Category: Features

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Features

Backyard Brunch Sessions Presents Brunch After Dark 2

In August, I covered a concert in Williamsburg  hosted by David Chaitt called Backyard Brunch Sessions. Every few weekends in the summer he invited friends and music industry enthusiasts to his apartment in Brooklyn for homemade breakfast and an unplugged set of music. Since the weather is a little cold for an outdoor concert, he’s moved his show to Brooklyn Bowl next week.

Brunch After Dark 2 will feature two of the bands who performed over the summer, Pearl and the Beard and The Loom (videos below) as well as Team B. The show starts at 8PM at Brooklyn Bowl Wednesday, February 9. Full set is as follows:

Doors – 6PM

DJ Alex Mann – 7-8:15PM (and in between sets)

Team B — 8:15-9PM

Pearl and the Beard – 9:30-10:15PM

The Loom — 10:45-11:30PM

Watch The Loom perform “Helen” below.

Watch Pearl and the Beard perform “Hot Volcano” below.

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Features

My 1 Week, John Mayer Inspired Digital Cleanse

Editor’s Note: I originally wrote this article last year for another publication after reading about John Mayer’s One Week Digital Cleanse challenge.  When going through past clips recently, I realized I never posted it on You Sing I Write and thought you might be curious as to whether I survived a week without digital and social media. You can read all about it below. Enjoy! Love to know your thoughts.

The New Year is time to make a fresh start and create resolutions that will hopefully last longer than the first week of the year. So, when I heard of John Mayer’s one week digital cleanse, I thought why not? A full week without tweeting, facebook stalking, entertainment and gossip sites, texting, checking email from your phone – no problem! Think again.

Being engulfed in the social media world for what seems like an eternity, I quickly realized how much my day to day activities completely rely around this seemingly digital universe. But, I also learned how productive my life can be without it. Maybe John Mayer is on to something after all.

Day 1:
1: 50 pm FAIL: Texted Dad Happy New Year.
4:34 pm: I start receiving texts from the girls on plans for the evening. In total, I accumulate 12 text messages from six different people. Since Mayer’s rules include no texting I pick up the phone and call them. Most of my friends already know of my digital cleanse, but keep forgetting and continue to text me to which I pick up the phone and call them back once again. Who knew making plans for the night is so much easier via text? I can’t remember the last time I actually talked on the phone this much.

6:20 pm: I call three friends to wish each a happy New Year which results in two voicemail messages. The two respond back by text. Really, people?

11:45 pm: We’re all at the bar and its karaoke night. Two guys sing a God-awful rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Our Song.” I try to control myself and don’t update my Twitter. A few songs later and a guy is singing a metal version of Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody.” My friends find it ridiculous. I know my Twitter followers would be amused, but I resist.

Day 2:
1:05 pm: I wake to a text from a friend that reads, “Sorry I texted u last night and when u called I remembered ur digital cleanse. I will call u if I need u for the rest of the week.”

I don’t receive any texts the rest of the day and (gasp!) don’t even turn on the computer. Although, I can’t deny periodically checking my phone for messages.

Day 3:
I think I’m finally starting to embrace the digital cleanse. I check my mail from my laptop and delete all the Twitter and Facebook updates without reading. I must admit I want to see all the tagged New Year’s Eve photos posted, but I successfully resist the temptation.

3:28 pm: I receive a text from a friend asking about my weekend and I call her back and chat for an hour or so. Normally we’d talk via text for the next 20 minutes, but instead talk on the phone about our New Year’s Eve, latest boy crushes and concert plans for the week. I have to admit, I feel refreshed. It’s almost like I’m back in high school. I don’t think I’ve talked this much on the phone in years.

I have definitely become more productive without the distraction of Twitter and Facebook while writing articles and reviews. Where some days it would take me a day to complete an album review, today it takes me three hours since I have nothing to sidetrack me.

Day 4
Not having g-chat has proved to be difficult as Monday begins, but I have no excuses today to get my writing done. In my spare time, (because let’s face it, there is a lot of it now!) I finally pick up a book I’ve been meaning to read for years – Rob Sheffield’s “Love Is a Mix Tape.” One of my favorite Rolling Stone writers, I lose myself for hours reading about his life and music.

