Yesterday, MTV News’ Sway Calloway sat down with Taylor Swift to talk about songwriting, working with The Civil Wars on their latest track for the “Hunger Games,” and touring. Watch her new video, “Safe & Sound” featuring The Civil Wars below and for the complete interview visit MTV News.
Credit: livingroomny.com
(Editors Note: I interviewed Jennifer Gilson last year for another publication that since folded. Since the article was never published, I thought it’d be helpful for local musicians to know what she looks for when booking acts at the Living Room.)
For over a decade, New York’s the Living Room has been known as an intimate place to witness live music. Co-owner Jennifer Gilson explained that she decided to open the venue shortly after her waitressing job at Sin-é ended when the café closed. The Irish café, famous for where Jeff Buckley performed and recorded Live at Sin-é, booked many musicians, some of who suggested Gilson open her own venue.
“Sin-é had a really low, intimate stage so I decided to keep that. That’s sort of what worked. Artists used to say, ‘This is great. I feel like I’m playing in my living room.’ That’s why I ended up calling it the Living Room,” Gilson said.
While the Living Room boasts well known and emerging talent, Gilson says she likes to maintain a comfortable, friendly atmosphere and on any given night you can expect to hear good music. With that said, she has some suggestions for bands hoping to land a slot on the Living Room stage and explains what she looks for before she books an act. Heed her advice below.
1. Don’t send elaborate press kits.
“It’s funny. People used to mail big press kits with their folders, head-shots and bios, sometimes with ribbons. What I would always do is put them to the side and just get my stack of CD’s and start listening. That’s what I do first: I listen to the music. I don’t see if they’re being signed or they can bring a million people or they’re friends with somebody. First it’s the music,” she said.
“If it’s something I like that I think would be great here, then I look into it further and I’ll listen to another song and go from there and see what an appropriate time for them to play might be. Another thing is I’ll listen to it and think, ‘Would I enjoy sitting through 45 minutes of this artist?’ Sometimes you can tell in a measure and sometimes you can tell by the second song.”
2. Sound good.
This might seem obvious, but Gilson explained this is crucial before she decides to book an act. An artist must sing in pitch, be able to play his instrument and have good lyrics. “I’ll love something that’s solo guitar straight folk and I’ll also love something that has a toy piano and some weird synth stuff and cool percussion. I don’t book one style of music, but it has to be good by my standards.”
3. Be honest about your draw.
“If you don’t really have an audience yet, try to go to open mics or play places that don’t require a larger audience and then build it up. If you say you can bring a certain number of people and then you don’t, we’re probably not going to want to rebook you,” she said.
But, if you are honest and Gilson feels you’re still a great fit for the venue she says “maybe we’ll do something at a time that doesn’t require you bringing a lot of people.” Their upstairs space, Googies Lounge, has a smaller capacity and an artist can play there to build his audience and eventually move downstairs to the bigger room.
4. Know the venue’s standards.
“To play at the Living Room you have to play at a particular volume. I have a rule with the staff and sound that if you feel like you have to put something in your ears, then it is too loud and you probably can’t hear the lyrics and you can’t hear the lead singer,” Gilson said. “Why should you protect a part of your body when you go out to have fun? It’s just not necessary and it’s more about good sound. If you have to play loud, then a rock club is probably more your place.”
5. Promote the show.
Once you land that gig, you have to do your own self promotion. “You have to bring people because whether it’s a show that has a cover or whether it’s one of our $10 suggested donation tip jar shows, we need people to buy drinks so we can pay our rent,” she said. “It’s not all about the bodies. First it’s about the music, but you have to get people in.”
Howlin Rain will release their third album, The Russian Wilds on February 14. About to kick off a tour, the band will be in New York next week to promote the LP. I have a pair of tickets for their intimate, invite-only acoustic set at The Living Room in New York City on Monday, February 6.
To enter for your chance to win, e-mail me the answer to the below question. Good luck!
What band was frontman Ethan Miller in when he started Howlin Rain?
Photo Credit: Lynn Redmile
A vibrant community, New York boasts countless locations to swing dance. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for supplement from the studio, here are five spots that are sure to keep you swing dancing every night of the week.
Swing 46
349 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036-3816
212-262-9554
swing46.com
A popular spot, Swing 46 is the only jazz and supper club in the world that has live swing music and dancing seven nights a week. As a result, international and local dancers can be found here on a nightly basis with free dance lessons every evening except Monday. George Gee, Big Band leader of George Gee Swing Orchestra, has been a weekly fixture at the establishment since Swing 46 opened its doors in May of 1997. Performing every Tuesday night, he says visitors can expect “a totally awesome presentation of Big Band, Jump, and Swing music that is sure to keep the dance floor hopping and jumping all night long with great vocals by our singers. Plus, the band is anchored by some of the top Big Band Jazz musicians that New York City.”
