No Second Troy Record Release Party at the Black Cat on May 1st

It may be DC, but you don't have to be a Washington insider to help No Second Troy's record release party become a success. Help the band celebrate the release of their album, Colors,  at the Black Cat on Saturday, May 1st. And to insure it's a rousing good time join Team NST to promote the show in advance, so you can be surrounded by all your favorite people and a fine band indeed. 


You may be asking, but what does this fine band sound like? Well let me tell you. In a nutshell, No Second Troy combines contemporary indie rock and the precise amount of infectious pop to be lively and bright, without being saccharine or lackluster. As if that isn't enough, joining the pop stalwarts will be The Reserves and Soft Complex.

Don't have time to lend a hand? Simply show up, the more the merrier as they say. Get your tickets directly from No Second Troy to get the special deals!


Black Cat
1811 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Show at 9:00pm
$12 Cover Click Here to Read More..

Addicted to technology? Yeah we are too.

Can you walk out the door without your iphone or blackberry? Do you need to check your email a hundred times a day? Now we have the ipad to the fuel the addiction. Yeah, it is a bit out of control but we still do it, don't we? San Francisco quartet Midnight Strangers couldn't have made the point more clear than they did with their short film/video  for their contemporary new-wave influenced track "The Future of Humanity."


The Future Of Humanity from Midnight Strangers on Vimeo.

If you live in the Bay Area, celebrate the release of their new album Days of Decadence with the CD release party, Saturday, April 17th at the Hemlock Tavern in their hometown.

Neo-new wave guitar rock with hints of electronics and synths, Midnight Strangers are building a fanbase of ears akin to the Killers, but with a more streamlined pop sensibility. Lead singer Chris Swimley has built a name for himself for previous albums, even earning "Best Male Alternative Vocalist of the Year" at the 2007 L.A. Music Awards. For his third solo album, he decided to bring in a band to make it a group effort. With Anthony Petrocchi on drums and Rob Pera on guitar, Midnight Strangers' live shows are full of a visceral vibe you'll bop to. Click Here to Read More..

The Motion Sick Opens for The Wedding Present On April 12th

Boston’s own, The Motion Sick, are full of pride that they will share the stage with celebrated British rousing indie band, The Wedding Present, on Monday, April 12 at the Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge, Mass. The Motion Sick will play charming pop songs from their 2008 release The Truth Will Catch You, Just Wait... and most likely a lot of new quirky gems.

Lead singer Mike Epstein is on cloud nine to open for the ‘80s below the radar, but indie-rock legends the Wedding Present; a band whose wiry guitars have influenced him throughout his career. The Wedding Present will be playing their 1989 album Bizarro in its entirety.

“From the moment in high school when I first heard the early work of the Wedding Present, David Gedge's unique takes on love, revenge, and social commentary hit me quite profoundly,” says Epstein. “In college, I was extremely pleased to gain access to some of the amazing Peel Sessions and get a chance to hear great, wry songs like,

Why Are You Being So Reasonable Now?’ I was even more delighted when the band's later work continued to be great. In fact, 1996's ‘Jet Girl’ remains one of my favorite songs by the band. It is such a great honor to share the stage with a songwriter that I've admired for so long.”

Mon Apr 12, 2010:
The Middle East Downstairs -
472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA
18+, Cover: $12, Door Time 7:30pm
The Wedding Present play Bizarro, w/ The Motion Sick and Girl In A Coma

Get you tickets in person at the Middle East Box Office - 1pm to 7pm, seven days a week -- without service charge or buy them online before they sell out! Click Here to Read More..

Grand Atlantic is the new Oasis? The Devil Has the Best Tuna says YES!

The Devil Has The Best Tuna is stoked about both Grand Atlantic and Fan-Tan!

The blog made a big statement writing, "If you're looking for the new Oasis then you need look nor further than Aussie foursome Grand Atlantic." Read more of what they had to say about the quartet on the website. The blog also offers three mp3s including "She's a Dreamer," "Coast is Clear," and "Single Ladies." Yes, you heard us right. Grand Atlantic's video for "She's a Dreamer" is also at your fingertips. And if you haven't seen it before, check out their live video for their Beyonce cover.








Click Here to Read More..

No Second Troy talk to Absolute Punk about Led Zeppelin, Kings of Leon and being a giant rabbit

Absolute Punk puts No Second Troy through the musical ringer with their usual bevy of questions, always entertaining and informative.

Among 20 questions AP asks, "Why should people listen to your band?"

"Because we honestly think you'll like it. Not that we're aiming for it, but with three songwriters in the band we think there's something for everyone. also because this new record is not an effort to sound like anyone but ourselves, you're not going to hear a bunch of autotuning, and we hope the songwriting and the lyrics go hand-in-hand in a way fans of both pop and indie rock will relate to." Click Here to Read More..

Largehearted Boy Offers "Mass Hysteria"

Music blog Largehearted Boy has picked the Naked Heart's to feature in their Daily Downloads. They offer the title track "Mass Hysteria," from the Hearts' forthcoming album, as a free mp3 for all to enjoy.

The Deli wrote a flattering feature for Naked Hearts CD NYC release party at the Mercury Lounge, May 1st.

"Naked Hearts are one of the best kept indie rock secrets of the NYC scene. We accidentally caught this duo at CMJ 2008 while they were playing a day show at Cake Shop upstairs and after witnessing their tightly performed, memorable tunes we felt obliged to blog about them. As it often happens in the rock'n'roll world, things haven't exactly been moving at the speed of light for Naked Hearts since then, but it looks like they are now ready to conquer this city. Considering their obvious talent, their quality songwriting (think about a more melancholic version of The Strokes or a less dreamy version of Belly), their extremely tight live show and strong stage presence (as we witnessed when they played our Deli party last month), and their undeniably good looks, we don't see how fans won't start piling up in the near future. Their CD release party will be at Mercury Lounge on May 1st - buy the tickets now!" Click Here to Read More..

