Green Light Go Music Publicity

New Site, New Blog

2011-03-03T11:24:00.000-05:00

Good news my friends. The launch of our new Green Light Go Music Publicity site has occurred, which means our time with blogger has come to an end. Join us at our conveniently tiny url: www.glgpub.com/blog to read (and listen to) all the latest and greatest music industry news on indie rock and Americana artists.

Neutral Uke Hotel Kicks Off Tour in Boston April 20th

2011-02-15T23:03:00.005-05:00

Neutral Uke Hotel, who took the world by storm last summer with their live performances of Neutral Milk Hotel’s In the Aeroplane Over The Sea are about to embark on a short tour this April. But Neutral Uke Hotel isn’t your average cover band; they play this beloved album entirely on ukulele. They will be joined for most of the tour by Golden Bloom and The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library, two bands that contain members of Neutral Uke Hotel.

Staff Infection: Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:49:00.005-05:00

It's kind of a cliche to hate Valentine's Day. Especially if you're single. While I can't say that I'm in love with the card- and candy-selling holiday, I took this year's February 14th to explore the sadder side of the love song. From the triumphant to the tissue-worthy, here's my list of love songs that touch the darker side of the heart.

Fitz and the Tantrums - "Money Grabber" from Pickin' Up the Pieces

Cee Lo Green "F*ck You"

The Decemberists - "O Valencia!" from The Crane Wife

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b2BzZySARo

George Jones - "He Stopped Loving Her Today"

Every week a different Green Light Go staff member will write about what bands have infected their ears for the week and give you an opportunity to hear it for yourself.

This week: Kelly Bennett, Junior Publicist

Lawrence & Leigh Announce National Tour Including SXSW Date

2011-02-11T15:42:00.005-05:00

Bringing their haunting, intimate live show on the road to include an Austin showcase at SXSW is Lawrence & Leigh. The New York duo’s dream-colored dazzling indie-folk is sure to wow audiences at the new Revolution Bar on March 17 during Everything Independent’s SXSW Day Party. The Revolution Bar show will be open to the public, all ages, and entrance will cost a donation of a canned good.

Lawrence & Leigh put as much energy into their live shows as they do their meticulously crafted recorded music. Though the vibe tends to be simpler and more intimate, with Lawrence & Leigh’s Andrew Kalleen and Kristin Stokes being the only ones on stage, they put their power into creating a personal experience for the audience. “The goal is to give an experience, not an exact replica of the album - this is the live interpretation,” they say.

'A Library Experience' with Michael J. Epstein

2011-02-11T14:34:00.010-05:00

Eight women and one guy?! No, this is not some crazy Valentine’s Day story or recent gossip about Charlie Sheen. What it happens to be is Michael J. Epstein and his female companions of Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library, a brilliant collaboration of instruments with a down tempo kind of vibe.

Representin' for the women, Epstein's choice of eight female bandmates was to show off their talents within the music world. As recently featured on JimSullivanInk.com, Epstein stated, “I see this as an opportunity to help bring a new crop of women into the Boston music scene and showcase their talents as collaborators, arrangers, singers, and performers.

Click here to learn more about Michael J. Epstein and Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library.

The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library - Amylee by greenlightgo

GLG Fresh Mp3 Friday: Dear Mr. President

2011-02-11T13:00:00.009-05:00

Forty-four Americans have taken the presidential oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." Before you complain about your job, try doing all of that in a days worth.

Dear Mr. Presidents: we've loved you, hated you, admired you, cried with you, fought with you, changed with you and made history with you. In appreciation to our present and past presidents, we've asked Michael J. Epstein, Shawn Fogel and John Shipe to tell us who their favorite defender of the Constitution is, along with one of their personal songs they think best describes them.

Michael Epstein of The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library
Favorite President: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Song: "Amylee"
For Fans of: Magnetic Fields, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
For more of Michael, click here.

"In addition to fighting for racial equality, Dwight D. Eisenhower played extensive catch-up in the space race against The Soviet Union in the 50s. If not for Eisenhower's commitment to U.S. space exploration, I may have never been able to write a song with so much inter-stellar imagery."

The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library - Amylee by greenlightgo

Shawn Fogel of Golden Bloom
Favorite President: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Song: "Doomsday"
Genre: Indie/rock/pop
For Fans of: Ben Kweller, Wilco (Summerteeth Era)
For more of Shawn, click here.