A fan of swing, Gee says what astonishes him most is the generations that run amuck on the dance floor, Swing 46 being no exception. “You look across the room and you’ll find anyone from 20-something to 70-something and literally from all walks of life smiling from ear to ear. What other culture or musical style or movement has that same quality? It’s really such a cross-denominational appeal.”
Sofia’s Restaurant
221 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
212-719-5799
sofiasny.com
Head to Sofia’s Restaurant on Mondays and Tuesdays to catch Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks perform. The same band showcased on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” during the band’s three sets dance the night away at the Edison Hotel in your best 20s-esque getup. Who knows, maybe you can make your way into the show as an extra.
For my complete article, visit CBS.
Music fans can enjoy live acts every night of the week in Brooklyn if they so choose. Here are five must visit venues to discover the next big act. Just think, you’ll always be able to say, ‘I saw them first in Brooklyn.’
Union Hall
702 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-638-5500
www.unionhallny.com
Located in the heart of Park Slope, after playing bocce ball on one of the two indoor bocce courts, head downstairs to the live music venue. Showcasing acts of every genre on a nightly basis, you’re never quite sure what to expect but it’s nearly impossible to walk away without becoming a new fan of at least one band.
Littlefield
622 Degraw Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-855-3388
www.littlefieldnyc.com
Housed in an old warehouse in Gowanus, Littlefield is an art and performance space that hosts local and international bands year round along with monthly art exhibits, literary events and film screenings. With a diverse lineup, music genres showcased include everything from indie rock, electronic and hip-hop to dance, soul, jazz, experimental and reggae.
For my complete list, visit CBS.
Photo Credit: Wendy Hu
New York is a hub for live music. But with so many places, where does one go to discover new talent? Here are 5 venues to visit in Manhattan and witness the next breaking act.
Rockwood Music Hall
196 Allen Street
212-477-4155
rockwoodmusichall.com
With two stages and upwards to 12 performances a night, Rockwood Music Hall is the perfect venue to discover emerging talent. Whether you prefer an acoustic set from a singer-songwriter or a powerful full band, the venue offers it all and each stage boasts a baby grand piano. All shows are free unless otherwise listed and a one drink minimum is expected.
Mercury Lounge
217 East Houston St.
212-260-4700
mercuryloungenyc.com
Just a short walk away from Rockwood, Mercury Lounge hosts two shows each night with the lineup varying from breakout indie acts to more established bands. The rock club is standing room only with the exception of a few booths lining the walls. A friendly venue, it’s a spot where you can see your favorite band play and buy them a beer afterwards.
For my complete list, visit CBS.
I’ve been following The Barr Brothers since I caught their phenomenal concert at Mercury Lounge in September. With an innate ability to captivate their audience, each show leaves a memorable impression. Even David Letterman seems to agree.
Watch The Barr Brothers perform “Beggar In the Morning” live on the “Late Show with David Letterman” below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boHhpY4_SEs
Six years ago Chris Cubeta decided to move to Brooklyn to pursue music. Using money from his savings and wedding presents, Cubeta built his studio, GaluminumFoil Studios, with the help of friends, band mates and family members.
“It all went into the studio in the hopes of being able to sustain us and give us a chance to live in New York and so far it’s been alright,” Cubeta admits. “It’s definitely a labor of love and we try to make it comfortable. I think most people appreciate that.”
When he’s not acting as engineer and producer for other artists, Cubeta is busy making music with his own band, Chris Cubeta and the Liars Club. A mesh of rock & roll and heartfelt lyrics, Cubeta says the group’s latest release is one he’s proud of lyrically.
“I started doing a lot more reading [of] existential authors over the last few years. So, I’ve been dabbling a bit more in abstract and how it relates to my personal feelings and emotions,” he said. “I’m trying to combine the abstract outer body experience with very personal things and putting those two things together and hoping that something interesting comes out of it.”
For my complete interview with Chris Cubeta, visit CBS. He performs tonight at Mercury Lounge.
2011 was quite a year. Country music definitely took over America and I couldn’t be happier! I was lucky to spend a lot of time on the road traveling to music festivals like CMA Fest in Nashville and the Emerging Music Festival in Canada as well as CMJ here in New York where I discovered many new bands that I have quickly become a fan of.
Here’s You Sing I Write’s end of year list of my favorite concerts and albums released in 2011. Did I miss your favorite? Let me know! Happy New Year!
YSIW’s favorite albums of 2011
5. Amos Lee’s Mission Bell
Last year I chatted with Amos Lee before his performance at City Winery with Lady Antebellum where he filled me in on his writing process and his upcoming release, Mission Bell. With collaborations from Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson, Lee’s soulful album has been played continuously on my iPod since it’s January release. When asked about Mission Bell, Lee told me that he is often inspired by situations.
