Looking for heavy guitars, bold drums, horns, and a folky sound?
Yeah, that’s Old Canes.
A musical project of Christopher Crosci from the band, The Appleseed Cast, Old Canes is an interesting sound, which could be closely described as reminiscent of Neutral Milk Hotel; while bringing something fresh and original to the table.
Of the music that has been produced and released, it was recorded using a rotating mixture of musicians available at the time, professed as a ‘musical collective’, creating a unique sound that stays enjoyable.
Check out this live performance of one of my favorite Old Cane songs, Sweet, from the album Feral Harmonic, released in 2009.
SLOTHPOP -
SLOTHPOP is an ethereal avant-garde pop/indie band from Indy (see what I did there? xD) who has sadly disbanded, but that hasn’t stopped me from obsessing mercilessly over their self-titled album. The vocals and lyrics are amazing, the instrumentation is phenomenal—each song seems to take you on a completely different journey, and yet the album is cohesive and comfortable. Slothpop is available for download on their bandcamp site. Their lead vocalist, Kristen, is working on another project titled KO—go check it out. I’m waiting anxiously for that album to drop as well!
http://slothpop.bandcamp.com/album/slothpop
https://www.facebook.com/KOTUNES
I found out about Levi Weaver the same way that I’m assuming a lot of people did—seeing him open for Imogen Heap back in ‘06. I’ve been a fan of this Nashville-based singer/songwriter ever since. His sound is alt.country/folk rock, and his voice is stellarly stellar. He also is a huge proponent for independent artists and has written a really interesting blog series about the finances of independent artists. (There’s a minimal amount of math, which is helpful for people like me, who shudder at the sight of numbers.)
I could really talk about how amazing Levi is all day.
Noisetrade is offering a 11-song sampler of his catalog today for free, and I’ll throw a link to his bandcamp and blog below. If you like him, I suggest signing up for his email, as he often hooks you up.
Noisetrade Sampler:
http://noisetrade.com/leviweaver/noisetrade-sampler
Bandcamp: (Most of the albums are pay what you’d like)
http://leviweaver.bandcamp.com/
Blog Series: “What Does an Indie Get Paid?”
http://leviweaver.com/2013/02/14/what-does-an-indie-get-paid-4-spotify/ (There are links to the other entries toward the top)
The Rose West is an amazing example of progressive rock, driven by telling a story through music. This New York band draws a narrative in a way that should make fans of Coheed very proud.
Weaving a story through each song dripping with jazzy guitars, bluesy vocals, tinges of classic rock, infused with modern prog rock ideals. This is a band that has started to make a name for themselves, starting with taking Brooklyn by storm.
The debut album, When the Road Darkens, shares a link with bands like Coheed and 3, as it was recorded and produced at the historic APPLEHEAD RECORDING & PRODUCTION.
So, if you are looking for something new to listen, look no further. Check out the bands independent debut album here:http://therosewest.bandcamp.com/
Rolling Stone Mobile - News - Music: Ray Manzarek, Doors Keyboardist, Dead at 74 -
I’m a firm believer that you can’t wholly appreciate the present without an understanding and appreciation of the past.
This man’s work helped to form one of the most influential groups of the 1960s, and continued to work and inspire other groups throughout the years. So. Rest in peace, Mr. Manzarek.
Here you go, the interview with the awesome Mr. Josh Eppard, aka Weerd Science. We got the opportunity to ask some serious questions. Enjoy!
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For Your Aural Enjoyment: You’ll be releasing Red Light Juliet through bandcamp on May 21st. The last Weerd Science album, Sick Kids, came out in May of 2011. Between those times, you rejoined Coheed as drummer, gotten engaged, etc. So my question is, has the mind set changed in the songwriting process during that time frame and into present day? Is there a different approach to writing lyrics for Weerd Science now, as opposed to then?
