Despite the title, Swedish Soundtrack Of Our Lives disciples Oholics exhibit plenty of grace on the soaring, psych-twinged Disgraceland,which saw its US release on August 24th. Fusing the rawboned intensity of early Stones with a grab bag of Barrett-era Floyd theatrics, the Gothenburg six-piece create lush and experimental pop across eleven gorgeous tracks on their self-released debut. Produced by Soundtrack braintrust Ebbot Lundberg, the album also calls to mind contemporaries like the debonair downtowners The Strokes and the reinvigorated Scots of Primal Scream.
With a dizzying array of instrumentation that includes everything from a space box and sitar to trusty keys and six-strings, Oholics impress on tracks like the woozy, laser light show of “Lose It,” available for download below. And with slack-jawed raves already pouring in about their recent NXNE stint, these guys are exactly one world tour away from what the Metro in Sweden already predicts: “world domination.”
“With a sound rooted in early Floyd (with a Syd Barrett cover to boot) it’s revved up to hyperdrive and could actually be the album that the Stones tried to make with their Satanic Majesties. Listen loud or on headphones for an experience.” – Americana UK
“This band will be huge!!!” – Dublin Castle, London, UK
“Oholics have gained a reputation as being Gothenburg’s best live act.” – Metro, Sweden
OHOLICS: DISGRACELAND OUT NOW AND AVAILABLE ON ITUNES
A true accident if there ever was one; Bad Books was never an intended nor calculated side project of Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull. Though the two musicians have collaborated and performed together on tour and within the Favorite Gentlemen community of artists for years now, the genesis of Bad Books came from a simple idea to fill space and time off the road by collaborating on a small batch of songs together at the top of the year. With no agenda and no expectations, what was birthed just one week later was Bad Books, a fully realized album encompassing five compositions each from both Devine and Hull, with the members of Manchester Orchestra filling out the sound and the band. The self-titled debut will be released October 19th, 2010 via Favorite Gentlemen Recordings, the record label that was founded and has been run by Manchester Orchestra since 2007.
In contrast to previous outputs from Manchester Orchestra and Devine, Bad Books cradles a much more noticeable pop aesthetic and energy than either artist has probably ever showcased before. Nowhere is this more evident than in songs like “You Wouldn’t Have To Ask” and “Holding Down the Laughter”.
Engineered by Robert McDowell (of Manchester Orchestra) with help from drummer Ben Homola, and mixed by Chris Bracco (of Devine’s ‘Goddamn Band’), Bad Books progressed in the most organic and natural way possible. Free from any boundaries or restrictions, Devine and Hull were able to craft a beautiful body of melodies, highlighting arcs of high and low throughout, and utilizing the stark imagery and storytelling for which both of them are known.
For Devine, Hull, and the rest of Manchester Orchestra, choosing the direction of the road less travelled resulted in sonic harmonies and woven textures that meshed what these best friends do best. Some accidents were just meant to be.
Be sure to catch Bad Books when they play select dates this October. The ticket pre-sale starts at noon on Wednesday, August 18 at BadBooks.DucatKing.com. Every order placed through this pre-sale comes with two free digital Bad Books tracks, to be delivered via email. Also exclusive to this pre-sale will be a $10.00 pre-sale T-shirt bundle available in heather grey. Choose your size when you add your tickets to the order and pick up your shirt from the merch table at the show!
10.20.10 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY
10.22.10 – T.T. The Bear’s Place – Cambridge, MA
10.23.10 – The North Star Bar – Philadelphia, PA
10.24.10 – The Ottobar – Baltimore, MD
Since 2001, the Honda Civic Tour has been featuring some of the best bands in rock music every summer while also giving away amazing prizes. This year, Paramore is headlining the tour with support from indie darlings Tegan and Sara, pop punk veterans New Found Glory and the especially unique, newly discovered group Kadawatha. You can check out some cool exclusive photos and videos of the tour from the bands and fans at the Honda Civic Tour Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HondaCivicTour The tour kicked off in July but there are plenty of more cities left. You can check out the remaining dates and buy tickets here.
Besides the great music, you can win a ton of prizes at the Honda Civic Tour. If you head over to the tour’s Facebook page, you can play the “Gimme More Paramore Game” and try to win prizes that range from meeting the band to a signed tour program & CD!
