Performing just over an hour, Jupiter One filled the room with their catchy indie-pop choruses and energetic stage presence. Bearing resemblance to British rockers Muse, it is easy to picture this band in a bigger arena setting. It comes as no wonder, then that Jupiter One will open for Regina Spektor on her upcoming Australian tour.
For the complete live review of Friday’s performance, click here.
Photo Credit: Jon Klemm courtesy of Bumpershine.com
The night after their record release, Rogue Wave have much to celebrate. Their first album in over two years, Permalight, brings a new sound and optimism. And, considering what frontman Zach Rogue and drummer Pat Spurgeon have been through the past few years, this comes as no surprise.
For my complete review and photos of Wednesday’s sold-out show at Bowery Ballroom, visit Bumpershine.com.
Photo Credit: Wendy Hu
Quite possibly my favorite thing about being a music journalist is discovering new bands before they make it big. Whether my coverage precedes a write-up in Rolling Stone or a song being placed in hit TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, in a way it helps confirm that my music taste is ahead of the curve. Or, so I’d like to think!
I’m excited tonight to be catching three sets at Joe’s Pub, two of which are bands I’ve already covered and interviewed. Feel free to follow along on Twitter as I’ll be reviewing the show live. And, if you haven’t yet, check out my interview with Greg Holden here and PT Walkley here. For more on each artist, you can find their MySpace below.
PT Walkley on MySpace.
Greg Holden on MySpace.
Ian Axel on MySpace.
Well, I’m pretty certain you all are aware of my love for John Mayer by now. Despite his controversial interviews in Playboy and Rolling Stone over the past few months, you cannot deny his guitar skills and prowess as a songwriter.
I’m psyched to be attending his concert tonight at Madison Square Garden. Be sure to follow me on Twitter for up to the minute coverage. I’ll try not to gush too much. Keep your fingers crossed for a video interview in the future!
Watch below for clip one of Mayer on VH1 “Storytellers” as he talks of being misunderstood and performs “No Such Thing.”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ0tZBC8vuk]
Related Links:
• John Mayer Debuts Tracks Off New Album at Secret Brooklyn Show
• John Mayer Tells All At Z100’s Z-Lounge
• John Mayer, Colbie Caillat and Brett Dennen Impress in New Jersey
• Blast From the Past: John Mayer Concert Review on MTV.com
Joshua Radin pleased all in attendance at Thursday night’s intimate gig at Hard Rock Cafe in New York’s Times Square. Playing a 40-minute set, Radin performed nine songs with his band. Rotating between old and new tracks, he created a dialogue with the audience, filling them in on the stories behind his songs and responding to questions and requests from fans when asked.
“It’s good to be home,” Radin said after taking the stage while tuning his guitar. “You gotta play in tune when you’re in New York City,” he joked before “Brand New Day,” a track off his latest album, Simple Times. Radin’s soft singing was never overpowered by the instrumental accompaniment and throughout the night the crowd was so quiet his voice was the only thing heard.
“I’m going to play you a sad song,” he told the crowd. Midway through a fan screamed it was her birthday, to which Radin asked her name and dedicated “One of Those Days” to her, but not before revealing the heartache behind the song. “This is the only song I ever wrote in the bunk of a tour bus. It was freezing in Minneapolis and the bus wouldn’t start and my girlfriend and I just split up.”
Another fan interrupts and screams, “Screw her!” and Radin laughs and continues his tale.
“A girl was standing outside the bus waiting for me to come out. This 14-year-old girl shoved a picture with my ex-girlfriend in my face to sign. Not the easiest thing to do, but I got a song out of it.”
With light guitar accompaniment and beautiful, emotive vocals Radin sings of heartbreak. “The sight of you is painful/So I crawl underneath my blanket where I can hide away/I know I can’t take it anymore/’Cause I see now it’s just one of those days.”
Radin said “No Envy, No Fear” was inspired by an idea from Bob Dylan’s biography and the best advice Dylan was ever given, “to lose all envy and all fear.”
“At the time, I had so much envy and fear. Every time I play this song it helps me. Hopefully it helps you too,” he said. Performing without a mic at the edge of the stage on acoustic guitar, Radin’s voice reverberated throughout the venue. The audience was impressed and Radin seemed equally surprised. “It’s rare when you get an audience so quiet when you can do that,” he said.
Fans were happy to hear Radin is in the process of making a new record and got to witness a few new tracks Thursday night. “I’ve got this crazy badass rhythm section on this next song called ‘Starting Over.'” A much darker and fuller sound than previous records, the crowd seemed pleased.
