Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Rock All Delighted Kitties: Local label moves hella-units
Posted by Scott Shoger on Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 2:33 PM
But Arcade Fire was on The Colbert Report last month. And All Delighted People, a digital-only (for now) odds-and-ends collection that includes a “17-minute guitar jam-for-single-mothers” (credit Asthmatic Kitty’s Website for that description), was released Aug. 20 with neither fanfare nor advance notice. It was initially made exclusively available for free audition and $5 download through the music store/archive Bandcamp, before making its way to Amazon.com, iTunes and the like on Aug. 23. Which means that all those sales that propelled Sufjan beyond Carrie Underwood,roughly 9000 EPs in the U.S., were made via Bandcamp.
Maybe this news points less to a general trend in the music industry and more towards the widespread fame of Sufjan Stevens, who will likely take over the world upon the Oct. 12 release of The Age of Adz, his first song-based album since 2005’s Illinois. (Tickets remain available for his Nov. 4 concert at the Hilbert Circle Theatre.)
But local Asthmatic Kitty reps John Beeler and Michael Kaufmann managed to extrapolate from Sufjan’s success, and they shared their takeaway during their Pecha Kucha 10 presentation Aug. 27 at The Vogue. The moral of the story, according to the two: “There is always someone better at marketing your product or brand and that person usually is a complete stranger to you and has a blender, Tea Party or barely used Twitter account.” Sufjan was the number one trending topic on Twitter for Aug. 20, the day the EP was released, and that sort of viral success basically trumped, in the minds of Beeler and Kaufmann, their previous attempts at creative, pre-meditated marketing.
Roots Rockabilly uke
Posted by Miss Joni on Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 12:15 PM
That was ROCKABILLY ROUSTABOUT, performed by Ukulele Hunt's own Woodshed. I've had nothing but Rockabillly on my mind for days.
This has been a pretty big week for me. I have my first ever performance in a bar with the Alice Chalmers and the Stick a Cork in Your Jug band tucked under my skirt; but ever since I’ve emerged from the smoky haze of Locals Only last Friday night, I’ve had nothing but Rockabilly music on my mind.
I am a girl who was pretty much raised on Rockabilly music. From my dad playing his guitar and serenading me with his own version of SHORTENIN' BREAD to countless music shows and Grand Ole Opry visits that frequently highlighted a rockabilly legend or two, I was pretty much brought up on the bounce and rhythm and twang of hillbilly rock and roll. Then there was the time when we were in Jr. High School and my friend Lori and I went to a rockabilly reunion show in South Bend with our mothers. Completely thrilled by the music, I sprung from my seat in the balcony and proceeded to bounce around. My mother, clutching her pocket book in one hand, swiftly pulled me down with the other, giving me a tight lipped nod of disapproval. Our antics were glimpsed from the stage by none other than Mr. Carl Perkins, who threw a look our way and declared: “That’s alright, little darlin’, you just go right ahead and dance!” My mother was powerless against his hillbilly sensibilities, and Carl Perkins became one of my childhood heroes.
I have good reason to be raving about Rockabilly music right now. This week is going to be a big week for rockabilly fans in the Indianapolis area. Thanks to The Blue Stone Folk School, New Orleans-based band, Michael Hurtt and His Haunted Hearts will be playing a one-night only event at the Noble Coffee and Tea Co. in Noblesville. Mike is an old friend of mine, and he is an amazing force. Before the Haunted Hearts came into being, he had another band called The Royal Pendletons. They were sort of a garage/surf-punk band. They made it to Indy once, touring with Sloppypalooza, after the Indianapolis band Sloppy Seconds met Mike's band on tour. It seems my Indy friends in bands have a way of meeting and befriending Mike Hurtt when they go to New Orleans. Vulgar Boatmen’s Dale Lawrence did the same a few years ago. Among other things, Mike has also toured Europe as the bassist with the Panther Burns. But, his love of authentic roots music finally lead him to form The Haunted Hearts. It's been said that the band is single-handedly responsible for resurrecting the original New Orleans brand of hillbilly music. That sort of stuff is music to my ears.
