Blood Beach Interview
Hadley Hill full-length released soon
By admin | July 23, 2010
Yes, Hadley Hill is (finally) finished recording and mixing its first full-length album. It’s currently being mastered and will be released in the fall. “Fall” is also the tentative title of the album from the Sonoma County indie-rock quarter, which began over two years ago and has evolved its style to a new genre, dubbed “sadrock.”
The music ranges from emotional, moody, evocative ballads to catchy dance-rock tunes. The lyrics, however, remain constantly tinged with darkness, keeping a feeling of underlying melancholy throughout the music. The singer, Bryan Haven, expresses his life experiences through the songs, which range from about 2 minutes to over 7. They aren’t all about depressing moments, however most are about pivotal, life-defining moments; the kind of moments from which many great songs are made.
The band will be playing locally in the Bay Area to support the album’s release. Look for Hadley Hill to brighten up the otherwise sleepy town of Rohnert Park (They have shows there? I guess so) August 14, 2 p.m. at an outside event near the RP library. It’s dubbed “Family Fun Day.” Strange combination, to be sure.
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Friday Night at The Woods
By Annie | July 13, 2010
Our friends Westfold have been playing some great new songs around town in the past two weeks, pretty much more experimentation, added screaming, and overall just sounding really tight as a band. You can hear it all this Friday when they play The Woods, show starts at 8pm.
Topics: Events, PORTLAND | No Comments »
What Laura Says Give Away!
By TG | July 6, 2010
photo by: Jeff Ambrose
We are excited to announce our first give away contest provided by the good folks over at Future Sounds. To celebrate The Rumble event taking place at Holocene tonight, we will be giving away a What Laura Says prize pack which will include a poster, t-shirt, and copy of their phenomenal new release Bloom Cheek. All you have to do to enter is submit a question for What Laura Says in the comments section of this post by the end of the day Friday. The band will then look over the comments and choose one clever question to answer, it’s that easy! So start brainstorming what you’d love to ask What Laura Says and good luck! And if you need some inspiration, head on over to the free Rumble event at Holocene tonight!
THE RUMBLE PORTLAND w/ WHAT LAURA SAYS, SWIM SWAM SWUM & WAX FINGERS @ Holocene 9pm, Free!
Topics: Music News | 9 Comments »
The Flying Skulls at the Hop Monk July 8th
By Erik | July 4, 2010
I am way out of touch with my people in the Santa Rosa area. I guess that’s why I haven’t heard of “The Best Dance Event in the North Bay” 2 years running (Bohemian). If that alone’s not enough to convince you to check out this event then maybe this year’s ”rag-time hobo theme” will peak your oscillator? San Francisco-based Flying Skulls produce their own beats, mix them live, as well as scratch and rap over them. (So we’ll forgive them if they can’t spell Sebastopol–right?) These are the beats your parents warned you about!
Topics: BAY AREA, Events, Music News, Santa Rosa | 1 Comment »
The Rumble Portland Returns July 6th!
By TG | July 2, 2010
The Rumble is back this month with a very exciting show taking place once again at Holocene for free! This time around The Rumble will be featuring What Laura Says, Swim Swam Swum, and Wax Fingers, backed by the electronic pop beats of Portland’s own DJ Skin So Soft. If you have yet to hear What Laura Says, seriously please take this moment to listen to a few tracks right here, this Arizona based quintet offers beautifully layered vocal harmonies amid a backdrop of haunting and dynamic folk pop. Giving some local support for the evening will be the lo-fi punk pop stylings of Swim Swam Swum in addition to the more experimental and ambient sounds of Wax Fingers. I can easily say that this is a fantastic line up and guaranteed to be a phenomenal show, I think one of the things that makes The Rumble events so successful is their knack for showcasing some truly original and unique emerging talent, and this event is no different. So do yourself a favor and go to this show, support these great bands, and check back for more news on future Rumble events here in Portland!