"For my presidential pick I'd like to select Dwight D. Eisenhower, not so much for what he did during his presidency but for his famous Farewell Address to the American people just before leaving office. In this incredibly profound, if not prophetic speech, Eisenhower warned us against the dangers of the military-industrial complex becoming more and more integrated into our government and our lives. Fifty years later (almost exactly) we find ourselves trapped in a state of constant and potentially endless wars, at the mercy of the very thing President Eisenhower spoke about. In honor of Eisenhower's foresight, I present a Golden Bloom fan-favorite as well as the main export of the military-industrial complex: Doomsday Devices!"

Golden Bloom-Doomsday by greenlightgo

John Shipe
Favorite President: Barack H. Obama
Song: "Lion"
Genre: Acoustic/Indie/Rock
For fans of: Josh Ritter, Jonathan Rice and Elvis Costello
For more of John, click here.

"I think my opening tune 'Lion' may be paralleled, with the opening lyric:
'No matter what I do, good or bad, everyone's got something to say.'"
John Shipe - Lion by greenlightgo

Presidents by greenlightgo

To our fans, please feel free to post any of the approved songs on your blog or tweet to your friends. Check out our list of clients and available mp3s here: greenlightgopublicity.com/clients. If you're not on our email list to receive these directly and want to be, please send an email over to info@glgpub.com.

High Five! from Seafarer's Patrick Grzelewski

2011-02-11T08:25:00.005-05:00

Chicago's maritime men offer up a high five to explain what makes Seafarer tick:

1. The Harmony

Matt purchased this little amp on eBay for literally about ten dollars. I'm still stunned to this day how it exists simultaneously as a complete piece of crap and the greatest creative/inspirational tool in our humble arsenal. I remember Matt calling me one day, totally beside himself with excitement. Being an unemployed carpenter at the time, Matt put his misfortune to good use in crafting a beautifully finished wooden home for the busted up chassis. The amp now lives at his house, where we do most of our songwriting. The Harmony spews out a sonic texture that could only be described as "shitty." Yet this gritty, barely functional little bastard somehow brings out the best in us; its rustic charm uncannily completes our most fragmented of compositions.

2. Metropolis Coffee

In more ways than one, Seafarer is fueled by one of the world's oldest and most complex agricultural commodities. I roast coffee for a living at an artisan roaster and wholesaler on Chicago's North Side, for a company called the Metropolis Coffee Company. Aside from actually making a sustainable income off our music (which we're still working on), this is the greatest job in the world. Roasting provides a very separate creative outlet and it gives me a chance to actually listen to records all day long, in a really unique environment. At Metropolis, we meticulously taste and evaluate coffee from all around the world (some current offerings include Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Peru), and we work to develop roasting techniques and resulting profiles that best represent the products farmers have worked tirelessly to cultivate. The Metropolis also serves the crucial purpose of being Seafarer's practice space. While Matt's house is a great creative songwriting space on weekdays, the roasting garage is a place where we can really let loose when production shuts down for the weekend. It's a great venue to practice the dynamic of live performances and we can be really loud. Adding to the very musical vibe of that environment, the front hallway walls are adorned with various prints from the famous Chicago poster artist Jay Ryan, who is a good friend of the company's owner. Jay's band Dianogah occasionally stages practice there too.

3. This Sign

I saw this on the door of The Riviera Theater before a Guided By Voices show and thought it was hilarious. Why is "extensively" in quotes?! No strobe lights were used during the entire performance, FYI. It was such a great show though, the band played three encores.

4. Trees

I can't really explain my fascination with trees, but it's pretty obsessive. I have entire film rolls of weird tree pictures. There is just something so eerie and deeply personal about their various stages of life and their juxtaposition to the world around us. Trees somehow represent both a defiance of nature and the embodiment of it. Weird!

5. Ava

Call me old fashioned, but a daughter to a father is simply a reason for living. She's completely changed my life and I love her more with each passing day. Nothing could have prepared me for having a child, nor could anything replace what it's meant to have her come into my life. Here's lookin' at you kid...

To celebrate the end of the nine to five, a Green Light Go staff member or artist will leave you with their short list of favorite things, better known as the High Five!

