Tag Archive for crosstide

As the final week of February comes to a close, we get one last push from this week’s Needle in the Haystack artist Crosstide. Make sure to check out our Tweet & A and free download with the band as well as MTV Music’s interview! Below you will find a quick follow up we did with the band’s frontman, Bret Vogel, about the band’s past, present and future.

Fun Facts: State Flower: Oregon grape, State Song: “Oregon, My Oregon,” State Seashell: Oregon Hairy Triton

Home of: The Kingsmen, The Gossip, Elliot Smith, The Decemberists, The Thermals

Continue Reading 50 States In 50 Weeks…Week 37: Oregon

When you’re a touring band you have a tendency to accept the “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong” attitude. Portland’s Crosstide knows this sentiment all too well. The band’s first trip to the music mecca that is Austin’s SXSW in 2006 almost didn’t happen. At the time, the band was gaining major headway in the Oregon music scene after landing a few choice opening spots for megastars like The Killers and Spoon. But  a busted van in Utah and skyrocketing credit card debt spelled trouble. Somehow the band managed to make it to the stage in the knick of time but the victory was short lived. The little rock band that could faced inner turmoil after their original bassist announced he would be moving to New York the very next day. Band vocalist Bret Vogel was determined to keep making music under the Crosstide banner. Lucky for us, Bret’s observational style songwriting helped the band forge through line up changes and assorted personal drama. A few months ago Bret gave us a peak into the social commentary behind the Indie Pop Channel favorite “I Feel Like a Polar Bear” on Liner Notes. This week the Crosstide guys were kind enough to offer up “Thinking Out Loud” as this week’s OurStage “Download of the Week.” The lush orchestral arrangement features intricately- placed layers of piano, organ, jingle bells and guitars to keep you daydreaming. As this week’s “Needle in the Haystack” featured artist, you can expect to here more on Crosstide all this week on OurStage and MTV Music.

This week on “Liner Notes,” we invited Portland’s Crosstide to tell us more about their track “(I Feel) Like a Polar Bear.” The upbeat track warmed over the hearts of OurStage’s Indie Pop faithful garnering a lot of attention and a place in the Top 10 this past September. Band frontman Bret Vogel took the time to fill us in about the tune.
Continue reading ‘Liner Notes: Crosstide – “(I Feel) Like a Polar Bear”’

We talked to Jenny of She SaiD/ Australia to get her fan picks for this week’s “You Be The Judge” feature.  She picked some wonderful and diverse tracks that we’re excited to share!

Stats: 5 Judging Excellence awards, 1 Connector and 1 Super Connector badge as a Fan, 2 Top Ten finishes and 2 Channel wins as an Artist.

Bio: Jenny has been involved in the music industry since 1979. She supported tons of major Aussie bands with her cover band Kool Change back in the day. After taking a break to have her two children, she was back as part of Hillbilly Dix and now She SaiD. Jenny has a strong presence on OurStage and was thrilled when we asked her to pick some tracks to feature this week.

“I’ve decided to choose 3 of my fave songs from brand new artists here @ OurStage, in the view to maybe helping these songs and artists to get more established here. I know how hard it is when you’re a new member, to get your material heard and to build a fan base. So I hope this helps them out a little…”

The Way You Say My Name by Draz for Singer-Songwriter (Male)

“Right from the intro of this song, I was hooked by the drum pattern and knew I was going to love it !!! Kind of unpredictable throughout the song, but has a lilting flow, taking you to different feels and emotions…I really love the space, warmth and how it builds and pulls back…
‘The Way You say My Name’ is cleverly written and performed beautifully along with Draz’s infectious voice.”

Budapest by David Rome for Experimental

“The distant but evident sound of a trumpet is the introduction to this interesting and creative track, leading to a Middle Eastern feel and vocal style. I love this track particularly of David’s, because each listen, I’m hearing something different, new and exciting. I feel this is a true example of ‘experimental’ with the blending and use of different styles and instrumentation… Exciting and Unique…”

American Spirit by Crosstide for Folk

“‘American Spirit’ speaks for itself really….Very deep, beautifully constructed piece of music with the use of string instruments & horns at its best..Incredibly expressive, moving and somewhat mesmorizing lyrically, vocally and musically..Flows effortlessly, emotionally taking you along for the ride…This song lifts you high and then gently places you back down to a safe, peaceful place. I know I will be listening to ‘American Spirit’ very often. Really love it!!!!”