Category: Indie Music Page 10 of 69

Previously introduced here at Musings from Boston, James Edge and the Mindstep find their strength and their voice in seemingly chaotic joinings — classical strings and modern jazz improvisation, chamber pop and unsettling lyrics, homey folk music and a confrontational punk attitude. This results in music that is highly listenable yet at the same time, complex and challenging. Their second single from upcoming album Machines He Made (due out later this year) is titled “Four Two Four,” and it’s scheduled for release on September 23 on Folkstock Records.

(from the press release): “Order becomes disorder and harmony springs from chaos… perverting the country shuffle into something darker and more abstract… snippets of melody are distributed like splashes of colour in a Pollack painting.”

“Four Two Four” is tightly wound music, highly dependant upon the skilled dexterity of all the players, threatening to come off the ramshackle rails at any moment. Lyrics are obscure enough to leave themselves open to interpretation, yet are laced with macabre imagery for a vaguely sinister tone. All this serves to keep the ears and the mind alert and fully engaged.

The players are: James Edge (acoustic guitar, vocals), Andy Waterworth (double bass), Avvon Chambers (drums) and Howard Gott (violin). The song was recorded by Tom Aitkenhead at Milk Studios, mixed by Tom Aitkenhead and James Edge and mastered by Ade Emsley at Table of Tone.

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Introducing… MYRKUR, from black metal to a mausoleum

By julie

On August 13, 2016

In Indie Music

Listening to the stunning new acoustic album by Scandinavian musician MYKUR, which glimmers with angelic women’s voices, classical guitar and instrumentation, would never guess that this beautifully enchanting spiritual sojourn was created by a woman who typically performs black metal. Mausoleum (Relapse Records) is aptly named, as it was recorded live in the historic Emanuel Vigeland Mausoleum in Oslo, Norway. The music is a stripped-down, dramatic rendition of 7 songs from her critically-acclaimed debut album released just one year ago, M, one new song and a Bathory cover. In this concert, she’s accompanied by the renowned Norwegian Girls Choir.

<a href="http://myrkur.bandcamp.com/album/mausoleum">Mausoleum by Myrkur</a>

As you listen, imagine the backdrop — “a cold, dimly-lit tomb covered in morbid frescos that depict the circle of human life from conception til death.” Her voice is haunting and breathtaking; the minimalist acoustic accompaniment is delicate, powerful and sublime; the acoustics are superb and befitting the voices of angels.

MYRKUR is the one-woman project of the Danish composer classically-trained multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Amalie Bruun. She combines the raw fury of black metal bands such as Darkthrone and Ulver with ethereal beauty derived from nature. MYRKUR is signed to indie label Relapse Records.

<a href="http://myrkur.bandcamp.com/album/m">M by Myrkur</a>

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Says Ronley Teper and The Lipliners, Have Faith

By julie

On August 9, 2016

In Indie Music

Even without its accompanying psychotropic video, a mixed-media crazed cacophony masterminded by Davide Di Saro, the song “Faith” by Ronley Teper and The Lipliners is a very curious creature. It has a magical fairy princess vocal that innocently winds its way into the subconscious — “here comes faith, like a river to the soul,” while the music slowly builds into an ‘everything-but-the-kitchen-sink circus tent orchestra with a choral accompaniment of woodland hippies. The video itself, comprised of pencil and water color drawings, flash animation and 3D graphics, has a kind of Beatles ‘Yellow Submarine’ vibe, though perhaps with just a tinge of madness.

The message is of hope and faith in the face of unavoidable change toward the unknown. Here is the story of this fantastic voyage:

“The adventure unfolds among a living landscape representing the paradoxical friction of force between our real world and dreams to achieve. Within this world we gracefully follow a fantastical character roaming with his soul, toward an unalloyed river which streams silver shimmers of faith and optimistic peace. Ultimately the adventurous soul, embarks on a floating mountain disappearing in the distance while we learn how to respectfully pose an eternal farewell to what we have left behind.”

