday reviews and be my friend on my MySpace page!!!

The Weather Underground "Bird in the Hand" EP Review - L.A. Record, June 2008

I am very proud to display my first published review in this month's L.A. Record!

The Weather Underground's EP "A Bird in the Hand"



This third EP for the Weather Underground is a collection of short stories, each told by a different character. First: “Fight Song for the Desalojos,” a mariachi-esque song born from a recent trip to Guatemala that sounds like a great street festival and uses about every type of percussion and wind instrument to propel the party. The EP was written around the second track, “Trainwreck,” a strong, straight-forward rock anthem that pleads passion to the masses, with a feel like the Shys “Call in the Calvary” or many of the Walkmen’s up-tempo songs. The title track is a slower, more reflective piece that tells a personal story of learning to move on when your life is turned upside down, and the record closes with a somber, more gospel-inspired “All Ye People.” The band evidently believes that things happen in threes, so Bird in the Hand is the third and final EP for a while, though they are looking toward to releasing a full-length album late this year. There’s obvious inspiration here from artists such as Spoon, Delta Spirit, Tom Waits, Otis Redding and any old soul music they can get their hands on, and the spirits of each float comfortably throughout this record. — Julia Swanwick



View it online: official L.A. Record web site.
The Weather Underground's Official MySpace Page

Artist/Band Spotlight #13: TREVOR HALL

Friends -

I have been waiting to share this great artist because although I fell in love with his music and his message almost a year ago, but I had never seen him live. If you are not aware, I will not promote any artist until I think they sound great on MySpace and live.

This week, the spotlight shines its peaceful, worldly, loving, Whole-Foods-kind-of-light on
TREVOR HALL!

Official MySpace Page
Official Site



MEET THE MAN:
Trevor Hall: vocals, guitar


WHO IS TREVOR HALL?
Trevor Hall was born in beautiful Hilton Head, South Carolina. Trevor has been writing and performing music since he was 14-years-old and left South Carolina for Southern California initially to study at the Idyllwild School for the Performing Arts. "Being at Idyllwild opened me up to new cultures, new sounds and new possibilities." He became fascinated with Indian culture, and the result of his pilgrimage to India can be heard in his more recent music.

The music Trevor creates is a rich mixture of reggae, rock, folk, and hip-hop. He channels the likes of Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Ziggy Marley, and Matisyahu. I think the best part of Trevor's music is that it has a message about society and how we can all try to be better people, unbiased to a specific religion or philosophy. It isn't just a variation of "I smoke two blunts before I smoke two blunts."

"Hall has toured extensively with Steel Pulse, Rusted Root, Keb Mo, Ziggy Marley, Stevie Nicks, Matisyahu and Colbie Caillat to name a few and has also opened for Jason Mraz, Donavon Frankenreiter and Ben Harper." - myspace.com/trevorhall

Trevor just finished up touring with Colbie Caillat and is heading out tomorrow to play a few shows with Matisyahu. He is currently signed with White Balloon/Geffen Records.

Ok, I have to admit, there is one thing that I can't get over... Where does the Jamaican accent come from!?!? To my knowledge, Trevor is a good ol' boy from the not-so-dirty South. It just doesn't make sense. But it is endearing.


LISTEN UP!
Lace Up Your Shoes (2004)
Portraits of Imagination (2005)
Trevor Hall Live (2005)
The Rascals Have Returned EP (2006)
*"Other Ways" was featured in Shrek the Third
*Trevor sings "Life is a Carnival" on the CD "Endless Highway," a tribute to The Band
*Trevor swears he is finishing up a new full-length album


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Other Ways" LIVE!


Interview with Trevor


This is the cutest kid, playing along to "Lime Tree"



WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE TREVOR HALL, TOO:
***At 20-years-old, did you have four albums and extensive world travels under your belt? Trevor does.
***His new song "Lady Love" is breath-taking! This is the song that made me think, "Wow! This is no one trick pony."
***He has a beautiful, genuine smile when he performs; it is contagious!


UPCOMING SHOWS:
Jun 24 2008 7:30P Crossroads KC w/ Matisyahu Kansas City, Missouri
Jun 25 2008 8:30P The Pageant w/ Matisyahu St. Louis, Missouri
Jun 26 2008 9:30P Champ's Pub & Grill Joplin, Missouri
Jun 27 2008 6:30P Simon Estes Ampitheater w/ The Wailers Des Moines, Iowa
Jun 28 2008 8:30P Bluebird w/ The Wailers Bloomington, Indiana
Jun 29 2008 9:00P Schubas Chicago, Illinois
Jul 1 2008 6:30P Lifestyles Comm. Pavilion w/ Matisyahu & The Wailers Columbus, Ohio
Jul 15 2008 7:45P Hotel Cafe Los Angeles, California
Sep 27 2008 8:00P Estes Park Center - Yoga Journal Conference Estes Park, Colorado

If you are in the LA area, I hope to see you at Hotel Cafe on July 15...no excuses!!


