A few weeks ago ROCKRGRL magazine founder Carla DeSantis picked the brain of the front-woman for a little band from Texas known as Adrian and the Sickness. Adrian Connor’s tenacity over the female power trio is exemplified by her fearless vocals and unapologetic guitar solos. The spirit of Angus Young is evident in these ladies with two-thirds of the band actively playing the famous all-female AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles. The raw sound of AATS caught the ear of Austin native Kathy Valentine, who just so happens to be the bassist of one of the world’s most beloved all-girl groups, The Go-Go’s. Kathy dug the group so much that she decided to produce their latest release B.F.D. This week’s download is a track off the new album called “Modern Freedom.” Try to keep your face from being melted off.
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Marketplace News: Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch Chosen To Play The New England Americana Festival!
After reviewing all of the submissions to their OurStage Marketplace EPK Dropbox, the fine folks over at The New England Americana Festival have chosen West Kingston, Rhode Island’s Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch to round out their 2010 lineup. The New England Americana Festival (formerly the Alt-Country Extravaganza) is a music festival celebrating a long tradition of deep-rooted American folk music. February 25th to February 27th, bands from all over the Northeast will converge on Boston’s Church to share their versions of American folk music.
Rhode Island's Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch
Alt. country rockers Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch have won praise from fans, blogs and Nashville music publishers. Lead singer and songwriter Jeff Byrd has performed at the Jeff Buckley birthday celebration at Chicago’s Metro, and has been compared to Ryan Adams and Paul Westerburg. “We’re real excited to be chosen for the New England Americana Festival,” said Jeff Byrd via email. “To be celebrating the Americana sound along with so many talented artists is something we’re proud to be a part of. Thank you to Noel Coakley for selecting us, and thank you to OurStage for once again giving us the opportunity to submit to such a great festival!”Jeff & Co. will be joining Three Day Threshold, Brown Bird, The Bean Pickers Union, The Bees Knees, The Rationales, John Colvert, Bryan Pero and the Tired Horses, OurStage artist The Autumn Hollow Band and more at this year’s festival.
For more info about The New England Americana Festival, including the full lineup, visit their Web site.
Signo Nata: What’s Your Sign?
Signo Nata is a two piece outfit from Orlando, Florida whose name — meaning “birth sign”in Latin — plays a big role in who they are as a group. Bassist and singer Yely Pillot and guitarist Eddie Martínez both originally hail from Puerto Rico but met in the Sunshine State after years of songwriting, performance and musical experimentation. So y0u could say the pairing was written in the stars.
The Melophobic: Art Smart
One of the most overlooked aspects of releasing an album involves cover art and other images used for the promotion of the album. Ask the average consumer, if they see a pretty cool cover album on iTunes or at a record store (gasp!), they will probably take a listen. But, there are a few concerns that have I have had with artwork of artists here on OurStage and on their albums in general.
Unless you’re Michael Jackson, certain things aren’t acceptable. I’ve heard time and time again from fans, artists and even staff, “why are there bars around this album art?” Of course, we don’t want to constrict you — we believe in free will for all — but generally album art is square. Depending on how an album is printed (paper sleeve, plastic case, etc.) different sizes may be required but it’s good to make your album art at least 600px by 600px. I mean come-on, those black bars look silly right? Most web sites automatically add bars to make up for the lack of square dimensions. So simply put — square is in.
You may also want to avoid the pictures containing any incriminating evidence of acts you may or may not have committed. This even includes animal brutality and presidential bashing — presidents are only around for so long and once they’re retired, bashing them isn’t as cool. Okay so that was a complete lie but you get the idea.
A good rule of thumb: if your mother wouldn’t approve, it probably shouldn’t be on the cover of your album. Of course, certain artists go out of their way to get attention, such as shaving off all their hair and still providing us with scantily clad images on album art. Does this create a buzz that could work? Yes. However, until you’re at popularity levels of Miss Spears, this probably will just look trashy.
Simply put, use your noggin. If someone tells you to use a silly image as your album art, remember, it’s your hard work this image is representing! Remember, in theory, the album cover is the first thing a listener will see when checking out your album. The artwork must not only represent you as an artist, but must be succinct with the overall soundscape of the album.
Poptarts: Storyline
Storyline is a pop/rock band whose moniker is more than just a name. Their goal in writing their EP Welcome Home was to “orchestrate a medley of characters whose paths slowly intertwine through a maze of life’s adventures.” They want to give their audience the opportunity to experience and be part of the storyline they’ve created. The idea of listening to a whole album or EP goes against the general protocol of “singles” in the pop world. Usually pop bands, more than any other genre, operate by selling and promoting singles, but with incentives to buy the whole album and uncover the connections between songs means that Storyline may be on to something.
