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Category: Boston Bands Page 5 of 20

Introducing… The *First* Aputumpu Music Festival Boston

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On March 22, 2015

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

What began four years ago as a Brooklyn, New York festival for local bands starting to get known in the area has now spread to Boston. The festival organizers felt there was a similar need here for a high profile showcase for smaller bands beginning to receive local acclaim. The first annual (hopefully) Aputumpu Music Festival – Boston is set to take place on Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11 at The Middle East Downstairs. It’s a humble beginning that will showcase ten of Boston’s rising stars.

Here’s the line-up, and here’s the ::: facebook event :::

April 10th – 18+ – 7PM
Festival Pass: $30
Early: $15/ $17/ 22
Tickets Day 1: http://tktwb.tw/1AYrJ80

Ripe
Jam band.

Tigerman WOAH
Old-time country.

Evolfo
A group of gypsies fusing of classic funk with high-energy dance music.

Osekre and The Lucky Bastards
Indie pop.

Mad Satta
Eight-piece soul/R&B ensemble that combines old school soul with hip-hop, rock and jazz.

 

Saturday, April 11th – 18+ – 7PM
Festival Pass: $30
Early: $15/ $17/ 22
Tickets Day 2: http://tktwb.tw/1zTNhx1

Debo Band
An 11-member ensembles that performs Ethiopian pop music that combines traditional scales and vocal styles with soul and funk rhythms with instrumentation similar to Eastern European brass bands.

Federator No 1
An afro-pop/world music band comprising members from Soulfege, Shake Senora, Rebel Tumbao, Iyeoka, and more.

Atlas Soul
Performing original music that celebrates polyrhythm & melodies rooted in the Afro-Mediterranean traditions and blend them effortlessly with deep jazz, funk and intelligent hip hop.

Kina Zoré
A six-piece band led by Mozambican songwriter Helder Tsinine that plays electric African rhythms with triumphant horns and uplifting vocals.

Lamine Toure and Group Saloum
An Afro-pop band founded by world-renowned griot percussionist Lamine Touré, They fuse Senegalese mbalax with elements of jazz, funk, reggae, and Afrobeat.

 

The Aputumpu Music Festival Boston: official site | facebook | twitter

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Introducing… ColorGrave

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On March 14, 2015

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

The cover photo for ColorGrave’s debut single, “Fever Dreams” shows a couple’s bed, two pillows side by side. Both literal and symbolic, it is a place of intimacy, but also a place where one surrenders to the wills of Morpheus and the power of media-induced temptations on the sleep-liberated mind. One’s conscious desire to remain faithful to one’s partner does battle with subconscious fantasies and buried desires. Such is the subject matter of this moody and pensive Boston band’s first release.

“Fever, let me be, don’t fill my sleep with others, she’s what I’ve always dreamed of.”

Mind you, I use the word “moody” is the best possible way. There some darkness and melancholia here, but the vocals are intensely personal, inviting and enveloping like a warm blanket. ColorGrave is the duo of classically trained vocalist Thomas Morris and producer Rob Wu (drums, guitar and programming). Their blend of digital sounds with analog instruments gives the music a lush and welcoming quality. Their plans for 2015 and into the future are to release a series of singles, remixes and other content. For now, you can hear “Fever Dreams,” written and produced by ColorGrave and engineered by Eric Mitchell (NU.F.O.) on Souncloud or on Spotify.

In an interview with Michael Marotta in Vanyaland, Wu explains the inspiration:

“The song is sung from a male’s perspective and every time the chorus hits, he’s trying to remind himself to wake up and not get sucked into the fantasy — or in the figurative sense, the over sexification of America, which includes unobtainable body shapes, polish, Photoshopped faces. All that stuff isn’t real.”

Boston-area music fans will have their introduction to this promising band very soon, since ColorGrave will be performing their debut show on April 19 at The Middle East Upstairs, as part of the Lysten Boston Anniversary Show that also features Miss Geo (EP release), Casey Desmond and Connecticut band Child Actor. That’s some line-up!