Thanks!
Julia

PS - Check out my reviews first on MySpace! Let's be friends! :-)

Artist/Band Spotlight #12: AMERICAN BANG

Friends -

Have you ever had an identity crisis? Not sure what you should do with your life? Not sure if you should change your name? Well, if so, you can relate to

AMERICAN BANG!

Official MySpace Page
Official Web Site



MEET THE BAND:
Jaren Johnston - Vocals, Guitars
Neil Mason - Drums
Kelby Ray - Bass
Ben Brown - Guitars


WHO ARE AMERICAN BANG?
All born and bred in Nashville, TN, the band came together after their other projects didn't work out: Jaren was the drummer of The Kicks, while Neil and Ben were in Llama. In 2005, the friends got together and were ready to make a name for themselves as Bang Bang Bang...

The guys started "playing Nashville rock clubs as Bang Bang Bang, and were packing 300-capacity venues within months of their debut. By the end of 2005, Bang Bang Bang had self-released their debut album, I Shot the King, and within a year they were sharing stages with acts as diverse as O.A.R., Shooter Jennings, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 2006, Bang Bang Bang signed a recording deal with Warner Bros Records... The group learned that another band was already recording under the name Bang Bang Bang, and in August 2007 they announced they would now be known as American Bang." - allmusic.com

While the band's fan base is slowly growing, the media is picking up on American Bang with lightning speed. The single "Wild and Young" has been featured in national Verizon Wireless commercials. TONIGHT on ABC's Greek at 8PM the band will have an on-air performance of "Wild and Young" and "Move to the Music."

American Bang had been in California recording and promoting their upcoming work. They are now back in their hometown for some local shows and a little R&R.


LISTEN UP!
Move to the Music EP (October 2007) is available on the web store
I Shot the King (2005), 1st album as Bang Bang Bang


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
>>> American Bang's "Wild And Young" is featured in the clip of tonight's (6/9, ABC, 8PM) episode of GREEK
>>>American Bang's "Road to SXSW"
>>>Live version of "She Don't Cry No More" at Spin's Coachella poolside party


WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE AMERICAN BANG, TOO:
***The band's main influences are Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones.
***This is what American rock is all about. Like Donnie and Marie always said, "I'm a little bit country, I'm a little bit rock 'n roll."
***Look at this great merch! The heather grey tee is on an American Apparel 50/50 and feels like it is at least 30-years-old...awesome.



UPCOMING SHOWS:
Jun 26 2008 9:00P Summerfest Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jul 5 2008 8:00P Mercy Lounge with Cage The Elephant ! Nashville, Tennessee
Aug 24 2008 7:00P Private Show Charleston, South Carolina
Sep 27 2008 3:00P Austin City Limits Festival with Foo Fighters, The Raconteurs, Beck and More! Austin, Texas


Thanks!
Julia

PS - Missed any of the reviews? See them first on my MySpace page!!!! Let's be friends.

Artist/Band Spotlight #11: ROYAL HOUSER

Friends -

Rock is not dead; it is being kept alive by a pair of twins, a drummer, and an organist who collectively call themselves:

ROYAL HOUSER

Offical Royal Houser MySpace Page
Royal Houser Official Web Site



MEET THE BAND:
Peter Houser: Guitar, Lead Vocals
Sam Houser: Bass, Harmonica, Vocals
Terry Drysdale: Drums, Percussion
Chandler Rich: B3 Hammond Organ


WHO ARE ROYAL HOUSER?
Life is not fair, and neither are bands. Royal Houser may have four band members, but identical twins Peter and Sam ARE Houser. They write the songs, lead the band's fashion sense, and master the vocals, guitar and bass.

I first saw these guys play the Alterknit at the Knitting Factory a year ago. Man, they were a force not to be reckoned with! Peter and Sam took control of the stage from the moment "go," and didn't stop until they were drenched with sweat and had nothing left to give. Both their height and their passion kept me captivated.

Peter has the tough task of being the only singer and only guitar player in the band, but he never sacrifices one to hold up the other; he is a double threat! Sam focuses solely on the bass and beats that thing into submission on every song. I would say he has the Flea philosophy of bass which refuses to sink into the background or just fill in where needed. Sam and his bass are a critical voice to the Royal Houser sound.

All of the guys in the band are natives to Portland, Oregon. Peter and Sam had spent a few months in L.A. last year playing gigs all over the city, but they have since returned to Portland to build up their hometown base.

Royal Houser list their influences as rock 'n roll icons such as The Who, Jethro Tull, Velvet Underground, The Rolling Stones, and Cream. I think Hendrix should be in there, too. Their songs are a moving blend of passionate rock and smooth lyrics that take you back to Woodstock.


LISTEN UP:
The band's first EP is only available at House of Records in Eugene, OR. "Royal Houser is currently recording their first full album with the new lineup featuring Chandler and Terry. The album is scheduled to be released in 2008." - Sonicbids.com


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
Live footage played to the studio recording of "I've Lost it All"



WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE ROYAL HOUSER, TOO:
***Have you ever seen an American flag shirt in person before? Check out a Royal Houser show and you will!