“I’m starting over so here we go/If I fall way down, down/Would you catch me?” Radin sang. “Something in the way you looked at me that day/Like someone far away you once knew,” he continued. The instrumental interlude included heavier percussion, keyboards and guitar which helped emphasize the emotion behind Radin’s vocals.
It’s hard to believe Radin just started playing music five years ago. Having been on tour for the past four, he told the crowd “The Ones With the Light” was inspired from the people he meets on tour. With a fun melodica feature and increased electric guitar presence, Radin’s newer material proves promising.
“The Rock and the Tide” is so new, Radin hasn’t even taught the band yet. While explaining the song and how it is about someone he met on the road, Radin said, “When you’re in this business you meet a lot of people being on tour. Either they’re cool or they’re not.”
“Were they cool?” a fan asked.
“Yes she was very cool,” Radin replied with a grin. The lyrics explain the song best: “Everyone gets what they want too fast these days/No one knows the way to make things last/Katie I’m through waiting/’Cause I need you now/I’ll show how you could take my hand and save me.”
Radin closed the night with three well known songs; “Today,” “I’d Rather Be With You” and a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.” Having become well known as a wedding song, Radin said “Today” wasn’t inspired by a wedding as he’s never been married. “Every time I hear someone used it I’m very flattered.”
“I was expecting people not to listen tonight, but I’m so glad you did so I’m going to do something special,” Radin told the crowd. Ending the night with Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” Radin and his entire band walked off the stage with their instruments in hand and performed in the middle of the floor as fans gathered in a circle around them. I couldn’t think of a better way to end the night.
Related Links:
• Q&A; with Joshua Radin
• Joshua Radin Pours His Heart Out In New York
• Joshua Radin Interview Featured on Marie Claire
• Hotel Cafe Tour Stops In NYC
Jeff Luppino-Esposito of the Newark Pop Culture Examiner just sent me his recent post on Parachute frontman Will Anderson. Before he was selling out venues across the US, Anderson was performing in his college a cappella group, The Virginia Gentleman.
I was lucky enough to attend Parachute’s sold-out performance this past Friday at Bowery Ballroom and was truly blown away. One of my first interviews for the blog, it’s amazing to see their progress over the years and sell out venues where all in attendance are singing the lyrics to every song word for word. The band’s cover of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” was completely unexpected and remarkably impressive.
You can watch a few videos from Will’s college days below, and for more be sure to check out Luppino-Esposito’s article here. Check out Parachute, currently on tour with SafetySuit.
“You Give Me Something”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHWQ1CG_xFI]
Will singing lead on Maroon 5’s “Wake Up Call”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xfL9gUApSI]
Related Links:
• Q&A; with Parachute
• Parachute Lands No. 1 Album on iTunes
• Q&A; with Sparky’s Flaw
• Audio Interview with Will Anderson of Parachute
Earlier this week I compiled a list of my top five moments of 2009. Well, there were a few more than five in there, but I tried to keep it short. I figured I’d do the same today with my top five concerts and interviews. I’d love to know what you enjoyed reading most this year so I can amp up my coverage in 2010. Happy New Year!
5. Mat Kearney — September 29 at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
I interviewed Mat Kearney back in May when he was on tour opening for Keane at Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, New Jersey. I hopped on his tour bus and talked with him about his latest album, songwriting process and breaking into the University of Oregon to use their piano to write a song. As an opening band, your set is always cut short so I decided to attend his headlining performance a few months later at Irving Plaza and was blown away. Having had his album, City of Black and White, on rotation over the previous months the songs struck me personally and Kearney put on quite the show. Jumping into the audience mid-set he started his own dance party on the floor with fans. You can bet I’ll be seeing him next time he’s around.
To hear Mat talk about the new album, his writing process and stories behind his songs, click here. For his view on writing about personal relationships, being an opening act and advice to aspiring musicians, click here.
4. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band — September 30 at Giants Stadium
He is The Boss. Does much more need to be said? Being a Jersey girl, Bruce Springsteen’s songs are anthems to me. I actually have Mat Kearney to thank of how I came to cover his show at Giants Stadium. The night before Springsteen’s performance I was buying my friend a ticket at will call because Kearney’s show was due to sell out. I recognized a photographer I met earlier that year at Ray LaMontagne’s show and we chatted for a bit. Low and behold, the next day he needed a writer to cover Springsteen’s show for a Web site he shot for and thought of me. Wendy picked up the tickets for me and we headed to Giants Stadium to cover the show for Bumpershine. And, guess who was sitting a few rows in front of me? None other than Mat Kearney himself. A bit serendipitous, don’t you think? For my complete review, click here.
