This is like a crazy musical soap opera, and it's incredibly interesting. Keep with it, it's long but pretty insane.
Article from Ramsey dean, former VP of Victory records...
(the original article on Absolute Punk was taken down after Victory sent the site a cease and desist.)
It's been a while since I posted about previous hottie-of-the-week band We Are Scientists, but something tells me it wont be long until I take back over this blog, among others, in preparation of their new LP. We ran an exclusive interview with said hottie, Keith Murray, today on CMJ.com in which he reveals the new album's title is in fact tentatively titled What $ of $ Do That Cost. While their sarcasm still remains the same, the sound may not as he hints there may be a bit of a change for their follow-up to the Underrated favorite With Love And Squalor.
Are you consciously looking to one-up Love And Squalor?
We definitely went into the studio with the intent to move along from the sound of the last album. This isn't to suggest that we think it wasn't a good album. It was, in fact, a great album, if the American press and our parents are to be believed. We recommend that other bands pick up where we left off and make a fortune mining our old sound. Ultimately though, we felt that it would be beneficial to grow as writers, or at least fake growth by cosmetically changing our sound slightly. I like to think that we've done the former....
(read the rest here)
I'm really looking forward to seeing WAS back on stage next weekend for Siren Fest. I've always been out of the city past years, so it'll be fun to actually experience the day firsthand. Chris has the complete schedule here and you will notice that my other loves, White Rabbits, will be one of the first bands up -- so get there early. I saw the band earlier this week at Highline Ballroom for a fantastic show...maybe I'll post some pictures or a review over the weekend.
Too many shows, never enough time to blog about them.
Blogs are a funny thing. I guess I can't speak for anyone else, but it seems to me as none of us decided from the beginning the ethical and moral standards we would take with our own websites. We didn't decide the tone, the type of coverage, or the stance on ideas, views, or anything of that nature. Frankly I think it's because music is music and rarely do we find ourselves in sticky situations that require such back thought. And yet when tragedy struck last week, I, myself, wasn't sure how to proceed.
From the viewing of many other blogs who covered the unfortunate and untimely death of Ra Ra Riot's drummer, John Pike, most seemed a bit unsure themselves. I wasn't surprised, or shocked, by how certain people decided to cover the story. In all honesty, in a story like this where so many questions are gone unanswered, the more I could read about it, the more I came to a personal relief.
And in the week since that I first heard that John was missing, I've found myself thinking about life and music and the people you meet in this crazy life. And from the conversations I've had with the band's manager, and the sense I've gotten from him, is that in these types of circumstances the person must be remembered for who they were. And the very least I can do, is help that cause.
I remember the first time I met John Pike. It was during the CMJ Music Marathon of last year, and I had booked a Sunday day show that I knew was going to be tough on all of us. After four days straight of drinking and show hopping, I myself was exhausted. But I woke up early and ran to dunkin donuts and decided to treat all my musical guests to a bit of coffee. Naturally, all were very thankful but I specifically remember John walking up to me, with a big goofy grin, and telling me how nice it was. Like the awkward self I usually am, I smiled and nodded, but John wouldn't stop. He kept going on and on about how late their show was at Studio B the night before, and how excited they were to play this one, but tired and the coffee was really nice. I'll never forget how genuine that conversation felt then, even more so now.
It's a strange thing when you find yourself seeing the same band numerous times. I seem to be a victim of this a lot, a creature of habit that sticks to what she likes and doesn't let go. Ra Ra Riot just happened to be one of those bands where I would not, could not, miss one of their New York shows. There was even talks of driving to Boston when they played with my dear friends Birdmonster, and when I was in Austin I made sure to catch up with them, not only once, but twice. And when you see a band every time they are in town, you run the risk of looking like a psycho fan that the band needs to be weary about. Or at least that's what goes through my head when I get there.
Besides that first encounter with John, the memories I'll hold dear is seeing his face coming through a crowd at every single show. For a pretty shy, but super fan like myself, having a member of one of your favorite bands not only acknowledge your presence, but thank you time and time again for making the effort to come down is priceless. John, without a doubt, always made the effort to come say hi to me and thank me profusely for making it out. I remember the last time I saw them play at Mercury Lounge, I finally told him he didn't have to thank me anymore, that he can pretty much guarantee I'll be there every time. He just smiled and went on asking me about work and life, knowing full well he'd be there to show gratitude the next time. And even though he won’t, I think I'll know that he's still thankful, as am I, for being there.