This week's High Five! is brought to you by: Seafarer's Patrick Grzelewski

The Morning Code to Give Away Unreleased Track To Supportive Twitter Followers

2011-02-10T15:13:00.004-05:00

Twitter is all about telling people about the latest thing that you’re excited about. That’s why the New York rock band, The Morning Code, is using the service to spread the word about their album, Tell Someone. Doing the good deed of passing on the message “#Tell Someone about The Morning Code” will get participating Twitter users a secret link to the band’s unreleased mp3 “Start Again”.

The Morning Code is committed to getting their music out to the people who will love it. Frontman Ashwin Alexander says, “If even a handful of people can cherish some of our music the same we that we cherish our favorite bands’ music, that would be amazing”. A testament to this attitude is the fact that their album, Tell Someone is available for free from their website. It’s there, ready to be cherished.

Facebook Quiz Reveals What Type of Lover You Are Through John Shipe’s Songs Take The Quiz, Get A Free Song

2011-02-10T12:42:00.002-05:00

Nothing gets you more in the mood for Valentine’s Day like a good love song, and this year, songwriter John Shipe wants to help you find out what type of lover you are and give you a free song from his latest album, Villain, to match. By simply taking a Facebook quiz about your love life, you’ll unlock the song that most matches your style. Nice guy or girl who has no luck in love? You’ll get “Villain”. Give up everything for love? Then “No Use Crying Over Spilt Life” is your tune. Too busy saving the world to make time for love? Then you’ll hear “What Right Do We Have To Fall In Love?”. And if you’ve been alone for a while and worried that you’re the problem, “Love Belongs To Everyone” is your love song. Facebook users can access the quiz here: http://apps.facebook.com/makeaquiz/?target=home&sr=ff&xid=2124638&hid=62a5de1cce75fd5ddb8883ac7dee9da4

Grand Atlantic to Play 2nd Annual International Psychout at SXSW on March 18th

2011-02-10T11:50:00.005-05:00

Brisbane’s power pop quartet, Grand Atlantic will bring the psychedelic sounds from their new album to The 2nd Annual International Psychout at Paisley Umbrella in Austin on March 18. This SXSW show is part of their US tour. The tour will also include dates in Chicago and New York. The Hoa Hoas, The Broadfield Marchers, Strangers Family Band, Runaway Suns, The Ugly Beats and The Chevelles will join them.

Grand Atlantic recorded their as yet untitled third record in Seacliff Lunatic Asylum, an abandoned psychiatric hospital near Dunedin, New Zealand, where they delved into darker emotional territory, experimented with new recording techniques and experienced the effects of their haunting (and possibly haunted) surroundings. They will bring the psychedelic results of their explorations to the United States this March, playing gigs in Chicago, New York and at SXSW, kicking off in Chicago at Reggie’s Music Joint on March 11th.

Baby Teardrops to Play SXSW Show at The Liberty on March 19th

2011-02-09T12:17:00.003-05:00

South By Southwest fans, prepare for a dose of New York City rocker attitude. Baby Teardrops, full of propulsive energy, will deliver a live show that promises audiences at Austin’s The Liberty a bang in the heart. The band’s first show at SXSW will take place on March 19.

Given the energy bursting from the NYC trio, it should come as no surprise that they bring that power to the stage. “Live we are ruthless. Tight and fast and loud,” says frontman Matthew Dunehoo. “We mean a mean business. Live, we’ll hold our own up against anyone. We’ll take on Springsteen for Pete’s sake.” Audiences can expect to hear songs from their forthcoming debut album, X is For Love, which comes out April 12, as well as some new songs not yet recorded.

The Morning Birds To Release The Quickening April 26, 2011

2011-02-07T19:14:00.004-05:00

When you get out of your own way and let ideas flow, there is no limit to the things you will create. LA’s The Morning Birds, masters of synthesizing influences and inspiration, are following this philosophy and reaping the rewards. The duo’s second LP, The Quickening, out April 26, aims to pass that inspiration on to listeners worldwide with passionate, soulful and uplifting songs.

The Quickening is a study in the power of contrast. While forming an uncanny mixture of sounds that embrace unlikely sources, the band’s sound is both familiar and mysterious, groovy yet mellow, profound but fun. It is often times ground breaking. Their powerful bass lines, lush harmonies and soulful strings are complimented by break beats, trumpets, and cascading keys while Jennifer Thorington and Samuel Markus’ vocals unfold into a gentle blend as if Imogen Heap met Andre 3000.