Grand Atlantic covers Alex Chilton's "September Gurls," Just Months Before His Death

While many are or have, Grand Atlantic is certainly not jumping on any sort of bandwagon to tribute iconic pop singer/songwriter Alex Chilton. Eerily enough, roughly two months before Chilton's death, Grand Atlantic had recorded one of Big Star's most memorable "hit" songs "September Gurls."

When Chilton's sudden passing on March 17 came to press, many of his biggest fans and followers were at SXSW in Austin, Texas. If they weren't planning to attend the SXSW-scheduled show of Big Star on Saturday, March 20, it was only because the fans themselves were probably playing in their own band, influenced by this seminal power-pop group. It was a shock heard around the indie rock world, one that still stuns us today.

Grand Atlantic singer/guitarist Phil Usher was one of those people. An honor of Chilton's past work both in Big Star and The Box Tops, and eerily enough, just about two months before Chilton died, Grand Atlantic recorded a cover of Big Star's understated and powerful love song "September Gurls." We get chills as we tell you this.

After SXSW and Chilton's passing, we asked Usher to tell us about his personal experiences with the music of Alex Chilton.

"The music of The Box Tops and Big Star have resonated with me in a unique way. I am a sucker for great rock n roll with inspiring melodies and Alex had it pulsing through his veins. I actually discovered Big Star through the recommendation of friends, after they mentioned that they thought my music reminded me of the band. I have always been a big Teenage Fanclub fan and have now realized what a huge impact Alex had on their music as well. I had hoped to catch him perform at SXSW along with many others, but unfortunately it was not to be. As with many great artists, he may have been under-appreciated and under-rated during his time here, but his music will live on and continue to inspire and encourage others like myself. I feel so fortunate to have found his music and feel as if the musical landscape would not be the same without Mr. Chilton. Rest easy Alex."

Take a breath, close your eyes and listen to Grand Atlantic's stunning version of "September Gurls." Click Here to Read More..

Fan-Tan worship from The Devil Has The Best Tuna

"Despite their "east meets west" back story their obvious affinity for British post-punk and new wave of the 80s and their American location prompt comparisons to The Killers, or at least the first incarnation of the Killers before they went all mustachioed Bruce Springsteen on us. Their newest EP, The Age of Discovery (set for release in April) is so good that the Killers will be flattered to be compared to Fan-Tan!

It's time for some Fan-Tan worship." The Devil Has the Best Tuna wants you to hear Fan-Tan tracks "On Your Wall" and "Damage," both available right here on their blog.
Click Here to Read More..

SXSW can't get enough of Leopold and His Fiction

Still can't get enough GLGP action from SXSW? Either can we.

A gracious fan captured Leopold and His Fiction on video performing "Reprise" live at the SXSW Art Disaster party at the Beauty Bar. Disco ball and guitar solos included on this gritty gem from their forthcoming new album.

Click Here to Read More..

Absolute Punk Interviews Fan-Tan

Good old web zine Absolute Punk always has their finger on the pulse of newbie bands who quite often go on to huge heights. The zine asked 20 random questions to Fan-Tan about everything from having super powers they would have (" I would time-travel my ass back to Manchester around 1977-ish and watch it all happen again," they quipped); to what bands they are influenced by (classics such as "P.I.L., New Order, Magazine, The Cure, Gang of Four.")


Take a gander at some informative and quite often funny questions and answers on Absolute Punk.net. Click Here to Read More..

Golden Bloom and Wussy Play Spike Hill on April 17th

Talk about all killer, no filler. Golden Bloom will join The Fervor, The Main Drag, The Tryptics and headliners Wussy for an incredible show on Saturday, April 17 at Spike Hill in Brooklyn. Golden Bloom’s non-conformist pop allows leader Shawn Fogel to share the stage with a varying mix of eclectic bands.

Golden Bloom front man, Shawn Fogel, just came off a two-day stint at SXSW as part of the Beatles on Ukulele party. The full live line-up of Golden Bloom will bring their matchless power-pop to the stage, which they will share with Cincinnati, Ohio band Wussy. Wussy, which features former Ass Ponys front man Chuck Cleaver and Lisa Walker, has received gobs of great press from Rolling Stone, Spin, Village Voice and Uncut. Wussy’s noise-pop rallies up with Golden Bloom on Saturday, April 17th for this rousing evening of music.

Saturday, April 17th,
Spike Hill, 184 Bedford Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
$7 at the door
7pm - The Fervor
8pm - Golden Bloom
9pm - The Main Drag
10pm - The Tryptics
11pm - Wussy Click Here to Read More..

Vinca Minor's Matt Menovcik talks to Delusions of Adequacy

Vinca Minor's Matt Menovcik speaks to Delusions of Adequacy about his album Isolation and so much more.

"In a world where most musicians are stuck in their own head, contemplating ideas of existentialism and other frivolous thoughts, it is always refreshing to meet someone who is genuinely trying to make it out there. Vinca Minor's Matt Menovcik may wake up to the music of Brian Eno and he may appreciate movie soundtracks but the electronic/post-rock/classical composer is very much a working-man’s musician. Following the success of his solid album Isolation, he took time out to sit with DOA to discuss what his music means to him, what film music possesses and what his future plans are."

Read the Q&A here.