FAIL: While looking for articles to pitch it’s nearly impossible to not wind up on a gossip or entertainment site. I finish reading an article about Leighton Meester getting advice from Cyndi Lauper before I realize I’m on a gossip site. This digital cleanse is proving more difficult when working in the media and publishing industry, but I fight on.

8pm: This is the first concert I attend in months where I am not live Twitter reporting. I can’t help but notice during every set the performer adds, “Follow me on Twitter.” I meet Ryan Cabrera (remember his infamous hit “On the Way Down?”) and defy the urge to update Twitter. During his set he takes a Twitter request. I can’t resist the thought that the entire universe keeps revealing Twitter to me. I think its official: I’m a Twitter addict.

Day 5
I’m starting to feel cut off from the world. Two more days! I can do this! My friends all took the hint and stopped texting me completely. Two have kept calling me to keep in touch so I don’t feel completely out of the loop.

I interviewed an up-and-coming New York-based musician today and we had a full conversation about my Twitter detox. He said he will leave me @ replies for when I come back to the 21st century Friday. Today I am convinced that Twitter has to be the most used word. When emailing to find information on a new media workshop I’m interested in taking I am advised to “Check our Web site and follow us on Twitter” for the latest updates.

My production is off the charts today. I transcribed two interviews, had a phone interview and wrote a few articles. A friend just tagged me in 15 photos on Facebook… I resist.

Day 6
Today was a good day. I chatted with a friend for an hour on the phone and caught up with her creative endeavors where I would usually just find out through 140-character updates on Twitter. I have actually stuck to my New Year’s resolution of learning guitar. I played for 30 minutes today. Maybe if I succeed in this digital cleanse John Mayer will give me a free lesson. Just throwing it out there…

I met up with some music industry friends tonight for pizza where I realize I must be the only person without Internet on my phone. Earlier last week I was considering an upgrade, but after this week I think I can survive without.

Day 7
Today is my last day of the John Mayer-inspired one-week digital cleanse. I’ve had a few missteps, but all in all, I have surprised myself and friends with my relentless dedication. While it is the 21st century and many of these forms of social media are considered necessary to some, I’ve found that (big shocker!) it IS possible to exist without them.

You really don’t need to respond to every text message or Twitter update. Life will go on without checking your email 24/7 or looking at every tagged Facebook photo. Hey, who knows, if I continue this cleanse for the entire year maybe I’ll become good enough at guitar to join John Mayer’s band. Probably not, but it’s worth a shot.

What do you think? Are you addicted to social media? Could you pull off a digital cleanse?

Categories
Concert Reviews Features Q&A Videos

You Sing I Write's Top 10 of 2010

Photo/Video Credit: Wendy Hu

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have interviewed some of my all-time favorite bands this year. As 2010 comes to a close, I can only imagine what 2011 will bring… (perhaps an interview with John Mayer?!). Instead of compiling my top 10 albums, songs, etc. of the year I decided to break up my Top 10 list with my five most memorable interviews and concerts of 2010. Be sure to let me know some of your favorites in the comments!

You Sing I Write’s Top 5 Interviews of 2010

5. Hanson

My younger self is still in disbelief. HANSON. I remember the years my best friend in middle school was CONVINCED she would marry Taylor Hanson. Little did I know I’d interview him a decade later. Extremely detailed, Taylor Hanson went on to thoroughly and thoughtfully answer every question I asked. Sorry Jacqueline, he’s married. Read my complete interview on Lemondrop here.

4. Colbie Caillat

Though I interviewed Colbie Caillat back in 2008 for my blog, I had yet to meet her in person and was thrilled to catch her in Hoboken and film my interview with her for VH1 Save the Music. You can read the complete interview on Hoboken Patch and watch a video excerpt below.