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Ajda the Turkish Queen and her Beautiful Boot Leg

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On January 9, 2015

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

For those of you unfamiliar with Ajda the Turkish Queen, she’s one of Boston’s musical treasures, best known as the compelling frontwoman of the dark and mysteriously stunning Black Fortress of Opium. After many requests through the years for a solo album, this extremely talented multi-instrumentalist has finally dipped her toe into the waters with a 15-track live album titled Beautiful Boot Leg — Live at Rick Walker’s. It was recorded July 13, 2014 by her friend Rick Walker at Rick Walker’s, a Boston institution and supplier of “rock ‘n’ roll cowboy clothes” since 1932.

It’s an eclectic musical selection that features some of her solo work, first ever debuts, some new and unreleased Black Fortress of Opium songs and a Johnny Thunders cover. She accompanies her gorgeous voice on guitar and mandolin. Though I’ve seen her perform with ‘BFOO,’ this is my first time hearing her solo, and she’s just stunning. Her sound is beautifully influenced by her Turkish heritage, though she surprisingly gets a little country in the aptly titled “Mighty Fine Day.” This heaping helping of Ajda and the promise of more to come makes it a mighty fine day indeed.

Have a listen, buy a copy and keep an eye out for a studio solo album at some point in the future, when she’s able to “rustle up the funds.” Hm, do I sense a crowdfunding campaign coming up?

Originally from Houston, Texas and now based in Boston, Ajda has been performing since 1997. Between her solo and band projects, she has appeared alongside such artists and groups as Andrew Bird, Franz Ferdinand, Bill Laswell, The Dresden Dolls, John Zorn and His Name is Alive. Her styles have included psychedelic pop, goth rock and cabaret, and has recorded everything from pop and electronic music to modern classical music. She also contributes to film soundtracks.

Ajda the Turkish Queen will be celebrating the release of Beautiful Boot Leg – Live at Rick Walker’s with a show at the legendary Plough & Stars in Cambridge. Details follow.

Saturday January 31st, 2015
Plough & Stars
912 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
10PM, 21+ | ::: Facebook Event :::
10:15PM Ajda’s New record!
11PM Anubis Pop melodic psyche-pop
11:45PM The Freeways ~ sun-gaze, psych-haze

Ajda the Turkish Queen: web | facebook | twitter | bandcamp
Black Fortress of Opium: facebook | twitter | bandcamp

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James Roseman releases his debut demo tape

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On October 20, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

I was first knocked sideways by James Roseman’s music back in the summer of 2012. He had just released his debut album, Words and Tricks, where he accompanied himself on acoustic guitar, saxophone and drums. In it, I found a wise and sly old soul trapped inside an 18-year-old body. Wiser and slyer and a few years later, today James releases The Demo Tape, which can be listened to on iTunes, Spotify and Bandcamp.


This is billed as his “debut 3-song demo” and indeed, it’s a stylistic departure from his earlier work. With the same wry, sophisticated lyrics, the music is far more developed and professional. He might call it a demo, but clearly a lot of attention was paid to production values this time around. Fortunately, his warm, intimate and insanely charming style is left beautifully intact. “Wasting My Time” is a pretty, haunting reflection about a one-sided relationship that’s far too jaded and insightful for a 21-year-old. In addition to his spare, sharp and sparkling musicianship, Roseman has a gift for storytelling, as is evident in “Jack Rose.” He uses acoustic guitar melodies, a touch of bass and handclaps to great effect, perfectly highlighting his vocals and harmonies. I’m still working out the deeper meaning of “Croesus Curse” but there seems to be a central theme running through these songs that has to do with what one does in one’s life and the regret of wasted time. “Croesus Curse” uses the same minimalist percussive sounds and handclaps with haunting guitar melodies. Brilliant.