Click Here to Read More..

Leopold and His Fiction Adds Third New York Show on March 31st

Leopold and his Fiction brings their cohesive blend of Detroit garage-rock 'n' roll, Grass Valley folk and Western darkness to the Marlin Room at Webster Hall on Wednesday, March 31st. They will also play two additional shows in New York on 4/1 at Union Pool and 4/2 at Pianos. An exclusive unreleased tour single of "Golden Friends" from the upcoming Thom Monahan (Devendra Banhart, Little Joy, Vetiver) produced album will be available at all the shows beginning at SXSW.

Catch Leopold and His Fiction in a city near you!
3/16/10 – Art Disaster’s Unofficial Kick-Off Party at Beauty Bar (SXSW) – Austin, TX
3/18/10 - Bay Area Takeover at SXSW at Beauty Bar – Austin, TX
3/23/10 - Lounge on Elm Street – Dallas, TX
3/25/10 - Highland Inn - Atlanta, GA
3/27/10 - My Favorite Things Records - Greensboro, NC
3/28/10 -The Milestone - Charlotte, NC
3/29/10 – BoBo Gallery, Asheville, NC
3/30/10 - The Nightlight - Chapel Hill, NC
3/31/10 - Lach Presents (Marlin Room at Webster Hall) – New York NY
4/1/10 - Union Pool - Brooklyn, NY
4/2/10 - Piano's - New York, NY
4/3/10 - PA's Lounge - Somerville, MA
4/4/10 - The Khyber - Philadelphia, PA
4/7/10 - The Lager House - Detroit, MI
4/8/10 - The Southgate House - Newport, KY
4/10/10 - Cal's Bar - Chicago, IL
4/11/10 - 400 Bar - Minneapolis, MN
4/12/10 - Vaudeville Mews - Des Moines, IA
4/14/10 - Replay Lounge - Lawrence, KS
4/15/10 -Larimer Lounger - Denver, CO
4/29/10 - The Echo - Los Angeles, CA
4/30/10 - Bar Pink - San Diego, CA
5/2/10 -The Continental Room Fullerton, CA Click Here to Read More..

Fan-Tan Release Age of Discovery Nationally on May 11th

Brooklyn-based via Chapel Hill, NC quartet Fan-Tan, brood with post-punk Gang of Four mentality and synth-pop melodies ala The Cure. On their May 11th release Age of Discovery, Fan-Tan have brewed moody Brit-pop with tones of Arcade Fire sonic layers, honed on building on evocative and moody new wave pop infused with guitar hums since forming in 2006 in NC. New Yorker’s will get a sneak peak of Fan-Tan’s upcoming release at the local record release party at Mercury Lounge tonight with Surf City!

Back in North Carolina, Indonesian expatriates Kuki and Sandee Kooks joined with Ryan Lee Dunlap to draw on influence of the Manchester, England music scene circa 1983. After adding Mike Walter on synthesizers, the group decided on the name Fan-Tan, an ancient Chinese gambling game that was repeatedly mentioned in much of the history of the American west due to the many Chinese immigrant laborers in the area during that time, creating an “east meets west” connection similar to the band’s lineup.

Age of Discovery represents Fan-Tan’s self-discovery as a band and the spirit of adventure and exploration that keeps the excitement within making music. Exhibiting a somewhat vague overtone in order to allow fans to create their own interpretation, the album addresses the various devastating emotions and circumstances of life. The second track, “On Your Wall” shimmers and soars sonically and lyrically, while “Good Men” gives you a rush Interpol wishes they could. In five songs alone, Age of Discovery verges on epic soundscapes and soul gutting emotions. Discover what it makes you feel.

Age of Discovery EP Track Listing
1. Good Men
2. On Your Wall (Download the free mp3!)
3. AOD
4. Earrings
5. No Complaint

Don't miss out on Fan-Tan's upcoming Spring tour dates
May 11 2010 The M Room--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 13 2010 The Plaza Bowl--Richmond, Virginia
May 14 2010 Local 506--Chapel Hill, NC
May 16 2010 Snug Harbor--Charlotte, North Carolina
May 18 2010 Drunken Unicorn--Atlanta, Georgia Click Here to Read More..

Einsten and Alan Cohen Experience Join Big Star Tribute in Spirit

Musicians and fans were saddened upon the news that Alex Chilton of Big Star passed away March 17. The shock hit hard, and especially made an impact at this year's SXSW. Rolling Stone reports Big Star's remaining members Jon Auer, Ken Stringfellow and Jody Stephens were joined by several musicians who wanted to help celebrate Chilton's memory and allow Big Star to still perform a show at Antone’s Night Club. Performances included Curt Kirkwood on "In the Street," M. Ward of She & Him on "Big Black Car," Mike Mills of R.E.M. on "Jesus Christ," and John Doe of X on "I'm In Love with a Girl."

An array of musicians continued to provide musical support in order to honor the legacy of Chilton. Other performers included Sondre Lerche, Chris Stamey, Chuck Prophet, Evan Dando, Amy Speace, Susan Cowsill, and the Watson Twins. Original Big Star member Andy Hummel even traveled all the way from Lithuania in order to show support for his fallen band mate.

Even bands and fans that were not in attendance at SXSW have the memory of Chilton in their minds and hearts. Although they didn't perform at SXSW, Alan Cohen Experience was there in spirit as the new song "Einstein" was even played at Antone’s during the set break before the Big Star tribute.

Although the news of Alex Chilton's passing created heartbreak all throughout Austin, and throughout the music world, his legacy and Big Star's music will certainly continue to live on.