3. Pat Benatar

I still can’t believe I chatted with Pat Benatar on the phone this year! We bonded over living in Brooklyn and she gave me so much great advice that I shared with Lemondrop readers. And, your No. 1 question was answered. Yes, Pat Benatar still believes love is a battlefield. Read my complete Q&A on Lemondrop here.

2. Lady Antebellum

I still remember the first time I saw Lady Antebellum perform on an awards show and thought to myself, “I REALLY want to interview this band!” I had a hunch they’d explode and in 2010 they sure did. Out of all my interviews this year, I was most nervous for my in-person with them as I listened to Need You Now continuously, it easily being my most played album of the year. Nerves aside, the interview went well and I even stumped Lady A on a few questions. Read my interview with Lady Antebellum on The Boot.

1. Keith Urban

Never in a million years would I have dreamed I’d spend the day with Keith Urban! I remember the first time I heard a Keith Urban song. It was “Somebody Like You” back in high school in the movie, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and I downloaded it and played it obsessively for months. He was the first country artist I really listened to and I was happy to discover my college roommate Celine liked him as well. We’d play his album on repeat and admire his gorgeous locks, often wondering how they’re kept so perfect. I came to learn it’s thanks to his personal hair stylist as she was fixing his hair before my chat with him.

Happy to report my interview went swimmingly (see the video below) and Keith was one of the nicest artists I’ve ever met. For the complete writeup, visit The Boot.

You Sing I Write’s Top 5 Concerts of 2010

5. Pat Benatar, Nokia Theater

I was more than excited to get a pair of tickets to Pat Benatar’s show a week after my phoner with her. Many life realizations came to mind while I was standing near the stage during the entirety of her set. As Benatar’s husband Neil Geraldo provided climatic guitar riffs to accompany her soaring vocals, I couldn’t help but smile at the chorus of “Shadows of the Night.”

We’re running with the Shadows of the Night

So baby take my hand, you’ll be all right

Surrender all you dreams to me tonight

They’ll come true in the end

In 2010, so many of my dreams have come true. Some that I never even realized were possible a few years ago. Read more on Busted Halo.

4. CMT on Tour with Miranda Lambert and Eric Church, Terminal 5

For those who doubt country fans exist in New York, you obviously weren’t at Terminal 5 for the CMT on Tour kickoff. I have never witnessed a crowd so energized. Raising their beer cups and cowboy hats high in the air throughout Eric and Miranda’s sets, watching the crowd was just as captivating as the artists onstage. Read my review on The Boot.

3. The Gaslight Anthem, The Stone Pony

Seeing my favorite Jersey boys on their home turf was a concert experience like none other. My friends and I scrambled to find tickets to their sold-out show at the last minute. And, boy we’re glad we did! The outside stage setup within walking distance of the Jersey Shore and all their friends, family and Gaslight Anthem diehards in the crowd made for a unique evening. I had so much fun, a friend and I even crowd surfed up to the stage where we enjoyed most of the show from the front row.

2. Taylor Swift, Prudential Center

For being 21 and on her first headlining tour, Taylor Swift’s live show is impressive. Every moment of her set is thought out with precise detail and perfected on a nightly basis. Whether she was walking through the first level at the Prudential Center giving hugs to everyone who stopped her, or the arena erupting in heart shaped confetti at the show’s end, Taylor Swift is living proof that fairy tales do come true. Witnessing her live just proved this point even more.

1. NEEDTOBREATHE, Irving Plaza

I heard their show was good, but I never expected to be blown away the way I was. There is definitely a reason Taylor Swift tapped the band as her tour opener next year. From the moment NEEDTOBREATHE took the stage at Irving Plaza it was evident that this wasn’t just any concert. The South Carolina natives have been honing their live show for the past 10 years and the audience could tell. Their impressive instrumental interludes combined with frontman Bear Rinehart’s energy captivated. One can only imagine what 2011 will bring for NEEDTOBREATHE. Read my complete show review here and watch the band perform “Valley of Tomorrow” acoustic below.

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Features

Discovering Jewish Music

Since August, my roommates and I have been blogging about our interfaith apartment situation for Busted Halo. As with this blog, most of my posts have been dedicated to music. Having recently attended a few nights of the Sephardic Music Festival, I discovered some talented acts.

