Seismic-Sounds Rad-Libs: Priory
Well Seismic-Sound.com finally stood on its own two legs and threw a show that reflected Seismic Sound 100%. After a nerve-wracking evening the night before, and very little sleep, I knew it was time to “face the music” shall we say. Knowing that Cumulus had gotten some good press before the show, not to mention a concerted effort on all our parts, I was hoping for a good first show (with a full band). After nail-biting and a couple of whiskey – ginger’s, the set was ready to begin, and in looking around the High Dive, the effort that we all made had paid off. Cumulus or Alexandra herself started things off with two acoustic songs which were simply magical, then the additional pieces of this brilliant endeavor which make up the rest of the band, joined her for their very first gig performance. It’s an amazing thing to see music come to life, so when Cumulus broke into their very first song, I think my jaw hit the floor, it was beyond what I expected, and my expectations were high. The beautiful tight sounds coupled with Alexandra’s beautiful voice … not mention her amazing writing brought the crowd alive; and this was our introduction. There is no doubt in my mind that Cumulus is going to be at the forefront of the Seattle music scene, and I am proud that I was the one to give them a platform for them to spread their wings, cause this band is gonna fly.
Noah Gunderson is a well-known artist in the Seattle music scene and if you haven’t gotten the chance to see him live, you’re doing yourself a disservice. After asking Noah to join the bill he made it clear he wouldn’t be playing with his band The Courage, but he would be bringing along Steve Norman (Big Sur), who plays pedal steel. Now I am not sure about you, but I am a HUGE fan of pedal steel, so knowing that Steve Norman would be joining him, made me giddy with delight. I can’t really articulate the enormous talent Noah has, but he can bring the room to a grinding halt (even the High Dive). His incredibly beautiful voice with soul to boot, and heart wrenching lyrics can make a grown man cry. Simply put his set was amazing and I am glad that I have some live video footage, so you can get a sense of what I am talking about.
The Thoughts have been on my radar now for what’s going on almost two years now. I remember sifting through about a hundred bands online one late evening, and seeing what kind of new stuff I could find (a common ritual with me), when I ran across this incredible trio. I couldn’t stop the song I had hit play on, and I wanted to hear more when that was over; so having them agree to headline my very first show, much-less participate was somewhat of a dream come true. Ian Williams, Katie Mosehauer and Jon Horwath are all incredible musicians, so seeing them play and communicate via instrument on stage is a marvel. Ian’s vocal crescendos and Katie’s beautiful and sturdy swipes of her bow, not to mention the incredible sweeping and plucking of her harp all stirred in with John’s perfect timing, has created some of Seattle’s most beautiful music. Don’t believe me? Checkout their newest LP “I Won’t Keep You Here”, its beautiful from beginning to end, and watching it come to life onstage that night was amazing, but the cover they did of Devotchka’s “Dearly Departed” in which they dedicated to me was so incredibly beautiful and special (live video footage is below), I couldn’t have asked for a more talented and incredible band to represent our first show. It was the perfect ending to a great evening. Please enjoy performances from the show below. (Watch in HD)
If you were unfortunate enough to miss the brilliant performances that took place at Columbia City Theater on May 7th, well you’re in luck, cause we were fortunate enough to be there, and with camera in hand. New band Fort Union kicked things off and from the little shards of things I heard coming from them….they could take this whole folk-pop thing to a very smart cerebral level of electronic knob- turning marriage… which could spell a fresh new sound. Time will tell.
Weinland from Portland Oregon impressed the crowd with their tight sounds, and Adam Shearer’s incredibly strong and invigorating vocals. Obviously full of talent and seemingly groomed for stardom, it was an honor to check these guys out on our home turf in such a beautiful sounding theater.
Do I really need to say much about the main focus of the evening….. Ravenna Woods?? I mean really? I honestly think they have it on all levels. You watch the videos of all the bands, and you be the judge. (In HD BTW..)