“Songwriting isn’t always something that’s directly proportionate to the experience. I hope that they’re [the songs] open enough that people can understand and feel whatever it is that they want to feel. That’s the beauty of music, that it’s abstract in that way. It’s not always super literal.”
4. Lights Resolve’s Feel You’re Different
Every now and then a band comes along that you just know are going to be the next big thing. That’s how I felt about Lights Resolve when I first met them on tour in 2008. The Long Island-based trio are the hardest working act I’ve come across and their debut full-length adequately proves their talent. With soaring guitar riffs that make it easy to picture them in an arena setting, Lights Resolve is one act to watch in 2012.
3. We Are Augustines’ Rise Ye Sunken Ships
Their debut album, Brooklyn-based band We Are Augustines impress with solid rock & roll and poignant storytelling. I interviewed frontman and songwriter Billy McCarthy during CMJ and he likened writing candidly about his life to running down the street screaming your journal to rooms full of people.
“Honestly, it’s not always easy to talk about stuff in the literal sense and have to keep redoing it every night but I think it depends what kind of art you’re doing,” he says. “It is personal and I guess that’s just my commitment to the music that we’re making. I just want to be honest. It’s not always easy, but that’s what it is.”
2. Adele’s 21
There is no doubt that this was Adele’s year. She topped practically every year end list and three of her singles are in constant rotation on every radio station. Her ability as a songwriter is indisputable and she describes heartbreak so vividly that makes her immensely relatable. While her love life might have suffered this year, her record sales certainly didn’t.
1. Matthew Mayfield’s Now You’re Free
Matthew Mayfield’s album has been played in it’s entirety, more than any other album I’ve listened to this year. His deep, raspy vocals hit you right in the heart. Likewise, his descriptive and emotional tales captivate the listener wholeheartedly. He admitted to me during an interview that a song comes out better when it’s actually happened to him.
“I’m never scared because it’s like therapy for me. I need to do it, to get it out,” he said. “I feel like there’s a release that you get from putting it on paper and singing it in a song that’s healthy. It’s always been an outlet for me.”
YSIW’s favorite concerts of 2011
6. The Barr Brothers
I met half of the Barr Brothers on my flight to Canada for the Emerging Music Festival. Brad and Andrew Barr were playing in another band at the time, Muse Hill, who I caught at the festival and thoroughly enjoyed. While wandering to and from shows throughout the weekend Brad mentioned his other band, The Barr Brothers, who would be playing at Mercury Lounge the next month. Rather serendipitously, the next day his publicist reached out to me about covering the show.
I attended their first New York performance and was truly blown away and went on to see the band perform at Rockwood Music Hall and Arlene’s Grocery during CMJ and a few months later at Joe’s Pub. Each set continued to showcase the band’s talent between moving harp features, impressive percussion interludes and Brad Barr’s soulful and intriguing singing style.
5. Matt Cranstoun
I interviewed Matt Cranstoun right before his appearance at The Rock Shop during CMJ where he told me there would be gospel singers. I couldn’t remember the last show I had been to with gospel singers so of course I went and boy am I glad I did. The energy jumped off the stage into the crowd and every mouth dropped in amazement as Cranstoun captivated the room.
4. Coldplay
I’ve been so lucky to have seen Coldplay close up twice in my life, once during All Points West where I stood near the photo pit as the band performed to thousands behind me. This year, I witnessed Coldplay in a more intimate space with 100 other fans as they debuted some of the tracks off their upcoming release. Between humorous anecdotes and a stripped down performance with Chris Martin alone onstage, it was one of those reaffirming moments that I’m grateful to be a music journalist.
3. Foo Fighters
While many claim rock & roll is dead, the Foo Fighters prove it just ain’t so. Taking the stage at Ed Sullivan Theater dressed like the Beatles’ first US television performance, the band played a remarkable two-hour set. Complete with fan favorites and new hits, it was an experience I’ll never forget.
2. Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band
This was my first live review for Rolling Stone and a night I will remember forever. After eating lunch with Zac Brown and meeting Kenny Chesney, I headed to the New Meadowlands for an unforgettable night of music. Brown’s soulful singing combined with Chesney’s heartfelt passion and energy throughout the set is just one reason country has quickly become my favorite genre.
1. Taylor Swift
Was there really any question this wouldn’t be my No. 1 show of 2011? Seated three rows from the stage, I was in awe song after song as Taylor Swift’s elaborate set and storytelling unraveled for two glorious hours. Notebook in one hand, camera in the other my excitement never wavered. Fireworks, wedding gowns, acrobats and a balcony flying in the air were just some of the surprises I captured in my review for Billboard.
Earlier today, Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt released a cover of the timeless classic “What Are You Doing New Years Eve?” Originally sung by Nancy Wilson, Deschanel and Gordon-Levitt manage to put their own spin on the track. Watch below.
Listen to Nancy Wilson’s version below. Which do you prefer?