3. Tyrone Wells — October 7 at Highline Ballroom
I recently found Tyrone Wells CD Remain and have been listening non-stop the past few days. Previous album, Hold On is quite striking as well. While compiling my top five list I realized I have witnessed Wells in concert three times this year. I first interviewed him during South By Southwest and caught his showcase with Tori Amos. Later this year, Wells opened for Better Than Ezra where a couple got engaged mid-set before he dedicated and performed “Sea Breeze” for them. I was lucky enough to catch his headlining show at Highline Ballroom in October after interviewing his opening act, Matt Hires. Wells truly blew me away as he mixed his soulful and energetic tracks with his emotion-filled ballads. His onstage banter with the audience and tales behind his songs are always enjoyable and like no artist I have ever witnessed. If you have yet to see Wells live, I highly suggest doing so as I foresee him selling out bigger venues very soon.
2. Coldplay — August 2 at Liberty State Park
I’ve heard only praises about Coldplay’s concerts from friends who have witnessed them firsthand. I really don’t know why I haven’t seen them sooner. Luckily, I caught their phenomenal set at the always memorable All Points West festival this past August at Liberty State Park. The way I described APW to friends was it being Woodstock’s reincarnation if it were around in 2009. Mud wrestling, music and beer gardens was more like it. Sunday’s four-hour rain delay resulted in multiple canceled performances and scaled down sets, but Coldplay managed to save the day.
Always comical, after traipsing through the mud onto a stage in the middle of the field, frontman Chris Martin realized what festivalgoers dealt with the entire weekend. “We have infinite respect for you now that we had to walk through that shit. Wish we had backstage passes for all of you,” he said.
Witnessing Coldplay live and up so close, I have incredible respect for the band. While they played many of their hits, they also performed a moving tribute to Michael Jackson and the Beastie Boys, who had to cancel their performance due to member Adam Yauch’s cancer diagnosis. I couldn’t imagine a better band to close the three-day mudfest.
1. The Gaslight Anthem — October 15 at Terminal 5
I’ve been covering The Gaslight Anthem on You Sing, I Write, since last year when I flipped through Rolling Stone to notice drummer Benny Horowitz, former paginator of my college paper, featured as a breaking band. I did a double take and contacted all the people I knew who used to work for Rutgers’ The Daily Targum. Since then, I’ve been trying to cover a show and set up an interview to no avail. You’d think garnering an interview with a rock star you knew would be easy. Think again. After several failed attempts I d
ecided to purchase tickets to their show at Terminal 5 before it sold out. I’m so glad I did. I feel like I reverted back to my high school days of Warped Tour and crowd surfing. Then again, I think the 30-year-olds in the room did as well.
I have never witnessed such an energetic (and frightening) mosh pit in my life. It was like Warped Tour for 30+. No more emo boys, these are grown men dancing in the pit and creating havoc. I’m not going to lie to you, I did fear for my life, but that was the beauty of the concert. From the looks of frontman Brian Fallon’s face, he was just as surprised. By far the most energetic show I’ve been to all year, there is no doubt in my mind that The Gaslight Anthem will be selling out Madison Square Garden. Hopefully, by then I’ll be able to get an interview!
5. Train
They’ve reached worldwide success and many of their songs garnered top spots on memorable songs of the decade. I spoke with guitarist Jimmy Stafford at the start of Train’s tour where he filled me in on Train’s latest release, embracing the Internet and a younger fan base and the reasons behind their longevity. Read it here.
4. Better Than Ezra
After catching BTE live earlier this year, the three-piece band was back in New York for press in August. Unfortunately, I was extremely sick and losing my voice during the interview but didn’t want to cancel. It was 90 degrees in New York and the interview was at a Starbucks that felt just as warm. You know when you’re nervous and feel like you’re sweating, but it’s probably just in your head? Well, it definitely wasn’t in my head…I was dripping wet. Remarkably, the interview turned out much better than I thought. But, I did learn no matter how important the interview, if you’re sick it might be best to postpone it for a later date. Read my interview here. Note my “hottest Starbucks” reference. Clever, huh?
3. Taylor Swift
There is no denying it, Taylor Swift conquered the music world this year. I was so excited to attend her press conference during the CMA Music Festival in Nashville and incredibly determined to get a question in. Luckily, I did. Note the “your music is like writing in a diary” question. I can honestly say, she is as nice and down to earth in real life as she seems onstage. There is no doubt in my mind that Taylor Swift will be around for decades to come. Read my interview here.