Zola Jesus is the musical name of Madison, WI’s Nika Roza Danilova, who crafts dark, lo-fi music dominated by her operatic vocals and keyboards. Danilova showed an interest in singing early on, buying voice lesson tapes and opera sheet music at age seven; soon after, she began working with a vocal coach for the next decade. Anxiety and the competitive nature of opera caused her to stop singing for a couple of years, but missing that form of expression spurred her to begin Zola Jesus. Inspired by high-school favorites like Diamanda Galás, Lydia Lunch, Throbbing Gristle, and the Swans, Danilova made cathartic home recordings using keyboards, drum machines, and anything else she had on hand. Her first officially released music included a couple of 2008 7″s: the Poor Sons EP on Die Stasi and Soeur Sewer on Sacred Bones. In 2009, Zola Jesus became one of the most talked and blogged-about underground artists, and her release and touring schedule reflected that: along with the full-length The Spoils, she also released the Tsar Bomba EP on Troubleman, New Amsterdam on Sacred Bones. For her live band, she recruited her cousin Dead Luke to play synths, bassist Lindsay Mikkola, and drummer Max Elliott. Danilova also played in the group Former Ghosts, which featured Xiu Xiu’s Jamie Stewart and Freddy Ruppert. She remained just as busy in 2010, touring with Fever Ray and the xx and releasing the cleaner-sounding Stridulum, Stridulum II and Valusia EPs. For the somewhat short-time she has been around, her resume is reflection of the respect she has incurred from her creative art form. Just make sure and get there early for Naked on The Vague and local Crypts, this will be a great show.
Seismic-Sound Video Review: My Goodness
A good chance last night was the last time you’ll be able to catch My Goodness playing for a measly $5 bucks, but for those of us that did catch it, we walked out full and satisfied. Fox and The Law, completely set the tone, with an amazing set and My Goodness wrapped it all up with their brilliant chord progressions, bad ass vocals and a relentless talented drummer, that is an amazing back-bone to this duo. I recorded a couple of the songs, so why don’t you check them out. *Watch in HD*
Seismic-Sound Featured Tracks: Broken Water, Crypt, Modern Athletics, Priory, Tied To The Branches.
Track #1 Broken Water: One of the hottest and most talked about bands in 2011, goes by the name of Broken Water and they hail from Olympia, Wa. Formed in 2008, this three-piece rock band is no undoubtedly influenced by everything PNW in the 90’s up until the here and the now. One thing is for sure, they have a sound that resonates for days after, so you don’t want to miss them play with Kinski, Strong Killing and Mopper at The Comet May 13th.
Track #2 Crypts: There’s a new band in town. but if you’re remotely involved in “the scene”, you’ll certainly know,that these fellas aren’t exactly new. Bryce Brown used to play in Chk Minus, Steve Snere used to play with These Arms are Snakes and Nick Bartoletti is know more for his visual artistry about town, but nonetheless when put in the same room with some refurbished musical toys, they become known as Crypts…. and the sound they create will invade every opening on your body..so consider yourself warned. Don’t miss them open for Zola Jesus at The Crocodile on May 4th.
Track #3 Modern Athletics: from Seattle, Wa burst onto the scene last year with loads of buzz. Only as of recently did we hear their first complete LP called “Give Us a Shove”, and quite frankly it’s good…its really good. Look for them to perform on May 18th at The Tractor Tavern.
Track #4 Priory: If you haven’t heard of Priory out of Portland, Oregon; I imagine it is just a matter of time, because these boys have some infectious indie-pop/electronic-folk music, that’s bound to get under your skin. Their new self titled LP will be hitting the stores on June 21st under the Expunged Records label, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled, cause our sister city carries butt-loads of talent and I predict Priory to make some waves. Look for them on June 19th at The Comet with The Solvents. Sick bill.
Track #5 Tied To The Branches: I’ve really enjoyed what these two fellas (now three) from San Francisco have been able to come up with in the past, so after receiving a copy of their new EP “Light of Day, It’s Ok”, I was anxious to see where their musical artistry had taken them. After hitting play and listening to opening track Walls, I was instantly hooked. Heavily laden with vocal reverb layered over soft vocals, some psychedelic guitars and a nice steady riff…it had me, so take a listen. They will be playing the Josephine this summer, so stay tuned for details.