Their album, Come Back to Louisiana was recorded in Memphis, when band members were exiled from their city in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. That’s the sort of stuff that makes a guy like Mike legendary—in New Orleans, where he is a fixture, and everywhere else he happens to go. After Thursday’s show, I am pretty sure he’ll become a legend in Noblesville as well.
COME BACK TO LOUISIANA, Michael Hurtt and His Haunted Hearts
To celebrate this reunion with a long lost friend, and our mutual love of hillbilly/rockabilly music, I’ve decided to devote this blog to Rockabilly Uke. Considering the versatility of the ukulele, it comes as no surprise that Rockabilly is a natural fit, with its simple chord progressions and bouncy rhythm. And, you know that I’m going to tell you that no one does Rockabilly Uke better than my favorite uker, Gus Raucous—GUGUG on YouTube. Here he is giving an Indiana Bushman ukulele a workout with LONEOME TEARS IN MY EYES, originally recorded by the Johnny Burnette Trio.
Everyone knows that Rockabilly hit its peak around 1958, thanks to Elvis and Sun Records. The music had broad-reaching impact, even influencing the Beatles early music. The current Rockabilly revival started waaay back when I was a kid in the 1980s, thanks to Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats. And I think there’s nothing better than a little Stray Cats tune played on a uke.
Here's a uker who calls himself AcousticMonster playing Buddy Holly’s THAT'LL BE THE DAY on ukulele. Ignore the fact that he's playing in linen closet, and that he is an excessive talker. I nearly axed this clip because of all the chatter, but he does a darn good job with the song.
The best gift that Rockabilly brings is spontaneity. It’s the kind of music that just comes over a person every now and then, and it’s always wise to have a uke on hand for such emergencies. This guy and his dog named Elvis are making quite a work of Carl Perkin’s Blue Suede Shoes.
While peeking around for some good examples of Rockabilly ukulele players, I stumbled on Danny Ducktail. He’s a great performer—and he really demonstrates how well suited the ukulele is to Rockabilly music.
I like Danny so much, I couldn’t choose just one song. Here’s I’M GONE:
Just to keep your enthusiasm piqued till Thursday, here’s one more great Haunted Hearts Clip.
I CAN'T GET HER STARTED
WHAT: Michael Hurtt and His Haunted Hearts with Special Guests Patchwork
WHERE: The Noble Coffee and Tea Co., 933 Logan Street, Noblesville
WHEN: Thursday, September 2, 7-9 PM
HOW MUCH? Ten bucks. Students $5.
PS They serve beer.
WHAT ELSE: PATHCWORK STRING BAND, features Miss Holly Smith, who also plays fiddle with Alice Chalmers and the Stick a Cork in Your Jug Band, will be opening for the Haunted Hearts. That's just another reason for you to be there.
UKE HAPPENINGS
Don’t miss the next uke meet up this Saturday at the Sam Ash store in Castleton. Bring your uke and a song. If you don’t have a uke but want to see what it’s all about, come anyway. The fun starts at 10AM and goes till noon. I will see you there.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Rock / Roots Todd Snider: A busy man comes to Bloomington
Posted by Rob Nichols on Mon, Aug 30, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Todd will perform at the 3rd annual Hillbilly Haiku Concert at the Upland Brewing Company in Bloomington, Indiana this Friday (September 3rd) at 6pm. TV Mike and the Scarecrows and The Elly Maze open.
The Hillbilly Haiku Americana Music Series is hosted by the Upland Brewing Co. to raise money for the Sycamore Land Trust. All proceeds from the concert’s ticket, food, and beverage sales benefit the Sycamore Land Trust, whose mission is to preserve the landscape of southern Indiana. Working with private landowners to protect their family heritage, SLT has conserved over 5,500 acres on more than 66 parcels and helped plant over 55,000 trees.