The video is part of an 8-year collaboration between Di Saro and Ronley Teper, performance artist turned musician. Their trilogy of animated films (this is the first) came out of massive upheaval in her life — a time when she got rid of everything from her clothes and belonging to her nostalgia and memories. The song “Faith” was a reminder to herself to accept the changes that ushered in a new chapter in her life and to overcome them.

Originally from South Africa and raised in Toronto, Ronley began playing guitar in high school to accompany her poems and monologues. She released her debut Stories From The Tray in 2001, which told the story of a naive waitress serving unsavory customers. Her follow-up, Cornered In The Alley, explored both universal love and everyday love, with all its ugly and beauful experiences. In her work with her many collaborators, she experiments with music as performance art.

Teper collaborates with a revolving cast of Canada’s finest artists in the indie music scene (in addition to puppets) to create art that combines poetry, comedy, magic, theatrics and good old-fashioned storytelling. In her new album, 20 short musical monologues are featured that were workshopped during improvisational shows where she and her musicians create startling new musical worlds.

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Introducing… Place Erupt

By julie

On August 6, 2016

In Indie Music

There’s something about a cello that can make any music seem both sophisticated and somber. That’s certainly true for the song “Mayday,” a track from the debut album Breathe A Storm from Toronto ensemble Places Erupt, out August 20th. Previously known as The Benefit of the Free Man, this Canadian quintet is a classy outfit. With the strings and traditional classical/folk harmonies, at times they sound like something straight out of Renaissance. At other times, they really rock out, even dipping into prog rock and experimental terrain. The subject matter of the aforementioned song includes the following line in it — “Checking on the pulse/ Beat reporter/ Plastic tentacles / Reaching in.” It came about when Piazza was experiencing heart palpatations and had to wear a heart monitor for a few days to monitor his heart activity. Traditional instrumentation and modern concerns. However, the song is ultimately about how hard it is to shake things off and how difficult it can be to compartmentalize that which disturbs you. Amen to that.

<a href="http://placeserupt.bandcamp.com/album/breathe-a-storm">Breathe A Storm by Places Erupt</a>

Having listened to their amazing forthcoming album, I’ll call their music “fierce progressive rock/folk/classical.” They veer madly from hushed to hypnotic to hellfire fury, and often within the same song. It’s a unique sound that really gels.

The band comprises Anna Jarvis (cello), Greg O’Toole (guitar, vocals), Lee Piazza (vocals), Mike Legere (percussion) and Katie Wolsley (violin). For those in the Toronto area, Places Erupt will be hosting their album release party at Burdock Tavern in Toronto on August 20th.

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For those ‘election blues’ – Hillary for Humanity by The Femmedy Trio

By julie

On August 2, 2016

In Indie Music, Worthy Causes & Activism

In this never-ending, reality TV show, continuous gruesome train wreck of an election season, a little levity is in order. For your viewing pleasure, it’s “Hillary for Humanity” from The Femmedy Trio. It’s a collaboration between Vacationeer Jeff Grace (writer/director of the video) and brand new musical comedy group, The Femmedy Trio (who wrote the music and lyrics).

The Femmedy Trio is Stacey Hardke, Gabi Van Horn and Dahlya Glick.

Jeff Grace: web | instagram | twitter

The Femmedy Trio: web | facebook | twitter | instagram |youtube

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Eric Bachmann Would Like To Play In Your Living Room

By julie

On July 30, 2016

In Indie Music

Say what!? Yes, it’s true. Eric Bachmann (Archers of Loaf, Crooked Fingers) is looking for some cozy living rooms for October up and down the East Coast (plus a few places in Florida) where he can serenade you, your family and 40-60 other people. It’s appropriately being called his “Living Room Tour,” and he just started the August leg of it. See dates below. For this new set of October dates, he’s asking interested hosts to submit a few photos of their living room for consideration. It’s being sponsored by The Undertow Music Collective and they have all the important information on their website. The deadline is August 5, so if you have the space and would like to see Eric Bachmann performing up-close and personal (and not have to go anywhere), submit your living room today!