I’ll be on the lookout for any live appearances and will list them here. Meanwhile, James is attending Tufts University in pursuit of a Computer Science degree and continues to explore his creative side, actively looking for gigs in the greater Boston area. Musicians and promoters, take note!

web | blog | facebook | twitter | instagram | bandcamp | soundcloud

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Introducing… Esthema

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On October 16, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

If you’re a sucker for strings (and organic percussion) like I am, you should be listening to Boston-based instrumental ensemble Esthema. Theirs is a Middle Eastern, Near Eastern and Balkan sound, steeped in tradition but with jazz fusion, progressive rock and at times even classical sensibilities. The result is sophisticated, exotic, exhuberant and mesmerizing. This past summer, they released their third album, Long Goodbye, and on November 20, they will be having a celebration of this release at the esteemed Cambridge jazz club, Ryles. They’ll also be at Lilypad on November 2. The new recording is an introspective concept album that features Andy Milas (guitar), Onur Dilisen (violin), Naseem Alatrash (cello), Mac Ritchey (oud & bouzouki), Tom Martin (bass) and George Lernis (drums & percussion). You can learn more about everyone’s impressive backgrounds and musical prowess on their official site. For now, listen below to a live version of “Three Sides To Every Story.”

Esthema dates back to 2006. In the summer of 2007, they released their debut, Apart From The Rest. That was followed by The Hearness and Nowness of Things in 2009. Their music was named in the Top 25 independent recordings of 2008 at Indie-Music.com, and these first two CDs have been in the weekly Top 20 at Latch Fusion Radio alongside such artists as Herbie Hancock, Return to Forever and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. They’ve gotten radio airplay in the U.S., Europe and Turkey, and in 2010, the International Association of Independent Recording Artists (IAIRA) certified Esthema’s “Eastern Dance” as an International Top 10.

But never mind all that. The proof of truly great music is what happens between a person’s ears when they listen to it. Here is “Without A Moment’s Notice”:

And here’s some visual proof that these guys are really as amazing as they sound.

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Introducing… Seaver’s Express

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On October 8, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

Here’s some fresh, upbeat music for you today. It’s Seaver’s Express, a Boston quintet with a light, bouncy indie rock style that’s nice to put on first thing in the morning to get you going, along with your orange juice.

The band came into being just last year, starting as a solo project from guitarist Sean Seaver (the name pays homage to his family’s trucking and shipping business). The first band members added were fellow BC sophomore Jacob Monk and Berklee College of Music student Chris Southiere. They released their first EP, Parachute, in September. The band now consists of Sean (guitar), Chris (drums), Brian Seaver (vocals and rhythm guitar), will Lyle (bass) and Zoe Ainsburg (keyboards and vocals). Musical influences include the Strokes and Vampire Weekend. They’ve performed at local clubs like the Middle East, Cantab and T.T. the Bear’s Place. “A Different Gravity” was released back in April, the first with all five band members. They also won Boston College’s annual “Battle of the Bands.” They’re on track to release their debut album by the end of the year. For now, have a listen to “2×2.” This track is also featured on Green Line Records’ 2014 September Singles Series.

soundcloud | facebook | twitter | the Gavel article (Boston College)

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The Grownup Noise and their beautiful new album – Release Show Tonight! Somerville Armory!

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On October 4, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

The Grownup Noise
Album Release Party
Saturday, October 4 at 8 p.m.
at the Somerville Armory
with special guests Winterpills and pop up art show featuring the work of John Jorgenson (who’s featured on the cover of the new album)
::: Info & Tickets :::

Yes, it’s true, I haven’t posted anything for a month. It’s been a series of adventures and misadventures, but this morning I find myself getting a badly needed dose of beautiful musical medicine to sooth my weary soul. It’s the new baby album from proud parents The Grownup Noise, who have been featured and appreciated in this blog on several occasions, if feeble memory serves.


The Problem With Living In The Moment is a stunning album, with the swirling gypsy strings, rolling percussion, crazy accordion and banjo and god-knows-what-else cacophony twirling madly around sharply perceptive, thoughtful and mature lyrics that I’ve come to now expect from this fine, fine band. This is definitely feel-good music for grownups with a touch of wistfulness that one needs to tack a few years on to truly appreciate… But don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of rollicking good wholesome dancy jams to kick up your heels to.

Listen to a few of the songs from the new album below, and if you’re in the area, head on out to their party tonight – admission to the (dirt cheap) show includes the new album! You won’t find a better deal than that.

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Introducing… Anjimile

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On September 16, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

(credit: Leah Corbett Photography)

(credit: Leah Corbett Photography)

Here’s something nice and honest and raw for you, from Boston band Anjimile. Fronted by Anjimile Yvonne, singer/songwriter and multi-instumentalist, they’re set to release their debut full-length album, Human Nature in late November, put out by local artist collective and indie label Human Nature Records. they’ll be releasing singles and videos up until that time, so keep checking their various sites. First up is a rambunctious, spoken-word punk live version of the title track.