After he rolls out of town, Snider will head to the Americana Music Festival held in Nashville beginning September 8, and will fire up a group he is calling Todd Snider's Rock & Roll Revue, featuring Jason D. Williams, Dan Baird and Friends.
Snider, who has made Indiana a regular tour stop (in both Indianapolis and Bloomington) since 1995, is producing an album for Williams, a crazy-like-Jerry Lee Lewis piano pounder who has been touring for 20 years. "Killer Instinct" is due October 16, and was recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, Tenn. and mixed at the famous Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tenn. Former Georgia Satellites Baird and Keith Christopher guest on the album.
And if that doesn't make you think the guy who gave the world "Alright Guy' is doing OK, he's back working with producer-to-the-rockstars Don Was. The duo is headed to Nashville next month, along with ex-Leftover Salmon singer Vince Herman to work on a Was-produced album of Jerry Jeff Walker songs with Herman and Snider.
Some of the best rock and roll I saw in the 90's was performed by Snider and his band at a crammed Patio and later, The Vogue. His show was an ultimately uplifting rock and roll Memphis-influenced spiritual experience. The band came with it every time; when a fight broke out at Todd's birthday show at The Vogue in 1996, they played "The Star Spangled Banner" bring the peace.
The old band even played a one-off show in June with two-thirds of the original Wrecks, with Joe McLeary on drums and Joe Mariencheck on bass, but without guitarist and singer Will Kimbrough. Instead, Snider called on the Baird to bring his guitar and dirty Atlanta riffs to the mix.
Snider, who tours as solo artist most of the time, has found the groove with his one-man, one-guitar singalong, folk rock, too-smart-for-some hippie rock and roll show. He's playing the Bloomington show to help preserve Indiana's land, and keep it healthy. That's a good thing. And there's beer. And you will sing, whether you want to or not. And smile. And hear something that connects to your musical core, if you let it.
That's Todd.
Solo - 2010 (playing piano - something he has rarely done live)
Nervous Wrecks - 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
"...7 Seconds taught me some of life's most valuable lessons..."
Posted by Nick Selm on Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 8:54 PM
In the 2008 song “Stay Positive”, The Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn talks about some of his early musical influences when he tunefully groans “The Youth of Today and the early 7 Seconds taught me some of life’s most valuable lessons”. Craig Finn has no problem tipping his hat to musical influences (Dillinger Four, Iggy Pop, Hüsker Dü, etc), but that line in particular points to some of his earliest influences.
While Youth of Today influenced many young punks during their short life-span (mainly through their “Youth Crew” movement), it was Nevada hardcore act 7 Seconds that touched the hearts of pop-punkers, indie-rockers and hardcore kids alike.
- Kevin Seconds: "... back in the day when things were way different."
Formed in 1980 (when Craig Finn was all of nine years old), 7 Seconds quickly made a name for itself in the fledgling American hardcore scene. While never claiming to be a straight-edge band, 7 Seconds was a major player in the early straight-edge movement as well. Their positive spin on hardcore (an often violent, negative genre) was marked by their focus on scene unity.
Still a band today (30 years later), 7 Seconds is releasing records and playing shows, but the lineup has gone through quite a few changes. Only brothers Kevin Seconds and Steve Youth have remained, while drum and guitar duties have been filled by a revolving door of musicians.
While 7 Seconds soldiers on, frontman Kevin Seconds has been performing solo in various projects since 1989. His solo material has been mostly acoustic throughout the years, and almost always a departure from the hardcore of his bread-winning band. His most popular solo recordings are found on a 2002 split record with Alkaline Trio frontman Matt Skiba.
His latest solo incarnation, Kevin Seconds and His Ghetto Moments, is touring in support of a debut record Rise Up, Insomniacs. On the record, Seconds finds himself revisiting the Brian Wilson-inspired material found on the Matt Skiba split, but with splashes of folk and indie rock. The Ghettos Moments also sports a full band including Kevin’s wife, Allyson (how cute, right?).