2. Joshua Radin
Joshua Radin has accomplished much as an independent artist. He bought himself out of his major label contract to go on to release one of the best selling folk albums of the year. Not to mention, he performed at Ellen DeGeneres’ wedding, toured the globe and remains so humble. Case and point: When asked how he feels about being called this generation’s Bob Dylan he responded, “That’s absolutely ludicrous. Bob Dylan invented music. I just feel like that’s putting a bull’s eye on the back of my head for everyone to be like, ‘No you’re not. You’re not really as good.’ And I’m like, ‘Of course I’m not as good, I wrote my first song four years ago!’ And I probably never will be as good. But, I bet you I’ll be much better at being Joshua Radin than Bob Dylan is. That’s all I can hope for.” Read more here.
1. Third Eye Blind
Not many know this, but Third Eye Blind is how I got my start writing for Marie Claire. I remember getting dinner with my friend and colleague Diana last year and venting to her how I had a great interview with 3eb frontman Stephan Jenkins, but no music publication seemed to care. I reached out to every music magazine and Web site you could think of and they all felt 3eb was a band of the past. Boy did 2009 prove them all wrong. Diana must have seen my frustration and thought they might be a good fit for the Marie Claire audience, being that much of the reader age group grew up listening to 3eb and Stephan Jenkins was always a heartthrob. 2009 proved to be a great year for the band who released their album independently and saw a surge in their fan base. Read my interview here.
What were some of your favorite interviews of 2009? 2010 will bring many more I’m sure. Happy New Year!
Photo Credit: Benjamin Wagner
Pianos was packed Wednesday night with musicians and concertgoers for the third annual, A Holiday Benefit release party. Thirteen New York-based performers graced the stage throughout the three-hour show, debuting songs off the album, A Holiday Benefit, vol. 3.
The versatile release includes 13 stand-out tracks that encompass a mix of covers and originals written by the artists. By far the most enjoyable holiday compilation album I’ve listened to, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re into the holiday classics like Bess Rogers’ beautiful rendition of “Little Saint Nick” or enjoy a pleasant surprise as showcased on Amber Rubarth’s “Christmas Carol” and Paula Valstein and Casey Shea’s duet on “Fairy Tale of New York,” A Holiday Benefit, vol. 3 is one album you won’t get tired listening to. So, take out the eggnog, finish decorating the tree and enjoy!
While each of the 13 performers impressed throughout the night, it was Bryan Dunn who stole the show with his energetic set. Performing “Don’t Believe In Christmas” and “Father Christmas” he had the crowd dancing along with his intensity and remarkable guitar playing.
Emily Easterly has been compared to Liz Phair and Kat Power and her set did not disappoint. An edgier sound, Easterly plays emotion-fueled rock & roll. After showcasing a few tracks of her own, Chris Cubeta took the stage to perform some originals before Easterly rejoined him for a fun rendition of “Wonderful Christmastime.”
Highlights of the night included the hilarious collaboration between Casey Shea and Paula Valstein. Always the entertaining musician, Shea read the lyrics for “Fairy Tale of New York” off his cell phone for part of the set.
One of my favorite tracks on the album, Bess Rogers’ rendition of “Little Saint Nick,” is impeccable. Her delicate vocals suit the song perfectly. So enjoyable, I think I may like it better than the original. Another stand-out performer of the night was Ruby Rivers. With angelic vocals, Rivers’ singing style is reminiscent to that of Priscilla Ahn and Ingrid Michaelson.
After Emily Zuzik and Benjamin Wagner performed individually, they shared the stage for a killer cover of “Merry Christmas, Baby.” Rocking the venue, they got the crowd energized as some could be seen dancing close to the stage.
Additional performers throughout the night included Chris Abad, Tony Maceli, Crystal Ponzio, Martin Rivas and Misty Boyce.
All proceeds raised will be donated to 826NYC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. To purchase A Holiday Benefit, vol. 3 on CD baby, click here. And, be sure to watch a video recap of the night below!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVuN7TDMYSU]
Related Links:
• A Holiday Benefit Concert Recap
• A Holiday Benefit Concert
• December 1st Holiday Benefit Concert
• A Family Holiday Album to Benefit Young Writers
On the eve of John Mayer’s album release, hundreds of fans lined up outside the Music Hall of Williamsburg for a secret show presented by MySpace and Citi Forward. Starting the night with first track off Battle Studies, the room erupted into screams. A mix of new and old songs, the two-hour and fifteen minute set proved Mayer to be in his element as he displayed his killer guitar skills and comical side, continually joking with fans (one of which threw her bra at him). “They say I’m a womanizer. I say I haven’t met enough women,” he quipped.