Visit http://www.alancohenexperience.com to download Alan Cohen Exerience's song "Einstein."

Image courtesy of Jack Plunkett, AP Click Here to Read More..

The Motion Sick really love mustaches

The Motion Sick's goofy song "I Grew a Mustache" has been set to a video that is too hilarious not to watch. A montage of the famous and non who choose the risky facial hair of the mustache flow along to the quirky song, which comes from their EP Novelty Songs: Volume One. Who doesn't want to how simply having a mustache makes Tom Selleck, Hulk Hogan and Sigmund Freud earn extra cool points?

Click Here to Read More..

Stranger Dance delcares "the freak-folk sound" is alive with Leopold and His Fiction

Stranger Dance tunes into what Leopold and His Fiction is dropping with the track "Golden Friends." Listen to the track and see why they said: "Judging by this listen of “Golden Friends” things are going just as well as my first sentence implies. The freak-folk sound of the seventies is alive and well, complete with some awesome organ and bluesy electric guitar. Lava-lamp worthy for sure."

Click Here to Read More..

Deli Magazine nominates Fan-Tan for artist of the month

Online mag The Deli Magazine has nominated Fan-Tan for an artist of the month.

The winning artist will not only gain some awesome exposure but the following:

- a 3 hour session tracking or mixing at Grand Street Recording.
- Free mastering of one song at The Vault Mastering with Nathan James.
- $50 voucher to spend at Dale Pro Audio (also for the 2nd place).

All you fans out there have until March 31 to vote for Fan-Tan to take home the gold! 

Just go to the NYC homepage of Deli and click to the poll on the top right to vote!

Don't miss out on Fan-Tan's upcoming Spring tour dates
May 11 2010 The M Room--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 13 2010 The Plaza Bowl--Richmond, Virginia
May 14 2010 Local 506--Chapel Hill, NC
May 16 2010 Snug Harbor--Charlotte, North Carolina
May 18 2010 Drunken Unicorn--Atlanta, Georgia

Click Here to Read More..

Naked Hearts Inject Mass Hysteria on May 11th

Brooklyn-based duo Naked Hearts are ready to set hearts and ears on fire with their first full-length album Mass Hysteria. Edging on fuzzed out ‘90s alt-rock and hypnotic girl/boy vocals, duo Amy Cooper and Noah Wheeler have filled Mass Hysteria with a perfectly delicate balance of stripped-down raw energy and moody lush vocals. For release on May 11th, with its pop sway, grungy guitars, and naturally cool vibe Mass Hysteria is what you make of it.

 Recorded by Matt Boynton (Gang Gang Dance, Bat For Lashes), Mass Hysteria is filled with buzzing songs that hit you quick and stay with you long after the record ends. Playing shows with the likes of The Raveonettes, The Black Angels, and Evan Dando, Naked Hearts deliver the vibrant, pulsating synergy of their live show to Mass Hysteria. “Our goal is to lose our sense of self and come together to convey a temporary, hopefully beautiful space for people,” Amy Cooper says of the album.


After an abundance of shows in NYC, east and west coast tours and the release of their EP These Knees, Naked Hearts received a full-page picture and feature in Interview magazine. “Then there are the enthusiastic newbies, Naked Hearts, who explore the various ways in which a boy/girl duo can make you dance, fall in love, and cry all at the same time." – T.Cole Rachel for Interview Magazine www.interviewmagazine.com/music/the-new-new-york-noise

In 2007 singer/guitarist Cooper and singer/drummer Wheeler met in NYC, both playing the same night at the same club. Soon after Wheeler joined Cooper on tour promoting her second solo release. While on the road they wrote their first song together titled Naked Hearts. The sentiment stuck with them and became the name they stand by. “Love, loneliness, the unknown. Moments of joy, moments of realization,” says Cooper, is what fuels their work. It turns Naked Hearts’ music into an emotional substance worth craving.

Mass Hysteria Track Listing
 1.Prelude
2. Like I Do
3. Call Me
4. Mass Hysteria
5. Kill My Name
6. Boyfriend
7. Way I See You
8. Alpha Beta
9. Grow
10. One False Move
11. Dark Shade

Get a sneak peak of Mass Hysteria by downloading free mp3s of the title track and "Call Me". Click Here to Read More..

Leopold & His Fiction wake up sleepy SXSW showcase

After a busy schedule at SXSW, Leopold & His Fiction are still making an impression on new fans. The Austin Chronicle's Chase Hoffberger attended the Hella Hipster Hoedown showcase at Hoek's Death Metal Pizza in Austin last week. Though he felt much of the show was a bit of a snooze, he woke up happily when Leopold & His Fiction took the stage.

"Fortunately, there was San Francisco trio Leopold & His Fiction and their rip-roaring set of country-soul post-punk," wrote Hoffberger. "With bassist Micayla Grace stomping in rhythm to drummer Jon Sortland's barnstorming fills, guitarist Daniel James dialed up choogaloo on 2008 title track "Ain't No Surprise" with style coming straight out of the 1970s." Click Here to Read More..

Golden Bloom's Shawn Fogel Covers Up with Weird Al

It’s nice to know that someone still likes to play a good old prank and crack a joke for April Fool’s Day. On Saturday, April 3, Shawn Fogel will take the stage at the Lizard Lounge as part of the April Fool’s version of The Cover-Up live music series. Hosted by Brendan Boogie and co-organized by Andrea Kremer, the Cover-Up is a live music series based in Boston, where stars of the Boston music scene pay tribute to favorites from the past.

