There’s several schools of thought when it comes to forging a career in music. One is to play as often as you can, appreciate the people you meet along the way and take every opportunity presented to you. Another is record what you want, when you want, gig on your own terms and above all else, be authentic. Bodega Girls subscribes to the later school of thought. For those of you not hip to the Boston quartet’s vibe, they’re self-proclaimed hustlers resurrecting art spaces and turning out hedonistic dance parties. The group says that they are busy making “awesome music” and “don’t have time to flirt with the industry,” so they’ve come up with an innovated plan to release their new album via fan donations.

The Bodega Girls Artistfunding Campaign is the group’s initiative to raise 4K to fund an iPhone application en lieu of the traditional CD release. The application will feature ten songs, video, photos, touring info, real-time blogging, access to exclusive shows, merch and additional features to enhance the artist and fan relationship. For $40 you can get the application plus an array of adds-on such as original artwork, digital stems to remix the album and a book of poem’s by member King EvRock. For $250,  the John Cusack Level,  the band will accompany you (trench coat and boombox in tote) to the front yard of your choice and serenades the object of your affection.

Jay Sweet and frontman Jacob Otis (a.k.a Jake Brennan of the Confidence Men) recently got together to talk about the band’s unconventional approach to their local scene and how sexy Jacob finds himself. Read Jay Sweet’s Interview with the Bodega Girls

With a name like Chase, he better run fast because soon enough everyone will be on the tail of this talented singer-songwriter. Boston’s Sam Chase is a crooner, writer, producer and guitarist whose originality is garnering huge success on OurStage. His melodic voice and introspective lyrics are perking up the ears of all those who hear this talent. Having earned invaluable knowledge and a knack for producing at Berklee College of Music, Sam independently recorded and produced his debut album Songs for Someone which showcases his refined his song-writing skills.

One particular song that seems to be catching people’s attention is Chase’s OurStage hit “Nebraska.” In it, his undeniable guitar talent shines through as his fingers effortlessly fly over the strings. His voice and lyrics are the perfect accompaniment to make this tribute to that special someone mentioned in his album title truly genuine. Fire up your engines and get ready for a hot pursuit because this is one fast-rising star! Catch him while you can by checking out his fanclub!

Home of: John Denver, Neil Patrick Harris, Demi Moore, Xzibit, The Shins, aliens.

Fun Facts: State Flower: Yucca, State Song: “O Fair New Mexico,” State Insect: Tarantula Hawk Wasp.

The Venues:

New Mexico is the 6th most sparsely populated state and, not surprisingly, the music venue population is even less dense. Luckily, for the few bands that do decide to play a show off the beaten path in this beautiful state, there are some legitimate options.

Quite possibly the most fantastically named festival in the entire country, the annual ¡Globalquerque! World Music and Culture Festival in, well, Albequerque has been bringing culturally diverse music to the state since 2005. Continue reading ’50 States in 50 Weeks… Week 24: New Mexico’

Though the appearance and sound of hardcore music and hip hop music have very striking differences, they share some common ground. Stemming from political frustrations, these genres were born and raised in the underground music scene. Paris-based Danforth are looking to close this style gap even more with their destructive hardcore sound mixed with their distinctly hip hop-styled vocals. The band is on a mission to make it to the top, leveling crowds and venues in their wake of brutality and destruction.

Check out our conversation with Danforth after the jump…

And The There Were Three: Half of Boston's Ferris Wheel

Not everything that goes on behind dorm room doors has to be shady. Sometimes it’s as simple and as serendipitous as a guy playing his cello. Such is the case with Boston’s Ferris Wheel, who recruited their cellist after overhearing him practicing his instrument at Tufts University. Little by little, through acquaintances and classmates, the three-piece project became a real band, seven members strong and spanning three universities.

But the real allure of Ferris Wheel isn’t their genesis, it’s their songcraft. Fans of the National, Grizzly Bear and Wilco will find much to like. On “The Wrigley Field Faithful” singer Josh Bolduc channels his inner Paul Simon, telling his story unhurriedly and unadorned. The elegiac tale of a cross-country pilgrimage is first painted in muted colors (acoustic picking and the woeful whinny of a trumpet) and then in bold dashes (the kick-start of drums, jubilant piano and an epic sing-along chorus). On the almost gospel “Lay Down,” singer Justine Bowe’s crystalline voice coats the song like treacle, while mercurial arrangements take listeners from dusty strumming to a grandiose chorus of soaring voices, stomping feet, clapping hands and shimmering tambourines. Theirs is a revival you’ll want to attend.

Contrary to their name, Love in Stockholm is not from Sweden. Instead, this jivin’ band brings some serious rhythm and blues to the windy streets of Boston. Love in Stockholm’s Too Much Love EP is virtually a non-stop raucous tribute to R&B greats like James Brown, Sam & Dave and Ray Charles. Leading the group on vocals and harmonica is Charlie Rockwell, who guides the listener on a sonic roller coaster of stop-and-go soul action on the song “Ordinary Man.” The track’s blistering horn section is surely something to be reckoned with. Love in Stockholm are working on a video to promote the track, expected for release shortly after New Years. Until then, make sure you show this week’s download some love because too much is never enough.

Tropic Culture began in 2007 as an idea spearheaded by brothers Jorge and Alberto Espinosa. Over the past two years it has evolved into a tight, politically-conscious Latin act comprised by as many as nine people at any given time.

Now you’d never believe Tropic Culture was a band from North Carolina. You may say to yourself, “This is island music! This is colorful, exciting, danceable Latin music that can’t possibly have been inspired without innumerable palm trees present!” But, believe it. Tropic Culture brings, well, tropic culture to the mainland.

Click here to keep feeling good with Tropic Culture

The table is set, the turkey is a’cookin’ and your family is seated and ready to eat. One question remains however, what music to play as the background for your rousing family conversation? The first part should be obvious — country music. But which of the many awesome country hits offers just the right holiday ambiance? With the smorgasbord of fitting and acceptable choices, these gracious songs compliment the sentiment of the day and deserve to make their way onto your Thanksgiving playlist.

Continue reading ‘Country Call ‘Em: Country’s Most Thanks-Giving Songs’

While turkey is sure to be the delicious main course many of us will enjoy this week, OurStage urges you not to confuse the feathered friend with the country (whose music has inspired this week’s Model U.N.) The Republic of Turkey, previously of the Ottoman Empire, is a Eurasian country stretching across parts of Western Asia and southeastern Europe. With it’s unique geography (Istanbul is the only city in the world which lies on two continents) it’s no surprise the area boasts a richly colored culture and history. The Trojan War and the infamously deceptive Trojan Horse, Homer and King Midas are just a few of the best known “Greek” legends native to Turkey. Not only is this historical Mediterranean country known for its love of apple tea and ornate rugs, its music scene is also eclectic and noteworthy. Here on OurStage, we have quite a few jazz artists, instrumental experts and rockers representing their Turkish homeland. Make sure you check out all Turkey has to offer; musically and on your Thanksgiving table.
Continue reading ‘OurStage Model U.N: Turkey’

India and B. Rhyan of Astronauts of Antiquity are kind of like Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan from When Harry Met Sally—emphasis on kind of. If Meg Ryan was a seductive lounge songstress and Billy Crystal a virtuosic guitarist, the analogy would be much more accurate. As the pillars of AoA, the pair initially crossed paths at an airport while India was Continue reading ‘Omnivore’s Delight 8: Astronauts of Antiquity’