musings from boston

Introducing… Miner

On April 27, 2016

It’s not always the best idea to go into business with relatives. However, in the case of Silver Lake, Los Angeles indie-folk band Miner, all that familial familiarity is put to good use in the form of tight, tuneful melodies and closely knit harmonies.

Miner began with husband and wife Justin and Kate Miner and Justin’s brother Jeremy Miner, joined by drummer Tobias Urbanczyk, who may or may not be an actual family member but probably feels like one by this point. Their debut album ‘Into The Morning’ (2014), which was self-released, led to a big national tour where they performed with bands like Sir Sly, Lord Huron, The Eels, Cayucas and Typhoon.

On their new album, Tunaki (released in February), they worked with Phil Ek (Modest Mouse, Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, The Shins) in Seattle. The album sounds adventurous and expansive, with breathless melodies and those exuberant vocal harmonies that propel the songs to soaring heights. And as there’s nothing like a bit of family drama to provide added impetus to a creative project, during the recording process Kate was awaiting results from a blood test that would tell her if she was a carrier of Huntington’s Disease, a fatal genetic condition. The good news is that she’s fine and tested negative, and the sense of urgency and focus shows in this finely honed, lush music that blends the vigor and ‘citizen of the world’ quality of Local Natives with the traditionally-minded warm indie folk of The Lumineers.

They’re currently touring, and will be hitting the East Coast toward the end of May. Catch them if you can! In the meantime, you can purchase Tunaki on iTunes.

Spring 2016 Touring/Festival Dates

May 15: Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room
May 17: Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey
May 18: Nashville, TN @ The High Watt
May 19: Louisville, KY @ The New Vintage
May 20: Asheville,NC @ Sol Bar at New Mountain
May 22: Washington, DC @ Black Cat
May 23: New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
May 24: Boston, MA @ Great Scott
May 25: Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
May 26: Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo
May 27: Muncie, IN @ Be Here Now
May 28: Chillicothe, IL @ Summer Camp Music Festival
May 31: Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
June 1: Madison, WI @ The Frequency
June 3: Milwaukee, WI @ Club Garibaldi
June 5: Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center
June 9: Reno, NV @ Peppermill Casino
June 10: Reno, NV @ Peppermill Casino
June 11: Reno, NV @ Peppermill Casino
June 18: Davis, CA @ Davis Music Festival
June 24-26: Rothbury, MI @ Electric Forest Festival

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Introducing… The Relevant Elephants

By julie

On April 26, 2016

In Boston Bands, Indie Music

If you’re looking for deep revelations and the answer to life, you likely won’t find it in the music of Boston-based The Relevant Elephants. But that’s OK sometimes. If you’re looking for an entertaining diversion or you’ve got an itch that can only be satisfyingly scratched by some loud, raucous screaming guitar and pounding bass and drums, part alt-rock ’90s and part classic Led Zeppelin, then these guys can help you out. Lyrically (because we’re all about that here), there are definitely some tongue-in-cheek Weezer moments here (“Allston and Brighton are for Drinkin’ and Fightin’,” “Starving Artist,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Band”), but it’s cleverly done and the the highly evolved and sophisticated gonzo musicianship brings the proceedings to a higher level than just throwaway novelty songs. These guys are reverent in their irreverence.

The Relevant Elephants came on the scene with their debut EP back in the spring of 2015, hitting places like New York, Detroit and Chicago with live shows, in addition of course to the Boston area. They released their debut album, Paper Walls last month, and it certainly didn’t hurt that Stephen Colbert name-dropped the band at a Q&A session. The band features Zack Hankins on vocals and guitar, Adam Khalil on bass, Mack Suhre on drums and Drew Lucas on lead guitar and vocals. They’re currently collaborating with visual artists from TV shows “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Archer” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” so keep a lookout for plenty more to come.

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Introducing… Le Riche

By julie

On April 25, 2016

In Indie Music

I find this song from Newfoundland-based LeRiche somewhat sad in its quiet resignation — but perhaps I shouldn’t. ‘Bury Me’ is an introspective ode from the musican to his lover, or so it seems. It starts out deceptively simple, a softly strummed acoustic guitar accompanying a wistful voice, but it soon swells in full orchestration. The more instruments that join in, the more hopeful and joyous the tidings. And that’s despite the musician gives his lover instructions to dress him in some nice clothes for his last show. Wow, bittersweet.