Seismic-Sound Preview: Superhumanoids
Superhumanoids make dreamy pop that shouts summery ‘60s harmonies, garage rock’s raw tonality, slick new-wave electronics, and the adventurous dissonance of ‘90s indie rock. Originally the solo bedroom project of Cameron Parkins, the LA band quickly evolved into a multifaceted quintet featuring Sarah Chernoff (vocals and keys), Max St. John (bass, vocals, and programming) and Evan Weinerman (percussion).
After some months spent honing their live show and songwriting as a unit,Superhumanoids entered the studio and recorded their debut EP Urgency,released in July 2010 on artist-operated label Hit City USA. The EP received acclaim from myriad sources—The Guardian, The FADER, LA Weekly, Popmatters, and others praised it’s unconventional yet accessible sound.
2011 is off to an even stronger start—the band’s second EP, Parasite Paradise, was set for release right before SXSW. After descending upon Austin, the band has toured with Cults, Magic Kids, and Royal Bangs on two separate tours that cross the greater United States. In May, LA-based label Black Iris (Best Coast, Fool’s Gold) will release a 7” containing two brand new tracks. Following the release, Superhumanoids is poised to tour straight through the summer, eventually landing in the studio this coming fall to record their debut full length album. I have a feeling this band is destined for greatness, so you might want to catch them at Chop Suey, opening for the brilliant Royal Bangs.
Seismic Rad Libs: Joe Syverson of Joseph Giants. CD Release at Blue Moon Tavern, April 15th 8:00
One of Seattle’s absolute best musicians will be officially and finally releasing his new Joseph Giant album, and he’s doing it at one of Seattle’s finest, and infamous musical venues in the city this Friday night called The Blue Moon Tavern. If you still haven’t seen this musical master live,pull up your boot-straps and get your ass down to the Tavern, buy a pitcher of beer and prepare yourself for some serious entertainment tonight.
There is no way I would ever: wear a deep v.
I think everyone should: swim in the Snoqualmie River.
My greatest source(s) of inspiration is: NOT THINKING ABOUT IT!
My drummer Davey has a weird: way of using Facebook!
Blue Moon is one of the: last great places in Seattle! 77 years!!!
People drive me crazy when they: say they are “from Ballard”,, or when dudes wear scarf’s on stage.
Nancy Guppy has: a crazy ass look in her eye,, she was super nice to us when she had us on her show Art Zone! She kept bringing us water during sound check, so sweet.
If I had unlimited resources, my dream project would be: Van Lear Rose Pt 2.
I am so pissed off that: the Seattle Super Sonics are gone!
When I hear Boob poetry I think: it’s TITTIES!
Watch live footage that Seismic-sound.com shot of Joseph Giant at Columbia City Theater in HD!
Little needs to be said about Ravenna Woods. They stand on top of the heap in originality, talent, and showmanship. They represent the best of the best in Seattle. Check out the live video footage Seismic-Sound shot of their last show at Neumos. Enjoy.
Watch in HD:
Seismic-Sound: The Cars Announce Tour!
On May 10th, The Cars will kick off their tour right here in Seattle…. yes you have heard us correct, here in Seattle. It’s been twenty-five years since a new album “Move Like This” and a tour have ensued. But Seattle is the launch point with Los Angeles, Oakland soon therafter, then they hit Minneapolis and Chicago before doing a few dates on the the east coast.
Ticket information will be revealed next week, but until then enjoy the video, and look at the tour dates.
The Cars 2011 Tour Dates:
05/10 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
05/12 – Los Angeles, CA @ Palladium
05/13 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
05/15 – Denver, CO @ The Fillmore
05/17 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
05/18 – Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
05/20 – Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
05/23 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
05/25 – New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom
05/26 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
April Hillebrity of the Month: Kevin Hulett
Here is some decent video footage of the Tony Kevin Jr show at Comet Tavern, but I have to apologize for the horrible lighting. Comet doesn’t have the best lighting set-up, but I think you’ll get a feel for just how incredible Tony Kevin Jr is live. With that said, I found myself watching the members as a whole, and the talent is pretty astonishing in this band. Enjoy these videos, and check out his Facebook page for upcoming events.