Topics: Events, Music News, PORTLAND | No Comments »
Hosannas play last show as quartet
By TG | June 30, 2010
It’s a been a year of many changes for one of our favorite local bands, Hosannas, who will be playing their last show as a four piece this friday night at The Artistery. And although the two remaining members Brandon and Richard Laws will continue to play under the moniker, this will be your last chance to hear their most recent tracks live. The show is $6 and begins at 8pm.
Topics: Music News, PORTLAND | No Comments »
Shows this week - California Edition
By Annie | June 21, 2010
Well, despite the damn near incredible music scene here in Portland, it’s true, I do often miss seeing all the great local Sonoma County bands that I used to see so often. So without having to wait until they finally tour up North, I hope to catch these shows while back visiting this week. For those of you in the Northern California region, maybe I’ll see you here:
Had to add this one in here since sadly, I’ll be missing the two Hanalei performances that will also be taking place this week in Portland. Wonderful acoustic music at the best (and only?) record store in town.
Kindness and Lies is fronted by two lovely ladies (Ash & Niki) that I have shared many things with; a house, a band, mix tapes, el patio, and countless campy movies back in the days of the 5th street house. I miss these ladies dearly, and can’t wait to see their new band for the very first time this Friday. Think powerful, emotional rock with harmonizing vocals that range from delicate falsettos to soaring and epic choruses.
Last time Goodriddler played Portland I had friends in town and we were having so much fun hanging out at home that we arrived just a tad too late to the show and missed his set. Since then, I’ve often found Goodriddler’s new release in heavy rotation in my car, further substantiating the feeling that I’ve got to see him live again, and thankfully this show is giving me that chance.
Now if only Moggs, Not to Reason Why, Polar Bears, and my good man Ben Shackleford was playing a show this week, my visit would very nearly be complete. Maybe next time.
Topics: BAY AREA, Events, Santa Rosa | No Comments »
Let It Go with Orca Team
By Charlie | June 16, 2010
It may not seem like it right now with the ever persistent clouds hovering overhead in Portland, but summer is just around the corner. And of all the tasks that come with the season, Orca Team has just crossed one off your list; finding the perfect summer soundtrack. Their surf rock debut, Let It Go, could have come out of a time capsule circa 1960, it so perfectly captures the faded charm of an instantly recognizable era usually reserved now for Time Life collections. But this Portland trio aren’t just a Polaroid from the past, Let It Go is a stand out lo-fi collection of tunes that are not only memorable, but down right addictive.Bassist and vocalist Leif Anders, like the spitting image of a young Buddy Holly, sports thick frames and dapper suits with a pompadour to top it off. Guitarist Jessica Baldauf and drummer Ami Taylor round out the minimal trio, creating a post-rock beach blanket party. Built on standard and straightforward hooks, their timeless driving riffs and hauntingly melodic vocals are as Ian Curtis as they are Frankie Avalon. The opening title-track sets the scene with a kitschy rhythm complimented by Anders’ perfectly mournful croon and rippling guitar lines filling in around the wandering bass.Sure, it sounds innocent enough, but it’s not all sunshine and lover’s lane for Orca Team. Remember, their namesake is still the most un-fuckable with mammal in the water. Tracks like “TMR” prove that Orca Team owns the beach, not afraid to “teach you all a lesson, bring my own protection” like a street gang that snaps their fingers and flips their collars in unison. Just saying.
Topics: PORTLAND, Reviews | No Comments »
Atlas Coffee Opening Party
By TG | June 15, 2010
There are few things better on a Sunday afternoon than coffee and great music, so this Father’s Day offer your dad a cup of joe and get ready to act surprised when there happens to be a full party going on at Atlas Coffee in downtown Santa Rosa. Fantastic local bands, Darwin DJing, and enough caffeine to keep you shaking it.