Weerd Science: Not Really No. The writing for Weerd Science was always what was inspiring me or motivating me at that moment. I guess I’ve always been drawn to darker things in my writing, and that certainly hasn’t changed. Being in a good place mentally and physically now actually allows me to articulate some of the darkest parts of my past with a clearer mind. I feel like I maybe wouldn’t of, or couldn’t of, dug in so to speak when I was in the middle of some of these things. Chalk that up to another positive thing from not doing heroin all day! Yay!!!!
FYAE: You’ve been traveling and touring extensively with Coheed, when you are on the road, are you writing lyrics in a book, or is that something you wait until you get home to do?
WS: Again the writing happens when it hits me. That can be all day every day or not for 3 weeks. It’s always different. To answer the question though: No there is no specific time to write or not write.
FYAE: How is the songwriting process different with Weerd Science, a hip-hop project, and your other projects, which are more rock-based? Walk me through the process of a Weerd Science song…
WS: (You’re gonna kill me) It’s always different! Every record I’ve made with Weerd Science has been such a unique experience. The process with Friends And Nervous Breakdowns was different than Sick Kids and “Red Light Juliet” is different from both. The one constant is that there is me and I am writing the lyrics. I am turning beats into songs. The process for “Red Light” was different in that it was Ernie Falconer (DJ Dirty Ern) and Chris Bittner (CJB) who really spearheaded this EP. Ernie is always up my ass about “We gotta do music!!!” “We gotta record come on!!!” So finally I said we should do it and those guys sent me a bunch of beats and we did it! That was pretty much the process. If they sent me something that was dope, I knew I better write a song to it before they give it to some wack ass rapper.
FYAE: For those that follow you on twitter [@weerd_science], you are regularly interacting with fans, sharing pictures of family and pets, and also reviewing movies, but the burning question is: when are you going to start a movie review blog?
WS: Bloghz u have 2 youz korrect spellin. Me no like.
FYAE:Has there been any talk of collaboration between [Claudio Sanchez’s side project] The Prize Fighter Inferno and Weerd Science? And if you had the opportunity to collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
WS: Yes. There has been some talk. We’ll see. I sure would like that.
Out of any musician dead or alive? Jeez I would have to say John Bonham. I would thank him for all the times I ripped him off and pick his brain for hours. Then I would call Chris Bittner and we would record him playing and never need awesome drum samples again. Or I’d collaborate with Chris Brown. He’s a genius. I’m just kidding. In this magical world where I get to work with any musician dead or alive I am thinking I could get away with murder. And I would murder him. Not because he hit Rihanna either. It’d be because of his laugh in that song Look At Me Now.
FYAE: You’ve also had the chance to do a lot of interesting collaborations and work with some amazing people over the years. Is there any one collaboration that sticks out for you as being particularly meaningful or fun?
WS:I’ve collaborated with a lot of people over the years and my favorite would be Chris Bittner. We don’t always see eye to eye but Chris is other worldly. He’s brilliant. He’s usually right when we don’t agree though.
FYAE: Tell me about some of the music you’ve been listening to lately. What’s burning up your playlist? What new releases in music are you excited for?
WS: A lot of stuff. The new Ill Bill LP is just stupid good. He’s amazing. Anything Vinnie Paz does is getting played. Swollen Members is dope as well. I’ve been on a Fleetwood Mac kick of late. A great band from Albany, Stellar Young, is one of my new favorites. Them and my lil’ brother Jack’s band Cosmonaut.
FYAE: You’ve had the chance to tour with a ton of different groups. What would be your dream lineup to play with? What would be your dream lineup as a fan?
WS: My dream Line up to play with would be:
Cosmonaut: 6:00-6:40
Stellar Young: 7:00-7:40 (Every other night they switch spots so one doesn’t think I’m favoring the other)
3: 8:00-8:50
Circa Survive: 9:15-10:15
Coheed: 10:40-11:40
Led Zeppelin: 12:00-2:00
As a fan it would be - 40oz To Freedom (A Sublime Tribute Band), opening for Sublime! I would wanna see that!