“Bury me with my guitar
I may never become a star
but it’s all that I know, all that I know.”

This newly-released song is from LeRiche’s forthcoming EP called ‘Quiet Steady,’ which is due out in the summer. The artist calls it ‘a song of self-sacrifice.’ The cover art of the EP, plus footage and images from the video, feature his home town, Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. The meaning behind the confusing EP image of the town and its water reflection, inverted, is that ‘sometimes beauty is beneath the surface’ and ‘we need to look beyond our reflections to see that.’

The 22-year-old started playing around with a guitar as early as the age of one, and has also tried his hand at piano, bass and drum, settling into singing and songwriting as his passion. After performing in local venues around Newfoundland, representing Canada at Global Village 2012 in Qatar and working in summer repertoire theatre, Theatre Newfoundland and in Labrador with The Gros Morn Theatre Festival, LeRiche put out his first release, ‘Rain.’ It includes accompaniment from a string quartet, percussion and the sound of falling rain through the open window of his Toronto recording studio.

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Introducing… Hanna Bech

By julie

On April 24, 2016

In Indie Music

photo by Michael Canton

At first blush, the upbeat quirkiness of Canadian Hanna Bech and her personable brand of pop music is somewhat reminiscent of Ingrid Michaelson, even down to the ukulele. In addition to the irressistable charm of the uke, Bech’s new video for “ABCs” features sign language, lips singing, a Sesame Street nursery rhyme delivery and plenty of whimsy.

This song is off Bech’s debut EP, Naked Bones, which is set for release on May 13. Other songs on the upcoming release (such as the title track and the very intriguing “Tidal Wave”) have a darker undercurrent and a more complex weave. There are also some lovely strings that make an appearance, and she delves into darker and deeper waters as it goes along. Overall, the EP feels like musical theater, with some dramatic moments. She describes her debut as “a quirky album that is serious about playfully exploring the darkness and hope we have within us.” Creating fun, lighthearted music is her way of dealing with her own anxieties and other health issues, and it’s her hope that it will help others as well.

Her instruments of choice include vocals, piano, trumpet and ukulele and quite likely, anything else that crosses her path, such as tables, chairs and her own body percussion.

Follow Hanna Bech and be on the lookout for her debut!

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Introducing… Meeka Kates

By julie

On April 22, 2016

In Indie Music

Meeka Kates’ latest single, “Wild,” tells the story of, in his words, “a rather ill-fated romance and a girl looking for an escape, perhaps willing to let herself be deceived in the hopes of finding one.” It’s catchy and danceable in a minimalist way, but with a smarmy sort of undercurrent in the lyrics, sung with a smooth-as-silk delivery that effectively puts across the slickness of a fast-talking hustler.

“Empire (Feat. Allen Ginsberg),” released earlier this year, is quite an inspired collaboration and very nicely put together. It’s the sparse bass and percussive instrumentation plus his smooth vocals and savvy harmonies that makes this music hypnotic and irresistable.

He seems to be based in Melbourne now, though he gives his hometown as “New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Lyon” as well. He has two more EPs scheduled for release in the next few months, plus a few features, so follow him to keep up with what he’s doing.

And here’s something really cool that I came across, where Kates gives Ol’ Blue Eyes a run for his money, with the help of a loop pedal. Nice.

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Introducing… Russell Morgan

By julie

On April 20, 2016

In Indie Music

Smooth and gentle on the ears, the music of Russell Morgan is the perfect way to slide into your morning or as the soundtrack for relaxed weekend lounging. This sophisticated musical fare merges acoustic folk guitar and piano with sleek, soulful singing and subtle electronic touches that add texture to his sound.

This song is from Morgan’s new album, Begin Simple, which is due out on May 13 on Ray Recordings. His songs and his style of singing are genuine and straight from the heart. Collaborator Filippo Gaetani was responsible for introducing new rhythmical and electronic elements to Morgan’s folk roots, and the video was recorded and filmed live at Wilddog Studio in Vienna during the album’s production.