***Don't be fooled by the vintage '70s sound, these guys are not a cover band and rock a very modern sound.


UPCOMING SHOWS:
Jun 5 2008 9:00P Dublin Pub Portland, Oregon
Jun 13 2008 9:45P The Twilight Cafe Portland, Oregon
Jun 20 2008 9:30P Ash St. Saloon Portland, Oregon
Jun 27 2008 8:00P 3900’ Festival North Plains, Oregon
Jun 28 2008 8:00P 3900’ Festival North Plains, Oregon
Jul 23 2008 9:00P Dante’s Portland, Oregon
Aug 16 2008 8:00P Tumalo Festival 2008 Tumalo, Oregon
Aug 22 2008 8:00P The Twilight Cafe Portland, Oregon
Nov 7 2008 9:00P The Colorado Music Sumit Denver, Colorado
Nov 8 2008 9:00P The Colorado Music Sumit Denver, Colorado


Thanks!
Julia

PS - Want to see these reviews first? Be my friend on MySpace!!

Artist/Band Spotlight #10: P!STOL P!STOL

Friends -

If the Lords of Dogtown moved from Venice to Redondo Beach and started a band, they would call themselves:

P!STOL P!STOL

Offical P!stol P!stol MySpace Page
www.PistolPistol.com




{Samuel Lippke, Photographer}

MEET THE BAND:
Ash Riser - Lead vocals/Guitar
Matty James - Bass Guitar
Kian Shabestari - Guitar
Keith Beatz - Drums


WHO ARE P!STOL P!STOL?
These strapping, young hoodlums come from the school of hard-knocks but they don't want your tears, they want your anger and your eagerness to fight for change. Yeah, they speak loving about the dames in their life, but they also look to the future and discuss serious issues that plague the street of L.A.

I would say P!stol P!stol sounds like the Arctic Monkeys when they are having a bad day because they they realised 20 years of smoking cigarettes makes the voice a wee-bit scratchy. I think P!stol P!stol and The Neighborhood Bullys should book gigs together because they play music along the same wavelength. These guys put on a great show and they love to play music!

As stated on their web page: We are the new generation of broken homes and shattered dreams, we are as real as it gets; young, poor, influenced by this city, and disgusted with this country. Look out world were coming for ya...We are the mighty P!STOL P!STOL.


LISTEN UP:
The Cause was JUST RELEASED!!
CDs are available for $12 at live shows.
You can also buy individual digital tracks directly from their site.


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"La Policia" Official Video
CSU Long Beach's Winner of the 2007 Cal State Universities Media Arts Awards



WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE P!STOL P!STOL, TOO:
***Catch on to these guys while they are young, because you don't want to be one of "those" people who becomes a fan years down the road when they are big and famous.
***They bring a rowdy crowd everywhere they go, so you might get a concert and a punch in the face, all for the price of admission.


UPCOMING SHOWS:
Jun 13 2008 7:00P THE TORRANCE CIVIC CENTER Torrance, CA
Jun 23 2008 9:00P DI PIAZZA'S Long Beach, CA


Thanks!
Julia

PS - Want to be the first to see these Monday reviews? Send me your e-mail address and check out my MySpace page!

Artist/Band Spotlight #9: IVAN IVES

Friends -

Sorry kids, there won't be any Silverlake pop/rock today. Today's musical guest comes to us from the Urban world, no, he comes from Russia, well...both! This man is not new to the hip hop scene in L.A., but hopefully he will soon be your new MySpace top friend.

This week's spotlight shines brightly on IVAN IVES!

Ivan Ives's MySpace Page: All music available for purchase on MySpace
No Threshold Records: Simple site, but FREE download of "Eat Pop and Die Mixtape"



MEET THE MAN:
Ivan Ives - Rapper


WHO IS IVAN IVES?
We should all hang our heads in shame that we don't know Ivan Ives yet. Shame on us for paying so much attention to fun, pop rock bands and artsy, funky garage bands. We have been ignoring the urban world and all those men and women who keep the beats bumpin'! Let's not dwell in the past, but move forward and learn our lesson.

Ivan was born in Russia but grew up on the playgrounds of Brooklyn, New York. Before ten-years-old, his parents moves him again to sunny Los Angeles, where he has remained. He was raised in a household filled with classical music and little Ivan studied classical piano for many years. Music was routine around the Ives's household, but high school brought new friends, new experiences, and Snopp Dogg's "Doggie Style." Little Ivan would never be the same.

It is hard to describe your first love, but for Ivan there was something in the way the beats and drums echoed that hypnotized him. He decided that he wanted to make music that has a real message, utilizes skilled lyrics, and works against the stereotypes that plague hip hop. Ivan doesn't rap about guns and hoes, because that was never his life; he doesn't rap about drugs or ghettos, because he would be lying. He feels like he has some greater purpose and his music will help him realize and achieve it. Hip hop/rap music is his outlet for introspective discovery and commentary on the current social scene. He is proud of the work he has created, but he assures me that he won't waste lyrics to prove it: "I'm not jerking myself off about how great I am."