Anjimile began as a solo acoustic project but is now a 5-piece collaborative. The band features Anjimile on guitar and vocals, Drew Wilcox on Idiophones and Membranophones, Jason Smith on bass, Ryan Garvey on guitar and Lee Schuna on keyboards. She/they have glided through different musical styles. Previous recordings include the 6-track In the Garden (December 2012), a collection of pretty acoustic guitar with woven vocal harmonies and stories bursting with life and lust, and the “Intertwine” single (from last summer), a brief but beautiful hazy pop daydream.

Upcoming Shows

10/25 – The Murdock Manor – Brighton, MA (message her on Facebook for the address)
10/29 – Milky Way Lounge & Bella Luna Restaurant – Jamaica Plain, MA
11/11 – T.T. the Bear’s Place – Cambridge, MA
11/17 – AfterHours – Boston, MA

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Introducing… St. Nothing

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On September 12, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

StNothing2014-500

I came upon St. Nothing while watching the live web feed of the most recent Boston Calling Festival. This Boston-based electro-pop trio won a SonicBids contest to perform at the festival. Now, anyone who has perused this blog will know that I’m not a huge fan of electro-pop — or at least, there isn’t a whole lot of it represented here. However, these amazing musicians completely blew me away. What makes them different (or maybe not, but it’s the first time I’d heard it done) is that they integrate lush live strings in with the beeps, boops and beats. What results is much warmer and more emotionally engaging than I’ve found electro-pop to be. This puts the humanity back into the music, and it’s hypnotic. For me, it’s the missing link.

St. Nothing is Marco Lawrence, devices and vocals; Sophia Carreras, guitarist; and Meredith Nero, strings. In February 2013, Lawrence self-released the Begin EP under the name of Hall of Mirrors. It featured a collection of demos that he wrote in late 2012, with cellist Jenna Calabro accompanying him. Lawrence started writing music at age 14, after music theory and improvisation training from his classical flute instructer. Five years later, he began playing electro-pop and eventually joined up with Carreras and Nero, changing their name of their collaboration to St. Nothing. In addition to the Boston Calling set, they’ve headlined at Great Scott and have performed with Young Galaxy, Juana Molina, Alpine and Freezepop. Fast forward to now, and they’ve been nominated for two Boston Music Awards this month, for ‘New Artist of the Year’ and ‘Electronic Artist of the Year.’ They’re currently recording their debut album.

They’ll be playing at the Middle East Downstairs as part of a special Shiner Beer Presents show, along with Small Black and Condor. It’s FREE, but you need to RSVP. They’ll also be at Pearl Street Night Club in Northampton, Massachusetts on December 6. We’ll be anxiously awaiting the new album.

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The Grand Undoing: White Space Flavors and Parties on TV

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On August 15, 2014

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

photo by Steven Duarte 2014

photo by Steven Duarte 2014

Here’s a quirky guy that has kind of a Bowie and early Sparks vibe. Yes, that’s correct, I said Sparks. Not so much in vocal style, but most definitely cut from the same acerbic cloth. This is fun “marching band for the apocalypse” music whose message is to not take yourself or life in general too seriously. But that’s only part of the story. On a song like “Song In B,” there’s dramatically stated wistful regret (“There was a time when I had it all”), and if you’re thinking, “jeez, break out the violins,” well, that’s exactly what he does. And to great effect.

White Space Flavors and Parties on TV, out last month, is the second release from Boston-based The Grand Undoing (a.k.a. Seth Goodman). His debut album was Appeasing The Sick. The Grand Undoing’s stated dual missions in life are to “drink sparkling wine and record quirky, yet accessible, rock records about alienation and mortality.” His influences include Boston college radio, the city’s many clubs and classic country music. It all makes perfect sense.

[From the press release: “The term ‘White space flavors’ is used by professional tasters to describe manufactured flavors that don’t exist in nature. ‘Parties on TV’ is an expression of how the artificiality of our culture distances us from ourselves making the modern human experience vacuous.”]

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