FYAE: The projects you’re currently doing [Coheed & Weerd Science] are independent, meaning under no contracts to a particular record label. How do you feel about being an “indie” artist, now more than ever?
WS: Well being an independent artist today for a band like Coheed is something I am immensely proud of. I had nothing to do with that decision but being in a band that carved out their own thing and can do it at this level without the major label machine means a lot to me. As for Weerd Science it is completely different. Of course we are indie. I don’t sell enough records for any label to want me.
FYAE: Is it more convenient not having a label? What are the pros and cons?
WS: It all is so specific. An experience for this band might be great with a label while this other band might not being indie. It depends on what your goals are and what you want to accomplish. I hate to say it but….its always different!
FYAE: What’s the best advice you can give to up and coming musicians? Where to start, how to market themselves and the music they create?
WS: Just be out there doing it. It’s tough and yes a lot of luck comes into play but, you got to be out there doing it. Make your own luck! Play everywhere and anywhere.
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And there you have it folks. Red Light Juliet comes out May 21st at Midnight, look for it HERE: http://weerdscience.bandcamp.com/
Special thanks to Josh Eppard for taking the time to answer some questions, and to Neesh for making it happen!
Thaddeus Lowe’s album “Rose Garden in the Gospel of Now” is a beautiful, acoustic-based experimental/chillwave album that should come with a complimentary glass of red wine and a sunset on the beach. Every track on this album is solid, soothingly beautiful, and amazingly layered for a fun listening experience. If you’re into Bon Iver or City and Colour, or mellow non-political Radiohead, you’ll love this album. He’s offering it for free download, so check it out.
http://thaddeuslowe.bandcamp.com/
The Rose West/For Your Aural Enjoyment - Facebook Contest -
Alright guys, contest time.
The amazing guys in The Rose West have agreed to run a giveaway. There will be 15 prizes/winners in total.
The contest begins today (Saturday) 5/11/13 and will end 5/19/13 (Sunday) at 11am est, and the winner chosen at 12pm.
The prizes are:
- 10 digital download codes for “When The Road Darkens” from bandcamp, which allows the winner to download a copy of the album in any format.
- 4 copies of “When the Road Darkens” on CD, complete with artwork and liner notes.
- 1 grand prize, a copy of “When the Road Darkens” on CD, signed by the band, a signed poster and a The Rose West t-shirt (sizes XS-XL)
The way the contest works, and to be entered, you must:
1. Like The Rose West facebook page.
2. Like For Your Aural Enjoyment on facebook.
3. Share the write up of the band, which is pinned to the top of this page.
(you must use the ‘share’ option on the pinned post. I’ve noticed some shares are not counting, due to privacy settings. Please, if you have your settings super tight, send a message to the page to be entered.)
Everyone who shares the post will then be entered and picked at random, using a web generated chooser.
The 1st 10 picked will win the digital codes, followed by 4 physical copies, and then the grand prize.
So get to sharing, and good luck.
“Save me, when the rivers run dry….
Bring me where the waters run deep, where the eyes cannot see….”
— The Dear Hunter - The Love
What’s your favorite ‘go-to’ album?
Oh shit, son! Thought this song was gonna fall by the way side. It’s sorta the sister track to “Unlovable Loser.” Beat by @davidbparker of @stellar_young. @cjb1110 was throwing down some bass. Apparently #weerdscience wrote his verses in my notebook. This baby was never finished… but hey, thanks to @dirtyern12 you can now jam out to this fire track! It’s on http://dirtyern12.bandcamp.com/album/coke-whores-and-cold-sores. Seriously, how NASTY is that beat? #freemusic #cotf
There Is No Mountain is a new project from the Portland-based duo that brought you the americana-pop group The Ascetic Junkies. Their first single “Owl Hymn” is a bit more indie without losing their bluegrass/folksy roots, and catchy to boot. They’re offering it free for download on their bandcamp.
http://thereisnomountain.bandcamp.com/
PS-If you’re not familiar with The Ascetic Junkies, check out their music here. Their intelligent, fun, bluegrass-tinged pop sound *will* get lodged in your brain. You’ve been warned.
http://theasceticjunkies.bandcamp.com/
Interview with Mark Lombardo of Titanics -
Alright guys, here’s that awesome interview I did with Mark Lombardo, the lead singer of the amazing indie dream-pop band,Titanics. Enjoy!