Shawn Fogel, leader of Golden Bloom will dust off some of Weird Al’s “hair raising” greatest mock pop hits and play them in his own divine manner. No stranger to playing a power pop hit, Shawn Fogel played the SXSW Beatles on Ukulele party last week. The power-pop sensibility and bright energetic melodies earned Golden Bloom a 9 out of 10 from BLURT Magazine for Fan the Flames, released August 18th, 2009. Spin Magazine said of the first single off the upcoming full-length, “’Doomsday Devices’ feels like a great b-side from the [Wilco] Summer Teeth era.” Selecting an unorthodox approach, Fogel worked with producers Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Mates of State), Roger Greenawalt (Ben Kweller), and Dylan Magierek (Mark Kozelek) on the latest album.

The full line-up includes:
Sidewalk Driver as Spinal Tap
Oranjuly as The Monkees
Golden Bloom's Shawn Fogel as "Weird Al" Yankovic
Nate Leavitt & Brendan Boogie as Tenacious D

In addition to the music, will be live comedy by Tim McIntire, Lamont Price, and Ken Reid. Click Here to Read More..

The Localist Wants You to See No Second Troy on May 1st

Washington DC's The Localist is a fan of No Second Troy's accessible pop music and selected the band's May 1st show to highlight on their valued website.

"In their four short years together, No Second Troy has carved a determined and inspiring path through the world of indie rock. Their first album, Narcotic, garnered them critical praise and a place in the national spotlight. Expect that to continue with the release of their second LP Colors. If you haven't checked them out already, there's no better time."

While No Second Troy's album Colors is due out this Saturday, you can pre-order their album and get immediate mp3s before April 27 by going to their colorful website. You can also get a sneak peak listen by downloading their head-bopping track for "Black and White Movie." Click Here to Read More..

WOXY Suspends Live Broadcasts (Again)

Ok, enough is enough already. WOXY truly is one of the best stations in the country and I for one do not want to see them go away. If President Obama can win an election with $5 donations surely we can all band together to invest in the future of rock and roll.

Pitchfork posted this about the impending closure:

"According to a statement on their homepage, beloved indie-leaning web radio station WOXY has been 'forced to suspend our live broadcasts as of March 23rd' due to 'current economic realities and the lack of ongoing funding for WOXY's operations.'
This isn't the first time WOXY has found itself in financial straits. In May 2004, the station shut down operations, only to be saved at the last minute by anonymous investors, according to their website.
'We're continuing to explore options to keep The Future of Rock and Roll alive,' reads the WOXY site.
UPDATE: Pop Candy has a quote about the shutdown from WOXY music director Matt Shiv: 'WOXY.com is being shut down today by our owners at Future Sounds. The WOXY staff continued working last week during SXSW under good faith because a deal was 'in motion' to continue funding for our operation. We were informed yesterday that that the deal fell through and now it is time for us all to walk away.'" Click Here to Read More..

Wired Magazine Sees "Leopold and His Fiction Crank Up the Rock to a Fever Pitch"

Wired Magazine caught Leopold and His Fiction, our favorite blues-rock-indie-folk at the Bay Area Takeover party straight from the SXSW scene.
A picture speaks a thousand words. Catch Leopold and His Fiction in a city near you.

Leopold and His Fiction Tour Dates
3/23/10 - Lounge on Elm Street – Dallas, TX

3/25/10 - Highland Inn - Atlanta, GA

3/28/10 -The Milestone - Charlotte, NC
3/30/10 - The Nightlight - Chapel Hill, NC

4/1/10 -  Union Pool - Brooklyn, NY
4/2/10 - Piano's - New York, NY

4/3/10 - PA's Lounge - Somerville, MA
4/4/10 - The Khyber - Philadelphia, PA
4/7/10 - The Lager House - Detroit, MI

4/8/10 - The Southgate House - Newport, KY

4/10/10 - Cal's Bar - Chicago, IL

4/11/10 - 400 Bar - Minneapolis, MN
4/12/10 - Vaudeville Mews - Des Moines, IA
4/14/10 - Replay Lounge - Lawrence, KS
4/15/10 -Larimer Lounger - Denver, CO

4/16/10-Topo Ranch (in-store) –Boulder, CO

4/22/10-Pop Scene, San Francisco, CA

4/24/10-Crepe Place, Santa Cruz, CA **w/Deer Tick

4/29/10-The Echo, Los Angeles, CA (“Golden Friends” Single release party)

4/30/10 - Bar Pink - San Diego, CA

5/2/10 -The Continental Room Fullerton, CA

Click Here to Read More..

The Beatles Ukulele Style at SXSW

The Beatles are a bit of an inspiration for us--or at least the bands we choose to work with. Truth be told, I'm a sucker for a great pop melody. That said, it seems inevitable that Golden Bloom's Shawn Fogel would participate in the Beatles on Ukulele Party at SXSW this year. And with his good-natured soul being what it is, the multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire stepped in to help the Beatles cover band, The Eggmen, on drums--that is when he wasn't playing the front man for one of The Beatles 180 songs in the catalog. Austin's KXAN offers just a sneak peak of what you could expect from this super pop melody fest. Click Here to Read More..

This Song Sums Up the SXSW Experience

Day three of SXSW and we're back at it. Brooklyn's The Naked Hearts may not be here, but the song "Mass Hysteria" most certainly brings them  here in spirit. Too many bands, too many choices, all to the point of paralysis and each day we "jump back into it" and "start it all again."

In the tone of a softer Sonic Youth or tougher Blake Babies, The Naked Hearts tell it like it is:
"it feels like a party but it's starting to end
stuck in the middle of a typical jam
my feet keep on moving but I don't know where to go
think it's time to turn the f#cking stereo up
jump back into it and you start it all again"

Download "Mass Hysteria" now for a SXSW jump start. Click Here to Read More..