There’s no place like home, especially to explore your creativity, and The Morning Birds are lucky enough to be able to work out of theirs. “It’s peace on earth and our own little heaven and outstanding creative space.” That is how Jennifer Thorington describes their amazing home. With an amazing view of the mountains outside of LA, a temple next door and a freestanding music studio, it’s the perfect place to create an album like The Quickening. They say of the process, “Sam opened up to embrace more of his creativity and Jenn has evolved as a writer and singer and has had equal creative input in all aspects of the songwriting and recording processes.”

The Quickening Track List

1. My Own Little World
2. The QUICKENING
3. Soar
4. Oh Yeah! (Feat Trevor Hall)
5. Smart So
6. Hearts Desire
7. Resonance
8. Shasha
9. A Make, Her Aid
10. Rose Horses
11. Sunset Drive Feat. Kieran Blake
12. Embers of Your Love
13. It's Then You'll Know
14. Springtime
15. Take Control
16. Be Gentle to Your Mind
17. De Light
18. The Gospel Song
19. Dylan Thomas
20. Understanding
21. Blue Moon
22. WooHoo

Staff Infection: Spin City

2011-02-07T14:47:00.002-05:00

It's 2pm on a Monday and I've been counting down the hours until my spinning class at 5:30pm. Who would have thought I would have ever been excited about exercising. Certainly not me. I've also found a new found love for Rihanna and Eminem as a result. I'll spare you from that playlist though, instead offering a solid indie rock list grounded in my roots of what makes me oh-so-hipster-cool.

Animal Collective, "My Girls"

Amy Winehouse, "Rehab"

Lily Allen, "Smile"

Apples in Stereo, "Can You Feel It?"

Arctic Monkeys, "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor"

The Black Keys, "When the Lights Go Out"

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, "Shuffle Your Feet"

Blur, "Girls & Boys"

Bridges & Powerlines, "Balcony"
Bridges & Powerlines - Balcony by greenlightgo

Brandi Carlile, "Dying Day"

Coconut Records, "Microphone"

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. "Simple Girl" "Live on KEXP"

The Delays, "Valentine"

Broken Bells, "The High Road"

The Cooper Temple Clause, "Promises, Promises"

Each Monday a different Green Light Go staff member will let you in on what songs have infected their ears for the week, while giving you the opportunity to share in the experience yourself.

This week: Janelle Rogers, Green Light Go Owner and Publicist Extraordinaire

High Five! from Gywneth & Monko

2011-02-04T12:00:00.004-05:00

The only thing on the minds of Gwyneth & Monko these days is their first full-length album, which is due out on Feburary 15, 2011. Well, that and making sure they have enough Sudafed and NyQuil in the medicine cabinet to fight off the winter plague.

These are a few things that have hindered and aided their record making process:

1) Mycobacterium tuberculosis

2) The Sun

3) Found In Benson (Weekly Zine)

4) The Raven

5) The Song of The Robin Redbreast

To celebrate the end of the nine to five, a Green Light Go staff member or artist will leave you with their short list of favorite things, better known as the High Five!

This week's High Five! is brought to you by: Gwyneth & Monko

GLG Fresh Mp3 Friday: Love Means...

2011-02-04T11:30:00.004-05:00

Whether you call it a Hallmark holiday or Valentine's Day, you will be submerged by hundreds of advertisements encouraging you to express your love to someone special. No matter how large your ego may be, secretly, everyone hopes for the love god Eros, son of Aphrodite (a.k.a. Cupid), to strike us with his arrow.

If then, here are a few definitions of love to help guide you.

We've asked a few of our GLG clients to define what love is and what it means to them. So, if sorting out your feelings feels a lot like Egypt's government right now, this is for you.

And while you're waiting on Cupid, enjoy the featured Mp3s.

John Shipe

"If it grows, it's love, no matter how small the spark. If it fades, it never was, no matter how brightly it burned."