A bluesy “Vultures” followed “Heartbreak Warfare” which segued nicely into “Crossroads,” by far the most soulful track on Battle Studies, showcasing Mayer’s guitar chops well. Replying to screams of “I love you” Mayer said, “I love you too. It’s great to be back onstage with a guitar.”
A standout performer, Mayer improvised continually throughout the night. On “I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You) he slowed the beat down mid-song, telling his band, “Feel it out. Do what you guys feel.” A nice glimpse into the John Mayer world of music, the song was sultry and soulful with a slight edge you could never witness from just listening to the album.
Surprisingly, the crowd knew most of the tracks off Battle Studies and sang along word for word during many of the songs. The optimistic tongue in cheek, “Perfectly Lonely” seemed to be a favorite from audience reaction.
Always the comedian, when a fan held a professionally designed sign that read, “Battle Studies: Warriors” he joked, “This is one of those school projects where your father is a genius . . . this gives a new standard to poster board and 3×5 signs.” Before beginning, “Why Georgia,” he told fans, “If you were afraid of me evolving away from you and if you were afraid that I could never be the guy who is still wondering what the hell is going on and think that I have it all, I play this for you as the kid in his mother’s 1991 Plymouth Voyager living in Atlanta, Georgia.”
Definitely a crowd favorite, “Why Georgia” took the audience back to where it all began: 2001’s Room For Squares. A special surprise performance of “Comfortable” drew additional excitement. A song he hasn’t played in a while, Mayer stated, “I’m going to try it.” When failing to find the right note during the song he confessed, “I didn’t know it then. I don’t know it now.”
The band left Mayer onstage solo for “Free Fallin,'” “Belief” and “War of My Life,” a new track off Battle Studies, and a song he has yet to perform live. “Since this is a fan show and I know anything goes, I’m going to try a new song from the record we haven’t played yet as a band.” A slower ballad with moving lyrics, Mayer addressed the crowd mid-song. “Everyone is figuring out what their problems are in the continuum from bad to good. Whatever your problems are, big or small, all problems feel the same. For the things you’re trying to get over, sing it with me,” he said before singing the chorus: “I’m in the war of my life/At the core of my life/Got no choice but to fight ’til it’s done.”
And, what is a John Mayer concert without an intriguing rant? Known for garnering attention from the tabloids, Mayer said, “When I’m doing all this press and they say, ‘What do you say to people who say you’re a monstrous cad or a douchebag?’ You know what I say? Here’s what I say, (breaking into song) Let a man be lost for once in his lifetime/To sit in his own mind/To stare at the skyline/To live out his life all in the night sky/Let a man be lost.”
Highlight of the night was Mayer’s moving and incredible improvisation of “Gravity.” The emotion transferred from Mayer to guitar was ethereal as the band accompanied with a long intro and instrumental interlude mid-song. The show could have ended right there and it would have been a solid two-hour set, but an encore was still in order. Coming back onstage for current single, “Who Says” and the gospel infused “Friends, Lovers or Nothing,” Mayer closed his performance by taking pictures with fan’s cameras and shaking the hands of those closest to the stage. For a man with such versatility and respect, I couldn’t imagine a better way to end the night.
For those of you who weren’t able to make the show last night in Brooklyn, Fuse will be broadcasting Mayer’s Beacon Theater performance tonight at 9 P.M. I’ll be watching, will you?
Related Links:
• Stream John Mayer’s “Battle Studies”
• John Mayer Tells All At Z100’s Z-Lounge
• John Mayer, Colbie Caillat and Brett Dennen Impress in New Jersey
• Blast From the Past: John Mayer Concert Review on MTV.com
Photo Credit: Wendy Hu
It’s the dream of every concert connoisseur — access to hundreds of notable performances that span the decades. Whether you’re a rock fan, metal aficionado or passionate about the blues, there is something for everyone.
This November, Wolfgang’s Vault will release a thousand live concerts available for the first time including The Grateful Dead, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Twisted Sister, Dolly Parton, The Ramones, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Bonnie Raitt and more. The site’s Concert Vault already features over 2800 rare and exclusive concerts available to stream free and is planning an unprecedented online event on November 3: “Cracking the Vault Day,” the largest-ever simultaneous release of live concerts for download.
“Beginning November 3, the site will add more than 1,000 titles from 919 artists to the approximately 500 that are currently available for purchase from the site’s Concert Vault section,” Billboard reports.
An ambitious project, negotiations are currently in the works with artists including Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits. For more, read Billboard‘s article here and visit Wolfgang’s Vault. Life just got a little better.