Grand Atlantic Covers The Replacements "Left of the Dial"

We have to wait a few more days until we get to see Grand Atlantic live at SXSW and report the experience for ourselves, but in the meantime we've received some excellent recaps along the way. Tart from Love Shack Baby had a chance to see them last week at Martyr's in Chicago with Ireland's Autumn Owls and Gidgets Ga Ga.

So to recap straight from Love Shack Baby's mouth, or blog if you will,  "Grand Atlantic performed most of their new album, How We Survive, plus a few great ones from their previous record, This Is Grand Atlantic. And as I was promised in the car, they did an excellent cover of the Replacements’ “Left Of The Dial.” The live performance of songs like “She’s a Dreamer” and “Tripwire” were exactly as I imagined: heavy bass, driving rhythm (and oh lordy does Von Diehm hit that kick drum hard!) and Phil’s positively electrifying vocals...Talking to Morgan afterward about his guitar and effects pedals, I was struck by how guitar-driven this group is. Morgan’s way of weaving in and out of whatever it is that Phil is playing or singing helps create the signature GA sound, with Sean, all the while providing a steady but interesting bass line. You all know my weakness for bass players; Sean’s work that night did not disappoint. Folks, the bottom line is that Grand Atlantic is a solid rock and roll band. There’s no gimmicks, no pretense of rock stardom to distract from the basic draw of their music. The new song they premiered, “Carved From Stone” was a bit rawer, had more depth to it than what I found on How We Survive. I anticipate the new record will reflect their move in this direction as they mature as a band and gel more as four people, working together on one great project after the next."

If you're at SXSW this week, be sure to catch Grand Atlantic:
Thu Mar 18, 2010: Sonny's Vintage - 2928 Guadalupe St Austin, TX
Thu Mar 18, 2010: Official SXSW Showcase, Red 7 - 611 E 7th St Austin, TX
Fri Mar 19, 2010: Super Lisa Day Party (SXSW)
Dart Music International House @ Mi Casa - 503 E. 6th St. Austin, TX
Sat Mar 20, 2010: Maggie Mae's - 323 East 6th Street Austin, TX

More info on all their US dates can be found here. Click Here to Read More..

No Second Troy Shares Tone with Kings of Leon's Caleb Followill

Bill's Music Forum reviews No Second Troy's upcoming release, Colors saying, "No Second Troy is out to blur the line between indie rock and pop.Surrounding classic introspective indie rock lyrics with melodic sensibility, No Second Troy is in position to make this a successful merger."

He goes on to say, "Another plus for the band is vocalist Jeff Wharen, who has that perfect tone for a rock singer - reminds me somewhat of Anthony Caleb Followill (Kings of Leon). The rest of the band is tight, effortlessly threading elements from across multiple musical genres into a fresh new tapestry."

Bill goes into detail about on of his favorite songs on the record: "'The Black and White Movie', both musically and lyrically. Keyboardist Mike Beach explains, ''The Black and White Movie' is an acknowledgment that we overanalyze our relationships and foolishly seek the perfection we see in Hollywood movies, thereby having our relationships fall into one of two categories - bliss or something inadequate, in other words, viewing the world as a black and white movie and failing to see all the colors and nuances.'"

He thinks you'll like them if you like Coldplay and U2. We'd like to hear what you think. Listen to streamed audio of "The Black and White Movie" here. Click Here to Read More..

Create a Video with Leopold and his Fiction and win $1000!

What’s the deal?
SPIN and Animoto want you to get creative and spread the word about Leopold and His Fiction. Just create an Animoto video and share it with the world. Friends, family, neighbors, lovers, and haters. The video project will be pre-loaded with an artist track so all you need are some pictures and video clips.

How do I win and what can I get?
Views are counted for each unique viewer of your video on animoto.com. Send the link to as many people as possible for a chance to win!
They're giving away 5 pairs of tickets to the Spin Party at Stubb’s BBQ on March 19th to the 5 most-viewed videos by 11:59 pm EST March 17th. On March 31st at 11:59 pm the contest period ends and we’ll choose 10 Silver Prize winners and one Grand Prize winner from the top 25 most-viewed videos. Silver Prize winners get a one-year subscription to Spin magazine and a year of Animoto All-Access. The Grand Prize winner gets $1,000 cash and a year of Animoto! All the winners will be featured on spin.com.

Go to animoto to find out how! Click Here to Read More..

DIY Tactics from Brian Mazzaferri

Some seriously great tips in here for the DIY artist. 
DIY Tactics from Brian Mazzaferri

Posted using ShareThis Click Here to Read More..

Band Goes on with Snare Drum Taped to Beer Keg

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Racer from The Ripple Effect hit the nail on the head with this one. Anyone who is in band, has at one time in their life played a show that was, ahem, ill fated.

Here is a just sample of Racer's recap from the Grand Atlantic show at Jose's Underground Lounge in Monterrey.
And I paraphrase:
*Snare Drum duct taped to beer keg
*Absence of anything resembling a high hat
*bass amp to be something recently found on the freeway after falling off a semi
*Unable to plug in electric amp, borrowed the acoustic guitar from the night's opener.