Here’s a video I filmed when Eric and his band were at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge back in April. Not a living room, but almost.

Regarding the August dates, tickets are obviously very limited (and some shows are already sold out) but there are still a handful for certain locations. You can buy tickets here.

Eric Bachmann’s Living Room Tour

Tue, August 2 : Nashville TN
Wed, August 3 : St. Louis MO
Thur, August 4 : Madison WI
Fri, August 5 : Milwaukee WI
Sat, August 6 : Chicago IL
Sun, August 7 : Cincinnati OH
Mon, August 8 : Knoxville TN
Tue, August 16 : Greensboro NC
Wed, August 17 : Richmond VA
Thur, August 18 : Washington DC
Fri, August 19 : Cleveland OH
Sat, August 20 : Columbus OH
Sun, August 21 : Lexington KY
Mon, August 22 : Brevard NC

October Living Room Tour – Venues T.B.A.

Wed 10/5 : Orlando FL
Thu 10/6 : Tampa FL
Fri 10/7 : Gainesville FL
Thu 10/13 : New York City Area
Fri 10/14 : New Haven or Hartford CT
Sat 10/15 : Boston MA Area
Sun 10/16 : Portland ME
Mon 10/17 : Burlington VT
Tue 10/18 : Albany NY
Wed 10/19 : New York City Area

Eric Bachmann web | facebook | twitter

The Undertow Music Collective web | facebook | twitter

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Aloric’s Prince Tribute: When Doves Cry

By julie

On July 26, 2016

In Indie Music

If you’re still missing Prince and would like to see and hear something amazing and beautiful, check out this cover of “When Doves Cry” by London-based band Aloric. It’s also available as a ‘name your price’ download on Bandcamp.

The true mindblower, for me anyway, is that this band seems relatively new, like a year or so? Their music is ambient, atmospheric, angelic, mesmerizing, sometimes complex — and quite stunning.

Here’s another taste of ALORIC, from about eight months ago. Definitely one to keep an eye (and both ears) on.

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Introducing… The ROAMies, and their Wholly Guacamole Tour!

By julie

On July 23, 2016

In Indie Music

Indie musicians have it rough these days in the treacherous music business. Now more than ever, bands have to be extremely savvy at “creative marketing” when it comes to booking tours and getting their music out to the public. The Los Angeles husband and wife team of Alexa James and Rory Partin go by the name of The ROAMies, and they seem to have this whole “how to do a national tour” thing all figured out. They’re currently in the midst of a coast-to-coast tour of coffeehouses, inns, restaurants and wineries, and the entire thing is being sponsored by Wholly Guacamole® (which, for the record, is made from hand-scooped avocados — yum!).

So back to our dynamic duo. What’s the music like? Absolutely charming. At times boasting a vintage vibe (such as on their lovely “Me and My Shadow” Frank Sinatra cover), their most recent song “Oh, My My” is delightfully sunny, feel-good strings and harmonies Americana. The lyrics are upbeat, the melodies are catchy, but there’s enough ‘old soul’ in there not to be saccharine.

The ROAMies began separately and toured together (though not as a duo) before fans suggested that they join forces. Alexa had recorded several studio albums, with a #1 song and other tunes in the Top 10, and was even named Hot Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year at the L.A. Music Awards. Not to be outdone, Rory also had a #1 radio single and performed in more than 30 countries. Together, they’ve racked up a few awards as well. Their very different solo sounds (Partin is more Big Band, while James has a contemporary pop vibe) dictated that they form a separate and totally unique new sound. What they came up with is a melding of Partin’s South Louisiana roots with James’ hook-y melodies and upbeat lyrics. They’re accompanied by keyboards, acoustic guitar, mando guitar and ukulele for something quirky, charming and folksy — or, as they say, “happy Americana.”

On this current tour, they’re joined by Swiss guitarist Michel Heinzmann, who has previously toured with The ROAMies on three European tours.