One of the bands I was introduced to during the Sephardic Music Festival was Soulfarm. Described by one friend as a “Jewish jam band,” though I didn’t understand some of the songs as they were sung in Hebrew, talent translates. Captivating the audience with their energy and “soul,” the band encouraged all to dance and sing along throughout their set and many did.

A song about living in the moment, “All We Got” struck a chord as frontman Noah Solomon Chase told concertgoers, “It’s all about singing to the heavens above. Please join us.” Pounding on the drum as he interacted with the crowd, Chase impressed as the band displayed a solid mix of Mediterranean flavor and impressive musical interludes.

For my complete writeup, click here. Be sure to watch Soulfarm perform “Take Your Shoes Off” live below.

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Features

Happy Holidays! Free MP3's for you!

Who doesn’t like free music?

The holidays are in full swing and whether you celebrated Hanukkah earlier this month, or Christmas this Saturday I’m sure your budget is at it’s max. This post has a ton of free music for you and if that’s not enough, be sure to check the sidebar for my weekly freebies. This week you can receive a download of The Canon Logic’s “Kiss Me On Christmas” after you upload your own holiday kiss, as well as a cover of “Christmas All Over Again” and Whale Belly’s latest album.

Before you go on download overload, watch Dawn Landes and the Hounds’ entertaining performance of “Sleigh Ride” with special guests The Bandana Splits, performed backstage at Joe’s Pub for ASCAP’s Top Holiday Songs list.

Below, enter your email address to receive a MP3 of Roy Orbison’s holiday classic, “Pretty Paper.”

To download The Plain White T’s “Christmas Won’t Be the Same Without You” on a five track sampler which includes songs from HelloGoodbye, Nelly, Jesse McCartney, and Avant click here. Enjoy!

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Categories
Features Festivals

It’s About The Song: Radio and A&R Panel Discuss Music, Songwriting, Local Talent


Photo Credit: Courtesy, The Jazz Lawyer

In a world of instant gratification, at one of CMJ’s most informative panels, music industry pros discussed the power of the song, perseverance and passion.

Moderated by RXP’s Matt Pinfield, combined with panelists Leslie Fram (Program Director, RXP), Brian Phillips (Music Director, RXP), Matt Pollack (Manager, Monotone Inc.), Ron Burman (Senior VP of A&R, RoadRunner Records) and S*A*M* Hollander (Songwriter/Producer), the 75-minute talk provided music lovers and makers insider information on how to get their favorite music heard.

What differentiated this panel from others was the evident excitement each panelist held for live music and the love to promote good music.

“We love music. We’re passionate about it. I consider this panel to be more the exception than the rule at this point. There are a lot of people in it [the music business] who don’t care about music, artists, or artist development. It saddens me, but we do every part that we can,” Pinfield told the audience.

Time and time again, each speaker stressed that great artists aren’t the product of overnight success.

“Get there on your own time table. Do it at your own pace,” Burman advised. “Have a level of credibility and live sense about you so that you can spread your art.”

Each panelist agreed on the importance to make a mark in your community first before anything else.

“If you can make a noise in your community and draw well, we’re going to take notice,” Fram said.

While the live show is one of the most important elements before signing a band for Pollack, the rest of the panelists spoke of the importance of the song.

“It’s about the song. It’s about the connection. I’ll listen to hundreds of songs in a week and it’s just that gut reaction that makes me want to hear the song again and again,” RXP’s Phillips said. “I’ll do some legwork and look up the band and their blog and their MySpace page. It’s about presenting that song, that feeling, that excitement of playing a new song on the radio that’s cool and that people will really enjoy… it’s about that connection as a music fan.”

Though Burman, who signed Nickelback, wants to see a band that can deliver live, he says the song has to strike a chord with him to make him interested.

“It’s more of an intuitive thing where I love a song, I love a vibe, I love what I hear and if they’re selling or reacting, that’s a plus. It’s the song and how I connect with it first and foremost; something that can appeal to people all over every walk of life,” Burman said.