And while you’re there make sure to check out the official tour car, the Paramore Honda Civic!
Benny Marchant is a dynamic young singer-songwriter who has entrenched himself in the Los Angeles music scene with a sophisticated, contemporary vibe that speaks to young and old alike about love, loss, journey and victory. Marchant has slowly and steadily built a reputation amongst tastemakers and music fanatics alike by crafting songs that speak to the heart and the ears.
Marchant began working with GRAMMY winning producer Joe Chicarelli (Radiohead, White Stripes, Counting Crows), crafting Marchant’s debut album, which is expected to be released late summer 2010, followed by select club engagements and a college tour throughout the United States.
Fans can now check out Benny Marchant’s debut single “Conversations Missed” on his official website with an official music video to follow in the coming weeks.
Singer/songwriter and edgy pop recording artist BC Jean will be releasing her debut single “Just A Guy” on September 14th on J Records. As the co-writer for Beyonce’s mega hit “If I Were A Boy,” BC was the subject of a signing frenzy and quickly entered the studio to record her debut album slated for release early 2011 on J Records.
Inspired by Gwen Stefani and Alanis Morrisette, BC is a dynamic young artist who possesses tremendous talent, drive, and passion.
Grammy-nominated producer and multi-platinum hitmaker Ryan Tedder and producer of “’Just A Guy’” said “This is first song I’ve ever produced that I didn’t write in six years…That’s how much I like this song. I have a good feeling about this one.”
Sony Music Chief Creative Offer Clive Davis who signed her to J Records along with Larry Jackson and John Ehmann said “You eagerly wait for a multi-talented new artist to come along like BC Jean. She’s already proven her major songwriting ability, and, what’s more, she’s got a truly powerful voice with edge and natural soulfulness.”
BC is currently in the studio working with a host of top-notch collaborators including Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, Beyoncé), The Matrix (Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera), Max Martin (Katy Perry, Pink). Brian Howes (Daughtry, David Cook), Zac Maloy (David Cook, Jason Castro), and Howard Benson (The All-American Rejects, My Chemical Romance).
Far East Movement (also known as FM) have bridged the gap between underground party records and mainstream hip-hop and pop. They blend elements of hip-hop, pop, electro and dance to create an original sound and lifestyle they call ‘Free Wired’. The group translates this ‘Free Wired’ way of life by constantly staying interactive and living the lifestyle it promotes. Whether it’s their weekly music show on www.cherrytreeradio.com, blogging everyday on www.fareastmovement.com or uploading a series of FM Satellite webisodes they shoot on the road with their ‘spy cams’ they always stay free to “’geek out’ 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.”
Growing up together in Los Angeles, the guys were influenced by the thriving downtown LA scene and a wide array of music from fellow West Coast classics like the Pharcyde and Dr Dre, to the dance music of DJ Tiesto and Daft Punk, to LA rockers like Guns N Roses, Linkin Park and Blink 182. “Our musical inspiration is as large as what we can hold on our iPods.”
Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif, and DJ Virman, always donning stylish shades, skinny ties, and shiny blazers and fresh kicks have taken the current Los Angeles club scene global, already having to their credit two world tours, numerous song placements on television and film, and a # 1 song on Los Angeles radio all before they even dropped their debut album, appropriately titled, Free Wired, scheduled for a fall 2010 release on Cherrytree Records/Interscope. The album features appearances from Snoop Dogg, Lil’ Jon, and OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder.
Far East Movement are currently wrapping up the “All Hearts Tour” with Dan Black, Kelis and their Cherrytree Records’ labelmate Robyn. Catch them on the upcoming Lazer Tag tour with Hypercrush in August and on tour with Mike Posner in the fall.
Get to know more about FM and the free wired way of life in their video for “Like A G6″ featuring The Cataracs and Dev. The track is available on iTunes now.
New Medicine has a new video out for the single “Laid.” The song, off of the band’s forthcoming debut album Race You To The Bottom, has been ripping up the rock radio charts. Revolver debuted the video for “Laid”. Check it out here.
Here’s a little bit more about the band.