Oh, and by the way, Wine Enthusiast Magazine suggests that you pair those avocado dishes with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, a sparkling wine or a Pinot Grigio. Bon appétit!

Upcoming Shows

8/9 & 8/10 – Fort Knox, Ft. Knox, KY
8/12 – Gray’s On Main, Franklin, TN
8/13 – Smith’s Olde Bar, The Atlanta Room, Atlanta, GA
8/18 – Four Seasons, Temecula, CA
8/19 – Lorimar-Old Town Tasting Room, Temecula, CA
8/20 – Danza del Sol, Temecula, CA
8/21 – Robert Renzoni Vineyards, Temecula, CA
8/22 – Bar Lubitsch, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
8/24 – Naked Lounge Coffee House, Sacramento, CA
8/25 – Barmel, Carmel- By The Sea, CA
8/27 – Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery- Flagstaff, AZ
8/28 – The Cell, Albuquerque, NM (pending)
8/30 – Taos Inn, Taos, NM
8/31 – Mercury Cafe, Denver, CO
9/1 – The Lariat, Buena Vista, CO
9/3 – Solider Creek Winery, Fort Dodge, IA
9/4 – Uncommon Ground, Chicago, IL
9/6 – Evangeline’s, St. Louis, MO

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Introducing… Ryan McDowell

By julie

On July 20, 2016

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

It is often said that to be a true artist, you should be able to take your pain and turn it into art. Massachusetts-bred musician Ryan McDowell has taken that concept one step further — out of a profound rejection in his young life, he has created a four-part, 23-track concept album. Berklee Reject is exactly as its title suggests. As he wrote, recorded and performed music through his high school years, it was the dream of this talented teenager to attend Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music. The college’s unfortunate decision caused him to reassess his life and explore his identity. In doing so, he has created a masterpiece. Continue reading at Ryan’s Smashing Life.

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Introducing… Tyson Motsenbocker

By julie

On July 19, 2016

In Indie Music

When a loved one dies, it is not unusual to question one’s faith. However, not everyone walks 600 miles in search of answers and then writes and records an album. Letters to Lost Loves is what Tyson Motsenbocker created from this sorrowful vision quest. In it, he questions the justice of God’s mercies. How could this all-knowing and all-powerful force grant requests for seemingly trivial requests, and yet when asked to save someone from the ravages of a terrible illness, the plea falls on deaf ears? It is the eternal question. “In Your Name” is an angry song that is softly delivered with broken vulnerability. It is sung for Motsenbocker’s mother, who lost her battle with a long-term illness, despite years of prayer.

This video for “In Your Name” was created by filmmaker Dustin Miller, whose friend in Florida travels around and takes pictures of people living in the shadows of society in coastal towns, on the main drags and in run-down motels. The hard lives of the country’s forgotten, living, as Motsenbocker says, “under the evangelical fear of the American South,” paints a stark potrait of those who seemingly haven’t been touched by God’s grace. He sees it as a parallel story to his song. Explains Motsenbocker, “It’s stumbling down half-paved roads on the side of a highway, it’s searching for words that have never been, it’s accepting what has been lost and searching for what that loss told you could be found.”

Letters to Lost Loves can be ordered from Tooth and Nail Records or from iTunes.

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screams, whispers and songs from planet earth

Category: Indie Music Page 10 of 69

James Edge and the Mindstep – “Four Two Four”

Introducing… MYRKUR, from black metal to a mausoleum

Says Ronley Teper and The Lipliners, Have Faith

Introducing… Place Erupt

For those ‘election blues’ – Hillary for Humanity by The Femmedy Trio

Eric Bachmann Would Like To Play In Your Living Room

Eric Bachmann’s Living Room Tour

Aloric’s Prince Tribute: When Doves Cry

Introducing… The ROAMies, and their Wholly Guacamole Tour!

Upcoming Shows

Introducing… Ryan McDowell

Introducing… Tyson Motsenbocker