Indianapolis has the distinction of being one of the few dates on the Ghetto Moment’s brief late-Summer tour. The Melody Inn will host the show with opening act The Innocent Boys which features members of two Indiana establishments; Harley Poe and Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band. Even though Mondays aren’t usually ideal for going out, this is one show that punk and hardcore enthusiasts, as well as indie and folk aficionados, should make a point to attend.
- Kevin Seconds: "... and the sing along songs will be our scriptures"
A Squared Productions presents KEVIN SECONDS AND HIS GHETTO MOMENTS
w/ The Innocent Boys
Monday August 30th @ The Melody Inn
Doors @ 8, Show @ 9
Performance Arts Kirtankar and the living room
Posted by Kelsey Simpson on Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 4:34 PM
On August 28, CJ Boyd played a house show in downtown Indianapolis that could only be described as a presentation of experimental music at its best. The show, booked by promoter Sia Hanna, included circuit bender Meltface and ambient noise artists Clouds As Oceans from Bloomington. The setup didn't look like the punk basements to which I'm accustomed—each band had played in a living room area that was filled with chairs and stools. I unfortunately missed most of the show while attending my great uncle’s 80th birthday, and by the time I had arrived the crowd was already in full force.
CJ Boyd, joined by a young lady playing the violin, called his group the Kirtan Choir. A Kirtan is a call-and-response chant used as part of devotional practice in India. Vaisnava devotionalism, Sikhism, the Sant traditions and in some Buddhist groups employ the Kirtan for worship.
The two set up in front of the small living room crowd and promptly removed all of their clothing before they began their set. Boyd has been touring nonstop for the past two years and each of his performances are improvised and often feature guest artists. In reference to their song titles they warned, “These are inside jokes—you won’t understand them,” and smiled brightly as they began an epic set of experimental joy.
“A Cut Inside” was a somber, minimalist piece that consisted solely of a violin and Boyd’s bass guitar. The crowd was quiet and intent on hearing every pop of the electric bass. Their eyes followed each glide of the bow as it began to screech and waver. The bass melded perfectly with the fluid violin—imagine what the Titanic really sounded like while sinking.
“Chapter Twelve” began with the physical rocking of an upright bass. The endpin was pressed against the floor to create a unique, creaky rhythm. The violin was softly plucked and sounded like soft chirping. Both songs told stories with notes instead of words. Gradually Boyd began to play the bass strings and progressed into frenzy. Their voices started to become part of the music, and alternated between a sweet birdsong and a coo like a mourning dove. Once the violin joined in they both exploded and then reformed into an evocative dirge.
At the end of the show the crowd clapped and cheered, as the Kirtan Choir had conjured up a deep energy that rang throughout the house. Their mantra was bold, and they seemed to weave in and out of each other’s auras as they played. One thing is for certain—Boyd is devoted to the bass and the natural rhythm of the universe.
In 2009 Boyd signed with Joyful Noise Recordings and has released an album entitled “Aerial Roots”. “Alternate Roots”,a live perspective of the album from a performance in North Carolina, has also been released. He will be returning solo to Indianapolis on September 3rd at Big Car Gallery.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Rock / Hip-Hop / Jazz & Blues Midwest Hype and the art of staying fresh
Posted by Danielle Look on Fri, Aug 27, 2010 at 9:52 AM
- Midwest Hype
Midwest Hype has a sound all its own, pulling inspiration from an eclectic pool of musical styles. Although often categorized as a jam band, Midwest Hype plays songs veering from spacey instrumentals and mind-altering sounds. The band focuses on fun lyrics, groovy tunes and the art of staying fresh.
Midwest Hype
fresh Colorful Love
"The Mexican"
The men of Midwest Hype have spent the last two years successfully spreading their funk across the Indiana music scene. The summer of 2010 has proven to be their most prosperous yet, including high profile gigs at the Indy 500 and Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, Ill. Notable performances still on the schedule before festival season closes include Head Jamz in Adams, Tenn.; Wuhnurth in Spencer, Ind.; and Knollfest in Indianapolis.
