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.