"Any band can pull off a decent show when everything is meticulously managed, produced, and every moment is scripted by the "how-to-put-on-a-gig-and-be-a-rock-star" book.  But what if it ain't going by the book?  What if the book's been barfed on, covered in lighter fluid, set aflame and tossed out the fricking window?  If you really want to see what a band is made of, what character the guys bring to the stage, the true power of their craft, then check them out when things are stacked against them.  And when I mean things against them . . . I mean everything, every damn thing you can think of.  Under those circumstance, how many bands could stand up to the challenges?  How many could bust through a year's worth of unexpected crap all dumped on you at one time and still take the stage?  And of those few who dared, how many would thrive?"

If you are in a band, I urge you to read this story because chances are something similar has probably happened to you along the way. If it has, post a comment, would love to hear it.

Even if you just like a good story, read this. Racer is a damn fine story teller, and one thing's for certain, he's the kind of guy I'd like to be sitting next to at a campfire.

And be sure to check out Grand Atlantic at SXSW this week! Click Here to Read More..

Naked Hearts Joins The Voice Project

Naked Hearts join in a recent who's who of artists on board with The Voice Project. Who's the who's who? For starters, Mike Mills of REM covering Billy Bragg, Joseph Arthur covering Peter Gabriel, Andrew Bird covering Mass McCombs and Joe Purdy covering REM. And that's just to name a few.

What's the Voice Project?

 From The Voice Project site:"The Voice Project is an attempt to support these incredible women and the peace movement in Uganda, and an effort to see how far a voice can carry.  We have two main goals, to AMPLIFY the message in their songs in order to support the peace movement, and to assist them in their efforts to EMPOWER themselves economically in order to better their lives, create real social change, and to sustain peace.Music and word of mouth, it can end wars, it can change the world. These incredible women have shown us that. Pass it on."

But most importantly, who is the Naked Hearts? Simply the super-cutest boy-girl duo, smartest pop stuck-in-your-head hook writers we've heard in a long time. Any band that's going to tell me to "Turn the f*cking stereo up," well, I'm on board. Check out the songs for yourself and tell us if you agree. 

Head on over to The Voice Project to see how you can help! Click Here to Read More..

Fan-Tan Announces East Coast Tour dates

Heads up Eastcoasters and Southeasters! Brooklyn's Fan-Tan may be bringing their synth-pop sounds ala bands like Interpol and Echo and the Bunnymen to a city near you. They've announced five cities on an upcoming May tour which starts on May 11th in Philadelphia in celebration of the national release of Age of Discovery on April 27th.

Fan-Tan Upcoming Tour Dates
May 11 2010 The M Room--Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 13 2010 The Plaza Bowl--Richmond, Virginia
May 14 2010 Local 506--Chapel Hill, NC
May 16 2010 Snug Harbor--Charlotte, North Carolina
May 18 2010 Drunken Unicorn--Atlanta, Georgia

In the meantime, download On Your Wall. In NYC on March 26th? Catch them at the Mercury Lounge for the local record release party with Surf City, the band Stereogum annointed as "Band to Watch" in 2008 .
Get your tickets in advance for only $10. Click Here to Read More..

Spinner Asks Grand Atlantic: The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?

AOL Spinner asked Brisbane, Australia's Grand Atlantic a few questions in anticipation of their showcase at SXSW 10.  The most pressing:

Beatles or Stones? "Now that is a tough one. I think as a whole, we probably lean towards the Beatles, but with a few beers we're almost as likely to choose the Stones. Probably the Beatles, overall."

Read the full interview at AOL Spinner to find out their craziest experience on tour. Heading to SXSW? Make time to catch the power-pop prowess of Grand Atlantic while you're there. Click Here to Read More..

My Top Five Tips for Having a Swell SXSW

My Top Five Tips for Having a Swell SXSW

Posted using ShareThis Click Here to Read More..

Have You Ever Purchased an iTunes LP?

Have You Ever Purchased an iTunes LP?

Posted using ShareThis Click Here to Read More..

Hella Hipster Hoedown--The Name Says it All

Leopold and His Fiction proves a band can be awake before noon when they play an 11am showcase at L.A.'s Elaine Layabout Hella Hipster Hoedown. The post-punk roots series means 11 hours, 13 bands, death metal pizza, and beer. For the rest of us at SXSW who won't be up by noon, be sure to check out their other showcases while there.

where: hoek's death metal pizza . . . 511 e 6th street
when: march 17th, 11 am till 10 pm
who:
9:00 PM . . . thee vicars (bury st. edmunds, uk)
8:10 PM . . . audacity (fullerton, ca)
7:20 PM . . . manhattan murder mystery (los angeles, ca)
6:30 PM . . . blank tapes (san francisco bay, ca)
5:40 PM . . . wake up lucid (los angeles, ca)
4:50 PM . . . restavrant (victoria, tx)
4:00 PM . . . p.k. 14 (beijing, china)
3:10 PM . . . paleface (nyc/concord,nc)
2:20 PM . . . agent ribbons (sacramento, ca)
1:30 PM . . . bare wires (oakland, ca)
12:40 PM . . . devon williams (los angeles, ca)
11:50 AM . . . a faulty chromosome (austin, tx)
11:00 AM . . . leopold and his fiction (san francisco, ca) Click Here to Read More..

NYC Artists on the Rise

The Deli Magazine deems Brooklyn's Fan-Tan one of "NYC Artists on the Rise" stating, "Fan-Tan’s origins lie in the college town of Chapel Hill, N.C., which has sparked the musical careers of the likes of Superchunk and Archers of Loaf and more recently, The Love Language.The quintet’s distinctive “city” sound – dark, mysterious and alluring – probably disoriented the town’s residents and sonically clashed with other local musicians. Now based in Brooklyn, Fan-Tan is comfortably playing shows with artists that compliment its synth-pop sound such as Cale Parks and Led Er Est. On the band’s second EP “The Age of Discovery,” the urgent vocals compel the vivid guitar and looming bass with an overlay of atmospheric, subtle synths. The music is full of dramatics and tension, and it has an unyielding ability to remain in listeners’ heads for days. ”  - Nancy Chow

Fan-Tan celebrates the NY release of The Age of Discovery at the Mercury Lounge on March 26 when they join Surf City, the band Stereogum annointed as "Band to Watch" in 2008. Get your tickets in advance for only $10. Click Here to Read More..