Genre: Acoustic/Indie/Rock
For fans of: Josh Ritter, Jonathan Rice and Elvis Costello

Facebook

John Shipe- Little Boats by greenlightgo

Lawrence & Leigh

"To love another person is to learn the song that is in their heart, and to sing it to them when they have forgotten." - Thomas Chandler

Genre: Folk/Experimental/Indie Rock
For fans of: Joanna Newsom, Dirty Projectors, Fleet Foxes

Facebook

Lawrence&Leigh Chelsea Nights by greenlightgo

The Morning Birds

"Love is not something we celebrate one day a year. It is a constant renewal of our appreciation for each other and our lives together. Everyday we make a conscious decision to be as present, open, honest, caring and compassionate as we can be. It definitely is a direct reflection of how we feel about ourselves. The more we can help one another see the love we hold within for our selves, the deeper we can open up our hearts. Not only for each other, but everyone we come in contact with. For us, love is a constantly evolving celebration of the connections we have in our lives and a beautiful way to experience our intimate and unique bond we hold together." - Sam & Jenn

Genre: Experimental/Folk/Hip-hop

For fans of: Imogen Heap, Andre 3000, Animal Collective

Facebook

The Morning Birds-Hearts Desire by greenlightgo

Baby Teardrops

"I'm not that into 'Squishy Love,' so the Feb. 14th holiday has never had too great a significance for me. Though, there is one Valentine's day that's taken another little piece of my heart. It was Feb. 2004. Me and my best buddy Mick were out to dinner at our favorite old school Italian restaurant in Kansas City, the oldest restaurant in those parts and revered by many..." - Matthew Dunehoo

To catch the rest of the story, click here.

Genre: Grunge/Pop/Rock

For fans of: The Pixies, The New Pornographers

Facebook

Baby Teardrops, Banged In The Heart by greenlightgo

Talk About Falling In Love- Matthew Dunehoo by greenlightgo

To our fans, please feel free to post any of the approved songs on your blog or tweet to your friends. Check out our list of clients and available mp3s here: greenlightgopublicity.com. If you're not on our email list to receive these directly and want to be, please send an email over to info@glgpub.com.

GLG Fresh Mp3: 2/04/11 by greenlightgo

The Other Side with Illustrator Christopher Darling

2011-02-02T23:02:00.012-05:00

Christopher Darling explains that he's always had a penchant for "creative things." Although Darling's work as a professional illustrator is often
inspired by Jens Lekman,
Cake,
and the other bands he creates artwork for, he wouldn’t call himself a musician. While growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, there was a famous pianist who lived in his neighborhood. Although he would often mow her lawn in exchange for piano lessons, Christopher soon traded his sheet music in for fountain pens, moved to New York City, and the rest is history.

Green Light Go was able to tear Christopher Darling away from his drawing table long enough to tell us what it's like to be on the Other Side:
Green Light Go: How did you get started as a professional illustrator? Was there a defining moment that inspired you to work in this field, or was this career path always in the cards?

Christopher Darling: I earned my Bachelor's degree in Fine Art and Creative Writing at Western Michigan University. When I graduated, the creative job field and the employment rate in the state of Michigan was pretty awful. I had a friend in Kalamazoo who was a flavor chemist at A.M. Todd, which is a large company that produces mint and flavors of candy. I ended up illustrating new concept candy products for A.M. Todd, which turned me on to illustration. Later, I ordered a book on illustration written by Marshal Arisman and loved it. I wrote Arisman a letter and ended up earning an MFA in Illustration under his direction at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

GLG: Over the years you’ve created artwork for bands like Cake. How did you get involved in designing art for musicians and who are you currently working with [or would like to work with moving forward]?

CD: I have always tried to encourage other artists, writers, and musicians, including those I look up to. I believe that having a community is crucial in the art and music world, so I send emails to people whose work I like. A while back, I sent an email to Cake frontman John McCrea, to tell him how much I love his songwriting. He asked me if I wanted to do some artwork for the band. John and I still keep in touch, knowing him has been really encouraging. Currently, I’m working on a series of Robert Johnson drawings for Sony Music. Sony owns Johnson's original recordings, so my drawings will be animated to tell the story of his life and the Blues. I have been talking with Jens Lekman about doing some artwork as well, so we’ll see. I’ve always wanted to do artwork for The Sea and Cake (I must really like cake).

GLG: What tools do you use to create your illustrations and what is your creative process like?

CD: Generally, I use pen and ink, but I'll also use Photoshop once in a while. I like to mix it up occasionally and make a print or a collage...my style really depends on the parameters of the project. I like to begin drawing on inexpensive computer paper, I have stacks of it everywhere. That initial child-like attempt is really important to me; it is an energy I always want to have present.

GLG: Where do you find inspiration for your art?

CD: I find a lot of inspiration in people. I love watching people on the subway. I like to see what kind of shoes they have on, how they wear their clothes, and what kind of music they listen to. I love culture and humor as well.