Topics: Events, Santa Rosa | 1 Comment »
The Rumble Portland
By TG | June 8, 2010
It’s not often that a free show goes down at Holocene, so it’s doubly exciting when the band headlining happens to be local lo-fi psychedelic rockers Blood Beach. Sporting a new lineup with the addition of Total Bros guitarist Ethan Jayne, Blood Beach are one of the few bands we’ve seen that can make a wall of distortion feels so bright. See you there!
Topics: Music News, PORTLAND | No Comments »
Paper Hands sparkles in Santa Rosa debut
By nick g | May 30, 2010
The debut of Michael Richardson’s (Benton Falls, The New Trust) new band Paper Hands last night at the Santa Rosa Art Collective was not that of a smooth, finely polished Los Angeles studio band. There were large gaps between songs, a few hesitations, and some parts of the songs could still use some tweaking. But the meat was there, even a few condiments helped it along, and it was delightful to hear Richardson’s voice and melodic guitar work on stage again after what seems like forever.
For those who aren’t familiar with Benton Falls, you’re only hurting yourself. It was the quintessential guitar harmony-driven band, with several melody lines played over each other in addition to great lyrics hidden inside the vocal work. When The New Trust began it’s life, Richardson’s guitar lines gave the punkish band a sophisticated but youthful edge. Each one was a hook. After he left, The New Trust never sounded the same. Not at all a bad thing, but it was almost a different band, heading in a different direction. One which I enjoy just as much, actually. But I’ve always missed Richardson’s guitar - until last night.
Hanalei opened with Brian Moss singing and playing electric guitar - an arrangement I haven’t heard him use before. I prefer the acoustic, but his songs are wonderful either way. Helen Earth followed shortly after, filling the barn-like space with lush electric guitar and electric piano, backed by steady bass pulse and excellent drumming. It was a very polished band, which is probably what made Paper Hands seem so unpolished. But realistically, PH was just rock and roll, man.
Ok, onto what they actually sounded like. Paper Hands is good live, which can mean they don’t translate to the studio. But in this case, I’m not afraid of that happening. The music is very followable and catchy, while not wading into the pool of poppy poop usually surrounding a catchy hook. There are memorable moments, and Richardson’s voice blends perfectly with his guitar. The four-piece (2 guitars, bass, drums, with Dio McLeod [Edaline] and Kevin Bucholtz [Kid Dynamo / Santiago]) is rounding out a new sound quite nicely, but some parts seemed like they weren’t quite finished yet, or maybe the instrumentation needed work. I can’t compare them to another band, because they don’t draw any immediate comparison. Think of Benton Falls, now think of the same lead guy playing in a different band as the lead guy. That’s what they sound like. With a start like last night, though, it’s going to be very fun to watch this band mature into indie-cult status. Like Jawbreaker, Sunny Day Real Estate, or, to a lesser extent, The Wunder Years. Maybe that last one is just me.
And finally, The New Trust played its first show with new guitarist Chris Brum. The addition of a second guitar - which is how the band recorded its first two albums - is just what they needed. As a lead, it frees up the bass to run its dirty, sassy mouth, and thickens up the sound of the band as a rhythm. And Brum is no slouch of a player, either. He hammered out those quick little ditties from the old albums like popcorn.
By the way, if you haven’t checked out the Art Collective (on 6th St. and Wilson, near Aroma’s), you should. An interesting space coupled with some unique local art or many kinds. Just stop by one afternoon or check out a show there. It’s well run, clean and the sound is actually decent for live music. And there are lots of people you probably know hanging out there already.
Topics: Music News | No Comments »
Typhoon’s ‘Hunger and Thirst’
By Charlie | May 26, 2010
Catching Typhoon live a few months ago, I was first struck by the sheer size of the group. I counted two drummers, guitars, horns, and a veritable chorus of backup players. And yet, it played out so seamlessly, I barely noticed when the harmonies rolled in and out of the thunderously melodic rhythms put forth by the group. I walked away that night with more than one song stuck in my head, and listening to Typhoon’s debut LP, Hunger and Thirst (Tender Loving Empire), is like revisiting the band on that tiny stage once again.