Certainly, it is Midwest Hype’s stage presence that makes their live show so much fun. The on-stage banter and crowd engagement makes onlookers feel like they’re hanging with old pals in someone’s basement, getting stoned and cracking jokes at each others' expense. Frequent collaboration with distinguished local hip hop celebrities (most recently Rusty Redenbacher of Mudkids and Ric Jilla, The Pride of Indiana) adds variety and vocal texture. Furthermore, The Hype’s paramount sense of style (teeming with neon colors, silly graphics and brazen accessories) sets them apart from their bohemian jam band brothers and sisters in the Midwest music network.
Midwest Hype
LIVE at The Mousetrap
"Ben's Kitchen Blues"
Midwest Hype feat. Rusty Redenbacher
LIVE at The Mousetrap
"Another Journey"
Midwest Hype’s 2009 debut album, fresh Colorful Love, presents a generous collection of 14 songs alternating from laid-back dub to quirky pop. It’s funky rock with a little hip hop, finished with a pinch of jazz.
Midwest Hype is currently preparing for studio time this winter to begin work on their sophomore album. They’ve already met with three prominent producers who specialize in various genres and they will meet with one more while in Tennessee for Head Jamz. The close of festival season will signify new music and studio time for the seven-piece band from LaPorte. The band anticipates an EP release by spring of 2011.
Catch Midwest Hype next in the Circle City Friday, September 10 at The Mousetrap (with Strange Arrangement) and October 2 at Knollfest.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Phallus in Wonderland: Gwar at The Vogue
Posted by Nick Selm on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 10:51 PM
My four undergraduate years in St. Louis spoiled me. While I was was living there, tons of awesome bands rolled through. So many, in fact, that I often had to struggle to decide what show I was going to go to on a given night. A coin flip once decided wether I would go to see Mars Volta or Cursive. This was a very good problem to have and I miss having those kinds of choices to make now that I’m back in Indiana. But every now and then, two good shows get stacked on the same night.
I am currently wrestling with one such predicament. Last week, I was dead set on going to see The Thermals in Bloomington. But now I’m torn. I recently discovered that on that same night (October 4), Gwar is playing The Vogue. I’m in a bit of a pickle but it is a very good pickle.
I love The Thermals for their wonderfully simplistic music, but Gwar live is a true spectacle. The long-running band incorporates just about every style of loud, heavy music into their sound, which alone is impressive. But the true selling point of Gwar is their elaborate, over-the-top live show.
Mixing the best of heavy metal cliches, the Cthulhu mythos and Norse mythology, Gwar is to metal, thrash and hardcore what The Dwarves were to pop-punk and rock and roll. Anyone attending their live show is guaranteed to get doused in some sort of elaborately dispensed liquid, see ridiculous costumes and hear some hilariously provocative lyrics.
- Gwar: H.P. Lovecraft would be proud.
Also, opening for Gwar are street punk heavy-hitters The Casualties. I’m sure that many fans of punk music listened to The Casualties when they were in high school, and quickly grew out of them, but there is no denying that they put on an exciting show as well. Their show last year was the best show ever held at the E.S. Jungle.
I', still perplexed as to which show I should go see, but I'm excited to be in this kind of a pickle again... because either way, I win.
Punk & Metal Gnat's Do Something Fest
Posted by Kelsey Simpson on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 4:20 PM
Gnat, the guy behind IndyVegans.com, thinks you should do one thing this weekend: something. Gnat’s Do Something Fest, to take place this Friday at The Hoosier Dome, a new all-ages venue in Fountain Square, aims to inform people about how to get involved in the DIY music, biking and vegan scenes in Indianapolis. Several bands will play alongside a vegan potluck, and all proceeds (and any donations) will go towards Freewheelin’ Community Bikes.
Nathaniel Wolos, also known as “Gnat Decay,” formed IndyVegans.com earlier this summer in an effort to unite vegans across Indianapolis. The site includes recipes, resources, and a community message board for those interested in eliminating meat and dairy out of their diet. Recipes span categories such as fast and easy snacks, breakfast, dinners and baking. The resource section also offers information on vegan-friendly grocery stores and restaurants. Currently there aren't many entries on the site, but by “doing something,” Gnat hopes that people will take notice.
“I’m a pretty simple man,” said Wolos. “I like making a buttery noodle mix with broccoli, Earth Balance butter, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and some soy topping. It blows my mind and I eat it about five times a week—along with vegan quesadillas. My hope for this event is that friends will have a chance to spend some time together.”
The admission price is $8 without a contribution to the potluck, and $4 for those who bring any kind of vegan food. According to Gnat, this lineup was booked because, “These are all bands I love. These are people that I love, and while they aren’t all vegan I plan to have a nice bike ride, eat some good food, and watch some great music.”
As as for that lineup (detailed on the flyer below): Indianapolis Forever, is an up-and-coming group fronted by Stephen Zumbrun of Piradical Productions that has yet to record, but has played shows at The Hoosier Dome and in a garage. Toby Foster will bring his folk sounds up from Bloomington, with vegan Will Power in tow. Bloomington's Pink Houses from Bloomington will engage in some noisy punk rock antics.
Headlining the festival is Full Rainbow, formerly known as The Sorely Trying Days. These gentlemen are infamous for their catchy hardcore and energetic shows. They released a demo over the summer, and are reportedly “consuming a lot of beers” while working on their new full length.
Those donations for Freewheelin’ Community Bikes will head towards an organization with a mission to send home children with refurbished bikes - but only after those kids have put in the time to learn how their bikes work. Organizers often work with bikes rescued from landfills or take in weathered donations and transform them into workable wheels.
“We really don’t want anyone to pay $8,” Gnat says about the cover. “If someone isn’t familiar with vegan food we will have a list of vegan items at the door that they can pick up at any grocery store. Or they could just bring 2-liters of soda or water. Also—there may be a vegan hot dog eating contest.” A similar concert is planned for late October.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Rock / Roots Roots Rock Notes: Five Shows to Catch
Posted by Rob Nichols on Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 11:34 PM
This week, former Mellencamp guitarist Larry Crane(who has hinted the old band may be getting back together) announced a show at the Beech Grove Fall Festival on September 18.
The concert will be the opening shot in a run of five roots-rock shows among the very best we will see all year. A one-month explosion of twangy, Americana rock and roll.
- The Gaslight Anthem
They finally hit Indy, after concluding their current trek through Europe. They haven't yet played a long run of shows in the states since the release of the new American Slang album., so watch for the buzz on the band to increase - deservedly so.
at The Vogue - $20 - with Fake Problems, Bridge & Tunnel
September 30 - The Hold Steady
Another band, like The Gaslight Anthem, that didn't have to stop in Indianapolis, but we thank them in advance. For a Springsteen fan it doesn't get much better - outside of a Bruce and the band show here, which will never happen again. We'll take these two shows and be pleased.
at The Vogue - $20 - with Wintersleep
October 3 - Drive-By Truckers
They cranked up a little music from their latest album Big To-Do at Deer Creek for the Petty fans as openers in July for TP and the Heartbreakers, but this Vogue date allows more sweat to get flung into the audience and more Neil Young-ish guitar solos to get played. Part of a 23-date Midwest and South trek, with Indy coming on a Sunday night at the end of six consecutive one-nighters. Look out...
at the Vogue - $20 - withThe Henry Clay People
- Shooter Jennings
Cowboy bad-ass Jennings just seems to channel his daddy's attitude. You never quite know what Shooter will bring, other than the volume and a respect for outlaw country heroes. His newest record Black Ribbons was a left turn, even including dialogue written by author Stephen King, who narrated the album. It peaked at 133 on the album chart, his lowest mark of his four studio releases. But live? He will rock. When Shooter flips the switch to make his guitar sound just like Waylon's, it's worth the 18 bucks you paid to get in.
at the Vogue - $18 - with J-Roddy Walston & The Business