GLG: From an artist’s point of view, how do you know that you are a good match for a band? What things do you have to keep in mind before agreeing to create art for a musician?

CD: I think having similar interests and sensibilities is important. The art should compliment or reflect the creative spirit of the music (or vise versa). Before agreeing to do artwork for a band, it is important to discuss a budget, a contract, or talk about what type of art direction will be involved, whether that direction comes from the label, a manager, or a member of the band.

GLG: What are the most rewarding and challenging things about being an artist?

CD: Balancing things such as relationships, money, and my ego.

The Other Side highlights the talented folks behind the scenes of the music we listen to. The Other Side features producers, engineers, booking agents, photographers, radio DJs, management teams, and label representatives.

This week’s The Other Side is brought to you by: Lauren Roberts

Grand Atlantic Covers New Ground Australian Band Tours US This March In Support Of New Album

2011-02-02T13:46:00.006-05:00

Here there be dragons. You never know what you’ll find when you set foot on unexplored territory. Brisbane’s Grand Atlantic is venturing into uncharted waters this year with a new album and tour to support it.

The power pop quartet recorded their as yet untitled third record in Seacliff Lunatic Asylum, an abandoned psychiatric hospital near Dunedin, New Zealand, where they delved into darker emotional territory, experimented with new recording techniques and experienced the effects of their haunting (and possibly haunted) surroundings. They will bring the psychedelic results of their explorations to the United States this March, playing gigs in Chicago, New York and at SXSW, kicking off in Chicago at Reggie’s Music Joint on March 11^th.

Grand Atlantic’s constant touring and rehearsing has honed their skills to a razor-sharp edge. They are so sharp, in fact that some of the tracks on their new album were recorded live. “It was great to have the confidence to do some of the album live as well,” says frontman Phil Usher. “It really brings another dimension to the album and some of it is really fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of stuff.”

In March 2010, Grand Atlantic barnstormed across the US and Canada after invitations to showcase at SXSW and Canadian Music Week, following extensive touring of the How We Survive in Australia and a growing call from the US powerpop scene. The release of the album in the US prompted radio play on over 50 radio stations, a glut of media attention and placed them on a bunch of SXSW ‘bands to watch’ short lists.

Grand Atlantic Tour Dates

3/11 Reggie’s Music Joint, Chicago, IL

3/12 The Living Room, New York, NY

3/13 The Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

3/15 Dart International Party, Austin, TX

3/17 Paisley Underground Party, Austin, TX

3/20 Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, Houston, TX

3/22 Comet Tavern, Seattle, WA

3/24 Hotel Utah, San Francisco, CA

3/25 Trip, Santa Monica, CA

Lovers or Friends...

2011-02-01T12:56:00.017-05:00

To all the heterosexual women out there on the prowl- If you haven't figured it out already, it's pretty rough out there trying to scope out a boyfriend. And before you're even meeting the "potential" boyfriend you're asking yourself questions like:

"Should you wait for him to approach you or should you just approach him?" "Is he single?" Then you see him having dinner with another man and think "his friend is cute too" and now you're wondering which one to approach. THEN you remember it's Valentines day and you ask yourself, "wait a minute, are they lovers or friends?"

....Unless you ask, you just never can tell.

Something like this happened to Matthew Dunehoo from Baby Teardrops and his friend Mick Myer.

"It was February, 2004. Me and my best buddy Mick were out to dinner at our favorite old school Italian restaurant in Kansas City, the oldest restaurant in those parts and revered by many. Pastel, glow in the black light murals of the Italian countryside on the walls, hanging gardens, garlic bread to un-vamp for.

It was a busy night, the restaurant was packed. We were seated in the middle of the dining area and both smokers at the time, proceeded to light up, which in retrospect was indeed rude but we were both high on youthful obstinance and thrift store fashion, and it was the era of W. so...

The awkward glances and not so subtle whisperings failed to cease even after we'd extinguished our smokes in a peace gesture. Mike and I, together, illuminated by candlelight, out to dinner on an ordinary Saturday night. In the middle of a traditional family restaurant in a traditionally conservative neighborhood...discussing the cinema and celebrating...Valentine's Day?

Shortly after our entrees arrived, it hit us both. It was Valentine's day. And here was your token suburban gay rabble rousing couple smoking, laughing out loud, wearing scarves in public, on that oh-so-commercial of nights reserved for hetero-flamboyance and chocolate gobbling (and nothing else mind you.)