Recorded in various rooms of the Victorian house shared by several members, Hunger and Thirst is an intimately grandiose record. Singer/songwriter Kyle Morton fronts the group with simple guitar riffs and a subdued resonance while seven core members, and up to 17 contributors at any one time, surround him with lush music and bombastic backup. Suffice to say, the house must have been packed, and that communal spirit helps to identify the group’s casual confidence and expansive enthusiasm.
Typhoon’s lo-fi recordings and spacious atmospheres play perfectly alongside their emotional indie rock. Opening with the hypnotic concentric circles of “Starting Over (Bad Habits),” the group invites the listener with almost whispered tones before opening the door wide and sweeping tables clear for the celebrations to come. Employing worldly and exotic flourishes around Morton’s moodily acoustic folk, the songs on display throughout Hunger and Thirst grow and develop with an organic simplicity. Yet, before you know it, an entire orchestra of strings and horns are revisiting the Arabian Nights via “Body of Love” or a mournfully eerie southwestern villa in “Old Haunts, New Cities” or any of the other varied genres and locales the group touches upon in their cathartic travels.
At a relatively young age, the group averages 21 years old, Typhoon has quickly and assuredly found their stride. Already the band attracts a rapidly growing fan base here in Portland, is hitting best of lists, and is aligned with the also rapidly growing Tender Loving Empire. It’s a sure bet that Typhoon is ready for breakout status. Let’s hope they stay hungry.
Topics: PORTLAND, Reviews | No Comments »
Paper Hands on 5/29
By Annie | May 25, 2010
Well, it’s not often that I wish I could be back in Santa Rosa, but once in awhile an event comes up that makes me wish that I could afford to just hop on a plane and fly down there at a moments notice. This time, that show is the debut of Paper Hands, featuring the return of Michael Richardson, Dio McLeod, and Kevin Bucholtz to Sonoma County. It probably goes without saying that ever since Benton Falls many of us have been waiting for a full fledged come back from singer/songwriter Michael Richardson. For a long time we’ve been getting by on demos floating around of Michael’s solo material and previous briefly formed bands (all which were wonderful of course) but it is definitely exciting news to hear that a new project is finally underway and playing out. So although I’m incredibly excited to hear the new songs, I am pretty disappointed that I won’t be making this show–all the more reason for all you Northern California locals to go, and tell me all about it. Head on over here for more show information.
Topics: BAY AREA, Events, Santa Rosa | No Comments »
A few words with Goodriddler
By TG | May 24, 2010
While any casual visitor to Santa Rosa might leave remembering only the Charlie Brown statues that litter the town or the plethora of wine oriented artwork and bars, underneath all the trends is a city brimming with amazing underground musical and artistic talent.
With a recent tour alongside The Americas just this past Spring, the release of a debut full length, and to top it off, a feature on the Nationally renowned NPR blog “All Songs Considered,” the one man band Goodriddler, otherwise known as multi-instrumentalist Nick Wolch, has already made a mark far beyond the rolling hills of ever increasing vineyards. We thought we’d catch up with Nick to ask him a few questions about his recording process, his favorite bumper sticker, and just what effect living in Sonoma County has had on his music.
Interview by: Heather
Photo by: Susie Martinez
How many albums do you have out?
I released my first record on may 7th, 2010… it is 9 tracks long and entitled “tickling the tail of the tiger” I have an EP and another full length in the works.
What instruments do you use when you perform?
I basically bring my whole studio with me when I perform. I make electronic tracks with two computer programs known as Logic and Reason. The tracks are played out of a PA along with vocals and a ukulele. I also have a midi keyboard connected to my computer that triggers any sample I choose, but mostly I’m a percussionist and have a live drum set on hand. When I play live I switch from drums to vocals to keyboard to uke all against prepared backing tracks.