Ivan has had his fair share of media attention. The list of reviews and interview includes URB online's "Next 1000;" Ground Control Mag; CDReview.com featuring Iconoclast; RacketMag.com; Beats, Me?; The Review Busters; Sit Down, Stand Up; Capazine.com; Rolling Stone with a free download of the single "Victory;" and now Julia's Artist/Band Spotlight!



Ivan releases all of his music on his own indie label No Threshold Records.


LISTEN UP!
Eat Pop and Die (2008)
The I.V. League Vol. 1 (2007)
Iconoclast (2007)
The Prelude EP (2007)
TAP - W (2007)
LA Heat (2007)
Deus Ex Machina (2006)
TAP - Self Titled (2005)
Fork Music Vol. 1 (2005)


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Got It"


"Let You Know" w/ I.V. League


"The Recipe"



WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IVAN IVES, TOO:
***He's different but he's not a novelty.
***Wu-Tang's Cappadonna appears on his Iconoclast album, so he has respect from the inside.
***Ladies, did I mention that he is like 6'5" and has perfect skin??


UPCOMING SHOWS:
May 26 2008 8:00P ISGOODMUSIC.COM studio performance Los Angeles, California
Jun 7 2008 9:00P Private Party w/ 2Mex Humboldt, California
Jun 8 2008 10:00P The Red Fox w/ 2Mex Humboldt, California


Thanks!
Julia

PS - Check out the new artist spotlight every Monday on my MySpace page! Let's be friends!

Artist/Band Spotlight #8: THE NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS

Friends -

I hope you all have an incredible weekend...incredibly relaxing, if nothing else. This week I would like to introduce you to a local band that has played so many shows at The Cinema Bar in Culver City, that they may as well just move in already.

This week's spotlight shines on THE NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS!!!

The Bullys' Official MySpace Page
The Bullys' Official Website




MEET THE BAND:
Davey Meshell: Lead vocals, Bass
Joey Galvan: Drums
Michael Hays: Guitar, Backup vocals
Eugene Edwards: Guitar, Backup vocals
Geoff Pearlman: Understudy for Eugene Edwards


WHO ARE THE NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS?
The Neighborhood Bullys are a motley crew of talented musicians who like to let out a little angst every once in a while. They are angry in a bottled up, calculated kind of a way...almost postal. The guys may look harmless at first, but power up their gear and listen to them rock!

This band has no problems filling an hour and a half set with non-stop rock. Their songs are catchy and involving like any great punk song, but they have depth and may make you put down your beer to listen closer. Some of the best dance/stomp songs are "I'm Bored, Let's Fight;" "Sux 2 B U;" and "Spin it." I love when they close with a song called "Soldiers Blues." I don't know about you, but I really don't care to hear anymore sappy anti-war songs. This isn't one of them.

The Bullys list their influences as Cheap Trick, The Rolling Stones, Thin Lizzy, The Knack, The Ramones,...and last week's spotlight The Black Keys!

Chris Morris, DJ of Watusi Rodeo on Indie 103.1 every Sunday at 9 AM and writer for City Beat, wrote the very article that got me to my first Bullys' show: "Why We Fight"
Check out the whole article HERE!

Here is a taste, but the whole article is a great read:
"Where the fuck were you last Thursday night? Well, I was at The Cinema Bar in Culver City, watching THE BEST FUCKING ROCK 'N' ROLL BAND IN LOS ANGELES, and you weren't. By now you are most assuredly wondering, who the fuck is THE BEST FUCKING ROCK 'N' ROLL BAND IN LOS ANGELES? Thought you'd never ask. They're the NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS. Who are these Neighborhood Bullys, who you claim are THE BEST FUCKING ROCK 'N' ROLL BAND IN LOS ANGELES? Well, Davey Meshell's the front man/lead singer/bassist/principal songwriter. You want credentials, Joe Skeptic? He's played with Shelby Lynne, Peter Case, John Lee Hooker, and the House of Blues house band, 'mong others. For the academically inclined: he graduated summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music. Good enough?"

The Bullys are on independent Ruff Mixx Records.


LISTEN UP!
The Bullys worked with Producer Mike Chapman (Blondie, Pat Benatar, the Knacks, Debbie Harry, etc.) to lay down some tracks. No word on when CDs will be available.


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:

"All the Way Down" LIVE at The Cinema Bar


"Let Me Be Me" LIVE on KCLAFM.com

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYS, TOO:
***This band plays an average of 90 minutes per set. Not bad for a free residency.
***The songs are a great blend of rock and punk; they have substance and musical quality and don't make you feel like your head might explode.
***These guys play with their heart and soul, and sweat like Richard Simmons dancing to the oldies.


UPCOMING SHOWS: (What did I tell you...)
May 1 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY
May 8 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY
May 15 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY
May 22 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY
May 22 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY
May 29 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY
Jun 6 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY
Jun 13 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY
Jun 20 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY
Jun 21 2008 10:15P TAIX LOUNGE ECHO PARK
Jun 27 2008 10:00P THE CINEMA BAR CULVER CITY


Thanks!
Julia

PS - I have blogged archives of all of the reviews at http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vanVsaWFzYXJ0aXN0c3BvdGxpZ2h0LmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8= Check it out!