Based in Cheshire, UK, Morgan’s first album was Surrender (released in 2011). He explains the inspiration behind “You Don’t Feel”:

“Sometimes I can struggle with my writing process, I have to be sincere to myself. You don’t feel represents being true to that ideal. Without a passion you don’t feel.”

web | facebook | bandcamp | soundcloud | Ray Recordings

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Introducing… Asaf Avidan

By julie

On April 17, 2016

In Indie Music

Currently on tour in the U.S., Israeli singer songwriter Asaf Avidan is a revelation. With his astonishing voice, he conjures legends like Dylan, Janis Joplin and Billie Holiday. Truly mindblowing. I’ll let the music speak for itself.

His most recent album is Gold Shadow.

US Into The Labyrinth Tour

4/17 Sun – ICA Theater, Boston MA
4/19 Tues – Lincoln Hall, Chicago IL
4/20 Wed – Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco CA
4/22 Fri – Teragram Ballroom, Los Angeles CA
4/24 Sun – Rough Trade, Brooklyn NY

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Matthew Logan Vasquez – Solicitor Returns

By julie

On April 15, 2016

In Indie Music

Something ominous advances from just over the ridge. It’s a steady, persistent piece of machinery that’s demanding to be heard. Vasquez describes the 1:38 prelude of the title track of his new album, “a sonic palate cleanser.” And it’s immediately clear why we needed that forceful call to attention–and why Vasquez needed the full cleansing that came along with moving his family back to his early stomping grounds of Austin, Texas, (and ultimately perhaps) why has has embarked on his first ever solo album, Solicitor Returns.

Throughout this intensely personal and muscular record, you’re struck by both its brazen ferocity and its delicate intimacy. I wouldn’t call it a complete departure from his work with Delta Spirit. It’s more emphatic and gentler; both grittier and dreamier and all the while, with the poetic poignancy of a classic troubadour that has always been Vasquez’s calling card. This introspective album is like his musical diary for the past several years, and it barrels out like hot lava flow that has been building up, craving release.

For the full article and interview, see Ryan’s Smashing Life.

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Lainey Schooltree’s Heterotopia Rock Opera — Kickstarter Ending Soon!

By julie

On April 12, 2016

In Indie Music

We’re rather slow reacting to this exciting new rock opera from Boston-based art rock ensemble Schooltree. Their Kickstarter campaign ends in just a few days, so please check this out and help them make their goal.

Here’s the info, direct from the press release because we’re lazy here tonight (and not too proud to admit it):

“Boston-based art rock band Schooltree has written and recorded an ambitious rock opera called Heterotopia. At an hour and forty minutes long, it’s an epic, carefully crafted piece that takes the listener on a symphonic odyssey through a dystopian dreamworld. The opera follows Suzi, existential everygirl and underachiever extraordinaire, who loses her body and must journey through a parallel world of the collective unconscious to get it back. But something is wrong in otherspace; it has been overtaken by shadows and chaos. In order to become whole again, Suzi must delve into the origins of this world’s darkness, where the fate of otherspace and her own are inextricably linked. The story and music are inspired by the work of fantasy writers like Tolkien and rock artists like Genesis.”

Schooltree: web | facebook | twitter | instagram
Heterotopia: facebook | kickstarter campaign

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Introducing… Shapes on Tape

By julie

On April 9, 2016

In Indie Music

This is some fun ’80s-style synthpop, yes? Or is it politically incorrect to call something “inspired by the shiny dance clubs and sniffy stuff of the 1980s” these days? Shapes on Tape are based in Brooklyn, a collaborative effort of multi-instrumentalist and producer Adam Kruckenberg (Vibralux) and guitarist/songwriter Jason Matuskiewicz (Candidate), aided and abetted by their producer Justin Craig (Hedwig and the Angry Inch). In amongst all the poppy, dancy goodness of their latest song, “Fountain Of Youth,” is some good old-fashioned angst and regret.

“Big mistakes are all that I’m doing
never thought that I would be the ruinous kind
can you help me change my mind?
falling forward over my own feet
tripping backward into my memories
can you help me change my mindset, please?
– Fountain Of Youth

Their debut EP, released in March of 2015, was Motivational Speakers, which was followed up by their “No Bummers” EP in February of this year and the “My One and Only True Love” single earlier this month, which was dreamier and more upbeat, for those of you who like that sort of thing.

web | facebook | twitter | bandcamp | soundcloud

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