I can't remember where Mike's wife was at the time, but the branding stuck. This, re-affirmed by our visit again this past November when the same waitress from 2004, a "lifer" asked us whether the total should come on one or two checks. She says, wistfully as wondering off: 'I never can tell with you two...'"

Sincerely,

Matthew

Listen to his love song:
Talk About Falling In Love- Matthew Dunehoo by greenlightgo

'David Gergen: On Further Review' with Ryan's Smashing Life

2011-01-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

It's almost over! Well, not really. Unfortunately, winter lasts far too long in Michigan, and for me, it's a dreadful four months of snow, freezing temperatures, and worst of all, soggy pant legs. Spending most of the day indoors, it makes for perfect comfort to snuggle up on the couch with some hot chocolate and relax with great music.

Nick Parker, of Ryan's Smashing Life, recently reviewed David Gergen's The Nearer it was... The Farther it Became and found himself reliving his warm Long Beach days.

"His voice, like Beck’s Mutations, is the warm evenings I spent in Long Beach. His mix of processed drum-synths and acoustic guitars is that confusing sense of being somewhere made up of familiar elements put together in unusual ways."..."In fact, the album lets me feel refreshed and excited by new musical directions. If you are from LA, I’m sure you’ll be impressed by Gergen’s music. If you are from further afield, you can enjoy it all the more, like taking a musical vacation, not exactly to foreign lands, but to new parts of your own."

David Gergen - The Streets I'm Walking by rslblog.com

Love, Animals, and Revival with The Handsome Family

2011-01-28T14:42:00.012-05:00

Image courtesy of LA Record

There's something quirky and cool about Rennie Sparks of The Handsome Family. It’s not every day that you hear of a person writing frivolous ransom notes or aspiring to own a donkey. It's rather exhilarating, not just because of her quirkiness, but also because of her appreciation and understanding of the smallest, but yet so prominent objects and concepts in life. With Sparks, things have a deeper meaning and it goes to show in her L.A. Record interview with Daiana Feuer.

Check out the full interview here.

Absolute Punk Interviews David Gergen

2011-01-28T13:19:00.001-05:00

Photo by: Michelle Fontaine

With influences like Wilco, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones, David Gergen talks about his music and answers random questions with AbsolutePunk.

Why should people listen to your band?

They should listen if they want music that has a lot going on underneath the surface. Lyrically and musically, I try and create original pieces of work that force the listener to pay attention. I don't view my music as easily digestible pop candy, it's deeper and more thought provoking. So, for people that like that, I welcome you into my world.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

I think as far as a good fit for touring together I would pick someone similar to my vibe, probably Wilco, maybe Arcade Fire. I would love to play with Johnny Cash but that won't happen until we meet in the afterlife.

What is something that most fans don't know about you?

That I am into cooking. I love to cook... Thai, Italian, French. I am fascinated by food the same way as I am music. It's never ending and there are certain basic rules that you need to understand before you can break down the door and go in a new direction, so I love that it requires a lot of practice and can't be faked.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cook, hike, travel, take a long drive somewhere random....hang with animals. I do love movies too.

GLG Fresh Mp3 Friday: Golden Globes

2011-01-28T11:40:00.017-05:00

Congratulations to Ricky Gervais for winning the award for Rudest Golden Globes Host.
Courtesy of Robert Downey Jr., his performance was best summarized as "hugely mean-spirited" with "mildly sinister undertones." Despite this year's short-comings, Gervais did snag a Golden Globe Award in 2004 for Best Actor in a TV Series Comedy for his role as "David Brent" in the BBC hit The Office. If it were up to us, we would nominate Gervais in the "Entertainer of the Year" category.

On behalf of GLG, I am hosting the Green Globes...and the Green Light Globe nominees are:

Most likely to be touring in a town near you:

Gwyneth & Monko

Genre: Americana/Roots Music/Alernative

For fans of: Emmy Lou Harris, Patty Griffin, Jenny Lewis

Facebook

Golde n Bloom

Genre: Indie/Rock/Pop

For fans of: Ben Kweller, Wilco (Summerteeth Era)

Facebook

Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library

Facebook: Also the most entertaining Facebook

Neutral Uke Hotel

Genre: Indie Rock/Cover Song

For fans of: Neutral Milk Hotel

Facebook

Most Influential:

The Handsome Family

Genre: Folk/Americana

For fans of: You should already be their fan!

Best Music Video:

Lawrence & Leigh

Genre: Folk/Experimental/Indie Rock

For fans of: Joanna Newsom, Dirty Projectors, Fleet Foxes

Video: "Chelsea Nights"

Facebook

Enjoy Your Pumas

Genre: Alternative/Indie/Rock

For fans of: Metric, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bloc Party

Video: "He Was a Fly"

Facebook

Most Original:

Michael J Epstein Memorial Library

Facebook

Break Through Artist:

Seafarer

Genre: Indie/Folk/Experimental

For fans of: Sonic Youth, Fugazi, Pavement

Facebook

Leopold and His Fiction

Genre: Garage Folk

For fans of: The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Heartless Bastards

Facebook

Most likely to find their song sticking in your head:

The Morning Code

Genre: Alternative/Rock

For fans of: Silversun Pickups

Facebook

John Shipe

Genre: Acoustic/Indie/Rock

For fans of: Josh Ritter, Jonathan Rice and Elvis Costello
Facebook

Baby Teardrops
Genre: Grunge/Pop/Rock

Facebook

Listen and download tracks from these artists for free:

GlG Fresh MP3 Friday 1-28-11 by greenlightgo
To our fans, please feel free to post any of the approved songs on your blog or tweet to your friends. Check out our list of clients and available mp3s here: greenlightgopublicity.com. If you're not on our email list to receive these directly and want to be, please send an email over to info@glgpub.com.

High Five! from Enjoy Your Pumas' Josh Benoit

2011-01-28T01:10:00.002-05:00

Guitarist Josh Benoit was kind enough to toss up a High Five! before hitting the stage with Enjoy Your Pumas for their Commonality CD release party at Winnipeg's Park Theatre on Sunday, January 30th. These are a few things he loves:

1) Oil of Oregano

For sinus colds... or spaghetti.

2) Louie

Written and created by the stand-up comedian Louis C.K., Louie is a show on the FX channel that makes observations about being a divorced, middle-aged, overweight father of two girls. I don't necessarily relate to Louie, but I think he's funny.

3) Four Tet's There Is Love In You

This album is a great instrumental, electro-pop album. Put it on in the background, put it on in the foreground, just don't put it on a curling iron burn. Unfortunately, it does nothing for burns.

4) Mexico

Not only is Mexico a beautiful, warm place, but it's also the number one vacation destination for Monarch butterflies! I wish I were there now.

5) Spike Jonze

When Spike Jonze is not controlling the body of John Malkovich with the mind of John Cusack, he's busy throwing paint and shooting confetti at the folks from LCD Soundsystem under the pretense of a "music video." Spike is a zany director and he seems like an alright dude.

To celebrate the end of the nine to five, a Green Light Go staff member or artist will leave you with their short list of favorite things, better known as the High Five!

This week's High Five! is brought to you by: Josh Benoit

Enjoy Your Pumas Release Video for “He Was A Fly”

2011-01-27T22:41:00.003-05:00

Enjoy Your Pumas show off their personalities in their new music video for “He Was a Fly”. The playful video is filled with dreamy images, beautiful lighting and a cool retro feel. It shows the band on a journey toward a house where they find an idyllic place to play. The track can be found on Enjoy Your Pumas’ debut LP Commonality.

The video was directed by Steven Schwartz, who recently made headlines with his heart-warming and award-winning Christmas short “Santa Stops By”. Josh Benoit, Enjoy Your Pumas’ guitar player, who will graduate from film school this semester, produced “He Was a Fly”, which was filmed on two days about a month apart.

Daytrotter Session with Seafarer

2011-01-21T16:08:00.001-05:00

Courtesy of Daytrotter. Illustration by Johnnie Cluney

I have fallen in love with Seafarer. Their music is a mosaic of genres – rock, folk, psych, pop – that meshes perfectly to create such a riveting sound. Patrick Grzelewski, lead vocalist of the Chicago band, delivers the poetic lyrics in a gritty and almost raw fashion. This is a style I can dig. We can all relate to that feeling and need to shout out loud and by joining in with Grzelewski, you can do just that.

Recently releasing their EP Hidden Places on Jan. 18, Seafarer stopped in for a Daytrotter session to record four tracks. We highly recommend downloading the free mp3's from the session if you know what's good for you.

FREE Chicago shows:
Jan. 23rd at The Whistler
Jan. 28th at Empty Bottle