Artist/Band Spotlight #7: THE BLACK KEYS

Friends -

I hope everyone who attended Coachella this past weekend in the desert is safely back and only minimally sunburned. I would love to hear about Saturday's Prince performance from anyone who went.

I tried to refrain from reviewing Warner Bros Records' bands, and I am upholding that by introducing a Nonesuch band. This week I would like to introduce a pair of strapping young lads from Akron, Ohio...THE BLACK KEYS!

The Black Keys Official MySpace Page
The Black Keys Official Site




MEET THE BOYS:
Dan Auerbach: Lead vocals/Guitar/Vox
Patrick Carney: Drums


WHO ARE THE BLACK KEYS?
I first came across The Black Keys at work; I loved the cover of the Magic Potion album, so I bought the vinyl. I mean, really...what better reason to buy music than a great album cover? I was pleasantly surprised the quality of pure rock on that album. The songs were fluid but aggressive, the guitar was sharp but inviting. If turntables had a repeat function, I would have let it play for a week straight.

What I liked most about this band was that they make music that says "I love playing music." There is nothing superficial or formulated about it. The Black Keys have been compared to The White Stripes in their mix of blues, punk, and indie/garage rock. I would place the Black Keys closer to the blues end of the spectrum and The White Stripes closer to the minimalist indie rock end.

I caught this band in action at the Wiltern a few weeks ago. The place was packed with fans who sang and danced their little hearts out. There was a great feeling in the air. I brought a friend who has never heard a note and she was smiling the minute we sat down. The sound at the Wiltern is not the best, so it was hard to understand the new songs, but we never lost interest. My friend took one look at Dan singing with his hair covering his face, and she said "Who knew the Muppets could play music like this?!"

An interesting bit of trivia about their latest release, Attack & Release (April 1, 2008), is that Ike Turner was rumored to have been on board as a collaborator before his death in December of last year. The album was ultimately produced by Gnarles Barkley's Danger Mouse.
"[The Black Keys] play close-to-the-bone, raw blues-rock, the only instrumentation being Auerbach's guitar, Carney's drums, and the occasional organ. Auerbach had a fine, mature, lived-in blues voice for one so young, and the group's material worked in funk, soul, and rock influences from the likes of Jimi Hendrix and James Brown that avoided undue repetition of the overdone chord progressions and stock riffs common to so many such acts." - Richie Unterberger (allmusic.com)


LISTEN UP!
The Big Come Up - 2002
The Six Parts Seven (EP) - 2003
Thickfreakness - 2003
Rubber Factory - 2004
Magic Potion - September 2006
Attack & Release - April 1, 2008


FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:


"Your Touch" official video


"10 A.M. Automatic" Live!


WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE THE BLACK KEYS, TOO:
***They're not just another pretty face.
***Their music is simple and sincere; it sweeps you up instantaneously.
***This is the type of band you wish played at your neighborhood bar every night.


UPCOMING SHOWS:
May 12 2008 8:30P 9:30 Club - SOLD OUT Washington, DC, Washington DC
May 13 2008 8:30P 9:30 Club - SOLD OUT Washington, DC, Washington DC
May 15 2008 8:00P Terminal 5 - SOLD OUT New York, New York
May 16 2008 9:00P The Electric Factory - On Sale Now Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 17 2008 7:30P Orpheum Theatre - On Sale Now Boston, Massachusetts
OUT OF THE COUNTRY...
Jul 5 2008 1:00A Rothbury Festival - On Sale Now Rothbury, Michigan
Aug 1 2008 1:00P Lollapalooza - Grant Park Chicago, Illinois
Aug 2 2008 10:45P Headliners Toledo, Ohio
Aug 3 2008 8:00P Phoenix Concert Theatre Toronto, Ontario
Aug 4 2008 1:00P Osheaga Festival Montreal, Quebec
Aug 7 2008 8:00P McCarren Park Pool - On Sale Now! Brooklyn, New York
Aug 10 2008 8:00P Virgin Mobile Festival Baltimore, Maryland
Aug 21 2008 7:30P Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, Colorado
Aug 22 2008 1:00P Outside Lands Festival San Francisco, California
Aug 23 2008 1:00P SoCo Music Experience - Petco Park San Diego, California
Aug 25 2008 8:00P House Of Blues - Anaheim Anaheim, California
Sep 26 2008 1:00P Austin City Limits Festival Austin, Texas


Thanks!
Julia

PS - I have blogged archives of all of the reviews at http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vanVsaWFzYXJ0aXN0c3BvdGxpZ2h0LmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8= Check it out!

Artist/Band Spotlight #6: CASXIO

In celebration of the announcement that PRINCE will headline Coachella Saturday, April 26 this year, I would like to introduce you to a great L.A. band called CASXIO! (You'll understand the connection in a minute)

http://www.myspace.com/casxio
Official Site: Download 4 Casxio songs for FREE!!