Seismic-Sound Featured Tracks: Fort Union,Shelby Earl,The Pass, Dirty Sidewalks and The Thoughts.
We certainly pride ourselves on trying to find some of the best new music there is to be heard in the Pacific Northwest, but sometimes we venture far from home. In this weeks “feature tracks” 4 out of 5 are from the PNW. We really hope you take a listen and enjoy the amazing talent here and elsewhere. If you know of a band that is obscure and deserves some recognition. Hit us up at press@seismic-sound.com .
Track #1 Fort Union: Jace Kraus and Jake Rohr are the mind and matter behind this Seattle-based folk rock band, but not without the help of other talented musicians. They currently dusted off some home recordings and let the genius of Gary Mula brush up em up and make them even prettier at Columbia City Theater. I got my hands on their track Solstice Day. Check it out.
Track #2 Shelby Earl: This Seattle songstress has a new album out called Burn The Boats which was produced by JohnRoderick, and is nothing short of incredible. I picked one of my favorite songs off that album for you to hear, which is called Beloved.
Track #3 The Pass: I am not sure what has come out of Louisville, Kentucky in the past, but this band The Pass has an album out called Burst and I am obsessed with it. It’s an amazingly fun piece of dancey electric-synth from beginning to end. This album will get plenty of play this summer…they’re my new Passion Pit. This song is called Treatment of the sun.
Track #4 Dirty Sidewalks: Good chance you may not have heard of this band, but I don’t think this will be the case for long. You long for some good ole, straight up hooky rock? Well Seattle band Dirty Sidewalks is just that, and their new EP Glide is amazeballs! I can’t wait to see whats in store for this band. Check out the track Never wanted to be loved.
Track #5 The Thoughts: This Seattle band are by no means brand new, but there seems to be a buzz building about them nonetheless. The new album I Won’t Keep You here is chalk full of beautiful strings, gentle brushes of the guitar and vocals that tug on your heart. It’s a band that seismic-sound has on the radar, and we think the best is yet to come. Here is the track Orange Sky.
March Hillebrity of The Month: Jessica Luna
If you could pick one night on the hill to re-live, what would it be?I would re-live the night President Obama was elected. I can’t remember a bigger party in the streets. I recall people scaling the street lights and I think QFC sold out of champagne.
If you have no idea who The Residents are, I will not shame you, but I am going to demand that you see them at Neumos tonight. After the show you can fawn all over my taste for art as a whole, because this is one of the only bands that will deliver on all counts. The members came together in 1966 and became The Residents in 1972. They are over 60 albums into their career (yes 60), 7 world tours, all sorts of music videos as well as short films and there is no telling where it stops, but one thing for certain … seeing them on a full-blown tour is a rarity and this could be a chance of a lifetime since they are hitting the road to support their latest release Lonely Teenager.
To get a feel for just some of their accomplishments, which still isn’t enough room in this article to completely do justice to The Residents career, here are some milestones: “The Third Reich ‘n Roll is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City; In 1979, Britain’s New Musical Express called The Residents album, Eskimo one of the most important recordings of all time; Their best-selling EP, Duck Stab (1977) is considered a classic of the New Wave era; Their CD-ROM Freak Show (1992) helped define the medium and Bad Day On The Midway (1996) and The Gingerbread Man (1990) remains a classic of the era; Wormwood (1998) deals with the darker and sexier side of the bible using direct passages from the best-selling book of all time. Wormwood is the most accessible music that The Residents have ever released, maybe up until now. So need I say more???? Get your tickets and go!!! Watch the video below!!
Seismic-Sound Fast-Track: The Thoughts
Photo By: Lori Paulson
Although The Thoughts have been playing together since 2007. They have some how flown under our radar until about 7 months ago (and seemingly most others), when I found their incredibly beautiful music on-line and couldn’t seem to stop listening. The Thoughts are made up of Ian Williams, Katie Mosehauer and John Horwath and they just recently released their brand new LP “I Won’t Keep You here” which is a stunning piece of work.
I was lucky enough to catch this trio play at The Sunset Tavern for their CD release party… and I was very curious to see if the emotional overtones of this band, really, truly carried over to a live audience. No sooner did they break into the first few chords of the first song and the beautiful yet seemless vocal efforts on the behalf of front-man Ian Williams, the beautiful strings of Katie Mosehauer and the classic yet amazing drum skills of John Horwath … and I was certain that I had found something special. So I think the best way to introduce you to this band is to let you listen and watch the live footage I shot of their CD release party performance at The Sunset Tavern. Also look for them to play Seismic-sound.com’s very first show at the High Dive on May 26th, with other special guest’s to be announced.
One of our absolute favorite bands to come out of Portland, Oregon is the band Stars Of Track and Field. If you have never given these guys a moment of your time, watch some of this live footage I shot of their performance with guest bassist of the celebrated Seattle band The Long Winters, Eric Corson.
Seismic-Sound Interview: Shawn King of Devotchka.
I sometimes underestimate the overall impact Devotchka has not only had in the United States much less the World. Playing together since “97” as a back-up band for a burlesque show in Denver, who would have thunk they would be leaders in the gypsy punk movement today. Standing the test of time and a track record that continues to flourish. Devotchka is about to release their new album “100 Lovers” on the ANTI- label March 1st and kick off the west coast tour the very same day in Salt Lake City. I asked Shawn King (percussionist and trumpet player) some questions about fame, life, Seattle and touring.
Some of you know Shawn is married to my cousin so he is family. That’s how I may know a bit more than others …. I wish it was due to research but it’s not. I just pester him a lot. Lets see if he gives up the goods.
SS: So Shawn…you’re a BIG GIANT star now (smirking). Whats this about you meeting Jimmy Page or something like that in London, is this true?
SK:Yeah, he stopped in towards the end, and was met with a gang of awestruck musicians; you can’t deny your inner child in those situations but I didn’t ask him to sign anything! I think he has a crush on Gogol Bordello’s Elizabeth Sun.
SS: You’re going to be playing Bonnaroo this year with Grammy winners Arcade Fire. Weren’t they kind of chummy with you guys? and do you think they will even chat with you anymore *snidely joking*? Or will you snub them because you went to the Oscars and the Grammys (Little Miss Sunshine) first?
SK:They are great people! We’ve known them for quite some time, and Tom and I saw them play a few songs at a live radio event that KEXP set up in New York. There were no more than 25 people in that room including the Arcade Fire, and it just exploded like nothing I’ve seen before or since. I bet they’d at least hi-five us at Bonnaroo to answer your Q.
SS: What do you think of indie becoming mainstream, is it a good thing?
SK:Well, when a previously under-the-radar artist starts to attract fans who look like the dudes in high school who would kick my ass, I gotta draw the line. I might still listen to their record, but not go to their show. It’s a strange landscape these days, and in our case even though we’re heard in a few movies, it’s not exactly mainstream. That term ‘indie’ has got to be on its last legs, no?
SS: Do you ever look at Festival line-up and think “Holy shit! Neil Young is playing as well”, or have you become jaded?
SK:Not jaded in that regard, just overexerted some days. Randomly you find some things when you’re not even checking the line-ups; I saw Alberta Cross at some Dutch festival and really got into them. And seeing Bootsy Collins at a festival in the fairytale-like Bruges was surreal.
SS: I think it was this fall or early summer, you sent me a video clip on my phone of the stadium you were playing in Paris, opening for Muse. The video was overwhelming just to see on video. I can’t imagine how it feels to play in a venue that seats 80,000 people, so tell me … how does it feel?
SK:It’s a giant rush and equally terrifying! Mostly the time delayed speakers are a bit bizarre and make you feel like you’re at a giant political rally. We were a bit out of our element for sure. But even with the experience, I have to think Muse still gets a rush out of it.
SS: So the new album… first lets talk about why you seem to be the poster boy for the band this year. Your face is on the Twitter account (devotchkamusic), and its also on the cover of the new album. What’s up with that? you’re not the only good-looking one in the band.
SK:I can only claim the twitter pic! Gary Isaacs, who photographed us in the Great Sand Dunes, has a few dozen mesmerizing shots from the day a few of which are in the liner notes. Oddly there’s a detachment between us personally and his pictures, you know? He’s a true master like that.
SS: Was this process any different from past experiences in recording as far as contribution or what not? and does it get easier 5 albums in?
SK:We tracked a lot this time, and maybe even too much in the beginning. So what you hear now is a bit refined, but still more layered than say “Una Volta”. Is it easier now? Not quite, but you learn what to let go of and what to hold tight to, like toward the end where I was rushing to Tucson to get some hand claps on a couple of tunes just had to have it.
SS: The album is incredible, and the reviews have been very favorable. I know this is cliché, but do the negative or positive reviews effect you as a band, or no?
SK:It helps to know that your fans support you in trying new stuff, for sure. But you gotta be like a buoy. Float with the tide when the bad reviews come, or even good ones for that matter. Besides, what’s the saying “History won’t remember the critics” or something?
SS: The Song “Common Good” is like the album “100 Lovers” all rolled into one Devotchka song for me. Is there a song for you that truly represents Devotchkas sound off this album?
SK:Thanks Jason, it’s one of my faves too. But I wouldn’t say we have a definitive song which is our M.O. in a way. Throw a bunch of styles together and try to make sense of it when we put it in a sequence. We contemplated releasing just one long mp3 so people would hear the songs properly in this shuffle-age. The label didn’t dig on that one.
SS: So you’re playing Seattle on March 5th at The Paramount Theater, and it’s well-known that you have a rabid fan base here, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that KEXP loves you guys. Outside of the obvious, how much do you love playing here? Seems like Seattle latched onto you guys early on.
SK:They did and we’re lucky to have such loyal fans outside of Denver. I’ve always loved playing in Seattle, really. In the early days, playing the Tractor Tavern and the Crocodile were rites of passage and a couple of the earliest times I thought I might be able to quit my day job.
SS: Rumor is you’ll be Dj’ing an after party when the show is over? Is this the case?
SK:I hope to! My DJ skills are comical, but I will at least get my band mates on the dance floor. I was supposed to DJ another aftershow recently and forgot a few cables so I had to give up on it all together. Sooo with that as my disclaimer, come hang with us late night! (Columbia City Theater will be hosting a Devotchka after-party, that will hopefully start around midnight, pay attention to seismic-sound on Facebook for details, leading right up to the event.)
SS: Can’t wait to see you. Thanks for spending the time with us.
SK:Thanks!
You know when you experience something so special, that you want to write about it or just simply share it with a friend, and it turns out to be multiple friends, and some of those friends hear it twice maybe three times. Well witnessing Kelli Schaefer live was one of those times, and its so truly hard to explain the beauty and emotion in her voice, but it’s also hard to explain the respect her music demands once she takes the stage. So when it flusters me as a writer, and a struggling writer at that. I am always so thrilled to know that I have a recording device in hand, and a platform to share it with people, so I can share exactly what I meant.
After the show I was sitting on the couch in the green room and Kelli walked in with her beautiful mod black vintage dress, that was simply stunning, looking a bit tired, so I asked … are you exhausted? She said “yeah these can really take it out of me”, and right then I knew that there was a reason this audience gave her that kind of un-flappable attention, because it’s mutual. Kelli gives it her all, she pours her heart and soul into it. And in order for me to convey this feeling to you, the reader, I have some beautiful video footage just to show you how amazing this was. Please buy her album, its amazing and spectacular. She really represents the best of the Pacific Northwest, and to be honest more. In addition to her videos, I also have some footage of one of my personal favorites Joseph Giant. Joe Syverson “the man” behind Joseph Giant is an incredible talent, a brilliant musician to be quite frank and everything he seems to put his hands on, turns out extraordinary, so take a listen. And lastly the openers Ships who were a fantastic lo-fi shoegazey pop delight. I really loved this band, so check out their video as well. Incredible evening of music…..enjoy.
Seismic-Sound 