1. How did the band get started?
- The band originally started as a side project of our lead singer, Mark Lombardo. Although the project was acoustic/folk based - it led to a more dreamy and rich sound that became the band as we know it today. After Lombardo recorded a bunch of dreamy keyboard based demos at 4am in his shed/beer brewery in upstate NY - he recruited Derek Rogers on guitar to complete the sound for the live show.
2. What drew you to create music, or become a musician in general?
- Music feels real right from the start, it doesn’t take an understanding or logic - it feels good. It is the quickest way to go to another place. I wanted to be the captain of that.
3. What artists have been particularly influential in the music-making process?
- I listen to a lot of Youth Lagoon, Broken Social Scene and Dirty Vegas. I like rich and visual music - more recently I’ve been digging aesthetic beats and chill out stuff.
4. Many musicians become inspired by a variety of aspects. Have you been influenced by different genres or art, such as books/movies? Do you draw inspiration from these methods, and as well, Incorporate them into your music?
- I am very influenced by short fiction and anything relating to strange meta-physics and cosmic stories. I read a lot of Herman Hesse. Things of ‘unreal’ or ‘impossible’ nature have always affected and influenced me. I think we as humans underestimate our powers very much. Everything is perception - my music is very influenced in the theme of hope and wonder and wander.
I am also obsessed with The Twilight Zone.
5. If you could pick any three artists - any genre, actors/authors/musicians to have one meal with, who would you choose?
- Jim Morrison of The Doors, Ernest Hemingway, and a great white shark.
6. If you could listen to only one album for the rest of your life,
what would it be?
- Kings of Convenience- Declaration of Dependence
7. Have you ever been so moved by a song, that you cried? If so, what was it?
- any song sung by an attractive lead singer who is already married or something
(Switching gears here)
8. What is your favorite food on tour? Least favorite?
- Organic Peanut Butter is my personal favorite to eat when I am not rolling in money. I am not a picky eater by any standard- I really think falafel is simply horrible.
9. Who are some favorite musicians that you’ve either toured with, or have seen live?
- We have a show in Albany with a band from Connecticut called Mercies. All a bunch of really cool guys and phenomenal musicians. Love playing with them: always a holy evening.
10. Name a band or artist(s) you would tour if with if the opportunity presented itself.
- Beach House, Phantogram or Youth Lagoon.
11. Where do you see the band going? Where do you want to be in 1 year? 3 years?
- a few more months of local shows then : touring, touring, touring, rafting out to Cuba, touring, touring, touring.
Thanks for being so great, Mark.
Make sure you guys check out this amazing debut album -http://titanics.bandcamp.com/music
The Elephant in the Room - Need Your Help -
Alright, so there’s this band, The Elephant in the Room. And Casey Crescenzo wants to record and produce their first real record.
That’s pretty damn exciting, but they need your help to do so.
They have started a Kickstarter to get the word around, and they have some pretty awesome pledge rewards. Click the title above to go there and pledge.
Help this band realize this amazing dream!
Titanics:
I’m always in search of new indie/dream pop/chillwave music to listen to. I’m addicted to it, there is just something about synthy pop that warms me to the core.
So, with that, I was recently contacted by the Albany based band,Titanics. I wasn’t familiar with them prior, but I’m hooked now. As it turns out, they were just what I wanted in a band. They recently put out their debut album, Soft Treasure.
My recommendation, check out this album. When asked what I thought about the album by the vocalist, I replied “my only true issue, is that it had to end”.
In the coming days, I’ll be posting an interview with the band members, but until then, enjoy.
http://titanics.bandcamp.com/