MEET THE BOYS/GIRL:
Lucas Guerin- Bass/Vox/Lead Vocals
Eric Saez- Guitar
Zach Schrock- Drums
Andrea Choe- Keys

WHO ARE CASXIO?
Casxio is still a bit of a mystery to me because I have Google'd the heck out of them and all I get is band members' names and their respective instruments. This much I know for sure: They used to be based down in the Long Beach./O.C. area and have since moved home base to L.A., they play great funky rock music, and their live shows have better dance floors than any nightclub in Hollywood.

I first saw Casxio at the EchoPlex (basement of the Echo in Echo Park) a few weeks ago after they were strongly recommended by a friend. I showed up without any expectations. From the very first note, the crowd started moving, eventually everyone was dancing up a storm!

Each member of Casxio has their own "bag," but they work well together. Lucas and Eric had a great retro Havana look about them, I felt like they should have both been smoking big Cuban cigars. Lucas controls the show and works damn hard to make sure you are feeling what he is feeling. He has a great falsetto but can get down and dirty, too. The audience believes every lyric and begs to hear more. Eric is a great guitarist and keeps the crown moving. Zach, the drummer, looks slightly under dressed in his cut-up t-shirt and jeans, but hey, it works for Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, right? Finally, Andrea is the strong, silent type. She masters the keys and synth beats while saying little but looking hot.

I don't think they were half way through their first song when I turned to my friend and said "I can pretty much guarantee you this guy (Lucas) has every Prince album." Casxio's "Boiling Point" could easily be slipped after "Raspberry Beret" on Prince's 1985 "Around the World in a Day" and no one would question it. Casxio is very much their own band when they are playing live, but my one complaint is that their recorded songs are too close to the likes of Sly Stone and the Talking Heads.

Casxio are managed by The Bam Group and are not currently signed to a label.

The votes are in...
"The tunes are a fresh-as-heck and high-pitched nod to classic Prince and Talking Heads." - URB Magazine
"Los Angeles’ Casxio has proven itself a little bit more than just the latest band to jump into the dance-music pool." - LA Times
"Singer/bassist Lucas Guerin is, in this humble blogger’s estimation, one of the five best frontmen in Los Angeles." - Classical Geek Theatre

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Seventeen," LIVE at the EchoPlex 3/28/08


WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE CASXIO, TOO:
***Lucas is an incredible front man...he takes ownership of the crowd each and every time.
***Casxio has a great retro vibe but doesn't make you feel like you are listening to your parent's old funk LPs.
***This band has loyal fans, which means the crowd is never dead.

UPCOMING SHOWS:
Apr 22 2008 8:00P The Beatles Revolution Lounge @ the Mirage Las Vegas, Nevada
May 4 2008 9:00P w/ Lyrics Born @ The Key Club, West Hollywood
May 7 2008 12:00P UC Riverside Lunchtime Concert Series Riverside, California
May 15 2008 9:00P BLT Soundsystem @ the Continental FREE Fullerton, California

Thanks!
Julia

PS - Remember I updated my personal MySpace page every week with these music reviews. Let's be friends!

Artist/Band Spotlight #5: CASTLEDOOR

Friends -

I am so excited to introduce you all to a great band that I just found at The Roxy, playing after last week's spotlight band Glacier Hiking and opening for a British band called The Switches.

This week's spotlight shines on CASTLEDOOR!


http://www.myspace.com/castledoormusic
http://www.myspace.com/growingagarden (a second site just to host more music)
http://purevolume.com/castledoor
http://www.xanga.com/followthedove Lyrics!
http://www.myspace.com/juliaswanwick

MEET THE GUYS/GIRLS:
Nate Cole: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Gabriel Combs: guitars, keys, vocals
Joel Plotnik: drums
Brandon Schwartzel: bass
Liska Cole: keys, vocals
Coury Jane Combs: vocals, synth

SO WHO ARE CASTLEDOOR?
The birth of Castledoor is immortalized in the beautiful ballad "Remember When." Nate sings of how he and Gabe moved across the country to California and started writing songs together. This all started in September of 2004. Since then a few more band members have jumped on board and the great songs that Nate and Gabe wrote are moving beyond their own living rooms into the likes of The Roxy, Spaceland, The Echo, SXSW showcases, and even The Natural History Museum in LA! These days, the band calls Silverlake their home.

The guys and girls held a residency at The Echo in Echo Park last October. The first night they walked up on stage with huge, gold mylar balloons spelling out Castledoor. JT from the L.A. Record said this about that first night: "Castledoor kicks off the set with obvious and unembarrassed enthusiasm, and maintain an inspiring energy level throughout the show. This is magical! These kids clearly and whole-heartedly love playing their songs for people. How refreshing!" That is exactly how I felt the first time I saw them a few weeks ago at The Roxy. The passion for playing music was clearly evident.

The band is working on a full-length album which will hopefully include great songs such as "Nightlight" that are not on the "Follow the Dove" EP.

Castledoor is represented by Don't Jump Management and is not currently signed to a record label.