Since the release of their EP in June, Storyline has been moving up in the world. Their song “Welcome Home” was selected as the theme song for the TV show Alumni in August and they recently had an opportunity to prove their talents at a showcase in New York in front of some of the most important labels and companies in the industry. Their song “Give Chase” finished in the Top 10 of the OurStage Pop Channel in September. The song is an upbeat pop/rock anthem about, “holding on to hope and chasing after your dreams while there is still time.” Check out their “Give Chase” music video and their live performance from Webster Hall in NYC.
Folkin’ Around: Fresh Faces in Folk
It’s not often you come across younger artists or listeners with a passion for folk music. But lately more and more youngins are picking up guitars and showcasing some raw talent, giving music lovers hope for the future of homegrown acoustic. Why are these younger musicians turning to folk? With the majority of labels geared toward catchy, Top 40 artists — with danceable and often superficial songs— it seems the new “cool” thing for young musicians to do is go acoustic.
Liner Notes: Giant Wow – “Cosmonaut”
For Cinncinnati power poppers Giant Wow, the girly devotees of Cosmopolitan magazine were the perfect hunting ground for a sugary sweet sounding rock anthem. The band’s flair for social commentary and fun give this week’s edition of “Liner Notes” some serious food for thought. Try to sit still for a second and read Robert Moore and Jesse Gilsinger back story to “Cosmonaut” before you annoy the neighbors trying to harmonize with the band.
Punk On The Rocks: Will The Real Andrew W.K. Please Stand Up?
In his quest to spread the gospel of partying, Andrew W.K. has faced a lot of criticism. Since he crash landed on the music scene in 2001 with the hard-partying album I Get Wet, he has faced rumors that his enthusiasm for good friends and good times cannot possibly be real. These rumors have ranged from snarky speculation that no one could possibly take partying that seriously thus Andrew W.K. must just be a giant, ironic joke, to the more sinister allegations that Andrew W.K. is a character created by a cabal of record label execs and industry folks, all of his music was written by a mysterious person called Steev Mike and the person presented as “Andrew W.K.” is merely an actor playing a part. Continue Reading Punk On The Rocks: Will The Real Andrew WK Please Stand Up?
Discourse & Dischord
The Good
Blonde Redhead score new Dungeons & Dragons documentary
Dragon Tamers: Blonde Redhead
Attention wizards and dwarves: Put down your copy of Fiendish Codex 1: Hordes of the Abyss and listen up. A new documentary on Dungeons & Dragons entitled Dungeon Masters is scheduled for release on Amazon’s Video On Demand on February 12. Exult! Even better — the elder statesmen of hipster rock, Blonde Redhead, scored the entire film. Not even a meldshaper could produce a more potent jolt to your soul. Click here for the trailer.
Kings of Leon release line of pricey hipster garb
Those in the market for expensive bandanas and plaid shirts will love the new line by Kings of Leon, KOLxS2A. Nothing retails for under $100, but it’s worth the price to look like THE COOLEST ROCK BAND IN THE WORLD. The band’s line of clothes will be sold exclusively in the UK at The Shop at Bluebird, Chelsea, and can be seen here. We wonder if the fabric on those pants is flame retardant in case your sex catches on fire.
The Bad
Jay Reatard dies
Jay Reatard
A sad day for fans … Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., better known as lo-fi garage punk artist Jay Reatard, passed away on Wednesday in his home in Memphis at the age of 29. Reatard was signed to Matador Records and had released a string of successful singles in recent months. R.I.P.
Simon Cowell announces he’ll leave Idol
Simon Cowell, America’s favorite purveyor of caustic one-liners, announced this week that he will leave American Idol after this season to serve as executive producer and judge on The X Factor, a show he created originally in England which debuts stateside on Fox in the fall. Does losing its biggest (and crankiest) personality signal the demise of the most popular television program in the country? Somewhere Paula Abdul is giddy at the thought— or maybe it’s just the meds.
The Ugly
M.I.A. rips NYT a new one
Twit Fit: M.I.A.
When the New York Times named Sri Lanka the Number 1 destination in its “31 Places to Go in 2010,” Sri Lankan native and global pop phenom M.I.A. responded by posting horrific photos of atrocities from the country’s civil war on her Twitter page. “F**K New York Times! Do you really think you need to go here on vacation?” she tweeted. “Get your priorities straight.” Shocking, but point taken. In other Twitter news, Paris Hilton just had an “amazing” facial.
Miscellany
Three Keys Music Selects Mike Goudreau for Flo Holidays Compilation
During December Three Keys Music looked to OurStage to scope out an emerging artist to include in their successful “Flo” (For The Love of…) series of compilations. The Holiday Channel Sponsored by Three Keys Music was a smashing success with artists and fans. In the end, it was Mike Goudreau and his rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” that made its way into the Top 20 and caught Three Keys Music founder and acclaimed musician Marcus Johnson’s ear. The Vermont guitarist’s jazzy waltz version of the traditional English hymn will be nationally distributed on the Flo Holidays compilation set for release during the 2010 holiday season.
Continue reading ‘Three Keys Music Selects Mike Goudreau for Flo Holidays Compilation’