What is your writing process?
I usually start with a concept for a record before I write it. I generally have a sense for how each track will sound before I touch an instrument. I don’t know why… I feel most content with writing albums not songs.
What was the initial concept behind “tickling the tail of the tiger”? I’m not willing to speak to the whole concept…but its mostly about pride and anxiety.
Do you already have a concept in mind for your next release?
My next release, entitled “the strength of weak ties,” is about the death of my grandmother. And the release after that, “points of sail,” will be about sailing.
Who did the artwork for the new album? Justin Margitich. He is a good man.. just had a baby. You can check out some of his other work here, all graphite…I’m pretty amazed.
Bands you currently admire and for what reasons?
Dan Deacon is by far my favorite at the moment. That man has some serious energy. His newest record, Bromst, is one of my favorites of all time.
Where do you do your recordings and how do you prepare for them?
I haven’t had the money to work in a proper studio, that shit is crazy expensive…and the pressure involved in recording a record with a time limit is daunting. I mostly make my own demos at our little studio space in Rohnert Park, then have one of my audio engineer friends come in with high quality portable recording equipment to help patch up any spots that need fixing. I’m also a fan of guerrilla recording, I love recording instruments and vocals outside of the studio. I’ve recorded in huge warehouses, in underground tunnels, on freeway overpasses–for some reason my favorite vocal recordings are done in bathrooms.
Topics: BAY AREA, Interviews, Music News, Santa Rosa | 2 Comments »
oh, swanson…
By admin | May 20, 2010
I can’t believe our very own Charlie Swanson had a role in the feature film Caddyshack and never mentioned it to us! True, this has nothing to do with anything, but it gave us a chuckle. I must say, makeup did a great job making you look much more distinguished, Charlie…
Topics: Random | 2 Comments »
An Interview with Westfold
By H-Dawg | May 5, 2010
“Conceived in the fires of social injustice, Westfold was born as baby trees that swore revenge on their creator. As they grow their branches, stories and melodies can be heard rustling through the leaves.”
Mark - vocals/guitar
Simon - vocals/guitar
Tony - vocals/bass
Nick - drums
Heather: How did Westfold come together?
Simon: Mark is my manager at work and was in a band called Jacobin at the time and he asked me if I wanted to play and we wanted to do an acoustic thing so we decided that we might as well start writing some songs. That was the purpose, the focus was on creating kind of a folk band that disintegrated real quickly–’cause the rock always trumps.
So is that when you got these other two guys?
Mark: It kinda just happened Tony and I played in multiple bands since we were teenagers so when Tony moved to town naturally, we played together and it fit right away and then we started playing with Nick last year. We got Nick from Craigslist and the Ouiji board about a year ago.
Do you have a full length recording out?
No Frills Catalyst EP.
What local musical artists do you enjoy?
Mark: Themes, Carcrashlander and the Tax Payers. Cory from Carcrashlander has been engineering some recordings and it was like we’d never heard before…it knocked my socks off. You’ll dig their stuff. Themes is Jacy and Kelsey.
Simon: J Sauce. I really like Aristeia.
Mark: He plays piano guitar and vocals but on his recent recordings they went all out and had everybody play back up. Simon played on a few tracks too. Themes and Westfold are thinking about a tour but dates are not decided.
Is there a lot of pressure living up to the rock star stereotype?
Simon: We’re rock stars?
Mark: It takes the edge off not being rock stars, hardcore going to work and stuff, being normal and paying the bills. We all work shitty jobs and are wage slaves. We love playing music and we have a lot of energy in it. We’re constantly writing and wrote a ton this winter, a writing spree of sorts. We have enough for a future album probably.
Who does the writing?
Mark: We all do it. It’s the most fun when we are all doing it together, you get a certain tamber in the room and that’s its own force. It really doesn’t really become what it does until we all mess around with it.