LISTEN UP:

Follow the Dove (EP)
http://cdbaby.com/cd/castledoor ($5 CD at the shows or $7 for CD or MP3s on CDBaby)
My two favorite songs are "Burn the Maps" (#2) and "Magnetic Forces" (#6)..but it is amazing, start to finish!

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Magnetic Forces," LIVE the Echo during their residency 10/29/07

"Dove," LIVE at Cocaine in Little Tokyo

http://blog.filter-mag.com/filter/2007/11/filter-tv-castl.html Band interview after a Roxy show last year
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CjZ8xRuJts&feature=related "Remember When" from the drummer's viewpoint

WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE CASTLEDOOR:
***The band usually dresses in theme for their live shows. Who knows, maybe when you see them it will be "Tarzan and Jane" night or a Grease revival!?!
***The EP is incredible and only $5! Trust me, you will have to pull yourself away from it.
***Nate is a phenomenal front man with a true voice; you don't want to miss a single show.

UPCOMING SHOWS:
I heard mention that they have an upcoming residency in Costa Mesa, CA. Sorry, that's all I know, but check out their MySpace for updates.

Thanks!
Julia

Artist/Band Spotlight #4: GLACIER HIKING

Hello again friends!

This week's spotlight shines on two handsome fellows by the name of GLACIER HIKING!



MEET THE GUYS:
Ross Golan - Vocals
Tommy Walter - Guitar/MAC laptop/Turntable/etc.

SO WHO ARE GLACIER HIKING?
Both Ross and Tommy have an extensive music background; Ross was the mind behind Ross Golan and Molehead - a politically pop band, while Tommy played bass for The Eels and later released solo work as Abandoned Pools. What keeps these two together is pure, deep-rooted respect for each other.

I first saw Glacier Hiking at The Echo opening for Simon Dawes during their residency last year. I happen to be there a little, so I went to the back to sit down. I was pretty tired and didn't bring a friend, so I wasn't in the best "rock show" mood. The guys started playing and from the first note I had a smile on my face that I just couldn't wipe off. They stood pretty still throughout the set, but there was an amazing video running in the background, and the music...it was up-beat, pure pop, and had more to say than "I love you, you love me." Before I knew it I was standing up to see them better and even dancing a little. When they got to "Shotgun," the song they are probably most known for, Ross told us all to put our hands in the air like we were 12 again and we were psyched to be at a rock show. What happened to getting all excited for a rock show? Why don't people dance and flail their arms like they are having the time of their life? I sure was that night!

Kevin Bronson from the LA Times pretty much nailed Glacier Hiking's sound when he said: "Golan sings and Walter plays guitar and triggers an array of stormy samples, giving the music a gutsy, industrial backdrop. Call it electro-crash synth-rock, glam and emo-punk with the wires all crossed, and Golan alternating between playful, wiseacre banter and big choruses."

Ross and Tommy have been very careful about signing to a label, and after much thought have just signed with Lionsgate. They have just finished recording an album in New York and are playing one last show on Tuesday, April 8 at the The Roxy upstairs, On The Rox (9:15pm, $10 21+, $15 under 21).

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
Glacier Hiking, Interviewed by Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips) at SXSW 2007


"Moving Backwards" LIVE at The Key Club


WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE GLACIER HIKING:
***Two guys have never made such complete-sounding music live
***Every song makes you want to bust a move!
***If you want to go see a GREAT show that you won't forget and mix up with a million other shows...go see these guys on April 8!


Thanks!
Julia

Artist/Band Spotlight #3: THE MATCHES

Friends -

This week's spotlight shines on an amazing theatrical rock band called THE MATCHES!
http://www.myspce.com/thematches
http://www.thematches.com


MEET THE GUYS:
Shawn Harris - Vox, Guitar
Matt Whalen - Drums
Justin San Souci - Bass, Vox
Jon Devoto - Guitar, Vox


SO WHO ARE THE MATCHES?
This band out of Oakland, CA started as a threesome in high school in 1997; back then they were called The Locals. They brought on guitarist Jon Devoto and became The Matches after a Chicago band called them up and claimed the name. The guys started marketing themselves aggressively from the beginning, setting up guerrilla marketing campaigns and play impromptu concerts anywhere they were allowed: parking lots, restaurants, high school hallways, etc. They really made their mark with their energy and antics on stage. All in all, they put on a great show.

The Matches have been compared to Yellowcard and Fall Out Boy. While they opened for Lit at one time, I would say that The Matches are less radio-friendly and more artistic rock; sort of like the Scissor Sisters. I think that Shawn has the vocal theatrics of Daryl Palumbo of Head Automatica and the anguish of Matt Aveiro, singer of Cold War Kids.

Their third album "A Band in Hope" was released March 18 on Epitaph Records.

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Papercut Skin" Official Video:


Award Winning Video for "Salty Eyes":


WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE THE MATCHES, TOO:
***They put on one Hell of a good show and they play about 200 gigs a year, so they are always around.
***You never know what they will wear next.
***Each of their songs tells a story and takes you on a journey.