New Medicine injects a little hope into hard rock on their debut album, Race You to the Bottom, due out this fall via Photo Finish Records. Each song tells a story, whether it’s about the loss of a loved one on “Little Sister” or the state of the world on “Race You to the Bottom.”
For lead vocalist Jake Scherer, the band’s message is in their moniker. “Everybody has a different medicine—whether it’s coffee, drugs, alcohol or cigarettes,” says the singer. “When I was growing up, music was the only medicine I needed. If I was really bummed out about something, I’d put a record on and it’d cheer me up. Music’s the ultimate healer.”
In 2007, after years of playing in bands through middle school and high school, Jake decided to pursue music seriously as a career and began traveling back and forth from his hometown of Minneapolis to Nashville to hone his songwriting craft. “It’s a whole town dedicated to music. Everybody respects songs immensely in that city, and it inspired a good chunk of this album.”
One particular song from those Nashville trips laid the groundwork for Race You to the Bottom. In early 2008, Jake brought “Baby’s Gone” to guitarist Dan Garland back in Minneapolis. The track was so powerful that Jake had to record it, but he wanted a full band. So he sought out his high school buddy Matt Brady for bass and local drum whiz Ryan Guanzon. The birth of “Baby’s Gone” signaled the beginning of New Medicine, as the quartet quickly clicked around the track.
Immediately, New Medicine cultivated a following in Minneapolis as they constantly composed new material. With more than 100 songs in their arsenal, the band caught the attention of Photo Finish Records/Atlantic and joined the label’s roster in summer 2009. The band entered the studio and collaborated with producers Sam Hollander and Dave Katz, better known as S*A*M & Sluggo (Coheed & Cambria, Gym Class Heroes, Katy Perry), Steve Hodge (Michael Jackson, Sting, Psychedelic Furs) and The Blasting Room, the production team of Bill Stevenson (Rise Against) and Jason Livermore (Puddle of Mudd). The resulting 14 songs showcase a hard sound with a positive slant.
“Laid,” the first single, examines relationship troubles with a combination of wit and wisdom. The song is a propulsive lovelorn rocker that sugarcoats nothing. Jake, who co-wrote the song with S*A*M & Sluggo, reveals, “It’s about an experience with a girl who’s the ultimate wild child. She gets you under your skin, drives you totally crazy and she’s gone.”
Yet Jake doesn’t shy away from pain on the record either. Songs such as the hypnotic and heartbreaking “Little Sister” see the singer baring his soul. With its soaring melody and crunching riff, “Little Sister” can be hummed or pondered because it’s not culled from standard rock fodder. “My little sister died of infant death syndrome at age one. When I wrote that song, I was thinking about what she’d be like today if she were alive. How would my life be different? It’s a sad song, but the chorus is very positive. Even if she’s an angel now, she’ll always be my sister and no matter what, I’m here for her.”
In the end, Race You to the Bottom is based on honesty. “We never worried about fitting into a scene,” declares the singer. “I don’t care how my hair looks; I just want to write good songs. We’re proud of the music we created, and it’s the best feeling ever.”
Catch New Medicine on the Rock Star Energy Uproar Festival beginning this August alongside Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Stone Sour, Halestorm, and more. Check out all of the band’s tour dates below.
8.13.2010 Springfield, IL – Prairie Capital Convention Center
8.14.2010 Cincinnati, OH – Mt. Adams Music Festival
UPROAR FESTIVAL w/ Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, & more!
In a city where bands are continuously popping up, Brooklyn’s My Other Friend can’t help but stand out. After touring the Northeast and Canada, plus playing shows with artists likeTitus Andronicus, Bear Hands, The Beets, and Drink Up Buttercup, the trio is self-releasing their debut full-length Burning Bright Tonight. Working diligently with producer Kevin McMahon (The Walkmen, The French Kicks), the album is comprised of brooding, well-crafted pop songs with layers of textural melody.