I didn't know John Pike for too long, but from the time I did I was honored to be in his presence. Never have I felt someone so genuinely warm and compassionate for so little time. Needless to say, he will be missed by myself, a music community at large...and most importantly, his family and friends.
To my dear Ra Ra Rioters, stay strong. My thoughts are with you.
Sean asked me last night if I only blog now when I'm angry about something. It almost seems to be the case, but I swear it's not done on purpose. But this, in fact, a great place to rant and rave, so if you get the impression that I'm some nutcase who is constantly angry at the world, know that it's only one part of me. The other part likes puppies. And flowers.
But here we go with a little bit of a rant, that hopefully (*crossing fingers*) will work out for the best.
If you've been keeping up with some news, you are aware that the Copyright Royalty Board has implemented a royalty rate increase to all internet radio stations, nearly double what they are paying right now. What does this mean? Your favorite radio stations may not survive. And for someone who is head over hells in love with WOXY, among others, this makes me very concerned.
You see, it's kind of ridiculous. First of all, internet radio stations are the only ones who are playing a diverse range of music and aren't controlled by Clear Channel. They are the ones supporting the artists that need it the most. And they are happy, yes thrilled, to pay the artists their royalties, but there is no need for this absurd increase. Streaming online content is not the same thing as downloading an MP3. Ask the artists. They'll say the same frickin thing.
Okay, enough with the ranting -- let's look to what can be done. The Copyright Royalty Board is done with the case. They can't change their ruling now, but Congress can. And thanks to organizations like the newly formed SaveNetRadio, you can do your part by writing to your Congressman. Within its first three days of existence, the campaign has sent more than 250,000 messages asking them to set a reasonable rate that will save internet stations from going under. Check out their website for more information, and cool nifty little banners you can put on your blogs, myspaces, etc.
I interviewed spokesperson Jake Ward for a CMJ News Article. Here's what he said about the future, if nothing is done:
"Very few [Internet radio stations], if any, will survive," says Jake Ward, a spokesperson for the SaveNetRadio coalition. "And those that do survive will be challenged to provide the service we enjoy today, because Internet radio's greatness is driven by its diversity, which is a result of technology, no limitation of 'space' for the stations, and creative competition and energy."
Don't let this happen. Please, please, do what you can to make this known. And if you are in a band, you could follow the Truckee Brother's actions: they won't release their next single to anyone but the internet radio stations, and for free.
Can you imagine what would happen to indie music if there are no longer internet radio stations? My goodness, I don't even want to think about it.
Very rarely do I take this blog seriously. Most of the time I use this little page on the internet to recount the nights chasing after wannabe rockstars, promoting bands I hold so near and dear to my heart, or just old fashioned babbling. It's usually a combination of all three. I forget to spell check or read posts over once they are done. It's not that I don't enjoy this blog, I just don't use it as a forum for my intelligence or writing. I hope that's okay.
Now I could tell you about seeing LCD Soundsystem on Friday night (totally fun in spite of my sickness) or dancing around like an idiot to Birdmonster last night for the umpteenth time thanks to too many gin and tonics. I could tell how how Mason Proper is fantastic, or how Jena Malone and Her Bloodstains totally freaked me out. That would all be just fine, but I feel as though it's time for a little seriousness. It comes around once in a blue moon, so do listen intently.
I heard a little while ago that my buddies A Brief Smile were going to be on 92.3. Growing up in the New York City area, I had listened to 92.3 a good amount of time (ok, I listened to Z100 a lot more, don't mock). It was KROQ, now WFNY, the alternative rock station in our area, and at one point had decent music, or so I think. But as time has passed, less people listen to commercial radio and for good reason. Not only are their djs annoying, but the quality of music has reached an all-time low. Thankfully, we have internet radio, blogs, and podcasts to help fulfill our musical needs.
Regardless, the fact that one of my favorite bands were going to get some airtime on a station that a whole bunch of people still listen to was pretty cool. I couldn't tune in when they were going to be on because I was at work, and frankly forgot about it until I saw a myspace blog post by the band.
also, we were on 92.3 on the "jv and elvis show" on tuesday. they said they enjoyed the music but chose to shout anti-gay slurs at us as way to make themselves feel better about the reality that nobody with half of a brain listens to regular radio anymore...or something...we didn't quite get it. [queerty, wfmu and doghouse blog all had something to say]
I checked out the links and was a bit shocked at what I found. In the comments on queerty, someone had uploaded the show, so I checked it out and found myself feeling quite uneasy about the whole experience. I cut down the show to their interview. You can listen below.
Listen: A Brief Smile on The Doghouse
I don't know when it became okay, or frankly in fashion, to use the word "faggot." But the more I hear people using it so loosely, the more disgusted with our culture I have become. The djs can say they used the word in a different connotation, but that does not make it okay. Regardless of John's sexual orientation, you cannot and do not use that word under any circumstance. The fact that these are young kids who were on the radio for the first time just makes it worse. These idiots (and I mean that sincerely) bullied and preyed for entertainment sake, and I find it morally, ethically, and socially unacceptable. What kind of country do we live in where people of this manner are paid to be heard? And the fact that people enjoy listening to this kind of talk is even worse.
I applaud John for speaking up. It couldn't have been easy and although it didn't do much good at the time, it's a valiant effort. Sure, he didn't go into the show with the best comments, but from the very beginning KROQ's djs seemed to find homophobic banter amusing. I personally don't feel the need to tell you not to listen to these djs or this show in the future, because I think if you had any sense or respect for humankind, you wouldn't associate yourselves with them in the first place. I am sorry that this band has this experience attached to their name. They understood the nature of the show when they agreed to be on it, but sometimes things just get out of hand.
I used to think I was far too naive to be involved in the music industry, but I wish that more people would look at the bigger picture and remember that entertainment isn't everything. People are people, no matter what. Respect isn't something to be privileged, it should be required.
A little while ago, someone told me that Mercury Lounge might be closing. If you've talked to me (sober or not) you'd probably heard me complain that there is a lack of good venues left in the city. I have a lot of bands asking me for help when they come to NYC, and I just don't know what to tell them anymore. If a band is on tour and needing to make money by having a good gig with people who will come out to the show regardless of the lineup, there are venues few and far between. So when I heard my beloved Mercury Lounge might be turning into an apartment complex, that was not a step in the right direction.
And then this morning, I saw this post on Paper Mag:
According to New Media Feed, the reason for the shut down is linked to real estate development. Raises in rent and plans for high-rise luxury condos have already forced out other key venues in the neighborhood such as the Luna Lounge (which re-located to Brooklyn) and Sin-e (which will shut its doors soon).
So the little reporter than I now apparently am, I reached out for either a confirmation or denial. And thankfully this is the official word:
total bullshit, some dick box started the rumor.
Phew. Top-notch reporting right here.
You know what's fun? Being sick. Again. And this time? It's tonsillitis! Something makes me want to pretend I'm on one of those commercials and do a little cheer and dance because I have this illness. Maybe it will help. But probably not.
I can't believe it myself, but I've managed to spend the greater part of the last six months on some sort of medication, complaining. Frankly, I wish this wasn't the case. And as much as I hate doctors offices, I forced myself there after work, fell asleep on the examining table, and tried to be optimistic over the fact that I don't have mono or strep. Nope, just tonsillitis. And if this horrific pain that I am currently experiencing doesn't go away in three days, those suckers are on their way out. Ice cream, anyone?
Let's find some good news, shall we?
The good news is that there's a fantastic show going on tonight with my newest obsessions Mason Proper and old-school Underrated loves A Brief Smile. It all starts at 8 PM tonight, and is guaranteed to be a seriously good night. Just don't tell my mom I am going out. And I swear I'm not contagious. So don't be afraid to say hey.
I really like that flyer.
There's a new episode of the blog show up today, but I will get to that later. Everything is finalized for this years SXSW and I couldn't be more excited (hoping that I'm 100% better by then, because I want my margaritas, now). It's amazing what a difference a year makes, as last time I was apprehensive about going down not knowing very many people, and this year basically every band and blogger I know will be there. It's going to be awesome.
What else can I tell you? Next week I've got a super exclusive for you that I'm so happy to share. But before that, you must come to see Jukebox The Ghost on Saturday at Pianos. I'm going to write up a full post about how lovely this band is on Friday, complete with exclusive mp3s for all y'alls. Your new favorite band? Perhaps. Mine? Definitely. Here's the flyer for the show, because it's oh so pretty.
I think that's all I have to say for now.
For the spring premiere of Lost, I found myself in the company of five different local bands. Now, I could go into a long dissertation about the relationship between fans of both music and Lost, but I won't. I'll just say it was pretty cool. And I got to play Wii for the first time. So there.