While it is evident that the impact the song has on music lovers holds great importance, without the help of radio many bands wouldn’t have the success they have today. On the outside for the first 10 years of his career, writer/producer S*A*M* Hollander talked of his rise to co-writing and hit songs he wrote with artists including Gym Class Heroes, Gabe Saporta, and Katy Perry.

“Hits are still king. I like to throw around sports analogies very loosely. It’s almost like baseball. To make radio, it’s like the closing pitch. It’s Mariano Rivera of the Yankees. Radio, we need to bring the thing home. Blogs are a great aggregator and iTunes, but radio is king to me. You still want that one big hit that’s iconic,” Hollander said.

Whether you’re on a major record label or independent, RXP’s Fram doesn’t care.

“We didn’t look at labels. We felt, if an unsigned band had a great song, what’s the difference in that with a signed band that had a great song? We were all about developing artists, and not the song mentality,” she said talking of her time at radio station 99X in Georgia.

RXP’s Pinfield got his start at college radio while attending Rutgers University. Adamant about playing local bands on his radio show, he urged students to do the same.

“[College radio] was a way to create community. Do as much for the artist you believe in. Give them a shout out. College radio is the place for that to start,” he said.

“My main advice to you is don’t give up. If you love something, whether you’re an artist, you want to be a disc jockey, you want to work in radio. Just don’t give up and don’t let people discourage you and tell you that you’re not good enough or you can’t do it if you believe in it wholeheartedly in your whole soul. It’s just a matter of persistence. It’s just that love for it,” Pinfield said.

This article was originally posted on The Jazz Lawyer.

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Features News

CMT to Air "Artists of the Year" Special December 3

Tomorrow night, CMT will honor Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band as the top artists of the year in a 90-minute special. Hosted by Kevin Costner, CMT’s  “Artists of the Year,” premiers at 8:00 p.m., ET.

Taped in Nashville, “Artists of the Year” will bring the honorees together with their peers for an evening of performances from the country world and beyond. Tune in for surprise guest appearances by Joe Perry, Maroon 5, Adele, Amos Lee and more!

This year’s acts were chosen by ranking the top five artists based on the following criteria: sales, country radio airplay, concert grosses, and activity on CMT.com. The rankings were then compiled to identify the leading performers across the four categories cumulatively.

Watch a preview of tomorrow night’s special below.

Related Links:
• Q&A with Lady Antebellum
• Q&A with Taylor Swift
• Q&A with Zac Brown Band
• Q&A with Jason Aldean
Categories
Features Festivals

CMJ 2010: Five Artists to Watch

With hundreds of musicians in New York for CMJ last month, it’s nearly impossible to not discover a new favorite band. While bigger shows like Phoenix at Madison Square Garden created hype, up-and-coming musicians left impressions of their own. Below is a list of five acts to keep your eyes on in the next few months. Whether it was a room of 20 or 200, each band left their mark. Give them a listen and see why.

1. Elizabeth and the Catapult

Rockwood 2 was packed to capacity Saturday night as Elizabeth and the Catapult took the stage. While a line continued to form out the door, the band impressed with a 40 minute set that featured breathtaking vocals from Elizabeth Ziman combined with fitting musical accompaniment. The official CMJ showcase acted as a mini CD release show as the band’s next release was due out Oct. 26. While fan favorites like “Taller Children“ had concertgoers singing along word for word, newer tracks like the powerful “Go Away My Lover” hushed and captivated the room. As Ziman alternated vocals with Jeff Taylor, additional cello and edgy percussion parts accentuated the song well. Complete with whistling and a darker sound than previous songs on their set-list, the stand-out track impressed.

Watch a video of “Go Away My Lover” from Elizabeth and the Catapult’s CMJ performance below.



2. The Honeymoon Thrillers

Based in Nashville, The Honeymoon Thrillers came together after a discovery of records from the 1950s lying around the house. The five members are from four different bands and while they haven’t left their separate projects just yet, after I witnessed them live at CMJ they might soon reconsider. With classic guitar licks and “woah-oh-oh’s” that bring back rock & roll from the 50s, their energetic set was a crowd pleaser. Tracks like “Shine” embody the Beach Boys with spot-on harmonies and catchy choruses while frontman Nathan Barlowe’s energetic stage presence brought to mind Elvis Presley and his gyrating dance moves.