Being a couple for nine years and writing music together for five, it is no wonder Andy Simmons (guitar/vocals) and Holly MacGibbon’s (keys/vocals) musical collaboration is filled with a raw passion and high energy that audiences can’t resist. My Other Friend officially formed in 2008, adding Eli Luntz on drums to complete the sound. Compared to the likes of Angels of Light, Sunset Rubdown, and David Lynch movies, their combination of atmospheric sounds, anthemic beats, and dynamic explosions creates a truly unique style. Prior to this upcoming release, My Other Friend has proudly been recognized as CMJ’s Band of the Week, as well as one of New York City’s top bands by The Deli Magazine.
If you’re unfamiliar with Radio Freq, it’s ok, we won’t tell anybody! The LA four-piece (pronounced Radio “Freak”) got their start playing illegal downtown warehouse parties amidst half-pipes, sweat-covered walls, and hundreds of euphoric kids. They’ve played at the Standard Hotel’s New Year’s Eve party and an unforgettable show at the notorious Crazy Girls, both of which ended with the band blowing the power! Let’s just say the band’s shows are that exhilarating. Chaos and decadence have followed Radio Freq from its inception in 2007.
On July 20, the band will release it’s debut EP, Alive, featuring five of Radio Freq’s electro-infused, upbeat rock songs that you’ll be singing the rest of the day!
“Radio Freq’s ‘Where You Been” is a peppy blast of grinding pop rock with flaming guitar licks and frenzied synths that will propel your day straight into gear.”
- AjranWrites.com
Halstead‘s Life Underwater was just released on July 13th. Check out some of the praise for it below:
“Mellow power-pop in the vein of Matthew Sweet and Big Star, which obvisously means we love them.
Just try listening to the handclap filled confection ‘Sellout’ without bobbing your head.” – Nylon Magazine
“Even if you think you’re tired of all things singer-songwriter, prepare to have your perspective
significantly altered by this California chap.” – The Onion: AV Club
Life Underwater was recorded in an old Victorian House in San Francisco during the rainy season of this past winter.
“Most reels of tape have higher price tags than our budget for this album, yet I consider it the most dynamic, sweeping and ambitious record I’ve ever made” says Halsted’s singer/songwriter and bandleader Ryan Auffenberg.
After years of songwriting, touring and a self-released EP or two, Auffenberg’s debut album “Marigolds” was released in 2008 on Evangeline Records. It received nation-wide accolades in the press and college radio, and one song was even featured on the season premiere of ABC’s medical drama “Private Practice”. But rather than follow up the success of “Marigolds” with yet another singer/songwriter effort, Ryan was eager to break new musical ground.
Joined by Peter Craft, the two set out to gather a group of musicians whose finely tuned music sensibility was equally matched by a simple passion for making art. Friends were gathered, songs written and practice spaces filled. While they fleshed out arrangements, tossed around production ideas and learned how to play as a group, Ryan began to feel a musical chemistry and dynamism unlike any he’d felt before. In the spirit of this idyllic atmosphere, this album has taken a project moniker, Halsted, rather than another Ryan Auffenberg record.
Halsted’s Life Underwater weaves a masterful patchwork of musical textures, ranging from wide-eyed, anthemic bombast to hushed, plaintive intimacy. It is a love letter to the passion that draws one to make music; the feeling of standing in the crowd or listening to a record in your room, hoping one day to channel a glimmer of the magic someone else’s songs have made you feel. Or as Auffenberg simply states, “We hope it makes you wanna drive just a little bit faster”.
“Auffenberg’s music haunts a world filled with slow, dark songs that carefully unwind with luminous beauty…it’s clear that this 26-year old possesses a seasoned veteran’s presence.” - iTunes
Live Dates
August 5 – The Red and Black Bar – Washington, DC
August 9 – The Middle East (Upstairs) – Boston, MA
Despite the title, Swedish Soundtrack Of Our Lives disciples Oholics exhibit plenty of grace on the soaring, psych-twinged Disgraceland,which saw its US release on August 24th. Fusing the rawboned intensity of early Stones with a grab bag of Barrett-era Floyd theatrics, the Gothenburg six-piece create lush and experimental pop across eleven gorgeous tracks on their self-released debut. Produced by Soundtrack braintrust Ebbot Lundberg, the album also calls to mind contemporaries like the debonair downtowners The Strokes and the reinvigorated Scots of Primal Scream.
Halstead‘s Life Underwater was just released on July 13th. Check out some of the praise for it below:
