So you wanna be a rock and roll star? If only it were so simple. Songwriter and film-maker Chris Valenti learned the hard way. He recorded Emotional Wreck, his debut cd, manufactured 1,000 copies and, well, stacked 800 of ‘em in the corner of his apartment. What might have been a discouraging experience for some […]
Band of Heathens + More, Releases 5/20
Interview and performance footage of The Band of Heathens. BAND OF HEATHENS, self-titled (self)Official Site | MySpace | Stream | MP3* [audio:http://audio.sxsw.com/2008/mp3/The_Band_of_Heathens-Jackson_Station.mp3] A SXSW favorite for the past two years, Band of Heathens release their own brand of Lonestar State countrified rock and soul. Formed as a result of a regular shared billing at Austin’s […]
The Wailin’ Jennys: The Un-Bar Band
A few weeks back I went to see The Wailin’ Jennys. I went to it as kind of a throw-away show; I really like the venue and thought my wife would enjoy the Jennys. I came away really impressed and just can’t get the show out of my mind until I tell someone about it. […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April, A Video Companion
Here we go again, another video companion chock full of tasty nuggets. We’ll kick things off with songs from Steve Poltz and Missy Higgins, our featured artists for March & April. They we’ll dig into videos and live performances from Kathleen Edwards, Foy Vance, Against Me! and Shurman. We wrap things up this month with […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: On a Clear Night, by Missy Higgins The first thing that you’ll notice about Australia’s Missy Higgins is her stunning voice, a magical blend of confidence and uneasiness. Opening track “Where I Stood” epitomizes this dichotomy. The song captures the moment where a woman realizes that, despite her emotional attachment to […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Traveling and Unraveling, by Steve Poltz Poltz proves himself to be a genuine musical instigator across two concurrent releases, blending a comedic wit and biting lyrics with instantly hummable acoustic melodies. Who else would react to life’s frustrations by asking the semi-serious question “What would Ghandi do in this situation, go […]
Old 97s + More, Releases 5/13
The story behind the Old 97’s new album ‘Blame It On Gravity’. OLD 97’s, Blame It On Gravity (New West)Official Site | MySpace | Samples And then entered the contender. Dallas based band The Old 97’s are back in a big way. Teaming up with talented producer Salim Nourallah ‘Blame It On Gravity’ is the […]
Joe Pug – Nation of Heat
Chicago, by way of North Carolina & Maryland troubadour, Joe Pug would like to apologize to the innocent folks now living in the houses that he helped construct while working as a carpenter. He is likely expressing his remorse for the hours he seems to have spent humming possible melodies and arranging lyrics in his […]
Justin Trawick Live at IOTA
Justin Trawick Group performing “Sunshine” For those hitting the Bob Schneider show at the Birchmere in Alexandria tonight (Friday, May 9), you may want to also reserve your Saturday (May 10) night for DC’s own Justin Trawick at IOTA who will be celebrating the release of his new live CD recorded at the very same […]
Todd’s Review Roundup APRIL
Ok, I’ve been in more of a “rock” mood recently so for some of you twangvillers, these albums may have too much kick. Well, maybe not…we’ll see.    Hints of BRMC, The Tender Idols and Primal Scream abound on Saturna’s new album Some Delicious Enemy. Lush guitars, delay and feedback mixed with pulsing drums make the Portland, Oregon band […]