Golden Bloom Plays Beatles on Ukulele Party at SXSW

Golden Bloom will play The Beatles on Ukulele Party at SXSW. The Austin event’s financial beneficiary will be EMI (the past two recipients were Warren Buffett and Yoko Ono). “We just wanted to express our eternal gratitude to EMI for bringing us treasures like The Beatles. Our goal is to help celebrate, not mourn the passing of EMI in these, its final days,” says Beatles on Ukulele co-founder, Roger Greenawalt of the struggling record company. occurring on March 17th and 18th at

The brainchild of producer Roger Greenawalt (Ben Kweller, Nils Lofgren, The Pierces) and David Barratt (Jimmy Page, David Bowie), they set to re-record every Beatles song with a release every week alongside an essay.

Beatles on Ukulele Party

The Patio at Jaime’s

802 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701-3313

512.476.5149‎

Wednesday March 17 and Thursday March 18

11 AM - 6 PM

Check out Golden Bloom’s cover of The Beatles’ “I’ll Get You” .

Click Here to Read More..

Leopold and His Fiction Offer Sneak Peak to "Golden Friends"

San Francisco’s Leopold and His Fiction has a little something special for their "Golden Friends." Get your sneak peak of the upcoming Thom Monahan (Devendra Banhart, Little Joy, Vetiver) produced album with  the bluesy garage folk single called, you guessed it, “Golden Friends”.  An exclusive CD of the tour single will be available at all the shows beginning at SXSW on March 16th.

Leopold and His Fiction Tour Dates

3/16/10 – Art Disaster’s Unofficial Kick-Off Party at Beauty Bar (SXSW) – Austin, TX

3/18/10 - Bay Area Takeover at SXSW at Beauty Bar – Austin, TX

3/18/10 – Mike Galaxy Presents 11^th Annual Day Party at Gueros – Austin, TX
3/23/10 - Lounge on Elm Street – Dallas, TX

3/25/10 - Highland Inn - Atlanta, GA

3/28/10 -The Milestone - Charlotte, NC
3/30/10 - The Nightlight - Chapel Hill, NC

4/1/10 -  Union Pool - Brooklyn, NY
4/2/10 - Piano's - New York, NY

4/3/10 - PA's Lounge - Somerville, MA
4/4/10 - The Khyber - Philadelphia, PA
4/7/10 - The Lager House - Detroit, MI

4/8/10 - The Southgate House - Newport, KY

4/10/10 - Cal's Bar - Chicago, IL

4/11/10 - 400 Bar - Minneapolis, MN
4/12/10 - Vaudeville Mews - Des Moines, IA
4/14/10 - Replay Lounge - Lawrence, KS
4/15/10 -Larimer Lounger - Denver, CO

4/16/10-Topo Ranch (in-store) –Boulder, CO

4/22/10-Pop Scene, San Francisco, CA

4/24/10-Crepe Place, Santa Cruz, CA **w/Deer Tick

4/29/10-The Echo, Los Angeles, CA (“Golden Friends” Single release party)

4/30/10 - Bar Pink - San Diego, CA

5/2/10 -The Continental Room Fullerton, CA

Click Here to Read More..

Fan-Tan Record Release Party at Mercury Lounge on March 26th

Brooklyn's Fan-Tan brings their haunting synth-pop hooks and soothing undertones to the Mercury Lounge when they celebrate the local record release of Age of Discovery on Friday, March 26th.
Fan-Tan focuses on igniting fans through energy-charged live shows, inspiring them to place it above all else. Lead singer, Ryan Dunlap explains, The Age of Discovery, set for a national release on April 27th, represents Fan-Tan's self discovery as a band and the spirit of adventure and exploration that keeps the excitement within making music. Exhibiting a somewhat vague overtone in order to allow fans to create their own interpretation, the album does address devastating emotions and circumstances of life. The song "Earrings" contemplates the romantic side of being driven insane by the tick-tock of everyday life and "Good Men" is a meditation on the difficulty of settling into a romantic relationship.
Age of Discovery Track Listing
1.Good Men
2. On Your Wall
3. AOD
4. Earrings
5. No Complaint Click Here to Read More..

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Grand Atlantic Plays Free NYC Shows

Brisbane, Australia's Grand Atlantic hits NYC and Brooklyn in just a few short weeks. If you're a fan of stick-in-your-head power pop embedded in layered British influenced ambience, give these guys a listen.

Sat Mar 13, 2010:
Spike Hill - 184-186 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY
Grand Atlantic goes on at 8:00pm
Free concert
Other band: The Bright Room

Sun Mar 14, 2010:
The Living Room - 154 Ludlow St Manhattan, NY
Show starts at 8:00pm
Free concert Click Here to Read More..

Another free mp3 from Golden Bloom and The Motion Sick

Last week we gave you a free mp3 of Golden Bloom covering The Motion Sick's"30 Lives".

Since this is a 50/50 split we thought it only fair to offer The Motion Sick's cover of Golden Bloom's "Doomsday Devices". It will be available for one week only so get it while you can!

Miss the one-week cut off? Download Golden Bloom's original version here. Click Here to Read More..