And what I did get to hear while I was there was a brand spanking new demo from A Brief Smile. Seriously folks, you have no idea what you are in for. It has been a long time since I heard anything absolutely new from the band (probably because I see them play live every chance I can get), but holy sneakers. This young band is probably the most ambitious songwriters I know. And it's working out for them. Just wait til you hear what is in store. You'll be floored.
While I was very excited to hear that new demo, I was not happy to hear that there were no shows coming up at that point. Luckily enough, that has changed in the last two weeks as now A Brief Smile will be playing two local shows, both of which are pretty frickin cool.
You obviously know about my latest obsession with Mason Proper, and so the fact that they will be playing with A Brief Smile at my beloved Sin-e is pretty spectacular. And one more for our friends The Music Slut with Locksley? Oy vey.
Here's what you need to know. See you there.
March 1: Sin-E
with mason proper
doors: 7pm, mason proper: 8pm, a brief smile: 9pm
March 24: The Delancey
the music slut spring fling
with the midnight hours, the silent years, cassettes won't listen and locksley
doors @ 8pm
Check them out on myspace and purchase their debut album R.E.S.T.
People tend to ask me what I'm listening to. I don't know why but apparently I'm somewhat of a music addict, who feeds on new music and usually can't keep quiet about it. And while I keep thinking I'm about to go into some sort of musical rut, something keeps coming along that reminds me that there are far too many bands out there, and only one of me. The odds, my friends, are in my favor.
2007 has started off strong for me. When I am not listening to local favorites White Rabbits, or a few guilty pleasures (Mika, anyone?), I have been habitually picking apart Mason Proper's debut album There Is A Moth On My Chest. I first wrote about this band in December, and seeing them play for the first time really sealed the deal. And now that I've got a copy of their album, thanks to Dovecote Records, it's really all I can listen to anymore.
What I need to tell you is that it is good. No, this is not just the type of good that you'll listen to for a week, really like, and then move on. This is not the type of good that you are just waiting for the band to really find their sound for their next album, and that will be better. And this is not the type of good that is easily accessible, or too far-fetched to be considered ordinary.
No, my friends. This is a different type of good.
This is the type of good that reminds you of every band you loved. Equally early 90's rock, influenced by some of the greatest indie rock gods of our time, it's straightforward and the perfect amount of quirky. I'd hate to make comparisons because you'd easily laugh at me, so instead I'll tell you that this is likeable rock, with a little bit of fuzz, a little bit melody, and a whole lot of fun. You will dance. You will pick apart the lyrics. You'll wonder what pedals or what production tricks they'd use. But in the end, you'll say...this is frickin good.
And because I can never keep my mouth shut, I happened to mention to the Birdmonsters about my new obsession (they've experienced this first hand, after all) and now the two have decided to do a little tour together. And how happy is this girl? Well, I'm sure you get this by now.
Go pre-order Mason Proper's debut There Is A Moth On Your Chest over at Dovecote Records right now and get a free 7" Picture Disc of "My My (Bad Fruit)" with exclusive B-side "Traveling Man" AND a free poster signed by the band!
So download these below, order the album, and I'll see you at the shows.
and in case you forgot...
Birdmonster & Mason Proper Tour:
Mar 24 - The Subterranean - Chicago, Illinois
Mar 25 - Mad Hatter Club - Covington, Kentucky
Mar 27 - Lager House - Detroit, Michigan
Mar 28 - The Horseshoe - Toronto, Ontario
Mar 30 - The Middle East Upstairs - Cambridge, Massachusetts
Mar 31 - The Gramercy Theatre - New York, New York (buy tickets here)
It's been ages since I've seen Nicole Atkins perform, but her new EP Bleeding Diamonds is the perfect soundtrack for the day before Valentines Day. Tomorrow you will get drunk, but today you are free to be melancholy.
A staple in the New York local scene, Atkins will put her crafted songwriting and haunting voice to the test when she releases her upcoming debut on Columbia Records. But for now, she is headlining Mercury Lounge next Tuesday, and we are holding a fun contest to support that show.
Here are the deets.
To win two tickets to see Nicole Atkins and her band the Sea at Mercury Lounge on Feb 20, write a haiku with the theme “Seahorses Take Manhattan” and Nicole herself will choose a winner. You can email me at underratedmagazine (at) gmail (dot) com, or leave your haiku in the comments.
Fun, right?
Nicole Atkins - Carouselle
Hear more on her myspace.
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