The approach to every song is diverse and different and it just happens as we are playing it we’ve been constantly been working on new stuff. We’ve been sort of reinventing ourselves, not consciously or anything but we sound a lot different than we ever have before. We feel like we are finally at a point where we can be honest and play the kind of music that we all enjoy.
Tony: Nick has a lot to do with that too, because we can relax now about the structure and let it happen not thinking about it as much as just allow–you know, those little parts that happen between guitars sort of this weird back drop to give it a bigger feel. It’s really cool, speaking as a bass player it just it more enjoyable.
Topics: Interviews, Music News, PORTLAND | No Comments »
Show on Thursday: Blood Beach, Magic Johnson and Mattress
By H-Dawg | May 3, 2010
Topics: Music News | No Comments »
Tender Loving Empire Moving!
By H-Dawg | May 1, 2010
Topics: Community DIY, Music News, PORTLAND | 4 Comments »
Hey Lover and Aristeia show on May Day
By H-Dawg | April 30, 2010
Topics: Events, Music News, PORTLAND | No Comments »
Beneath the Hiss of Plastic Tape: An Interview with Will Kapp
By H-Dawg | April 27, 2010
You may or may not have caught Will Kapp, also known as Truth Syrum, at his Portland debut at Valentines earlier this year…and if you didn’t, odds are that you probably won’t be seeing him, guitar in hand, at local venues in the near future.
And while some may not have the ability to decode the messages in Will’s screeching vocals and the static of his layered guitar lines, his music serves as an opportunity to lay back and take it all in. In essence, Truth Syrum is a hidden mystery, one whose only tangible existence seems to resides in sold out tape releases and local word of mouth.
Tonegazer: How long have you been a one man band?
Will Kapp: I started this project in Fall of 2009. It started with me being booked on flyers as “Truth Syrum,” but rather than playing I’d just bring this secret recipe tea and pass around jars of it. Then I started recording alone after being in a bunch of short lived bands.
Who are your influences?
My influences are mostly Iowa City folks; Driphouse, Jeff Witscher, Taterbug, Evan Miller. But some more esoteric influences, and would say more important to the overly conceptualized way I view my projects, are John Jacob Niles and William Olaf Stapledon.
Community causes, stores, or musicians that you support?
I just moved to Portland and feel part of no community. Just into NBA.
Where you from and what else do you do besides create and play music?
Iowa City, moved around a lot but have returned there a lot. It’s a beautiful place. I watch NBA, download weird music (really into Lil Gin–Shake Junt [1995] right now).
What book are you reading right now?
Reading a couple anthologies of early Japanese poetry.
Best and worst Portland experiences so far?
There’s a bench on top of Mt. Tabor that looks at Mt. Hood that almost brings me to tears every time I sit on it, so beautiful. Buying an amazing tape deck from Aaron at Mississippi Records was dope too. Worst–bleak shows right when I got here temporarily killing my interest in new music.
What genre or category would/is your music labeled as on iTunes?
I don’t think you can download my albums.
You make tapes–tell us about that and why?
I am very confused about how I feel about tapes in music right now. Can’t answer this one.
What is your recording technique and what is the process?
Play riffs alone or guitar trying to find a fitting tone. Record a pretty repetitive simple riff. Accompaniment track, vocal track, all on cassette 4-Track which I use because it sounds good blown out and I understand what’s going on. The recording process is the writing process and I don’t really play live what I record.
Where can we find you or look you up on the net?
Goaty Tapes put out my most recent release so you can see that at Goatytapes.com, other than that I don’t know.
What is your goal in life with your music?
I’m not into playing music currently so I guess it’s not a part of my life right now.
Do you have a secret favorite (guilty pleasure) song?
I feel pretty good about everything I listen to. Sometimes I feel a little silly about being really into Ten Years After, I guess that’s the closest.
Topics: Interviews, Music News, PORTLAND | No Comments »