UPCOMING SHOWS: These boys are going the distance with the AP Magazine Tour (also starring The Rocket Summer, Sonny, All Time Low, & Forever the Sickest Kids)
Apr 15 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Tremont Music Hall Charlotte, North Carolina
Apr 16 2008 6:30P AP Tour-Headliners Music Hall Louisville, Kentucky
Apr 17 2008 6:30P AP Tour-The Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia
Apr 18 2008 6:00P AP Tour-House Of Blues Orlando, Florida
Apr 19 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Revolution Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Apr 20 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Jannus Landing St. Petersburg, Florida
Apr 22 2008 7:00P AP Tour-Juanitas Little Rock, Arkansas
Apr 23 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Pops Sauget, Illinois
Apr 24 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Forest Hills Lodge Love's Park, Illinois
Apr 25 2008 6:00P AP Tour-The Rave Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apr 26 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Newport Music Hall Columbus, Ohio
Apr 27 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Club Infinity Buffalo, New York
Apr 29 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Toad's Place New Haven, Connecticut
Apr 30 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Crocodile Rock Cafe Allentown, Pennsylvania
May 1 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Diesel Nightclub Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
May 2 2008 6:00P AP Tour-House Of Blues Cleveland, Ohio

Thanks!
Julia

Artist/Band Spotlight #2: IGLU & HARTLY

Hello again, friends!

So a whole week has passed and I hope you have all had a chance to check out last week's band RESTAURANT (http://www.myspace.com/resturantmusic)! The guys played SXSW last week and are headed back to good ol' LA real soon.

http://www.myspace.com/igluandhartly (tons of music and photos)
http://www.igluandhartly.com (official page, but hard to navigate)




WHO ARE IGLU & HARTLY?
This week's band is a lovely quintet of gentlemen from Silver Lake/Echo Park, CA named after DJ Iglu (Jarvis Anderson, lead singer) and Hartly Dark (not sure about that one). When I first saw them at the Silverlake Lounge the band was basically three white hip-hop rappers and a Jewish guitar player. They wore the most obnoxious '80s clothing and had a MAC laptop filling in for all other necessary instruments to make a band. I wasn't able to pick my jaw up off the floor until about the fourth song, where my mind was straightened out enough to think "What the hell is this?!!?" Is it comedy night at the Silverlake Lounge or are these guys for real? Oh yes, they are for real! So real, they want to prove it to you by wearing the lowest-rise jeans ever made and no underwear. That's real. Actually, the person I was with that night said "These guys should be playing in their underwear," and there was not a doubt in my mind that that was absolutely true. So anyway, after the shock wore off, I began to really like the nonsense of songs like "The Pajama Song" and "DayGlo." I have now seen them perform a handful of times around LA and they have yet to disappoint me. The band now has a real-live drummer and a bass player, and their fan base is growing show by show. They just signed on with Red Ghost Management but have yet to put together an album or sign with a label. The single "Violent and Young" is on iTunes though!

Music Connection named Iglu & Hartly one of the Best 100 Unsigned Artists!
http://www.musicconnection.com/issues/2007/issue25/guide/mchot100unsigned2007.pdf





WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE IGLU & HARTLY, TOO...:
***The guys wear almost no clothes at all.
***Their music is 110% pure fun and their live show will definitely put a smile on your face.
***It's not often that a band that takes their silliness seriously goes very far, but I really have faith in these guys.
***They already have MERCHANDISE!! so they must be on the right track.

Every week I add this exact update to the front page of my own MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/juliaswanwick. Let's be friends!

Thanks!!
Julia

Artist/Band Spotlight #1: RESTAURANT

Hello friends!

I am adding this new section to my MySpace page so I can highlight some of the amazing new artists and bands I have heard about or seen around town. I will be e-mailing out the bands' info every time I update it on MySpace, so that even if you try, you can't miss it. Please take a minute to check out their music and please let me know what you think!

http://www.myspace.com/juliaswanwick
http://www.myspace.com/restaurantmusic
http://www.narnackrecords.com/artist.php?artist=36 (Restaurant's page on Narnack's web site)
http://larecord.com/prevs/2008/03/05/wed-mar-5-restaurant-tangier/ (Review of Restaurant at Tangier, 3/5)

WHO ARE RESTAURANT?
Restaurant consists of two great former Texans who started as rivals and ended up best friends. Troy (guitar and microphone) and Jonathan (percussion and synth) make music that brings the dirty South to the dance clubs California. Their country/folk upbringing is never lost, but they experiment with a lot of percussion, synth, and electronic beats. They are currently on Narnack Records. Best of all, they give one hell of a show!

"Restaurant debut Full-Length album 'Returns to the Tomb of Guillino Medidicci' will be out in the second quarter of 2008 preceded by a series of four seven-inches in the coming months." - http://narnackrecords.com






WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE RESTAURANT, TOO...
**Both of the guys are handsome as can be!
**You have to give props to homemade drums, I mean, come on.
**They play about a hundred times a month, so you never have to wait long before you can go see them live again.
***Half the time you have no idea what the lyrics are, but you can't stop dancing.


Thanks!
Julia