3. Matthew Mayfield

After a jam-packed morning of panels, while waiting for a friend to finish an interview I stopped by Rockwood 2 just as Matthew Mayfield took the stage at 3pm. Alone on acoustic guitar, his vocals reverberated throughout the room, having all in attendance drop everything to listen. With raspy Dave Matthews-esque vocals accompanied by his emotion-filled lyrics, the singer-songwriter struck a chord. Older songs like “Element” livened up his Friday afternoon performance while his intricate guitar finger picking fueled more angst-ridden songs including “Dead To You.” Mayfield’s vocals sound so familiar it comes as no surprise that his music has appeared on “Grey’s Anatomy.” While “First In Line” can easily be pictured on the show, it was “Fact or Fable” that made the greatest impact. Combined with fierce guitar strumming and Mayfield’s deep vocals, his voice silenced the room.

Watch Mayfield perform “Fact or Fable” on YouTube below and learn why he says it’s the heaviest song he’s written.



4. James Maddock

Combined with powerful vocals and descriptive lyrics, James Maddock’s music holds a certain timeless quality to it. His songs paint vivid pictures of love and failed relationships accompanied by soaring guitar and Maddock’s wavering vocals. Tracks like “Chance” embody an epic sound that can easily be pictured on the big stage while slower ballads like “Beautiful Now” showcase his more sensitive side. At times, his music evokes a certain Bruce Springsteen quality so it’s no surprise that The Boss himself is a fan and frequently plays Maddock’s music before he takes the stage. In the process of recording his next album, fans can expect to hear much more from the Englishman soon.

Watch James Maddock perform “When the Sun’s Out” on YouTube below.

5. The Ramblers

While they’ve been compared to The Band and “the finest Tennessee sippin’ whiskey,” the New York-based ensemble showcased their southern flavor during a performance at National Underground. The Ramblers had the room stomping their feet during upbeat numbers including “Leave a Letter Behind” and “Matter of Fact.” Alternating vocals between Jeremiah Birnbaum and Scott Stein proved effective and additional singer Shanna Zell added to their classic Americana rock. With soulful vocals and fleshed-out piano and guitar interludes, it was hard to assess who was having more fun: the band onstage or the fans on the floor. The Ramblers transformed the NYC venue into a southern honky tonk, having concertgoers sing and dance along during Birnbaum’s impressive guitar licks and Stein’s ferocious strokes of the piano. With frequent NYC gigs, The Ramblers are never too hard to find.

This article was originally posted on The Jazz Lawyer. Stay tuned for more interviews from CMJ in the coming weeks.

Categories
Concert Reviews Features Interviews Q&A Videos

Keith Urban

On Wednesday I shared with you my review of Keith Urban’s impromptu train station performances promoting his new album, ‘Get Closer.’ I was lucky enough to spend the day with him in New York and Philadelphia and covered all the excitement for The Boot. You can read my complete writeup on The Boot and watch the video below!

Categories
Concert Reviews Features

Keith Urban Holds Surprise Shows in New York & Philadelphia

“I’m playing at Penn Station … I can check this off my bucket list now!” Keith Urban yelled to a sea of surprised rush-hour commuters at the bustling New York City train station Tuesday morning.

The Aussie country superstar performed an impromptu concert at Penn Station, in celebration of the release of his brand-new album, ‘Get Closer.’ Joking that he wanted to make a set-list full of train songs, “like take the last train to Trenton,” he joked, Keith instead kicked things off with an old favorite, ‘Days Go By.’ (He did, however, change the line “better start livin’ right now” to “better start catching your train.”) That was followed by the first single from the new CD, ‘Put You in a Song,’ followed by the heartwarming ballad ‘Only You Can Love Me This Way’ and then another uptempo fan-favorite, ‘Somebody Like You.’

For the complete review, visit The Boot.